The 24+ Best Anime Movies from the ’90s

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Plus, honorable mentions from the ’80s and 2000s
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The 1990s gave us a lot of classic anime films that have withstood the test of time. No matter what the genre, these movies have distinct art styles and unique storytelling elements that we still love decades later. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or just in need of a great film recommendation (that isn’t Disney!), we’ve gathered all the best ’90s anime movies to help you relive your childhood or maybe find your new favorite movie!

1

Only Yesterday (1991)

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  1. Only Yesterday follows a woman as she reminisces about her childhood.
    Produced by Studio Ghibli, Only Yesterday tells the story of Taeko Okajima, a 27-year-old woman who is visiting her family in the countryside on her first extended trip outside of Tokyo. While there, she has extended flashbacks about the good and bad memories of her childhood and wonders what her younger self would think of her current stressful life.[1]
    • Why it’s so good: Unlike other Studio Ghibli films, which often contain fantastical elements, Only Yesterday takes a grounded approach and focuses on a character-driven narrative. It blends nostalgia with modern anxieties and has a beautiful, detailed animation style.
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2

Kayoko’s Diary (1991)

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  1. Kayoko’s Diary tells the story of a young Japanese girl during World War II.
    Better known by its Japanese title Ushiro No Shoumen Daare, this film follows young Kayoko as her family is torn apart by the war’s conflict and is forced to move from place to place to avoid encountering the horrors of war. As she grows older, Kayoko begins to reflect on how the war has impacted her life.[2]
    • Why it’s so good: While it is relatively unknown outside of Japan and Arab-speaking countries, Kayoko’s Diary is praised for its depiction of the suffering of war and how it affects kids. However, it doesn’t indulge in the misery of war and takes time to establish Kayoko and her family life.
3

Roujin Z (1991)

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  1. Roujin Z is set in a futuristic Japan in which AI is used to care for the elderly.
    In the film, an AI-powered bed known as the Z-001 machine is introduced to the public as a way to care for the elderly. Haruko is a young nursing student whose patient is volunteered to test the bed. However, dark secrets are soon revealed as the machine transforms itself into an unstoppable robot.[3]
    • Why it’s so good: Roujin Z is praised for its focus on issues like health care for the elderly and the conflict between traditional values and modern technology. Fans enjoy the film for its social commentary, visual aesthetics, and mecha narrative.
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4

Porco Rosso (1992)

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  1. Porco Rosso follows a World War I pilot who is turned into a pig.
    Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this Studio Ghibli film follows World War I flying ace Marco Pagot, who is mysteriously turned into a pig when all his comrades die in battle. Now known as Porco Rosso, he prepares to battle a sky pirate crew that is terrorizing wealthy cruise ships.[4]
    • Why it’s so good: Fans appreciate Porco Rosso for its incredible worldbuilding, lovable characters, and strong English voice cast (including Michael Keaton as Porco, Cary Elwes as Curtis, and Susan Egan as Gina). While the film has serious undertones, it never takes itself too seriously.
5

Ninja Scroll (1993)

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  1. Ninja Scroll is a historical fantasy set in feudal-era Japan.
    The story revolves around the mercenary ninja Kibagami Jubei as he and his companions fight the Eight Devils of Kimon, a team of ninjas with supernatural powers who seek to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate.[5]
    • Why it’s so good: Ninja Scroll is often regarded as one of the most influential anime films of all time, as it increased the popularity of adult-oriented anime outside of Japan. The film is praised for its action-packed approach to style and storytelling.
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6

Battle Angel (1993)

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  1. Battle Angel is a gritty, cyberpunk anime set in the future.
    Also known as Battle Angel Alita, this film follows Gally, a cyborg with no memory of her past, as she attempts to navigate a dangerous world filled with corrupt figures and brutal combat.[6]
    • Why it’s so good: Fans love Battle Angel for its dystopian, cyberpunk aesthetic and its action-packed combat scenes. The film is also praised for its themes of identity as it explores what it means to be human in a world filled with technology.
7

Sailor Moon R: The Movie (1993)

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  1. Sailor Moon R: The Movie is an extension of the Sailor Moon TV series.
    The movie revolves around the arrival of an alien named Fiore, who has a past connection with Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon). Fiore is obsessed with Usagi and intends to make the Earth a place for just the two of them, leading to the film’s central conflict.[7]
    • Why it’s so good: Fans love Sailor Moon R: The Movie because it dives into the backstory of Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask’s relationship, providing more context about their bond. The animation is also higher quality than the TV series.
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8

Patlabor 2: The Movie (1993)

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  1. Patlabor 2 is set three years after the first film.
    The first Patlabor was one of the best anime films of the 80s, and its sequel follows Kiichi Gotou as he continues working with his Patlabor unit even after his former teammates have gone their separate ways. However, a new danger looms as a terrorist organization begins to cause civil unrest in the city.[8]
    • Why it’s so good: Like the first film, Patlabor 2 doesn’t shy away from elements of surprise or intense mecha battles. It also incorporates important elements of philosophy and politics.
9

Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie (1994)

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  1. Street Fighter II is a movie adaptation of the video game of the same name.
    The film follows Interpol agent Chun-Li as she teams up with the U.S.’s Major Guile to overthrow M. Bison’s crime syndicate, Shadowlaw, as they attempt to recruit the world’s greatest fighters.[9]
    • Why it’s so good: Street Fighter II proves that movies based on video games can be good, as it embraces the spirit of the game. The film’s over-the-top tone and action keep fans highly entertained.
    • While the title of Street Fighter II can be misleading, there isn’t a Street Fighter I movie. This film is based on the game Street Fighter II, so it has the same name.
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10

Macross Plus (1994)

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  1. Macross Plus is a popular mecha film about artificial intelligence.
    Macross Plus is set in the Macross universe and follows test pilots Isamu and Guld as they compete to develop the next generation of transforming fighter planes. The story also contains a love triangle involving their former friend, Myung, and the AI idol Sharon Apple.[10]
    • Why it’s so good: Macross Plus has an emotionally driven plot that pulls viewers in. It’s also praised for its innovative animation, as it combines hand-drawn animation with early CGI.
11

Pom Poko (1994)

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  1. Pom Poko follows a group of magic raccoons trying to save their homeland.
    This Studio Ghibli film follows a group of tanuki, mythical creatures that resemble raccoons, as they must use their supernatural talents to defend their forest from urban development.[11]
    • Why it’s so good: Pom Poko was the number one Japanese film on the domestic market in 1994 and became the second-highest-grossing animated film after The Lion King. Fans love the film for its blend of humor, Japanese folklore, and exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature.
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12

Ghost in the Shell (1995)

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  1. Ghost in the Shell is a popular tech noir cyberpunk action thriller film.
    Set in 2029 in the fictional New Port City, Ghost in the Shell follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg public-security agent who is hunting down an elusive hacker known as the Puppet Master.[12]
13

Whisper of the Heart (1995)

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  1. Whisper of the Heart is a romantic coming-of-age tale.
    Produced by Studio Ghibli, Whisper of the Heart follows 14-year-old Shizuku Tsukishima as she seeks to find the mysterious boy who checks out every library book before she does. The story centers on young love between two teenagers as they also try to figure out what they want out of life.[14]
    • Why it’s so good: Fans love Whisper of the Heart because of its nostalgic and intimate plot, warm artistic direction, and crisp animation style. The film is an emotionally resonating journey that transcends the era in which it was released.
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14

Memories (1995)

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  1. Memories is a three-part anthology sci-fi movie.
    Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, Koji Morimoto, and Tensai Okamura, Memories is divided into three short films. Magnetic Rose is a grim sci-fi story of tragedy and psychological terror; Stink Bomb follows the misadventures of a lab technician who takes a drug that makes his flatulence lethal; and Cannon Fodder follows a young boy desperate to become an artillery officer and attack a foreign nation.[15]
    • Why it’s so good: Memories pushed the boundaries of what anime could be, as each story stands on its own. The variety keeps viewers engaged, and fans praise the film for its diverse storytelling, stunning visuals, and creative experimentation.
15

Princess Mononoke (1997)

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  1. Princess Mononoke follows a prince in a struggle between humans and gods.
    Directed by Hayao Miyazaki at Studio Ghibli, Princess Mononoke is set in a fictionalized version of the late Muromachi period in Japan and follows Prince Ashitaka as he attempts to broker peace between the wolf god Moro (and his human companion Princess Mononoke) and the humans fighting over natural resources.[16]
    • Why it’s so good: Princess Mononoke is considered some of Miyazaki’s best work as it emphasizes social and political commentary and themes of environmentalism.[17] The film was the highest-grossing film in Japan until the release of Titanic.
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16

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (1997)

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  1. The End of Evangelion was the finale of the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series.
    Set in a dystopia where Earth is devastated by a cataclysm called the Second Impact, The End of Evangelion follows Shinji Ikari as he is recruited by his father to join the ominous organization Nerv as a soldier piloting the titular mechas.[18]
    • Why it’s so good: Neon Genesis Evangelion was one of the biggest anime series in the 90s and one of the most influential series of the mecha subgenre. The End of Evangelion is often praised as one of the most mind-bending, philosophical anime films, as it dives into themes of human consciousness, existential dread, and the struggle for the survival of humanity.[19]
17

Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture (1997)

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  1. Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture is based on the manga of the same name.
    Also known as Rurouni Kenshin: The Movie and Samurai X: The Motion Picture, this film follows Himura Kenshin, a pacifist who wants to stop a rebellion from Takimi Shigure and a band of desperate rebels. The plot takes place some time after the Kyoto arc of the manga series.[20]
    • Why it’s so good: Fans enjoy Rurouni Kenshin because of its tragic elements and exploration of Kenshin’s dark past. The story is complex and contains visually impressive swordplay and fight choreography.
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18

Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz (1997)

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  1. Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz is set after the events of the TV series.
    A sequel to the Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, this film follows the Gundam pilots as they confront a new threat while grappling with the consequences of their past actions in war. The movie was originally released as a three-part OVA and was later given a theatrical release as a feature film.[21]
    • Why it’s so good: Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz has an introspective focus on each of the pilot’s journey toward understanding the nature of war. It is also more visually detailed than the TV series and features impressive mecha battles, appealing to new and long-term fans.
19

Perfect Blue (1998)

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  1. Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller that dives into the dark side of fame.
    Perfect Blue follows former J-pop idol Mima, who leaves her singing career to become an actress.[22] However, she soon becomes a victim of stalking and begins to hallucinate, blurring the lines of fantasy and reality for viewers.[23]
    • Why it’s so good: Perfect Blue is praised for its psychological depth, as it forces viewers to question what’s real and what’s in Mima’s head. It’s often considered one of the best psychological thrillers in anime and is so influential that Darren Aronofsky bought the rights just to recreate a scene in Requiem for a Dream.
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20

Pokémon: The First Movie (1998)

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  1. Pokémon: The First Movie follows the the Pokémon TV series.
    As the name suggests, Pokémon: The First Movie is the first movie of the popular Pokémon series. It follows the adventures of Ash Ketchum and Pikachu as they battle against Team Rocket, who have cloned living weapons in order to take over the world.[24]
    • Why it’s so good: Pokémon is an extremely popular brand, and audiences loved the movie for its emotional conclusion and touching characters. While the film received low critic ratings, it had high audience ratings upon release.
21

Spriggan (1998)

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  1. Spriggan follows a military unit fighting to keep ancient relics safe.
    This sci-fi anime film tells the story of Yu Ominae, a member of a paramilitary unit known as the Spriggans, who keep ancient relics from falling into the wrong hands. As Yu is sent to investigate a new relic, he is met with unprecedented amounts of danger from foreign forces.[25]
    • Why it’s so good: Spriggan is a thrilling action/sci-fi film with supernatural intrigue. Fans appreciate the film for its unique worldbuilding, fast-paced plot, and fascinating twist on history and religious doctrine.
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22

Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (1999)

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  1. Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade is a thriller set in an alternate history Japan.
    The story takes place in an alternate timeline in which Nazi Germany won World War II and Japan is economically and socially devastated by the Axis Power’s attempts to globalize it. The plot follows Kazuki Fuse, a member of an elite police unit, as he struggles with his role in a corrupt government.[26]
    • Why it’s so good: Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade puts an inventive spin on historical fiction and animation style. It’s often praised for its gritty, dystopian atmosphere, complex themes about power and control, and its slow-burn storytelling.
23

Cardcaptor Sakura: The Movie (1999)

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  1. Cardcaptor Sakura: The Movie is an extension of the anime series.
    Cardcaptor Sakura: The Movie follows Sakura Kinomoto as she travels to Hong Kong and encounters a vengeful spirit seeking retribution against her family. In the anime series, Sakura discovers magical powers after releasing a set of magical cards into the world.[27]
    • Why it’s so good: Fans appreciate the film because it successfully expanded the series’s universe while introducing new settings and character backstories. The animation is also striking, with vivid colors and dynamic action sequences.
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24

My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)

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  1. My Neighbors the Yamadas follows the daily lives of the Yamada family.
    This simplistic Studio Ghibli film follows the Yamada family as they entertain each other through squabbles and shenanigans. It’s a cozy, slice-of-life comedy drama told in a series of vignettes.[28]
    • Why it’s so good: My Neighbors the Yamadas is visually interesting, as it’s animated with simple, watercolor sketches like a comic strip. This animation adds to the simplistic setting, and the film invokes a nostalgic feeling that fans love.
25

Honorable 1980s Mentions

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  1. Many ’80s anime movies gained popularity in the ’90s.
    Sometimes, fans include anime films released in the late 1980s in their top ’90s anime lists because the films didn’t really gain a cult following until the next decade. Here are some honorable mentions that fans love:[29]
    • Akira (1988): Set in a dystopian Tokyo, Akira follows biker gang leader Shotaro Kaneda and his childhood friend Tetsuo Shima as they suddenly gain psychic powers after a freak accident.[30] The story quickly spirals into chaos, rebellion, and existential dread.
    • My Neighbor Totoro (1988): The Studio Ghibli classic My Neighbor Totoro follows two young sisters as they move to the countryside and discover a magical world filled with forest spirits, like Totoro, while their mother is in the hospital.
    • Grave of the Fireflies (1988): Grave of the Fireflies is a tragic historical war drama that follows teenager Seita as he cares for his little sister Setsuko after a bombing separates them from their parents. While heartbreaking, the film is praised for its meditation on the human cost of war.
    • Patlabor: The Movie (1989): Set in a futuristic Tokyo, Patlabor: The Movie is a sequel to the Patlabor: The Early Days mini-series. When a computer virus causes the Labors (crimefighting robots) to go haywire, two police officers must fight to stop it.
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26

Honorable 2000s Mentions

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  1. Some 2000s anime movies contain the same qualities as ’90s movies.
    Often, when people ask for ’90s anime recommendations, there’s a certain animation style or plot elements they’re looking for. Some movies released in the 2000s still have that nostalgic vibe and fit right in with a ’90s anime movie marathon. Here are some honorable mentions:[31]
    • Spirited Away (2001): Spirited Away follows ten-year-old Chihiro as she travels through a supernatural realm attempting to save her parents after they were turned into pigs while visiting an abandoned amusement park.
    • Howl’s Moving Castle (2004): Howl’s Moving Castle follows Sophie, a young girl who is turned into an old woman by a witch, as she attempts to reverse the curse and befriends Howl, a wizard who lives in a magical flying castle, along the way.
    • The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006): The Girl Who Leapt Through Time follows Makoto Konno, who inherits the ability to time travel by jumping. She uses her power to frivolously fix problems and repeatedly lives the same day in a time loop.

Join the Discussion...

Recommendations for the best anime series or movies to watch next?
Brandon Riley
Brandon Riley
Anime and Manga Content Creator
I'd recommend checking out some of these 90's anime movies:
  • End of Evangelion
  • Princess Mononoke (or anything Studi Ghibli)
  • Ghost in the Shell
  • Akira
Arklight Blues and Sea Cucumber
Arklight Blues and Sea Cucumber
Digital Manga Artist and Manga Expert
My favorite anime series' have to be Jojo's Bizarre Adventure and Neon Genesis Evangelion. I really love it when the series I'm watching has a distinct artistic identity, like Jojo's visuals and music, and Evangelion's one of a kind aesthetic. My favorite movies also happen to be animated, I highly recommend these three: Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, Angel's Egg and Redline. All three of them are incredible artistic achievements in different regards and I could rewatch them forever and be happy 🙏
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.dualshockers.com/best-90s-anime-movies/
  2. ↑ https://animehunch.com/best-90s-anime-movies-iconic/
  3. ↑ https://animehunch.com/best-90s-anime-movies-iconic/
  4. ↑ https://www.dualshockers.com/best-90s-anime-movies/
  5. ↑ https://www.dualshockers.com/best-90s-anime-movies/
  6. ↑ https://dubbing.fandom.com/wiki/Battle_Angel_Alita
  7. ↑ https://www.dualshockers.com/best-90s-anime-movies/
  8. ↑ https://animehunch.com/best-90s-anime-movies-iconic/
  9. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-anime-movies-of-the-1990s/
  1. ↑ https://macross.fandom.com/wiki/Macross_Plus
  2. ↑ https://animehunch.com/best-90s-anime-movies-iconic/
  3. ↑ https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-anime-movies/
  4. ↑ Brandon Riley. Anime and Manga Content Creator. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-anime-movies-of-the-1990s/
  6. ↑ https://animehunch.com/best-90s-anime-movies-iconic/
  7. ↑ https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-anime-movies/
  8. ↑ Brandon Riley. Anime and Manga Content Creator. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-anime-movies-of-the-1990s/
  10. ↑ Brandon Riley. Anime and Manga Content Creator. Expert Interview
  11. ↑ https://japaneseanime.fandom.com/wiki/Rurouni_Kenshin_movie
  12. ↑ https://www.dualshockers.com/best-90s-anime-movies/
  13. ↑ Brandon Riley. Anime and Manga Content Creator. Expert Interview
  14. ↑ https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-anime-movies/
  15. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-anime-movies-of-the-1990s/
  16. ↑ https://animehunch.com/best-90s-anime-movies-iconic/
  17. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-anime-movies-of-the-1990s/
  18. ↑ https://www.dualshockers.com/best-90s-anime-movies/
  19. ↑ https://animehunch.com/best-90s-anime-movies-iconic/
  20. ↑ https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-anime-movies/
  21. ↑ Brandon Riley. Anime and Manga Content Creator. Expert Interview
  22. ↑ https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-anime-movies/

About This Article

Brandon Riley
Co-authored by:
Brandon Riley
Anime and Manga Content Creator
This article was co-authored by Brandon Riley and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Brandon Riley is an anime and manga content creator based in Australia. With over 4 years of experience, Brandon is an anime video essayist, creating videos for social media, sharing his thoughts and analysis of anime and manga that he reads. Known as @BrandonRTalks on social media, he boasts over 125k followers and over 15 million views.
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Updated: September 14, 2025
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