Anime isn’t the oldest form of media, but it has still been around for a while, constantly evolving through the decades, delivering shows such as One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen. However, one decade in particular stands out as a pivotal bridge between when anime gained popularity in the West and when it reached enormous heights.
This list will look at the best anime from every year in the 2000s and rank them from worst to best based on writing, story, animation, characters, fan opinion, critical acclaim, overall quality, and how much they represent their decade. Only new anime that came out in the specific year are eligible, meaning shows like Clannad: After Story won’t be the best of 2008 because the first season came out in 2007.
10
‘Grappler Baki’ (2001)
Created by Keisuke Itagaki
While fans are probably more familiar with the 2018 revival, Grappler Baki is the start of the series, showcasing the titular character’s early beginnings. Yujiro Hanma is the strongest person on Earth, and with no competition left, he has a son and hopes for him to be strong enough in the future. Baki vows to defeat his father for his cruel behavior and take the title as the strongest person in the world.
2001 wasn’t a great year for new shows, but that shouldn’t take away from this unique piece of action anime history. Grappler Baki is a bizarre and over-the-top series with spectacular fights and weird characters. Fans can’t help but be drawn towards its absurd action and moments, making Baki a true underdog anime.
- Release Date
-
2018 – 2019
- Directors
-
Toshiki Hirano
- Writers
-
Tatsuhiko Urahata
- Franchise(s)
-
Baki the Grappler
9
‘Natsume’s Book of Friends’ (2008–2024)
Created by Yuki Midorikawa
Mythology is prominent in Japan, and therefore, anime has told multiple folk tales, including Natsume’s Book of Friends. This heartwarming anime follows the titular character and a book his grandma passed down to him, containing countless yokai she defeated. He utilizes this gift to communicate with and help yokai, embarking on a spectacular adventure with the supernatural.
2008 had many great sequels, such as Code Geass Season 2, but Natsume’s Book of Friends proved to be the best original series of the year. While Soul Eater was an excellent anime from this year, Natsume’s Book of Friends is critically better, and has stood the test of time, delivering new seasons even in the current decade. Its longevity and timeless storytelling make Natsume’s Book of Friends the best mythology anime.
8
‘Planetes’ (2003)
Created by Makoto Yukimura
The sci-fi genre is brimming with mecha battles and galactic wars, but few series dive into space with a grounded approach like Planetes. A group of astronauts have the thankless job of cleaning space debris. Floating alone, they pass the time with their company while questioning their place.
2003 had a lot of choices, but ultimately, the best and most underrated series is Planetes. Although it may not be an anime many fans have heard of, its refreshing take on the genre stands out with brilliant writing and well-developed characters. Planetes is a quintessential sci-fi anime that explores essential themes and messages, including mental health and environmentalism.
7
‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)
Created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata
Since this list ranks the best anime of the 2000s, the most popular ones may not necessarily be the top ones, as is the case with Death Note. When a high schooler discovers a book that can kill people, he uses it to eliminate crime and create a new world. However, when power gets to his head and he goes out of control, the world’s most brilliant detective is there to find his identity.
Death Note encapsulates the 2000s perfectly, serving as the staple of dark and edgy anime of this era. Its twisting and unpredictable plot, paired with superb writing, created a phenomenon and one of the most memorable series. Death Note is a rewatchable anime that fans will never get tired of, delivering non-stop entertainment and thrills.
Death Note
- Release Date
-
October 4, 2006
Cast
6
‘Naruto’ (2002–2007)
Created by Masashi Kishimoto
As previously mentioned with Death Note, the most popular anime are not always the best, and Naruto was arguably the most famous series of the 2000s. The anime follows the titular protagonist aiming to become the leader of his village, but his antics will have to come to a stop as he works hard to be better than his rival, Sasuke.
Despite being so popular, Naruto lands a bit lower on this list, but still earns a high ranking overall. Although this entry only includes the original series and not Naruto Shippuden, it is enough to be considered one of the greatest series of the decade. It features some of the best arcs in anime, offering endless fun, thrilling fights, captivating lore, and epic adventure for fans to experience.
5
‘Gurren Lagann’ (2007)
Created by Kazuki Nakashima
While Planetes is a great anime from this decade that focuses on grounded sci-fi, Gurren Lagann goes in the opposite direction, delivering one of the wildest and over-the-top series. Simon and Kamina live under the surface with their clan as miners, but after discovering an ancient mech, the take to the surface and plan to pierce the heavens in this captivating sci-fi anime.
The variety of sci-fi in this decade proves the versatility and wonders of 2000s anime, with Gurren Lagann serving as a landmark, once-in-a-lifetime anime. Featuring astounding character development and endearing cast members, the highlight of this anime is its animation and fights. Gurren Lagann is a perfect action anime, as it knows no bounds, doing whatever it takes to provide the hypest anime ever.
4
‘Mushi-Shi’ (2005–2014)
Created by Yuki Urushibara
The 2000s saw the release of some of the most relaxing and calming anime, such as Natsume’s Book of Friends; however, the best of this genre is Mushi-Shi. Following Ginko, a traveling researcher, he investigates the mysterious Mushi, bug-like spirits that cause trouble for humans. He travels the country in search of these things, hoping to learn their secrets while helping people out.
Mushishi offers a relaxing ambiance through its mesmerizing visuals and calm storytelling, allowing the audience to experience the mystical wonders of the anime naturally. Each episode brings viewers into a new mystery and adventure, creating a diverse range of stories to captivate fans. Mushishi is a masterpiece that takes its time, but always delivers a beautiful viewing experience.
3
‘Hajime no Ippo’ (2000–2014)
Created by George Morikawa
No one knew what the start of this decade would bring, but they were more than content when Hajime no Ippo blew onto the scene with its sports goodness. The titular character is well-built but mild-mannered, which prompts him to take up boxing as both a hobby and a potential career. This anime follows Ippo’s journey through the world of boxing, marked by numerous ups and downs.
2000 was a tough battle between Hajime no Ippo and FLCL, but the latter wins this match because of its overwhelming fan response and longer runtime. It may not boast remarkable storytelling or influential character development, but Hajime no Ippo does precisely what it needs to become one of the best anime of the decade. Its riveting action, surprising humor, and endearing characters create a must-watch anime that sets the pace for the 2000s.
- Release Date
-
2000 – 2014
- Network
-
Nippon TV
- Directors
-
Tadao Okubo, Namimi Sanjo, Minoru Yamaoka
- Writers
-
Tatsuhiko Urahata, Kazuyuki Fudeyasu, Ryosuke Nakamura
2
‘Monster’ (2004–2005)
Created by Naoki Urasawa
Naoki Urasawa is one of the most legendary mangaka, and while he has produced fantastic series such as 20th Century Boys and Pluto, Monster is still his magnum opus. After a surgeon saves the life of a child, decades later, that same child is now a serial killer. Johan takes it into his own hands to defeat Johan, all while learning his dark and twisted past.
Monster is a thrilling and relentless mystery that will have viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the entire series. Tenma and Johan have one of the best hero-villain dynamics in anime, highlighting the masterful writing that went into this show. Fans and critics agree that it is one of the best-written anime shows, enveloping the audience in the brilliant characters, mystery, worldbuilding, lore, and plot.
Created by Hiromu Arakawa
The 2000s were marked by numerous classic anime, but the best was released right before the end of the decade, in 2009. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows two brothers, who, after failing an alchemical experiment, go on an adventure to find the philosopher’s stone and regain what they lost. However, danger lurks in every nook and cranny as they uncover a government conspiracy.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the complete package, checking off every box an anime fan could want in a show. From action to adventure, drama, mystery, comedy, plot, characters, and worldbuilding, this anime has it all. It wonderfully blends its best elements to create a story with many moving parts, handling each perfectly to deliver an unforgettable series. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterpiece and the figurehead of a phenomenal decade.
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