5 Obscure 1990s Fantasy Anime That Will Blow Your Mind Today!

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This medium, rich in fantasy, showcases a vibrant style and unyielding creativity that consistently pushes boundaries. Its output includes captivating elements of fantasy that are expected to persist, making it an exceptional choice. If a tale demands expansive landscapes, fantastical characters, thrilling action sequences, or magic beyond the ordinary, anime is undeniably the perfect platform. For enthusiasts of the fantastic, there’s an extensive collection of anime series to explore.

Despite the abundance of anime series today, some timeless ones from the 1990s have proven their longevity, often cherished by longtime fans. Although these shows might not be top-of-mind for many, they remain deeply engraved in the hearts of those who appreciate them. Their lasting appeal and distinctive charm make them a rewarding revisit, stirring feelings of nostalgia and admiration for the classics.

In my excitement, let me share with you the captivating journey I embarked on through the anime series, “Soul Hunter.” As a young master wizard, I found myself in the role of a hunter, tracking down malevolent warlocks that bring ruin to the land and imperil our very existence. This epic tale, spanning across 26 episodes, was brought to life by Studio Deen under the skillful direction of Junji Nishimura.

The series unfolds during the mystical Yin Dynasty, a time where the boundaries between pre-historic and futuristic worlds blur, thanks to the Senin – immortals endowed with extraordinary abilities. I, myself, am one such Senin, albeit a rather laid-back one who abhors the loss of life. This unique blend of action, adventure, and introspection makes “Soul Hunter” an unforgettable experience!

The “Soul Hunter” manga series, which was widely acclaimed during its run, managed to sell more than 22 million copies by May 2018. It boasts an engaging cast and thrilling battles that utilize elements as weapons. Each character exudes charm, making them deeply appealing. The anime effectively employs the conventions of classic shonen anime and offers a captivating plotline that leaves a lasting impression long after it concludes. With an average rating of 3.5 on Crunchyroll and 26 episodes to enjoy, this fantasy adventure series is a must-watch for those interested in exploring an alternative version of China.

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The story revolves around the character named Gokudou, who obtains a Djinn after swiping a talisman from a fortune teller. With three wishes at his disposal, Gokudou doesn’t exhibit any heroic behavior and instead uses them for his personal gain. Consequently, he receives a magical sword, transforms into a woman, and embarks on an exciting journey to evade the Djinn and those he encounters. Unlike conventional heroes, Gokudo is selfish, impolite, cowardly, and indolent; this forms the foundation for the humorous nature of this series.

This fantastical TV show is zany, quirky, and side-splittingly funny, with each episode brimming with laughter upon laughter. The character Gokudou, being an improbable hero, provides plenty of amusing moments, often finding himself in misadventures due to his self-centered nature. The series is divided into five segments, with the central focus being Gokudou’s journey towards each arc. For fans of fantasy who are tired of the typical lead character, Gokudou might just be their perfect protagonist. The “Gokudou” anime was produced by Studio Trans Arts under the direction of Kunihisa Sugishima and boasts a remarkable 4.2 rating on Crunchyroll. If you’re looking for something from the ’90s, this could be it!

Magic Knight Rayearth revolves around three individuals, Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji, who find themselves bound together by destiny as they strive to protect “Cephiro,” a mysterious realm into which they are transported. Princess Emeraude calls upon the girls to fulfill their preordained roles as Magic Knights, tasking them with restoring tranquility and thwarting the evil that threatens it. The anime was masterminded by Toshihiro Hirano, known for directing shows such as Devil Lady and the ONA version of Baki. It was distributed by The Ocean Group, and animated by Tokyo Movie Shinsha studio.

In simple terms, the first season closely follows the initial storyline from the manga, providing an engaging and enjoyable viewing experience for fans of Sailor Moon. The Magic Knights are courageous heroes, each with unique strengths and weaknesses, forming a captivating group of characters. As the plot unfolds, viewers gain insights into their individual traits and fears. The series stands out due to its visually appealing aesthetic while keeping the storyline coherent. The villains are emotionally stirring, featuring a tragic romance and eventually incorporating giant mecha into the narrative. Magic Knight Rayearth successfully broadens the appeal of the magical girl genre, offering a thrilling fantasy adventure with a high rating of 4.7 on Crunchyroll.

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This anime titled “Slayers,” penned by Hajime Kanzaka with illustrations by Rui Araizumi, revolves around the escapades of the teenage sorceress Lina Inverse as she navigates through various realms. Following an encounter with a bandit horde, Lina acquires a potent magical artifact that catches the attention of two enigmatic hunters who aim to destroy the world. The initial three seasons were produced by E&G Films, while the fourth and fifth seasons were handled by J.C. Staff. Notably, Takashi Watanabe, known for directing “Boogiepop Phantom” and “Freezing,” took charge of this series, a fact that fans of those shows might find familiar since they have worked on those productions too.

The “Slayers” series, a collection of novels, has sold more than 22 million copies by 2025, making it extremely popular. As Iyane Agossah from DualShockers states, it offers an exceptional blend of comedy and tragedy, intricate world-building, engaging storylines, and memorable characters. The anime adaptation is the most well-known part of the franchise within the high fantasy genre. It uses humorous situations to poke fun at other genre conventions and stereotypes. While it can be serious when necessary, it also knows that being overly serious would diminish the show’s charm. Essentially, “Slayers” has maintained its relevance through its straightforward appeal and enduring humor.

A character named Van Fanel descends from the heavens, accompanied by a fierce dragon. This event leads schoolgirl Hitomi Kanzaki to be transported to the realm of Gaea, following their successful collaboration in slaying the beast due to her extraordinary vision. In this domain, Van’s kingdom, Fenelia, faces an imminent threat from the malevolent empire Zaibach. Despite his valiant attempts with an ancient mechanical weapon called Escaflowne, Fenelia is still devastated. With only their companionship and a chivalrous Asturian knight named Allen Schezar for support, they join forces to bring down the Zaibach Empire and restore Fenelia. The anime, directed by Kazuki Akane who has previously worked on series such as Code Geass: Akito the Exiled and served as a storyboard artist for shows like Cowboy Bebop and Turn A Gundam, boasts impressive direction. The anime was developed by a studio renowned for numerous anime series such as City Hunter, Inuyasha, and Mobile Suit Gundam Wing.

In my opinion, diving into the world of “The Vision of Escaflowne” is simply unforgettable! This captivating series, with its exceptional characterization, thought-provoking narrative, and profound themes, is irresistible to any anime enthusiast. The show delves deeply into the complexities of fate versus free will, presenting conclusions that might stir up a storm of emotions among viewers.

What makes this show truly unique is its blend of romance, fantasy, and mecha, creating an enchanting fusion of some of the most beloved genres in fantasy anime. Set against the backdrop of war, it fearlessly tackles themes such as greed, cowardice, hatred, and the myriad issues that come with conflict.

The characters in this series are far from stereotypes – they’re written as genuine individuals with distinct characteristics that set them apart. Characters like Hitomi, Van, and Allen are not just trope-filled figures but real people with depth and complexity.

Another element that adds to the show’s allure is its stunning soundtrack, earning it accolades such as being an “acclaimed masterpiece” from Animerica’s Egan Loo. The seamless integration of genres and narratives has earned the series a 4.7 average rating on Crunchyroll and a remarkable 7.65 on MyAnimeList.

To put it simply, if you’re an anime fan yearning for a series that encapsulates the essence of the 90s, “The Vision of Escaflowne” is the perfect choice for you!

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2025-05-04 18:26