The 1990s were a golden age for anime films — a decade where directors pushed the boundaries of atmosphere, storytelling, hand-drawn craft, and emotional depth. Whether it was cyberpunk philosophy, ecological epics, grounded human drama, or straight-up experimental madness, 90s anime movies carved out a unique cinematic identity. Below are 30 must-watch anime movies that represent the best of that era: iconic, strange, influential, or just deliciously entertaining.

1. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

A landmark cyberpunk thriller that blends complex questions about identity and consciousness with groundbreaking animation and worldbuilding. Its atmosphere defined 90s sci-fi.
Vibe: neon rain + existential dread + cyberpunk visuals
Rating: 9.6/10

2. Princess Mononoke (1997)

A sweeping mythological epic exploring humanity’s fractured relationship with nature. One of Ghibli’s most mature, morally complex masterpieces.
Vibe: spiritual forests + violent beauty
Rating: 9.5/10

3. Perfect Blue (1997)

A psychological freefall into the pressures of fame, self-image, and obsession. Satoshi Kon’s debut remains a chilling, brilliant exploration of fractured identity.
Vibe: paranoia + blurred reality
Rating: 9.4/10

4. The End of Evangelion (1997)

A surreal, emotionally devastating finale that reimagines the series’ ending at cinematic scale. A cosmic meltdown of psychology, apocalypse, and symbolism.
(Watch the series first)
Vibe: operatic chaos + existential violence
Rating: 9.0/10

5. Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (1999)

A slow-burning political tragedy set in an alternate postwar Japan. Heavy atmosphere, weighty themes, and one of the most emotionally grounded stories of the decade.
Vibe: rain-soaked noir + doomed romance + gritty politics
Rating: 8.9/10

6. Porco Rosso (1992)

A strangely elegant and bittersweet aerial adventure about a pig-faced pilot grappling with war, love, and nostalgia. Light-hearted on the surface, melancholic beneath.
Vibe: old-school aviation + sunset melancholy
Rating: 8.3/10

7. Only Yesterday (1991)

One of the most mature and introspective Ghibli films, reflecting on memory, adulthood, and the quiet search for identity outside the city grind.
Vibe: rural Japan + soft soul-searching
Rating: 8.7/10

8. Pom Poko (1994)

A weird, political, surprising tender tale about shape-shifting tanuki resisting rapid urbanization. Fun, chaotic, and surprisingly emotional.
Vibe: folklore chaos + eco commentary
Rating: 8.0/10

9. Whisper of the Heart (1995)

A sincere coming-of-age romance about creativity, dreams, and the uncertainty of youth. One of the warmest films of the decade.
Vibe: cosy nostalgia + first love butterflies
Rating: 8.2/10

10. Memories (1995)

A triptych anthology ranging from surreal sci-fi horror to satirical warfare. Experimental, stylish, and a showcase of top-tier animators.
Vibe: strange, artistic, atmospheric
Rating: 8.4/10

11. Patlabor 2: The Movie (1993)

A political thriller masquerading as a mecha film. Thoughtful pacing, grounded worldbuilding, and a chilling exploration of military paranoia.
Vibe: quiet tension + smoky cityscapes
Rating: 8.5/10

12. Ninja Scroll (1993)

A cult classic action film full of brutal sword fights, supernatural enemies, and pulpy 90s intensity. Stylish and unrestrained.
Vibe: blood-soaked samurai chaos
Rating: 8.6/10

13. Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture (1997)

Standalone samurai drama that mixes emotional storytelling with strong action and a reflective look at the scars of violence.
Vibe: stoic swordplay + quiet tragedy
Rating: 7.8/10

14. Macross Plus: Movie Edition (1995)

What happens when experimental animation, aerial dogfights, music, and a love triangle collide in space? A slick and emotional sci-fi opera.
Vibe: stylish jet-fighter anime + synth drama
Rating: 8.1/10

15. X: The Movie (1996)

Clamp’s apocalyptic vision brought to life with moody 90s animation. Over-the-top, visually striking, and soaked in melodrama.
Vibe: end-of-the-world aesthetic + gothic
Rating: 7.7/10

16. A Wind Named Amnesia (1990)

A surreal post-apocalyptic road movie about human memory and what makes society tick. A bizarre but thought-provoking gem.
Vibe: eerie wasteland + philosophical quiet
Rating: 7.4/10

17. Roujin Z (1991)

A dark sci-fi satire about technology, aging, and the absurdity of “advanced” solutions to human problems. Odd, fun, and sharp.
Vibe: retro tech + sardonic humor
Rating: 7.6/10

18. Spriggan (1998)

High-energy action film mixing ancient artifacts, conspiracies, and super-soldiers. Pure 90s anime adrenaline.
Vibe: Indiana Jones meets cyberpunk
Rating: 7.5/10

19. My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)

A gentle, slice-of-life sketch-comedy film told in watercolor style. Wholesome, funny, and deceptively poetic.
Vibe: family chaos + soft humor
Rating: 7.8/10

20. Pokémon: The First Movie — Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)

Nostalgic, dramatic, and unexpectedly philosophical about identity and purpose. A cultural explosion of the late 90s. (Watch the OG series first)
Vibe: kid-era emotions + iconic scenes
Rating: 6.8/10

21. Slayers: The Motion Picture (1995)

A comedic fantasy adventure featuring magic, chaos, and 90s charm. Great for fans wanting light fun over heavy themes.
Vibe: goofy magic + dungeon humor
Rating: 7.2/10

22. Maison Ikkoku: Final Chapter (1991)

A heartfelt romantic drama movie concluding the long-running story. Sweet, emotional, and heartfelt. (Watch the series first)
Vibe: warm romance + emotional payoff
Rating: 7.4/10

23. Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture (1994)

A surprisingly stylish tournament-meets-legend action film that goes bigger than its game origins.
Vibe: martial arts + 90s swagger
Rating: 7.0/10

24. Tenchi Muyo in Love (1996)

A well-executed sci-fi romance film mixing time travel with emotional stakes. Surprisingly heartfelt for a comedy franchise.
Vibe: space slice-of-life + romantic tension
Rating: 7.3/10

25. Escaflowne: The Movie (1996)

A darker, moodier reimagining of the TV series. Gorgeous visuals, dreamlike storytelling, and a heavier emotional tone.
Vibe: fantasy romance + surreal mecha
Rating: 7.6/10

26. Patlabor: The Movie (1990)

The first Patlabor film — a grounded, slow-burning techno-thriller mixing detective work with mecha realism.
Vibe: industrial, methodical, tense
Rating: 7.9/10

27. Ocean Waves (1993)

A low-key high school romance from Ghibli, made by younger staff. Simple, realistic, and quietly emotional.
Vibe: youthful nostalgia
Rating: 7.2/10

28. Like the Clouds, Like the Wind (1990)

A charming historical adventure about a young girl brought into the emperor’s court. Criminally under-watched.
Vibe: gentle historical coming-of-age
Rating: 7.5/10

29. Night on the Galactic Railroad (1990 re-release)

A surreal, meditative film about two cat-children riding a mystical train through philosophical landscapes.
Vibe: dreamy, haunting, symbolic
Rating: 8.0/10

30. Catnapped! The Movie (1995)

A whimsical adventure bursting with color and imagination — weird, charming, and pure 90s kid energy.
Vibe: trippy fantasy + colorful whimsy
Rating: 6.9/10

Final Verdict

So, there you go — a grand lineup of anime movies that capture the full spectrum of 90s anime cinema: from cyberpunk pillars and Ghibli warmth to cult classics, weird gems, and emotional sleepers.

💭 Have you watched any of the movies from the list above. If so, which one is your favorite? Let us know through the comments below.

Image credit Production I.G