Forgotten Classics: 15 Older Anime That Put New Releases to Shame

1. "Cowboy Bebop" (1998-1999)

Kickstarting our retro journey is none other than "Cowboy Bebop," the jazz-infused space western that still kicks more ass than a mule in a bad mood. Set in a distant, dystopian future, it follows bounty hunter Spike Spiegel and his ragtag crew as they navigate their way through galactic bounty hunts and existential crises. The series is highly stylized, fusing western film tropes with anime sensibilities, creating an atmospheric fusion as heady as the jazz tunes that pepper its soundtrack. Although its run was short-lived, just 26 episodes, it achieved cult status and has a whopping 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

2. "Neon Genesis Evangelion" (1995-1996)

If your idea of a good time is giant mechas, psychological drama, and a good old existential crisis, "Neon Genesis Evangelion" is the anime for you. This mind-bending series, set in post-apocalyptic Tokyo, explores the existential dread of the young pilots tasked with saving humanity from the mysterious "Angels." It's as much a coming-of-age story as it is an apocalyptic narrative, masterfully interweaving the human psyche with science fiction. Interestingly, despite being one of the most analyzed anime series, the creator Hideaki Anno claimed it had no profound meaning and was "just a robot anime."

3. "Akira" (1988)

Okay, we're technically cheating here because "Akira" is a film, but this groundbreaking anime masterpiece has had more influence than most series. Set in the dystopian city of Neo-Tokyo, it follows teenage biker Tetsuo as he grapples with newfound telekinetic powers that threaten to consume him – and the city. Its dark themes, coupled with stunning animation and intricate detail, have set the standard for anime ever since. Fun fact: the movie predicted that Tokyo would host the Olympics in 2020 – it was off by a year due to the pandemic, but close enough.

4. "Yu Yu Hakusho" (1992-1995)

Remember when delinquents turned heroes were all the rage? "Yu Yu Hakusho" takes us back to those good old days with its tale of Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent who becomes a Spirit Detective after a self-sacrificing act of heroism. With epic fights, endearing characters, and enough plot twists to make a pretzel jealous, this anime remains a timeless classic. Plus, who doesn't love a good tournament arc?

5. "Dragon Ball Z" (1989-1996)

This action-packed adventure, filled with planet-destroying battles and spiky yellow hair, has more energy than a double espresso shot. The trials and tribulations of Goku and his comrades remain some of the most iconic moments in anime history. With a staggering 291 episodes, its influence is felt even today.

6. "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex" (2002-2003)

Cyberpunk aesthetics? Check. Philosophical musings? Check. Badass female lead? Check. "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex" ticks all the boxes. Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cybernetically enhanced officer in Public Security Section 9, fights cyber-crime in a future where the line between human and machine is blurred. With its stunning animation and deeply layered plot, this series isn't just a feast for the eyes, but also the mind.

7. "Sailor Moon" (1992-1997)

"Sailor Moon" is a beloved classic that not only revolutionized the magical girl genre but gave us an enduring symbol of female empowerment. Usagi Tsukino may start as a clumsy crybaby, but her transformation into Sailor Moon, a warrior of love and justice, is both hilarious and inspiring. The series currently holds 90% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer and solid enough audience rating of 73%.

8. "Serial Experiments Lain" (1998)

Delving into the eerie depths of the internet, "Serial Experiments Lain" is an avant-garde series that is eerily prophetic. Lain, a shy teenage girl, becomes engrossed in a virtual world called "The Wired," which bears a striking resemblance to our current internet-obsessed culture. With its surreal visuals and mind-bending narrative, this series offers a deeply introspective take on technology and identity. The series was designed to be rewatched, with hidden details and messages scattered throughout.

9. "Rurouni Kenshin" (1996-1998)

Swapping cyber landscapes for feudal Japan, "Rurouni Kenshin" tells the story of a repentant samurai, Kenshin Himura, who has vowed never to kill again. This series masterfully balances heartfelt drama with intense sword fights, wrapped up in an exploration of redemption and peace amidst turbulent times. The well-rounded characters and intricate storytelling make it a classic that still slices through its competition. Interesting trivia: The scar on Kenshin's face has two parts; one part was given to him by his wife, and the other was self-inflicted.

10. "Mobile Suit Gundam Wing" (1995-1996)

Entering the world of mecha once again, "Mobile Suit Gundam Wing" offers a political drama set in space. The series chronicles the exploits of five teenage pilots and their mobile suits as they navigate a complex web of interplanetary politics, war, and rebellion. Despite its age, the series' exploration of war's impact on society feels as relevant today as it did during its release. Gundam Wing was the first series in the franchise to air in the United States, effectively launching the whole Gundam craze in the West.

11. "Trigun" (1998)

Put on your favorite dusty overcoat, because we're heading to the Wild West – well, a sci-fi version of it. In "Trigun," we follow the hilarious and often chaotic adventures of Vash the Stampede, a notorious outlaw with a sixty billion double-dollar bounty on his head. Yet, despite his fearsome reputation, Vash is a pacifist at heart who just can't seem to avoid trouble. The show blends gun-slinging action, moral quandaries, and zany humor in a memorable and engaging way. Did you know that the creator, Yasuhiro Nightow, was influenced by American comic books when creating "Trigun"? That explains the Wild West vibes!

12. "Cardcaptor Sakura" (1998-2000)

This adorable series follows Sakura, a ten-year-old girl tasked with retrieving magical cards she accidentally set loose on the world. What sets this series apart is its warmth, charm, and the sincere growth of its titular character. Its beautiful animation, lovable characters, and surprisingly deep themes make it a joy to watch, even decades later. The show was also known for its progressive depiction of same-sex relationships, something quite rare in the 90s.

13. "Great Teacher Onizuka" (1999-2000)

Strapping on his teaching belt, Eikichi Onizuka isn't your usual educator. A former gang member with a heart of gold, Onizuka lands a teaching job, despite his unconventional methods and unusual background. "Great Teacher Onizuka" excels in delivering both belly-laughs and sincere, heartwarming moments. The series is a testament to the fact that, even though it was made on a lower budget, the wealth of its storytelling remains unrivaled. The series' creator, Tooru Fujisawa, originally intended for the series to be a horror before deciding on a comedy.

14. "Legend of the Galactic Heroes" (1988-1997)

If "Game of Thrones " were set in space and was an anime, it would be "Legend of the Galactic Heroes." This epic space opera is filled to the brim with political intrigue, strategic battles, and a sprawling cast of characters. The series expertly explores the ideological differences between democracy and autocracy in a war-torn galaxy. Despite its vintage animation, the narrative depth and thematic richness remain unparalleled. For the trivia lovers: the anime is based on a series of science fiction novels by Yoshiki Tanaka, and it's one of the longest anime series ever, spanning 110 episodes.

15. "Slayers" (1995-1997)

This hilarious series follows the adventures of Lina Inverse, a powerful sorceress with an insatiable appetite, and her companions. With its mix of high fantasy, action, and slapstick humor, it feels like Dungeons & Dragons but with more food and fun. Despite being a product of the 90s, "Slayers" remains a magical gem that still outshines many of its modern counterparts.