This entry was inspired by KyraChan's little debate over which is better, Pokemon or Death Note, and I argued that Death Note doesn't warrant talking about these days while Pokemon is still a talking point today but thinking over my comments, I realized that Death Note isn't the only anime like that and many anime that were popular during their initial run are barely mentioned anymore, so what happened to the anime that were once popular staples of the industry? Lets have a run down.
1. Akira & Ghost in the Shell
Akira used to be the one series other than Dragonballz that people used to say was the best but these days it's content has been done better by better shows. Equally Ghost in the Shell is highly rated but has fizzled out of form for the last five years, it doesn't help that it's a source of inspiration for The Matrix who for an icon of Sci-Fi film making hasn't budged since the Trilogy ended in 2003.
2. Cowboy Bebop, Trigun, 90s Anime in General
Cowboy Bebop is highly rated as the greatest anime of all time and it's hard to argue that case unless your Japanese because in reality it didn't do as well back home as it did in America mainly because the content is more understandable to a Western Audience, but it hasn't done much not even warranting a mention these days. Trigun has a similar problem, in fact a good portion of 90s anime that's not set in Japan are not mentioned anymore.
3. Inuyasha
Inuyasha was once the most popular anime in the world way before Shonen Jump clawed back their crown but these days a good portion of young fans won't know what Inuyasha is or have only received it's legacy which isn't a pleasant one, but there's room on another entry on why that is another time.
4. Haruhi Suzumiya & Lucky Star
Remember when Haruhiism was a trend? Not these days, the trend plummeted as quickly as it came in and poor old Lucky Star is starting to be dragged into the same pit of oblivion.
5. Full Metal Alchemist
Has been permanently disowned by the fanbase because of Brotherhood which is obnoxious and very unfair.
6. Death Note & Code Geass
With nothing left to run on the series, the actual Death Note is not as shocking these days since Madoka Magica & Attack on Titan have been argued to be better shows. Code Geass hasn't had much mention in a while either.
7. Yu-Gi-Oh
The Abridged Series has labeled the franchise an absolute joke and has practically died a sudden death.
8. Other notable mentions
Negima has stepped out of the spotlight along with Harem Shows in general.
Slice of Life shows are not popular right now.
And while Shonen Jump still runs strong, the enthusiasm for it's top four shows is dropping.
Ghibli Films are still popular but are losing momentum and might find it difficult post Miyazaki.
Endangered
Gurren Lagann: Might be outclassed by it's owner's new show Kill-La-Kill.
Gundam: Providing it avoids becoming a toy anime it should survive.
Evangelion: Running out of ideas to flog without destroying it's credibility.
Fairy Tail: Since the threat of it being cancelled it's starting to lose momentum.
Sailor Moon: It might struggle against it's new rivals seeing as Madoka Magica has changed the playing field.
Tiger & Bunny: Considering how it ended, it's hard to continue from where it is.
Soul Eater: Hanging on for dear life.
Escaped
Black Butler: Gothic fashion is still in and is still a cosplay favorite.
Ouran Host Club: Is still popular surprisingly.
Berserk: Why? It's rubbish.
Higurashi: Not as much as the others but still holding better than most.
Rurouni Kenshin: Successful thanks to a good Live Action adaption.
Anyway you get my point, a lot of shows which were so high ranking back in their day are hardly mentioned anymore. It'll take a lot of time and effort to pin point why this has happened especially to some of the best shows of all time, but seeing as I've grabbed your attention it might be time to start reviewing some heavy hitters of the industry, so expect some big name titles in my next few reviews.
