Anime nowadays has spoiled fans, as they can guarantee at least one spectacular show every season, from Fire Force Season 2 in Spring 2025 to Solo Leveling Season 2 in Winter 2025. However, things weren’t always so easy, as only a handful of anime would truly be remarkable, and the rest would remain as forgettable series that have been lost to time.
However, just because fans have more quality content now, it doesn’t mean they didn’t have any good shows before. With 2025 marking a quarter of a century into the new millennium, now is the perfect time to reflect on the ten best shows from 2000 that are turning 25 this year. This list will rank each entry based on writing, story, animation, entertainment value, fan opinion, and critical acclaim, while also considering each show’s legacy over the past twenty-five years and its age, despite ranking the season from 2000.
10
‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (OVA)’ (2000)
Studio: APPP
Fans may be scratching their heads, as JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a popular anime series that debuted in 2012. However, it was initially released in 1993, with a follow-up OVA coming out in 2000. For some reason, the studio animated the end before and came back to adapt the first half. This season adapts the first half of Stardust Crusaders, following Jotaro and his crew as they track down Dio to save his mother.
The 2000 version of this story is certainly not the definitive one, as it features some issues and omits a significant amount of content. However, the meat of the story is still there, and that is more than enough to enjoy the original bizarreness of this timeless anime. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is an action masterpiece, and with its stylized animation, this series is surprisingly engaging.
9
‘Saiyuki’ (2000)
Studio: Pierrot
It may not be the most popular anime now, but many famous shows fade over time. Saiyuki follows Genjo, a rogue priest, and his group of demons, who must embark on an adventure to stop the evil demons from unleashing a terrifying creature on humanity, thereby ending the era of prosperity and harmony.
It may feel generic now, but back then, Saiyuki was one of the best fantasy adventure series fans could get. The story can get repetitive, but the characters make up for it, boasting distinct personalities, strengths, and weaknesses that form a complete and dynamic group. While Saiyuki isn’t a fantasy anime masterpiece, it is an endearing show that is distinctly 2000s.
- Release Date
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2000 – 2001-00-00
- Network
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TV Tokyo, AT-X
- Directors
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Rion Kujo, Masaaki Kumagai, Chiaki Kon, Akira Iwanaga, Akira Shimizu, Toshio Matsuhashi, Hiroyuki Okuno, Kaito Asakura, Shigeki Hatakeyama, Mashu Itō
8
‘Hamtaro’ (2000)
Studio: TMS Entertainment
People have ridiculed anime for being a kids’ medium, and while it certainly isn’t — if anything, it’s more teen and young adult-oriented — there are indeed some children’s shows, including Hamtaro. After landing in a new household, the titular furry fella embarks on countless adventures in his daily life inside his new house and in the outside world with his friends.
Hamtaro is a long-running anime series, meaning fans have plenty of episodes to keep them company as they indulge in wholesome goodness. Despite being kid-friendly, this is a feel-good show that holds value for an older audience seeking to experience something nostalgic and cute. Hamtaro is also very nostalgic, and any 2000s kid will surely feel something when hearing the anime’s iconic intro song.
7
‘Love Hina’ (2000)
Studio: Xebec
Like it or not, ecchi is an essential part of anime, and Love Hina was a trailblazer for that genre, garnering millions of fans through its risque story. After failing to get into university, Keitaro is now the manager of an all-girls dorm, with the anime following the group’s awkward confrontations and perverted situations.
Love Hina is problematic nowadays and definitely a product of its time, but that’s what makes it one of the best anime from 2000. The fan service is extra, there is no character development, and it popularized the harem genre with countless tropes, making it culturally significant. For fans of this kind of stuff, they will find enjoyment in it, proving that 2000 was a different time.
6
‘Boogiepop Phantom’ (2000)
Studio: Madhouse
Avant-garde anime are all but extinct nowadays, but there used to be plenty in 2000, including Boogiepop Phantom. A rumored shinigami is the talk among the town, and people think it is connected to the gruesome string of murders. After years pass, the rumored phantom makes its return, with each episode following in its wake.
Some fans may find it boring nowadays, but this cult classic is an eerie fever dream with bizarre episodes and scary moments. Boogiepop Phantom highlights the dark, gritty, and gory nature of anime in the 2000s, becoming one of the best avant-garde anime series through its thought-provoking messages. Twenty-five years later, it remains as surreal and unnerving as it was at the turn of the millennium.
5
‘Ghost Stories’ (2000)
Studio: Pierrot
Most anime fans will agree that the subbed version is better than the dubbed version; however, this is not the case for Ghost Stories, which completely altered the context. The anime follows a group of kids as they investigate and solve supernatural mysteries, but the dub transformed it into a dark comedy when the cast and writers were given the freedom to do anything.
Ghost Stories may be controversial because of its offensive humor and disregard for the original anime, but that arguably made it better. The dub is hilarious, with countless viral moments, and fans can tell that the cast is having a great time with every scene. It may be silly, but Ghost Stories is a cult classic that has aged reasonably well due to its evolution.
4
‘Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters’ (2000)
Studio: Gallop
Yu-Gi-Oh is one of the most popular franchises in the world because of its widely famous card games, but the anime is just as important and entertaining. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters is the sequel to the original, which follows the original cast trying their hand at the new popular card game.
Duel Monsters is a classic and arguably superior to its predecessor, introducing the iconic Seto Kaiba and enhancing the card game’s appeal. The anime is enjoyable and nostalgic, offering fans iconic moments and thrilling battles that might go on for episodes on end but somehow remain engaging. With some of the best dragons in anime, Duel Monsters reflects the year perfectly and captures what was popular at the time.
3
‘Inuyasha’ (2000)
Studio: Sunrise
The Isekai genre is more popular than ever, but its roots date back to the 2000s, when Inuyasha popularized the genre. When Kagome stumbles into a new fantasy world, she must team up with a demon to search for the broken pieces of the Shikon jewel if she ever wants to return home.
Many fans dislike the “monster of the week” formula, but Inuyasha remains an iconic and timeless anime that defined the romance and Isekai genres for the millennial generation. The romance was ahead of its time, and the action was riveting, allowing all demographics to fall in love with this distinctly 2000s anime that is also one of the best Isekai shows ever.
2
‘FLCL’ (2000)
Studio: Gainax
Avant-garde anime was once much more popular, as evidenced by the fact that two titles appear on this list, including FLCL, an underrated masterpiece. Naota forces himself to grow up and take care of everything despite being a kid, but when Haruko flips his life upside down, he understands what it means to be a kid.
FLCL is ridiculous, over-the-top, and crazy, but also relatable, heartwarming, moving, and incredibly profound. The anime tells a classic coming-of-age story through outlandish moments, a sci-fi setting, and unconventional narrative techniques to deliver the most unique show possible. FLCL is one of the best anime of all time, and comfortably lands it as the second-best anime turning 25 in 2025, gracefully aging and remaining relevant.
1
‘Hajime no Ippo’ (2000)
Studio: Madhouse
Boxing is an essential part of manga and anime, and Hajime no Ippo continues its legacy with a revolutionary series. Despite being in good shape, Ippo is bullied for his timid nature, but he finds a new purpose after discovering boxing. Aiming to be the best, the anime follows his journey from rookie to professional to champion.
It was a tough battle between Hajime no Ippo and FLCL, but the latter is too short compared to the former’s extensive roster of flawless episodes and riveting action. This anime has proven its legacy through its immense popularity and critical acclaim, with fans still begging for another season decades later. Hajime no Ippo is one of the best anime series of the 2000s and is an excellent starting point for the new millennium, having held up nicely.