When most people think of ’90s anime for kids, the same few titles come to mind, which arePokémon,Digimon, or maybeSailor Moonif fans were lucky enough to catch it. These shows, while deserving of their fame, have long overshadowed a variety of equally creative and heartfelt anime that aired during the same era. For many fans, these lesser-known gems hold just as much nostalgia and storytelling power, even if they did not have the global marketing machine behind them.
The'90s was a golden era for animation, especially in Japan.The decade introduced a wealth of anime shows with diverse genres, from science fiction to historical drama, fantasy, slice-of-life, and magical girl adventures.These series often tackled deeper themes than their flashy exteriors suggested, from the power of friendship and family to coping with loss, identity, and courage in the face of adversity. It is time to give the spotlight to some underrated ’90s kids anime that deserve a second look, or maybe a first one, because fans may be surpised on what they have been missing out on.
While it lived in the shadow ofPokémonandDigimon,Monster Ranchercarved its own unique identity with a darker tone and more serialized narrative. Based on the video game franchise of the same name, the anime followed a boy named Genki who gets pulled into a virtual world filled with monsters, including the iconic Moochi and the noble Suezo. What madeMonster Rancherspecial was its emotionally complex storytelling. Characters often faced real consequences, from betrayal to death, something rarely seen in other children’s anime of the time.
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What also setMonster Rancherapart was its fusion of fantasy and science fiction, combined with a treasure-hunt format that kept things moving. The goal of reviving the legendary Phoenix to stop the evil Moo created a real sense of purpose, as did the evolution of its characters over time.UnlikePokémon, where the world largely resets episode to episode,Monster Rancherbuilt on itself, with the past informing the future.Its willingness to get darker and more introspective made it resonate with a slightly older audience, but it still retained enough fun to appeal to younger viewers.
Time travel, dinosaurs, and a wacky sense of humor,Flint: The Time Detectivehad it all.This action-comedy series followed Flint Hammerhead, a boy from the prehistoric age who’s revived in modern times to serve as a time detective.Tasked with capturing “Time Shifters”, creatures that exist throughout history, Flint and his friends bounce through various eras, encountering historical figures and fixing disruptions in the timeline. The show mixed education with entertainment, teaching kids snippets of world history while keeping them engaged with outrageous action sequences.
Flint himself was a charming protagonist, a literal caveman with a heart of gold and a club-wielding flair for smashing problems. The supporting characters, including his scientist “dad” and robot assistant, provided comedic and emotional balance. WhatFlint: The Time Detectiveexcelled at was using its format to show the value of teamwork and history, all while dressing it up in a bright, colorful, and highly animated package.Though it was often compared toDoraemonorInspector Gadget, its unique premise and character development deserve far more recognition than it received during its original run.
8Remi, Nobody’s Girl
Anime Series by Nippon Animation; Based on the Novel by Hector Malot
Few anime from the ’90s packed as much emotional weight asRemi, Nobody’s Girl. Based on the French novelSans Familleby Hector Malot, the series followed Remi, a kind-hearted girl who discovers that she is adopted and is eventually sold to a traveling performer.The show is a poignant coming-of-age tale about loss, resilience, and the power of hope.Despite its heavy themes, the series is accessible to children, using gentle storytelling and heartfelt moments to convey deeper lessons about the human spirit.
Though it is a tearjerker,Remi, Nobody’s Girlremains one of the most emotionally intelligent children’s anime of the ’90s and a story that teaches young viewers how to face adversity with dignity and kindness.
What sets Remi apart is its grounded realism in a genre often populated by fantasy and action. The show explores poverty, class differences, and the kindness of strangers through Remi’s journey. Her relationships with Vitalis, the traveling performer, and the animals in the troupe are beautifully developed, with each episode offering both struggle and light. Though it is a tearjerker,Remi, Nobody’s Girlremains one of the most emotionally intelligent children’s anime of the ’90s and a story that teaches young viewers how to face adversity with dignity and kindness.
BeforeTransformershad its major resurgence, there wasZoids, a mechanical beast of a show that blended mecha combat with themes of personal growth and honor. Set in a futuristic world where people pilot massive animal-shaped robots called Zoids, the series followed Van Flyheight, a young adventurer who stumbles upon an Organoid named Zeke and dreams of becoming the best Zoid pilot. While it may have looked like just another toy commercial, Zoids had some surprisingly strong storytelling.
What madeZoidsstand out was the depth of its charactersand the evolution of their relationships. The bond between Van and Zeke, as well as with fellow pilot Fiona, grew naturally over time. The battles were not just about winning, they often carried emotional stakes, involving personal rivalries, sacrifices, and moral dilemmas.With its rich world-building and a blend of military intrigue and coming-of-age themes,Zoidsappealed to a wide age range and still holds up remarkably well today for fans of action-heavy anime with a brain and a heart.
6Romeo’s Blue Skies
Anime Series by Nippon Animation; Based on the Novel by Lisa Tetzner
Another anime adaptation of classic literature, Romeo’s Blue Skies (also known asRomeo and the Black Brothers), offered a more somber, reflective take on children’s anime. Inspired by the novelDie schwarzen Brüder, the story follows Romeo, a young boy sold into child labor as a chimney sweep in 19th-century Milan. He becomes part of a secret brotherhood of child workers who support each other in a harsh and exploitative world. The show does not sugarcoat its themes but presents them in a way that is accessible and educational.
What is truly interesting aboutRomeo’s Blue Skiesis its exploration of camaraderie, resilience, and social injustice.Romeo and his friends fight for survival, dignity, and freedom in a world stacked against them. Despite the grim subject matter, the show radiates hope, largely due to Romeo’s unwavering spirit and the loyalty of his friends. The historical setting adds depth and realism, making the series a powerful lesson in empathy and perseverance. It is a reminder that even the most difficult stories can be told beautifully by children and still leave a lasting impact.
5Hello Kitty
Anime Series by Sanrio and Animation Studio Toei Animation; Based on the Character by Yuko Shimizu
While Hello Kitty is an international icon, many people don’t realize that the actualHello Kittyanime series from the ’90s was a delightful, charming collection of short stories and fairy tale adaptations.Featuring Kitty White and her twin sister Mimi, the series transported viewers into whimsical worlds where the girls would take on roles in familiar stories likeAlice in Wonderland, Cinderella, orSnow White.Each episode was designed to teach a moral lesson in an easily digestible and visually adorable format.
Though often dismissed due to its branding,Hello Kitty’sanime incarnation deserves recognition for being a quality show that genuinely aimed to nurture empathy and creativity in its young audience.
What made theHello Kittyanime special was not just its cuteness, it was its gentle storytelling, ideal for younger children. The episodes prioritized kindness, cooperation, and imagination over conflict and spectacle. The series was a safe, comforting space that still managed to be fun and creative. It was especially great for families, as it offered timeless stories in a way that was accessible to kids while nostalgic for adults. Though often dismissed due to its branding,Hello Kitty’sanime incarnation deserves recognition for being a quality show that genuinely aimed to nurture empathy and creativity in its young audience.
Long beforePretty Curedominated the magical girl genre, there wasMagical DoReMi(also known asOjamajo Doremi), a vibrant series that followed a group of girls training to become witches. Doremi Harukaze, the clumsy but well-meaning protagonist, accidentally discovers a witch’s shop and ends up entangled in a magical apprenticeship. Along with her friends, she juggles the trials of spell-casting with the struggles of school, friendship, and growing up.
What gaveMagical DoReMiits charm was its balance between whimsy and realism.While the girls gained magical powers, they still had to deal with very real issues, like divorce, peer pressure, grief, and self-esteem. The show never talked down to its viewers and often used its magical metaphors to explore real-world emotions. Its colorful aesthetic and catchy music only added to the appeal, but at its core,DoReMiwas about empathy, perseverance, and the magic of everyday life. It is one of the most heartfelt magical girl series of the decade and a true hidden gem for fans of the genre.
3Moomin
Anime Series by Telescreen Japan and Studio Junio; Based on the Books by Tove Jansson
Based on Tove Jansson’s beloved Finnish books,Moominwas brought to life in anime form during the early ’90s and remains a quiet classic. The series followed the gentle and curious Moomintroll and his friends in Moominvalley, a lush, fantastical place full of odd creatures and quirky adventures. Each episode focused on slice-of-life tales infused with whimsical humor and philosophical undertones, making it enjoyable for children and adults alike.
What madeMoominstand out was its subtle approach to storytelling. Instead of loud action or flashy powers, the show emphasized introspection, kindness, and the natural beauty of the world.Its themes of acceptance, family, and the passage of time were handled with a poetic touch, offering a slower, more thoughtful viewing experience.The animation was serene and dreamlike, and the characters, like the melancholic Snufkin or the neurotic Little My, were complex in their simplicity.Moomintaught viewers that wonder does not have to be loud, and that sometimes, the quietest stories leave the loudest echoes.
Studio Ghibli is best known for films likeSpirited AwayandPrincess Mononoke, butMy Neighbors the Yamadasis a lesser-known gem that deserves attention. Unlike other Ghibli works, this film-turned-TV-style vignette series focuses on the comedic misadventures of an ordinary Japanese family. With its watercolor aesthetic and episodic structure, it stands apart visually and tonally. Every short story was a slice of daily life, with the parents bickering, kids daydreaming, or grandma dispensing sharp one-liners.
The brilliance ofMy Neighbors the Yamadaslies in its relatability and simplicity. It does not rely on fantastical creatures or epic journeys, but instead, it finds magic in the mundane. Each vignette offered a glimpse into the small joys and frustrations of family life, wrapped in clever humor and genuine warmth.It is a love letter to the imperfect but unbreakable bond of family, told in a way that feels universal.For kids, it provided funny and touching life lessons, and for adults, it was often a mirror reflecting their own experiences.
Another Ghibli entry,Pom Poko, is far from an average children’s tale. Following a community of shape-shifting tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs), the film explores environmental destruction and resistance as the animals fight back against human encroachment on their forest.Though humorous and filled with folklore,Pom Pokodoes not shy away from darker themes like extinction, displacement, and death, making it one of the most mature “children’s” anime of its time.
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Despite its heavy themes,Pom Pokomanages to be playful, absurd, and deeply moving. The tanuki, with their elaborate transformations and mischievous antics, bring levity and magic to the story. Yet as the humans’ development pushes further into the wilderness, the tanuki face existential questions about adaptation and survival. It is a powerful allegory about environmentalism and the cost of progress, wrapped in a deceptively charming package. While it may have been too nuanced for younger viewers,Pom Pokois a must-watch watch for families looking to introduce more meaningful stories into their anime rotation.
