The 90s was undeniably a golden era for martial arts anime series. From the cult classic Dragon Ball to the shonen hit Yuu Yuu Hakusho, some of the best titles in the genre were released during this decade.
In this article, we will be taking a look at ten amazing martial arts anime from the 1990s that are definitely worth watching. The titles are ranked according to their MyAnimeList rating, from the lowest rated to the highest rated.
10. Shadow Skill: Eigi
Shadow Skill is one of the best martial arts anime from the 90s featuring a female lead. The show follows Elle Ragu, who becomes the Sevaar in the land of Kuruda, and her stepbrother Gau.
As the Sevaar, Elle holds the highest honor as the strongest fighter in all of Kuruda. However, her life becomes more challenging as she has to fight assassins from other countries and pass down her martial arts skills to her adoptive younger brother.
9. Tekken Chinmi
Tekken Chinmi is a 90s action-adventure anime series filled with martial arts goodness. The show revolves around Chinmi, a young boy known for his fighting skills.
One day, he receives an invitation from the Kung-fu masters of the temple, asking him to become their apprentice. Chinmi joins the temple and quickly becomes their greatest pupil. After completing his basic training, he embarks on a pilgrimage where his true adventures begin.
8. Recca no Honoo
Recca no Honoo is an action-packed martial arts anime from the 90s featuring ninjas. The anime tells the story of Recca, a boy aspiring to become a ninja.
Although ninjas no longer exist in modern times, Recca continues to fight anyone, claiming that he will become their slave if anyone can defeat him. However, things take a twist when he meets a girl with a supernatural ability to heal any wound. Together, they discover that Recca comes from a legendary ninja family and must use his newfound powers to fend off mysterious pursuers.
7. Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibouken
Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibouken follows the hero Dai, a young boy raised by a monster on an island with no other humans. Despite his unique upbringing, Dai aspires to become a great hero and embarks on an adventure to realize his dream.
When the previous hero, Avan, notices Dai’s potential, he takes him as his apprentice. However, their journey takes a dangerous turn when the previous demon lord is resurrected and battles Avan. Now, Dai and his friend Pop must travel through lands and defeat the demon lord to save the world.
6. Fushigi Yuugi
Fushigi Yuugi stands out from the rest of the anime on this list as it combines martial arts, romance, and isekai themes in a shoujo anime. The story follows Miaka Yuuki and her friend, who get transported into a fantasy world after discovering an ancient book in a library.
In this unknown land, they encounter trouble but are saved by a mysterious young martial artist. Together, they must find a way back to their world while participating in exciting events in the fantasy world.
5. Fist of the North Star
Fist of the North Star is a popular martial arts anime series set in a post-apocalyptic world. The story centers around Kenshirou, a skilled warrior seeking to rescue his kidnapped fiancee from his rival Shin.
Equipped with the deadly martial arts technique Hokuto Shinken, Kenshiro fights against gangsters and other villains on his journey to save his loved one.
4. Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin is a captivating anime series that combines katana and sword-fighting themes. The story follows Kenshin Himura, a former feared warrior known as “Hitokiri Battousai.” After growing tired of his violent past, Kenshin now lives as a peaceful man, seeking to atone for his sins.
However, when his enemies from the past threaten the people he cares about, Kenshin is forced to fight once again. The series depicts his journey as he battles to protect those he loves.
3. Ranma ½
Ranma ½ is a unique 90s anime that combines martial arts with a gender-bending twist. The main character, Ranma, falls into a cursed hot spring and gains the ability to transform into a woman when splashed with cold water.
With such an unusual predicament, Ranma, a skilled martial artist, navigates through life while dealing with the challenges and comedic situations that arise. To make things even more interesting, Ranma is engaged to a girl who despises men.
2. Yuu Yuu Hakusho
Yuu Yuu Hakusho is a legendary shonen anime series that seamlessly blends martial arts and fantasy elements. The story revolves around Yuusuke, who sacrifices his life to save a child’s life and is given a second chance at life as the spirit detective.
As the spirit detective, Yuusuke must protect the world from supernatural threats. This leads him to participate in a deadly tournament and face demons and devils to fulfill his duty.
1. Dragon Ball
Claiming the number one spot on this list is the iconic Dragon Ball series. Known for its action, comedy, and adventure, Dragon Ball is an unforgettable anime experience.
The story follows Son Goku, a young boy living alone in a forest after the death of his grandfather. His only possession is an orange ball with stars, which turns out to be one of the legendary dragon balls that grant any wish when all seven are collected.
Goku’s journey begins when a spirited girl named Bulma arrives, searching for the dragon balls. Together, they embark on hilarious adventures, meet other martial artists, and ultimately fight to save the world.
The article discusses the top 10 most popular martial arts anime series in the 90s, highlighting the golden era of the genre during that time.