10 Fantastic Forgotten Anime From the 2000s

As someone who’s watched anime for a while, I’ve noticed how much the landscape has changed. It feels like just a few years ago, you had to really search for new shows, but now anime is everywhere! Series like My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer aren’t just popular within the anime community – they’re household names alongside Western favorites, even showing up in theaters and making big money. It’s amazing to see how quickly anime has become mainstream, and it looks like there’s no end in sight, with more and more new series being announced all the time to meet the growing demand.

As anime gains popularity, many newer fans haven’t had a chance to experience the classics that shaped the medium. Today’s popular series often borrow heavily from earlier shows, which established common themes, storylines, and character types. One decade that doesn’t get enough attention is the 2000s, when hits like *Bleach* and *Death Note* first appeared. While those shows are still well-known, we’re highlighting 10 fantastic anime from the 2000s that deserve a second look.

10) Spice and Wolf

Spice and Wolf is an anime series based on a well-loved set of light novels. It’s a charming mix of romance, adventure, and fantasy that fans of shows like Kamisama Kiss and The Ancient Magus’ Bride are sure to enjoy. Originally aired in 2008, the series ran for two seasons. It thoughtfully explores themes of friendship, meaningful connections, economics, finding yourself, and forging your own path in life.

Spice and Wolf tells the story of Kraft Lawrence, a young merchant hoping to one day own his own shop. He teams up with Holo, a wolf goddess who feels forgotten by the people of her town. They agree to travel together: Kraft will help Holo return to her homeland, Yoitsu, and Holo will share her wisdom to help him succeed in business. The series follows their adventures as they navigate the challenges of trade, travel, and building a life together, all while getting to know each other better.

9) Nana

Released in 2006, *Nana* is a highly influential anime known for its realistic characters and compelling relationships. With 47 episodes, the show beautifully blends music, romance, and coming-of-age stories, creating a dramatic and emotional experience. If you enjoyed series like *Paradise Kiss* and *Your Lie in April*, you’ll likely appreciate *Nana*’s exploration of important themes like healing from the past, pursuing your passions, the value of friendship, the challenges of fame, and the complexities of love.

I’ve been following the story of *Nana*, and it’s really about two women, both named Nana, whose lives become completely connected. There’s Nana Komatsu, who’s a sweet and hopeful romantic, and Nana Osaki, a really strong, independent woman chasing her dream of becoming a musician. They meet on a train, and eventually end up living together and becoming best friends. As they navigate being adults, they both fall in love and try to achieve their goals, and Nana Osaki’s band, Blast, plays a big part in all of it – they’re determined to make it to the top.

8) Mononoke

Released in 2007, the anime series *Mononoke* is remarkably artistic and visually unique, still feeling modern almost twenty years later. It’s a supernatural horror show with mystery and fantasy elements, making it a good choice for viewers who enjoy series like *Shiki* and *Mushi-Shi*. With 12 episodes and a few related movies, *Mononoke* explores complex and mature themes such as revenge, desire, morality, and the nature of justice.

The anime *Mononoke* isn’t a single, continuous story; instead, it’s a series of independent arcs. The main character, the Medicine Seller, travels around Japan, hunting and exorcising evil spirits called Mononoke. To defeat each spirit, he needs to understand its history – its Form, Truth, and Reason. The show uses its unique art style, historical setting, and animation to create a consistently unsettling atmosphere throughout each story.

7) Darker Than Black

If you’re into anime like *Durarara!!* or *Psycho-Pass*, you should definitely check out *Darker Than Black*. This often-overlooked seinen anime from the 2000s is a fantastic blend of neo-noir, action, supernatural elements, and thriller suspense. It originally aired in 2007 with one season, followed by a second season in 2009 titled *Darker Than Black: Gemini of the Meteor*. The series explores complex themes like what it means to be human, morality, dealing with loss, the dangers of power, and the sacrifices we make.

The anime *Darker Than Black* takes place in a world grappling with the sudden appearance of two strange portals. One, called Hell’s Gate, appeared in Tokyo, Japan, while the other, Heaven’s Gate, was sealed in South America after causing international conflict. These portals gave rise to Contractors-individuals with extraordinary abilities who must pay a personal cost each time they use their powers. The series follows Hei, a secretive Contractor known as the Black Reaper, who works for a clandestine organization called the Syndicate, completing covert missions throughout the city.

6) Ergo Proxy

Ergo Proxy is a compelling but often overlooked sci-fi anime that delves into complex philosophical ideas as its story unfolds. While primarily science fiction, it blends in elements of mystery, thriller, and action, creating a dark and intense mood. If you enjoy anime like Perfect Blue and Akira, you might appreciate this series, which originally aired in 2006 and consists of 23 episodes. Ergo Proxy explores deep themes like what defines identity, the nature of consciousness, morality, freedom, and the search for meaning in life.

The anime *Ergo Proxy* takes place on a future Earth recovering from a major disaster. Most people now live in domed cities run by a strict government, sharing their lives with androids called AutoReivs. This carefully controlled society is disrupted when AutoReivs start becoming infected with a strange virus called Cogito, leading to violence and murders. Investigator Re-l Mayer is tasked with solving the mystery, and during her investigation, she discovers the existence of Proxies – human-like beings created by the government with the goal of saving humanity.

5) Monster

Released in 2004, *Monster* is a highly-regarded anime series from the 2000s that significantly influenced the detective and serial killer genre. While it’s a detective mystery at its core, the show blends in thriller, horror, and dramatic elements, creating a dark, realistic, and compelling story. With 74 episodes forming a single season, *Monster* explores complex themes such as the battle between good and evil, justice, accountability, human nature, and morality. If you enjoy anime like *Death Note* and *Parasyte*, you’ll likely appreciate this series.

I’m completely hooked on *Monster*! It starts with this brilliant neurosurgeon, Dr. Kenzo Tenma, who faces an impossible situation – he has to choose between saving a young boy or the city’s mayor. He chooses the boy, and years later, things take a dark turn. It turns out that boy, Johan, has grown up and is connected to a string of terrible murders. Now, Dr. Tenma is consumed by guilt and feels he *has* to track Johan down and try to make things right, hoping to atone for the decision that inadvertently allowed this dangerous person to exist.

4) Baccano!

Released in 2007, *Baccano!* is a 16-episode anime series inspired by a popular series of light novels. It’s a blend of fantasy, action, crime, and dark comedy, all presented in a style reminiscent of classic pulp fiction. The show explores themes of found family, immortality, what it means to be human, and the conflict between good and evil, and fans who enjoy series like *Kekkai Sensen* and *Cowboy Bebop* might find it particularly appealing.

Baccano! is famous for its unique way of telling a story, jumping around in time rather than following a straight line. The story is set during the Prohibition era and features a large cast of characters, including members of competing gangs, alchemists, and those involved in a mysterious cult. They’re all connected by a single element: an immortality drug created by a criminal group. As the story unfolds, these characters either chase the elixir of life, try to understand its consequences, or grapple with the moral questions it raises.

3) Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo is a unique anime series that mixes traditional Japanese culture with a modern hip-hop influence, creating a cool and distinctive look and feel. If you’re a fan of shows like Rurouni Kenshin or Space Dandy, you’ll likely enjoy its vibe. Released in 2004, this single-season anime (26 episodes total) combines historical adventure, action, and music in a way that sets it apart. It explores themes of identity, finding yourself, being an individual, and how society changes over time.

The anime *Samurai Champloo* begins at a teahouse where Fuu works. When she’s bothered by some samurai, two skilled swordsmen, Mugen and Jin, come to her defense, leading to a large fight that damages the teahouse and gets them in trouble with the law. To avoid punishment, Mugen and Jin agree to become Fuu’s bodyguards. In return, they’ll help her search for a specific samurai who is said to smell like sunflowers.

2) Black Lagoon

Released in 2006, *Black Lagoon* is a thrilling action and crime drama that stands out as one of the best of the 2000s, and still holds up against today’s popular series. With two seasons and an extra OVA, the show features a total of 29 episodes. It explores complex themes like morality, what drives people, the lines between right and wrong in a criminal world, and the importance of trust and friendship, all set against a backdrop of intense violence. If you enjoy shows like *Hellsing Ultimate* and *Akame Ga Kill*, *Black Lagoon* is definitely worth checking out.

The story takes place in Roanapur, a dangerous Thai port city overrun with crime. Rokuro Okajima, a normal businessman, is sent on a simple delivery there, but is kidnapped by the Lagoon Company – a ruthless band of mercenaries. His company quickly abandons him, putting his life at risk. Tired of his boring and deceitful life, Rock chooses to join the Lagoon Company and begins working with them, taking on dangerous jobs and facing off against rival criminal groups.

1) Gurren Lagann

Gurren Lagann is a truly excellent mecha anime with a passionate fanbase who believe it deserves a wider audience today. Originally released in 2007, the series consists of one season with 27 episodes. Like other classics such as Gunbuster and Trigun, it blends action, science fiction, and fantasy. Gurren Lagann explores powerful themes – like perseverance, overcoming challenges, dealing with loss, and the strength of believing in yourself – all while delivering thrilling, fast-paced battles with a surprising amount of emotional depth.

This anime takes place in a world where humanity has been forced to live in underground villages, ruled by a tyrannical Spiral King. The story follows Simon, an orphaned boy, and his close friend and mentor, Kamina. They spend their days digging for resources when they unexpectedly discover a powerful mecha robot called a Gunmen, and a special drill. Their village is soon attacked by another Gunmen, forcing Simon and Kamina to fight back using their own newly found Gunmen and drill, ultimately breaking through to the surface world. Determined to free the underground villages, they embark on a mission to defeat the Spiral King and his army, and stand against the forces of evil.

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2025-09-17 04:42