Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
Back in the 1990s, it still wasn’t the age of the internet.
These days, late-night anime and VOD subscriptions are the norm, but when you think of 90s anime, it was all about those early evening broadcasts.
Many of you probably spent your grade-school days rushing home after classes and turning on the TV right away.
This time, we’re featuring anime songs from that nostalgic 90s era!
Be sure to look for tracks from the shows you were obsessed with.
They’re great picks to keep in mind for karaoke, too!
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- Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.
- A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
- [Nostalgic] A special feature on legendary anime theme songs: revisiting those classic tracks
- [Top 20] Anime Song Sales Ranking of the Heisei 30 Years!
- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
- Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
- [Nostalgic & Latest] A Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s
- 1990s J-Pop to listen to in summer: classic and hit summer songs
- [Hot & Cool] Up-tempo, hype-inducing anime song
Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s: Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (31–40)
Dream ShiftSILK
It is the opening theme of Absolutely Invincible Raijin-Oh, the first entry in Sunrise’s Eldran series and a work that still enjoys enduring popularity.
It is sung by Kinuko Omori under the name SILK.
The lyrics were written by Hitoshi Shinohara, a member of the folk band Zero Zahyo, and the music was composed by Kazuya Izumi.
A night when the moonlight softly fallsOgawa Nao
Many ending themes from old anime tended to leave you with a touch of melancholy, didn’t they? This is Nao Ogawa’s debut single, used as the ninth ending theme for the nationally beloved TV anime Crayon Shin-chan.
Her distinctive vocals, heartwarming lyrics, nostalgic atmosphere, and subtly oriental sound arrangement are all superb.
In the 2010s, artists like Nagi Yanagi and Wednesday Campanella covered the song, so it’s fun to listen while comparing their versions with the original.
PlatinumSakamoto Maaya
Despite being released in the ’90s, the anime Cardcaptor Sakura continues to grow in popularity and enjoys immense support.
This is its opening theme—a song that further heightens the story of Sakura-chan as she gathers powerful cards and battles foes with magic.
Listening to it again after a while brings back a fun feeling, as if the richly unique characters are starting to move once more.
Parched CryFIELD OF VIEW
Yu-Gi-Oh!, a card game with worldwide popularity, originally began as a manga and was adapted into an anime in 1998.
“A Cry for the Dry” was its opening theme.
Incidentally, the original Yu-Gi-Oh! and Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters, which focuses on the card game, are different works; the latter depicts stories of characters playing various games with different settings, as in the early parts of the original series.
Unwavering WishTamura Naomi
Aired in 1994, Magic Knight Rayearth is a TV anime based on a popular shoujo manga serialized in Nakayoshi.
It became hugely popular for its RPG-like storyline and unexpectedly serious developments that belied its art style.
The opening theme Yuzurenai Negai, sung by Naomi Tamura, was a massive hit, selling over one million copies, and earned her a spot in the 1995 Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (41–50)
Turn the roulette of fateZARD
The opening theme of Detective Conan.
As expected, Izumi Sakai’s clear, straightforward vocals really strike a chord, don’t they? In particular, the chorus is very catchy, and many people probably still think of it as the theme song of Detective Conan.
Even those who used to watch Detective Conan but don’t anymore will likely be reminded of their childhood if they give it another listen.
RomancePENICILLIN
The power of the chorus is irresistible! This song was used as the theme for Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san.
It was released as a single in 1998 by the visual kei rock band PENICILLIN.
Despite being the theme for a gag anime, its energetic and cool sound is captivating.
Once you hear it, it won’t leave your head.