7 2000s Anime Series That Are 10/10, No Notes

Like every great period in animation history, the 2000s produced a number of truly unforgettable anime series. This decade was a turning point for anime, as it became incredibly popular worldwide and the art form flourished. The best anime from the 2000s offers something for everyone, which explains why so many of those shows remain beloved classics today.

No anime is truly perfect, but many series from the 2000s are widely considered masterpieces, with fans finding it hard to criticize them. Some remain incredibly popular today, while others are hidden gems that deserve more attention. Despite their differences, these shows all represent the very best anime the 2000s had to offer, and continue to stand the test of time.

Samurai Champloo Is an Electric Fusion of Historical & Contemporary Influences

After the popular anime Cowboy Bebop in the 1990s, Shinichiro Watanabe created Samurai Champloo in 2004. While shifting from a space setting to the historical, and often harsh, Japan of the Edo period, Samurai Champloo still showcased Watanabe’s talent for blending unexpected elements into a cohesive and stylish whole.

Samurai Champloo follows three unlikely companions—the impulsive swordsman Mugen, the calm and collected ronin Jin, and the resourceful waitress Fuu—as they journey together to find a legendary samurai known only as the “samurai who smells of sunflowers.” The show feels like a classic road movie with a unique blend of old and new. It combines historical fiction, featuring intense samurai fights and a traditional setting, with energetic modern influences, especially hip-hop music and style.

In Samurai Champloo, the experiences along the way are far more meaningful than the final goal. The show is made up of short, self-contained stories that create a wide range of feelings – from funny to deeply moving and insightful. Samurai Champloo skillfully combines impressive visuals with a compelling story, leaving viewers with a bittersweet feeling of sadness and appreciation for having seen something truly special.

Monster’s Psychological Thriller Storyline Is a Masterclass in Clever, Suspenseful Writing

Naoki Urasawa is a highly respected manga artist known for his gripping mystery and thriller stories. Many fans consider Monster to be his best work, especially among his series that have been turned into anime. The story centers around Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant surgeon, who faces a moral dilemma: he chooses to save the life of a young boy instead of a powerful politician.

Temna’s compassionate choice nearly ruins his career. Years later, the boy he rescued grows into a brutal serial killer, driving Temna to try and stop him. The story often feels more like a realistic drama than a typical anime.

I was really struck by how beautifully written this series is. It dives deep into classic themes – the battle between good and evil, the value of life, and tricky moral dilemmas – all while keeping you hooked with a suspenseful detective story. Even though it takes its time, every single scene in Monster feels important and carefully placed, building towards a truly unforgettable climax. It’s a slow burn, but it’s worth it.

Gurren Lagann’s Over-the-Top Mecha Spectacle Hides Plenty of Heart

Gainax’s Neon Genesis Evangelion redefined mecha anime in the 1990s with its deep and impactful storytelling. However, their biggest hit of the 2000s, Gurren Lagann, took a different approach, embracing the energetic and explosive style of classic “super robot” shows from the 1970s. Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, Gurren Lagann is a wildly exciting and colorful series that prioritizes pure, over-the-top fun and the thrill of giant robots.

The anime Gurren Lagann starts in a dark, underground world where people live in fear of the Beastmen. But everything changes for a shy young man named Simon when he discovers a powerful robot. Along with his energetic and charismatic friend, Kamina, he ventures to the surface to fight for humanity’s freedom.

Despite its fast pace, Gurren Lagann is surprisingly emotional and deals with complex, tragic themes. However, these moments never overshadow the show’s overall energy and positive spirit. It’s a truly inspiring series that powerfully demonstrates the strength of the human spirit and our ability to overcome challenges.

Haibane Renmei Is Perfect in Its Uniqueness & Uncanny Beauty

The early 2000s saw a surge in creatively unique anime, prioritizing artistic vision over traditional storytelling and visuals. Haibane Renmei is a prime example – it quickly became a beloved cult favorite and was often recommended to viewers seeking something atmospheric and different.

Haibane Renmei doesn’t explain everything to the audience; it lets the story unfold naturally. The main character, Rakka, starts as lost and amnesiac, suddenly appearing as a haibane – a creature like an angel – in the quiet town of Glie. The series is generally calm and a little sad, showing Rakka getting used to her new life with other haibane in a peaceful way, but with a surprising amount of hidden meaning.

Watching Haibane Renmei is like remembering a beautiful, yet slightly sad, dream. It’s peaceful and captivating, but also leaves a lasting impression. The show doesn’t explain its deeper meanings, but thoughtfully exploring themes of sadness, regret, and finding forgiveness is a rewarding experience.

Mushishi Is a Gorgeous Meditation on Life That Rewards Patience

The anime Mushishi is a beautifully peaceful and calming work of art. It falls into a genre called iyashikei, which aims to relax and soothe viewers with gentle stories and a focus on atmosphere, rather than dramatic conflict. Mushishi uniquely combines this calming style with intriguing supernatural elements and surprisingly deep themes.

I’m completely captivated by Mushishi! It follows Ginko, this incredible wanderer who can actually see mushi – these fascinating, almost primordial lifeforms. They aren’t necessarily good or bad, but sometimes they get tangled up in people’s lives, and that’s where the story really shines. Each episode is like a beautiful little glimpse into rural Japan, focusing on everyday people and their quiet struggles, all connected to the natural world. It’s just… mesmerizing.

Despite its peaceful and beautiful presentation, Mushishi doesn’t avoid exploring life’s difficulties or posing challenging questions about existence. Ultimately, the show is deeply understanding of both people and the natural world, encouraging viewers to slow down and appreciate the delicate, often overlooked beauty around them and their connection to it.

Gintama Established Itself as Anime’s Best Comedy in the 2000s

The incredibly popular comedy anime Gintama first aired in 2006 and remained a dominant force in the genre until the release of Gintama: The Very Final movie in 2021. The series continues to be a fan favorite today, and its enduring success isn’t really a surprise.

Set in a Japan of the Edo period that’s been invaded by aliens with advanced technology, Gintama follows the funny and unusual experiences of Gintoki, a laid-back samurai, and his somewhat shaky Odd Jobs business, along with the many quirky people who live in the city. What makes Gintama so funny – and kept it hilarious for over 360 episodes – is that it doesn’t hold back. It fearlessly jokes about everything, even sensitive topics and other popular shows and movies.

While comedy is a big part of what makes Gintama so popular, the show truly shines because it seamlessly blends different genres. It delivers thrilling action and genuinely touching stories with the same skill as its hilarious humor. Gintama’s story reflects the complexities of real life, and its honest portrayal of these complexities is what has made it a beloved classic.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Is as Close to Perfect as Shonen Adventures Get

Since its release in 2009, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has consistently been praised as a truly exceptional anime. The ongoing and widespread acclaim it receives is well-deserved and easy to understand.

Fullmetal Alchemist tells the story of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who suffer terrible injuries after a dangerous alchemy experiment. They become State Alchemists and embark on a journey to find the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, hoping it can restore their bodies. Along the way, their quest leads them into surprising situations, filled with dangerous encounters, intriguing characters, and a web of political intrigue.

Watching Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood felt like experiencing a perfectly crafted adventure. The story moved at a great pace, the plot was intricate but always engaging, and the animation was top-notch. What really stood out was how every character and storyline felt important – nothing ever felt wasted. It told a complete, thrilling story from start to finish, and it all came together so seamlessly. It truly felt like a flawless experience.

2026-05-24 17:47