Best Drama Anime of 1991

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.

At sixteen, Nanako Misonoo expects a bright future when she enters the prestigious all-girls Seiran Academy. But her hopes are crushed as she becomes caught in a web of lies, sorrow, and resentment. Making things worse, she is selected as the newest member of the Sorority, a highly respected group within the school. Lacking the elegance, wealth, or talent of her peers, Nanako soon becomes a target of envy, especially from the intimidating Aya Misaki. Facing growing troubles at school, Nanako writes letters to her former teacher, Takehiko Henmi, whom she calls "onii-sama." She also finds comfort in her four closest friends: childhood friend Tomoko Arikura, outgoing but unpredictable Mariko Shinobu, emotionally troubled musician Rei Asaka, and physically strong and tomboyish Kaoru Orihara. This heartfelt drama explores the struggles of bullying, focusing on Nanako's difficult journey at her new school as she deals with vicious rumors, cruel classmates, and many social challenges.

In the year 0083 of the Universal Century, the Earth Federation has emerged victorious over the Principality of Zeon in the One Year War. Yet, a Zeon remnant faction under Aguille Delaz survived and remained hidden. Three years later, this faction plans a renewed assault, dispatching their ace pilot Anavel Gato to infiltrate a Federation research base and seize one of two experimental Gundam prototypes, which is armed with a powerful nuclear weapon. To counter this threat and preserve global peace, the Earth Federation deploys the new carrier Albion, staffed with test pilots including rookie Kou Uraki, who operates the other prototype Gundam. The Albion and its crew are tasked with stopping Gato, recovering the stolen Gundam, and preventing the Zeon remnants from igniting another conflict.

The Z Project aimed to relieve the younger generation from the burden of caring for the elderly by creating a machine that could provide full care without human intervention. Initially, this seemed like a brilliant idea, and many young people supported its implementation. However, when elderly Mr. Takazawa became the test subject for the Z-001 unit, Haruko began to question both the hospital's methods and the ethical implications of the machine. This is only the start, as Haruko faces not only the hospital but overwhelming odds stacked against her. Then she discovers a peculiar feature of the machine: it contains a biochip that gradually develops a consciousness of its own!

In the 123rd year of the Universal Century, rising tensions between the Federation and the rebel faction Crossbone Vanguard ignite conflict across the space colonies of Earth. When violence erupts in Seabook Arno's home colony, he and his friends are compelled to escape, soon caught up in a rapidly escalating war. Along the way, Seabook encounters Cecily Fairchild, granddaughter of the noble Meitzer Ronah, who aims to establish a new political state called Cosmo Babylonia. The Ronah family, employing the Crossbone Vanguard as their military arm, intends to revive aristocratic rule and create an economic system that favors the nobility at the expense of common citizens throughout the Earth Sphere. Tasked with piloting the Gundam F91—a mobile suit developed by his mother—Seabook must decide whether to back the existing Federation government or ally with Cecily in pursuit of a better future for everyone.

Somewhat based on the true story of how Gainax was founded, Otaku no Video explores every facet of the otaku lifestyle. Ken Kubo is a young man living an ordinary life until he is pulled into a circle of otaku. Gradually, he grows more like them, ultimately deciding to abandon his old life and pursue his goal of becoming the king of otaku—the otaking! Interspersed throughout are live-action interviews with real otaku, covering every aspect of hardcore otaku existence. The documentary includes not only anime and manga enthusiasts but also sci-fi fans, military buffs, and other varieties of Japanese geeks.

In the medieval kingdom of Pars, young Prince Arslan struggles with the coldness of his father and the distance of his mother, longing to understand the world beyond the castle walls. Though he witnesses widespread suffering and slavery among his people, he holds onto a vision of a fairer society. Everything crumbles when Lusitania invades Pars, forcing Arslan to mature rapidly. "Arslan Senki" chronicles the prince's wartime journey as he fights to recover his homeland and protect those he loves, aided by a loyal group of advisors. Along the way, Arslan uncovers hidden truths and confronts enemies who despise him for his royal birth, yet he also discovers unexpected allies. While portraying the brutal realities of war, "Arslan Senki" is also the tale of a young man's struggle to uphold his ideals amid overwhelming odds.

Kayoko is a young girl in 1940, just beginning first grade. She is known as a bit of a crybaby to those around her. She delights in playing with friends, singing cheerful schoolyard chants, and occasionally having fun with her three older brothers. With her mother pregnant, Kayoko looks forward to becoming a big sister, only partially grasping the responsibility it might bring. Meanwhile, the war effort intensifies, and supporting the country through patriotism feels like the natural thing to do. Kayoko goes so far as to donate her favorite doll, whose materials could be used to build explosives. As time passes and she grows older, Kayoko witnesses how the war has reshaped her life and the lives of those around her. However, nothing prepares her for 1945 and the bleak times that soon follow. This story is based on the real-life experiences of original creator Kayoko Ebina during World War II in the Showa era.

Lupica, yet another space princess from the endless stream of them who apparently discovered Earth through some travel brochure, shows up and kidnaps Ataru! However, Lupica isn't interested in Ataru for his good looks or winning personality—since he lacks both. Her true aim is the galaxy's most potent love potion, which she plans to use to make her beloved agree to marriage. To obtain it, she requires the being with the strongest lust in the entire cosmos...

Three centuries ago, the mighty warrior Taishaku-ten rose against the world's divine rulers, seized power, and established a tyrannical reign that went unchallenged for years. Yet the sightless prophet Kuyou foretold that the Six Stars, joined by a member of the extinct Ashura race, would eventually bring down Taishaku-ten. The Ashura—marked by pointed ears and golden eyes—unite with the formidable fighter Yasha-ou and four other Stars to oppose Taishaku-ten. Their quest takes them through devastated lands and into clashes with terrifying demons that haunt the realm. As destiny unfolds, Ashura and Yasha-ou must locate the final Star before time runs out.

A full three years have passed since Gargoyle and Neo-Atlantis were defeated, but now a fresh threat emerges in the form of Geiger. This new foe wields advanced robotic technology and plans to spark a global war, then take control amid the resulting turmoil. Once again, Nadia and Jean are thrust into action, striving to keep the world from bringing about its own destruction.

The narrative follows Maria, who leaves her convent life behind to take on the responsibility of caring for Captain Trapp's children, based on the same source material that inspired the classic musical 'The Sound of Music'.

According to the legend of Mermaid Forest, consuming mermaid flesh grants immortality—a reality Yuta, who has lived for five centuries, and his companion Mana know from experience. Yet most who attempt to gain this power either perish or become grotesque beings. Fifty-five years ago, Towa Kannagi received mermaid blood from her sister Sawa to cure a life-threatening illness. This left Towa eternally youthful except for her snow-white hair and a monstrous arm. Over the decades, she has longed to restore her body to normal, relying on blood transfusions from deceased youths with the help of Dr. Shiina. One day, Mana is mistakenly pronounced dead and taken to Towa for a transfusion. Realizing Mana is still alive, Towa must decide how far she is willing to go to heal herself. Can Yuta save Mana before it is too late?

The last occasion Saki left a school was to swap her school uniform for prison attire, but when federal authorities required someone to penetrate a merciless crime syndicate operating inside an elite high school, they decided they required the most formidable bad girl available. Now Saki is back on the streets for a decisive final exam, equipped with a concealed gadget that merely appears to be a yo-yo, and permitted to employ any level of force to accomplish her mission. Saki is charming, dangerous, and prepared to risk everything—since if she fails this assignment, her next garment will be a body bag.

Mary Lennox discovers that childhood is not always as joyful as it should be. After losing both parents to illness, she is left traumatized and alone, then sent from India to England to live with her uncle, who becomes her guardian. Though she grieves her parents, Mary finds some comfort in being cared for—she gets regular meals and lives in a large mansion, aware these are privileges not to be taken for granted. But her uncle is a quiet man who rarely speaks, leaving Mary feeling isolated and bored, often dwelling on painful memories. One day while walking outside, she unexpectedly finds a hidden garden near the house. With the help of her new friends Dickon and Martha, and her wheelchair-bound cousin Colin, Mary begins an adventure that can turn her bleak life into one full of wonder and joy.

Yotsuya and Ichinose are lounging on a hot afternoon, reminiscing about the time the Ikkoku-kan residents and Mitaka set out on a cruise to celebrate Mitaka's new boat. The celebration takes a turn when the boat malfunctions and breaks apart, leaving everyone stranded on a remote island. Amid the usual chaos and pranks, the group faces unexpected adventures in their isolated surroundings.

The Ryudo brothers possess the remarkable speed, strength, and abilities passed down from their dragon ancestors, powers that grow stronger with time. When placed under intense stress, they can transform into savage, uncontrollable dragons. As their skills develop, they draw the unwanted attention of dangerous foes, including secret organizations with endless resources and cutting-edge technology who will stop at nothing to seize control of the brothers.

Suekichi is a university student who enjoys plenty of free time for his hobbies. His life takes an unexpected turn when he attends his great-grandfather's funeral. The next morning, he finds a beautiful young woman in his bed. His great-grandfather has left him a small inheritance, but with certain conditions attached. Meanwhile, the mysterious Aya stays close by, refusing to leave. This creates the foundation for an unusual relationship built on both distrust and mutual fascination.

During the snowy winter days just before Christmas, Mizuki Tateno—a young woman with a reputation for having a difficult personality—moves in next door to Fujioka Junsho. The moment she meets Junsho, Mizuki flatly declares, "I hate Christmas." What causes her to feel this animosity, and why does she live by herself in such a large house? The explanations for these mysteries start to come to light after an incident that takes place right after Christmas, revealing Mizuki's hidden past.

In this version, the mermaid Marina falls for Prince Justin, who lives in a nearby coastal kingdom. After a giant Cyclops chases Justin and a three-headed sea serpent attacks his ship, Justin nearly drowns, but Marina rescues him. She then strikes a bargain with the sea witch Hedwig to become human for a short time, hoping to win Justin’s love. As Marina and Justin grow closer, Justin mistakenly believes Princess Cecily, a human princess, saved him and agrees to marry her. Later, Justin remembers that Marina was his real savior, but by then she has turned back into a mermaid. They continue meeting in secret, searching for a way to be together while fighting Hedwig’s plan to take over the kingdom and Cecily’s efforts to force the wedding. Their aquatic friends—Winnie the seahorse, Bobo the tropical fish, and Ridley the sea otter—along with the wizard Anselm and Justin’s page, Chauncey, help them.

In Tomoe ga Yuku! (Tomoe Will Go!), the protagonist Tomoe is bold enough to roller skate down highways for excitement. After a friend dies in a roller skating crash, Tomoe becomes a member of the stunt group Green Ship. Still grieving her friend's loss, she has no hesitation about starting a romance with the group's leader, Kazusa. Before long, she learns that Green Ship is actually a cover for an assassin training facility. Forced to flee both her new life and her love, Tomoe must reignite her fierce determination to battle the organization that now wants her dead.

The manga Princess Connection, originally serialized in Betsukomi Flower Comics by Kazumi Ooya, centers on a mostly male pop group that also functions as a detective agency. Their tranquil daily life is shaken when someone from one member's past returns and causes trouble, eventually resulting in the abduction of the group's only female member.

In "My Sky: Detective Story," the main character Yasuda Ippei—voiced by Shonozaki Ken—is the child of Yasuda Seijiro (played by Osugi Ren), who serves as the chairman of the massive Yasuda Group. Born into a high-status family, Ippei demonstrates no flaws and earns the respect of those around him. With exceptional academic ability, he finishes high school in two years and gains admission to Tokyo University's Faculty of Law without sitting for entrance exams. Seeking to cultivate his own personal sense of justice, Ippei declines his inheritance from the Yasuda Group and enrolls in the police academy instead. Working as a detective at Kyobashi Police Station, he confronts serious criminal threats with bravery and persistence.

In a peculiar fusion of samurai cinema and Shonan-style biker action, Tokyo street punk Masao acquires a prized FZR "katana" motorcycle. Transforming into a knight of the road, Masao wages war on criminals wielding a real katana sword. This story is adapted from the manga by Shinichi Sugimura in Young Magazine.

This manga depicts the life of Shizuya Kondou, a man who designs underwear by day and is "don" of a gang at night.

Dr. Typhoon is a seinen manga written by Takahashi Michitsuna and illustrated by Kazama Eiji. It was first serialized in Weekly Manga Action.

This story follows Jin, a hitman, and Yoshiro, a former far-left terrorist, who cross paths by chance and subsequently advance together within the yakuza hierarchy.

This 1991 OVA was produced independently by Toshiba, distinguishing it from the preceding OVA series. The protagonist, Ryuu—also called Crying Dragon—is an enigmatic man who frequently challenges gang members to games. He only claims victory through "ron," a mahjong move that requires waiting for an opponent's tile to complete a winning hand. Notably, "ron" is also referred to as "naki" in mahjong, which shares the same pronunciation as the Japanese word for "crying." Mahjong Hishouden Naki no Ryuu is a mahjong anime based on a manga by Nojo Junichi, serialized during the 1980s and 1990s.

An adaptation of the first series, with different characters and an alternate setting.

The story follows a young girl and her family as they get trapped in Manchuria during the Russo-Japanese War.

Movie version of the TV series Huckleberry no Bouken.

Chisa lands on Earth inside her spacecraft beneath a full moon, having traveled from a distant galaxy. She is supposed to make human friends to satisfy her university requirements, but without her broken computer brain, she quickly becomes confused and has trouble coping. Realizing she only has until the following day's noon to succeed, Chisa must hastily figure out how to adapt to this unfamiliar world and complete her assignment.