Gen-Z Thinks These 10 Legendary 90s Anime Are Too Generic

For anime fans who grew up in the 1990s, that decade feels untouchable. It was a golden age — raw animation, unforgettable soundtracks, iconic characters, and stories that defined what anime is. But here’s the uncomfortable truth many longtime fans struggle to accept:

Gen-Z doesn’t always see 90s anime the same way.

To a new generation raised on fast pacing, high-budget animation, morally complex characters, and genre-breaking narratives, many legendary 90s anime feel… too familiar, too slow, or too predictable.

This doesn’t mean Gen-Z thinks these anime are bad. In fact, many of them are respected. But respect doesn’t always equal excitement.

So let’s talk honestly.

This article explores 10 legendary 1990s anime that Gen-Z often considers “too generic”, while also explaining why they mattered, why they still deserve respect, and why they sometimes fail to connect with modern viewers.

No hate. No disrespect. Just perspective.

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1. Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996)

Let’s start with the most controversial name on this list.

For Millennials and older Gen-X fans, Dragon Ball Z is sacred. It defined shonen anime outside Japan. Super Saiyan transformations, planet-destroying villains, screaming power-ups — DBZ built the blueprint.

But to many Gen-Z viewers?

It feels like the template they’ve already seen a hundred times.

Why Gen-Z Finds It Generic

• Extremely long fights stretched over dozens of episodes

• Repetitive structure: train → fight → lose → power up → win

• Limited character growth outside of Goku and Vegeta

• Predictable outcomes

  
  

Modern anime like Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and Demon Slayer deliver tighter pacing, higher stakes, and more complex characters — often in half the runtime.

Why It Still Matters

Every modern battle shonen exists because of Dragon Ball Z. Gen-Z might find it generic precisely because it invented the genre’s rules.

DBZ didn’t copy tropes — it created them.

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Related: Dragon Ball Series in Order to Watch: A Complete Guide

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2. Sailor Moon (1992–1997)

Sailor Moon is one of the most influential anime ever made. It revolutionized magical girl anime, normalized female-led action series, and created a global fandom that still exists today.

But Gen-Z often struggles to stay engaged.

Why Gen-Z Finds It Generic

• Monster-of-the-week formula

• Repetitive transformation sequences

• Slow progression of the main plot

• Heavy filler content

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For Gen-Z, who are used to serialized storytelling with constant momentum, Sailor Moon can feel dragged out and overly repetitive.

Why It Still Matters

Without Sailor Moon:

• Magical girl anime wouldn’t exist in its modern form

• Shows like Madoka Magica wouldn’t have anything to subvert

• Female-centric anime fandom wouldn’t be where it is today

  
  

What Gen-Z sees as “generic” was once radical and empowering.

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3. Yu Yu Hakusho (1992–1995)

Among older anime fans, Yu Yu Hakusho is often praised as one of the best shonen anime ever made.

Gen-Z? Mixed reactions.

Why Gen-Z Finds It Generic

• Traditional tournament arcs

• Clear-cut heroes and villains

• Limited moral ambiguity

• Older animation style that feels stiff to modern eyes

  
  

Compared to newer series with darker psychological depth, Yu Yu Hakusho can feel straightforward and predictable.

Why It Still Matters

Yu Yu Hakusho introduced:

• Emotionally grounded rivalries

• A balance between humor and darkness

• Characters who felt human despite supernatural elements

It walked so modern shonen could run.

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4. Pokémon (1997– )

Yes, Pokémon started in the late 90s — and yes, it’s still running.

But when Gen-Z revisits the original seasons, many lose interest quickly.

Why Gen-Z Finds It Generic

• Episodic storytelling with minimal consequences

• Ash rarely changes or grows

• Battles often end without meaningful strategy

• Repetitive gym challenge structure

  
  

Compared to modern competitive Pokémon content, the original anime feels simplified and childish.

Why It Still Matters

Pokémon isn’t just an anime — it’s a global cultural phenomenon. The emotional bond between Ash and Pikachu remains iconic, even if the storytelling feels outdated.

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Related: The Top 10 Best Pokemon Battles of All Time

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5. Inuyasha (2000, but rooted in 90s style)

Though technically starting in 2000, Inuyasha is spiritually a 90s anime in pacing, tone, and structure.

Gen-Z viewers often drop it halfway.

Why Gen-Z Finds It Generic

• Repetitive villain encounters

• Love triangle dragged across hundreds of episodes

• Slow narrative progression

• Frequent reuse of plot devices

  
  

Modern audiences expect tighter storytelling and emotional payoff much sooner.

Why It Still Matters

Inuyasha blended romance, action, folklore, and tragedy in a way few anime had done before. Its soundtrack alone still resonates with fans decades later.

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6. Neon Genesis Evangelion(1995–1996)

This one surprises people.

Evangelion is often called a masterpiece, but Gen-Z reactions are deeply divided.

Why Some Gen-Z Viewers Call It Generic

• Mecha tropes feel familiar now

• Slow pacing in early episodes

• Confusing symbolism without context

• Emotional themes that require patience

  
  

To Gen-Z viewers accustomed to direct storytelling, Evangelion can feel intentionally frustrating.

Why It Still Matters

Evangelion deconstructed anime storytelling before “deconstruction” was a buzzword. Its influence on psychological anime is immeasurable.

If it feels familiar, it’s because everyone copied it.

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7. Rurouni Kenshin (1996–1998)

Once considered peak samurai anime, Rurouni Kenshin doesn’t always land with Gen-Z.

Why Gen-Z Finds It Generic

• Predictable fight structures

• Idealistic protagonist archetype

• Moral lessons spelled out clearly

• Less visual spectacle compared to modern anime

  
  

Gen-Z often prefers morally grey characters over pure heroes.

Why It Still Matters

Kenshin Himura was one of the first anime protagonists to truly grapple with guilt, pacifism, and redemption — themes now common but once rare.

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Related: The Top 30 Anime of the 90s: A Nostalgic Journey Through an Iconic Era

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8. Digimon Adventure (1999)

Often compared unfairly to Pokémon, Digimon had deeper themes — but Gen-Z still struggles with its presentation.

Why Gen-Z Finds It Generic

• Child protagonists with predictable arcs

• Monster evolution tropes

• Older animation and sound design

  
  

Despite its emotional depth, the surface-level presentation feels dated.

Why It Still Matters

Digimon tackled:

• Death

• Identity

• Responsibility

• Trauma

  
  

Themes many modern anime still hesitate to approach so directly.

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9. Trigun (1998)

Trigun is beloved for its philosophy and protagonist, Vash the Stampede.

Gen-Z reactions? Often lukewarm.

Why Gen-Z Finds It Generic

• Episodic structure early on

• Comedy that doesn’t always age well

• Slow reveal of deeper themes

  
  

Modern audiences expect emotional weight from episode one.

Why It Still Matters

Trigun’s exploration of pacifism, violence, and morality was ahead of its time — even if it hides those ideas behind comedy.

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10. Cardcaptor Sakura (1998–2000)

A visually beautiful anime with emotional depth — yet Gen-Z often disengages early.

Why Gen-Z Finds It Generic

• Repetitive card-capturing structure

• Slow romantic development

• Gentle pacing compared to modern standards

  
  

For binge-watching audiences, it can feel too calm.

Why It Still Matters

Cardcaptor Sakura normalized emotional vulnerability and gentle storytelling in anime — something not all modern series manage well.

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Why Gen-Z Calls 90s Anime “Generic” (The Real Reason)

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

90s anime isn’t generic — Gen-Z has simply grown up after those ideas became mainstream.

What was once revolutionary is now familiar.

• Power-ups? Seen everywhere.

• Tournament arcs? Overused.

• Monster-of-the-week formats? Outdated.

• Clear good vs evil? Too simple.

  
  

Gen-Z prefers:

• Fast pacing

• Moral complexity

• High production values

• Shorter episode counts

• Immediate emotional hooks

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Final Thoughts: Generic or Timeless?

Calling these anime “generic” doesn’t mean they lack value.

It means they were so influential that the industry copied them endlessly.

To Millennials, these anime are memories.To Gen-Z, they are history lessons.

And both perspectives are valid.

If anything, Gen-Z’s reaction proves just how powerful 90s anime really was — they shaped the future so completely that their originality is now invisible.