1 Code Geass
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, often referred to as simply Code Geass, is a Japanese anime series created by Sunrise, directed by Gorō Taniguchi, and written by Ichirō Ōkouchi, with original character designs by manga authors Clamp. I love a good anti-hero. Even though he's a mass murderer with a body count that has got to be in the hundreds of thousands, everything Lelouch does is for his little sister. Watching him coordinate war strategies is enough to keep me entertained. The characters are great along with the action. Great series, although I did enjoy R2 a little more than the first season.
After the first few episodes of this anime, you really get into the series and it's hard to stop watching. I went through about six episodes in one day one time. The plot is great and it always keeps you wanting more. I was so sad that it ended.
2 Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist is an anime series adapted from the manga of the same name by Hiromu Arakawa. It is about two brothers, Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric, trying to restore their bodies after failing at bringing their mother back to life. It aired in 2003 and was remade as Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood... read more The best in the 2000s but Bleach is close to being as good in some cases.
3 Bleach
Bleach is a Japanese anime series based on Tite Kubo's manga of the same name. Bleach adapts the first 54 volumes of Tite Kubo's manga series of the same name. In addition, 4 anime-original arcs were broadcast in-between and during the adaptations of original arcs of the manga... read more Some amazing episodes, a lot of filler. One of my favorite characters of all time.
The most 2000s anime I've seen. Kinda reminds me of Danny Phantom and Fairly Odd Parents.
4 InuYasha
InuYasha is a manga franchise created by Rumiko Takahashi. It was adapted into two anime television series produced by Sunrise. The first was broadcast for 167 episodes on Yomiuri TV in Japan from October 16, 2000 until September 13, 2004. The second series, called Inuyasha: The Final Act, began airing... read more I just finished watching all 193 episodes again, and it was such an emotional rollercoaster ride. It was also the first anime I ever watched, and the first moment I ever saw Inuyasha on TV was unforgettable. The emotions after so many years that can still hold when I rewatched it in 2020 are proof that Inuyasha is an anime that transcends time. A love story that forever remains a gem in our hearts, that follows us for the rest of our lives.
Reading so many comments of people also growing up with Inuyasha is incredibly heartwarming, and it makes me love the anime more than ever.
5 Death Note
Death Note is a Japanese television drama anime series based on the manga series of the same name by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata.
The show is centered around Light Yagami - a promising highschooler and aspiring detective with a strong sense of "justice". I know it is in just about everyone's top ten, but I can't think of mine without it. A battle of wits between two geniuses? Add in a question of morality and you've got a winner. Light's scheming and L's sheer awesomeness keep the watcher riveted and thoroughly enthralled. Like I said, it does raise a question: what would I do if the Death Note had fallen into my hands?
6 Naruto
Naruto is an anime and manga franchise Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. The manga was later adapted into a television anime, which was produced by Studio Pierrot and Aniplex. It premiered across Japan on the terrestrial TV Tokyo and other TX Network stations on October 3, 2002. The first series... read more Naruto was the first anime I ever watched. It is the anime that started me on watching even more anime! But I am really behind on it. I tagged along with the series really late. I am only on season three of Naruto Shippuden. Sorry if I spelled it wrong, hopefully I didn't trigger anyone.
At first, Naruto was pretty boring, because it had to explain so many things. But if you think about it, it is a really good thing. It might be annoying at times. But when you get to season three or four, it stops explaining things, and becomes more fast-paced. It still sometimes will explain things. But Naruto will still be my favorite anime.
7 Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann, known in Japan as Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, is an anime series animated by Gainax and co-produced by Aniplex and Konami. It was also directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi and written by veteran playwright Kazuki Nakashima.
8 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an anime series adapted from the Fullmetal Alchemist manga by Hiromu Arakawa.
9 Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club is a manga series by Bisco Hatori, serialized in Hakusensha's LaLa magazine between the September 2002 and November 2010 issues. The manga has been adapted into a series of audio dramas, an animated television series directed by Takuya Igarashi and produced by Bones, a Japanese... read more
10 Elfen Lied
Elfen Lied is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Lynn Okamoto. It was originally serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump from June 2002 to August 2005, with the 107 chapters collected into twelve tankōbon volumes.
The Contenders
11 Clannad
Clannad is the anime adaptation of the visual novel developed by KEY for Windows PCs in 2004, which was later ported to PlayStation consoles and the Xbox 360. The game was the best-selling PC game in 2004 and charted in national top 50 rankings several more times afterwards. Clannad has been adapted... read more The emotional story of a teen boy with father issues who meets a teen girl (who happens to be one of the sweetest girls in anime). He befriends her and eventually falls in love with her.
12 Tokyo Mew Mew
Originating in Japan, Tokyo Mew Mew is an anime series that aired in 2002, adapted from a manga by Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi. The story revolves around five girls who gain superpowers to become the "Mew Mews," defenders of Earth against alien invaders. Recognized for its magical girl elements, the... read more
13 Lucky Star
Lucky star is an anime that first aired (april 8th, 2007 to September 16th, 2007) in Japan. The anime follows the daily lives of Konata Izumi, Kagami and Tsukasa hiiragi, and Miyuki Takura. The show is best known for the cute "moe" characters. The target audience is shouen.
14 One Piece
One Piece is a manga franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. The manga has been adapted into an original video animation (OVA) produced by Production I.G in 1998, and an anime series produced by Toei Animation, which began broadcasting in Japan in 1999 and has aired 851 episodes to date.
15 The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Haruhi Suzumiya (Japanese: 涼宮ハルヒ, Hepburn: Suzumiya Haruhi) is a Japanese light novel series written by Nagaru Tanigawa and illustrated by Noizi Ito. It was first published in 2003 by Kadokawa Shoten in Japan with the novel The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, and has since been followed by... read more Probably the most influential anime of this decade. Perhaps part of the appeal is trying to figure out what the hell is going on. It has grabbed the attention of thousands. The interactions between the characters are enthralling. Despite many trying to imitate this beloved series, the likes have never been reproduced (even by its own sequel).
16 Higurashi: When They Cry
Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni, also known as "When They Cry," is a Japanese horror anime and visual novel series. Originally created by Ryukishi07, the series is set in the fictional village of Hinamizawa and follows a group of friends who become involved in mysterious, often violent events. Known for its... read more
17 Futari wa Pretty Cure / Pretty Cure
18 Soul Eater
Soul Eater is an anime series directed by Takuya Igarashi and produced by Bones, Aniplex, Dentsu, Media Factory, and TV Tokyo, which adapts the Soul Eater manga written and illustrated by Atsushi Ohkubo.
19 Negima! Magister Negi Magi
20 Azumanga Daioh
Azumanga Daioh (Japanese: あずまんが大王, Hepburn: Azumanga Daiō) is a Japanese yonkoma comedy manga series written and illustrated by Kiyohiko Azuma. It was serialized from February 1999 to May 2002 in the monthly magazine Dengeki Daioh by MediaWorks; three additional chapters were published... read more
21 Fruits Basket
After the accident in which she lost her mother, 16-year-old Tooru moves in with her grandfather, but due to his home being renovated, is unable to continue living with him. Claiming she will find someone to stay with but also fearing the criticism of her family and not wanting to burden any of her... read more
22 Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
23 Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo is a Japanese anime series developed by Manglobe. Samurai Champloo is set in an alternate version of Edo-era Japan with an anachronistic, predominantly hip hop, setting. It follows Mugen, an impudent and freedom-loving vagrant swordsman; Jin, a composed and stoic rōnin; and Fuu, a... read more
24 Clannad After Story
Clannad is based off a visual novel. It follows the story of a high school senior named Tomoya Okazaki, a delinquent who floats through life caring about very little. He hates the town he lives in and his alcoholic father... read more
25 Princess Tutu
Princess Tutu is a Japanese magical girl anime series created by Ikuko Itoh in 2002 for animation studio Hal Film Maker. Inspired by ballet and fairy tales, particularly The Ugly Duckling and Swan Lake, the story follows a duck who is transformed into the mythical ballerina Princess Tutu in order to... read more