Calling all thirty-somethings! Nostalgic anime (based on the 1990s)
Anime, a cultural treasure Japan has long been proud of and beloved for many years.
It’s not unusual for massive hits to emerge every year, and sometimes we see booms that come to symbolize an era.
Perhaps some of you even started something new because you were inspired by anime.
In this article, we’re highlighting classic anime that people in their 30s will likely find nostalgic!
Our focus spans the 1990s, with picks from the late ’80s through the mid-2000s.
Some of these titles are available on YouTube, so take your time and enjoy watching them.
Calling all thirty-somethings! Nostalgic anime (1990s-based) (1–10)
Inuyasha
Inuyasha is known as a landmark in yokai-themed anime.
It’s a long-running series based on Rumiko Takahashi’s manga, and many theatrical films were produced as well—so plenty of people likely remember going to see them.
The story follows Kagome, a high school girl who time-slips to the Sengoku period and deepens her connections with the people and yokai she meets there.
One of the series’ charms is its cast of distinctive characters.
Incidentally, the story is split into two parts, with the conclusion airing under the title Inuyasha: The Final Act.
SLAM DUNK
The SLAM DUNK series made waves again when the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK was released in 2022.
Originally a manga by Takehiko Inoue serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, the anime adaptation began airing on TV in 1993.
Of course the story is great, but the theme songs are all absolute classics too—like “I Want to Shout ‘I Love You,’” “Only You I’m Watching,” and “Until the World Ends…”! Rewatching it might just make you want to add that left hand again.
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
Among the many Japanese anime works, one that enjoys especially high acclaim overseas is Sailor Moon.
It also made headlines with film adaptations and theme park attractions.
The story follows Usagi Tsukino, a junior high school girl, as she battles monsters known as “youma” alongside her friends.
While it features plenty of comedic moments, its meticulously crafted world-building and plot are key attractions.
If it’s your first time, try predicting where the story will go as you watch and enjoy.
Ojamajo Doremi
Ojamajo Doremi is an anime series that began airing in 1991.
The story follows Doremi Harukaze, a girl who dreams of becoming a witch, as she faces various challenges as a witch apprentice.
It was a pioneering work in the magical girl genre, and the contrast between the traditionally scary image of witches and the cute character designs became a hot topic.
I should also add that the opening theme, Ojamajo Carnival!!, has become a karaoke staple.
Cardcaptor Sakura
The definitive magical-girl anime from NHK! Based on the manga by CLAMP, the anime Cardcaptor Sakura began airing in 1998.
It tells the story of Sakura, who unexpectedly becomes a Cardcaptor and strives to collect all the magical cards.
It had battles, coming-of-age moments, romance—packed with all kinds of charm.
While it’s a girls’ anime, there were actually quite a few male fans who watched it in real time back then.
Cardcaptor Sakura
The 90s were full of classic anime, but for many women, Cardcaptor Sakura probably left an especially strong impression! From the main character Sakura to Tomoyo and Syaoran, plenty of people were captivated by the unique classmates and characters.
And when you think back on Cardcaptor Sakura, the song that naturally starts playing in your head is Catch You Catch Me.
It’s a timeless track that brings back the excitement of watching Sakura and her friends’ adventures in front of the TV.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho is a battle-fantasy anime that began airing in 1992.
The live-action adaptation by Netflix and its collaborations with mobile games are still fresh in our memories.
The story follows the protagonist, a boy named Yusuke Urameshi, who takes on various missions in order to come back to life.
With numerous related works across many forms of media, it’s also fun to enjoy it alongside other content.
By the way, the anime includes episodes that differ from the original manga.