15 Anime That Desperately Need a Modern Remake

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The ’90s and early 2000s were a golden age for anime, introducing iconic stories and characters that hooked us. But some of those classics, and even lesser-known gems, now feel dated, with choppy animation or rushed plots that don’t do their potential justice.

We’ve gathered fifteen anime that could shine with a modern remake. From outdated visuals to stories that deserve better pacing, these series are ripe for a fresh take to captivate today’s audiences.

15. ‘Blue Seed’ (1994-1995)

15. ‘Blue Seed’ (1994-1995) Poster
NAS

Momiji, linked to a demon-slaying clan, fights ancient spirits in this supernatural tale. Grainy visuals and a rushed plot dim its rich Japanese folklore.

A remake with sleek animation and deeper character focus could elevate ‘Blue Seed.’ It’d captivate fans of modern supernatural anime.

14. ‘Slayers’ (1995-2009)

14. ‘Slayers’ (1995-2009) Poster
E&G Films

Lina Inverse, a spunky sorceress, adventures in a fantasy world with sharp humor. Low-budget art and repetitive gags hide its clever world-building.

Vibrant visuals and tighter pacing in a remake could make ‘Slayers’ a fantasy hit. Lina’s wit and the quirky cast would shine.

13. ‘El-Hazard: The Magnificent World’ (1995-1998)

13. ‘El-Hazard: The Magnificent World’ (1995-1998) Poster
Pioneer LDC

A boy lands in a fantasy realm, sparking romance and adventure. Dated visuals and uneven pacing dull its creative premise and lively characters.

A remake with crisp animation and a streamlined story could revive ‘El-Hazard.’ Its vibrant world would draw new viewers.

12. ‘Martian Successor Nadesico’ (1996-1997)

12. ‘Martian Successor Nadesico’ (1996-1997) Poster
XEBEC

A spaceship crew mixes mecha battles and quirky drama in this sci-fi comedy. Low-res art and tonal shifts weaken its sharp anime trope satire.

Sleek visuals and balanced humor in a remake could make ‘Nadesico’ stand out. Its clever take would click with new fans.

11. ‘Bubblegum Crisis’ (1987-1991)

11. ‘Bubblegum Crisis’ (1987-1991) Poster
ARTMIC Co., Ltd.

Female mercenaries in power suits battle rogue robots in a cyberpunk future. Rough animation and an unfinished story limit its gritty world.

A remake with polished visuals and a complete arc could make it a cyberpunk gem. It’d pull in dystopian anime fans.

10. ‘Outlaw Star’ (1998)

10. ‘Outlaw Star’ (1998) Poster
Bandai Namco Entertainment

Gene Starwind, a space outlaw, hunts bounties in a cosmic western. Choppy visuals and rushed arcs curb its bold action-humor mix.

Modern animation and tighter pacing could make ‘Outlaw Star’ a rival to ‘Cowboy Bebop.’ Its vibrant cast would soar.

9. ‘Now and Then, Here and There’ (1999-2000)

9. ‘Now and Then, Here and There’ (1999-2000) Poster
Anime International Company

Shu enters a war-torn world in this dark drama. Dated visuals and heavy pacing soften its powerful anti-war message.

Refined art and smoother storytelling in a remake could sharpen its impact. It’d hit hard for fans of gritty anime.

8. ‘Vampire Princess Miyu’ (1997-1998)

8. ‘Vampire Princess Miyu’ (1997-1998) Poster
Anime International Company

Miyu, a vampire guardian, hunts demons in this eerie horror series. Low-budget visuals and slow pacing dull its haunting tone.

A remake with moody animation and a tighter narrative could make ‘Miyu’ a standout. It’d grip dark fantasy fans.

7. ‘His and Her Circumstances’ (1998-1999)

7. ‘His and Her Circumstances’ (1998-1999) Poster
GAINAX

Yukino, a “perfect” teen, hides her true self in this romantic comedy. An incomplete story and dated art leave its emotional depth untapped.

Vibrant visuals and a full arc in a remake could capture its heart. It’d charm fans of character-driven romance.

6. ‘The Big O’ (1999-2000)

6. ‘The Big O’ (1999-2000) Poster
SUNRISE

Roger Smith pilots a mech in a retro-futuristic city, solving mysteries. Clunky visuals and an abrupt ending dim its noir-mecha blend.

A remake with sleek animation and a finished story could make ‘The Big O’ a cult hit. Its moody vibe would pop.

5. ‘The Twelve Kingdoms’ (2002-2003)

5. ‘The Twelve Kingdoms’ (2002) Poster
Pierrot

Youko becomes a ruler in a fantasy realm. Inconsistent visuals and rushed arcs weaken its rich world and character growth.

Stunning animation and fuller storytelling in a remake could make it epic. It’d draw fans of deep fantasy anime.

4. ‘Akame ga Kill!’ (2014)

4. ‘Akame ga Kill!’ (2014) Poster
White Fox

Tatsumi joins assassins fighting a corrupt empire in this dark action series. Rushed pacing and a divisive ending fail the manga’s intense story.

A remake with tighter pacing and a faithful arc could make ‘Akame ga Kill!’ a powerhouse. Its gritty battles would thrill fans.

3. ‘Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water’ (1990-1991)

3. ‘Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water’ (1990-1991) Poster
NHK

Nadia, a circus girl, embarks on a steampunk adventure. Dated visuals and filler episodes dilute its thrilling plot and vibrant world.

Crisp animation and streamlined pacing in a remake could make ‘Nadia’ a classic. Its adventure would hook new viewers.

2. ‘Claymore’ (2007)

2. ‘Claymore’ (2007) Poster
Madhouse

Clare, a half-human warrior, hunts demons in a brutal fantasy world. An abrupt ending and dated visuals leave the manga’s epic story unfinished.

Gritty visuals and a complete arc in a remake could make ‘Claymore’ a dark fantasy titan. Clare’s journey would captivate.

1. ‘Soul Eater’ (2008-2009)

1. ‘Soul Eater’ (2008-2009) Poster
Square Enix

Maka and Soul battle evil souls in a gothic, quirky world. A rushed ending and uneven visuals fail the manga’s vibrant depth.

Polished animation and a faithful arc in a remake could make ‘Soul Eater’ a shonen legend. Its wild action and cast would shine.

Which anime on this list do you think needs a remake the most, or is there another classic you’d love to see refreshed? Drop your picks in the comments!

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