Unforgettable 2000s Anime That Have Stood the Test of Time

The 2000s marked a significant period of growth for anime, as it gained popularity in the US and other regions outside of Japan. Between 2001 and 2010, a multitude of series were produced, many of which have become renowned classics within their genres and the anime industry as a whole. While some belong to larger franchises, a significant number of the top anime in the 2000s were independent works based on manga.

There are too many exceptional 2000s anime to mention them all, but here are ten of the finest this decade has to offer. It was challenging to narrow down this list, so if a beloved series is not included, please don't be disheartened; it likely came close to being included.

10 Monster (2004-2005)

9 Gurren Lagann (2007)

Monster is an enthralling psychological thriller series that revolves around the unfortunate triage decision made by Dr. Tenma. In a harrowing moment, he chooses to save a child instead of a politician, leading to the derailment of his promising career. Little did he know, the child he prioritizes turns out to be a disturbed serial killer who becomes fixated on Dr. Tenma, haunting him and mercilessly eliminating those close to him. As Tenma's life crumbles around him, he becomes a fugitive, desperately fighting to clear his name and disassociate himself from the atrocious murders. The series expertly constructs an intense and ominous atmosphere that continues to captivate audiences even to this day.

Gurren Lagann tells the story of two boys, Kamina and Simon, who reside below the surface but yearn for the world above. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they reach the surface and encounter a community of humans engaged in fierce battles against beastmen using giant mecha called ganmen. The series takes a shocking twist early on, shifting the overall tone and atmosphere to an unforeseen extent, creating a captivating experience. For enthusiasts of immensely epic mecha clashes, Gurren Lagann stands out as the ultimate embodiment of that.

8 Code Geass (2006-2007)

Code Geass follows the journey of Lelouch Vi Britannia, a prince banished to Area 11, formerly Japan. Seeking assistance from the enigmatic CC (pronounced C-two), Lelouch adopts the identity of Zero, a vigilant figure choosing neither the Britannians nor the Elevens' side. Utilizing a newfound power to coerce people into obeying his commands (known as a "geas"), Lelouch meticulously executes his intricate strategies. Combining with the ongoing resistance war featuring colossal Knightmare Frames mecha, Lelouch must adeptly maneuver through intricate political landscapes to manifest his vision of a peaceful world, regardless of the sacrifices involved.

7 Paranoia Agent (2004)

Paranoia Agent, an anime series directed by the renowned Satoshi Kon, revolves around a peculiar series of assaults in a town perpetrated by a bat-wielding boy on roller skates known as Lil' Slugger. The narrative follows various characters as they navigate through their daily lives until they find themselves cornered, triggering Lil' Slugger's attacks. However, as the investigation progresses, the line between reality and illusion blurs, leaving uncertainty about the true culprit and even the existence of Lil' Slugger. With its mind-bending animation, the series showcases Kon's unique style while also offering sharp satirical commentary on Japan's kawaii culture.

6 Baccano! (2007)

5 The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2006)

Baccano is a stunning series set in the Prohibition Era of the United States, spanning the years 1930, 1931, and 1932. With its non-linear storytelling, the plot may be a bit challenging to follow initially, but it all converges beautifully. Renowned for its stylish presentation and captivating characters, Baccano also boasts one of the greatest anime opening themes of all time. The anime's extraordinary setting alone is reason enough to give it a chance, and the intricately woven mystery is wonderfully executed, despite the constant jumping between time periods.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya sparked a worldwide phenomenon upon its release, capturing the hearts of audiences far beyond Japan. This captivating series revolves around Haruhi, a seemingly ordinary girl unaware of her reality-altering abilities. Unbeknownst to her, various aliens, enchanting creatures, and the like are striving to conceal the truth from her. Caught in the midst of it all is Kyon, an ordinary individual who is thrust into the role of appeasing Haruhi while guarding her secret. With a blend of exhilarating fantasy and science fiction, this narrative enthralls readers with its abundance of metafictional allusions.

4 Samurai Champloo (2004)

3 Death Note (2006)

Samurais and modern-day hip-hop collide in Samurai Champloo, the captivating follow-up to Shinichiro Watanabe's iconic Cowboy Bebop. Set in feudal Japan, a spirited young girl named Fu embarks on a mission to find the elusive "Samurai who Smells of Sunflowers." Along the way, she enlists the unlikely protection of two contrasting swordsmen: the untamed Mugen and the composed Jin. Much like their Bebop counterparts, this trio of perpetually cash-strapped wanderers journeys from one town to another, entangling themselves in mischief and seeking vital clues. A major highlight of the show lies in its captivating music, seamlessly blending with the thrilling action sequences that continue to dazzle.

In this gripping psychological thriller series, we follow the journey of Light Yagami as he stumbles upon the Death Note, a powerful notebook capable of killing anyone whose name is written in its pages. Driven by his desire to rid the world of crime, he chooses to harness its lethal power, unknowingly attracting the attention of the brilliant detective known as L. Thus begins a complex game of cat and mouse, where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. While the occasional melodrama may arise, the sheer intensity and mind-bending twists of this show more than compensate for it.

2 Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002)

The Ghost in the Shell movie from the 90s is considered a classic anime film. However, fans should not overlook the 2002 anime series, Stand Alone Complex, which is known for its subtitle. This series revolves around Major Motoko Kusanagi, the same protagonist from the movie. She leads a team of humans and cyborgs who work for Public Security Section 9, responsible for handling security issues like the enigmatic Laughing Man. Although the show can be complex and challenging to comprehend, it treats its viewers with respect by not explicitly explaining everything. Surprisingly, many of the cyberpunk themes explored in the series are even more relevant today than they were at the time of its release, making it a timeless show.

1 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

The second Fullmetal Alchemist anime series is widely considered as a remarkable adaptation of the manga, ranking high on both critic and fan lists. Brotherhood follows the journey of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who sacrifice their own bodies in a misguided attempt to revive their deceased mother. Determined to restore their bodies to normal, Edward joins the State Alchemists, seeking knowledge about the elusive Philosopher's Stone, which is said to enable any alchemical reaction to occur. The world portrayed in the series is incredibly intriguing and distinct, with lovable and captivating characters. It is undeniably a must-watch anime for beginners and veterans alike.

The 2000s proved to be a remarkable era for anime, as its popularity spread globally. Moreover, the animation quality saw a remarkable surge, surpassing the limited frame rates and cost-cutting methods employed during the 80s and 90s. Numerous exceptional anime series emerged during this period that narrowly missed making it onto this list, so we highly recommend exploring what captures your interest beyond the aforementioned shows.