Recommended popular anime from the 2000s
When you think of 2000s anime, what titles come to mind?
Back then, many series were called “kuuki-kei” (atmospheric) or “nichijou-kei” (slice-of-life), with lots of realistic, relatable stories close to everyday student life.
In this article, we’ll introduce some popular anime from the 2000s!
We’ve picked a variety—from classic atmospheric and slice-of-life works to titles featuring big, out-of-the-ordinary events or even magic.
You might find a series you were once obsessed with!
Whether you were into these back in the day or are watching for the first time, be sure to check them out!
Recommended popular anime from the 2000s (1–10)
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
I bet a lot of people got hooked on anime starting here.
This work, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, is emblematic of the 2000s anime scene.
It’s an anime based on the light novel by Nagaru Tanigawa, telling a mysterious school story centered on the narrator, Kyon, and the heroine, Haruhi Suzumiya.
One reason it became so popular was the rise of the internet around the same time.
As the broader framework of so-called otaku culture took shape on sites like 2channel and Niconico, the anime Haruhi Suzumiya also turned into a phenomenon.
We all watched that ending dance over and over, didn’t we? The TV series has the 2006 version and a 2009 version produced as a continuation of the first season.
K-On!
Since it began airing as a late-night anime in April 2009, K-On! sparked a boom so big it was called a social phenomenon.
Based on the manga by Kakifly, the series loosely portrays girls in a light music club, yet it drew attention for Kyoto Animation’s beautiful artwork that captured everyday moments, its powerful band performance scenes, and the high quality of the original songs by the in-story band “Ho-kago Tea Time.” Some people even picked up instruments because of this series, and it transcended the category of a simple band-themed anime to have a major impact on culture as a whole.
In 2010, the second season, K-On!!, aired, and in 2011 the feature film K-On! The Movie, set in London, was released—both became major hits.
CDs released under the Ho-kago Tea Time name ranked high on the Oricon charts, and the overall market scale is said to have exceeded 15 billion yen.
The fact that the voice actors who played the characters actually performed instruments and held live concerts also seems to have sparked an ongoing wave of media expansion that continues today.
Personally, beyond those impressive records, I’d like people to focus on the show’s craftsmanship in carefully depicting the short yet precious days of high school youth—the characters’ rich expressions and emotional shifts, and the palpable atmosphere.
Toradora!
As a defining anime of the late 2000s, Toradora! is always cited as a masterpiece.
Based on a light novel by Yuyuko Takemiya, the TV adaptation of Toradora! was directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai, scripted by Mari Okada, with character designs by Masayoshi Tanaka.
It’s also known for featuring the core staff who would later create the acclaimed anime Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.
Toradora! is an ensemble drama centered on the fiercely distinctive heroine Taiga Aisaka, voiced by Rie Kugimiya, and Ryuuji Takasu, who looks intimidating but is actually sensitive and caring.
While it’s a romantic comedy, it doesn’t shy away from serious themes like the cruelty of youth, uncontrollable emotional turbulence, and family issues—elements that shocked many viewers who first encountered the story through the anime.
The performances of the voice cast are uniformly strong, and whichever character you empathize with, you’re sure to be deeply moved.
Mobile Suit Gundam (SEED/00)
Mobile Suit Gundam is a series often called a landmark of robot anime that has continued since 1979.
Among the entries, the works that were especially popular in the 2000s are Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and Mobile Suit Gundam 00.
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED tells the story of two childhood friends who reunite on the battlefield and end up fighting as enemies; it’s easy to get emotionally invested in and is recommended as an entry point to the Gundam series.
In Mobile Suit Gundam 00, the protagonists appear as terrorists who intervene with force in conflicts all around the world.
It’s a profound work that makes you think about what justice really is.
Beyond the cool mecha designs, Gundam also makes you reflect on the feelings of those who fight on the battlefield and on the nature of true peace—once you watch it, you’ll want to see the whole series.
It’s a highly recommended anime.
Hikaru no Go
Hikaru no Go is a defining Weekly Shonen Jump series from the 2000s.
Despite the unusual choice of Go as its subject, it became a hugely popular classic.
The anime even sparked a boom—there were people who tried playing Go after watching it.
Beyond the classic growth story of the protagonist Hikaru and his rival Akira Toya, the delicate portrayal of emotions draws you in, even if you don’t know anything about Go.
The slapstick antics with Sai, the genius Go player from the Heian period who possesses Hikaru, are adorable; while the early parts are often comedic and fun, the later half builds into a deeply moving drama.
Takeshi Obata’s gorgeous character artwork is another major charm that wins you over.
Yuta Iyama, who appeared at age 12 in the post-episode mini segment “Yukari Umezawa’s GOGO Igo,” later became a professional and twice achieved the feat of holding all seven major titles simultaneously, and in 2022 set a stunning record with 11 consecutive Honinbo titles—a name familiar to Hikaru no Go fans.
Even Sai would be astonished! I think it’s wonderful how the series has created a synergistic effect with the real Go world, and I hope you’ll enjoy it with an open, playful spirit!
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
The Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion series captured viewers’ hearts with a then-unseen hero archetype: a protagonist who plays the villain.
The initial premise follows Lelouch, a prince of the Holy Britannian Empire, who adopts the masked identity Zero and forms a resistance organization to take revenge on the empire.
Fans were drawn to the brilliant mind games powered by Lelouch’s special ability, “Geass,” the compelling humanity of the characters, and the grand, nation-spanning narrative.
The TV run includes the first season aired in 2006 and Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 starting in 2008.
The deeper you get, the more you’ll find yourself thinking, “What on earth is going to happen next?!”
Natsume's Book of Friends
Even though it’s an animated series based on an existing manga, the driving force behind its longevity—with Season 1 airing in 2008 and continuing all the way to Season 6 by 2017—can be attributed entirely to the inherent charm of Natsume’s Book of Friends.
As of 2022, the original manga by Yuki Midorikawa is still ongoing.
Centered on Takashi Natsume, a protagonist who can see yokai—supernatural beings such as ayakashi—the story depicts the strange bonds and interactions between humans and yokai.
The anime adaptation preserves the original’s subtly nostalgic atmosphere, and thanks to passionate performances from the voice cast, the characters burst to life on screen, earning high praise from the start.
The yokai Natori encounters in Episode 1 known as “Madara”—who usually takes the form of a beckoning cat as his vessel in daily life and is called “Nyanko-sensei”—has grown into an extremely popular character, thanks in part to Kazuhiko Inoue’s superb performance, leading to a wide range of merchandise.
Even people unfamiliar with the series have likely seen Nyanko-sensei’s plushies or keychains, given his distinctive look.
Speaking of Natsume’s Book of Friends, as mentioned, its greatest strength lies in its often moving—and at times sorrowful—stories that revolve around the relationships between humans and yokai.
Fans can probably name a favorite episode that makes them cry every time they watch it.
The beautiful soundtrack by pianist and composer Makoto Yoshimori is also an indispensable element of the anime, so if you enjoy the series, be sure to check out the OST as well!