The late 1990s and early 2000s are considered to be one of the most beloved eras of anime. As a result, many new fans are interested in discovering the shows that 90s kids grew up watching. This is largely due to the romanticized view of this period in anime, which evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for those who are now adults.
Despite being a relatively new phenomenon, the importation of anime was beginning to gain popularity, particularly in the Western world. Thanks to after-school programming blocks such as Toonami, children were able to discover and enjoy this medium. Here are 10 anime shows that 90s kids would eagerly tune in to after school, listed in no particular order.
Pokémon, Naruto, and Other Anime of the 90s That Bring Nostalgia to Millennials
Dragon Ball Z
The Dragon Ball Z series, created by Akira Toriyama and produced by Toei Animation, is often considered the ultimate anime for 90s kids who watched it after school. However, even those who do not typically enjoy anime remember it fondly. This demonstrates the widespread appeal of the series and how it overcame the limitations and negative stereotypes associated with its genre to capture the hearts of almost every 90s kid.
Despite its simplistic plot, the show managed to captivate young audiences with its focus on thrilling fights, action sequences, and power-ups. Moreover, it cleverly incorporated positive values and themes within its violent and action-packed facade, making it appealing to both parents and children. This combination ultimately made it a hit among both age groups.
2) Naruto
Despite its relatively simplistic plot, Masashi Kishimoto and Studio Pierrot’s Naruto anime series achieved a similar level of popularity as Dragon Ball Z. While it was a more dramatic show that was often watched by children in the 1990s, the plot remained grounded enough for younger audiences to understand.
Similarly, as Naruto focused more on its plot and incorporated themes that were generally accepted by parents, the violence portrayed in the series became even more justifiable in their eyes compared to that of Dragon Ball Z. Although Toriyama’s series was undoubtedly the favorite among 90s kids, the Naruto anime was also highly relevant and popular among children during that time.
Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon stands out among the 90s anime that were popular with kids due to its unique role as an alternative to series like Naruto and Dragon Ball Z. This does not mean that Sailor Moon was inferior; in fact, it gained widespread popularity precisely because it offered viewers a fresh and diverse experience in the world of anime.
Similarly, the shojo magical girl anime series created by author Naoko Takeuchi and produced by studio Toei Animation gained immense popularity among both male and female anime enthusiasts who did not connect with the prevailing action-oriented series of the era. Given that Sailor Moon was also one of the few anime series at the time to embody this role, its inclusion in this list is essential and obvious.
4) Cardcaptor Sakura
Following the success of Sailor Moon in capturing the attention of 90s kids who watched anime after school, author group Clamp and Madhouse studio created the Cardcaptor Sakura series. Also known as just Cardcaptor in some international markets, this magical girl series aimed to replicate Sailor Moon’s success while also placing a stronger emphasis on romance, a feature that was not as prominent in Takeuchi and Toei’s adaptation.
Despite some viewers connecting with the increased focus on romance, others favored the balanced mix of action and romance found in Sailor Moon. Regardless of preference, both are regarded as iconic 90s anime that were watched by children to demonstrate the vast potential of the medium beyond just popular series like Naruto and Dragon Ball Z.
Anime Series: Yu Yu Hakusho
Although the niches created by the two mentioned above were highly significant in both present and past times, it became evident that the action-oriented approach resonated with the majority of fans. Yu Yu Hakusho is another prime illustration of this, as it is considered revolutionary within the shonen genre and 90s anime as a whole.
The series’ Dark Tournament story arc played a significant role in solidifying its legendary status during the 90s era of anime and manga. It was one of the pioneering arcs of its kind, often watched by 90s kids after school in various parts of the world. Its impact extended beyond its time, further cementing its place in the realm of anime and manga.
Pokémon Franchise
Without acknowledging the Pokémon franchise, any discussion about the anime that 90s kids grew up watching would be incomplete. This is because Dragon Ball Z, a video game-turned-anime series, was just as beloved and widely known. Even those who do not consider themselves anime fans now, including adults, often rewatch and purchase the franchise’s video games.
Similarly, despite the immense popularity of the video games, even the most dedicated fans of the series will likely point to the original Indigo League anime as their initial introduction to the franchise. The Pokémon anime series has been groundbreaking in numerous aspects, and its widespread appeal from airing during after school hours is what sparked its revolutionary impact.
Inuyasha: A Tale of Fantasy and Adventure
The Inuyasha series, created by Rumiko Takakashi and produced by Sunrise Studios, was a popular anime among 90s kids. While some were able to watch it after school, others could only catch it during late-night programming blocks. For those fortunate enough to watch it after school, they were delighted with a mix of action and romance similar to Sailor Moon.
One major contrast between the two series is that Inuyasha is categorized as a shonen instead of shojo, making it more comparable to action-packed shows like Dragon Ball Z and Naruto. Similarly, it served as a great alternative for viewers who appreciated the mix of action and romance in Sailor Moon, but desired a stronger focus on action and a more subtle portrayal of romance.
Doraemon
Despite not being a part of the after school lineup for some regions, Doraemon was a popular show in other parts of the world during the 90s. Created by the author duo Fujiko F. Fujio, the anime adaptation that was most likely watched by 90s kids was produced by Shin-Ei Animation. What sets this series apart from others during that time is its heavy focus on comedy, aiming to make viewers laugh rather than root for the characters’ success or failure.
The show’s central plot of a 22nd century robotic cat traveling back in time highlights its strong science-fiction elements. Additionally, parents were drawn to the series for its positive message promoting hard work and academic success as a means to secure a better future for oneself and future generations.
Yu-Gi-Oh!
The Pokémon franchise originated as a series of games and expanded into an anime and beyond. In contrast, Yu-Gi-Oh! initially began as an anime created by Kazuki Takahashi and studio Gallop, and later spawned a trading card game. The widespread success of the anime and card game went hand-in-hand, with conversations about both and playing the game becoming a regular occurrence during recess and in school cafeterias.
Some regions aired this anime, which 90s kids would watch, on weekends during Saturday morning cartoon time slots. Others took advantage of an after-school timeslot to broadcast the show. This contributed to its popularity during the era, as kids would go to school, play the card game with their friends, then come home to watch the anime series before repeating the cycle the next day.
10) Popular Anime and Manga Series: Beyblade
Additionally, Beyblade gained a significant presence among 90s kids who enjoyed watching anime after school. This was achieved through its initial release as both a toy line and a manga series. The manga, created by Takao Aoki, was later adapted into a 51-episode anime series that is likely familiar to many fans. This animated series was produced by Madhouse and Nippon Animedia.
Despite the passage of time, the franchise remains popular in all three of its main formats and is even broadcast as an after-school anime series in certain regions. It is unquestionably impossible to talk about the after-school anime that 90s kids watched without giving special recognition to Beyblade.
In conclusion
Similarly, although the aforementioned series must be acknowledged, there are countless other anime that 90s kids watched after school that are still cherished by fans worldwide. These include Detective Conan, Mobile Suit Gundam, Outlaw Star, Kiteretsu Daihyakka, Kochikame, Crayon Shin-chan, and numerous others.
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