7 Classic Anime Celebrating Their 30th Anniversary in 2024

1994 was a time when anime was mostly watched on VHS tapes in North America, with only a few shows airing on TV channels. Unlike today, where anime is easily accessible on various devices like computers, phones, and consoles.

In 1994, there were many notable movies and OVAs released, as well as some exceptional anime seasons. For instance, there was the underrated Studio Ghibli film, Pom Poko, which depicted the struggles of Tanuki trying to coexist with humans. Additionally, there were movies based on popular franchises such as Doraemon, Dragon Ball Z, and Crayon Shin-chan. Let's now focus on some classic anime seasons from that era.

Blue Seed

A Reverse Inuyasha

Promo art featuring characters in Blue Seed - A Reverse Inuyasha

Director: Jun Kamiya

Release Date: October 5, 1994

Studio: Production I.G/Ashi Productions

In 1992, Blue Seed started as a manga before becoming an anime in 1994. The series didn't reach North America on VHS until 1996, but it quickly gained popularity among fans who enjoyed trading tapes. Similar to Inuyasha, Blue Seed follows a young teen named Momiji who is being pursued by demons. Mamoru, a demon-possessed humanoid, initially has little regard for Momiji but eventually teams up with her to fight against the invading demons alongside human forces. The main difference from Inuyasha is that Blue Seed is set in the present day with demons threatening the world.

A Tournament Arc With Mechs

Promo art featuring characters in G Gundam - A Tournament Arc With Mechs

Director: Yasuhiro Imagawa

Release Date: April 22, 1994

Studio: Sunrise

G Gundam is known for being one of the most unique versions of the Gundam series. In this world, conflicts are no longer resolved through wars but through exciting tournaments. Each country selects a skilled Gundam pilot to represent them in battle. The victorious country gains the power to influence global politics until the next tournament.

Lupin The Third: Dragon of Doom

Imagine a show that's like the Olympics, but even more intense. "Dragon of Doom" is an epic anime that follows the story of Japan's skilled fighter, Domon, and his powerful Burning Gundam. This thrilling series was first released in Japan in 1994, but it wasn't until 2002 when viewers in the West could easily watch it, thanks to its debut on the Toonami block on Cartoon Network.

Move Over James Cameron

Lupin in Lupin The Third Dragon of Doom - Move Over James Cameron - Lupin The Third: Dragon of Doom

Director: Masaharu Okuwaki

Release Date: July 29, 1994

Lupin the Third: Dragon of Doom was not released in theaters in 1994. Instead, it was a TV special in the long line of Lupin the Third-based TV specials that started in 1989 and continued almost yearly. This was the sixth special and showcased some of the best action by the skilled team at TMS. The story follows Lupin and his crew as they dive into the Titanic to recover a lost treasure that belongs to Goemon’s clan. It wasn't until 2003 that North America got to see it, and in the dubbed version, they even make a reference to the Titanic movie, even though Lupin the Third: Dragon of Doom came out before the Titanic movie.

New Cutie Honey

Full Of Fan Service

Honey in New Cutie Honey - Full Of Fan Service

Director: Yasuchika Nagaoka

Release Date: April 21, 1994

Studio: Studio Junio

New Cutie Honey is a modern version of the classic Cutie Honey story that first started as a manga in 1973. It's like Sailor Moon, but with a bit more revealing scenes. This anime caters to the fans who have been following the manga since their childhood in Japan. The story is set in a world filled with mutants after an apocalypse, and only Honey, the reincarnation of the legendary hero, can save the day. Originally released in Japan in 1994, it made its way to North America through the VHS market in 1996.

Sailor Moon S

Uranus And Neptune Appear

Sailor Moon fighting in Sailor Moon S - Uranus And Neptune Appear

Director: Kunihiko Ikuhara

Release Date: March 19, 1994

Studio: Toei Animation

Sailor Moon S, the third season of the anime, aired in Japan in 1994 after the manga's release in 1991. It wasn't until 2000 that Western audiences could watch it as part of the Toonami block. The series was heavily censored on Cartoon Network, mainly due to issues surrounding sexuality. Season three introduced Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune, who teamed up with Sailor Moon and others to battle a mad scientist attempting to obtain the Holy Grail using crystallized hearts.

Street Fighter 2: The Animated Movie

A Tale Of Two Adaptations

Chun Li Street Fighter 2 The Animated Movie - A Tale Of Two Adaptations - Street Fighter 2: The Animated Movie

Director: Gisaburo Sugii

Release Date: August 6, 1994

Studio: Toei Company

Street Fighter 2: The Animated Movie is the only movie released in theaters, and it holds significance for a few reasons. It first premiered in Japan in 1994, with a dubbed version released in North America in 1995. Instead of seeing this movie in 1994, Western fans were introduced to a live-action film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, which has gained a following as a cult favorite despite being considered a bad movie.

Compared to the live-action film, the anime version of Street Fighter 2 stayed more true to the original source material, although it included scenes like a showering Chun-Li that were not in the games. In 1994, several fighting games were adapted into anime, with titles such as Fatal Fury and Samurai Showdown also making the leap from video game to animated series.

You're Under Arrest

A Low Stakes Police Drama

A scene featuring characters in You're Under Arrest - A Low Stakes Police Drama

Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi

Release Date: September 24, 1994

Studio: Studio Deen

You're Under Arrest is a laid-back anime that follows a group of police officers navigating their daily lives. While there is some action, the focus is more on police chases rather than intense shootouts. Originally starting as a four-episode OVA, the series gained popularity and was expanded into a full series with an additional 47 episodes. It wasn't until 1999 that North America got to experience the full series release, rather than just the OVA. While it may not be the top anime of 1994, the animation is solid, and overall, it offers a relaxing viewing experience.

Editor's P/S:

The article presents a nostalgic journey through the anime landscape of 1994, highlighting memorable movies, OVAs, and anime seasons that captivated audiences. It effectively captures the excitement and influence of these works, particularly in the Western market where access to anime was more limited.

The article's focus on specific titles and their unique aspects provides a well-rounded view of the diversity and quality of anime produced during that time. It evokes a sense of appreciation for the creators and artists who brought these stories to life. The inclusion of details such as the initial release dates and studios adds historical context, enhancing the article's credibility and appeal to anime enthusiasts.