The Best Seinen Anime Series of Every Year of the 2000s

It’s starting to feel like anime from the 2000s is now “retro.” It might be surprising for some fans, but series many of us loved while growing up are now being remembered with the same warm nostalgia as classic anime from the 80s and 90s.

Each decade produces a few anime series that really resonate with fans, and while some years are better than others, one always stands out. The 2000s were particularly strong for Seinen anime, delivering some of the most beloved and memorable shows of the 21st century, including a few lesser-known but still excellent titles.

2000: Tree in the Sun

Inspired by a manga from the renowned Osamu Tezuka, Tree in the Sun may not be his best-known work, but it’s still a compelling watch. Set in the 1800s, the story centers around Manjirou, a samurai who upholds tradition, and Ryoan, a young doctor trained in Western medicine. The series depicts their experiences as Japan transforms during the last years of the Tokugawa period.

I recently learned that the character Ryon is actually inspired by Osamu Tezuka’s own grandfather! And while Tezuka created so many famous series, Tree in the Sun really stands out as a hidden treasure. I think anyone, whether they’re already a Tezuka fan or just curious about the history of anime, would really enjoy it.

2001: Hellsing

When people talk about the best anime from the 2000s, Hellsing is often mentioned. The series centers around the Hellsing organization, led by Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, which fights against supernatural dangers. It primarily follows Allucard, a powerful vampire and Hellsing’s strongest weapon, and Seras, a former police officer who recently became a vampire herself.

Hellsing really captures the feel of late ’90s and early 2000s anime. Its striking visuals, combined with a dark atmosphere and intense action, make it a truly unforgettable series that stays with you even after it’s over.

2002: Chobits

If the art in Chobits seems familiar, you may recognize it from the work of Clamp, a group of all-female manga artists, who also created popular series like Cardcaptor Sakura and xxxHolic. Chobits is perhaps their most thought-provoking work, exploring themes of love and loneliness in the context of our connection with technology.

Hideki Motosuwa is a struggling college student who isn’t having much luck. His life changes when he discovers Chii, a lifelike android computer that’s been abandoned. Chii can only say her name, so Hideki decides to teach her about the world. As they spend time together, they form a special and unusual connection.

2003: Planetes

You probably know Makoto Yukimura from his popular manga, Vinland Saga, but he actually began his career earlier with Planetes. He first created Planetes in 1999, and it was adapted into an anime series just a few years afterward.

Set in the year 2075, when space travel is ordinary, Planetes follows Ai Tanabe as she pursues her dream of working in space. She takes a job with the Technora Corporation, cleaning up space debris, and gets to know her colleagues in the debris section. Though the story centers around the often-unseen work of space maintenance, Planetes features compelling characters and stunning animation that will stay with you.

2004: Monster

I’m a huge fan of Naoki Urasawa – he’s seriously one of the most talented manga artists working today! He’s created so many amazing stories, like 20th Century Boys and Pluto, and they’ve all been fantastic. But for me, Monster is his absolute masterpiece – it just stands out above everything else he’s done.

Monster centers around Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a highly skilled surgeon in West Germany who seems to have it all: a successful career, the admiration of his colleagues, and an engagement to the hospital director’s daughter, Eva. However, his life changes dramatically when he chooses to save the lives of severely injured twins over the town’s mayor. Though the twins survive, the mayor dies, and Tenma’s career and personal life quickly unravel. Things take another turn when Tenma becomes entangled in a series of murders and discovers that one of the twins he saved is the killer, causing him to question his choices. Monster is a compelling story told from multiple viewpoints. It’s not just a thrilling mystery, but also a thought-provoking exploration of morality and the consequences of our actions, making Tenma a fascinating character and prompting viewers to consider the same complex questions.

2005: Mushishi

Mushishi creates a uniquely captivating atmosphere, unlike most anime. The story centers around Ginko, a wandering expert who studies Mushi – strange, supernatural beings that appear to exist for no particular reason.

Even after more than twenty years, Mushishi remains visually stunning. Its unique atmosphere—peaceful yet subtly unsettling—perfectly complements the anime’s spiritual themes. It’s an excellent choice for relaxing, offering beautiful animation and captivating, self-contained stories.

2006: Black Lagoon

Anime featuring tough female characters with guns was popular in the 80s and 90s, with series like Dirty Pair, Gunsmith Cats, and Ghost in the Shell being particularly well-known. Black Lagoon is a standout addition to this style of anime, and remains one of the most memorable series from the 2000s.

Rokurou Okajima, a Japanese businessman, is captured by a mercenary group called the Lagoon Company after a failed deal. Instead of being held captive, he chooses to join them, but must adjust to his new life and learn to work with his unpredictable teammates, particularly the fiery Revy.

2007: Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor

Kaiji Itou, a good-for-nothing young man, finds himself in trouble when a coworker can’t pay back a loan to some dangerous lenders. To solve the problem, he’s given a chance to board the Espoir, a gambling ship promising a huge payout – and a way to clear his debt – all in a single night.

While the basic idea of Kaiji seems simple, the show is packed with unexpected twists that make it really engaging. Though gambling anime isn’t for everyone, Ultimate Survivor does a fantastic job of creating challenging and intriguing situations for the main character, Kaiji, to deal with.

2008: Golgo 13

Takao Saito’s Golgo 13 is a manga that has been popular for many years. It’s one of the longest-running manga series of all time and has been adapted into both anime and live-action films several times. Many fans consider the 2008 adaptation to be the best.

Golgo 13 centers around Duke Togo, a highly skilled and mysterious assassin who has never failed a mission. The anime presents his adventures as a series of standalone stories, where he takes on contracts from all sorts of clients. It’s a thrilling action series that, despite occasionally being a bit over-the-top, remains highly entertaining.

2009: Bakemonogatari

The Monogatari series is unique among anime. It’s less about constant action and more about in-depth conversations and character development, with a strong emphasis on how characters relate to each other and what drives them.

The anime Bakemonogatari follows Koyomi Araragi, a high school student who recently became a vampire and constantly encounters supernatural problems and the people caught up in them. As the first part of the Monogatari Series: First Season, it’s a fantastic introduction to Araragi’s world, boasting memorable characters and a distinctive visual style created by Studio Shaft. While it won’t be for everyone, Bakemonogatari‘s unique presentation, visuals, and excellent voice acting make it a truly exceptional anime.

2026-01-26 16:36