9 Best 90s Anime Movies That You Should Watching Update 03/2024

Best 90s Anime Movies

With a wide variety of animated films to choose from, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.

Even though it may seem like it, the world of animation is much broader than just Disney. When Disney went through its Renaissance in the 1990s, this attitude was felt to its fullest. During that time period, the firm produced several true classics. However, they weren’t the only animation firm at the time putting out exceptional work. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a 1990s animated feature that the Mouse didn’t bring to life.

1. FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)

FernGully The Last Rainforest (1992)

Take a trip down memory lane with this option. It’s possible that FernGully: The Last Rainforest is a name you’ve never heard of, but the chances are good that you saw it as a kid. It’s a curious encounter between the logger Zak (Jonathan Ward) and the inquisitive fairy Crysta (Samantha Matthis). Loggers and Hexxus (Tim Curry), an evil pollution monster, plan to ruin the forest, which in turn threatens the fairies’ realm and their existence. Crysta and Zak must unite the fairies before it’s too late to save their colony.

2. Cool World (1992)

I have an unpopular opinion about Cool World, which is that it receives a lot of bad press. Despite the fact that the picture has been altered from the original vision of famed animator Ralph Bakshi, the final product is nevertheless a fun frolic that warrants a second viewing. Comic strips based on a fascinating cartoon universe are being drawn by inmate Jack (Gabriel Byrne), who is in prison. On his release, he meets hardened investigator Frank (Brad Pitt), as well as femme fatale Holli (Julianne Moore) (Kim Basinger). Cool World is in serious jeopardy since the lines between the two realities are blurring.

3. Porco Rosso (1992)

Porco Rosso (1992)

When it comes to the top 90s animated films, it’s impossible to leave out Studio Ghibli. Choosing between this and Princess Mononoke was a difficult decision. The only one of these films having a mustached aviator pig is Porco Rosso, which is the only one of these flicks. This is the story of Marco Pagot, a bounty hunter who has been transformed into a pig by a mystery curse. Even though he is increasingly disillusioned with Italy’s new administration, he still takes to the skies as Porco Rosso to fight air pirates. Curtis (Akio tsuka), an American ace, proceeds to clash with him, leading to an epic air battle. However, if you’re looking for something a little more lighthearted than Grave of the Fireflies, give this one a go instead.

4. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

As far as Batman films go, this is one of the best live action or animated ones, and for good reason. Following the events of Batman: The Animated Series, the titular hero (Kevin Conroy) takes on a new enemy who is killing out Gotham’s criminal bosses. However, things aren’t always what they appear to be, especially with the Phantasm lurking in the shadows. It’s no surprise that Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is one of the greatest instances of Batman material ever done.

5. The Swan Princess (1994)

The Swan Princess (1994)

There are so many direct-to-video sequels to the original Swan Princess that it can be hard to recall that the original is actually pretty terrific. Even though it’s not as romantic as it thinks, this story of self-acceptance is nonetheless a beautiful one. As soon as Odette (Michelle Nicastro) learns that her boyfriend Derek (Howard McGillin) is only interested in her because of her looks, the evil wizard Rothbart (Jack Palance) kidnaps her and turns her into a swan. Odette and Derek have to find a means to fight Rothbart before he claims both their kingdoms as his own, which they are unaware of.

6. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

It’s time to forget about the shoddy live-action version that was released a few years ago. In my opinion, Ghost in the Shell is one of the greatest anime films ever made, period. Cryptic ghost-hacked bodies, or shells, can be tracked and killed with ease by Major Motoko Kusanagi (Atsuko Tanaka). That’s not to say Motoko’s encounter with biohacker Iemasa Kayumi (Iemasa Kayumi) doesn’t make her rethink what really differentiates people and machines. It’s a gripping and thought-provoking story that will stay with you for a long time after you’ve finished watching it.

7. The End of Evangelion (1997)

The End of Evangelion (1997)

The Neon Genesis Evangelion Rebirth films finished recently, but The End of Evangelion helped pave the way for the series’ return in theaters. The End of Evangelion The film follows Shinji (Megumi Ogata) as he begins to doubt his life and purpose following the death of Kaworu in the final two episodes of Evangelion (Akira Ishida). Excessive existentialist elements from the original series finale are amplified in the film’s conclusion. In spite of this, the story finishes on a surprisingly happy note, or as positive a note as it can be given the situation. I recommend this video to everyone who like a good dosage of suspense and violence in their animated films.

8. Perfect Blue (1997)

Black Swan and Perfect Blue are two examples of animated films that are scary, and people who believe that animated films can’t be scary haven’t seen these two films. If you’re interested in learning more about how animation works, this film is a must-see. CHAM! member Mima Kirigoe (Junko Iwao) aspires to be an actor in addition to her current endeavors as a member of the group. She begins to be hounded by what she thinks is an unhappy admirer as she tries to break free of her persona. Although she believes she knows the truth, it turns out to be far more difficult and dark than she ever imagined.

9. The Prince of Egypt (1998)

The Prince of Egypt (1998)

Although the film is based on the Book of Exodus, you can’t dispute that The Prince of Egypt is an excellent film in its own right. After accidently killing a slave owners, Moses (Val Kilmer) is exiled from Egypt. Exiled in the desert, he was told by God to one day rule Egypt and liberate the Hebrews from slavery. While on his journey, he gains the support of many people, including a large number of pilgrims. It’s not necessary to be familiar with the Exodus story to enjoy the captivating narration and memorable music.

10. The Iron Giant (1999)

You’re the one who’s grieving over The Iron Giant. Hogarth (Eli Marienthal) is a frightened young man who is struggling to deal with the fears of the Cold War. That all changes, however, when he encounters the titular Iron Giant (Vin Diesel), a 50-foot alien robot with a good heart. In order to stave off the authorities’ pursuit, the unusual trio teams up with beatnik Dean (Harry Connick, Jr.) in order to demonstrate that not everything that is unfamiliar or different is inherently evil. That Warner Bros. will one day recognise the Giant outside of their IP-promoting sh*t is something we can all hope for.