The 5 Best 2000s Anime You Need to Watch

When we discuss the golden era of the global anime boom, we inevitably look back at the years between 2000 and 2009. During this time, the foundation for the worldwide mainstream success of anime was built, and several masterpieces were created that remain unmatched to this day. Whether you are a long-time otaku or just starting your journey, these five milestones from the 2000s belong on your watchlist.

 

1. Naruto – The King of World Building
   Alongside Shippuden, this ninja epic is a cornerstone of global anime, featuring immense world-building, intricate fights, and themes of loneliness and friendship by Masashi Kishimoto.
   Our Rating: 8/10
2. Welcome to the N.H.K. – The Psychological Masterpiece
   This 2006 Studio Gonzo series is a profound, dark drama tackling mental health, social isolation, and modern pressures with emotional realism.
   Our Rating: 10/10
3. Monster – The Ultimate Psychological Thriller
   Released in 2004, this 74-episode Madhouse adaptation of Naoki Urasawa's manga is a masterclass in suspense, following a dark cat-and-mouse game in post-Cold War Germany.
   Our Rating: 8/10
4. Bleach – Style, Swords, and Shinigami
   Part of the Big Three, this 2004 Studio Pierrot adaptation defined a generation with its stylish action, iconic soundtrack, and unique take on the afterlife.
   Our Rating: 7/10
5. One Piece – The Ultimate High-Seas Adventure
   Sailing heavily through the 2000s, this giant completes the legendary Weekly Shonen Jump Big Three. Eiichiro Oda's masterpiece captures millions of hearts with its emotional storytelling, unforgettable sense of adventure, and massive world-building that rewards patient viewers.
   Our Rating: 9/10

Naruto 8/10

Can you really call yourself an anime fans without knowing the behemoth that is Naruto? When examining the massive global expansion of anime outside of Japan during the early 2000s, Naruto alongside its sequel series Naruto Shippuden stands as an undeniable cultural cornerstone. Based on Masashi Kishimoto's highly celebrated manga, this massive ninja epic captured the hearts of millions. It delivers an unforgettable journey built on an incredible world-building foundation, intricate martial arts choreography, and deeply resonant themes of loneliness and acceptance. 

Bleach 7/10

When discussing the most influential anime series of the 2000s, it is impossible to overlook the legendary Big Three of Weekly Shonen Jump. Alongside Naruto and One Piece, Bleach (2004) played a massive role in shaping an entire generation of anime fans worldwide. Adapted by Studio Pierrot and based on the cult-classic manga by Tite Kubo, this 366-episode original series offers a stylish, dark, and action-packed look at the afterlife.

Monster 8/10

When discussing the greatest psychological thrillers in anime history, one title consistently rises to the top of every list. Monster (2004) is a brilliant 74-episode adaptation of Naoki Urasawa acclaimed manga series. There's a good reason why Studio Madhouse's series remains a golden benchmark for psychological storytelling. Let's dive in.

Mononoke Hime aka Princess Mononoke 8/10

When exploring the legendary filmography of Studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke (Mononoke Hime) stands out as a colossal, revolutionary achievement. Released in 1997, this dark epic departed from the studio's traditionally whimsical and family-friendly tone to deliver a gritty, violent, and deeply philosophical fantasy. Decades after its release, the film remains a timeless masterpiece, offering a profoundly nuanced commentary on environmentalism, human greed, and the agonizing struggle for coexistence.

NHK ni Yōkoso! aka Welcome to the N.H.K. 10/10

When discussing anime that leave a profound, lasting impact on the viewer, NHK ni Youkoso! aka Welcome to the N.H.K. undoubtedly stands at the absolute pinnacle. Released in 2006 by Studio Gonzo and based on the manga by Tatsuhiko Takimoto, this series tackles incredibly heavy, taboo psychological themes that mainstream media often shies away from. It balances razor-sharp dark comedy with devastating emotional realism, offering a timeless exploration of loneliness, mental health, and the crushing pressures of modern society.

Gantz 8/10

 Gantz has a special place in my heart, since it was one of the first "adult" anime I saw as a kid, and even after rewatching, I must say, it held up pretty well. That's mainly thanks to the amazing writing of Hiroya Oku. 

Magi 7/10

Magi aka Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic is a fun shounen anime without much fanservice (rare these days), but lots of heart. I don't know many anime that display the Middle East, especially in a positive light, but Magi does an exceptional job at it. They explore old fairytales like 1001 Arabian Nights, having characters like Aladdin, Sinbad, and magical djinns, plus lots of clever story lines!

Haikyuu!! 8/10

"Haikyuu!!" is the textbook example of how a sports anime can transcend its own genre. Sort of what "Slam Dunk" did in the 90s with basketball. You absolutely do not need to be a volleyball fan to get swept up in the dynamic energy of the Karasuno High team. The series takes traditional shonen underdog tropes and infuses them with incredible emotional depth. What makes "Haikyuu!!" truly masterful compared to its peers is the character writing; even rival teams are given so much personality and growth that you find yourself rooting for both sides.

Ao no Hako 6/10

 Ao no Hako aka Blue Box is a sports/romance anime, those are always fun, especially if the genres are well-balanced, which Ao no Hako managed to do, until the last few episodes, when the love triangle aspect of the story overshadowed everything else.