Nostalgia is a feeling defined as a sentimental longing for the past, typically with happy connotations. There are a good deal of anime that give us this fuzzy feeling. When we all first got into it, we watched it on Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, often after our parents went to sleep. Those same anime lovers are now adults who have way more access to the shows we once loved.
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But it’s not just access to a show that makes it nostalgic. It’s originality, relatable characters, great stories, and addicting music. These aspects help us look past the old graphics and fall in love with stories all over again. Keep reading to remind yourself of your favorite nostalgic anime.
9
Dragon Ball Z
“It’s Over 9,000!”
Dragon Ball Z follows Goku and his friends as they defend the Earth from enemies. It’s no wonder this anime is on this list. Even if you haven’t seen this epic show, you’ve heard of it. Many recognize the imagery of the Dragon Balls or are very aware of Goku. There are nine seasons of this epic show, so if you watched it, it helped shape your childhood.
Multiple games have stemmed from this anime, including video games, board games, phone games, and card games. If you don’t want to rewatch over 290 episodes, you can find your nostalgia through one of these.
8
Pokemon
“Gotta Catch’ Em All”
Pokemon might never become obsolete. This is a show that we watched growing up that is still going on with new characters and Pokemon coming out every day. People who watched the original show are now enjoying it with their kids.
Not only are there video games and cards (which are often considered collectible), but there’s the infamous theme song, backpacks, plushies, blankets, and so much more merchandise. This show defines nostalgia for us, and hopefully, it will continue to be that for new kids who are discovering it today.
7
Naruto
“I Vow To Win.”
Even people who have never watched another anime have heard of Naruto. The plot follows a young ninja, Naruto, who strives to lead his village. This show is nostalgic because it has so much character growth that tears at your heartstrings.
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The characters are incredibly relatable, and it’s hard not to connect to them emotionally. Naruto is twelve when the show starts, 17 at the end of the show, and 19 at the end of the movie. We truly got to grow up with him, and rewatching this reminds us of that.
6
Sailor Moon
“Moon Prism Power, Make-Up!”
Sailor Moon is a show about girl power, love, strength, and friendship. We get to watch a girl group as they continuously save the earth and all of humanity, learn and grow, and even fall in love. This anime is unique because it was rebooted, so many fans have been able to fall in love with it twice.
Many young girls felt this was the first anime that catered to them, which adds to the nostalgia. At this point, it’s become more of a phenomenon than anything, and it’s a show that is always worth going back to.
5
Death Note
“I Take A Chip, And I Eat It!”
Death Note has retained popularity years after it aired. Even though some other anime might come close, there isn’t a single one that succeeds in doing exactly what Death Note does. It follows a serial killer who can use a notebook to kill people, and has a strange sense of justice plus a gnarly god complex.
The uniqueness of this show is what makes it nostalgic. Even though viewers know the ending, it’s addicting to go back and watch Light fight against L, and it’s even more satisfying when he finally loses.
4
Inuyasha
“You Live In A Time Where They Don’t Even Have SHAMPOO.”
Inuyasha first aired in 2002 on Adult Swim, which made it a more accessible show for most kids and teens looking to get into anime. It’s considered a classic and follows a young girl, Kagome, who finds a portal between worlds. She has to go to school while also going back in time to help Inuyasha, a half-demon spirit, save the world.
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This show is sentimental because many who watched it were the same age as Kagome. They related to her having her first love, and the struggle of him having feelings for Kikyo as well. It’s also adventurous and magical, which always pulls viewers in.
3
Clannad
“Papa, are we there yet?”
Clannad came out in 2004 and is a clear representation of that era. There isn’t much social media, and most characters spend time communicating with each other and making bonds. There are also very relaxed neighborhoods and settings, which bring viewers to a simpler time.
Characters collected stickers, CDs, and cassettes, rented VHS tapes, and had a normal life. It reels you in and reminds you of childhood innocence, which is so special.
2
Toradora!
“Finish taking that step!”
A lot of why Toradora! It’s so nostalgic is the plot itself. It follows two high schoolers who don’t like each other but end up falling in love. Fans love watching them grow up, realize their feelings, and become better people.
First loves are so memorable, and they hold a special place in our hearts. Toradora! is like a time capsule because it showcases that special love in such a real way. It’s a slice-of-life, and the plot and characters truly carry it.
1
Yu-Gi-Oh!
“Heart of the cards, guide me!”
Similar to Pokemon, part of the reason Yu-Gi-Oh! is so loved is because of the games surrounding it. There are many popular decks, and the phone game Duel Links, a card game featuring Yu-Gi-Oh decks, brought many back to the show.
The game is simple enough and easy to play, and, unlike other card games, doesn’t require a huge amount of upkeep and money. This anime ties directly into childhood experiences and makes one remember their favorite card, which for most would have to be Blue Eyes White Dragon.
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