Dragon Ball Z cranks up the action as Goku discovers his alien Saiyan origins and defends Earth alongside his friends against imposing villains. Fierce battles drive the epic narrative forward as heroes and villains alike pursue greater power, with the fate of the universe hanging in the balance. Whether it's Vegeta's pride, Gohan's hidden potential, or Goku's ever-rising strength, Dragon Ball Z's pulse-pounding fights and sense of adventure captivated a generation.
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COLLECTION22 LISTS

The Best Old School Anime From 1999 And Before

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# The Best Old School Anime From 1999 And Before

Ranker Anime

Updated August 29, 20241.8M views122 items

Ranked By



390.5K votes

56.5K voters

15 reranks

Voting Rules

Only anime that premiered before 2000.

Latest additions: Chibi Maruko-chan

Most divisive: Vampire Princess Miyu

Over 56.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Old School Anime from Before 1999

Young kids today don't know how good '80s anime and '90s anime really were. With the abundance of new anime that is available these days, sometimes it's nice to kick your feet back and check out some classic and nostalgic cartoons, so why not start with 80's anime and anime of the 90's? You've undeniably heard of some of these Japanese animated favorites — perhaps you even read the manga that may have preceded some of these entries. Here is our list of the best old school anime of all time, consisting of popular anime from 1999 and before.

What was anime like in the 1980s and 1990s? Although the animation was a lot grainier and less crisp, series like Cowboy Bebop and Yu Yu Hakusho evoke that retro anime aesthetic and style that everyone loves. Plus, the stories were just as good as today's animes, with a multitude of animation styles and genres including horror, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, action, those for adults only and others fit for any audience, and plenty more.

Cyberpunk anime like Ghost in the Shell and Neon Genesis Evangelion are regarded as some of the best anime of all time, proving that memorable characters and a great plot are always superior over fancy animation. While there are a ton of great picks from the 2000s and later, it's clear that anime from the 80's and 90's anime titles are tough to beat in terms of quality. What's the first one you should throw on? Luckily, there's really something for everyone here, and many of these options are easier to access now than ever — with your preference of dubbed or English subtitles — through streaming services.

Have you seen all of these early classics below? Which of these 1990's anime titles and '80s staples were your favorites? We want you to vote for the top series you love the most, but this list is also a great guide if you're looking to find some great vintage 80s and 90s anime shows to watch. A few of these are movies and not TV series, such as Akira and Grave of the Fireflies. If you're a fan of Dragon Ball Z, definitely check out Fist of the North Star. The series was very influential in modern day fighting anime. You should also check out classics like Astro Boy which is considered one of the oldest anime series in the industry.



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1

## Yu Yu Hakusho

1992

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17,246 votes

Yusuke Urameshi seemed like your average street punk, but a selfless act leads to his death and another shot at life as a Spirit Detective. Teaming up with allies Kuwabara, Kurama and Hiei, Yusuke takes on demons and supernatural foes in deadly tournaments, foiling sinister plots threatening humanity through a mix of action, humor and heart. From Spirit Gun shots to bonding during training, Yu Yu Hakusho remains a supernatural battle classic.

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2

## Dragon Ball Z

1989

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20,216 votes

Dragon Ball Z cranks up the action as Goku discovers his alien Saiyan origins and defends Earth alongside his friends against imposing villains. Fierce battles drive the epic narrative forward as heroes and villains alike pursue greater power, with the fate of the universe hanging in the balance. Whether it's Vegeta's pride, Gohan's hidden potential, or Goku's ever-rising strength, Dragon Ball Z's pulse-pounding fights and sense of adventure captivated a generation.

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3

## Rurouni Kenshin

1996

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13,594 votes

In Japan's Meiji era, a swordsman wielding a blade that cannot kill must protect the innocent without violating his vow. Enter Himura Kenshin, once an assassin who now rights wrongs as a lone wanderer. With his quick wit, compassion, and reverse-blade sword, he defends the downtrodden from those who would prey upon them. However, Kenshin's past still haunts him. Can he overcome his inner darkness? Experience this poignant redemption story in the beloved classic Rurouni Kenshin.



4

## Hunter x Hunter

1999

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2,522 votes

Energetic Gon Freecss aspires to follow in his father's footsteps as an elite Hunter, gaining access to restricted locales and missions. During his daunting quest, Gon befriends a doctor, assassin, and liar. This group encounters creatures both wondrous and grotesque while confronting the criminality of the Phantom Troupe and greed of Greed Island. Hunter x Hunter thrives on its endearing characters, riveting action, and engrossing world.

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5

## Princess Mononoke

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11,991 votes

When industrialization threatens nature, can there be reconciliation between man and the spirits of the forest? Witness humanity's corruption through Lady Eboshi, along with the retaliatory bloodlust of Princess Mononoke and wolf god Moro in this philosophical, stunningly animated tale. Ashitaka aims for harmony, but this conflict seems destined for tragedy. Princess Mononoke tackles themes of environmentalism and humanity’s relationship with nature through its morally complex characters in this anime masterpiece.

- Also ranks #83 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
- Also ranks #264 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- Also ranks #180 onThe Best Movies Of The '90s, Ranked

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## Ghost in the Shell

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9,832 votes

Futuristic agent Motoko Kusanagi confronts the criminal element hacking minds and misusing cybernetic bodies, but what does it mean to have a soul in such an advanced technological world? Alongside Public Security Section 9, the Major’s investigations question identity, memory, and what constitutes human experience – perfect for introspective sci-fi fans. Ghost in the Shell’s gripping philosophical undertones paired with thrilling action rightfully made it an instant anime classic.

- Dig DeeperWho Would You Cast Instead Of Scarlett Johansson In Ghost In The Shell
- Also ranks #113 onThe Greatest Comic Book Movies Of All Time
- Also ranks #222 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies



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