I’m a huge anime fan, and it’s fascinating how it’s broken down into different categories aimed at specific audiences! Basically, there are four main types: shonen, geared towards young boys aged 12-18; shojo, for young girls in the same age range; seinen, which is aimed at adult men; and josei, for adult women. But honestly, shonen is the most popular by far! These stories almost always follow young male characters who are driven and determined, tackling everyday problems, standing up against bullies, and working hard to achieve their dreams. It’s really cool to know that shonen anime actually evolved from manga that started way back in the early 1900s, and it really took off around 1905!
Osamu Tezuka created the first shonen anime, Astro Boy, in 1963, eleven years after the manga version was first published in 1952. Astro Boy paved the way for other popular shonen anime series like Dororo (1969), Devilman (1972), Ashita no Joe (1970), and Dragon Ball (1986), among many others. Even decades later, shonen anime remains incredibly popular. Here are some of the most iconic and beloved shonen anime from the 2000s that continue to be enjoyed today.
Hajime no Ippo (2000-2002)
Hajime no Ippo (or Fighting Spirit) is a highly acclaimed anime about boxing that lasted for three seasons. The original manga series, created by George Morikawa in October 1989, continued for many years until it was put on hold in 2025. The story centers around Ippo Makunouchi, a timid high school student who used to be bullied until he was saved by the professional boxer, Mamoru Takamura. This event sparked Ippo’s hidden strength and ignited his passion for the sport of boxing.
Hajime no Ippo is a truly inspiring sports anime, celebrated for its realistic and exciting boxing matches, humor, and well-developed characters. It remains incredibly popular today thanks to its amazing fight scenes, the long-running manga it’s based on, and its recent release on streaming services like Netflix, which has introduced it to a new audience.
Gintama (2006-2018)
Gintama (meaning Silver Soul) is a popular and long-running Japanese anime series based on Hideaki Sorachi’s manga. The original series premiered in 2006 and continued until 2010. It was followed by three more series: Gintama (2011-2013, 64 episodes), Gintama° (2015-2016, 51 episodes), and Gintama. (2017-2018, 51 episodes). In 2021, the film Gintama: The Very Final was released, concluding the anime series.
Gintama is a funny, action-packed series set in an alternate version of Japan’s Edo period, which has been taken over by aliens called the Amanto. After the ruling government surrendered, samurai were banned from carrying swords, leaving many without a purpose or job. The story centers on Gintoki Sakata, a former samurai who’s now a bit of a slacker with a sweet tooth. He runs a freelance odd-jobs business with his assistants, Shinpachi and Kagura, just to make ends meet.
Even though the original series finished airing some time ago, Gintama is still incredibly popular today. Its humor and tendency to playfully imitate other well-known anime—like Dragon Ball and Naruto—are big reasons why. The franchise continues to thrive with new content, including spin-offs and movies. A new movie, Gintama: Yoshiwara in Flames, came out in February 2026, and a new TV spin-off called Gintama: Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class is also available.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (2000-2004)
Created by Kazuki Takahashi, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters sparked a worldwide card game phenomenon when it was released. The anime was a huge success for all five years it aired. It’s the second animated series based on the Yu-Gi-Oh! manga, following the initial 1998 anime produced by Toei Animation.
The series centers around Yugi Mutou, a shy teenager who assembles an ancient Egyptian artifact called the Millennium Puzzle. Solving the puzzle awakens Yami Yugi, a centuries-old spirit with a knack for games, who becomes Yugi’s confident other self. Yami Yugi challenges villains to dangerous Shadow Games to deliver justice. The show remains well-known for its popular trading card game, still actively developed by Konami, its memorable characters like Seto Kaiba, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and the Dark Magician, and its inspiring motto, “Believe in the Heart of the Cards.”
Fairy Tail (2009-2019)
Fairy Tail is an exciting fantasy anime focused on adventure, family, and the bonds of friendship. The original manga ran from 2006 to 2017 and takes place in the kingdom of Fiore, specifically the town of Magnolia, where a famous magic guild called Fairy Tail is located. The story centers around Natsu Dragneel, a fire dragon slayer, and his companion Happy, along with Lucy Heartfilia, a celestial wizard, Erza Scarlet, a powerful armored mage, and Gray, an ice mage. Together, they complete various missions for the Fairy Tail guild. The series remains popular because of its emphasis on the strength of friendship. With an impressive 328 episodes, plus movies, a continuing manga, and video games released between 2010 and 2024, Fairy Tail has a dedicated and active fanbase.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010)
Based on Hiromu Arakawa’s manga Fullmetal Alchemist (published from 2001-2010), this is a 64-episode anime series. An earlier anime adaptation was made in 2003, but the 2009 version, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, is considered superior because it more closely follows the original story. The series centers on alchemist brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who attempt to resurrect their deceased mother using alchemy – a scientific art with the principle of Equivalent Exchange. The attempt goes wrong, resulting in Edward losing an arm and a leg, and Alphonse losing his entire body. They then join the military, hoping to find the Philosopher’s Stone, which they believe can restore them. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood remains incredibly popular and is frequently recommended as one of the best anime series for beginners.
Bleach (2004-2012)
Bleach is a popular action-packed anime with supernatural elements, often considered one of the most influential shonen series. The story centers around Ichigo Kurosaki, a 15-year-old boy who becomes a Soul Reaper—a guide for departed souls—after an encounter with Rukia Kuchiki. He then takes on the responsibility of protecting humans from dangerous spirits called Hollows and helping souls move on to the afterlife, known as Soul Society.
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Bleach is well-known for its exciting sword fights, featuring unique abilities like Shikai and Bankai, and its memorable music composed by Shiro Sagisu. It has had a big impact on many popular anime today, like Jujutsu Kaisen, inspiring their power systems and dark, supernatural themes. The anime made a comeback in 2022 after a decade-long hiatus with Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, and this new series avoids the unnecessary filler episodes that were a problem in the original.
Naruto (2002-2007)
No list of great anime would be complete without Naruto, one of the famed “Big Three.” Based on Masashi Kishimoto’s popular manga series from 1999 to 2014, the anime spans 500 episodes and follows Naruto Uzumaki, a lonely ninja who wants to prove himself and become the Hokage—the strongest leader in his village.
The Naruto anime, much like the original manga, is divided into two main parts. The second part, titled Naruto: Shippuden, aired from 2007 to 2017 and consisted of 500 episodes. Shortly after it ended, a sequel series called Boruto: Naruto Next Generations began in 2017 and ran until 2023, totaling 293 episodes. This spin-off follows the story of Boruto, Naruto Uzumaki’s son, and his ninja team. Even now, Naruto remains incredibly popular, and its exceptional quality continues to attract new fans every day, creating a dedicated and ever-growing fanbase.
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2026-04-19 20:15