Anime is a dime a dozen – and not just since yesterday. But some of the most important classics must not be forgotten. We recommend exactly 5 such anime classics that everyone should have seen here on MeinMMO.
Even if anime has only really arrived in the mainstream in recent years and you can also seduce your non-anime fans with the medium, the series have of course been around for much longer. The medium’s first really big “boom” was in the 1990s (although of course there were a lot of shows before that) and a lot of what you see in modern day shows had its roots in the ’90s.
A look at the classics is always worthwhile, because exciting stories and some of the most original plots are hidden here too, which have since been modified and copied countless times.
Here we present 5 anime classics, which are clear “must-have series” even several decades after their publication and which every Weeb should have seen.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Alternative names: Shinseiki Evangelion
Publishing year: 1995-1996
Genres: Drama, Action, Mecha
Episodes: 26
Stream available on: Netflix
What is the anime about? Neon Genesis takes place in an alternate future world. After a huge explosion devastates the earth, it is regularly attacked by “angels”. Large combat robots called “EVA” are used for defense, which have to be synchronized with the mind of the pilots, which is only possible with a few young people. The protagonist Shinji is one of these pilots and has to deal with the responsibility and slowly uncovering machinations behind the angels, the EVAs and his family.
If you have seen the original mentioned here and want more, you should also watch the newer films afterwards. They show a continued and modified plot and are more in line with more modern animation styles.
Why do you have to see the anime? Almost 30 years after its release, Neon Genesis Evangelion is still one of the most profound anime with a gripping story and complex characters that reveal new sides even on second or third viewing.
NGE had fresh approaches for the time and doesn’t shy away from some disturbing scenes that many anime novices will still remember decades later.
Anyone who likes “younger” mecha series with a lot of story, such as “Darling in the FranXX”, is in good hands here and learns where the genre actually comes from.
Cowboy Bebop
Alternative names: /
Publishing year: 1998 – 1999
Genres: Action, Crime, Sci-Fi
Episodes: 26
Stream available on: Netflix
What is the anime about? Cowboy Bebop is set in the future, in the year 2071. Mankind has since expanded to numerous planets and spread across space. But these worlds are plagued by crime and corruption. Therefore, bounty hunters are becoming more and more important. These so-called “cowboys” are used everywhere to resolve conflicts – not always within the meaning of the law. The series follows the two cowboys Spike Spiegel and Jet Black, who will be supplemented by additional crew members over the course of the episodes.
Why do you have to see the anime? Cowboy Bebop is one of the best-known representatives from FreeTV, with which many probably grew up. Despite its relatively episodic narrative style, Cowboy Bebop has managed to tell a continuous plot that is simply captivating. Action, suspense and thriller are balanced, but there are also more emotional moments that are still convincing decades later – and perhaps make up for the very strange live-action film.
On the next page you will find 3 more anime classics.