8 Amazing 2000s Anime Nobody Remembers, Not Even You

There’s a huge wave of nostalgia for the 2000s right now, and anime fans are no exception. People are rediscovering and sharing their favorite anime from that era, and that’s leading to renewed interest in both well-known classics and lesser-known shows from the same time period.

Beyond well-known anime, there’s a huge world of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Whether you enjoy relaxing slice-of-life stories, thrilling action, or futuristic sci-fi, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. Interestingly, some of these lesser-known shows were even made by the same creators as popular classics, but haven’t yet gotten the recognition they deserve.

8. .hack//Sign is a Legendary Video Game Isekai

Tsukasa Finds Himself Trapped in the Digital World

I’m completely fascinated by the world of .hack//Sign! For me, 2009 feels like a pivotal year in the story. It’s when this incredibly destructive virus, called Pluto’s Kiss, basically shut down the internet and nearly sparked a war. Things changed a lot after that, with much tighter rules being put in place for cyberspace. But the really strange thing is, after all the chaos, it came out that one operating system – Altimit OS – was somehow immune to every virus, including Pluto’s Kiss! And then, out of nowhere, this amazing online RPG called ‘The World’ was released, but only for systems running Altimit OS. It’s such a cool setup!

The story kicks off when Tsukasa finds himself trapped inside the online game ‘The World,’ with no memory of who he is or how to escape. This sets him off on a journey to piece together his forgotten past and uncover the mysteries of the game. While some might expect a lot of action, .hack//Sign is actually a slow-burn, focusing more on internal thoughts and feelings. Both .hack//Sign and the shows that followed are well-known for exploring complex themes like mental health, the desire to escape reality, and how humans interact with technology.

7. Den-Noh Coil Takes Place in a World Where AR Becomes Part of Reality

A Group of Children Discover Secrets Relating to Their Home

The anime Den-Noh Coil is set in 2026 and takes place in a world transformed by augmented reality glasses called the Den-Noh Megane. This technology is now commonplace, and most children, like the main characters Yuko Okonogi (Yasako) and Yuko Amasawa (Isako), rely on it constantly. For example, Yasako has a virtual pet dog named Densuke that she can only see while wearing the AR glasses.

While the Den-Noh Megane glasses seem helpful to many, they also have downsides and remain somewhat enigmatic. Yasako eventually joins a group of young detectives who investigate mysteries connected to urban legends surrounding the glasses. At the same time, she’s trying to find a missing friend and understand why she has no memories of moving to her new house. Since its release, Den-Noh Coil has received a lot of praise for its characters, music, and impressive animation.

6. Haibane Renmei Is Mysterious, Emotional, and Heartfelt

The Journey of Several Angel-Like Human Beings

Many anime fans know Serial Experiments Lain, a highly-regarded psychological thriller known for its unique art style and exploration of the internet’s impact on people. However, fewer know that the same artist, Yoshitoshi Abe, also created Haibane Renmei, a supernatural anime. In fact, Haibane Renmei started as a personal project for Abe, where he originally developed the story and character designs.

Haibane Renmei is set in a strange and beautiful world where beings called haibane—similar to angels—emerge from cocoons and live in a rural town called Old Home. The story follows Rakka, a newly hatched haibane who doesn’t remember her past. As she gets to know the other haibane and adjusts to growing wings and a halo, she begins to uncover the secrets hidden within Old Home and the nearby walled city of Glie. The series thoughtfully explores complex themes like sin, suicide, redemption, and grief.

5. Wolf’s Rain Has a One-Of-A-Kind Narrative

A Wolf Pack Tries To Find Paradise in a Dying World

I’ve been watching this story unfold in a really bleak future. It seems the last wolves on Earth are on a desperate search for a place called Paradise, hoping it’ll be a safe haven from humans and the coming apocalypse. The main wolf, a white one named Kiba, ends up in a city called Freeze City, following the scent of a special flower – the Lunar Flower – which he believes will lead him to Paradise. But it’s dangerous; if humans find out what he really is, his life is at risk. Like the other wolves in the story, he can create illusions to look human, and that’s also how he’s able to talk.

Kiba meets other wolves like Tsume, Toboe, and Hige, all of whom have spent years living near humans. Even though they join the search for the Lunar Flower, their journey to Paradise won’t be easy. Since it first came out, Wolf’s Rain has been highly acclaimed for its original story, and it’s even been adapted into a manga. A standout feature of the series is its beautiful music, composed by the renowned Yoko Kanno and a diverse group of artists.

4. Princess Tutu Rewrites Classic Fairy Tales

A Duck Wishes To Save the Heart of a Prince

First released in Japan in 2002, Princess Tutu is a magical anime series that draws a lot of inspiration from classic fairy tales and ballet, especially The Ugly Duckling and Swan Lake. Despite these influences, the story of Princess Tutu is truly original. The series is set inside a storybook created by the author Drosselmeyer. Unfortunately, he died before completing his masterpiece, The Prince and the Raven. To finally defeat the evil Raven, Prince Siegfried sacrificed his own emotions and memories by breaking his heart.

Shortly after the prince, Mytho, loses his emotions, a lonely duck falls in love with him. A mysterious figure, Drosselmeyer, gives the duck the power to transform into a human girl and magical ballerina named Princess Tutu, hoping she can finally bring the fairy tale to a close. Princess Tutu then begins a journey to mend Mytho’s broken heart, but discovers that some people don’t want him healed. Despite its cute and whimsical appearance, Princess Tutu is an anime with a surprisingly emotional and impactful story, making it ideal for fans of fairy tales.

3. Kaiba Is Unlike Any Other Science Fiction Anime

Warp Travels Across the Universe After Losing His Memories

Masaaki Yuasa is a celebrated anime director with a knack for creating distinctive series, but Kaiba stands out as particularly special – and it’s one many fans might not know. Set in the future, Kaiba explores a world where people can store their memories and consciousness on memory chips. This allows them to survive even after death, or transfer their minds into new bodies. However, the series doesn’t shy away from the dark side of this technology, powerfully illustrating how easily corruption and greed can ruin lives.

The anime Kaiba starts with a man named Warp waking up with no memories, a hole in his chest, and a pendant containing a picture of an unfamiliar woman. This sets him off on a quest to uncover the mysteries of the galaxy and, more importantly, his own identity. While the art style is often charming, Kaiba is designed for mature viewers and tackles complex, adult themes. It’s a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful series that’s likely to stay with you long after you’ve finished watching.

2. Mushi-Shi Is Reflective and Completely Enchanting

Ginko Encounters Many People With Supernatural Problems

Set in a time between old and new Japan, Mushi-Shi follows Ginko, a traveler who journeys from village to village. Each story introduces a new set of characters, but they’re all connected by Ginko’s arrival and the presence of Mushi – strange, supernatural beings. These creatures, almost like plants or microbes, have a powerful influence on the world. Throughout his travels, Ginko encounters people whose lives have been altered by the Mushi, sometimes in positive ways, and sometimes not.

While Mushi-Shi sometimes features eerie events, it’s actually a relaxing anime known as iyashikei – a type of slice-of-life show designed to calm viewers. Its gentle pace, beautiful music, and stunning animation make it easy to feel more relaxed after an episode. Beyond that, the compelling stories and memorable characters make Mushi-Shi a truly special experience.

1. Mononoke Recently Returned After Over a Decade

Fans Can Watch the Sequel Films Now on Netflix

The 2000s saw a surge in unique and experimental anime, with shows like Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo and Cat Soup pushing creative boundaries. But one avant-garde anime that stood out, gaining popularity both when it first aired and in the years since, is Toei Animation’s Mononoke. Set near the end of the Edo period, the series follows the journey of a strange, supernatural traveler known simply as the Medicine Seller. Each episode features the Medicine Seller confronting dangerous mononoke – spirits born from strong human emotions. To defeat these spirits, however, he must first discover their true form, the story behind their existence, and the reason they’re there.

Released in 2024, seventeen years after the original series first aired in 2007, Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain brought the distinctive animation style fans loved back to the screen. This film, along with its sequel, Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage, continues the story of a wandering Medicine Seller and explores the connections between humans and supernatural creatures called mononoke, focusing on the negative emotions that draw them together. Phantom in the Rain was well-received by critics and successfully reintroduced the franchise to a new generation of viewers.

2026-01-10 01:38