Best Anime of the 1990s

Gold Roger, celebrated as the Pirate King, was the most powerful and notorious figure to ever sail the Grand Line. His arrest and execution by the World Government altered the course of history. With his dying breath, Roger revealed the existence of One Piece, the world's greatest treasure. This announcement sparked the Great Age of Pirates, inspiring countless individuals to seek One Piece for the promise of infinite riches, glory, and the supreme title of Pirate King. Among them is Monkey D. Luffy, a seventeen-year-old who breaks the mold of the stereotypical pirate. Rather than a cruel, hardened rogue who raids villages for sport, Luffy is driven by a genuine sense of wonder: the thrill of adventure, the joy of meeting fascinating new people, and the hunt for One Piece. Following in the footsteps of his childhood idol, Luffy and his crew traverse the Grand Line, facing wild adventures, uncovering dark secrets, and battling formidable enemies on their journey to claim One Piece.

By 2071, humanity has spread across the stars yet remains plagued by terrestrial issues such as addiction and crime. The narrative centers on Spike Spiegel and Jet Black, bounty hunters who traverse the cosmos tracking down felons for a living. Beneath Spike's carefree demeanor hides a troubled past, while Jet struggles with his own painful memories as he tends to both Spike and the Bebop, their ship which doubles as their home. They are eventually joined by Faye Valentine, a charming con artist; Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV, a quirky child; and Ein, a genetically modified Welsh corgi. As the Bebop crew develops strong bonds and apprehends various criminals, they face a looming threat connected to Spike's dark history. Confronted by a rival's perilous plot, Spike must decide between seeking vengeance or valuing his new family.

Fifteen years following the devastating Second Impact, humanity faces relentless assaults from colossal entities known as Angels targeting Tokyo-3. Conventional military might proves futile against these foes, leaving survival in the hands of NERV, a clandestine group commanded by the stern Gendou Ikari. NERV deploys giant humanoid mechs called Evangelions, armed with advanced weaponry and shielded by Absolute Terror Fields, to combat the Angels. Shinji Ikari, a fourteen-year-old, returns to Tokyo-3 after years of abandonment by his father. Haunted by the loss of his mother and his father's icy demeanor, Shinji fears forming attachments. His world shifts upon meeting Misato Katsuragi, a twenty-nine-year-old high-ranking NERV officer who offers the warmth and care he has long lacked. An abrupt Angel incursion compels Shinji to act, exposing Gendou's true motive for summoning him: Shinji possesses the unique ability to synchronize with Evangelion Unit-01, a robot that responds to his biological signals. Despite the severe psychological strain of piloting an Evangelion, Shinji becomes Tokyo-3's guardian against the angelic threat, oblivious to his father's concealed agenda.

When a demon-possessed boar assaults his Emishi village, young prince Ashitaka rises to protect his people. The dying beast inflicts a curse upon Ashitaka's arm, bestowing him with tremendous power while gradually consuming his life. Heeding the counsel of his village elders, Ashitaka journeys west to find a cure, eventually reaching Tatara, the Iron Town. There, he finds himself entangled in a fierce struggle: Lady Eboshi, Tatara's leader, relentlessly clears the forest to expand her ironworks, whereas Princess San and the forest's sacred spirits wage war against human encroachment. As the conflict between nature and civilization intensifies, Ashitaka strives to forge a connection between these opposing sides while battling the curse that festers within him. Princess Mononoke explores the dynamic between technology and nature, emphasizing the harmony attainable through mutual understanding.

Following the loss of a close friend, Shinji Ikari descends into emotional paralysis, rendering him unable to pilot Evangelion Unit-01. Consequently, his father, Gendou Ikari of NERV, frantically maneuvers to outwit the clandestine organization SEELE, as both factions pursue their own apocalyptic objectives. SEELE intends to merge human souls into an Evangelion unit to forge a divine being, whereas Gendou schemes to revert humanity to a primal state so he can reunite with his late wife, Yui. SEELE initiates a military assault on NERV headquarters, resulting in the deaths of numerous NERV personnel. Asuka Langley Sohryu takes the controls of Evangelion Unit-02 to battle SEELE's overwhelming forces. Amidst erupting chaos and societal collapse, Captain Misato Katsuragi searches for Shinji, who remains concealed within NERV, holding the fate of the world in their hands.

Former Shonan biker gang leader Eikichi Onizuka, a twenty-two-year-old virgin, aims to become the greatest high school teacher in Japan. His motivation is far from noble; he secretly hopes to eventually find a young wife. Despite being a lecherous, lazy, and unscrupulous delinquent, Onizuka possesses a complex personality. After suplexing the Vice Principal, he secures a teaching position at Holy Forest Academy, taking on the notoriously difficult Class 3-4. These students despise authority and use psychological manipulation to drive their teachers away. Onizuka, however, is no ordinary educator and is ready to confront these challenges directly. He addresses serious issues like bullying, suicide, and harassment by tackling their underlying causes through his unconventional and often extreme methods, including dramatic acts such as leaping from buildings to save lives. Gradually, the students come to recognize the value of learning under the unique guidance of Great Teacher Onizuka.

In Serial Experiments Lain, fourteen-year-old Lain Iwakura is an introverted girl who struggles with social interaction until she unexpectedly receives an email from Chisa Yomoda, a classmate who has already died. Despite having little experience with technology, Lain opens the message and is drawn into the Wired, a digital network akin to the Internet. This event transforms her life as she confronts mysterious puzzles. Figures known as the Men in Black begin appearing around her, questioning her with intimate details about her life that even she does not fully grasp. As the boundaries between the physical world and cyberspace grow indistinct, Lain becomes entangled in increasingly surreal scenarios that challenge the nature of identity, consciousness, and reality. Directed by Chiaki J. Konaka, the creator behind Texhnolyze, this psychological and avant-garde mystery follows Lain's critical choices, which impact both the real world and the Wired. Only through Lain can the full significance of these interconnected realities be understood as one realm fades and another emerges.

Vash the Stampede bears a staggering 60 billion double-dollar bounty, infamous as a ruthless outlaw whose trail of devastation earned him the moniker "The Humanoid Typhoon." Legends claim that merely catching his eye is enough to seal one's fate. However, behind this terrifying image lies a gentle spirit who insists he has never claimed a life, doing everything possible to avert violence. Driven by a strange love for donuts and an optimistic outlook, Vash wanders the desert planet of Gunsmoke alongside insurance adjusters Meryl Stryfe and Milly Thompson, whose job is to manage the turmoil he accidentally creates. As their travels continue, they are thrust into lethal clashes with elite assassins. These events force Vash's dark history to the surface, testing his core beliefs and moral boundaries to their absolute limit.

Two years after the J-pop idol group CHAM! first won over audiences, member Mima Kirigoe chooses to leave the band to pursue an acting career, a decision that draws mixed reactions from her fanbase. Despite the uncertainty surrounding this move, Mima clings to the hope that her supporters will stay loyal. As she steps away from the group, her life takes an unexpected turn. Eager to shed her idol image, she secures a role in a crime drama, a project that quickly becomes demanding and stressful for both her and her manager, Rumi Hidaka. At the same time, Mima's mental state begins to deteriorate under pressure from a persistent stalker who refuses to accept her exit from the idol world, a mysterious new website that uncannily mirrors her experiences, and CHAM!'s continued success without her. These disturbing events slowly erode Mima's grasp on reality, blurring the line between what is real and what is not.

Doomed to earn the moniker of the Black Swordsman, Guts journeys across many lands as a mercenary, recognized by his colossal greatsword. He accepts the most profitable contracts without committing to any single group until he encounters the Band of the Falcon. Following a mission, Guts is ambushed and defeats several members of the band. Griffith, the band's leader, finds Guts intriguing and challenges him to a duel. While the other members cannot match Guts, Griffith overwhelms him with a single strike. Left incapacitated, Guts recovers at the Band of the Falcon's camp. Upon waking two days later, he confronts Griffith once more, agreeing to a duel where the loser must join the band. Weakened by his injuries, Guts loses and is subsequently recruited by Griffith. Over the next three years, Guts rises to become one of the band's top commanders. His prowess in battle is unmatched save for Griffith, as he faces numerous enemies alone. The combination of Guts' formidable strength and Griffith's strategic leadership leads the Band of the Falcon to victory after victory. However, an ominous force looms, poised to alter Guts' existence forever.

After sacrificing himself to save a child from a speeding car, 14-year-old delinquent Yusuke Urameshi, who was on a path toward a bleak future, is granted an unexpected second chance at life. Struck by his selfless act, the spirit world halts his journey to the afterlife. Koenma, the prince of the spirit realm, proposes a series of missions that will allow Yusuke to return to the world of the living. Guided by the spirit guide Botan, Yusuke takes on the role of Spirit Detective to battle dark forces threatening Earth. He is joined in this quest by his former rival Kazuma Kuwabara, as well as two demonic allies, Hiei and Kurama, each carrying their own complicated histories. Together, the team undergoes grueling training and engages in intense battles against enemies who endanger the very existence of humanity.

In 2029, Niihama City stands as the pinnacle of technological advancement, where cybernetic enhancements are commonplace. Citizens routinely swap their limbs for sophisticated mechanical counterparts, and global connectivity has reached unprecedented heights. Amidst this rapid evolution, Public Security Section 9 is charged with tackling the complex challenges of corruption, terrorism, and other dangers arising from globalization. Led by Major Motoko Kusanagi, Section 9 begins investigating a mysterious hacker known as the "Puppet Master," who leaves victims with their memories entirely wiped. Like many in this futuristic society, the Puppet Master possesses a largely robotic body that grants extraordinary capabilities. As Motoko and her team delve into the mystery, their pursuit grows complicated by interference from rival factions, including Section 6, which adds significant hurdles to the investigation. While grappling with profound existential questions regarding her own identity, Motoko comes to suspect that the Puppet Master may hold the key to understanding her true nature and purpose.

Pokémon are extraordinary creatures possessing diverse abilities and appearances, with many individuals known as Pokémon trainers striving to capture and train them, often for competitive battles. A young boy named Satoshi has long dreamed of becoming a Pokémon trainer and achieving the title of "Pokémon Master." On his tenth birthday, Satoshi finally gets the chance to pursue this goal. However, all three starter Pokémon have already been taken, leaving him with Pikachu, an Electric-type Pokémon known for being stubborn and uncooperative. This unexpected encounter sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure and the formation of a deep bond between Satoshi and Pikachu. Setting out on a journey to become the best, Satoshi and Pikachu travel through vast and scenic regions alongside their companions Kasumi, a Water-type Pokémon specialist, and Takeshi, who excels with Rock-type Pokémon. However, they constantly face threats from the notorious Team Rocket, a group that uses elaborate schemes to steal powerful Pokémon. Satoshi and his friends must stop these plans while also collecting the eight Gym Badges necessary to compete in the Pokémon League and ultimately earn the esteemed title of Pokémon Master.

After years of searching, Emperor Pilaf at last obtains the Black Star Dragon Balls, artifacts rumored to possess twice the power of the ordinary Dragon Balls found on Earth. Just as Pilaf is on the verge of wishing for total world domination, Gokuu Son barges in and disrupts the ceremony. The interruption causes Pilaf to botch his wish, and instead of ruling the world, he accidentally reverts Gokuu to the body of a child. No sooner is the wish fulfilled than the Black Star Dragon Balls fly off to distant corners of the galaxy. Gokuu soon learns that these special Dragon Balls come with a terrible catch: unless every last one is recovered within a single year, the Earth itself will be destroyed. Joined by his granddaughter Pan and a now-young-adult Trunks, Gokuu embarks on an intergalactic quest to track down the scattered Black Star Dragon Balls and keep his home planet from exploding.

A Hunter is an individual who journeys across the globe to undertake perilous assignments, ranging from apprehending criminals to venturing into uncharted territories in search of lost treasures. Gon is a young boy whose father vanished years ago while working as a Hunter. Convinced that following in his father's footsteps will eventually lead to their reunion, Gon sets out on his own path. Upon reaching the age of 12, he departs from home to face the infamous Hunter exam, a challenge notorious for its low success rate and high mortality, in order to earn the title of an official Hunter. During the examination, he forms bonds with Kurapika, who is driven by revenge; Leorio, an aspiring doctor; and Killua, a rebellious former assassin. Their friendship persists through the numerous trials and threats they encounter while pursuing the dangerous profession of a Hunter. Based on the manga by Togashi Yoshihiro.

During the twilight of the Bakumatsu era, the dreaded assassin Hitokiri Battousai instilled fear throughout the land with his unmatched lethal prowess before vanishing into obscurity amidst the Japanese Revolution. Although a decade of tranquility has followed, the mere mention of Battousai still sends shivers through former soldiers. Unbeknownst to them, Battousai has forsaken his violent path to pursue redemption, now living as Kenshin Himura, a cheerful and spirited rōnin. Having sworn never to claim another life, Kenshin dedicates himself to shielding the weak. On one destined day, he encounters Kaoru Kamiya at her kendo dojo, which faces a threat from an imposter posing as Battousai. After Kenshin aids her, Kaoru extends an invitation for him to reside at the dojo, where the former killer stays for some time. Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan chronicles Kenshin's journey to assist those in need. Yet, as adversaries from both his past and present begin to emerge, can the reformed warrior maintain his new principles?

In the quiet town of Tomoeda, ten-year-old Sakura Kinomoto lives an ordinary life as a fourth grader until she discovers a mysterious deck called "The Clow." While examining this new treasure, she accidentally releases a powerful gust of wind that scatters the cards across the city. This incident awakens Keroberos, known simply as "Kero," the Beast of the Seal. He informs Sakura that she has freed the Clow Cards, magical beings created by the sorcerer Clow Reed. Each card possesses immense power and acts on its own, making them a serious threat once unbound. Consequently, Sakura must step up to neutralize this danger. Designated as the "Cardcaptor" and given the Sealed Key, Kero charges her with finding and capturing every wayward Clow Card. Assisted by her best friend Tomoyo Daidouji and guided by Kero's instruction, Sakura must balance her daily life as a student with her duties as the magical guardian, Cardcaptor Sakura.

Kintarou Ooe is a master of temporary work, traveling across Japan on his beloved motorcycle, the Mikazuki 5, and taking on any job that comes his way. His journeys provide him with life lessons that schools cannot teach, such as insights into political corruption and the complex dynamics of relationships with young women. As he rides the open road and meets many charming women, Kintarou pursues his passion for knowledge while managing a variety of often mundane tasks. Every job he undertakes imparts valuable lessons, and the future may hold anything—even the possibility of saving the world. The only certainty is that this adventure will be deeply rewarding.

Unlike his friends, Takumi Fujiwara has no interest in cars and knows little about the hidden world of car enthusiasts and street racers. As the son of a tofu shop owner, he is responsible for making daily deliveries up and down the winding roads of Mount Akina. For Takumi, conversations about cars and driving only remind him of the routine task he must complete each day. One evening, the Akagi Red Suns, a well-known street racing team, visit Akina to challenge the local mountain course. Led by the skilled Ryousuke and Keisuke Takahashi, the Red Suns aim to dominate every race track in the Kanto area and establish themselves as the fastest team around. Their plans are disrupted when one of their top drivers is outperformed by an old Toyota AE86 during a return trip from Akina. Following this event, the Takahashi brothers become wary of an anonymous driver displaying exceptional skill and a deep understanding of the local routes—the AE86 of Mount Akina.

At a summer camp, seven children witness a bizarre snowfall in the middle of July, which triggers chaos. Each child receives a mysterious device that transports them to an unfamiliar realm. After waking up, they encounter strange beings called "Digimon," who explain that the children have been taken to the "Digital World" far from their normal surroundings. Armed only with their Digimon partners and "Digivices," the group of seven sets out on a journey to find a way back home and understand why they were brought to this foreign land. Led by the adventurous Taichi Yagami and his hungry Digimon companion Agumon, they confront various threats while uncovering the secrets of the Digital World.

Usagi Tsukino is an ordinary student who often fails her exams and is known for being a klutz and a crybaby. Her everyday life takes an unexpected turn when she rescues a cat marked with a crescent moon on its forehead from peril. The feline, named Luna, soon reveals that their encounter was no coincidence: Usagi is fated to become Sailor Moon, a guardian of the planets entrusted with protecting Earth. Equipped with a special brooch that enables her to transform, she must wield her newfound abilities to defend the city against evil monsters that drain energy, dispatched by the malevolent Queen Beryl of the Dark Kingdom. However, mastering her powers and confronting villains are not her only challenges. She must locate the lost princess of the Moon Kingdom, assemble the other Sailor Guardians, and retrieve the Legendary Silver Crystal to avert the planet's annihilation.

In Whisper of the Heart, Shizuku Tsukishima, a lively 14-year-old, spends her free time reading books and writing poems. One evening, while looking at the checkout cards in her library books, she notices that a boy named Seiji Amasawa often checks out the same titles. Intrigued by this shared interest in literature, Shizuku decides to find this mysterious boy. On a train ride, she follows an unusual cat that leads her to a charming antique shop, where she discovers a cat figurine called "The Baron." Captivated by the shop, Shizuku unexpectedly meets Seiji, and they quickly form a close friendship. As their bond grows, Shizuku learns about Seiji’s dreams, which stirs a sense of uncertainty in her about her own path and abilities. Despite her doubts, Shizuku’s connection with Seiji inspires her to pursue her own ambitions. Encouraged by the whispers of her heart and guided by The Baron, she commits to discovering her true potential and chasing her dreams.

Seventeen-year-old high school detective Kudo Shinichi is known to everyone as the "Modern Sherlock Holmes." One night, following a date with Ran, his childhood sweetheart, he witnesses an illegal trade in progress. Caught completely off guard, he is knocked unconscious and forced to take a drug intended to kill him. Instead, he wakes up to discover his body has shrunk to that of a seven-year-old. To hunt down the men responsible, Shinichi hides his true identity and moves in with Ran, whose father happens to be a hopeless detective. From that point on, a stream of murders and mysteries arises that Shinichi must solve. The Keisatsu Gakkou-hen (Wild Police Story) arc is included in episodes 1029, 1038, 1042, and 1061. Episodes 11, 52, 76, 118, 162, 184, 208, 342, 356, 449, 452, 487, 488, 489, 490, 515, 516, 521, 522, 651, 734, 804, 805, 927, 928, and 1187 aired with a runtime of about 50 minutes instead of the standard 25. Episodes 96, 129, 174, 219, 263, 304, 383, and 479 aired with a runtime of about 90 minutes. Episodes 345 and 425 aired with a runtime of about 115 minutes.

In Slam Dunk, Hanamichi Sakuragi—known for his explosive temper, towering stature, and bright red hair—enrolls at Shohoku High School with a single goal: to find a girlfriend and break his middle school record of 50 rejections. His intimidating reputation makes many students wary of him. Through a series of events, Hanamichi develops two firm convictions: "I hate basketball," and "I desperately need a girlfriend." One day, Haruko Akagi, unaware of Hanamichi's troubled past, approaches him and asks about his interest in basketball. Enchanted by her, he quickly declares his love for the sport. Haruko then leads him to the gym, where she challenges him to perform a slam dunk. Hoping to impress her, Hanamichi attempts the shot but instead smashes his head against the backboard. The basketball team's captain learns of Hanamichi's remarkable athletic ability from Haruko, and he is gradually pulled into the world of basketball, embracing the teamwork and competition of a sport he once despised.

In the days leading up to the Japanese Revolution, Hiko Seiijuro, a wandering master swordsman and hermit, comes across bandits ransacking a slave wagon. With the hope of saving as many lives as he can, Hiko cuts down the raiding bandits, yet only manages to shield one child from the slaughter. He leaves the child behind, telling him to head to a nearby village where the locals can raise him. A few days later, Hiko returns to check on the child he saved and is struck by what he finds: the boy has shaped gravestones for both the slaves who had become his friends and the bandits who had killed them. Seeing great potential in the child, Hiko takes him in, gives him the name Kenshin—meaning "heart of the sword"—and mentors him in the swordsmanship of the Hiten Mitsuruugi Ryu. As his ideals clash relentlessly with the cruelty of reality, Tsuiokuhen tells the sorrowful and dark tale of Himura Kenshin, one of the most dreaded assassins of the Japanese Revolution: the Hitokiri Battousai.

After a curse transformed former World War I pilot Marco Pagot into a pig, he took on the alias Porco Rosso, a well-known bounty hunter who chases sky pirates over the Adriatic Sea. Living on a secluded island, Porco ventures out mainly to collect bounties or visit Gina, a captivating singer who runs the Hotel Adriano. On a trip to fix his faulty engine, Porco is ambushed by the ambitious young American pilot, Donald Curtis. Eager for recognition, Donald boasts that he will end the flying pig's career. To avoid disappointing Gina, Porco flees to the prestigious Piccolo S.P.A., an aircraft manufacturer, where he secures a substantial loan to refurbish and upgrade his fighter plane. Surprisingly, he finds that the company's lead engineer is Fio Piccolo, a 17-year-old aspiring aviation genius. With Fio's modifications, Porco is ready to confront Donald and restore his reputation.

Scientists splice the genetic material of the mythical Pokémon Mew to engineer Mewtwo, intended to be the most powerful Pokémon in existence. Refusing to remain a lab subject, Mewtwo lashes out with its psychic abilities, annihilating its creators in a fit of fury. It later seeks to master its abilities under Giovanni, the backer of the original research, only to realize it is being exploited once more. Determined to carve out its own destiny, Mewtwo vows revenge on humanity and unleashes a catastrophic storm to wipe out all life on Earth. Ash Ketchum and fellow trainers receive Mewtwo's summons to a battle, yet quickly learn the true motive: Mewtwo intends to clone their Pokémon to serve its own agenda. Ash races to thwart Mewtwo's scheme before it reaches fruition. The theatrical cut ran 75 minutes; a year later, a "complete version" aired on television just ahead of Pokémon the Movie 2000, expanding the runtime to 85 minutes with a retold sequence of Ash and Pikachu's first encounter.

In 2015, over a decade has passed since the devastating Second Impact nearly brought human civilization to its end. In the aftermath, a small group uncovers the presence of the Angels—massive, hostile beings determined to trigger the Third Impact and finish off the remnants of humanity. Shinji Ikari, a young boy, is summoned to Tokyo-3 by his father, Gendou Ikari, to join the fight against these Angels. His connection with Gendou has been tense since his mother's death, and Shinji hopes to repair their damaged relationship. But when he arrives, he discovers he was called to pilot Evangelion Unit-01, a giant machine built to confront the Angels. As he battles one Angel after another, Shinji gets pulled into a scheme that could determine the fate of all mankind.

Those who are weak and timid, like Yuugi Mutou, frequently become targets of bullying. His childhood friend, the kind Anzu Mazaki, defends him, but Yuugi realizes he cannot rely on her forever. Katsuya Jonouchi, frequently seen alongside his verbal rival Hiroto Honda, is not malicious at heart, even if he often creates trouble for Yuugi. What Yuugi truly wants is a faithful friend who understands him and will never betray his trust. Yuugi treasures the Millennium Puzzle, an ancient Egyptian artifact discovered in his grandfather's game store. Believing that solving the puzzle will grant his deepest desire, Yuugi assembles it, thereby unleashing a new identity—the spirit known as the "King of Games." This alternate persona, called Yami Yuugi, stands in stark contrast to Yuugi, being dark, forceful, and dependable. Whenever injustice occurs, Yami Yuugi takes over Yuugi's body and challenges the wrongdoer to a "Shadow Game," where the loser must confront the darkness hidden within their own soul.

Following a series of notable victories with his AE86, Takumi Fujiwara has risen to prominence in the world of street racing. His success on the slopes of Mount Akina has bolstered his self-assurance. However, this confidence faces a severe challenge from a new group known as Emperor, which exclusively utilizes the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or Lan Evo—a vehicle preferred by many professional racers. The team’s leader, Kyouichi Sudou, holds Takumi in low regard, deeming him an inadequate driver due to his choice of an outdated car that doesn’t match the capabilities of a contemporary race car. Kyouichi’s highbrow attitude is further reflected in his insistence that only Lan Evo drivers join his team. Will Takumi be able to sustain his unblemished record against the technically advanced and skilled Emperor team, or will his winning streak finally falter?

In "His and Her Circumstances," Yukino Miyazawa, the highly admired female class representative, is the most revered first-year girl at her high school. Known for her top-tier academic performance, athletic prowess, and a refined, friendly demeanor, she has long enjoyed the admiration of those around her. However, beneath this facade, Yukino possesses a deep-seated vanity and works tirelessly to uphold her flawless reputation and image. Her ultimate goal is to command everyone's attention and praise, which fuels her intense rivalry with Souichirou Arima, the male class representative who excels equally in all areas. From their first encounter in high school, Yukino has been fiercely competing with him for dominance. During the midterm exams, Yukino achieves the highest score, surpassing Souichirou. To her surprise, he offers his congratulations, causing her to question her usual manipulative tactics. After Souichirou confesses his love for her, Yukino rejects him, feeling a mix of satisfaction and regret over his dismissal. The next day, Souichirou visits Yukino's home to deliver a CD, where he discovers her true, unguarded self. Armed with this knowledge, he pressures her into helping him with student council duties. As Yukino is forced to interact with Souichirou, she realizes she is not alone in hiding secrets.

Long ago, a young princess was left heartbroken after losing her parents. In her grief, a traveling prince visited her, offering solace. He dried her tears, gave her a ring adorned with a rose, and promised to meet her again. This encounter deeply influenced the princess, Utena Tenjou, motivating her to aspire to become a prince. Utena later attends Ootori Academy, where she spots the same rose symbol on her cherished ring. Following the fragrance of roses, she encounters Anthy Himemiya tending to them, alongside Student Council President Touga Kiryuu and Vice President Kyouichi Saionji, who seem to be in dispute over Anthy. Although Utena pays little attention initially, the Student Council convenes shortly afterward to address an important issue. A miscommunication leads Utena to join the ranks of the Duelists, individuals who bear rings like hers. The Duelists engage in battles for control over the Rose Bride, Anthy Himemiya, who is believed to possess significant power. Driven by her desire to prove herself as a genuine prince and angered by Anthy’s mistreatment and objectification, Utena decides to challenge the Duelists and rescue her from her unfortunate situation.

An ancient prophecy foretells that when the great elemental titans of ice, lightning, and fire are disturbed, Lugia, the guardian of the seas, will emerge to restore balance. Driven by this prophecy, the collector Gelardan sets in motion a sinister scheme to capture Lugia by targeting the three powerful titans. As Gelardan executes his plan, extreme weather disturbances erupt across the globe, with fierce storms sweeping through the world. One such storm forces the boat carrying trainers Satoshi, Kasumi, and Kenji off course, leading them to land on Shamouti Island. On the island, Satoshi uncovers the ancient prophecy and learns of his destiny as the chosen one, who must assist Lugia in restoring peace to the world. With the future of the world hanging in the balance, Satoshi must summon the courage to confront the chaos threatening everyone and thwart Gelardan's malevolent intentions.

Goku observes the devastation in the Southern Galaxy, while Vegeta is crowned as the King of New Planet Vegeta and given the task of destroying the Legendary Super Saiyan, Broly.

Hitomi Kanzaki, a fifteen-year-old schoolgirl who enjoys tarot and fortune-telling, finds her mundane life upended when a boy named Van Fanel plunges from the sky alongside a fierce dragon. Using her ability to see glimpses of the future, Hitomi helps Van vanquish the dragon, but the two are then engulfed by a ray of light and transported to Gaea, a mystical realm where Earth hangs in the heavens. Once there, Hitomi learns that Van is the prince of the Kingdom of Fanelia, which faces imminent danger from the malevolent Zaibach Empire. To protect his realm, Van pilots his family's legendary guymelef, Escaflowne—a mighty mechanized armor suit—but he cannot prevent Fanelia's downfall. Fleeing the devastation, Hitomi and Van meet Allen Schezar, a handsome knight from Asturia who bears an uncanny resemblance to a boy Hitomi admired back on Earth. As they gather more companions, Van and Hitomi struggle against the Zaibach Empire, whose goal is to awaken an ancient and dangerous power.

In Sailor Moon R, Usagi Tsukino and the other Sailor Guardians enjoy a calm period before being summoned once more to protect cosmic balance. As Sailor Moon, Usagi heads her group against a fresh menace from outer space: An and Ail, the final two members of an extraterrestrial species. These antagonists attempt to sustain their vital Makai Tree by draining human life force. The Sailor Guardians must intervene to rescue the planet. Right after this threat ends, another danger emerges—a girl from the future who requires Sailor Moon's strength to rescue her family. Simultaneously, the Black Moon Clan pursues that same power for malevolent purposes. To safeguard the world and preserve universal harmony, Sailor Moon and her allies must face off against these opponents and stop their wicked schemes from succeeding.

In the era of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, the United Earth Sphere Alliance has maintained strict control over Earth and its space colonies for many generations. After the colonies attempted a revolt, their leader was killed. In the year After Colony 195, a group of defiant colonists initiates "Operation Meteor," dispatching five advanced mobile suits called "Gundams" to Earth. Built from the nearly indestructible Gundanium Alloy, these machines are meant to strike back against the Alliance and its subordinate organization OZ. During an aerial battle with OZ's top pilot, Zechs Marquise, one Gundam, piloted by an individual using the name Heero Yuy—the same as the late colony leader—crashes into the ocean. Upon reaching land, Heero meets Relena Peacecraft, the child of a peace-oriented political figure, who witnesses their arrival. Though neither realizes it at the time, this meeting will deeply affect both their lives and the future of Earth and the colonies.

Gene Starwind has long dreamed of commanding his own starship and traveling through space. Working odd jobs on the planet Sentinel III alongside his partner James Hawking, he manages to get by. Their lives change drastically when they accept a job from Rachel Sweet, a treasure hunter operating under a disguise. Their assignment is to protect a mysterious young woman named Melfina, leading them to an unforeseen journey aboard the cutting-edge spacecraft called Outlaw Star. The story follows Gene and his eclectic crew as they navigate the cosmos, attempting to uncover the secrets behind Melfina. Along the way, they confront a variety of threats, including merciless bounty hunters, marauding space pirates, practitioners of Tao magic, and even catgirls, making for a thrilling and perilous adventure.

Due to a janitor's mistake, an unsuspecting custodian is turned into Janemba, a chubby, yellow demon causing chaos in the afterlife. Since his heroic death during the battle against Cell, Goku Son has been taking part in posthumous martial arts tournaments. Janemba's disturbances eventually draw the attention of Goku and his fellow fighter Pikkon, prompting them to search for a way to defeat the monstrous enemy. After their clash, Goku witnesses Janemba undergo another transformation: the demon sheds its excess weight and changes color, becoming a sword-wielding opponent far more powerful than any Goku has faced before. Alongside his equally deceased rival, Vegeta, Goku must stop the menacing Janemba from destroying the very fabric of the universe.

In "Only Yesterday," Taeko Okajima, a 27-year-old woman living independently in Tokyo, decides to leave behind the city's constant activity and travel to her relatives' countryside home to assist with the harvest. While on the train, Taeko becomes lost in memories of her past, experiencing her days as a young girl as though she is watching her earlier self. After arriving, she meets Toshio, a young farmer who quickly becomes a close companion. During her stay, Taeko deepens her connections with her family and friends, learning more about the differences between city and rural life, as well as the difficulties and rewards of working on a farm. The film follows Taeko as she explores the wistful recollections of her childhood dreams and reconciles them with her present situation.

Goku Son and his companions are enjoying a camping trip when three mysterious foes suddenly ambush them. After a brief skirmish, Cooler, the fourth villain, emerges. Driven by a thirst for revenge over his brother Frieza's downfall, Cooler sets his sights on Goku. Goku barely manages to escape with Gohan Son and goes into hiding. Frustrated by this setback, Cooler and his minions launch an unyielding hunt for Goku, determined to track him down and exact their vengeance.

Memories brings together three separate short films, each belonging to a different genre. Magnetic Rose Deep in space, engineers Heintz Beckner and Miguel Costrela answer a distress call that leads them to a massive, abandoned space station. Inside, they discover a dilapidated mansion and begin investigating, uncovering a dark history tied to Eva Friedel, a renowned opera singer with a tragic past. As they endure tormenting hallucinations, they must fight to hold on to their sanity and escape the station alive. Stink Bomb Nobuo Tanaka, a clumsy lab technician, takes some pills from his lab to treat a cold. Unaware that these experimental pills make his flatulence fatally potent, he accidentally kills everyone around him. His superiors order him to flee to the company's headquarters in Tokyo. With his deadly odor growing stronger, Nobuo struggles to evade relentless pursuit by the police, military, and international enemies. Cannon Fodder Set in a fortress city bristling with cannons, a young boy dreams of surpassing his father and gaining respect as an artillery officer. Despite a lack of evidence pointing to an opposing nation, he eagerly takes part in the city's daily cannon drills. His ambition to fire a cannon for his homeland drives him through every moment, whether at school or just before sleep.

Jubei Kibagami, a masterless samurai for hire in feudal Japan, wanders without loyalty after being betrayed by his former lord. Weary of the endless power struggles between political factions, he encounters Kagero, the last survivor of her ninja clan, whom he rescues from a man who can turn his body to stone. Determined to fulfill her clan's final assignment, Kagero sets out to investigate a strange plague that has wiped out a village. Though Jubei wants to stay out of it, the stone man's allies—a group of supernaturally gifted ninja called the Devils of Kimon—force him into the conflict. A government official further complicates matters by poisoning Jubei and offering a cure only if he uncovers the Devils of Kimon's sinister schemes and their link to the plague. As Jubei digs deeper, he discovers a plot to overthrow the government and faces an unexpected enemy from his own past.

Shuuzou "Shuu" Matsutani leads an ordinary, peaceful existence filled with friendships, a crush on a girl, and kendo practice. After a disappointing defeat in a kendo match, he climbs a smokestack to watch the sunset and meets Lala-Ru, a quiet blue-haired girl wearing an unusual pendant. Although she ignores him, Shuu tries to connect with her. His hopeful mood shatters when a woman accompanied by two serpent-like machines appears to capture Lala-Ru. Shuu attempts to rescue her but is instead transported to a strange desert world. Focused on saving Lala-Ru, he endures brutal treatment from soldiers and learns she can control water using her pendant—a priceless ability in this arid land. However, the pendant goes missing, and Shuu becomes the main suspect. This grim tale follows Shuu through a dystopian wasteland as he suffers torture, hunger, and the horrors of war, all while clinging to his determination to protect the lonely girl he first saw on top of a smokestack.

In Sailor Moon S, the Sailor Guardians, led by Sailor Moon, carry on their mission to defend Earth from various threats. But Sailor Mars's troubling visions and the sudden appearance of Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus herald the start of a fresh conflict. Neptune and Uranus are searching for three Talismans hidden inside individuals' Pure Heart Crystals. When united, these Talismans form the Holy Grail, a potent magical relic. Their objective is to acquire the Grail in order to save the world, yet the sinister Death Busters also desire its power for their own evil plans. Removing a Talisman from a Heart Crystal causes the person's death, a sacrifice Neptune and Uranus consider essential to secure the Grail. In contrast, Sailor Moon and her friends find this approach unacceptable. Despite their objections, they are forced to grapple with the question: can such a loss be justified to rescue all of humanity?

In the world of Slayers, the bold and highly skilled sorceress Lina Inverse travels across different regions, stealing treasure from any bandits she encounters. After she robs a group of thieves, they retaliate by setting an ambush in a forest. Just as Lina is about to easily wipe out her enemies, the swordsman Gourry Gabriev steps in. Mistaking Lina for a helpless maiden in distress, the kind-hearted but naive warrior offers his aid. After quickly defeating the thieves, the oblivious knight insists on escorting Lina to Atlas City. She is initially reluctant but eventually agrees. Unbeknownst to Lina, one of the items in her latest haul is a powerful magical artifact. A mysterious pair begins following her and her new companion, intending to seize the object for sinister purposes. This sets the stage for their journey, which may ultimately determine the fate of the world.

In Kouchi city, high school student Taku Morisaki leads an ordinary life until his friend Yutaka Matsuno urgently contacts him at school. Matsuno introduces Taku to Rikako Muto, a beautiful transfer student from Tokyo. Despite her outstanding academic and athletic abilities, Rikako's often unpleasant personality means she has only two close friends: Matsuno and another girl in her class. Their relationship deepens unexpectedly after a chance encounter during a school trip, causing friction between Taku and Matsuno. As Taku struggles with his bond with Matsuno and his growing feelings for Rikako, he must also come to terms with the influence this complex individual, who carries a difficult past, has on his life.

An unknown object crashes on Earth, sparking a huge wildfire near the campsite of Gohan Son, Kuririn, Bulma, and Oolong. Even after their attempts, they cannot fully save the forest and decide to use the Dragon Balls to restore it. Several days later, a group of unidentified warriors plants a seed at the crash site; it rapidly grows into a massive tree that devastates the forest and nearby cities. North Kaio informs Gokuu Son that the tree, called the "Shinseiju," drains all the planet's nutrients, leaving the land barren. The tree also yields a powerful fruit that grants great strength to anyone who eats it. Armed with this information, Gokuu and his allies try to destroy the tree before it's too late, but soon discover the task is far harder than anticipated.

In "Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon," the Z Fighters encounter a mysterious music box that cannot be opened, prompting them to search for the Dragon Balls to solve the puzzle. When they finally unlock it, they find Tapion, a warrior who had sealed himself inside along with a powerful monster named Hildegarn. To overcome this dangerous enemy, Goku must master a new technique.

After his fight with Goku, Broly crash-lands on Earth and enters a deep sleep. Years later, he is awakened by Trunks and Goten. Mistaking one of the boys for Kakarott, Broly unleashes a brutal assault, determined to destroy them both. Meanwhile, Gohan sets out alone to confront the Legendary Super Saiyan.

A mysterious entity called the "Big Gete Star" attaches itself to the planet New Namek, draining its energy and placing the Namekians in serious danger. Dende, now Earth's guardian, senses the crisis and urgently calls on Goku Son and his allies for help. Arriving on New Namek, they find the Namekians have been captured by advanced robots, with Cooler revealed as their captor. Cooler explains that he was revived by the Big Gete Star's advanced technology. Commanding his robotic army, he launches an attack on Goku and his companions, determined to eliminate them once and for all.

In "Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13!," Dr. Gero's androids—#13, #14, and #15—are activated by the laboratory's systems and head to a shopping mall where Goku is shopping. Goku and his companions are tasked with stopping these new threats.

Former training partner of Mr. Satan, Jaga Bada, invites Satan to a rematch on his private island, driven by past grudges. Seeking excitement, Trunks and Goten choose to go with Satan, and Android #18 tags along to collect a debt Satan owes. Unbeknownst to the fighters, Jaga Bada's scientists have discovered a way to revive Broly, the legendary Super Saiyan.

Thirteen years after the Androids launched their destructive assault, Son Gohan remains the sole warrior resisting them. While training Bulma's son, Trunks, Gohan ultimately sacrifices his life to safeguard the young fighter. Carrying this weight, Trunks must now search for a method to alter this bleak future.

Mr. Money organizes a new Tenka'ichi Budokai, and Mr. Satan extends invitations to fighters worldwide. But Bojack, an ancient enemy who has broken free from his imprisonment, is secretly among the competitors. With Goku still gone, Gohan, Vegeta, and Trunks must rise to the challenge to defeat Bojack and his henchmen.

Gohan Son and Piccolo are enjoying a quiet moment when they detect a powerful energy approaching Earth. News quickly spreads that this energy is a small planet heading straight for the planet. Gokuu Son and Kuririn try to redirect the tiny planet with a Kamehameha, but their efforts fail, and both are thrown back. Just as the object nears Earth's surface, it suddenly changes course and eventually explodes. The small planet reveals itself to be a carrier for what looks like a castle. A large army emerges and announces that the planet now belongs to Slug, the king of the universe. While protecting the city from the invasion, Gohan accidentally loses their Dragon Ball, which Slug promptly takes. By reading Bulma's thoughts and confiscating her Dragon Radar, Slug commands his forces to gather the wish-granting spheres. Once he has the Dragon Balls, Slug uses them to regain his youth, becoming youthful, intelligent, and immensely powerful. With these new abilities, Slug begins his plan to conquer the world.

In Sailor Moon SuperS, the spotlight shifts to Chibi-usa and the Sailor Guardians as they confront a new menace from the Dead Moon Circus. The antagonists seek to locate the Golden Dream Mirror to take over the world by stealing Dream Mirrors from unaware people and draining their energy. Chibi-usa forms a bond with Pegasus during this arc, and the Sailor Senshi also acquire enhanced abilities to fight against these fresh foes.

Miaka Yuuki and Yui Hongo discover a mysterious antique book glowing red in the National Library, pulling them into another world. There, they encounter aggressive slave traders but escape thanks to Tamahome, a powerful youth with a Chinese character on his forehead. Soon after, the red light returns, taking Yui back to their world. Eager to find Yui, Miaka asks Tamahome for help. The stakes rise when they meet Emperor Hotohori, who believes Miaka is the foretold priestess of the kingdom's guardian deity, Suzaku. Gathering the god's seven Celestial Warriors allows the priestess to summon Suzaku to grant any wish. Hotohori sees this as a way to save his country and convinces Miaka to take on the priestess role, which could also help her situation. Meanwhile, Yui finds herself back at the library, realizing she is alone. Powerless to intervene, she can only watch as Miaka embarks on dangerous adventures as the protagonist of the mysterious book.

In this installment of Dragon Ball Z, Dr. Kochin, a celebrated expert in biotechnology, collects the Dragon Balls within his laboratory to free his mentor, Dr. Uirou—a deranged scientist aiming for world domination—who has been sealed in the eternal ice of the Tsurumai-Tsuburi Mountains. While Son Gohan and Oolong search for the Dragon Balls, they fall into a trap set by Dr. Kochin's creations, called Bio-Men. Piccolo, nearby, tries to rescue Gohan and Oolong but is interrupted by three mysterious fighters. The fight is cut short when the ice below collapses, burying Gohan and Oolong. After waking up, they return to Kame House, where they are again confronted by Bio-Men demanding that Muten Roshi join them. Roshi refuses and quickly defeats the attackers, drawing Dr. Kochin's attention. Convinced that Muten Roshi is the strongest fighter in the world, Dr. Kochin kidnaps Bulma to force Roshi into participating in his hidden plan to release his master. The mystery grows: who exactly are Dr. Kochin and Dr. Uirou, and what sinister schemes do they have in store?

Like the R Season, SailorStars is split into two arcs. The first arc resolves several lingering issues from the SuperS season and marks the return of the Outer Senshi: Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna, and Hotaru, who has been reborn as a child. The second arc follows the main plot from the manga. Usagi bids farewell to Mamoru as he departs for America to study abroad. In his absence, the Three Lights—an idol trio made up of three boys named Seiya, Taiki, and Yaten—arrive. The new antagonist is Galaxia, a woman who seeks to dominate the entire galaxy by collecting the Star Seeds of humans. Three new Senshi, the Sailor Starlights, appear and intend to stop Galaxia without relying on Sailormoon's help.