Fans are starting to view anime from the 2000s as classics. Though it doesn’t feel that long ago for some, it’s been decades since what many consider the golden age of anime. If you’re looking to revisit some older shows or discover them for the first time, there are plenty of great 2000s anime available to stream.
If you’re looking for anime from the 2000s, Crunchyroll has a great selection, including many popular shows from when you were growing up. You’ll find both well-known favorites and some hidden treasures you may have forgotten – all available to stream now.
Full Metal Panic!
If you’re exploring anime from the 2000s, Full Metal Panic! is a must-see. The story centers around Sousuke Sagara, a soldier from a group called Mithril, tasked with protecting Kaname Chidori, an ordinary high school student who unknowingly holds valuable knowledge that many groups are after. Sousuke’s strict military background and awkward social skills often clash with Kaname’s normal life, leading to plenty of humorous and tense situations.
Full Metal Panic! is a fun action-comedy series that doesn’t seem to get the attention it deserves these days. It has several seasons, plus a lighter, comedic spin-off made by Kyoto Animation. What really makes the show stand out is the relationship between the characters Sousuke and Kaname – they’re a fantastic pair that many anime fans have overlooked.
Samurai Champloo
Recently, Samurai Champloo has been gaining more of the praise it deserves. While it wasn’t a hidden gem, the anime often lived in the shadow of director Shinichiro Watanabe’s more famous creation, Cowboy Bebop.
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I’m totally obsessed with Samurai Champloo! It’s this amazing anime set in Edo-era Japan, but with a really cool, modern twist – it doesn’t shy away from things that wouldn’t normally fit the period. The story follows Fuuu, this energetic girl, as she teams up with Mugen, a wild and scrappy outlaw, and Jin, a stoic ronin, on a quest to find a mysterious samurai who supposedly smells like sunflowers! Honestly, it’s right up there with Bebop as one of Shinichirō Watanabe’s masterpieces. Everything – the animation style, the music, and especially the characters – is just incredible. It really makes Samurai Champloo one of the best anime series of the 2000s, in my opinion.
Naruto
When discussing the best anime of the 2000s, Naruto always comes up. As part of the well-known ‘Big 3’ – along with One Piece and Bleach – Naruto is a truly iconic series that continues to be enjoyed by both new and longtime fans.
Naruto was a huge phenomenon throughout the 2000s, bridging the gap between the original series and Shippuden. Its popularity is clear – Naruto is a relatable and engaging main character who develops significantly over the course of the show. The series also features a memorable supporting cast and a uniquely compelling power system, making it a standout in the anime world.
Ouran High School Host Club
If you enjoy romantic stories, the 2000s offered a lot of great anime. The decade featured everything from lighthearted, large-cast romances to deeply moving love stories, and one standout series was Ouran High School Host Club.
Haruhi Fujioka attends Ouran Academy on a scholarship, but when she accidentally breaks a valuable vase, she’s forced to work at the school’s Host Club to pay it off. The catch? The club members think she’s a boy! If you enjoy sweet romances and stories with a group of charming guys (reverse harems), Ouran High School Host Club is a must-watch. It’s a funny, visually appealing anime with a genuinely good romance that even people who don’t usually watch the genre will love.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Many fans consider Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to be one of the greatest anime series of the 21st century, and a highlight of the 2000s – it’s a must-watch for any anime enthusiast. The original Fullmetal Alchemist series is also highly recommended, even though it takes a different path than the manga, offering a uniquely enjoyable experience.
The anime series Brotherhood is a faithful adaptation of the popular manga, delivering all the exciting plot twists and turns of Hiromu Arakawa’s original story. It centers on brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who embark on a quest to restore their bodies after a failed magical experiment. This experiment cost Edward an arm and a leg, and resulted in Alphonse’s soul being bound to a suit of armor. Brotherhood excels at portraying the strong relationship between the brothers, but it’s the well-developed supporting characters, each with their own unique stories and struggles, that truly make the series compelling.
Soul Eater
Now that the Fire Force anime is finished, I’ve been thinking about checking out the series that really put Atsushi Ohkubo on the map! Soul Eater is seriously one of those amazing shonen anime from the 2000s that doesn’t get enough love. The anime adaptation didn’t quite capture everything from the manga, especially towards the end, and I think that’s why it’s a bit forgotten – but it’s so good!
Soul Eater takes place in Death City, where students at the Death Weapon Meister Academy are paired up as meisters – who wield weapons – and those who transform into those weapons, called Death Scythes. The story follows several teams, including Maka and Soul, Black Star and Tsubaki, and Death the Kid with the Thompson twins. While the anime sometimes deviates from the original manga, it remains a visually appealing and enjoyable action series. Many fans hope it will one day receive a more faithful adaptation, similar to the ‘Brotherhood’ version of Fullmetal Alchemist.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Haruhi Suzumiya was a hugely popular anime character in the 2000s, and remains well-known today. While it’s been a while since the show was at its most popular, fans still fondly remember following Haruhi and her friends in the S.O.S. Brigade on all their crazy adventures.
KyoAni’s adaptation of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya remains visually stunning, even after twenty years. The series is considered one of the best of the 2000s, largely thanks to the captivating Haruhi and her engaging relationship with the more reserved Kyon. While the infamous ‘Endless Eight’ arc can be a challenge for viewers, the series is ultimately rewarding. If you enjoy the anime, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is also a highly recommended movie, and a standout from the 2010s.
One Piece
The One Piece anime first aired in late 1999, which technically makes it a product of the 90s. However, it really became popular in the 2000s and is considered a defining anime of that era. If you grew up watching anime around then, it’s likely you first discovered the world of anime through Luffy’s adventure to become Pirate King and find the One Piece treasure.
Okay, so the One Piece anime definitely has its slow moments and isn’t always 100% faithful to the manga, but honestly, it’s still a blast! If you’re already a fan of the manga and excited to see your favorite parts come to life, or if you’re completely new to the world, you’re in for a good time. And right now is such a great moment to jump in! After a bit of a break, the Elbaf Arc is finally airing this spring, and everyone’s expecting it to be epic. I’m so hyped!
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2026-04-05 17:36