Recommended popular anime from the 2000s

Zatch Bell!

[Official] Zatch Bell!! Episode 1: “The Lightning Boy from the Demon World”

An anime series based on Konjiki no Gash!! (Zatch Bell!), which was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Sunday.

Its story—where 100 chosen demon children battle in the human world until only one remains—won many fans with its depth, including settings that delve into the characters’ backgrounds.

With its appealing cast and a narrative that blends comedy and seriousness, many viewers were likely moved to tears by its exhilarating yet touching developments.

Since 2022, a sequel to the original manga, Konjiki no Gash!! 2, has begun, and expectations are high for an anime adaptation as well.

NARUTO -Naruto-

TV Anime “NARUTO” 20th Anniversary Special Digest PV

Naruto is a ninja action series based on the manga that ran in Weekly Shonen Jump.

It’s a gutsy ninja anime that follows the protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki, as he works toward his dream of becoming the greatest ninja in his village—teaming up with his friends to defeat enemies and undergoing grueling training that leaves him bloodied.

Thanks to its unique ninja theme and compelling storytelling, the series has become popular not only in Japan but also overseas, and it helped spread the word “NINJA” around the world.

Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu

Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu Ending Theme

It’s a so-called slice-of-life slapstick comedy, but its well-balanced tone—never drifting too far into the surreal—makes it inviting even for those who don’t usually like the genre.

As the title suggests, it nods to the American film Full Metal Jacket, and the protagonist, Sousuke, is a highly skilled mercenary.

That said, the setting is mostly ordinary places like school; it isn’t a war story per se.

However, as it approaches the finale, the tone gradually grows more serious, and you’ll likely find yourself in tears by the end.

Spice and Wolf

A completely new anime adaptation of Dengeki Bunko’s “Spice and Wolf” has been greenlit!

Among the many memorable masterpieces that emerged from 2000s anime, Spice and Wolf stood out for its distinctive worldbuilding and storytelling.

Even the title is unusual, and you might find it hard to picture what kind of story it tells.

Based on the popular light novel series by Isuna Hasekura, the TV anime’s first season aired in 2008, followed by a second season titled Spice and Wolf II in 2009.

Set in a world inspired by medieval Europe, the series already subverts typical light novel expectations by making its protagonist a young traveling merchant named Kraft Lawrence, rather than the usual teenage boy or girl.

The broad strokes of the story follow Lawrence as he meets Holo, a beautiful girl whose true form is a giant wolf, during his travels, and the two set out together on a journey to return Holo to her homeland.

The show offers many unique charms not often found elsewhere: the psychological back-and-forth of negotiations only a merchant protagonist can provide, and the lively banter between Holo and Lawrence.

Ami Koshimizu’s performance as Holo is especially noteworthy for bringing out her irresistible charm—most viewers will likely end up falling for Holo after watching! The pair’s delicate, will-they-won’t-they relationship will keep you on edge, and if you’re looking for a fantasy that’s a little different from the norm, Spice and Wolf is a must-see.

Dennou Coil

Dennou Coil director Mitsuo Iso’s latest work, “The Orbital Children” — teaser trailer

Among works that incorporate AR technology as part of their setting—a concept that’s no longer unusual today—this is a relatively early example.

It’s an anime where the child protagonists casually use near-future tech as they confront numerous superstitions and urban legends, letting you experience a wonderfully strange world.

The art blends realistic scenery with the surreal in a highly distinctive way, offering a kind of originality different from titles like Summer Wars or Ghost in the Shell.

It’s an anime that rewards rewatching: scenes that aren’t immediately clear often reveal new discoveries the second time around.

Fate/stay night

Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] / 2nd Season PV Teaser 1

For younger people, when you hear “Fate,” you might picture the hugely popular mobile game Fate/Grand Order.

The work covered here, Fate/stay night, is the TV anime that aired in 2006, based on the 2004 computer game of the same name that later became the foundation for Fate/Grand Order.

There are many anime entries in the Fate franchise, but this Fate/stay night was the first to be animated in the 2000s.

In the 2010s, ufotable produced entries in the series, but the original Fate/stay night was produced by Studio Deen.

Centered on the protagonist Shirou Emiya—who gets caught up in the battle among mages known as the Holy Grail War—and Saber, the Servant with whom he forms a contract, the series features a voice cast who still portray the same characters today.

Without this work, the franchise’s later expansion across various media might never have happened.

Kenji Kawai’s score is outstanding as well, and the opening theme, Disillusion—the debut song of singer-songwriter Sachi Tainaka, who later performed under the name Ayachi Tainaka—is also known as a classic.

Curious George

George learns about pitch 🐵 Curious George

The animated series “Curious George” is based on the picture book series “Curious George.” The protagonist, George, is a little monkey, so he doesn’t speak.

But through his gestures and expressive face, you can tell what he wants to do and what he’s thinking.

In these charming stories, George dives into all kinds of adventures and mishaps—and solves them—making the show hugely popular with children! The lack of dialogue sparks the imagination and draws viewers into George’s world.

If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to give it a try.