9 Unforgettable Anime Series Turning 25 in 2026

Anime has become incredibly popular in the West over the last ten years, going from a hobby for a smaller group of people to a major cultural phenomenon. Shows like Demon Slayer, Chainsaw Man, One Punch Man, and My Hero Academia have been huge hits, and the 2025 film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle broke records as the first R-rated, non-American, animated movie to earn over $700 million worldwide. As we move into 2026, anime’s popularity is expected to keep growing, with many new fans discovering older favorites alongside the latest popular series.

Before streaming and the internet made anime easily accessible, fans in the West relied on magazines like Animerica and Newtype for news. To watch new shows, they’d tune into TV blocks like Toonami or Kids’ WB. If they were looking for more obscure titles, they might visit video stores like Suncoast or Blockbuster. Now, thousands of anime series are instantly available, including many that helped build anime’s popularity in the first place.

2001 was a fantastic year for anime, with many shows debuting that are still popular and influential today. Both longtime fans and newcomers can enjoy these classics – they’re perfect for a nostalgic revisit or a binge-watch to start 2026. Here are some of the best series celebrating their 25th anniversary this year.

Shaman King

Many people who watched cartoons in the early 2000s remember Shaman King, which aired on FOX and had a theme song that’s still stuck in their heads! The series, lasting 64 episodes, followed Yoh Asakura, a shaman who could talk to spirits. Yoh’s goal was to become the Shaman King by winning a special tournament held only once every 500 years, allowing him to harness the power of the Great Spirit. It was a dangerous journey full of challenges!

The popular anime Bleach began as a manga series published in Shonen Jump, created by Hiroyuki Takei. Takei developed the story with Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece. He chose to focus on shamanism because it was a relatively unexplored topic, and the art style was heavily influenced by hip-hop and rap culture popular at the time. Though a new anime adaptation premiered in 2021, staying closer to the original manga, many fans still cherish the unique appeal of the 2001 series and consider Bleach a spiritual successor to it.

The Prince of Tennis

Like every generation, the early 2000s had its defining sports anime, and that was The Prince of Tennis. The story follows Ryoma Echizen, a remarkably talented young tennis player, as he strives to lead his school’s team to victory, ultimately hoping to win the National Middle School Tennis Championship. Similar to other shows of its kind, a large part of the series focuses on Ryoma’s bonds with his teammates and his development as an athlete. With 178 episodes, the anime takes its time unfolding the story.

The manga series The Prince of Tennis is a huge success, selling over 60 million copies worldwide. It’s become a popular franchise, spawning more than a dozen stage musicals, a live-action movie, and over 30 video games, plus tons of merchandise. Even after 25 years, the anime continues to resonate with viewers thanks to its enduring themes and unique style.

Hellsing

Many fans consider Hellsing a classic of the dark fantasy genre. The series follows the Hellsing Organization, dedicated to eliminating supernatural threats like the undead – all while employing Alucard, the original and most powerful vampire. The story kicks off when a surviving Nazi group from World War II resurfaces and needs to be stopped. The 2001 anime adaptation, which has 13 episodes, was created by Gonzo, the animation studio also known for popular series like Saikano, Full Metal Panic, Trinity Blood, and Last Exile.

From 2006 to 2012, a more faithful adaptation of the Hellsing manga, called Hellsing Ultimate, was released. While Ultimate is also enjoyable, many fans still prefer the original Hellsing series. Its focus on characters, memorable music, and classic animation style have made it a standout in the horror genre.

Arjuna

The anime series Arjuna isn’t widely known outside of Japan, despite being a clever mix of magical girl and science fiction. The 12-episode show centers on Juna Ariyoshi, a high school student who must save Earth as the “Avatar of Time.” Created by Shoji Kawamori – known for popular series like Macross Frontier, Genesis of Aquarion, and The Vision of Escaflowne – Arjuna uniquely blends elements of Indian culture and Hinduism. The music, composed by Yoko Kanno (famous for Cowboy Bebop and Wolf’s Rain), is also a standout feature.

Even though Arjuna first came out in 2001, its messages still feel relevant today. Creator Kawamori wanted to explore how people often don’t act in line with what they believe, and how society is becoming increasingly divided. The show also champions environmentalism, stressing the value of nature and the need to protect it. Plus, the animation holds up remarkably well considering how old the series is.

Fruits Basket

Recently, Fruits Basket has become popular again, especially thanks to its updated anime series from 2019. But many fans still love the original 2001 anime, which has 26 episodes. The story centers around Tohru Honda, an orphaned girl who becomes friends with the Sohma family. She soon discovers that 13 members of the Sohma family are under a curse: when they’re feeling vulnerable, stressed, or hugged by someone they’re attracted to, they transform into animals from the Chinese zodiac.

The Fruits Basket manga is a hugely popular shojo series, and the 2019 anime adaptation—with its 63 episodes—offers a more detailed look at the characters and includes scenes that weren’t in the earlier 2001 anime. If you’re interested in seeing the original take on the story, the 2001 series is worth watching, especially considering Studio DEEN’s experience and its uniquely nostalgic animation style.

Zoids: New Century

Premiering on Cartoon Network’s Toonami in late 2001, Zoids: New Century was the first Zoids series to be translated into English, quickly gaining a new fanbase. Unlike many other mecha shows featuring human-shaped robots, Zoids stood out with its designs based on animals and creatures from mythology. New Century centered around competitions, making it a fun and accessible show without a lot of complicated backstory. Though popular with Toonami viewers, the series was removed from the lineup just a few years after it began, but it still has a dedicated and enthusiastic following today.

The story of Zoids began in the early 1980s with a line of model kits created by the Japanese toy company, Tomy. Although the franchise grew to include six anime series, New Century Zoids is the most well-known version in America, as it was the first to be broadcast on US television. Its fresh take on giant robot stories and its use of computer animation still make it stand out today, even after 25 years.

s-CRY-ed

Released in the early 2000s, s-CRY-ed is a uniquely strange but memorable anime in the action and sci-fi genres, thanks to its talented voice cast and original story. The series is set in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is divided into the “Mainland” and the “Lost Ground” after a massive geological shift. People living in the Lost Ground start developing a strange ability called “Alter,” allowing them to create supernatural weapons. As you might expect, this leads to conflict between different groups, with some of these powered individuals joining the Mainland’s super police force. Kazuma, a mercenary trying to stay out of trouble, is forced into the fray when his best friend is taken hostage.

Viewers were most impressed by the exciting action sequences and the connection between the main characters, Kazuma and Ryuho, in s-CRY-ed. The series has drawn comparisons to Dragon Ball Z, and its soundtrack often reminds people of Cowboy Bebop. With plenty of unexpected turns and compelling character development, s-CRY-ed actively involves the audience by challenging them to choose sides, making it a surprisingly captivating show.

Digimon Tamers

It’s tough for Digimon fans to choose a favorite series, but Digimon Tamers is often considered a standout. This 51-episode season introduced a fresh setting and a more mature storyline, centering on Takato Matsuki and his friends who use cards from the Digimon card game to protect the city of Shinjuku. Tamers combined classic and new creatures, exciting battles, and a strong emphasis on character development and relationships, all while featuring one of the most frightening villains in the entire Digimon franchise.

With the recent release of Digimon Story: Time Stranger, there’s been a surge in popularity for the Digimon franchise, attracting both dedicated fans and new viewers who want to experience everything Digimon has to offer. Digimon Tamers represented a significant shift in style compared to the original Digimon Adventure series, and its vibe feels quite similar to the latest anime, Digimon Beatbreak.

Angelic Layer

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Clamp was incredibly popular among anime enthusiasts. This all-female manga artist group created many fan favorites, including titles like Magic Knight Rayearth, Cardcaptor Sakura, Chobits, and xxxHolic. One of their more distinctive works, Angelic Layer, was adapted into an anime series in 2001 and quickly became a standout show that year. The story centers on Misaki Suzuhara, a girl who becomes fascinated with “Angelic Layer,” a game where players battle using personalized dolls controlled with their minds.

Angelic Layer is a great anime for beginners, offering a simple tournament storyline and a classic feel that’s enjoyable for everyone. The show’s pacing and characters are especially well done, and its animation and music really capture the energy of early 2000s action shows. Although it wasn’t a huge hit outside of Japan and has faded from memory, it’s still worth watching, even just for a nostalgic trip.

2026-01-01 20:36