The 2000s were a hugely important decade for anime, as the art form gained popularity around the world. Many fans still consider anime from that era to be among the best, with series like the romance Kimi Ni Todoke and the fantasy adventure Inuyasha remaining popular today. Artists who love the look of 2000s anime can even draw in that style, giving their work a nostalgic feel.
Shōnen anime continues to be the most popular type of anime, introducing many fans to the world of animation with iconic characters like Naruto and Luffy. For a lot of people, shows like the original Fullmetal Alchemist on Adult Swim or Dragon Ball Z Kai on Nicktoons were their first experiences with anime, creating a lasting fondness for the shows they grew up with.
7. The First Fullmetal Alchemist Anime Has a Different Tone
The Series Also Has an Alternate Ending to the Elrics’ Journey
The first anime adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist, which began in 2003 and came to North America in 2004, isn’t as popular today as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which closely follows the complete manga series. Because the manga was still being written while the original anime aired, the two stories eventually take different paths. Initially, both versions tell the same story: the journey of brothers Edward and Alphonse after a failed alchemy experiment costs them their bodies. Edward receives metal replacements, while Alphonse exists as a spirit within a suit of armor. Together, they must confront their country’s corrupt military to find a way to regain their original forms.
The original Fullmetal Alchemist anime offers a unique storytelling approach that many fans appreciate, even those who prefer Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. It includes extra episodes that deepen character development and creates a strikingly beautiful, melancholic mood that stays with viewers. While the ending and character outcomes differ from the manga and Brotherhood, the 2003 series has left a lasting impact. For many North American fans who discovered it on Adult Swim, it was their first introduction to what is widely considered Arakawa’s greatest work.
6. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters Continues Yugi’s Adventures
Yugi Must Battle Against the Cunning Maximillion Pegasus
When shy Yugi Mutou solves an ancient Egyptian puzzle called the Millennium Puzzle, he unknowingly unleashes a gambling spirit with a hidden history. With the puzzle complete, intense magical games – known as Dark Games – are reborn, and Yugi, along with his other self, must battle other gamers and even criminals. Following the original Yu-Gi-Oh! anime, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters premiered in 2000, reaching English-speaking viewers through 4Kids in 2004. This series begins immediately after Yugi defeats his rival, the clever Seto Kaiba, in a thrilling Duel Monsters match.
The situation gets much more intense when Maximillion Pegasus, the creator of Duel Monsters, steals the soul of Yugi’s grandfather using the Millennium Eye. To rescue him, Yugi and his friends have to compete in the Duelist Kingdom tournament run by Pegasus. The Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters anime doesn’t just adapt the manga’s stories and characters; it also creates new, original content. The series also focuses on a key storyline from the manga, exploring the history of the entity within Yugi.
5. Inuyasha Still Has a Dedicated Fanbase
Kagome and the Titular Inuyasha Travel Between Time Periods
Kagome Higurashi is a normal teenager whose family runs a Shinto shrine, but she doesn’t really think much about it until she turns fifteen. Everything changes when a demon pulls her down the shrine’s well, sending her five hundred years into the past. There, she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon who was hurt by a past relationship with a priestess named Kikyo. It turns out Kagome is the reincarnation of Kikyo, and she’s also holding a powerful magical jewel. However, the jewel is soon broken into many pieces, scattering its power.
Despite constantly clashing, Kagome and Inuyasha must team up to collect scattered jewel shards before they fall into the wrong hands. As they journey together, traveling between the past and present, they begin to understand each other, forge a friendship, and maybe even develop romantic feelings. Inuyasha is adapted from the popular manga by renowned creator Rumiko Takahashi, known for other classics like Urusei Yatsura and Ranma ½. Featuring beautiful animation by Sunrise, a memorable score, and compelling characters, Inuyasha has remained a beloved show for many and continues to be widely discussed today.
4. Reluctant Medium Ichigo Becomes a Soul Reaper in Bleach
Ichigo Must Save the Living and the Dead From Violent Hollows
Ichigo Kurosaki wishes for a peaceful life, but his ability to see ghosts makes that impossible. When he meets Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper, everything changes. He unexpectedly gains her powers and begins training to become a Soul Reaper himself. Ichigo discovers that both humans and ghosts are threatened by dangerous spirits called Hollows, who often target people they knew in life. But defeating these Hollows isn’t a straightforward fight.
Ichigo discovers that Hollows aren’t simply evil spirits; some were once cruel people, while others were good spirits overwhelmed by negativity or forcibly transformed. Through his encounters with different Hollows, Ichigo gains a deeper understanding of the Soul Society and its Soul Reapers. As conflicts erupt between the worlds of the living and the dead, Ichigo grows into a genuine hero. With exciting action, a lively cast of characters, and even enjoyable side stories, Bleach remains a captivating anime to watch.
3. One Piece Is a Beloved Ongoing Series
Luffy D. Monkey Dreams of Becoming the King of the Pirates
When the famous pirate captain Gol D. Roger was dying, he revealed that his incredible treasure, the “One Piece,” was out there for anyone to claim. He declared that whoever found it would become the next King of the Pirates. This announcement sparked a massive wave of adventurers to sail the seas, but the location and even the nature of the One Piece remain a mystery. Among them is a young pirate named Luffy D. Monkey, who dreams of becoming King of the Pirates and is determined to find the treasure, gathering a crew to help him along the way.
Throughout his journey, Luffy gathers a diverse crew of friends, including the resourceful navigator Nami and the optimistic doctor Tony Tony Chopper. Luffy himself possesses incredible abilities, gained from a special Devil Fruit that made his body rubbery – allowing for powerful attacks and protection from electricity, though it means he can’t swim. While One Piece is generally a lighthearted and colorful series with engaging characters, it doesn’t avoid tackling difficult themes and realistic problems, especially in the original version. Since its debut in 1999 and arrival in North America in 2004, fans have consistently supported Luffy and his adventures, inspired by his unwavering spirit and strong sense of justice.
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2. The Original Naruto Series Remains Popular
Energetic Ninja Naruto Wishes To Become the Next Hokage
The story of Naruto begins in Konoha village, which is still recovering from a devastating attack by the Nine-Tails, a powerful beast. Though Konoha was saved, many heroes lost their lives. To protect the village, the Nine-Tails’ spirit was sealed inside newborn Naruto Uzumaki. This meant Naruto grew up without a family and was ostracized, unaware of the reason why. Despite this difficult childhood, Naruto remained optimistic and determined to achieve his dream of becoming the Hokage, the leader of Konoha.
Naruto believes becoming Hokage will finally earn him the respect of the village. But the path to becoming a powerful ninja is challenging. As Naruto and his friends train and improve their skills, Konoha faces both new and returning dangers. The original Naruto anime, known for its mix of humor and serious moments, was a hugely influential series for many anime fans and a beloved childhood favorite for viewers worldwide.
1. Dragon Ball Z Kai Is a Remaster of Dragon Ball Z
Goku Returns to the Battlefield After Defeating Piccolo
Dragon Ball is a hugely popular franchise celebrated for its iconic characters and thrilling battles. After the success of the 1989 anime series, Dragon Ball Z, a remastered version called Dragon Ball Z Kai was released in 2009. Dragon Ball Z Kai streamlined the story by closely following the original manga and removing much of the non-essential content. This resulted in a faster-paced series with updated animation, music, and theme songs.
Similar to the original Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Z Kai begins after Goku defeats Piccolo and settles down with his wife, Chi-Chi. They have a son named Gohan who resembles Goku. Just when life seems calm, Goku discovers he’s an alien warrior from a race called the Saiyans, and meets his older brother. While many Saiyans are aggressive, Goku desires peace and continues his constant fight to defend Earth and his family. Though longtime fans might have preferences for the original Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Z Kai is a well-regarded update and a must-watch for anyone interested in the Dragon Ball series, whether they’re new or have been fans for years.
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2026-03-26 16:36