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10 non-mainstream anime from the late 90s/late 00s with 22/26 eps you must watch before you die

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Jul 25, 2023 8:44 AM
#1
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Kaze No Yojimbo (Pierrot, 2001)  / mystery with two mafia factions in a country village that include a hidden treasure and trains

Speed Grapher (Gonzo,2005) / an action thriller with surnatural humans and taboo subjects such as sexual desires and greed

Blassreiter (Gonzo,2008) / a fast-paced sci-fi and mecha melodrama with motorcycles, explosions, religious undertones and a post-apocalyptic setting

Texhnolyze (Madhouse,2003) / a surreal and dark dystopia within an industrial city affected by violent behaviors and transhumanism

Gasaraki (Sunrise,1998) / A serious military show with mechas, geopolitics, occult/mysticism, drama and ultranationalism within a realistic setting 

Requiem for the Phantom (BeeTrain,2009) / A psychological, tragic and character-driven mafia show that has melodrama and existential themes 

The Devil Lady (TMS Ent.,1998) /  A creepy and psychological demon/surnatural show with some politics, horror, slice of life and yuri understones (written by Chiaki Konaka, who also wrote Serial Exp. Lain and Texhnolyze)

Gilgamesh (Group TAC,2003) / An atmospheric and dark surnatural show with a family and a cult fighting each other after a terrorist attack in an archaeological site

Glass Fleet (Gonzo,2006) / A space-opera with wars between aristocrats that include swordfights, religion, sci-fi and a love triangle with yayoi undertones

Ergo Proxy (Manglobe,2006) / An existential and experimental trip within a post-apocalyptic world that include gnoticism, philosophy, weirdness and allegorical themes
WitherThrakhJul 25, 2023 8:47 AM
Jul 25, 2023 9:06 AM
#2

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But why do i have to watch them exactly? Will they enhance my afterlife?
Jul 25, 2023 9:10 AM
#3

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Apr 2023
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Wooajh said:
OiantakuYT said:
But why do i have to watch them exactly? Will they enhance my afterlife?

Because they are better than  Le Chevalier D'Eon.


Okey, then you have persuaded me...
Jul 25, 2023 9:20 AM
#4

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gilgamesh was the show that made drop an anime for the first time.

that show is butt ugly and the plot is slow in the most annoying possible way.

the premise was interesting, but after spending so many episodes getting 0 answers, while also spending time on action and fight training, in a show that is again, VERY ugly, I couldn't take it anymore. I've heard the ending is good, so I might try it again later, but that show was painfully boring.

and if you look at my list I LOVE, slow burners. so I can assure you it's not because it wasn't my type of show. in fact it was exactly my type of show.

also also, the music straight up gave me headaches every time I watched an episode. 

the opening weirdly slaps though, so I'll give it that. and again. the core concept did have me hooked.
Jul 25, 2023 9:25 AM
#5

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WitherThrakh said:
The Devil Lady (TMS Ent.,1998) /  A creepy and psychological demon/surnatural show with some politics, horror, slice of life and yuri understones
That director has a better non-mainstream anime from the late 90s/late 00s with 22/26 eps.
https://myanimelist.net/anime/690/Kyuuketsuhime_Miyu_TV
その目だれの目?
Jul 25, 2023 9:30 AM
#6

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Lucifrost said:
WitherThrakh said:
The Devil Lady (TMS Ent.,1998) /  A creepy and psychological demon/surnatural show with some politics, horror, slice of life and yuri understones
That director has a better non-mainstream anime from the late 90s/late 00s with 22/26 eps.
https://myanimelist.net/anime/690/Kyuuketsuhime_Miyu_TV
this one looks cool actually, do you suggest the ova version or the tv series version? 
Jul 25, 2023 9:34 AM
#7
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I’ve only seen two of those shows, I love Texhnolyze but I didn’t like Requiem for the Phantom, It started off decent but really started to fall apart after the time skip with the characters acting retarded and the ending was pretty lame.
Jul 25, 2023 9:38 AM
#8
危ないお兄さん

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Like usual i always recom Yugo the Negotiator, proper anime with 13 eps 24 mins duration if u want serious thing inspired by real situation, polemic, circumstance, etc

Jul 25, 2023 9:49 AM
#9

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APolygons2 said:
]this one looks cool actually, do you suggest the ova version or the tv series version? 


They have different stories, so you can watch both perfectly sensibly.

The OVAs are way better though.
Jul 25, 2023 9:54 AM

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APolygons2 said:
Lucifrost said:
That director has a better non-mainstream anime from the late 90s/late 00s with 22/26 eps.
https://myanimelist.net/anime/690/Kyuuketsuhime_Miyu_TV
this one looks cool actually, do you suggest the ova version or the tv series version? 
Either one or both. The 90s version is mostly episodic with an overarching story, while the 80s version has no story.
その目だれの目?
Jul 25, 2023 9:58 AM
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Wooajh said:
Arioch- said:
I’ve only seen two of those shows, I love Texhnolyze but I didn’t like Requiem for the Phantom, It started off decent but really started to fall apart after the time skip with the characters acting retarded and the ending was pretty lame.

It definitely has a better ending than AoT final season, which you rated 8. 
The manga ending that has yet to be adapted into the anime is garbage but I still enjoyed most of the final season. Way better than anything from Requiem for the Phantom.
Jul 25, 2023 11:00 AM

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Enjoyed Speed Grapher. One of the most f***ed up anime i've ever seen. The animation's bad tho.

Loved Ergo Proxy. Will rewatch it in the future.

Didn't really enjoy Texhnolyze. Too much heavy breathing. Might rewatch it tho.

Dropped Phantom Requiem. Interesting core plot but weak development and execution.

PTW: Kaze no Yojimbo, Blassreiter, Gasaraki

Interested in Gilgamesh but also doubtful and hesitant.

Don't know about the rest.
Jul 25, 2023 11:04 AM
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ISeeLifePeople said:
Like usual i always recom Yugo the Negotiator, proper anime with 13 eps 24 mins duration if u want serious thing inspired by real situation, polemic, circumstance, etc
I know it, saw the trailer, maybe one day but I think you might like Kaze No Yojimbo
Jul 25, 2023 11:07 AM
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tWooajh said:
OiantakuYT said:
But why do i have to watch them exactly? Will they enhance my afterlife?

Because they are better than  Le Chevalier D'Eon.
tbh, I did not dislike Le Chevalier D'Eon, not a favorite but I thought it was good overall
Jul 25, 2023 11:15 AM
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Jul 2023
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TRC_Randy said:
Enjoyed Speed Grapher. One of the most f***ed up anime i've ever seen. The animation's bad tho.

Loved Ergo Proxy. Will rewatch it in the future.

Didn't really enjoy Texhnolyze. Too much heavy breathing. Might rewatch it tho.

Dropped Phantom Requiem. Interesting core plot but weak development and execution.

PTW: Kaze no Yojimbo, Blassreiter, Gasaraki

Interested in Gilgamesh but also doubtful and hesitant.

Don't know about the rest.
Requiem is not about action, I disagree with you, that anime is not for everyone, it requires you to be in a specific mood,
Gilgamesh requires you to be patient
Jul 25, 2023 11:28 AM

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WitherThrakh said:
TRC_Randy said:
Enjoyed Speed Grapher. One of the most f***ed up anime i've ever seen. The animation's bad tho.

Loved Ergo Proxy. Will rewatch it in the future.

Didn't really enjoy Texhnolyze. Too much heavy breathing. Might rewatch it tho.

Dropped Phantom Requiem. Interesting core plot but weak development and execution.

PTW: Kaze no Yojimbo, Blassreiter, Gasaraki

Interested in Gilgamesh but also doubtful and hesitant.

Don't know about the rest.
Requiem is not about action,
i never mentioned action. Besides, it DOES have it still and as far as my memory goes it isn't very good at that.

WitherThrakh said:
I disagree with you, that anime is not for everyone,
well i'm someone who watches ALL kinds of stuff. Just check out my list.

WitherThrakh said:
it requires you to be in a specific mood,
what kinda mood?

WitherThrakh said:
Gilgamesh requires you to be patient
bcoz?
Jul 25, 2023 11:44 AM
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Jan 2017
560
These sound pretty interesting, you should make this post into an interest stack too
Jul 25, 2023 12:05 PM
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I would like to add https://myanimelist.net/anime/3613/Toshokan_Sensou to the list, absolute gem, I can't believe how good it was.
Jul 25, 2023 6:38 PM
危ないお兄さん

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Nov 2016
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WitherThrakh said:
ISeeLifePeople said:
Like usual i always recom Yugo the Negotiator, proper anime with 13 eps 24 mins duration if u want serious thing inspired by real situation, polemic, circumstance, etc
I know it, saw the trailer, maybe one day but I think you might like Kaze No Yojimbo

Since entered mal, its first time hearing the title from urs probably i will test it ig

Jul 25, 2023 7:02 PM

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Dec 2016
6128
I don't see how titles like Slayers and Shaman King aren't part of the mainstream.

Sure nowadays they surely aren't as popular as Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen, but that doesn't mean back then they hadn't been pretty big names for their respective times.
Jul 25, 2023 7:39 PM

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GTO will always be a timeless classic, no doubt about it...

Jul 25, 2023 7:40 PM

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8894
As mentioned here, I can add Phantom. The plot is interesting and I know the ending wasn't the best, however the whole story was worth it IMO

Jul 25, 2023 7:51 PM

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Jun 2019
7833
Also,

- Aishiteruze Baby (2004)
- Dennou Coil (2007)
- Gankutsuou (2004)
- Tenpou Ibun Ayakashi Ayashi (2006) (This is 25 episodes, but this also has a separate five episode OVA which finishes the series since the schedule on television was screwed over)
- Witch Hunter Robin (2002)
- Shinreigari (2007)
- Zipang (2004)
- Guin Saga (2009)
- Otogizoushi (2004)
- Zettai Shounen (2005)
Jul 25, 2023 8:18 PM

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Mar 2021
4112
SoldierDream said:
I don't see how titles like Slayers and Shaman King aren't part of the mainstream.

Sure nowadays they surely aren't as popular as Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen, but that doesn't mean back then they hadn't been pretty big names for their respective times.


I really didn't see "Slayers" as mainstream at all in the West. The Anime started airing in Japan in around 1995 and the only way I remember that fans were able to see it in the West was through bootlegs on VHS until around the early 2000s when it got an official region 1 DVD release for the 1st time in North America. Because not many people owned Laser disc players back then. Before that "Slayers" was only released on Laser Disc. I don't even think it got officially released on VHS even in Japan but I could be wrong. I heard it aired on "International Channel" in the early 2000s but I have never met anyone who actually watched it air back then. As for "Shaman King" I guess you are right. It was more mainstream back then but over time fans just kind of forgot about it like they forgot about the "Ninja Scroll" Series.
ColourWheelJul 25, 2023 8:34 PM


Jul 25, 2023 8:24 PM

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ISeeLifePeople said:
Like usual i always recom Yugo the Negotiator, proper anime with 13 eps 24 mins duration if u want serious thing inspired by real situation, polemic, circumstance, etc


While I have not seen this series, I believe I know what it is like, so I will go ahead and say that if OP likes this, then watch Master Keaton, Black Jack OVA (though the series started in the early 1990s), Bartender, Gallery Fake (the latter two I have not seen).

The Big O is another good series that fits in with the others, but it is a little bit more mainstream.
Jul 26, 2023 10:45 AM
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,  said:
I am just going to list a bunch of non-mainstream shit I actually own on DVD between the late 90s and late 2000s, you can decide which 10 you like.

"Zenki"
"Slayers"
"Maze: The Mega-Burst Space"
Madlax and Blue Gender were pretty good, Claymore was good but I did not like El Cazador. Books of Bantorra was meh. Kaiji was good but Akagi is better
WitherThrakhJul 26, 2023 10:51 AM
Jul 26, 2023 10:51 AM
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KitsuFrost said:
As mentioned here, I can add Phantom. The plot is interesting and I know the ending wasn't the best, however the whole story was worth it IMO

Actually, the ending is one of the best, if you paid attention that is, and while the story is good it definitely has quite a bit of flaws. Nevertheless, it has objectively one of the best anime soundtracks.
Jul 26, 2023 11:02 AM

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Saallo said:
KitsuFrost said:
As mentioned here, I can add Phantom. The plot is interesting and I know the ending wasn't the best, however the whole story was worth it IMO

Actually, the ending is one of the best, if you paid attention that is, and while the story is good it definitely has quite a bit of flaws. Nevertheless, it has objectively one of the best anime soundtracks.

Yes, I can say that the intention and message regarding the neverending death circle is a good one. Also from what I read, the VN ending was different, wasn't it?

The OST is indeed great. Especially Ali Project songs.

Jul 26, 2023 11:06 AM
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KitsuFrost said:
Saallo said:

Actually, the ending is one of the best, if you paid attention that is, and while the story is good it definitely has quite a bit of flaws. Nevertheless, it has objectively one of the best anime soundtracks.

Yes, I can say that the intention and message regarding the neverending death circle is a good one. Also from what I read, the VN ending was different, wasn't it?

The OST is indeed great. Especially Ali Project songs.

VN has multiple endings, as most other VNs. The dream scene with  Zwei and Cal in the car can be seen as an alternative ending in a way.
Jul 26, 2023 11:40 AM
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Beast Tamer Erin (2009) PS: more episodes
Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
The Twelve Kingdoms (2002) PS: more episodes
Natsume Yuujinchou (2007) + sequels
Mushishi (2005)
Romeo & Juliet (2007)
Aria (2005) - more episodes
Casshern Sins (2008)
Wolf's Rain (2003)
Noir (2001)
El Cazador de la Bruja (2007)
Ghost Hound (2007)
Bokurano (2007)
Eureka Seven (2005)
Last Exile (2003)
Terra e... (2007)
xxxHolic (2008)
Sans Famille (1996)
Princess Tutu (2002)

All really good and underappreciated series.


Watching right now / very soon:

Planetes (2003)
The Count of Monte Cristo (2004)


Haven't seen yet but great first impression:

Dennou Coil (2007)
Oban Star Racers (2006)
Basquash (2004)
Fanastic Children (2004)
Romeo and the Black Brothers (1995) - more episodes
Nadia: Secret of Blue Water (1990)
Zettai Shounen (2005)
Noein (2005)
Brigadoon (2000)
Figure 17 (2001)
RahXephon (2002)
Secret of Stellar Wars (2001)
Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom (2009)
removed-userJul 26, 2023 11:54 AM
Jul 26, 2023 12:20 PM
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Risa92 said:
Beast Tamer Erin (2009) PS: more episodes
Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
The Twelve Kingdoms (2002) PS: more episodes
Natsume Yuujinchou (2007) + sequels
Mushishi (2005)
Romeo & Juliet (2007)
Aria (2005) - more episodes
Casshern Sins (2008)
Wolf's Rain (2003)
Noir (2001)
El Cazador de la Bruja (2007)
Ghost Hound (2007)
Bokurano (2007)
Eureka Seven (2005)
Last Exile (2003)
Terra e... (2007)
xxxHolic (2008)
Sans Famille (1996)
Princess Tutu (2002)

All really good and underappreciated series.


Watching right now / very soon:

Planetes (2003)
The Count of Monte Cristo (2004)


Haven't seen yet but great first impression:

Dennou Coil (2007)
Oban Star Racers (2006)
Basquash (2004)
Fanastic Children (2004)
Romeo and the Black Brothers (1995) - more episodes
Nadia: Secret of Blue Water (1990)
Zettai Shounen (2005)
Noein (2005)
Brigadoon (2000)
Figure 17 (2001)
 (2002)
Secret of Stellar Wars (2001)
Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom (2009)
RahXephon is pretty good. Noir too. Cazador was meh. I loved 12 Kingdoms. Wolf's Rain was not my cup of tea but i finished it, was ok.
Jul 26, 2023 1:37 PM

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From the late 90s,
Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 is completely unknown and extremely underrated. It has a silly name, but I'll be damned, almost every episode ends with a cliffhanger so everyone I know who watched it had a hard time not binge watching it, it had a pretty good ost, good animation, a unique story and a decent character cast. Very fun to watch.


Lots of very good anime from the 2000s have already been listed. Most of them aren't THAT unknown though.
ZefyrisJul 26, 2023 1:41 PM
Jul 26, 2023 4:11 PM
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Zefyris said:
From the late 90s,
Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 is completely unknown and extremely underrated. It has a silly name, but I'll be damned, almost every episode ends with a cliffhanger so everyone I know who watched it had a hard time not binge watching it, it had a pretty good ost, good animation, a unique story and a decent character cast. Very fun to watch.


Lots of very good anime from the 2000s have already been listed. Most of them aren't THAT unknown though.
Watched it, not Top 10 for me but it is indeed a very good one but I think you might like The Devil Lady (from 1998. which is in my Top 10) since it has similarities but it is darker
Jul 27, 2023 9:59 AM
危ないお兄さん

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Pages_Pages said:
ISeeLifePeople said:
Like usual i always recom Yugo the Negotiator, proper anime with 13 eps 24 mins duration if u want serious thing inspired by real situation, polemic, circumstance, etc


While I have not seen this series, I believe I know what it is like, so I will go ahead and say that if OP likes this, then watch Master Keaton, Black Jack OVA (though the series started in the early 1990s), Bartender, Gallery Fake (the latter two I have not seen).

The Big O is another good series that fits in with the others, but it is a little bit more mainstream.

Why should be black jack ova not black jack tv version ?
Was there downgraded quality from ova compared tv version or what ?

Jul 27, 2023 11:07 AM

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14848
ISeeLifePeople said:
Why should be black jack ova not black jack tv version ?
Only the TV version follows the manga, so that person presumably dislikes Tezuka's writing.
その目だれの目?
Jul 27, 2023 12:45 PM

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ISeeLifePeople said:
Pages_Pages said:


While I have not seen this series, I believe I know what it is like, so I will go ahead and say that if OP likes this, then watch Master Keaton, Black Jack OVA (though the series started in the early 1990s), Bartender, Gallery Fake (the latter two I have not seen).

The Big O is another good series that fits in with the others, but it is a little bit more mainstream.

Why should be black jack ova not black jack tv version ?
Was there downgraded quality from ova compared tv version or what ?

The two are very different, the TV series is more appealing to the shounen demographic, whereas the OVA is more targeted towards the seinen audience. The stories in the OVA were more fleshed out too.

Lucifrost said:
ISeeLifePeople said:
Why should be black jack ova not black jack tv version ?
Only the TV version follows the manga, so that person presumably dislikes Tezuka's writing.

I have Tezuka in my favorites. I enjoy quite a few of his manga, but I feel the Dezaki OVA version elevates the series to a new level of maturity that stuff like Master Keaton have.
Jul 27, 2023 1:07 PM

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14848
Pages_Pages said:
I feel the Dezaki OVA version elevates the series to a new level of maturity that stuff like Master Keaton have.
Good to know. I will do my best to avoid Master Keaton if it is anything like Dezaki's Black Jack.
その目だれの目?

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