The 90s era of anime is widely considered by fans as one of the best, with several of the most iconic shows ever created being released during this decade. From some of the best shonen ever, like Dragon Ball Z, to series that completely revolutionized the industry, like Berserk, there are several examples of why audiences love this decade.
Yet, even among these top-of-the-notch shows, there are instances of episodes that left fans more than displeased, leaving a permanent stain on the reputation of these amazing anime. Whether it was because of a sudden change in tone or just how unnecessary certain plot points were for the overall story, these are the episodes that ruined the perfect streak of the 90s best shows.
9
Sailor Moon’s Most Pointless Episode Infuriated Fans
Sailor Moon was one of the giants of the 90s anime era, opening the door for girls all over the world to join in the fun of Japanese animation. Usagi’s never-ending fight against the forces of darkness was an exciting event that millions of viewers tuned into each week, eager to see their favorite heroines utilize their stylish and amazing abilities.
This is why Episode 89 of the original anime, titled Follow the Leader, was such a massive letdown. The entire episode is a recap of the events that took place right until that point, with nothing new added to the story. While there was a small glimpse of what the next arc would bring, most fans were extremely disappointed that the production team had taken the time to produce this completely unnecessary entry.
8
Fake Namek’s Arc Caused Several Fans to Drop Dragon Ball Z
After the massive success of Dragon Ball Z’s Saiyan Saga, widely regarded as one of the best in the entire franchise, fans were impatient to know how Goku’s story would continue. The Namek Saga promised to bring more of the epic battles and impressive special techniques that fans had grown to love, at least until the beginning of the Fake Namek mini-arc, with episode 44 being particularly irritating.
It was during this entry that the plot to trick the heroes and steal their ship was revealed, making the three previous episodes completely useless, as they were nothing but an illusion. The final battle between Gohan, Krillin, and the extraterrestrial criminals was also nothing special, ending with just a couple of Ki blasts. Several fans grew tired of the Fake Namek arc, preferring to drop the show until the real story began.
7
Pokemon’s Worst Episode Had Real-World Consequences
Pokemon: Indigo League remains beloved by legions of fans around the world, with millions fondly remembering growing up alongside Ash and his friends. The original show brought fans into a fantastical world filled with adorable and mighty monsters whose powers were as impressive as the battles in which they were involved.
Everything was set for Pokemon to become the next sensation worldwide, at least until the release of an infamous episode known as Electric Soldier Porygon, Episode 38 entry of the first season. The sudden flashes, bright colors, and erratic animation of this episode caused hundreds of Japanese viewers to have an epileptic seizure, causing opinions on the show to shift and almost leading to its cancellation.
6
Digimon Adventure Nearly Ruined Mimi’s Characters
The cast of the original Digimon Adventure show is one of the most complex and best-written for a child-centric anime. Each member of the DigiDestined feels like a real child growing and battling against their inner demons as they grapple with the fact that they are trapped in another world. It is because of how amazing their depiction was most of the time that fans find it so annoying how the series portrayed Mimi in episode 25.
Titled Princess Karaoke, this episode follows Tai, Joe, and their partner Digimon as they search for the holder of the crest of Sincerity. The girl, after being spoiled by the Otamamamon and Gekomon who needed her help, became a selfish and arrogant person, a drastic change from the confident but kind Mimi fans had grown to love. This episode nearly ruined her reputation and pushed several fans away.
5
Neon Genesis Evangelion’s Ending Was Not What Fans Imagined
Although this series has earned its spot among the greatest masterpieces in anime, there was a significant portion of its fanbase that felt completely betrayed during its original run. Neon Genesis Evangelion found a way to perfectly blend the intricacies of philosophical dilemmas with the epic battles that made mecha anime so beloved.
As such, when the finale was released, which had to be heavily altered from the original concept due to budget restrictions, hundreds of viewers complained about the confusing and anticlimactic events that took place. No epic battle accompanied the ending of this cult classic, causing it to become an infamous example of how to disappoint audiences, at least until it found new fans during recent years.
4
Cowboy Bebop’s Weakest Episode Completely Ignored the Themes of the Show
One of the main reasons why the Cowboy Bebop anime has remained one of the most iconic shows ever is because of its charming yet flawed cast. The growth that these characters went through during their time aboard the titular spaceship helped them overcome issues that millions of people deal with, with only one exception: Episode 21, Boogie Woogie Feng-Shui.
Jet is the main focus of this infamous entry, as he helps the daughter of an old friend, who tricked him into helping her find her father. The episode is filled with romantic tension and awkward conversations that are quite inappropriate, as the age gap between the two is a major factor. The pacing and the resolution are also nowhere near as good as other entries in the series, making this episode a complete letdown.
3
Berserk Fans Must Avoid the 90s Anime First Episode
-
Image via OLM -
-
Widely regarded as one of the most influential series of all time, Berserk is a dark fantasy story that found a way to enchant fans despite its bleak and often cruel plot. Guts, also known as the Black Swordsman, is the definition of a tragic hero, trying his best to live an honorable life in a world where suffering is the law. This is why the 90s adaptation of this beloved story became so popular with fans.
It is also the reason why the first episode of the anime is often considered unwatchable by many, as it spoils a major portion of the finale. While it leaves the most important plot twists hidden, it does outright state how the relationship between Guts and Griffith will end. Many fans recommend skipping this episode entirely, so newcomers will enjoy the full experience of the Golden Age arc.
2
Yu Yu Hakusho Ruined the Beginning of Its Most Important Tournament
Over the years, Yoshihiro Togashi’s Yu Yu Hakusho has cemented its place as one of the most iconic anime from the 90s era, thanks to its incredible cast, outstanding power system, and engaging plot. Despite not receiving any new material for more than a decade, interest in this amazing show has never truly gone away, proving just how much impact it caused among audiences.
Nonetheless, not every entry in this series is praiseworthy, and the best proof of this is Episode 107, The Demon World Tournament Begins. Most fans expected this entry to bring intense battles and impressive choreography, traits that had made this series so popular. Instead, the episode relied heavily on off-screen battles and uninteresting montages, disappointing those who had waited for this plot line to be adapted.
1
Trigun Completely Misunderstood Vash’s Character in the Worst Way
Being an overpowered anime protagonist tends to be a major advantage in most shows, as this immense power gives the heroes the tools needed to save the day. Trigun managed to enchant audiences by using this iconic trope and turning it into a burden for Vash, a man who believes in absolute peace. His desire for humanity to live in harmony and his refusal to kill, as he saw all life as valuable, was a breath of fresh air for the era.
Episode 11 caused much controversy among fans because it went completely against the ideals Vash stood for from the beginning of the series. He allows a group of known human traffickers to run away without any consequences, inadvertently causing the suffering and death of hundreds more. Fans complained about this episode not only misunderstanding the values held by Vash, but also glorifying inaction when confronted with moral dilemmas.
