Best Supernatural Anime of 1998

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.

In the early 21st century, Japan experiences economic and political decline. To revive the nation, the military introduces Tactical Armors (TAs), advanced mechanical suits built for combat. These suits offer enhanced mobility but place extreme strain on their users, limiting effective operation to a select few. Yuushirou Gouwa is among those exceptional pilots, known for his innate ability to control the TAs. As the fourth son of the powerful Gouwa family, he understands the influence of high-ranking officials. His skills and knowledge of TAs are quickly tested as other countries and groups accelerate development of their own combat versions. The situation darkens when Yuushirou meets a cryptic girl who forewarns him of a potential "terror" if he proceeds down a certain path. Despite her caution, Yuushirou's family may be more involved in the mounting tensions than they let on.

Shido Tatsuhiko works as a private detective who also happens to be a vampire with a mysterious history. He is joined by Yayoi Matsunaga, an agent working for the government; Riho Yamazaki, a young orphan who helps him; and Guni, a small green imp. Together they confront strange monsters called Nightbreed. At the same time, Cain, the vampire who turned Shido into what he is, searches for him.

A sizable compilation of the escapades involving the goddesses from the Ah My Goddess anime and manga. This series of short segments is filled with parodies of other media and an abundance of humor, centering on the goddesses tormenting and spending time with their pal Gan the rat.

A timeless war has been waged between the monstrous Demons and the noble Guardians over control of Earth, the cherished creation of the great Mother who gave life to all. Their deep-seated animosity stems from the Guardians having stopped the Demons' attempts to wipe out humanity and the world. In the present day, within the bustling Neo-Shinjuku City, only a handful of Demons and Guardians continue this ancient conflict. Humanity has long since taken dominion over Earth, with no real memory of either Demons or Guardians. Yet, in the hidden depths of the city’s underworld, one powerful Demon plots to dominate humankind. Standing against this threat is a sole Guardian, whose actions will determine the future of the human race.

Embark on a harrowing descent into faith and treachery as the notorious Jubei Yagyu unleashes his lethal swords against both righteous and wicked forces. Amid an eruption of unimaginable brutality, the Shogun's armies show no mercy, cutting down their foes without hesitation. On the rocky peninsula of Amakusa, the devout await divine intervention while a demon stirs among them. Driven by a thirst for revenge, a Child of Heaven becomes Hell's messenger. Haunted by visions of Amakusa's final moments, the legendary swordsman Jubei Yagyu returns to his family estate, seeking relief from the bloody obligations of a feudal vassal. Life in Yagyu village carries a peace ill-suited to an era of armed insurrection and unholy pacts. For Jubei, this tranquility feels far too thin, and soon disturbing rumors reach him. Four deceased heroes reclaim their existence, thriving on the fear and turmoil of the age. Compelled to draw his sword once more, Jubei resumes his journey toward vengeance and damnation in Ninja Resurrection! Note: The series was originally planned for four episodes, but because a scene in the first episode closely resembled an actual event occurring in Japan at the time, external pressure forced it to conclude after two episodes, leaving the story unresolved on a cliffhanger.

Hell Teacher Nube returns, with his beloved students still at risk from demons, ghosts, and the enigmatic Man in the Wall. Fortunately, Nube doesn't face these trials alone. The slightly foolish yet lovely Yukime and the yokai playboy-turned-physician Tamamo-sensei team up to assist in protecting the students.

Kaihei, an ordinary high school student, unexpectedly finds out that his late grandfather has appointed him as the chairman of his all-girls school, St. Luminous Mission High School. Not only is he the only male student on campus, but he also becomes the young chairman in charge of school rules, activities, and discipline. When Kaihei arrives, though, it appears that a student has gone missing. Determined to solve this mystery without calling the local police, Kaihei and his closest friends set out to find the truth before graduation.

In the Haruba household, a loving family of three siblings makes their home. The youngest among them is the protagonist, who secretly exists as a spirit. Against the backdrop of a nostalgic Japan, the narrative follows the extraordinary daily life of this family.

Anime adaptation of the children's fantasy novel by Daisaku Ikeda.