As seed at TNK:

The thing that Mike laments is the idea that “no one talks about Tenchi anymore!”. What Mike is really getting at is the idea that a lot of classics from the mid-90’s have fallen out of the aural memory of today’s fans. Record of Lodoss War, Heroic Legend of Arslan, even Slayers apparently is worth lamenting for its lack of presence in the modern fandom.

Well, that's because they are not worthy. I survived one or two episodes of Lodoss, it was quite enough. But if it's a decent show, it lives on. Nadesico received a second DVD print last year in R2, and it's not a part of some "Signature Series" or "Essential Collection", when desperate companies are trying scrap a few bucks. It's a honest re-release.

Because even if Tenchi is not on the lips and tongues of every fan anymore, it will nonetheless retain its place as a notable series of the mid-90’s. In the same way Space Battleship Yamato, Gatchaman, and even Mazinger are still with us in one way or another, classics like Tenchi will inevitably remain in the minds of generations to come. Why? Because we will show them what we grew up with, and they’ll be able to relate.

Same mistake again. Yamato, sure, but Gatchaman? Some "classics" are definitely more "classical" than others.

In the long run, I would expect only very select few surviving in the institutional memory. Let's check this particular memory. 60s - Speed Racer. 70s - Yamato (only because I was reminded above). 80s - Gundam for early decade, Ranma for late. 90s - Tenchi, Sailor Moon. 00s - Too early to tell.

Update: Nigorimasen chimes in claiming that only pre-digital titles are worthy. This is bound to be controversial... I, for one, think that digital anime technology was a major improvement, in capable hands. Thus, it is bound to produce classics (such as Azumanga Daioh), and we are back to the timed definition of classics. Also, check out the poll.

UPDATE: Calaggie continues to ponder classics and "modern" anime in 2012 or 5 years down the road.