10 Notable 1990s Manga That Are Still Popular Today

The 1990s were a golden age for manga, a decade that saw the medium explode in creativity, diversity, and global reach. It was an era where foundational pillars of modern pop culture were built, series that defined genres and created legions of fans who would pass their passion down to new generations. These works transcended their time, thanks to timeless art, universal themes, and characters who feel as vivid today as they did decades ago. Here are ten notable 1990s manga that maintain a powerful and enduring popularity.

1. One Piece (1997 – Present)

Eiichiro Oda’s magnum opus began its voyage in 1997 and has since become a cultural monolith. The tale of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates continues to capture imaginations with its boundless sense of adventure, intricate world-building, and profound themes of friendship, freedom, and dreams. Its ongoing publication and wildly successful anime adaptation ensure its place as perhaps the most popular manga of all time, with its 1990s roots as the legendary starting point.

2. Berserk (1989-2021)

Though it debuted in the late 80s, Berserk defined the dark fantasy genre throughout the 90s with its iconic “Golden Age” arc. Kentaro Miura’s unparalleled, detail-obsessed artwork and the profound, tragic saga of Guts and Griffith created a masterpiece of staggering depth and visceral power. Its themes of struggle, trauma, and the search for purpose in a cruel world continue to resonate deeply, cementing its status as a timeless, if harrowing, classic.

3. Sailor Moon (1991-1997)

Naoko Takeuchi’s magical girl series didn’t just define a genre; it revolutionized it. Sailor Moon blended romance, fantasy, and superhero action with a team of relatable, iconic heroines. Its messages of love, justice, and female empowerment created a global phenomenon. The series’ enduring aesthetic, memorable characters like Usagi Tsukino and her Sailor Guardians, and multiple modern re-releases and adaptations keep it perpetually beloved.

4. Dragon Ball (1984-1995) & Dragon Ball Z

While Dragon Ball started in the 80s, its seismic impact peaked throughout the 1990s with the Dragon Ball Z anime and manga. Akira Toriyama’s creation is the bedrock of modern shonen manga. Its formula of ever-increasing power scales, iconic transformations (like the Super Saiyan), and thrilling martial arts tournaments became the blueprint for countless series that followed. Goku’s pure-hearted quest for strength remains the genre’s cornerstone.

5. Hunter x Hunter (1998 – Present)

Yoshihiro Togashi’s series began in 1998 and quickly established itself as a masterclass in intelligent, deconstructive shonen storytelling. Following Gon Freecss’s quest to find his father, it builds a world where strategy and intellect often trump raw power. Its sophisticated power system (Nen), complex characterizations, and willingness to explore dark, moral ambiguity have given it a reputation that only grows with time, attracting new analytical fans with each passing year.

6. Rurouni Kenshin (1994-1999)

Nobuhiro Watsuki’s tale of a wandering, peace-seeking former assassin in Meiji-era Japan struck a perfect balance between historical drama, thrilling swordplay, and heartfelt character development. Himura Kenshin’s vow to never kill again and his quest for atonement provided a nuanced, emotional core. Its recent, high-profile anime remake, Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning, is a direct testament to its lasting narrative power and popularity.

7. Yu Yu Hakusho (1990-1994)

From the mind of Yoshihiro Togashi, Yu Yu Hakusho redefined the supernatural battle genre. The story of delinquent Yusuke Urameshi’s journey from street tough to Spirit Detective is celebrated for its flawless character ensemble, emotionally charged storytelling, and some of the most iconic tournament arcs in manga history. Its perfect blend of humor, heart, and thrilling action has ensured it never faded from “must-read” lists.

8. Cardcaptor Sakura (1996-2000)

CLAMP’s enchanting series captured a generation with its beautiful art, imaginative magical-girl mechanics, and surprisingly mature emotional core. Sakura Kinomoto’s mission to recapture the magical Clow Cards is a story brimming with warmth, kindness, and gentle explorations of love in its many forms. Its timeless, gorgeous aesthetic and universally appealing story continue to attract new fans through gorgeous collector’s editions and ongoing sequels.

9. Initial D (1995-2013)

Shuichi Shigeno’s Initial D did the seemingly impossible: it made the technical details of street racing and car mechanics intensely cool and dramatically compelling. The story of tofu delivery boy Takumi Fujiwara’s hidden downhill racing genius on Mount Akina created an entire subculture. Its iconic Eurobeat soundtrack and precise, thrilling depictions of racing physics have given it a legendary, evergreen status among fans of sports and automotive manga.

10. Pokémon Adventures (1997 – Present)

Based on the global video game phenomenon, Hidenori Kusaka’s Pokémon Adventures (often called PokéSpe by fans) distinguished itself with a more serialized, adventurous, and slightly edgier take on the world of Pokémon. Following characters like Red, Blue, and Green, it delves deeper into the game’s lore and presents more direct stakes and character development. It remains the definitive manga companion to the franchise, continuously updating with new generations of games.

The Legacy of the 90s

The enduring popularity of these works is no accident. The 1990s was a decade where manga artists pushed boundaries, perfected formulas, and created characters who became lifelong friends to readers. These series are regularly reprinted in deluxe editions, inspire next-generation anime remakes, and are discovered anew by readers every day. They prove that great storytelling, compelling characters, and artistic vision are truly timeless, ensuring these 90s legends will continue their journey far into the future.