What Are the Best Anime From The 2000s?

The 2000s was a golden age for anime, a decade that brought us some of the most iconic and influential series of all time. From mind-bending sci-fi to heartwarming slice-of-life stories, this era had something for everyone. In this article, we’ll delve into the best anime from the 2000s that continue to captivate audiences today.

1. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya holds significant importance in the anime landscape, and its success may have encouraged more production studios to adapt light novels instead of manga. The ending theme’s Hare Hare Yukai dance became a cultural phenomenon for a time, and the series played a crucial role in bringing otaku culture into the mainstream, particularly alongside Lucky Star, which premiered the following year. The combination of slice-of-life comedy, philosophical reflections, and mystery presented in Haruhi Suzumiya was quite innovative in 2006, even if this fusion may not appear as original when assessed from a contemporary perspective.

2. Natsume’s Book of Friends

Natsume’s Book of Friends has been a subtle source of iyashikei supernatural enchantment for nearly two decades, with its seventh season set to premiere in the Fall 2024 lineup. While it is true that only the initial two cours were released in the 2000s, it may not be entirely accurate to categorize the anime strictly within that decade. More significantly, Natsume’s Book of Friends possesses a timeless quality that transcends specific periods, allowing the seasons to blend harmoniously despite being distributed over approximately 15 years.

Natsume comes into possession of a book containing the names of youkai, inherited from his grandmother, which grants him authority over these spirits. Instead of exploiting this power, he chooses to return the names to their rightful owners, provided they come to him and make a request. He is also joined by Madara, a formidable youkai who predominantly takes the form of a charming cat.

3. Bleach

Bleach is a highly acclaimed and immensely popular shonen anime that originated in the 2000s. The narrative centers around Ichigo Kurosaki, who acquires the abilities of a Soul Reaper. As he endeavors to master these new powers, he uncovers that many of his friends possess abilities of their own. While the series begins with a relatively lighthearted tone, the atmosphere shifts dramatically when Rukia, the Soul Reaper who bestowed her powers upon Ichigo, faces execution. In a bid to rescue her, Ichigo and his companions embark on a mission to infiltrate the Soul Society, becoming entangled in a much larger conspiracy.

Bleach is replete with action and elevates sword fighting to unprecedented heights. Anime enthusiasts in search of an extensive action series will undoubtedly find Bleach to be a must-watch. The original series consists of 366 episodes, and it made a return in 2022 to adapt the concluding arc of the manga.

4. Black Lagoon

Black Lagoon presents an undeniably appealing experience. The characters exude charisma, the action sequences are exhilarating, the setting is intriguing, and the philosophical elements add depth. The presence of Terminator-like anime maids is striking, the town-wide confrontations are thrilling, and the psychotic twins, with their complex backstories, are more captivating than merely cool. Nevertheless, this dynamic still resonates effectively.

In many respects, Black Lagoon serves as an escapist fantasy akin to isekai, though it features significantly more gunfire and an extended journey back to Japan. The anime is replete with exceptional and diverse action scenes, each highlighting the distinctive abilities of the main cast. While Revy often takes center stage, which is justifiable given her status as one of the best anime from the 2000s, it is regrettable that Black Lagoon only spans two seasons and an OVA.

5. Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad

Anime features several notable narratives centered around music, with “Bocchi the Rock” emerging as one of the most prominent recent examples. Although this series may evoke memories of “K-On!”, it arguably shares more similarities with the 2004 anime “Beck,” particularly in its emphasis on music and its attempt to portray a realistic depiction of the music industry. Among the two, “Beck” presents a more grounded narrative, chronicling the experiences of a group of boys who form a band as they navigate the challenges of a competitive industry.

The story is primarily told through the perspective of Koyuki, a teenager who discovers his passion for playing the guitar and immerses himself in the world of music. “Beck” delves deeply into the process of learning an instrument, while also establishing concrete objectives for both the band and its protagonist. Although the animation may appear somewhat dated, the series has remarkably stood the test of time.

6. Baccano!

Baccano! presents a chaotic and incomplete adventure that stands out as one of the best anime from the 2000s, yet it remains challenging to recommend. The adaptation only lightly touches upon Ryogo Narita’s light novel series, weaving together three distinct narratives set in various periods, interconnected in subtle ways. This results in a deliberately disordered and erratic structure, which may serve as a commentary on the nature of storytelling itself, while still allowing for the exploration of larger-than-life characters embroiled in absurd circumstances, whether of their own making or not.

At first, Baccano! can feel overwhelming. The initial episodes inundate viewers with a plethora of information and characters, leading to a sense of futility. However, as the series progresses, the pieces begin to fall into place, ultimately rendering the experience worthwhile despite the initial challenges.

7. Ouran High School Host Club

Ouran High School Host Club is a romantic comedy that cleverly employs satire and common tropes prevalent in the shojo genre. The narrative revolves around the humorous escapades of Haruhi and her fellow host club members. Haruhi, a scholarship student at Ouran High, an institution predominantly attended by affluent students, inadvertently shatters a costly vase owned by the host club. To repay the debt incurred from this mishap, she is compelled to join the club.

The inaugural episode focuses on the gradual realization among the club members that, despite her outward appearance, Haruhi is indeed a girl. The subsequent episodes depict their efforts to conceal Haruhi’s true identity. The exaggerated use of satire is a significant factor contributing to the enduring appeal of the series among its fans.