- Photo 1:
- Sunrise
- Photo 2:
- Toei Animation
- Photo 3:
- Triangle Staff
The 20 Best ‘90s Anime With A Retro Anime Aesthetic
Vote for the '90s anime that feels like it’s straight out of a VHS treasure chest.
The 1990s were a golden era for anime, gifting fans with timeless series that continue to influence the medium today. Shows from this decade are often celebrated for their distinctive '90s anime aesthetic, characterized by hand-drawn artistry, amazing fashion, and vibrant yet nuanced worlds. Whether it’s the futuristic, jazz-infused style of Cowboy Bebop or the magical, pastel-colored charm of Sailor Moon, the decade delivered iconic visuals and stories that remain beloved by fans across generations.
These series evoke a nostalgia that blends the charm of traditional animation with the bold creative experimentation of the time. From high-energy adventures to introspective character-driven tales, they capture the essence of an era where anime began captivating global audiences.
This list ranks the best '90s anime with a retro aesthetic that embodies the spirit of the decade. Each entry has been selected for its visual splendor and cultural impact. Explore the list to rediscover old favorites or uncover hidden gems from a decade brimming with anime greatness. Your votes will shape the rankings, so dive in and celebrate these incredible classics!
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- Studio Pierrot
The Anime's Aesthetic:
Yu Yu Hakusho boasts sharp character designs, moody color palettes, and electrifying fight sequences that define '90s shonen. Its balance of supernatural intrigue and raw emotional stakes gives retro fans the action-packed nostalgia they crave.
What It's About:
A young man and his friends protect the human world.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
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- Production I.G
The Anime's Aesthetic:
With its hyper-detailed urban landscapes and hauntingly futuristic atmosphere, Ghost in the Shell exemplifies the cerebral side of '90s anime. The intricate cybernetic designs and philosophical undertones make it a staple for fans of dystopian aesthetics and deep storytelling.
What It's About:
A cybernetic agent uncovers the blurred lines between humanity and technology in a futuristic, dystopian society.
Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
- Photo:
- Sunrise
The Anime's Aesthetic:
With its effortlessly cool characters and a soundtrack steeped in jazz and blues, Cowboy Bebop merges a gritty, noir-inspired aesthetic with fluid, dynamic animation. Its muted palettes and richly detailed cityscapes capture a cyberpunk vision of space travel that retro anime fans can't help but admire. The blend of melancholic tones and exhilarating action makes it timeless.
What It's About:
The adventures of a group of bounty hunters who travel around the solar system chasing criminals.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
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- Sailor Moon
- Toei Animation
The Anime's Aesthetic:
A magical girl classic, Sailor Moon is a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, shimmering transformations, and ornate costume designs. Its blend of celestial themes and nostalgic '90s pastels creates a dreamy visual experience. Retro enthusiasts cherish its heartwarming charm and bold, stylish battles.
What It's About:
A schoolgirl and her friends transform into powerful heroes to battle the forces of evil.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
- Photo:
- Studio Ghibli
The Anime's Aesthetic:
A masterpiece of grounded, slice-of-life storytelling, Whisper of the Heart captures the beauty of everyday life through soft lighting and meticulous attention to detail. Its warm tones and authentic character expressions invite viewers into a nostalgic yet timeless narrative.
What It's About:
A young aspiring writer discovers the beauty of creativity and connection through an unexpected friendship.
Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
- Photo:
- OLM
The Anime's Aesthetic:
Berserk delivers a raw, medieval fantasy aesthetic with dark, heavily detailed landscapes and visceral action. Its gritty hand-drawn animation and somber tone create an unforgettable visual style that continues to captivate anime enthusiasts.
What It's About:
Swordsman Guts embarks on a journey filled with beasts and gruesome vengeance.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
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- Gainax, Tatsunoko Production
The Anime's Aesthetic:
Dark and brooding, Neon Genesis Evangelion stands out with its haunting mech designs and existential undertones. Its stark contrasts between bright urban backdrops and desolate battlefields create a gripping aesthetic that resonates deeply with retro anime aficionados.
What It's About:
Teenagers pilot giant fighting machines to stop otherworldly monsters from wiping out humanity.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
- Photo:
- Madhouse
The Anime's Aesthetic:
Set against the dusty backdrop of a sci-fi Western, Trigun combines bold character designs with stark desert landscapes. Its unique blend of action, humor, and philosophical depth offers fans a visually striking and emotionally resonant experience.
What It's About:
An outlaw named Vash the Stampede travels from town to town on a deserted planet.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
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- Gallop, Studio Deen
The Anime's Aesthetic:
With its blend of historical accuracy and bold character artistry, Rurouni Kenshin brings the Meiji era to life through elegant fight choreography and rustic, atmospheric backdrops. The classic cel animation enhances its timeless appeal for fans of samurai tales.
What It's About:
A wandering swordsman seeks redemption while protecting the innocent during Japan's Meiji era.
Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
- Photo:
- Triangle Staff
The Anime's Aesthetic:
Serial Experiments Lain evokes a surreal, otherworldly vibe with its muted tones and glitch-inspired visuals. Its minimalist settings and distorted imagery perfectly complement its exploration of identity and technology, offering anime fans a cerebral and visually unique experience.
What It's About:
An adolescent girl develops a unique connection to a virtual reality network known as The Wired.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
- 11
- Photo:
- Studio Deen
The Anime's Aesthetic:
The colorful and comedic Ranma ½ dazzles with its exaggerated expressions, lively character designs, and playful animation. Its vibrant visual humor and unique martial arts flair offer a nostalgic slice of '90s anime charm.
What It's About:
After falling into a cursed Chinese spring, Ranma Saotome changes gender when hit with cold water.Love the aesthetic? - Photo:
- Photo:
- Madhouse
The Anime's Aesthetic:
Perfect Blue is a haunting psychological thriller that masterfully uses shadowed imagery and muted colors to heighten its unnerving atmosphere. The gritty detail of its urban settings and intense, expressive character designs resonate with retro anime enthusiasts who appreciate darker narratives.
What It's About:
A mysterious figure stalks a pop star when she becomes an actor on a television show.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
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- J.C.Staff
The Anime's Aesthetic:
With its striking use of symbolism and art deco influences, Revolutionary Girl Utena delivers a theatrical and avant-garde aesthetic. Its bold use of color, surrealist imagery, and intricate choreography make it a must-watch for fans of visually daring '90s anime.
What It's About:
High school student Utena Tenjo fights to protect the Rose Bride.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
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The Anime's Aesthetic:
The 1999 adaptation of Hunter x Hunter delivers a classic shonen look with sharp, expressive character designs and dramatic color contrasts. Its textured visuals and emotional depth make it a standout for those who admire heartfelt, retro-styled storytelling.
What It's About:
A young boy aspires to be an exceptional hunter and searches for his father who abandoned him.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
- Studio Ghibli
The Anime's Aesthetic:
A delicate exploration of youth and emotion, Ocean Waves features soft, watercolor-like visuals and a grounded aesthetic. Its understated animation captures the simplicity and nostalgia of adolescence, resonating deeply with fans of heartfelt stories.
What It's About:
Two former classmates reflect on youthful misunderstandings and unspoken feelings during a heartfelt reunion.
Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
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- Madhouse
The Anime's Aesthetic:
Cardcaptor Sakura enchants viewers with its pastel palettes, intricate magical designs, and endearing character expressions. The smooth animation and charmingly nostalgic visual style evoke the whimsy of childhood adventures, making it a quintessential retro favorite.
What It's About:
Sakura stumbles upon the book of Clow Cards in a library; it's now up to Sakura to catch them all.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
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- Gallop, Studio Comet
The Anime's Aesthetic:
Initial D combines gritty urban aesthetics with dynamic, adrenaline-pumping car racing sequences. The contrast between its realistic settings and stylized action captures the thrill of street racing, winning over anime fans who love intense competition.
What It's About:
Takumi Fujiwara discovers his passion for driving when he enters the world of street racing.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
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- Madhouse
The Anime's Aesthetic:
Record of Lodoss War immerses viewers in a richly detailed fantasy world with its dark, earthy tones and intricately drawn medieval landscapes. Its traditional hand-drawn style emphasizes the grandeur of epic quests, making it a treasure for retro fantasy lovers.
What It's About:
Six unlikely heroes band together to protect a war-torn island from an unspeakable evil.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
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- Sunrise
The Anime's Aesthetic:
The Vision of Escaflowne blends grandiose steampunk mecha with lush, fantasy-inspired landscapes. Its sweeping visuals and distinctive, angular character designs transport viewers into a world of adventure and intrigue, perfect for retro fantasy aficionados.
What It's About:
A high school student finds herself in another world where she helps a prince fight an evil empire.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
- Photo:
- Triangle Staff
The Anime's Aesthetic:
A symphony of sleek mechanical designs and cutting-edge animation, Macross Plus combines futuristic dogfights with emotionally resonant storytelling. Its vibrant yet grounded visuals capture the awe of technological advancement, appealing to fans of retro sci-fi epics.
What It's About:
An extroverted jet fighter gets an assignment as a test pilot in a secret project.Love the aesthetic?- Photo:
