Best Anime of the 1990s

After surviving a deadly whirlpool at sea by hiding inside a barrel, the carefree Monkey D. Luffy finds himself on a ship that is being attacked by fearsome pirates. Although he looks like a naive teenager, Luffy should not be underestimated. He is an unmatched fighter and a pirate himself, determined to obtain the coveted One Piece treasure and claim the title of King of the Pirates. Before his death, the former King of the Pirates, Gol D. Roger, shook the world by revealing the location of his vast riches and daring anyone to claim them. Since then, countless powerful pirates have sailed dangerous seas in search of the One Piece, only to never return. Luffy may lack a crew and a proper ship, but he possesses a superhuman ability and an unbreakable spirit that make him both a formidable opponent and an inspiration to many. With a big smile on his face, Luffy faces numerous challenges and gathers one-of-a-kind companions to join his ambitious quest. Together, they embrace perils and wonders on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

In the year 2071, humanity has colonized the galaxy, yet Earth-like problems such as murder, drug abuse, and theft persist. Consequently, a rising number of tough bounty hunters chase intergalactic outlaws. Spike Spiegel and Jet Black travel through space, hunting criminals to earn a modest living. Under Spike’s goofy and detached exterior lies the burden of a violent history. Jet copes with his own painful memories while caring for Spike and their ship, the Bebop. They are later joined by the attractive con artist Faye Valentine, the eccentric child Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV, and Ein, a bioengineered Welsh corgi. As the Bebop crew forms bonds and captures a diverse array of criminals, their lives are shaken by a threat from Spike’s past. With a rival’s insane scheme unfolding, Spike faces a choice between his life with his new family or vengeance for his old grievances.

Fifteen years after the catastrophic Second Impact, humanity is under siege from colossal angelic beings known as Angels, who attack Tokyo-3 one after another. Despite deploying their most advanced weapons and military strategies, mankind is powerless against them. The only hope lies with NERV, a secretive organization led by the cold-hearted Gendou Ikari. NERV operates giant humanoid robots called Evangelions, equipped with cutting-edge weaponry and protective barriers called Absolute Terror Fields, to fight the Angels. After years of abandonment by his father, 14-year-old Shinji Ikari returns to Tokyo-3. He constantly struggles with deep-seated trauma from losing his mother and the emotional neglect from his father. Afraid to form connections, Shinji's life changes when he meets 29-year-old Misato Katsuragi, a high-ranking NERV officer who offers him the maternal warmth he has never known. A sudden Angel attack forces Shinji into action, revealing Gendou's true reason for summoning him: Shinji is the only one who can effectively pilot Evangelion Unit-01, a new robot that syncs with his biological signals. Despite the severe psychological torment of piloting an Evangelion, Shinji defends Tokyo-3 from the angelic threat, unaware of his father's dark schemes.

When a demon-possessed boar attacks his Emishi village, young prince Ashitaka risks his life to defend his people. As the beast dies, it places a curse upon his arm, granting him supernatural strength while slowly draining his life force. Following the advice of the village elders, he journeys westward in search of a cure and arrives at Tatara, the Iron Town. There, he becomes caught in a bitter struggle: Lady Eboshi of Tatara, who relentlessly clears the forests, stands opposed to Princess San and the sacred spirits of the woods, enraged by humanity's destruction. As the forces of nature and civilization clash in a desperate fight for survival, Ashitaka seeks a way to bring peace between them, all while wrestling with the growing demon inside himself. Princess Mononoke tells the story of the bond between technology and nature, revealing the harmony attainable through mutual understanding.

Following the death of a close friend, Shinji Ikari falls into an emotional coma. Because his son is mentally incapable of piloting Evangelion Unit-01, Gendou Ikari’s NERV engages in a race against the shadow organization SEELE to execute their respective ultimate plans first. SEELE intends to create a godlike entity by merging their souls into an Evangelion unit, whereas Gendou aims to revert all of humanity into a single primordial form so he can reunite with Yui, his late wife. SEELE deploys its military to launch a deadly assault on NERV headquarters. As SEELE’s troops massacre NERV scientists and security staff, Asuka Langley Souryuu pilots Evangelion Unit-02 in a final, desperate defense against SEELE’s most powerful weapons. The conflict intensifies while a despondent Shinji hides deep inside NERV. With the world’s fate in Shinji’s hands, Captain Misato Katsuragi searches for the teenager as society collapses around them.

Eikichi Onizuka is a twenty-two-year-old former biker gang leader who conquered Shonan and remains a virgin, yet his ultimate goal is to become Japan’s finest high school educator. His motivation is far from noble; he simply hopes to attract a devoted teenage wife in his old age. Despite being a lecherous, greedy, and lazy delinquent, Onizuka possesses hidden depths. After suplexing the Vice Principal to secure a position as homeroom teacher for the notoriously difficult Class 3-4 at Holy Forest Academy, he faces a severe test. The students there despise all authority figures and employ psychological tactics to drive away new teachers. However, Onizuka is no ordinary instructor and stands ready for the challenge. The class grapples with severe issues like bullying, suicide, and harassment, which Onizuka addresses by targeting the root causes through his erratic and unconventional methods, even resorting to extreme measures like jumping from buildings to save lives. Gradually, the students discover the joy of education under the guidance of the Great Teacher Onizuka.

Fourteen-year-old Lain Iwakura, a shy and socially awkward student, receives a peculiar email from Chisa Yomoda, a classmate who has recently taken her own life. Despite having no interest or experience with technology, Lain opens the message, which transports her into the Wired, a digital communication network akin to the real-world internet. Her existence is upended as she faces a series of enigmatic puzzles. Individuals known as the Men in Black start appearing in her vicinity, interrogating her with knowledge of her life that surpasses her own self-awareness. As the line between physical reality and cyberspace grows increasingly indistinct, Lain is drawn into increasingly surreal situations that challenge traditional notions of identity, consciousness, and perception. Created by Chiaki J. Konaka, the creator of Texhnolyze, Serial Experiments Lain is a psychological, avant-garde mystery that tracks Lain’s pivotal decisions, which resonate across both the tangible world and the Wired. Only Lain can grasp the true weight of these dual existences as one realm closes and another opens.

Vash the Stampede carries a 60 billion double-dollar bounty on his head. The reason: he is supposedly a heartless outlaw who destroys anyone who stands in his way and levels entire cities for amusement, earning him the nickname "The Humanoid Typhoon." Wherever he goes, death and ruin follow, and rumor says that even making eye contact with him means certain doom—or so the stories claim. In truth, Vash is an enormous softie who insists he has never killed anyone and does everything he can to avoid violence. With his absurd doughnut obsession and clownish demeanor in tow, Vash travels across the desert planet Gunsmoke, constantly tailed by two insurance agents, Meryl Stryfe and Milly Thompson, who try to keep his collateral damage under control. Before long, their chaotic adventures turn into life-or-death struggles when a group of legendary assassins is called in to bring suffering upon the trio. Vash's painful past comes to light, and his beliefs and moral code are pushed to their absolute limits.

J-pop idol group CHAM! has been entertaining its fans for the past two years. However, all good things must eventually come to an end, and one of its members, Mima Kirigoe, decides to leave the group to pursue acting. Although her decision receives mixed reactions, Mima hopes her fans will continue to support her. But after leaving the group, Mima's life starts to change dramatically. Determined to shake off her pop-idol image, she accepts a role in a crime drama series, and her acting career becomes increasingly demanding and stressful for both her and her manager, Rumi Hidaka. Adding to Mima's growing anxiety, an obsessed fan who cannot accept that she has quit being an innocent idol begins stalking her, a mysterious new website starts impersonating her life with precise details, and CHAM! seems to be doing better without her. Each disturbing development pushes Mima further toward instability, making it harder for her to tell reality from fantasy.

Guts, who will later be known as the Black Swordsman, is a young mercenary traveling from place to place, recognizable by the enormous greatsword he carries. He takes on jobs that pay the most, but never stays with any group for long—until he comes across the Band of the Falcon. After completing a job, Guts is ambushed and defeats many members of the band in combat. Griffith, the founder and leader of the Band of the Falcon, becomes interested in Guts and challenges him to a duel. Though the other members are no match for Guts, Griffith defeats him with a single blow. Incapacitated and brought to the Band of the Falcon's camp to recover, Guts awakens two days later. He confronts Griffith, and they duel again, this time under a condition: if Guts loses, he must join the Band of the Falcon. Because of his still-healing injuries, Guts loses the fight and is inducted by Griffith. Over the next three years, Guts rises to become one of the Band of the Falcon's commanders. On the battlefield, his combat skill is second only to Griffith's, as he takes on large groups of enemies by himself. With Guts' immense strength and Griffith's leadership, the Band of the Falcon dominate every battle they fight. But something sinister lurks in the shadows, threatening to change Guts' life forever.

After sacrificing himself to push a young boy out of a moving car's path, 14-year-old troublemaker Yuusuke Urameshi—once destined for a bleak future—earns a startling second chance. The spirit realm's authorities, caught off guard by his selfless act, refuse to let him pass on. Koenma, the throne's heir, presents Yuusuke with a series of tasks to reclaim his life. Guided by the death god Botan, he must battle malevolent forces on Earth as the Spirit Detective. To aid his mission, Yuusuke recruits former rival Kazuma Kuwabara along with two demons, Hiei and Kurama, both with criminal histories. Together, they train and fight enemies that threaten the very existence of humanity.

By the year 2029, Niihama City has transformed into a highly advanced technological hub. Thanks to major breakthroughs in cybernetics, residents can now replace their limbs with mechanical prosthetics. Global connectivity has reached unprecedented levels, and tasked with handling corruption, terrorism, and other perilous threats born from this wave of globalization is the city's Public Security Section 9. Leading the charge in Section 9 is the resolute Major Motoko Kusanagi, who takes on a case concerning a mysterious hacker called the "Puppet Master." This hacker leaves behind victims whose memories have been erased. Much like many inhabitants of this futuristic era, the Puppet Master's body is virtually entirely robotic, granting them immense abilities. As Motoko and her team pursue the elusive criminal's path, additional factions—including Section 6—begin to interfere, compelling her to face the case's extreme complexity. While reflecting on deep philosophical issues, such as the purpose of her own existence, Motoko comes to understand that the very one capable of offering these answers is the Puppet Master themselves.

Pokémon are peculiar creatures with a wide range of abilities and appearances; many people, known as Pokémon trainers, capture and train them, often for the purpose of battling others. Young Satoshi has not only dreamed of becoming a Pokémon trainer but also a "Pokémon Master," and on his 10th birthday, he finally gets a chance to make that dream come true. Unfortunately for him, all three Pokémon available for new trainers have already been taken, leaving only Pikachu, a rebellious Electric-type Pokémon. However, this chance meeting would mark the beginning of a lifelong friendship and an epic adventure! Setting off on a journey to become the very best, Satoshi and Pikachu travel across beautiful, expansive regions with their friends Kasumi, a Water-type trainer, and Takeshi, a Rock-type trainer. But danger lurks around every corner. The infamous Team Rocket is always nearby, trying to steal powerful Pokémon through devious schemes. It will be up to Satoshi and his friends to stop their efforts as he also strives to earn the eight Pokémon Gym Badges needed to challenge the Pokémon League and eventually claim the title of Pokémon Master.

After a lengthy quest, Emperor Pilaf finally locates the Black Star Dragon Balls, rumored to be twice as powerful as Earth's regular Dragon Balls. As he is about to wish for world domination, Gokuu Son intervenes, causing Pilaf to fumble his incantation and accidentally transform Gokuu back into a child. Once the wish is granted, the Black Star Dragon Balls scatter across the galaxy. Gokuu discovers that unless they are recollected within a year, Earth will be destroyed. To avert this disaster, he joins forces with his granddaughter Pan and the young adult Trunks, setting off on an interstellar journey to retrieve the scattered balls and save their planet.

Hunters are skilled professionals across many fields, ranging from treasure hunting to cooking, and they gain special access to resources and knowledge that help them achieve their goals. However, becoming a Hunter is a rare honor, obtainable only by those who endure a deadly test with an extremely low success rate. Twelve-year-old Gon Freecss sets out to take the Hunter Exam, motivated by the desire to find his missing father. Along the way, he meets three other applicants: Kurapika, who is driven by revenge; Leorio Paladiknight, who dreams of becoming a doctor; and Killua Zoldyck, a cheerful boy around the same age. As these four individuals face a dangerous journey, they battle immense obstacles in pursuit of their ambitions.

During the final days of the Bakumatsu era, there was a legendary assassin called Hitokiri Battousai. Known as a ruthless killer without equal in the land, he vanished without a trace at the height of the Japanese Revolution. A decade of peace has passed since then, but the mere mention of Battousai still sends chills through war veterans. Unknown to them, Battousai has forsaken his bloody past to atone for his sins, now living as Kenshin Himura—a cheerful, strong-willed wandering swordsman. Swearing never to take another life, Kenshin dedicates himself to protecting the weak. One day, he encounters Kaoru Kamiya at her kendo dojo, which is under threat from a fraud claiming to be Battousai. After Kenshin helps her, Kaoru invites him to stay at the dojo, and the former assassin pauses his travels for a time. Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan follows Kenshin as he strives to rescue those in need. Yet, as foes from both his past and present start to surface, can the reformed killer uphold his new principles?

Ten-year-old Sakura Kinomoto is an ordinary fourth grader living in Tomoeda until she accidentally discovers a mysterious book of cards called "The Clow." While examining her find, she inadvertently unleashes a magical gust of wind that scatters the cards across the town. This incident awakens the Beast of the Seal—Keroberos, nicknamed "Kero"—who informs Sakura that she has released the mystical Clow Cards, created by the sorcerer Clow Reed. Because each card can act independently and possesses immense power, Clow had sealed them away. Now that they are free, the cards pose a serious threat to the world, and it falls upon Sakura to stop them. Appointing Sakura as the "Cardcaptor" and giving her the Sealed Key, Kero charges her with finding and recapturing all the Clow Cards. With her best friend Tomoyo Daidouji at her side and Kero's guidance, Sakura must balance her new secret responsibility with everyday life as she embarks on magical adventures as Cardcaptor Sakura.

Unlike his peers, Takumi Fujiwara has no real enthusiasm for automobiles and knows almost nothing about the underground world of car enthusiasts and street racers. As the son of a tofu shop owner, he is obligated to make daily tofu deliveries without fail, driving along Mount Akina’s winding roads. For Takumi, any talk about cars or driving only brings to mind the monotonous chore forced upon him each morning. One night, the Akagi Red Suns—a notorious street racing team—arrive in Akina to challenge its local mountain pass. Led by their star drivers, Ryousuke and Keisuke Takahashi, the Red Suns aim to conquer every racing circuit in Kanto and prove themselves the fastest team in the region. However, they are stunned when one of their aces is overtaken by an old Toyota AE86 during a return drive from Akina. After that incident, the Takahashi brothers become wary of a mysterious driver who possesses remarkable skill and intimate knowledge of the local roads—the AE86 of Mount Akina.

Seven kids at summer camp are shocked when snow starts falling in July. In the ensuing chaos, each of them receives a strange device that sends them to another world. When they wake up in this new place, they meet bizarre creatures calling themselves "Digimon," who explain that the children have arrived in the "Digital World," far from their own home. Armed only with the Digimon and their "Digivices," the seven children set out to find a way back home and uncover why they were brought here. Led by the impulsive Taichi Yagami and his hungry Digimon partner Agumon, the group must battle unknown evils as they learn more about this strange Digital World.

Usagi Tsukino is a below-average student and a clumsy crybaby who always fails her exams. Her ordinary life takes an unexpected turn when she rescues a cat marked with a crescent moon on its forehead. The cat, Luna, soon reveals that their encounter was no coincidence: Usagi is fated to become Sailor Moon, a planetary guardian sworn to protect Earth. Equipped with a special brooch that enables her transformation, she must use her newfound abilities to defend the city from evil monsters that drain energy, sent by the wicked Queen Beryl of the Dark Kingdom. However, mastering her powers and battling villains are not her only concerns. She must also locate the lost princess of the Moon Kingdom, assemble the other Sailor Guardians, and find the Legendary Silver Crystal to save the planet from annihilation.

Shinichi Kudou is a high school detective renowned for cracking numerous difficult cases. While tailing two shady men he spots one day, he accidentally stumbles upon a disturbing crime. Caught in the act, the men force him to ingest an experimental drug from their criminal syndicate, leaving him for dead. To his shock, Shinichi survives, but his body has shrunk to that of a seven-year-old child. Retaining his sharp mind, he conceals his true identity from everyone, including his childhood friend Ran Mouri and her father, private eye Kogorou Mouri. He adopts the alias Conan Edogawa, a name derived from mystery writers Arthur Conan Doyle and Ranpo Edogawa. As Conan, Shinichi secretly solves Kogorou's cases from the shadows using his exceptional detective abilities, all while covertly investigating the organization that caused his transformation, hoping to one day reverse the drug's effects.

Hanamichi Sakuragi, notorious for his explosive temper, towering stature, and fiery red hair, enters Shohoku High with a single goal: to find a girlfriend and end his streak of 50 consecutive rejections from middle school. His reputation precedes him, causing most students to steer clear. After a series of events, Hanamichi is left with two clear convictions: "I hate basketball," and "I absolutely need a girlfriend." One day, a girl named Haruko Akagi approaches him, unaware of his troublesome past, and asks if he likes basketball. Hanamichi instantly falls for her, blurting out an enthusiastic yes. She leads him to the gymnasium, where she asks if he can perform a slam dunk. Trying to impress Haruko, he jumps but overshoots, smashing his head into the backboard. When Haruko tells the basketball team's captain about Hanamichi's almost superhuman athletic abilities, he gradually gets pulled into the bonds of friendship and rivalry of the sport he once despised.

Bullies frequently pick on those who are frail and weak—someone exactly like Yuugi Mutou. His childhood friend, the beautiful Anzu Mazaki, often defends him, but he cannot rely on her forever. Katsuya Jonouchi, usually accompanied by his verbal sparring partner Hiroto Honda, does not seem like a bad person either, even though he always brings Yuugi trouble. Above all, Yuugi longs for a true friend who understands him and would never betray him. Yuugi treasures his Millennium Puzzle, an ancient Egyptian artifact that ended up in his grandfather's game shop. Believing that solving the puzzle will grant his wish, he completes it, unleashing a new personality within him—the soul of the "King of Games." Dark, twisted, strong, and dependable, this new personality, named Yami Yuugi, is the complete opposite of Yuugi. Whenever an injustice is done to him, Yami Yuugi takes over Yuugi's body and forces the opponent into a "Shadow Game." The stakes are high, as the loser must taste the darkness that resides within their own heart.

After a string of impressive wins with his AE86, Takumi Fujiwara has established himself as a rising star in street racing. However, his newfound confidence, earned on his home turf of Mount Akina, is threatened by a new team called Emperor. This team exclusively uses the Mitsubishi four-wheel drive Lancer Evolution, or Lan Evo—a car favored by most professional racers. Emperor's leader, Kyouichi Sudou, looks down on Takumi, viewing him as an inferior driver for piloting an outdated car that lacks the qualities of a modern race machine. Kyouichi's elitist mindset is also why his team consists solely of Lan Evo drivers. Can Takumi maintain his perfect record against the highly skilled and mechanically superior Emperor team, or will his winning streak come to an end?

Yukino Miyazawa serves as the female class representative and is the most admired freshman girl at her high school. Excelling in both academics and athletics while maintaining an elegant and sociable demeanor, she has been the subject of admiration throughout her life. However, beneath this facade, she is extremely vain and works tirelessly to uphold her high grades, athletic prowess, and polished image. Her greatest desire is to be the focus of attention and praise—which is why she despises Souichirou Arima, the male class representative and the only person more accomplished than her. From the first day of high school, she has tried in vain to steal the spotlight from her new rival. Finally, on the midterm exams, Yukino achieves the top score, surpassing Souichirou. To her surprise, he congratulates her on her success, making her question her own deceptive ways. When Souichirou confesses his feelings for her, Yukino rejects him and boasts about it at home with only a slight twinge of regret. Yet the next day, Souichirou arrives at Yukino's house to deliver a CD and witnesses her true, unrestrained self; armed with this secret, he blackmails her into helping him finish his student council duties. Forced to spend time with Souichirou, Yukino discovers that she is not the only one hiding secrets.

Many years ago, a young princess suffered a terrible loss when both her parents died. Devastated and inconsolable, it seemed nothing could bring her comfort. But a wandering prince came to visit her, hoping to lift her spirits. He gently wiped away her tears, handed her a ring with a rose emblem, and promised that as long as she kept it, they would meet again one day. This encounter left a profound mark on the girl, Utena Tenjou, inspiring her to become a prince herself. Years later, Utena enrolls at Ootori Academy, where she notices the same rose emblem found on her precious ring. Drawn by the scent of roses, she sees Anthy Himemiya tending the flowers, accompanied by Student Council President Touga Kiryuu and Vice President Kyouichi Saionji, who appear to be arguing over Anthy. Though Utena thinks little of it, the Student Council soon gathers to discuss a crucial matter. Later, a misunderstanding pulls Utena into the world of Duelists—those who possess rings similar to hers. These Duelists compete for ownership of the Rose Bride, Anthy Himemiya, who is said to wield great power. Wanting to prove herself as a true prince, and furious that Anthy is being mistreated and objectified, Utena resolves to fight the Duelists and save her from this cruel fate.

Hitomi Kanzaki is a typical 15-year-old schoolgirl who enjoys tarot cards and fortune-telling, but one evening, a boy named Van Fanel appears from the sky alongside a vicious dragon. Thanks to Hitomi's premonition, Van manages to slay the dragon, yet a pillar of light engulfs them both, transporting Hitomi to the world of Gaea—a mysterious land where the Earth hangs in the sky. In this strange realm, Hitomi learns that Van is a prince of the Kingdom of Fanelia, which is soon attacked by the evil Zaibach Empire. To fight back, Van pilots his family's ancient guymelef, Escaflowne—a mechanized battle suit—but fails to repel the attack, and Fanelia is destroyed. Forced to flee, Hitomi and Van meet a handsome Asturian knight named Allen Schezar, whom Hitomi is astonished to discover looks exactly like her crush from Earth. With new allies at their side, Van and Hitomi resist the forces of Zaibach as the empire seeks to revive an ancient power.

Usagi Tsukino and her companions have been enjoying a period of calm until they are once again summoned to duty as Sailor Guardians, planetary champions dedicated to preserving galactic peace. Usagi, who goes by Sailor Moon, heads their team into conflict when a fresh menace emerges from outer space: two survivors of an alien species, An and Ail. To sustain their life-giving Makai Tree, An and Ail start draining energy from innocent people. The Sailor Guardians must thwart their scheme or risk Earth's destruction. Yet as one danger fades, another arises—this time embodied by a young girl from the future who seeks Sailor Moon's power source to rescue her family. However, she is not the sole contender for it, as a faction called the Black Moon Clan also aims to seize the power for dark purposes. To safeguard their fates and universal balance, Sailor Moon and her fellow Sailor Guardians must battle to prevent these adversaries from achieving their goals.

The United Earth Sphere Alliance has maintained harsh control over Earth and its space colonies for decades. After the colonies voiced opposition, their leader was killed. In the year After Colony 195, rebellious colonists initiate "Operation Meteor," dispatching five powerful mobile suits to Earth for retribution. These "Gundams," constructed from nearly indestructible Gundanium Alloy, launch an offensive against the Alliance and its subordinate organization OZ. One Gundam, piloted by someone using the name of the slain colony leader Heero Yuy, crash-lands into the ocean after an atmospheric duel with OZ's top pilot Zechs Marquise. Upon reaching shore, he is discovered by Relena Peacecraft, the daughter of a politician advocating for peace, who witnesses Heero's descent. Though neither understands it yet, this meeting will deeply influence both their lives, along with those on Earth and in the space colonies.

Gene Starwind has always dreamed of flying his own starship into the vast reaches of space. However, that dream remains out of reach as he spends his days taking odd jobs alongside his partner James Hawking on the small planet Sentinel III. Everything changes when the pair accepts a job from Rachel Sweet, a treasure-hunting outlaw in disguise. Tasked with protecting a mysterious girl named Melfina, this encounter irreversibly alters their lives and sends them hurtling into the unknown aboard the highly advanced vessel Outlaw Star. Seihou Bukyou Outlaw Star follows Gene and his motley crew as they brave the final frontier, traveling among the stars to uncover the secrets surrounding Melfina. Along the way, they clash with dangerous bounty hunters, space pirates, Taoist mages, and even catgirls—ensuring a thrilling adventure lies around every corner.

Shuuzou "Shuu" Matsutani leads a typical, peaceful life. He has friends, a crush on a girl, and a dedication to kendo. After feeling down about losing to his kendo rival, Shuu climbs a smokestack to watch the sunset and meets Lala-Ru, a quiet girl with blue hair who wears an unusual pendant. Shuu tries to befriend her, even though she gives only uninterested, bland replies. His hopes are dashed when a woman, accompanied by two serpentine machines, appears out of thin air with the sole purpose of capturing Lala-Ru. Stubborn as he is, Shuu attempts to rescue his new acquaintance from her kidnappers and is transported to a desert world unlike anything he has ever known. Despite the circumstances, Shuu focuses only on saving Lala-Ru until he is severely beaten by soldiers. He soon learns that Lala-Ru can control water, and her pendant is the source of this ability—a precious resource in his new, arid surroundings. But now the pendant is missing, and Shuu is the main suspect. Ima, Soko ni Iru Boku is a haunting tale of a dystopian world, following Shuu as he endures torture, hunger, and the horrors of war to save the lonely girl he found sitting on a smokestack.

The Sailor Guardians, led by Sailor Moon, remain dedicated to their mission of safeguarding Earth from any threats. Yet, Sailor Mars's apocalyptic visions and the emergence of two new guardians—Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus—herald the start of another battle. These newcomers search for three Talismans concealed within humans' Pure Heart Crystals. When united, these items create the Holy Grail, a magical artifact of immense power. They aim to use the Grail to rescue the world, but the evil Death Busters seek its power for their own ends. Extracting a Talisman from a person's Heart Crystal leads to their death, a sacrifice Neptune and Uranus view as essential to obtain the Grail, whereas Sailor Moon and her team consider it unacceptable. Still, can any sacrifice be justified if it spares all of humanity?

The greedy and powerful sorceress Lina Inverse travels from place to place, stealing treasure from any bandits she encounters. After she robs a group of thieves, they set an ambush in a forest, eager for revenge. Just as Lina is about to easily crush her attackers, the swordsman Gourry Gabriev appears. Mistaking Lina for a helpless maiden, the foolish but good-hearted man steps in to save her. After quickly defeating the bandits, the oblivious knight decides to escort Lina to Atlas City. Though she is not thrilled about it, she ultimately agrees. Unbeknownst to Lina, one of her recent stolen items is a powerful magical artifact. Two mysterious men begin hunting the young mage and her self-appointed protector, seeking to obtain this object for sinister purposes. Thus begins their adventure, one that could determine the fate of the entire world.

SuperS focuses primarily on Chibi-usa and the Sailor Guardians. A fresh threat, the Dead Moon Circus, has emerged. Their goal is to locate the Golden Dream Mirror, which they intend to use to dominate the world. To achieve this, the villains target innocent people, stealing their Dream Mirrors and draining their energy. Chibi-usa gains a new companion in Pegasus. This season also features the Sailor Senshi acquiring enhanced abilities.

While exploring the National Library, Miaka Yuuki and Yui Hongo come across an odd antique book that emits a red glow, pulling them into a foreign realm. Upon arriving, they face hostile slave dealers and manage to flee with aid from Tamahome, a strong young man marked with a Chinese character on his forehead. However, the red light soon reappears, whisking Yui away. Determined to find her friend, Miaka seeks Tamahome's help. The situation intensifies when they meet Emperor Hotohori, who thinks Miaka is the prophesied priestess of the kingdom's guardian deity, Suzaku. By assembling the god's seven Celestial Warriors, the priestess can call upon Suzaku to grant any wish. Hotohori hopes this will rescue his nation, and since it also seems like a good way to solve Miaka's problems, he persuades her to take on the role. Back at the library, Yui realizes she has returned alone. Unable to act, she watches helplessly as Miaka undertakes brave challenges as the heroine of the mysterious book.

Similar to the R Season, Sailor Stars is split into two segments. The first part addresses lingering conflicts from SuperS and features the return of the Outer Senshi: Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna, and Hotaru, who has been reborn as a child. In the second part, Usagi says goodbye to Mamoru, who is departing for America to study. Concurrently, the Three Lights, an idol trio comprising boys Seiya, Taiki, and Yaten, appear. The new antagonist is Galaxia, a woman seeking to rule the galaxy by collecting human Star Seeds. Three new Senshi, the Sailor Starlights, emerge with their own motivations to defeat Galaxia, though they initially act without Sailor Moon’s assistance.

The mysterious Il Palazzo, leader of the ACROSS organization, understands that global domination is no simple task—so he decides to start small by taking over Fukuoka. He assigns two young officers, Excel and her partner Hyatt, to carry out this plan. However, their efforts are constantly thwarted by the City Security workers: three fairly ordinary men, one stern girl, and a handful of robots. No matter how straightforward the mission, Excel and Hyatt always find a way to fail, usually resulting in death and massive destruction. Heppoko Jikken Animation Excel♥Saga follows the endless, chaotic troubles the ACROSS agents stumble into, as Excel and Hyatt never manage to perform their duties correctly.

Paradigm City is a place defined by amnesia and a sense of belonging, its population living among forgotten pasts and the remnants of their achievements following the catastrophe that struck 40 years ago. Enveloped in a fog of mystery, the city relies on individuals like Roger Smith to cast light through the haze. Operating as a professional negotiator and a smooth agent, Roger is a self-styled ladies' man whose only true affection is for funeral black attire. Yet, as he becomes more entwined in his clients' affairs, what starts as a simple negotiation often escalates into Roger saving Paradigm from crime and danger. Along the way, Roger delves further into the city's hidden layers. As a rule, things are rarely what they seem. Serving as a gray knight in a gray world, Roger does not lack allies. At his side are Norman, a loyal butler with a vast range of skills, and Dorothy, a human-like android known for her deadpan snark. Together with the relic known as Big O—a jet-black mecha of immense size and weight—they help Roger deliver iron justice to Paradigm's lurking villains while he uncovers the truth behind the events of 40 years ago.

Not a single day passes without some sort of commotion in the life of kindergartener Shinnosuke "Shin-chan" Nohara. This five-year-old surpasses even the most troublesome, perverted, and shameless child one could imagine. Shin-chan is constantly occupied with dubious activities—forgetting about a friend during hide and seek, engaging in sumo wrestling for love, performing various gags such as the infamous "elephant" out in public, and flirting with college women. This exemplary mischief-maker has done it all and has no intention of stopping anytime soon. Crayon Shin-chan chronicles the daily antics of Shin-chan alongside his circle of friends, who parade around as the self-proclaimed "Kasukabe Defense Force." The adults who witness these shenanigans cannot help but adore Shin-chan, as he keeps them amused while unwittingly resolving their everyday problems through his mindless behavior—leaving himself as the sole dilemma they have no idea how to handle.

Yuuji Kaidou, suffering from an incurable disease, chooses to enter cryogenic sleep in hopes of being cured in the future. When he wakes up, however, he finds himself in a world overrun by monstrous creatures that feed on humans. He is rescued at the last moment by a squad of soldiers piloting massive mecha to fight these beasts. Marlene Angel, the team's leader, explains that Earth was invaded decades ago by an alien race called BLUE, driving humanity to the edge of extinction. Overwhelmed by this horrifying reality, Yuuji decides to join the fight against the BLUE. But to make any real impact in the struggle for humanity's survival, he will need far more than sheer willpower.

Tenchi Masaki's ordinary existence is turned upside down when a spaceship belonging to the notorious space pirate Ryouko Hakubi is shot down and crashes near his family's temple. By rescuing Ryouko, Tenchi unknowingly sets off a chain of events that brings a group of alien women from diverse backgrounds into his home. Among them are the refined Princess Aeka of Jurai and her cheerful younger sister Princess Sasami; the absent-minded first-class detective Mihoshi Kuramitsu and her more competent partner Kiyone Makibi; and the eccentric, brilliant scientist Washuu Hakubi. These six women try to adjust to their new surroundings, but their advanced and exotic ways clash with the simple customs of Earth. This often leads to chaos and trouble for the beleaguered Tenchi. Despite the constant headaches they cause, Tenchi starts to develop close bonds with each of them. Through these relationships, he begins to understand his own place in the universe more deeply.

In 1889, technological advancements are rapidly pushing humanity toward a new era of discovery. However, a mysterious villain named Gargoyle, driven by a desire to resurrect the fallen Atlantean empire and reclaim its former glory, sets his scheme to dominate the world in motion. Alongside Jean Roque Lartigue, a young inventor, and Captain Nemo, commander of the submarine Nautilus, Nadia must rise to defend the planet against Gargoyle and the forces of Neo-Atlantis.

Three junior high school girls—Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji—are strangers to each other until fate intervenes during an ordinary field trip to Tokyo Tower. A blinding flash of light and a mysterious woman's desperate cry to save "Cephiro" accompany their sudden abduction by a giant flying fish. They land in an unfamiliar realm, where they meet a man named Master Mage Clef. Clef explains that they were summoned by Princess Emeraude to become the legendary Magic Knights, tasked with restoring peace and harmony to Cephiro. Once a vibrant and tranquil world, Cephiro has fallen into chaos since High Priest Zagato imprisoned the princess, who served as the land's stabilizing pillar. Though reluctant, the girls accept Clef's explanation as reality and set out on a quest to rescue Cephiro from the grip of evil.

Sixth grader Sana Kurata seems to have it all: her mother is a reasonably successful writer, a young man is employed to keep her happy and safe, and she shines as the star of the children's TV show Kodomo no Omocha. Yet one thing ruins her perfect life—Akito Hayama. Akito, a classmate of Sana's, has been causing trouble in class, and the other boys have followed his lead. Every day, the girls and their teacher struggle to maintain order and get any learning done. That rotten Akito… Sana refuses to put up with it! The hyperactive Sana decides to investigate what makes Akito tick, hoping to restore normalcy to the classroom and stop the teacher from spending every day crying instead of teaching. However, the more she discovers about him, the more she realizes there might be more to Akito than meets the eye.

Count D, a peculiar shopkeeper operating in Chinatown, deals in rare and elusive pets for those seeking something unique, but every transaction is bound by a strict contract. While adhering to the terms ensures safety, violating them absolves the pet shop of any responsibility for ensuing misfortunes. Homicide detective Leon Orcot has connected a series of bizarre and inexplicable deaths, discovering that all the victims were former customers of Count D. Driven by this pattern, he resolves to uncover the truth behind the tragedies.

In the kingdom of Xoana, Lina Inverse and Gourry Gabriev run into their former allies, Zelgadis Graywords and Princess Ameilia Wil Tesla Saillune. The reunited group quickly thwarts the King of Xoana and his daughter’s evil scheme for global domination. Later, it emerges that Zelgadis is hunting the Claire Bible, a priceless magical grimoire, believing it holds the secret to restoring his human form. Despite his reservations, his companions agree to accompany him on this quest. As they ponder how to begin their search for the legendary tome, they encounter a mysterious priest named Xellos, who offers his assistance in their pursuit.

By the year Future Century 0060, the nations of Earth have become separate space colonies since their home planet is no longer habitable. To decide which colony rules the others, they participate in the Gundam Fight Tournament, a series of battles among champions from each colony. Neo-Japan’s representative is Domon Kasshu, who enters the competition with hidden agendas. He is searching the galaxy for his brother, who supposedly killed their mother and stole the Devil Gundam, a powerful weapon capable of galactic destruction. As Domon seeks justice, he moves from colony to colony, encountering future allies and foes. Piloting the Shining Gundam, Domon fights to reveal the truth about his painful past, enduring betrayals and defeats while pursuing victory for himself and his nation.

Many assume ninjas are extinct, yet Rekka Hanabishi disagrees. Despite his family’s trade in fireworks, he identifies as a self-proclaimed modern ninja. While this may seem amusing, it often leads to trouble. Rekka frequently engages in battles because he publicly declared that he would serve anyone who could defeat him. His life changes when he encounters Yanagi Sakoshita, a kind girl capable of healing any injury. This meeting triggers a series of events that reveal a startling truth: Rekka is the sole survivor of a legendary ninja clan destroyed centuries ago. Beyond being a true ninja, he possesses the ability to manipulate fire. What does this destiny hold for him? Who are the mysterious figures pursuing him and Yanagi? Discover the answers in Rekka no Honoo!

Tsukushi Makino, a student from a humble background, simply wishes to survive her final two years at the elite Eitoku Gakuen without incident. However, her attempt to defend a friend against the F4, the school’s four wealthiest and most influential boys, results in her receiving a red card, signaling a declaration of war from the group. When she refuses to back down and begins to develop feelings for one of them, Hanazawa Rui, she discovers that the reality behind their polished facades is far more complex than it initially appears.

Medabots are advanced robots equipped with artificial intelligence via unique medals, primarily serving their owners in Robbatling, a popular fighting sport where these machines duel each other. At the professional level, Medafighters compete using their Medabots to earn spots in the World Tournament, battling top-tier rivals for the championship title. Ikki Tenryou, an elementary school student, receives his first Medabot, Metabee, an obsolete model lacking a medal. Ikki soon finds a medal in a nearby river and inserts it into Metabee’s head, causing the robot to act erratically. Metabee proves short-tempered and rebellious, refusing to follow Ikki’s commands. Despite these challenges, Ikki and Metabee must learn to cooperate if they hope to advance through the ranks and reach the World Tournament.

Harukaze Doremi believes she is the most unfortunate girl on the planet. Between her parents’ constant arguments, her sister’s teasing, and her crush’s interest in another girl, her life seems miserable. She used to think that a magic wand could fix everything, but after an accident involving an actual witch, Doremi becomes an apprentice herself. Unfortunately, she proves to be quite terrible at using magic. Along with two friends, she must try to improve her skills to become a good witch, though staying focused on her studies proves difficult. If the trio wants to pass their exams and achieve full witch status, they will need every bit of luck they can find. Only by succeeding can Doremi clear her debt to the witch Majorika. Until that day arrives, she remains nothing more than a clumsy, useless little witch.

On the surface, Kusakabe Maron appears to be an ordinary high school student, but she is actually the reincarnation of Jeanne d'Arc. Guided by the angel Fin Fish, she transforms into the phantom thief Jeanne at night to capture demons that have possessed artworks, preying on the vulnerable hearts of their owners. Because the artworks vanish after the demons are sealed, Maron is labeled a thief. Her life becomes even more complicated when a new classmate and neighbor arrives, who doubles as her rival, the thief Sinbad. With her best friend, the detective's daughter, determined to catch her, and Sinbad competing against her, Maron's missions are far from simple.

Miki Koishikawa is thrown into confusion when her parents return from Hawaii and announce their divorce, revealing they intend to swap partners with another couple they met on vacation. Reluctantly attending a dinner to meet the new family, she encounters Yuu Matsuura, the other couple’s handsome son. As Miki settles into a large house with her newly blended family, she finds herself grappling with her growing affection for Yuu. With the assistance of her best friend, Meiko Akizuki, who is concealing a scandalous romance of her own, Miki tries to manage the upcoming school year. However, their path is complicated by the presence of other potential suitors for both Miki and Yuu, as well as emotional baggage from their pasts that they are hesitant to share.

Although raised on the fictional mecha series Gekiganger 3, Akito has no desire to engage in combat and prefers cooking to piloting giant robots. His peaceful life is upended when his home base on Mars is obliterated, leading to his sudden and unexplained arrival on Earth. Haunted by unanswered questions, he tracks down Yurika, a girl he met by coincidence, in hopes of finding clarity. As the captain of the private warship Nadesico, Yurika provides him a way to stay close, so Akito joins the crew as their chef. Thanks to nanite implants that grant him the ability to operate mechas, he serves as a capable reserve pilot for the Nadesico’s fleet. He integrates into a crew driven by revenge for Mars, which appears to be a ragtag group of misfits, otakus, and airheads, though they are actually elite specialists. As they launch their personal crusade against Mars, they must confront the harsh truth that real-life conflicts do not follow the predictable tropes of a giant mecha narrative.

For almost a thousand years, a magical barrier erected by demons has trapped its inhabitants from accessing the outside world. Now that the barrier has been shattered, various kingdoms are eager to explore the territories that were previously out of reach. To facilitate this, they form a peace delegation to establish contact with the people living in this newly accessible realm. In the meantime, the young sorceress Lina Inverse receives a communication from a mysterious figure named Filia ul Copt. Upon meeting, Filia reveals her intention to hire Lina and her companions for a mission leading to the outside world, citing their renowned past exploits. However, she first demands a demonstration of their power, forcing them to battle a dragon in the heart of the city. Once they have proven their worth, Lina and her fellow adventurers journey into the uncharted lands, where they encounter numerous adventures and face a troubling prophecy.

Ebichu the hamster initially comes across as the ideal pet—she handles cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, and will do anything to make her owner, referred to only as "Office Lady" (OL), happy. Sadly, OL and her unfaithful boyfriend, together with Ebichu's boundless energy and obsession with ice cream, frequently lead to the hamster receiving brutal, bloody punishment. Even so, Ebichu doesn't seem to care about the mistreatment as long as she can bring even a little more joy to her cherished master.

In a far-off age, humanity faces aggression from the Abh Empire, a species of highly evolved human-like beings with far superior technology. As numerous planets succumb to the Abh, mankind forms the Four Nations Alliance, a coalition comprising the United Mankind, the Republic of Greater Alcont, the Federation of Hania, and the People's Sovereign of Union Planets. Seikai no Monshou follows Jinto Linn. As a child, his father—the president of Martine—traded their planet for a prestigious role within the empire. Now a youthful count, Jinto must adapt to the customs of Abh nobility and reside among those who conquered his homeworld. Assisting him is Lafiel Abriel, a stern Abh princess who becomes his fast friend. En route to Jinto's new academy in the Abh homeland, their vessel becomes trapped in a fierce space clash between Alliance and Abh fleets. Jinto and Abriel are thrown into the turmoil, unaware that this battle signals the onset of a full-scale war between the Abh Empire and humanity.

Sixteen-year-old Nanako Misonoo expects a bright future when she enrolls at the prestigious all-girls Seiran Academy. Instead, the unlucky teen is pulled into a tangle of deceit, misery, and envy. To make matters worse, she is selected as the newest member of the Sorority, an elite group that the entire school admires. Lacking the grace, wealth, or talent of her fellow inductees, Nanako quickly becomes a target of jealousy among her classmates—especially the fierce Aya Misaki. To cope with her increasingly difficult school life, Nanako reflects on her past through letters addressed to her former teacher, Takehiko Henmi, whom she endearingly calls "onii-sama" (big brother). She also finds solace with her four closest friends: childhood friend Tomoko Arikura, sociable yet erratic Mariko Shinobu, troubled musician Rei Asaka, and athletic tomboy Kaoru Orihara. An impassioned drama centered on the hardships of bullying, Oniisama e... follows a young girl's harsh experience at her new school as she endures cruel rumors, heartless classmates, and countless social trials.

Romeo is a gentle and brave boy residing in a Swiss village with his family. His life changes when Luini, known as the God of Death, targets him. Luini is notorious for kidnapping children to sell them as chimney sweeps in Milan. During a visit, Luini sets fire to Romeo’s family cornfield to force Romeo into his service. With the field destroyed and Romeo’s father injured while fighting the flames, Romeo sells himself to Luini so his family can pay for medical care. Traveling to Milan, Romeo befriends Alfredo Martini. When Alfredo is sold to another master, the two promise to remain friends and reunite. As a chimney sweep, Romeo endures significant hardship and abuse, particularly from his master’s household and a gang called the Wolf Pack. After reuniting with Alfredo, they establish a brotherhood of sweeps named the Black Brothers. Together, they learn to combat the Wolf Pack and support one another through difficult times.

In the Correct Century, two thousand years have passed since a cataclysmic war shattered the world. Earth remains largely uninhabitable, forcing a remnant of humanity to reside on the Moon while the planet and its few remaining survivors slowly recover. For years, the Moonrace has periodically assessed whether Earth is suitable for resettlement. A young man named Loran Cehack is dispatched to Earth for a reconnaissance mission alongside two companions. Loran spends a year on the planet working for the Heim Family, aristocrats living in a society reminiscent of the Victorian era. Like other wealthy families, the Heims celebrate their coming-of-age with a ceremony centered around a massive stone statue called the White Doll. To Loran’s shock, the Moonrace descends upon Earth with intentions of seizing control. During the assault, the White Doll is destroyed, unveiling a mobile suit known as the Turn A Gundam within. Piloted by Loran, the Turn A creates a tense standoff between Earth and Moon forces. The young pilot, alongside people from both factions, must strive to maintain peace and prevent another devastating, all-out war.