Best Anime Series of the 2000s — Top 10 Ranked Classics

The current anime landscape, driven by modern hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren: Beyond Journeys’ End, owes a significant debt to the 2000s. This decade was a crucial transition period, masterfully blending the nostalgic charm of classic animation with sophisticated, modern storytelling and themes. It was a golden age that elevated the medium’s popularity and creative quality worldwide.

To truly appreciate this era, we must look at the exceptional series that defined each year. Our curated list highlights the definitive choice for the Best Anime Series of the 2000s for every year from 2000 to 2009, based on a mix of critical acclaim, fan opinion, narrative brilliance, and its ability to capture the distinct aesthetic and spirit of the millennium’s first decade.

1. FLCL (2000)

FLCL (Fooly Cooly) stands out as a distinctly original and influential choice. This six-episode OVA is a bizarre, high-energy, coming-of-age sci-fi series. It centers on Naota, an ordinary boy whose life is upended by the arrival of the Vespa-riding, guitar-wielding alien, Haruko. The plot, which involves robots bursting from Naota’s forehead, is a chaotic and highly symbolic journey about growing up.

• Key Features/Benefits:
  • Highly original, experimental, and fast-paced animation style.
  • A potent metaphor for adolescent angst and the confusion of puberty.
  • Its unique blend of surrealism and rock music made it one of the greatest anime series of the 2000s and an instant cult classic.

2. Shaman King (2001–2002)

While 2001 wasn’t the strongest year overall, Shaman King is the undeniable product of its time and an enjoyable shonen entry. The series revolves around Yoh Asakura, a shaman who can communicate with and fuse with spirits, as he competes in the Shaman Fight—a tournament held every 500 years to determine the Shaman King, the one who can reshape the world.

• Key Features/Benefits:
  • Features a unique and engaging system for merging spirits and physical combat.
  • Its aesthetic, music, and structure are distinctly characteristic of the early 2000s shonen style.
  • A fun, entertaining series that represents the nostalgic style of popular anime from the 2000s.

3. Naruto (2002–2007

No anime from 2002—or perhaps the entire decade—is more iconic and culturally pervasive than Naruto, making it one of the Best Anime Series of the 2000s. The story follows Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous young ninja who dreams of becoming the Hokage, the strongest leader of his village. Despite being ostracized for having a powerful Nine-Tails Fox sealed inside him, Naruto’s spirit and ambition drive him and his companions.

• Key Features/Benefits:
  • Created one of the three pillars of modern shonen (the “Big Three”).
  • Endearing characters, emotional backstories, and highly motivational themes.
  • The series’ vast popularity and world-building made it the face of the medium for a generation.

4. Planetes (2003–2004)

Planetes is a short but profoundly impactful series from the mangaka behind Vinland Saga. It follows the crew of the Debris Section, space sanitation workers whose job is to clean up junk threatening to destroy orbiting spacecraft. It’s a grounded, hard sci-fi drama that explores the personal lives, dreams, and flaws of its characters against the lonely backdrop of space.

• Key Features/Benefits:
  • Praised for its scientific accuracy and realistic depiction of space travel logistics.
  • Deep, humanistic character studies and personal struggles.
  • A magnificent story that brightened a generally slower year for anime releases.

5. Monster (2004–2005)

Hailing from legendary author Naoki Urasawa, Monster is a masterful dark mystery and psychological crime thriller. Dr. Kenzo Tenma’s decision to save the life of a young boy, Johan Liebert, instead of the mayor, comes back to haunt him years later when Johan becomes a chillingly charismatic serial killer. Tenma must hunt him down to correct his past mistake.

• Key Features/Benefits:
  • An almost flawless story and mystery narrative with compelling, realistic characters.
  • A timeless work of psychological suspense that transcends the anime medium.
  • Considered by many critics to be one of the must-watch 2000s anime series of all time.

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6. Mushi-Shi (2005–2014)

Mushi-Shi offers a stark contrast to the action epics of the decade. This iyashikei (healing) series follows Ginko, a traveling man who researches Mushi—ethereal, spiritual creatures that exist on the boundary between life and death. The series is episodic, with each story exploring how Mushi affect the lives of ordinary people.

• Key Features/Benefits:
  • Beautifully atmospheric, meditative, and philosophical storytelling.
  • Exquisite art and a poetic style that perfectly evokes a melancholic, ancient Japan.
  • A unique balance of mystery and gentle human drama that remains the pinnacle of its genre.

7. Gintama (2006–2021)

Gintama is the ultimate variety show of anime, earning the title of the top 2000s anime series for its year despite competition from heavyweights like Death Note and Code Geass. Set in an alternate Edo period where aliens have invaded and outlawed swords, the series follows Gintoki Sakata and his Yorozuya (Odd Jobs) crew as they take on any job to pay the rent.

• Key Features/Benefits:
  • Unmatched versatility, blending side-splitting comedy, high-stakes action, and heartbreaking tragedy.
  • Features some of the sharpest parody and satire in the medium.
  • A powerhouse of entertainment that is hilarious, dramatic, and riveting all at once.

8. Gurren Lagann (2007)

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is the quintessential high-energy, over-the-top mecha series of the decade. It follows Simon and Kamina, who live in an underground village but dream of the world above. They unearth an ancient robot and begin a journey that takes them from the surface to the stars, drilling through limits to create a home for mankind.

• Key Features/Benefits:
  • An explosive escalation of hype and action, dialing everything up to eleven.
  • Strong themes of passion, perseverance, and overcoming impossible odds.
  • A universally beloved anime that few viewers dislike for its sheer excitement and inspirational core.

9. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (2008)

While the first season was excellent, the second season of Code Geass solidified its place as a contender for anime of the decade. It follows the exiled prince Lelouch vi Britannia, who, after gaining the power of “Geass” (absolute obedience), leads a rebellion against the Holy Britannian Empire. This season delivered a stunning conclusion to his complex journey.

• Key Features/Benefits:
  • Flawless execution of political strategy, mecha action, and character development.
  • Features some of the most memorable plot twists and cliffhangers in anime history.
  • Widely hailed for having one of the most masterful and impactful endings in the medium.

10. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–2010)

The decade saved the best for last with Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. It follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who embark on a quest for the Philosopher’s Stone after a forbidden attempt to bring their mother back to life leaves them physically scarred. Their search uncovers a massive, terrifying government conspiracy.

• Key Features/Benefits:

  • Often cited by fans as the greatest anime of all time for its near-perfect pacing and adaptation.
  • Rich world-building, emotional depth, and a seamless blend of action, comedy, and drama.

  • A true masterpiece that highlights the phenomenal storytelling heights reached by the Best Anime Series of the 2000s.