The Best 2000s Anime Ranked

The 2000s were an interesting time for anime. Many of the biggest and most famous anime of all time launched in this timespan. Today, we're here to rank some of our favorites for you.

10. Inazuma Eleven (2008-2011)

A very nostalgic anime for me. I remember getting up on Saturday morning and seeing this show on cable. The combination of soccer with special moves gave my kid brain everything it needed at the time. Though I will say that it doesn't hold up as much when I watched it as an adult, it still makes this list.

9. Hellsing (2000-2001)

A combination of bloody horror and gorgeous animation. Alucard's first outing on the big screen left a resting impression on many anime fans. He carries this show so well, coupled with the awesome action scenes.

8. Bleach (2004-2012)

When it first aired, Bleach was considered to belong to the biggest anime of that time. I didn't watch it then, but I was disappointed a bit when I saw it a few years ago. It is a good show with compelling action, but I just can't say that it could compete with the other shows that are higher on this list.

7. Monster (2004-2005)

Monster is an awesome thriller anime that grips you from beginning to end and keeps you on your toes the whole time. I won't spoil anything, but this show has a twist that will leave you breathless. In the end, you're left with the question: Who is the monster?

6. Soul Eater (2008-2009)

A kind of forgotten show, but a hidden gem. Soul Eater's animation style is so unique that you can't really compare it to any other show. It thrives on its minimalism but hits just as hard as other shows. Maka and her friends are likeable and fun, and every side-character is entertaining to watch. Great show and we hope it gets a well-deserved remake.

5. Toradora! (2008-2009)

This anime blew me away. It is a slice of life show, that has the cutest cast of characters, that are all flawed but likeable in their own way. It subverts your expectations every step of the way and leaves you in tears at the end. If you want a break from classic shōnen, then I strongly recommend you watch Toradora!

4. Gintama (2006-2010)

This could possibly be the funniest anime I have ever seen. It is witty and dense at the same time. The premise alone is so absurd that you start to question how this show got green lit in the first place. Either way, we can be very grateful that it happened because Gintama is one of the best anime of all time.

3. Naruto (2002-2007)

Ah, here we are... the absolute classic. I know that many people have their problems with Naruto, but I am one of those people that were grabbed by this show and could never free themselves. The premise is so simple but effective. It is so easy to root for this orphan boy who just wants to be accepted by the people around him. On top of the emotional weight, this show can conjure up, it also has great action. An all-time classic that holds up immensely.

2. Death Note (2006-2007)

The way I understand it, most people that didn't watch anime as a kid, watched Death Note and became addicted to the medium. Who could blame them? There's a reason why this show is always talked about as one of the best anime of all time. The cat and mouse game played by Light and L makes for a compelling thriller that will never go out of style. The dark aesthetic only enhances the experience.

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010)

Arguably the best shōnen of all time, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is near perfect. The main characters are tragic, exciting and bounce off each other perfectly. The villains are so threatening that I really asked myself, at some point, if there was going to be any way to beat them. I especially want to mention Roy Mustang here, because in my mind, this is the best side character that any anime has ever seen. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood also has my favorite anime opening, which makes it an easy first place.