The 2000s were filled with anime that revolutionized the medium, from major hits like Naruto and Bleach to complex psychological thrillers like Death Note. The decade was filled with stunning narratives that continue to inspire fans and creators alike.
With countless anime that were released between 2000 and 2009, there are plenty that are still widely recommended to newcomers and revisited by longtime fans. That said, there are few anime that truly have no bad episodes.
Ranging across various genres, there are several notable 00s anime that aged like fine wine and remain must-watches to this day. These are the series that have cemented their place in anime history and have no bad episodes to speak of.
Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann centers on Simon, a shy teenager from an underground village who discovers a Core Drill and a tiny mecha known as Lagann. This pushes him into rebellion against the oppressive Beastmen and the Spiral King, Lordgenome.
Alongside his allies Kamina and Yoko, Simon learns to merge his mecha to create the Gurren Lagann, fighting to free humanity as they grow into galactic heroes.
As a 2000s anime, the series stands out as an over-the-top mecha anime that is best known for its energetic and optimistic tone, subverting the grim or psychological formula that many other mecha series followed.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya follows a cynical high school student named Kyon as he joins the SOS Brigade led by his eccentric classmate Haruhi Suzumiya. Haruhi stands out for her bold personality and strong belief in aliens, time travelers, and espers.
The twist? She’s unaware that these beings already exist around her as her clubmates and the fact that she has god-like abilities that can bend reality to her will. Tasked with monitoring her to prevent the destruction of the universe, Haruhi’s clubmates don’t reveal their true identities.
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This creates a series that is filled with meta humor, sci-fi elements, and fun, odd adventures that explore how Haruhi inadvertently shapes reality. The series is also known for the Endless Eight, eight episodes that more or less repeat the same events again and again.
While some fans might have lost interest during these episodes, they stand out for the artistic commitment put into each episode, as well as their ability to evoke a fraction of what the characters felt in audiences.
Mononoke
Mononoke follows the Medicine Seller in feudal Japan as he travels the land to investigate malevolent spirits. Every arc centers around identifying the spirit’s true Form, Truth, and Reason before they can be exorcized. This creates a narrative filled with mystery, made stronger by universal themes of guilt and regret in life.
The series stands out most for its stylized animation and psychological intensity. Mononoke consists of five self-contained story arcs that keep viewers hooked from start to finish. From its visuals to its thematic messaging, the anime is a must-watch masterpiece.
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit centers on Balsa, a wandering spear-wielder who seeks redemption by saving eight lives. Her path crosses with Prince Chagum, who is marked for death after the Emperor believes he is possessed by a demon, when in actuality it is a sacred water spirit.
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Agreeing to protect him, Balsa and Chagum travel across the physical and spiritual realms to learn more about the nature of the spirit. Filled with strong character development, world-building, and a powerful female lead, Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit is a must-watch title for fans who prefer mature storytelling.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion centers on the titular character in a world where the Holy Britannian Empire controls most of the world, including Japan, which has been renamed Area 11.
When Lelouch, an exiled Britannian prince living under an alias, gains the power of Geass, he adopts a masked identity known as Zero to rebel against the Empire with the goal of creating a world where his sister, Nunnally, can be safe and live in peace.
Code Geass is known for its political intrigue, intense mecha battles, and Lelouch’s sharp intellect. The series is complex, exploring deep themes of morality, power, and whether the ends truly justify the means.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows Edward and Alphonse Elric, brothers who pay a devastating price after attempting forbidden alchemy, with Edward losing two of his limbs and Alphonse’s soul becoming bound to an armor suit. Determined to restore their bodies, the two search for the Philosopher’s Stone, leading them to discover a far deeper conspiracy that threatens their entire nation.
Filled with humor, action, political intrigue, complex themes and characters, perfect pacing, and much more, the series stands out to this day as one of the greatest anime ever made.
Many anime fans consider Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to be the GOAT of anime (greatest of all time), and it’s a fair statement. Filled with humor, action, political intrigue, complex themes and characters, perfect pacing, and much more, the series stands out to this day as one of the greatest anime ever made.
Nana
Nana follows two young women who share the same name, who meet on the same train bound for Tokyo. When the two meet again by chance, they rent an apartment together, sparking the beginning of their bond, despite their two very different personalities.
Nana Komatsu is bubbly and naive, chasing romance and stability, while Nana Osaki is a punk rock singer aiming to make a name for herself. The story follows them as they navigate adulthood, messy relationships, and personal struggles.
The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the messy realities of life, and the characters are realistic, flawed, and memorable. Paired with its perfect soundtrack and gorgeous style, Nana is a must-watch classic.
Monster
Monster centers on Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a gifted neurosurgeon in Germany who sacrifices his career to save a young boy over a prominent official. However, years later, that decision resurfaces when the boy, Johan Liebert, becomes a calculated serial killer. When Tenma is framed, he must flee from the authorities and track down Johan across Europe to atone for his mistake.
Monster is one of the best psychological crime thrillers in all of anime and an absolute must-watch. From the pacing to the animation to the narrative, every aspect of the series shines, gripping viewers from the very beginning. Paired with its strong themes of morality, humanity, and the nature of good and evil, Monster is an anime that can’t be missed.