While there are several amazing anime’s out right now, like SPY X Family, there are plenty of anime from the past that are well worth re-watching (or seeing for the first time if you somehow missed them). The ones chosen each had wide international appeal during the 1990’s and 2000’s.
Space Western: Cowboy Bebop
If you loved Guardians of the Galaxy then Cowboy Bebop will be right up your alley – from jazz music and noir-inspired soundtracks by Yoko Kanno, to space battles and crew interactions. The aloof and broken Spike, beautiful and calculating Faye Valentine, enigmatic Jet and cheerful Ed and Ein, will strike a chord with you in turns. Each character has a masterful story arc and a conclusion that has floored fans for over two decades – so much so, the show even got a live-action remake.
Epic Adventures: Full Metal Alchemist (or it’s re-vamp Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
One of the most rewatched series of all time, Full Metal Alchemist tells the tale of brother’s Edward and Alphonse Elric who seek to restore their bodies to what they once were. They travel searching initially for the Philosopher’s Stone while using alchemy to navigate the world around them. There are in depth story twists and turns, dark Homunculi, and a host of struggling heroes to root for.
SciFi Crime: Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex is a deep dive into the world of cyborgs (or post-humans), AI, and crime solving done by one tomboyish Major Kusanagi and her support team, Section 9. The crimes and interwoven storylines will keep you up way past your bedtime as will the incredible soundtrack by Yoko Kanno.
Fantasy Romance: Inuyasha
One of the best anime series of its time is Inuyasha. The story follows half-demon Inuyasha and his encounter with the priestess Kikyo from the feudal era. Add in modern-day high schooler Kagome (who just so happens to be the reincarnation of Kikyo) and you’ve got a story that will make you laugh and despair in turns. The cast has a lively array of characters such as Sango, Shippō, and Miroku, to the arch-villain Naraku and the anti-hero Sesshomaru – Inuyasha’s older half-brother.
Futuristic: .hack//Sign
The story arch and character themes of .hack//Sign make this an interesting take on the nature of immersive online games, reality, and social interactions. The premise of the anime is a group of characters bonding over the predicament of one character, Tsukasa, who’s trapped within the game known as The World and can’t log out of it. The series has monsters, the mystery of the Key of the Twilight, and decent one-liners – though it can drag on much like Dragon Ball Z does with battles. Stick it out though for the hauntingly beautiful refrains and songs from Yuki Kajiura and final conclusion.
Other anime worth mentioning as they’re as entertaining as gambling online in Canada include:
- Comedy Romance: Ramna ½
- Dark Space Sci-Fi: Neon Genesis Evangelion & it’s movies
- Dark and Dystopian: Wolf’s Rain
Which anime shows have you watched, and which are you planning to check out for the first time?