7 Most Popular Shonen Anime Characters From the 2000s

Every ten years, anime brings us memorable new characters, and some become beloved for years to come. The 1990s gave us icons like Usagi Tsukino, a grown-up Son Goku, and Yusuke Urameshi, while the 2000s introduced a fresh wave of heroes and villains. Some of these characters perfectly represent the 2000s, and many still captivate fans today.

Many of the most memorable anime characters from the 2000s are still incredibly popular today. Unlike some characters who quickly fade away, these figures have become timeless and remain among the biggest stars in anime history. While new characters emerge in recent years, very few have achieved the same level of lasting appeal as those from the 2000s.

Lelouch Lamperouge is Science Fiction’s Most Ingenious Antihero

Lelouch’s Geass and Brainpower Don’t Miss a Trick

Image via Bandai Namco Pictures.

Popular anime characters, whether from the 2000s or any other time, often fit into familiar patterns. One common type is the brilliant but troubled character, like Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass. While heroes like Goku and Yusuke are known for their strength, some anime fans prefer characters who rely on their intelligence. These smart heroes and anti-heroes are appealing because they constantly keep viewers guessing, and surprises are always welcome. In Code Geass, and for those watching, Lelouch’s next move is always unpredictable.

Lelouch fully embraces being the brilliant, and sometimes ruthless, architect of his own complex story. He’s unapologetically assertive, which makes him both compelling and undeniably cool – and fans loved it. Whether as the confident revolutionary “Zero” or the seemingly normal student, Lelouch skillfully navigated his many identities. He also has a knack for dramatic flair without being over-the-top, and his Geass ability is always exciting to watch.

Taiga Aisaka Sets a High Bar For Tsunderes Everywhere

Tsunderes Must Be Vulnerable and Kind, Not Just Feisty

Image via J.C. Staff.

Many popular anime characters from the 2000s were known for being action heroes or incredibly intelligent, but the decade also saw the rise of different types of characters and stories. One example is Taiga Aisaka from the popular romance anime Toradora!, who first appeared in the late 2000s. Initially, Taiga seemed like a classic ‘tsundere’ – a small, high school girl with a quick temper and a tendency to get physical with those who bother her. While the more aggressive aspects of her personality haven’t held up as well over time, the rest of her character remains compelling.

Taiga quickly became a fan favorite due to her surprisingly strong personality despite her small size, and her classic ‘tsundere’ attitude. Her backstory was also compelling – she kept her emotions hidden and lived a lonely life close to Ryuji Takasu. Viewers connected with and even empathized with Taiga because she gradually revealed her softer side, eventually leaning on Ryuji for support. She beautifully demonstrated that it’s alright to show vulnerability and depend on friends when facing difficulties.

Itachi Uchiha is the Best Anti-Villain From the 2000s

Sasuke’s Tragic Brother Remains One of the Best Naruto Characters

Many of the voice actors from the popular anime Naruto became major stars in the 2000s, including those who played Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi. But if fans had to choose one character who truly defined the era, it would likely be Itachi Uchiha. Over time, audiences discovered the depth and complexity of this seemingly villainous ninja. While fans didn’t necessarily need to sympathize with Itachi and his tragic past, his story was undeniably captivating to watch.

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Itachi appeared as a formidable and ruthless villain, especially as a dark reflection of Sasuke and a brilliant Uchiha warrior. While his powerful abilities and Sharingan amazed audiences, the most compelling part of his story was his inner turmoil. Beneath the surface, this member of the Akatsuki was a deeply caring individual burdened by self-loathing and regret for the actions he was forced to take. Even now, fans continue to discuss whether Itachi was truly a victim of circumstance or simply a dangerous weapon deserving of no sympathy. Regardless, this complex character arc is what keeps Itachi popular and memorable.

Light Yagami Shocked the Shonen World With His Murder Spree

Light Has the Charm and Cruelty to Make Him the Ideal Antihero

Image via Madhouse.

Watching Light Yagami from Death Note reminded me a lot of Lelouch from a sci-fi series – both are incredibly intelligent and rely on their wits. Everything about Light seemed designed to make him stand out, and he’s a remarkably good actor. What really makes him compelling, though, is his humanity. He’s incredibly charismatic and can manipulate anyone he needs to, which makes him a fascinating, if unsettling, character. He’s a people person, but in a really dark and twisted way, and honestly, that’s part of what makes him so interesting to watch.

Light was a fascinating antihero – someone you could surprisingly find yourself supporting – and that’s why he’s often mentioned with anime’s most intelligent characters like Lelouch, Senku Ishigami, and Shikamaru Nara. While many anime heroes are strong fighters, Light was captivating because of his cunning and ability to outsmart both L and the entire Japanese police. Even now, fans debate whether he started with good intentions but became corrupted, or if he was always a truly awful person whose actions were only made possible by the Death Note, which keeps him popular to this day.

Monkey D. Luffy Grew Into His Protagonist Role in the 2000s

Luffy Built a Crew and Mastered His Gears in That Decade

Image via Toei Animation.

While some anime from the 2000s gained attention with bold and sometimes shocking character designs, fans also appreciate characters who are simple and relatable. That’s why Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece has become so popular – he’s a spirited pirate hero who, despite sometimes acting like a rebel, always has good intentions. What makes Luffy so appealing is his straightforward ambition: he wants total freedom and to find the legendary One Piece treasure to become the greatest pirate of all.

While Luffy’s journey continued into the 2010s and beyond, the 2000s were when he really came into his own. He hadn’t yet unlocked Gear 5 or achieved Emperor status, but he powerfully evolved into the main hero of the Grand Line. Starting with his TV debut in October 1999, Luffy quickly became popular by gaining a loyal crew, developing his unique fighting style with ‘Gears,’ and facing the harsh realities of life at sea.

Edward Elric is Both Familiar and Refreshing as an Action Star

Ed’s Charming Flaws and Lingering Pain Wowed Anime Fans Everywhere

Edward Elric is a popular action hero from the 2000s, but he stands out from other action leads of that era. While characters like Naruto and Luffy successfully copied elements from Goku, that approach wouldn’t have worked for everyone. Edward, in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, is unique because he combines intelligence with physical strength, and effortlessly uses alchemy, martial arts, and scientific thinking.

I’m totally fascinated by Ed’s character! He’s just…different, you know? It’s a cool combination – he’s physically small, but incredibly humble, which makes him so relatable. He can get a bit cocky, and honestly, fans love that side of him, but it’s his humility that really shines. I was really blown away when Ed and Al learned such a tough lesson about messing with the natural order – it felt so impactful, and it’s something I wish more anime heroes would explore. It makes you think – maybe a simple defeat isn’t always enough to truly change someone for the better, and that’s a really interesting idea!

Ichigo Kurosaki is an Effective Foil to the Himbos Naruto and Luffy

Ichigo is a Cool Punk With a Sword and Profound Grief

Image via Pierrot.

Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach shares some similarities with Goku from Dragon Ball, but he’s a distinctly original character. Unlike Goku, who enthusiastically seeks out battles, Ichigo actually prefers a peaceful, normal life in Karakura Town, despite being a capable fighter. This internal conflict makes Ichigo relatable and sympathetic, providing a strong contrast to the fantastical events he experiences in the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo.

Ichigo’s appealing design features a striking contrast: he appears as a rebellious punk, but is actually a very kind person. This outer toughness developed as a way to cope with the deep sadness he felt after his mother, Masaki, passed away – so it wasn’t his true personality. As Ichigo healed and moved past his grief, he became more genuinely himself, which made fans love him even more.

2026-02-12 18:36