The iconic 90s anime aesthetic is well-known within the anime community. Most anime that adorn the 90s style was made in the 90s, but there are a few gems that used this art style as inspiration for shows that came out in the future. Over-the-top hairstyles, blocks of color, and thin, straight lines are some of the staple features that fans will find in a 90s anime show.
Fans can't forget the amazing fashion that was found in 90s anime and manga too, with many character designs taking influence from the decade's trending fashion pieces. Due to the popularity and nostalgia of this art style, a lot of designers chose to go down the 90s aesthetic route, even in more modern shows.
7 Paradise Kiss
Yukari Hayasaka wakes up in an unfamiliar place and finds herself in the heart of the Atelier, an underground studio for a group of fashion designers. After talking with the group, she discovers that they are students at Yazawa Art Academy, and due to her attractive looks, they want her to be a model for their entry in the Yazawa Art Academy show.
Yukari initially refuses but ends up leaving her ID behind. Her future love interest and fashion designer, George Koizumi, tracks her down to return her ID and persuade Yukari to model for the group. Paradise Kiss is a romantic, drama anime that follows the ups and downs of the group's friendships and relationships.
6 Nana
Nana is an anime that follows the persona lives of Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu "Hachi". Throughout the show, fans see the trials and tribulations of friendships, relationships, and real-life issues. Nana Osaki is the vocalist for the punk band Black Stones, her boyfriend, however, is the vocalist for the band Blast.
A healthy rivalry spurs the both of them, but their dream careers start to put a strain on their relationship. Nana Kamatsu and Nana Osaki become best friends after meeting on a train to Tokyo, with Nana Komatsu telling her a long story about how she's moving to the city to live with her boyfriend, Shoji Endo.
5 Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal
Usagi Tsukino bumps into a cat named Luna and is surprised to find that the cat can talk and understand human language. Luna gives Usagi a brooch that grants her magical powers, allowing Usagi to turn into the iconic character, Sailor Moon. She must work towards searching for the Silver Crystal and discovering her fellow Sailor Guardians.
Luna also informs Usagi of the lost princess of the Moon Kingdom, which is in fact Luna's home region. Queen Beryl, the antagonist, also wants to find the Silver Crystal. It's a race against the two to reach the powerful crystal first, but not without obstacles along the way.
4 InuYasha
Kagome Higurashi finds herself being dragged into a well at her family's shrine by a mysterious demon. Time travel ensues and Kagome lands in the past, and much to her dismay, it's 5000 years in the past. This time period is named the Sengoku period, a harsh time in Japan. Kagome discovers that the demons want her for the jewel that's inside of her, called the Shikon Jewel.
This is a powerful jewel that holds the power to grant wishes. Kagome ends up being involved in a fight with a demon, leading to the Shikon jewel shattering. Inuyasha is then introduced into the anime and promises to help Kagome find the pieces of the jewel to prevent the demons from getting to it first.
3 Fruits Basket
Tohru plans to live with her grandfather after a tragic accident that leads to her losing her mother. However, her grandfather's house is going through a renovation at this time, and Tohru reassures her grandfather that she can find somewhere else to say for the time being. Tohru doesn't want to ask any of her friends due to the inconvenience it may cause, so she resorts to staying in a tent in the woods. Tohru arrives back in the woods after a shift at work, only to find her tent has been destroyed and buried underneath a landslide.
Her fellow classmate, Yuki Souma, and his cousin Shigure Souma, conveniently find Tohru in the woods and offer her a place to stay at their home. Much to Tohru's surprise, members of the Souma family transform into a zodiac animal when they are hugged by the opposite gender.
2 Vampire Knight
Vampire Knight starts with the introduction of the main protagonist, Yuki Cross, and her step-brother Zero Kiryu. They are both members of the disciplinary committee at their school, Cross Academy, which is in fact owned by their adoptive father, Kaien Cross. However, Cross Academy is split into two sections, which are the day class and the night class.
The night class only takes part in academic activities during the nighttime due to the fact that they're vampires. The students of the day class have no idea that their fellow nocturnal students are vampires, except for Yuki and Zero. They're both sworn to secrecy by their adoptive father, and work hard to keep the secret safe. The anime follows Yuki's journey through love after meeting one of the most powerful vampires, Kaname Kuran.
1 Yu Gi Oh: Duel Monsters GX
Juudai Yuuki signs up to be a student at Duel Academy, the perfect school for those who want to improve their duelist skills. As any other duelist, Juudai wants to obtain the title of The King of Games and will do anything to reach that status. After arriving late for his entrance exam, he meets a familiar face who gives him the Winged Kuriboh, Juudai's new partner.
Following this interaction, Juudai becomes a true duelist and must face the ups and downs of the duelist lifestyle. Fans of the anime witness Juudai working towards The King of Games title and battle through the many obstacles that stand in his way.