Some of the best entertainment in television comes from anime, from projects such as Japan Sinks 2020, which has thought-provoking storylines, to great old retro anime that are still great today, standing the test of time and paving way for the content that is out now.
The 2000s had some of the best anime that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Ranker has compiled a list of some of these best series, which not only pushed boundaries when it came to character development and animation but also had the ability to appeal to non-anime fans because of their well-written storylines.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)
This anime is the second series based on the manga, but this time it follows the entire manga series. Viewers are introduced to Edward and Alphonse who are on a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone. This, after they use human transmutation in hopes to bring their deceased mother back to life. In turn, Alphonse loses his body, and Edward his right arm and left leg.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterpiece because it covers topics that happen in the real world with one example being loss. Many of the main characters are faced with losing a loved one. from Ed and Al losing their mother to Izumi losing her child. These characters face the burden of losing someone and fans saw how these unfortunate events shape them and give their characters so much depth.
CLANNAD: After Story (2008)
CLANNAD: After Story is the sequel to Clannad. The anime drama follows Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa after they graduate high school, and now they must figure out what they want to do in life while confronting their problems, learning from their mistakes, and growing as young adults.
CLANNAD: After Story is beautifully well written, partly because of its profound character development. Both Tomoya and Nagisa both have beautiful moments that help grow their characters throughout the series. Some of those moments include discussing topics such as marriage and fatherhood.
Naruto Shippuden (2007)
Naruto Shippuden is the sequel to Naruto. The anime takes place 13 years after its predecessor, where Naruto has graduated from the Ninja Academy and continues his journey to become Hokage of the village. Along the way, Naruto and his friends face new threats and challenges that they must overcome.
Naruto Shippuden is darker than the previous series because it covers topics such as death and gives off more of an adult vibe. The anime also continues to focus on the relationship between Naruto and Sasuke. The series highlights the different paths these characters are taking as they continue their journey into adulthood.
Death Note (2006)
Death Note is about a teen genius named Light who comes across a notebook called the "Death Note." This book gives him the ability to kill anyone whose name is written on the pages. He then goes on a killing spree eliminating people that he feels are immoral to create a crime-free world.
Death Note is a dark, grim, suspenseful anime, and that's why it stands out in the early 2000s. It asks the question of what would one do if given this power. Viewers also see Light as this perfectly imperfect student, who seems like he has it all together on the outside, but his cockiness and stubborn attitude are the keys to Light's downfall in Death Note and many sad moments.
Mushishi (2005)
Mushishi follows Ginko, one of the few people who are able to interact with Mushi, the most basic forms of life in the world. Ginko sets out to find the answer to their existence in hopes to understand the meaning of life.
Mushishi is the type of anime that can easily draw viewers in with just its storyline alone. Each episode shows thought-provoking storytelling and takes people who are watching into this new world. They go on this journey with these characters as they try to find answers to the existence of these creatures.
Monster (2004)
Monster follows Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a neurosurgeon living in who has it all. He's well respected by his peers and is engaged to the daughter of the hospital director but His life suddenly turns upside down after gets involved with a psychopathic former patient.
Monster is one of the best psychological suspense anime of the early 2000s. What makes this series stand out from projects similar to this is the fact that it is geared to an adult demographic. This is the type of anime where viewers will forget they are actually watching anime because of the realism that engulfs this show.
Full Metal Alchemist (2003)
Full Metal Alchemist is the first of 2 series and unlike the second version, this series did not follow the manga as close and went in its own direction. The Anime follows Edward and Alphonse who set out on a journey to find the philosopher's stone and while on their adventure secrets arise as they meet terrifying enemies.
Full Metal Alchemist has some amazing fights that are clean, precise, and are not dragged out. The characters are also well developed and viewers can't help but fall in love with them because of their touching stories. One other aspect is the music, it captures the moment the characters are in and sets the tone of the scene.
Naruto (2002)
Naruto follows a 12-year-old ninja named Naruto Uzumaki who attends the Ninja Academy in hopes of one day becoming the Hokage of his village. Along the way he and his comrades/friends go on adventures and take on foes that threaten their existence.
Naruto changed the game in the early 200os because Naruto introduced so many brave characters, like Sasuke, Rock Lee, and Hinata. Each of these characters had a distinct personality, but not only that, fans got a backstory of what makes these kids unique. A prime example is Garra, a person who had a tough upbringing growing up which turned him into a cold-hearted ninja.
Winner: Fruits Basket (2001)
This anime tells the story of an orphan girl named Tohru Honda who's pulled into an unexpected adventure after meeting 3 of the Sohma family. She learns that 13 of the family are possessed by animals of the Chinese zodiac and turn into their animal forms when they are weak
Winner: Fruits Basket is one of a kind because of the lessons it teaches fans, from friendships to forgiveness each character is faced with real-life circumstances that people can relate to. These circumstances also shape the characters into being more multidimensional, which makes the storytelling that much better.
Inuyasha (2000)
Inuyasha follows a high school girl named Kagome who is transported back in time to feudal Japan where she finds out that she is the reincarnation of a priestess. Along the way, she meets Inuyasha who is a demon, and at first glance, it seems these two will be mortal enemies, but throughout their journey end up developing a great relationship.
Inuyasha has the perfect balance of adventure and romance. Viewers see these characters go on this journey where they meet new allies and foes, and while on these adventures grow connections that evolve into special relationships in Inuyasha. The love these characters have for each other is so organic, for example, Kagome and Inuyasha started as opposites, and throughout their time together end up being life partners.