90s Anime Series the Net Wants Rebooted

Remakes of popular franchises have been a thing over the years. It’s no surprise that even in anime we’re getting remakes too — especially of 90s anime hits.

90s remakes of anime are produced for good reason: due to the demand from fans, the continued support from a loyal fanbase, or as a way to bring new fans into the franchise. Whatever reason that may be, it’s nice to have some of our favorite 90s anime come back in new animation styles, produced by a new animation studio, with updated art.

The survey site Goo Ranking ran a poll asking Japanese netizens which popular 90s anime series they’d like to see rebooted. 3,193 individuals responded, and here’s a list of the top 10.

10 – Mamotte! Shugogetten (Protect Me, Heavenly Moon Guardian!) 73 votes

The anime was originally aired from 1998 to 1999 and was created by Toei Animation. It follows the adventures of a teenage boy named Tasuke who was given a ring from his father as a souvenir from China. Little did he know that inside the ring was a moon spirit girl named Shaorin. Since then, it was Shaorin’s purpose to protect Tasuke no matter what.

9 – Hell Teacher Nube 93 votes

This comedic horror anime was also made by Toei Animation and originally aired in Japan from 1996 to 1997. It follows an elementary school teacher named Meisuke Nueno who is also a demon exorcist. He saves his students and fellow teachers from various evil creations with the demonic power sealed in his right hand.

8 – Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water 114 votes

The anime aired from 1990 to 1991 and was directed by Hideako Anno from Studio Gainax (notable for Neon Genesis Evangelion). The series centers on an ex-circus performer named Nadia and a child inventor named Jean Rocque Raltigue who promises to help her return to her home country. On their way, they encounter a band of thieves who’ll do whatever it takes to steal Nadia’s pendant. As the series goes on, we slowly discover her mysterious past.

7 – Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai 116 Votes

From video game cartridge and manga to anime series, it’s still considered a 90s anime since it ran until 1992, though it began airing in 1989. Dragon Quest is based on the manga series of the same name and follows the adventures of the young hero Dai who is on a quest to defeat the Great Demon King and to avenge his teacher. The anime is notable for featuring battle moves and locations from the video game series.

6 – Hana Yori Dango (Boys Over Flowers) 119 votes

The Hana Yori Dango series is the best-selling shojo manga ever and it has been adapted many times, mostly for live-action TV adaptations.

The anime adaptation of this popular manga series was made by Toei Animation and originally ran from 1996 to 1997. It centers on an ordinary working-class girl named Tsukushi who attends a very prestigious high school full of rich, handsome boys. She then crosses paths with the most popular boy, Tsukasa, and gets acquainted with other boys who form the F4, an elite group at the academy.

5 – Future Grand Prix Cyber Formula (New Century GPX Cyber Formula) 157 votes

This anime was produced by Sunrise and originally aired in 1991. The anime follows the development of race car driver Hayato and his computer system Asurada in a world where racing cars are equipped with AI computer support.

4 – Rurouni Kenshin Meiji Kenkaku Romantan 180 votes

Rurouni Kenshin is based on the manga of the same name and was originally aired from 1996 to 1998. This Studio Gallop/Deen produced anime centers on a former expert assassin Kenshin Himura who uses his blade to protect people rather than killing. The series follows him making up for his bloody past as he uses his weapon for the greater good.

3 – Yu Yu Hakusho 215 votes

Just who wouldn’t forget the catchy opening song to this classic 90s anime gem? Yu Yu Haksuho originally aired from 1990 to 1994 and was produced by Studio Pierrot. The anime is centered on the adventures of Yusuke Urameshi who dies in the first episode and is revived again after proving his worth in the underworld. He has a new mission, and that was to be a ghost detective solving monster and supernatural-related cases in the human world.

2 – H2 285 votes

One of Japan’s most popular sports is baseball, so it’s no surprise why this made it on the list.

H2 was created by Ashi Productions and was first aired in Japan from 1995 to 1996. The series is about a guy named Hiro, whose extreme love for the sport results in an injury, causing problems with his love life (with his childhood sweetheart Hikari), and also affects his rivalry with Hideo. The anime is notable for having a lot of characters with names that begin with H.

1 – Slam Dunk 298 votes

Slam Dunk is the most popular manga series of all time and has been credited with hyping basketball as a popular sport in Japan. The anime adaptation of this well-loved series was produced by Toei Animation and originally aired from 1993 to 1996. It centers on Hanamichi Sakuragi who joins his school’s basketball club in order to impress the girl he likes. As the series goes on, he discovers his great love for the sport and puts every effort into making the school’s basketball team reach the high school championship on his captain’s behalf.

So that’s the top ten. If you’re curious about the other series that didn’t make it, here is the complete list: