6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
9 classic 90s anime that deserve an action-packed remake
The 1990s were a golden era for anime, producing a slew of action-packed series that helped define genres, establish tropes, and lay the foundation for today's anime culture. From sword-wielding heroes to space bounty hunters, these shows captivated audiences with their high-energy battles, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable characters.
However, despite their iconic status, many of these classics are burdened by the technical limitations of their time—dated animation, inconsistent pacing, and production constraints that prevented some from realizing their full potential.
With modern animation technology, improved storytelling standards, and a growing appetite for remakes and reboots, now is the perfect time to revisit these nostalgic gems.
A well-crafted remake could breathe new life into these series—reintroducing them to younger audiences and giving long-time fans a visually and emotionally upgraded experience.
Inspired in part by a curated list from
Game Rant
, here are nine classic 1990s action anime that deserve a thoughtful and high-quality modern remake.
1.
Flame of Recca
The Underrated Ninja Epic With Fiery Potential
Originally highlighted by Game Rant for its tournament arcs and ninja lore.
Original Release: July 19, 1997
Studio: Pierrot
Episodes: 42
Manga By: Nobuyuki Anzai
Current Score (MyAnimeList): 7.34
A spiritual successor to
Yu Yu Hakusho
,
Flame of Recca
tells the story of Recca Hanabishi, a modern-day teenager who discovers his lineage from a flame-wielding ninja clan.
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The series blends traditional ninja lore with supernatural powers, martial arts tournaments, and a deeply personal journey of self-discovery.
2. Berserk (1997)
A Dark Fantasy Classic Deserving a Worthy Adaptation
Original Release: October 8, 1997
Studio: OLM
Episodes: 25
Manga By: Kentaro Miura
Current Score (MyAnimeList): 8.59
Kentaro Miura's
Berserk
is a grim masterpiece that explores the brutal life of Guts, a lone mercenary entangled in a cycle of war, betrayal, and demonic terror. While Game Rant acknowledges the 1997 version as the best adaptation to date, a full remake with modern animation could finally capture the manga's rich, tragic scope.
3. Yu Yu Hakusho
The Spirit Detective Saga That Set the Shōnen Standard
Original Release: 1992–1994
Studio: Pierrot
Episodes: 112
Manga By: Yoshihiro Togashi
Current Score (MyAnimeList): 8.46
Recognized by Game Rant as a foundational shōnen,
Yu Yu Hakusho
stands the test of time in story and characters. However, a visual refresh and refined pacing could elevate this supernatural saga for today's generation of anime fans.
4. Outlaw Star
A Space Western Worthy of Revival
Original Release: January 1998
Studio: Sunrise
Episodes: 26
Manga By: Takehiko Itō
Current Score (MyAnimeList): 7.83
Outlaw Star
was praised in the
Game Rant
piece for its fusion of sci-fi and Western themes. A modern remake could build on its legacy, especially in a post-
Cowboy Bebop
streaming era hungry for stylized space operas.
5. The Big O
Noir Meets Mecha in a Memory-Loss Dystopia
Original Release: October 13, 1999
Studio: Sunrise
Episodes: 26 (Two Seasons)
Cited for its unique genre-blending style,
The Big O
offers a noir-meets-mecha story that's well-suited for a modern comeback. A clearer narrative direction and high-budget animation could bring this cult favorite new acclaim.
6.
Revolutionary Girl Utena
A Symbolic Masterpiece Ready for Rediscovery
Original Release: April 1997
Studio:
Episodes: 39
Created By: Be-Papas
Current Score (MyAnimeList): 8.22
According to
Game Rant
, Utena's exploration of identity and gender roles makes it an ideal candidate for a remake. Today's social climate is primed for a reboot that remains faithful to its progressive roots while updating its accessibility.
7. Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water
Steampunk Adventure Through Jules Verne's Lens
Original Release: 1990
Studio: Gainax & Group TAC
Episodes: 39
Game Rant
included
Nadia
for its thematic depth and connection to
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
. A remake could enhance its steampunk elements, streamline the pacing, and improve on the sometimes uneven animation.
8. Crows
High School Gangs and Gritty Street Justice
Original Release: January 1994
Studio: Knack Productions
Episodes: OVA series
Based on Hiroshi Takahashi's manga,
Crows
deserves a remake as gritty as the street fights it portrays. Game Rant rightly identified this early 90s OVA as a raw gem awaiting proper adaptation.
9.
Blue Seed
Mythology, Monsters, and Missed Opportunities
Original Release: October 1994
Studios: Production I.G & Ashi Productions
Episodes: 26 + OVA
Game Rant spotlighted
Blue Seed
for its mythological approach and urban action, noting that a remake could better explore its fascinating Japanese folklore themes with modern storytelling and aesthetics.