Recommended popular anime from the 2000s

Digimon Adventure

[Official] Digimon Adventure Episode 1: "Drifting? The Island of Adventure!"

The anime Digimon Adventure, which aired in 1999, is a story about children who get lost in another world and embark on an adventure.

Their encounters with Digimon in the Digital World, and the way each of them grows and deepens their bonds throughout their journey, resonated with viewers.

The unique personalities and action of the Digimon are part of the appeal, and the emotion and intensity come through especially strongly in the evolution scenes.

The children each struggle with their own issues, and many viewers likely related to watching them move forward while grappling with their worries.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Premiering in 1995, the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion tells the story of boys and girls who pilot giant humanoid weapons called Evangelions to fight mysterious enemies known as Angels.

Far from being just a sci-fi robot anime, it delves deeply into psychological portrayals and philosophical themes, sparking a social phenomenon that extended beyond anime fans of the time.

Its stylish visuals, shocking storyline, and distinctive characters have combined to earn it enduring popularity.

In addition to the TV series, its extensive media expansion—including theatrical films and a manga adaptation—is also part of its appeal.

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story

TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story - First Teaser PV

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story is a work that portrays how a swordsman said to be the strongest at the end of the Edo period lived on in the Meiji era.

It depicts the protagonist, Kenshin Himura—once feared as the manslayer Battōsai—taking a vow never to kill and helping those in need.

The story is compelling, from Kenshin’s past and inner turmoil to his interactions with a cast of fascinating allies and his ferocious battles with arch-enemies.

The intense action set in a world like a period drama stirred the hearts of viewers.

It is a long‑loved series that helped support Shonen Jump’s golden age.

Pocket Monsters

[Official] Anime “Pokémon” Episode 1: “Pokémon! I Choose You!” (Anipoke Selection)

It feels like the Pokémon franchise, which began as a Nintendo game, became a social phenomenon in large part thanks to the anime that started airing in 1997.

The story of the protagonist, Satoshi (Ash), journeying with his partner Pikachu to become a Pokémon Master sparked a spirit of adventure in many children.

The encounters with unique Pokémon, the heated battles, and the bonds with friends are the kind of elements that stir the heart no matter the era.

With each new game release, the anime weaves in fresh elements, and at times looks back on the past—storytelling made possible by its long-running history, which is a big part of its appeal.

Detective Conan

[Official] Detective Conan “Roller Coaster Murder Case” | Season 1, Episode 1

Detective Conan is a mystery anime about Shinichi Kudo, a high school detective who is forced into a child’s body by a mysterious organization and solves numerous difficult cases as elementary schooler Conan Edogawa.

Since its debut in 1996, it has been loved by audiences of all ages as a nationally beloved series.

In addition to its authentic mystery elements with intricate tricks, its distinctive characters are a major draw, and the story’s shifts from comedic to serious keep viewers engrossed.

Not only the TV anime but also the feature films attract attention, giving the impression of a franchise whose momentum shows no sign of slowing.

Hell Teacher Nūbē

Hell Teacher Nūbē Official PV Teaser 1

The anime Hell Teacher Nūbē is a horror-comedy set in an elementary school that aired in 1996.

The protagonist, Meisuke Nueno, is a clumsy, easygoing teacher on the surface, but in reality he’s the most powerful psychic, endowed with the power of an oni.

He exorcises the yokai and evil spirits that attack his students using the “Oni Hand” in his left arm.

It’s compelling to see the distinctive characters deepen their bonds through the troubles caused by these yokai and spirits.

The depictions that convey the terror of the supernatural, combined with moments of humor and tears, create a dynamic rhythm in the story that captivated viewers’ hearts.

Magic Knight Rayearth

[Episodes 1–3 Pack] Magic Knight Rayearth: “Legendary Magic Knights Activate,” “Presea, Creator of the Silent Forest,” and “The Mysterious Handsome Swordsman, Ferio” (1994)

The anime Magic Knight Rayearth is a fantasy series based on CLAMP’s manga.

It depicts three girls who are summoned to an alternate world called Cephiro and set out on a journey as Magic Knights to save it from crisis.

Set in a realm of swords and sorcery, the story’s appeal lies in how the girls fight and grow.

Another highlight is the beautiful artwork characteristic of CLAMP’s works; the delicate designs further accentuate the worldbuilding.

Along with its theme song, “Yuzurenai Negai” (Unyielding Wish), it’s a title that has surely left its mark on anime history.