17+ Best 1990s Anime Movies (Top Picks)

The 1990s was a golden era for anime movies, with various groundbreaking and influential films that captivated audiences around the world.

From epic adventures to thought-provoking dramas, the decade produced some of the most memorable and beloved anime movies of all time.

Best 1990s Anime Movies

Here are some of the best anime movies from the 1990s, listed with their titles and release years:

“Akira” (1988)

Note: Although released in 1988, “Akira” had a significant impact on 1990s anime and is often associated with the era.

Description: A cyberpunk film that follows Kaneda, a biker gang leader, as he tries to save his friend Tetsuo from a secret government project.

“Ghost in the Shell” (1995)

Description: This influential cyberpunk film explores themes of self-identity and consciousness in a future where humans can augment themselves with cybernetic enhancements.

“Princess Mononoke” (1997)

Description: A historical fantasy film that tells the story of a young prince involved in a struggle between the gods of a forest and the humans who consume its resources.

“Perfect Blue” (1997)

Description: A psychological thriller following a pop idol who quits her group to become an actress, only to be stalked by an obsessed fan.

“Pokémon: The First Movie” (1998)

Description: In this adventure film, Ash, Misty, and Brock face the cloned Pokémon Mewtwo, who seeks revenge against humanity.

“My Neighbor Totoro” (1988)

Note: Like “Akira,” “My Neighbor Totoro” was released in the 1980s but remained influential throughout the 1990s and beyond.

Description: Two young sisters move to the countryside and encounter friendly forest spirits, including Totoro.

“Ninja Scroll” (1993)

Description: A jidaigeki film that follows a wandering swordsman who is tasked with fighting eight demonic warriors.

“Sailor Moon R: The Movie” (1993)

Description: The Sailor Guardians must stop an alien flower from taking over Earth.

“Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie” (1994)

Description: Based on the popular video game, this film follows the characters of “Street Fighter” as they battle the criminal organization Shadowlaw.

“Whisper of the Heart” (1995)

Description: A coming-of-age film about a girl who aspires to become a writer and a boy who wants to become a violin maker.

“Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion” (1997)

Description: This film provides an alternate ending to the controversial anime series “Neon Genesis Evangelion.”

“Cardcaptor Sakura: The Movie” (1999)

Description: Sakura wins a trip to Hong Kong, where she encounters a vengeful spirit from Clow Reed’s past.

“Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade” (1999)

Description: A psychological drama about a member of a special police unit who confronts dilemmas about his allegiance.

“Kiki’s Delivery Service” (1989)

Note: Another late 1980s release, this film is about a young witch named Kiki who starts her own delivery service.

“Grave of the Fireflies” (1988)

Note: Released in 1988, this film tells the heartbreaking story of two siblings trying to survive in Japan during World War II.

“Castle in the Sky” (1986)

Note: Another influential film from the 1980s, it follows a young boy and girl searching for a floating island in the sky.

“Only Yesterday” (1991)

Description: A woman reflects on her childhood as she travels to the countryside of Japan.

These films, though some were released in the late 1980s, have had a lasting impact and are celebrated as some of the best anime movies of the 1990s era.

Below we will look at the best 1990s anime movies, highlighting their unique qualities and impact on the industry.

Table of Contents

The Rise of Anime Movies in the 1990s

The 1990s marked a significant turning point for anime movies, as they gained international recognition and popularity.

With advancements in animation technology and a growing global interest in Japanese culture, anime movies began to reach a wider audience beyond Japan.

During this decade, several anime movies achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, paving the way for the future of the industry.

These films showcased the creativity and artistic prowess of Japanese animators, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and animation techniques.

1. “Akira” (1988)

Although released in 1988, “Akira” had a profound impact on the anime industry in the 1990s.

Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, this cyberpunk masterpiece set a new standard for animation and storytelling.

Its dystopian setting, complex characters, and stunning visuals captivated audiences worldwide.

“Akira” follows the story of Kaneda, a young biker who becomes entangled in a government conspiracy involving psychic powers.

The film explores themes of power, corruption, and the destructive nature of humanity.

Its dark and gritty atmosphere, combined with its thought-provoking narrative, made it a groundbreaking film that influenced many future anime movies.

2. “Princess Mononoke” (1997)

Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, “Princess Mononoke” is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that tackles environmentalism and the clash between nature and civilization.

Set in medieval Japan, the movie follows the journey of Ashitaka, a young prince cursed by a demon.

As Ashitaka tries to find a cure for his curse, he becomes embroiled in a conflict between the forest gods and the humans who seek to exploit the land.

“Princess Mononoke” is known for its breathtaking animation, complex characters, and its exploration of moral ambiguity.

It remains one of Miyazaki’s most celebrated works and a testament to his storytelling prowess.

3. “Ghost in the Shell” (1995)

“Ghost in the Shell,” directed by Mamoru Oshii, is a cyberpunk classic that delves into the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence and the nature of identity.

Set in a futuristic world where humans can connect their consciousness to the internet, the film follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg detective.

As Major Kusanagi investigates a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master, she questions her own existence and what it means to be human.

“Ghost in the Shell” combines stunning visuals with deep philosophical themes, creating a thought-provoking and visually captivating experience.

The Impact of 1990s Anime Movies

The best 1990s anime movies left a lasting impact on the industry and influenced future generations of filmmakers and animators.

These films pushed the boundaries of animation techniques, storytelling, and thematic exploration.

They also played a crucial role in popularizing anime outside of Japan.

One of the key contributions of 1990s anime movies was their ability to tackle complex and mature themes.

Unlike traditional Western animation, which was often targeted at children, anime movies explored a wide range of topics, including politics, identity, and existentialism.

This allowed anime to appeal to a broader audience and gain recognition as a legitimate art form.

Furthermore, the success of 1990s anime movies paved the way for the globalization of the industry.

As these films gained popularity overseas, more anime movies were licensed and distributed internationally.

This led to a greater demand for anime content and opened doors for collaborations between Japanese and foreign studios.

FAQs – Best 1990s Anime Movies

1. What are some other notable anime movies from the 1990s?

Aside from the mentioned films, other notable anime movies from the 1990s include “Perfect Blue” (1997), “Grave of the Fireflies” (1988), “Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion” (1997), and “Whisper of the Heart” (1995).

2. Did any 1990s anime movies receive international awards?

Yes, several 1990s anime movies received international recognition and awards.

For example, “Princess Mononoke” won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Picture, while “Ghost in the Shell” received the Award of the Japanese Academy for Animation of the Year.

3. How did 1990s anime movies influence Western animation?

1990s anime movies introduced Western audiences to a different style of animation and storytelling.

The success of these films inspired Western animators to explore more mature and complex themes in their works, leading to the rise of animated films like “The Iron Giant” (1999) and “The Prince of Egypt” (1998).

4. Are there any 1990s anime movies that are considered cult classics?

Yes, “Akira” is often regarded as a cult classic due to its significant impact on the cyberpunk genre and its enduring popularity among anime enthusiasts.

“Perfect Blue” is another cult classic known for its psychological thriller elements and exploration of identity.

5. Did any 1990s anime movies inspire live-action adaptations?

Yes, “Ghost in the Shell” and “Akira” both inspired live-action adaptations.

However, these adaptations received mixed reviews and faced criticism for their handling of the source material.

6. How did 1990s anime movies contribute to the growth of the anime industry?

The success of 1990s anime movies helped popularize anime outside of Japan, leading to increased demand for anime content.

This, in turn, fueled the growth of the industry, resulting in more anime series and movies being produced.

7. Are there any 1990s anime movies that are suitable for children?

While many 1990s anime movies explore mature themes and are targeted at older audiences, there are also films suitable for children.

For example, Studio Ghibli’s “Kiki’s Delivery Service” (1989) and “My Neighbor Totoro” (1988) are beloved family-friendly movies from the 1990s.

8. Did any 1990s anime movies have a significant impact on animation techniques?

Yes, “Akira” revolutionized animation techniques with its detailed and fluid animation, showcasing the potential of hand-drawn animation.

The film’s use of computer-generated imagery also pushed the boundaries of what was possible in anime at the time.

9. How did 1990s anime movies contribute to the popularity of Japanese culture?

1990s anime movies played a crucial role in introducing Japanese culture to a global audience.

Through their unique storytelling and visual style, these films showcased the richness and diversity of Japanese culture, sparking interest and curiosity among viewers.

10. Are there any 1990s anime movies that are considered masterpieces?

Many 1990s anime movies are considered masterpieces by both critics and fans.

Films like “Akira,” “Princess Mononoke,” and “Ghost in the Shell” are often praised for their artistic merit, storytelling, and lasting impact on the industry.

11. Did any 1990s anime movies break box office records?

While anime movies in the 1990s didn’t typically break box office records on a global scale, they achieved significant success in Japan.

For example, “Princess Mononoke” became the highest-grossing film in Japan at the time of its release.

12. How did 1990s anime movies influence future anime filmmakers?

1990s anime movies inspired future generations of anime filmmakers to push the boundaries of storytelling and animation.

The success and critical acclaim of these films showed aspiring filmmakers that anime could be a powerful medium for exploring complex themes and emotions.

13. Are there any 1990s anime movies that are considered underrated?

While opinions may vary, “Memories” (1995) is often considered an underrated gem of the 1990s.

Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, the film is an anthology of three short stories that showcase Otomo’s unique storytelling style and visual flair.

14. Did any 1990s anime movies receive recognition outside of the anime industry?

Yes, “Spirited Away” (2001), directed by Hayao Miyazaki, won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Although released in the 2000s, it was a significant milestone for anime and showcased the impact of Miyazaki’s earlier works, including those from the 1990s.

15. How can I watch 1990s anime movies?

Many 1990s anime movies are available on various streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll.

Additionally, DVD and Blu-ray releases are often available for purchase or rental.

Summary – Best 1990s Anime Movies

The 1990s witnessed the rise of anime movies as a global phenomenon.

Films like “Akira,” “Princess Mononoke,” and “Ghost in the Shell” captivated audiences with their stunning visuals, complex narratives, and thought-provoking themes.

These movies pushed the boundaries of animation and storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

The success of 1990s anime movies also played a crucial role in popularizing anime outside of Japan and paving the way for the globalization of the industry.

Related