Calling all thirty-somethings! Nostalgic anime (based on the 1990s)
Anime, a cultural treasure Japan has long been proud of and beloved for many years.
It’s not unusual for massive hits to emerge every year, and sometimes we see booms that come to symbolize an era.
Perhaps some of you even started something new because you were inspired by anime.
In this article, we’re highlighting classic anime that people in their 30s will likely find nostalgic!
Our focus spans the 1990s, with picks from the late ’80s through the mid-2000s.
Some of these titles are available on YouTube, so take your time and enjoy watching them.
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Calling all thirty-somethings! Nostalgic anime (1990s-based) (1–10)
Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho is a battle-fantasy anime that began airing in 1992.
The live-action adaptation by Netflix and its collaborations with mobile games are still fresh in our memories.
The story follows the protagonist, a boy named Yusuke Urameshi, who takes on various missions in order to come back to life.
With numerous related works across many forms of media, it’s also fun to enjoy it alongside other content.
By the way, the anime includes episodes that differ from the original manga.
Cardcaptor Sakura
The definitive magical-girl anime from NHK! Based on the manga by CLAMP, the anime Cardcaptor Sakura began airing in 1998.
It tells the story of Sakura, who unexpectedly becomes a Cardcaptor and strives to collect all the magical cards.
It had battles, coming-of-age moments, romance—packed with all kinds of charm.
While it’s a girls’ anime, there were actually quite a few male fans who watched it in real time back then.
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
Among the many Japanese anime works, one that enjoys especially high acclaim overseas is Sailor Moon.
It also made headlines with film adaptations and theme park attractions.
The story follows Usagi Tsukino, a junior high school girl, as she battles monsters known as “youma” alongside her friends.
While it features plenty of comedic moments, its meticulously crafted world-building and plot are key attractions.
If it’s your first time, try predicting where the story will go as you watch and enjoy.
Calling all thirty-somethings! Nostalgic anime (based on the 1990s) (11–20)
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Premiering in 1995, the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion tells the story of boys and girls who pilot giant humanoid weapons called Evangelions to fight mysterious enemies known as Angels.
Far from being just a sci-fi robot anime, it delves deeply into psychological portrayals and philosophical themes, sparking a social phenomenon that extended beyond anime fans of the time.
Its stylish visuals, shocking storyline, and distinctive characters have combined to earn it enduring popularity.
In addition to the TV series, its extensive media expansion—including theatrical films and a manga adaptation—is also part of its appeal.
Cardcaptor Sakura
The 90s were full of classic anime, but for many women, Cardcaptor Sakura probably left an especially strong impression! From the main character Sakura to Tomoyo and Syaoran, plenty of people were captivated by the unique classmates and characters.
And when you think back on Cardcaptor Sakura, the song that naturally starts playing in your head is Catch You Catch Me.
It’s a timeless track that brings back the excitement of watching Sakura and her friends’ adventures in front of the TV.
The Prince of Tennis
You’ll want to imitate everything—the techniques, the moves, even the characters’ catchphrases! This hugely popular series, originally a manga, has been adapted not only into an anime but also into musicals, novels, and even a live-action drama overseas: The Prince of Tennis.
The story centers on Ryoma Echizen, who enrolls at Seishun Academy Middle School, a prestigious tennis powerhouse.
Its appeal lies in the well-rounded cast of characters and their exhilarating exchanges of dynamic techniques.
The original TV anime aired from 2001 to 2005, and sequels have been released intermittently since then.
Powerpuff Girl
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One of the icons that symbolize animation culture of the Heisei era is the American-born animated series The Powerpuff Girls.
Its cute character design and pop color palette are quintessential Heisei-retro design.
The appeal of The Powerpuff Girls starts with the “clarity of the visuals”: large eyes, simple outlines, and vivid red, green, and blue tricolor.
Though they look like little girls, they’re strong enough to defeat villains—a contrast that captivated viewers at the time.
Simple and pop, yet powerful—this design is why it continues to shine with fresh appeal.