Ranking 20 influential anime series from the 2000s

Collider writer Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck updated a ranked list of the 20 best anime series of the 2000s, saying the decade was when anime "really found its footing" and produced projects that helped shape the medium’s later global popularity.

The list includes a range of genre-defining shows and brief notes on what makes them stand out: Black Lagoon (2006–2011) for its iconic protagonist Revy and blend of comedy, action and drama; Fairy Tail (2009–) as a polarizing yet popular long-running shōnen that technically ended in 2019 but has a sequel anime; Toradora! (2008–2009) as a genre-defining romance; the Monogatari Series (2009–) for unconventional editing and dialogue; Clannad (2007–2009) as a deeply emotional Kyoto Animation work; Samurai Champloo (2004–2005) for its samurai/hip-hop atmosphere; Mononoke (2007) as an experimental horror with a unique art style; Nana (2006–2007) as a mature, tragic romance that lacks an ending; Gurren Lagann (2007) for its escalating stakes and hype; and FLCL (2000–2001) as a six-episode generational masterpiece.

The article notes other classics such as Black Butler, Soul Eater and Ergo Proxy just missed the list, and that some entries have continued or revived activity: new Monogatari seasons are sparse but welcomed by fans, and Mononoke received a revival with the Mononoke: Karakasa movie released in Japan in July 2024.

Key Topics

Culture, Black Lagoon, Fairy Tail, Toradora, Monogatari Series, Gurren Lagann