The 2000s, albeit not as universally celebrated as the 1990s, proved to be a vibrant decade for anime. Iconic series such as Naruto, Bleach, and Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann gained immense popularity during this time, capturing the hearts of many who grew up watching them. This generation of anime has left a lasting impact and continues to influence the community today.
Despite its successes, the 2000s produced a number of anime that have since faded from public consciousness. Factors such as poor licensing arrangements and stories that lost relevance after their initial airing contributed to this decline. Nevertheless, some of these forgotten gems deserve recognition for their enduring quality and storytelling. Here, we highlight a selection of notable series from this era that still resonate today.
10 Kiba (2006-2007)
Anime Series By Madhouse; Directed By Hiroshi Kojina
Kiba follows the journey of Zed, a young man discontent with his mundane life who finds himself transported to the mystical and war-ravaged world of Templar. Gifted with the powers of a Shard Caster, Zed learns to wield magical Shards to summon beasts and unearth the mysteries of his surroundings, ultimately seeking the freedom he craves.
Although Kiba was originally tied to a card game and lacks a proper English release, its stunning animation and compelling narrative deserve attention. Particularly relevant today, as the isekai genre has surged in popularity, this series remains a worthwhile watch for true anime aficionados, despite its limited availability.
9 Noir (2001)
Anime Series By Bee Train; Directed By Koichi Mashimo
The story of Noir features Mireille Bouquet, a Corsican assassin entangled in the mystery of her parents’ murder. Her journey intertwines with Kirika Yuumura, an amnesiac assassin whose past is interlinked with Mireille’s. Together, they delve deeper into a dark conspiracy behind their shared identity as “Noir.”
This series, the first of Bee Train’s acclaimed “girls-with-guns”trilogy, delivers an exceptional mix of gunplay and intricate storytelling that ensures viewers are rewarded for their attention. The direction by Koichi Mashimo, paired with Yuki Kajiura’s evocative score, reinforces its lasting appeal in the anime landscape.
8. Hikaru No Go (2001-2003)
Anime Series By Studio Pierrot; Based On The Manga By Yumi Hotta & Takeshi Obata
Hikaru No Go revolves around Hikaru Shindo, who discovers an antique Go board that awakens the spirit of Fujiwara no Sai, a ghostly master Go player. Hikaru’s desire to attain the Divine Move soon leads him to pursue his own independence in the game, creating a personal journey of growth.
Despite its popularity, the niche aspect of Go has relegated Hikaru No Go to cult status outside Japan. Its storytelling and character development, however, help it remain a significant title for fans of sports anime, even if its manga adaptation remains incomplete.
7 Digimon Data Squad (2006-2007)
Anime Series By Toei Animation; Directed By Naoyuki Ito
Toei Animation’s Digimon Data Squad, also recognized as Digimon Savers, is the fifth installment in the enduring Digimon franchise. It tells the story of Marcus Damon, a delinquent who befriends the runaway Agumon and gets drawn into the secretive Digimon Data Squad, tasked with safeguarding humanity from Digimon threats.
6 Reborn! (2006-2010)
Anime Series By Artland; Based On The Manga By Akira Amano
In Reborn!, we follow Tsunayoshi “Tsuna” Sawada, a timid boy whose life drastically changes upon meeting Reborn, an infant hitman who prepares him to take over the Vongola crime family. Despite Tsuna’s resistance, Reborn’s extreme training and unconventional methods lead him into a series of supernatural challenges.
Though Reborn! started with a significant fanbase, it waned due to its filler episodes and incomplete manga adaptation. However, its uniqueness as an action-oriented series is still worth exploring.
5 Rave Master (2001-2002)
Anime Series By Studio Deen; Based On The Manga By Hiro Mashima
Set fifty years after the original Rave Master saved the world, Rave Master follows Haru Glory as he contends with the malefic Demon Card organization wielding Dark Brings. Haru’s quest revolves around retrieving the legendary Rave Stones and restoring peace.
While Hiro Mashima may be better known for Fairy Tail, Rave Master displays a level of storytelling relatively mature compared to his later works. Although it ended prematurely, fans of Mashima’s style will find much to appreciate.
4 Kanon (2006)
Anime Series By Kyoto Animation; Based On The Visual Novel By Key
Kanon centers around Yuichi Aizawa, a high schooler returning to a city he hasn’t visited in years. As he reconnects with his past, he weaves through the lives of several girls, each linked to supernatural elements he must navigate.
Although overshadowed by its more renowned counterpart, Clannad, Kanon offers a heart-wrenching drama entangled in five unique narratives, making it a must-watch for fans of Kyoto Animation’s core aesthetic.
3 Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha (2004-2007)
Anime Series By Seven Arcs; Created By Masaki Tsuzuki
Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha follows the progression of Nanoha Takamachi, who gains magical abilities through an encounter with an alien ferret. Initially tasked with retrieving dangerous artifacts, Nanoha evolves as she grows older, taking on larger responsibilities within her universe alongside her friend Fate Testarossa.
The series’ unique blend of escalating political drama and character evolution sets it apart from typical magical girl narratives, and recent announcements of a new installment make it a prime opportunity for new viewers to engage with this beloved franchise.
2 Zatch Bell! (2003-2006)
Anime Series By Toei Animation; Based On The Manga By Makoto Raiku
Zatch Bell! tells the story of Kiyomaro, a prodigy who meets Zatch, a young demon sent to him with the mission of making friends. With Zatch among 100 competing demons to become the next king, Kiyomaro must assist him, calling on Zatch’s lightning magic to navigate various perilous challenges.
With its blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and engaging action, Zatch Bell! remains one of the decade’s standout series. Its untimely cancellation impacted its popularity, yet the launch of its sequel may herald a revival for younger audiences.
1 The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya (2006-2009)
Anime Series By Kyoto Animation; Based On The Light Novel By Nagaru Tanigawa
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya features Kyon, a skeptic who joins the eccentric SOS Brigade, helmed by the energetic Haruhi, unknowingly surrounded by supernatural beings. The series artfully blends genres and explores profound themes under Haruhi’s oblivious leadership, leading to comedic yet poignant situations.
With exceptional animation and a narrative rich in contrasts, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya excels in storytelling, offering viewers a memorable experience. Despite its sudden finale leading to a decline in visibility, it stands out as a must-watch among the treasured yet overlooked titles of the 2000s.
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