Calling all 20-somethings! A roundup of nostalgic anime from the 2000s to the 2010s
Anime, a cultural treasure Japan has long been proud of.
Some titles become huge hits with film adaptations or even spark trends that define an era.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected popular anime that will feel especially nostalgic for people in their 20s.
Focusing on works from the 2000s to the 2010s, we chose titles whose popularity hasn’t faded.
Some have ongoing series that continue to air today or have been adapted into films.
Take this opportunity to revisit them!
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Calling all 20-somethings! A roundup of nostalgic anime [2000s–2010s] (41–50)
Dragon Ball GT
Dragon Ball GT, which began airing in 1996, is the sequel to the anime Dragon Ball Z that had been broadcast up to that point.
Since the original manga’s story ends with Dragon Ball Z, people were also interested in what new developments would unfold from there.
The series follows Son Goku, who has been turned back into a child, as he embarks on a space-traveling adventure with his granddaughter Pan and Trunks.
This adventure-centric storyline evokes the early days of the original series.
With encounters with unique characters on various planets, the show offers appeal beyond just the battles.
Hell Teacher Nūbē
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.
Chibi Maruko-chan
Based on the manga by Momoko Sakura, this work has continued to be loved by people of all ages since it began airing in 1990, to the point that it can be called a national anime.
Through the perspective of the protagonist, Maruko, nostalgic Showa-era scenery and the small happenings common in childhood are depicted with humor.
A key point is that the main character reflects the author, Momoko Sakura, and together with her distinctive friends, the everyday lives of children at the time are conveyed with a comedic yet realistic touch.
It’s a series that reminds us of the important things in daily life—family bonds, friendships, and the small joys of everyday moments.
In conclusion
We introduced some anime that people in their 20s might find nostalgic.
Did you find your favorite series or the one you were looking for? Many of them have been turned into series or movies, and there were lots of timeless masterpieces that are still popular today.
Take this opportunity to rewatch them, or check out any titles you haven’t seen yet!