10 Underrated 1990s Anime You Probably Haven't Seen

10. Revolutionary Girl Utena

Tenjou Utena is an orphan who dreams of being a prince, in this late nineties magical girl anime made by some of the same folks behind the Sailor Moon series earlier in the decade.

Utena is a tomboy who idolises a handsome prince she fixated on as a child. Said prince gave her a signet ring shortly after her parents died and promised they would meet again some day.

Engaging in numerous sword fights she begins courting a young damsel at her school, Himemiya Anshi, known as the Rose Bride. The Rose Bride is said to have the power to revolutionize the world and will become engaged to whomever becomes the Academy's Champion. Naturally Utena works to become said Champion.

The whole series is a surrealist affair that allows varying interpretations of the narrative. While the manga is a bit more conservative the anime series dives deep into the lesbian romance between Utena and Anshi. A feature film would come along in 1999 that basically retells the story, but in a much darker tone.

Sadly Utena's popularity was overshadowed by Sailor Moon's, though it is a classic among LGBT otaku for its lesbian themes.