10 2000s Anime Shows That Can Be Called Masterpieces, Ranked

10 2000s Anime Shows That Can Be Called Masterpieces, Ranked A promotional image for Samurai Champloo.Image via Manglobe By  Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck Published 33 minutes ago Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck is a writer for Collider. He grew up creating lists, stories, and worlds, which led to his love of anime and video games. He attended Sheridan College where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Game Design. Lucas and his group won 1st place for technical innovation at LevelUp Toronto 2023, and he was also an intern for the Oakville Film Festival of Arts.  Sign in to your Collider account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

The late 2010s and first half of the 2020s have seen an unprecedented boom in anime, with its popularity increasing every year thanks to masterpieces such as One Piece and Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. However, just because these decades are the most recent case of success, it doesn't mean older eras don't have their own classics, and for the most part, these classic times feature more critically acclaimed series.

That is why this list will rank ten anime masterpieces from the 2000s, one of the most prominent decades for the medium, ripe with distinct tropes, unique cultural significance, and masterful writing. It will rank the entries based on writing, critical acclaim, fan opinion, innovation, originality, quality, consistency, profound themes, and incredible animation. The title of a masterpiece isn't effortlessly earned, but these ten anime make it look easy.

10 'Gintama' (2006-2021)

Image via Bandai Namco

Long-running battle shounen anime aren't usually considered masterpieces because the length usually ruins some aspects, but Gintama proves it is possible. In an alternate history where aliens took over Japan in the feudal era, Gintoki is a former soldier who now works on odd jobs with his crew of a brash female alien, a bland nerd, and a giant dog. Together, they get up to crazy adventures involving the police, terrorists, and aliens.

Gintama is better known as a comedy, and in terms of humor, it might be the funniest anime of all time. However, it has much more to offer than just laughs, including original serious arcs and a connected plot with excellent character dynamics. Whether fans like to have fun with its hilarious moments or prefer the complex narrative, Gintama is one of the best anime series of the 2000s.

9 'FLCL' (2000)

Haruko pointing at a flattened Naota while Mamimi is shocked in FLCL.Image via Gainax

The year 2000 was a weird time, but it also had multiple phenomenal great anime to start a new century, and one of those series was FLCL. When Naota's older brother moves abroad, he decides to take the burden of responsibilities, including his brother's girlfriend. With no time to be a kid, Naota encounters Haruko, an eccentric woman who is secretly using him to summon her interdimensional lover.

FLCL is one of the most bizarre anime fans will ever see, but amidst the exaggerated action, over-the-top moments, and goofy atmosphere, it is a relatable story about growing up. It is narratively rich and thematically complex, but also easy to understand despite its unconventional story. FLCL is a masterpiece for many reasons, and the best way to understand them is to simply watch the show.

8 'Death Note' (2006-2007)

Light and Ryuk grinning in the anime Death Note.Image via Viz Media

Out of all the 2000s anime, Death Note may be the most definitive, representing the decade the most through its pop-culture influence. When a genius high school student discovers a notebook that can kill anyone, he decides to use its power to create a new world with himself as god. However, the world's smartest detective is on the case, and he has already limited the suspects by a substantial amount, leading to the greatest game of cat and mouse.

The lackluster middle section and disappointing ending do hamper Death Note a bit, but that isn't enough to take away its masterpiece status. It has enough thrills to make it an anime perfect for Halloween, but also a well-written plot that makes it great anytime. The first half is unpredictable with non-stop action and captivating moments, plus the philosophical discussion has sustained a fanbase for decades.

7 'Nana' (2006-2007)

Nana O (Rebecca Shoichet) smoking on the train where she meets Nana K (Kelly Sheridan) at the beginning of 'Nana'.Image via Madhouse

Some anime never get an appropriate ending, and some never end, and in Nana's case, it went on indefinite hiatus right at a major cliffhanger. Two girls share the same name, but not much else in common. However, their fates will intertwine as they both move to the city looking for hope. One wants to reconnect with their boyfriend, and the other is pursuing their dream, but life has a strange way of working.

It is a crime that Nana hasn't continued, considering it is one of the most influential josei series of all time. With some of the most realistic writing in anime, it takes viewers through the lives of these characters with precise and in-depth detail. This intimate look is a breath of fresh air, resulting in an inventive anime that is a must-watch.

6 'Hajime no Ippo' (2000-2014)

Ippo and Sendo deliver punches at the same time in Hajime no Ippo (Fighting Spirit).Image via Madhouse

Another anime that needs to return is Hajime no Ippo, an iconic sports series and one of the most popular of the genre. After being bullied in high school, a mild-mannered boy decides to take up boxing, learning what it has to offer. He now aims for professional glory and to make a living fighting, but the struggle is hard, and the road is long, but there will be plenty of entertaining and challenging fights along the way.

No sports anime does exhilaration and action like Hajime no Ippo, which has well-paced fights with serious implications. It may seem fairly typical, but it pulls out all the stops to make an original sports anime with humor, magnificent character dynamics, emotional moments, fleshed-out characters, and inspirational themes. Hajime no Ippo is a landmark anime that is a special masterpiece that defines its genre.

5 'Samurai Champloo' (2004-2005)

Jin, Mugen, and Fuu in Samurai ChamplooImage via Crunchyroll

Shinichiro Watanabe is a legendary anime director known for series such as Cowboy Bebop, and one of his most underappreciated series is Samurai Champloo. When a girl is looking for a samurai who smells like sunflowers, she hires two bodyguards with opposing personalities to escort her along the journey. However, each day offers a new adventure with different dangers.

Samurai Champloo may not be as good as Cowboy Bebop, but it features the same style of blending music with cultural aesthetics and a suave style. This stylish anime features infectious music, stunning animation, and thrilling fights, where every episode is a delectable treat that is both eye candy and a complex feast of themes, motifs, and character dynamics.

4 'Mushishi' (2005-2014)

Ginko walking into Japanese village in MushishiImage via Artland

Since all of these anime are masterpieces, none of them should be underrated, yet somehow Mushishi never gets the credit it deserves. Ginko is a traveling researcher who is investigating the strange creatures known as mushi, bug-like spirits that affect the world in strange ways, and he is here to learn how and why.

Anime is known for fast-paced action and over-the-top moments, but Mushishi slows down the pace and takes things easy, but doesn't sacrifice good storytelling. Each episode is a new adventure, and its serene vibe, stellar visuals, and philosophical presence make each one unique and thought-provoking. Mushishi is an underrated masterpiece that only real anime fans have seen.

3 'Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion' (2006-2008)

Lelouch Lamperouge smiling wickedly in the anime Code Geass.Image Via Crunchyroll

Mecha anime are slowly losing popularity, as one of the last masterpieces of this genre was Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion. The world may seem peaceful, but it has a history of oppression, with the Britannian Empire suppressing the Japanese people and taking over most of the world. When the titular protagonist gains a new power, he uses it to take down the Empire.

Many viewers aren't a fan of the art style, but despite that polarizing aspect, Code Geass is a masterpiece nonetheless. This compelling story has plenty of plot twists to keep fans on their toes, while delivering a consistent stream of strategic excellence and unpredictable moments. It balances action with well-thought-out writing, not to mention Lelouch is one of the best protagonists and the ending is regarded as the greatest in anime.

2 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood' (2009-2010)

No masterpiece list would be right without Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, one of the most popular and well-written series of all time. When brothers Ed and Al lose parts or all of their bodies due to a taboo experiment, they go on an adventure to find the philosopher's stone. However, they uncover a government conspiracy that threatens to engulf the entire world if they don't do anything.

Some might be surprised Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood isn't the first, but that just proves the legacy of the 2000s and the quality of anime. From action to drama, animation, comedy, worldbuilding, engaging characters, lore, mystery, and a well-written plot, this anime is one of a kind, checking all the boxes. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the best anime of all time, meaning it is more than qualified to be a masterpiece as well.

1 'Monster' (2004-2005)

Dr. Tenma confronts Johan in 'Monster.'Image via Madhouse

Naoki Urasawa is a legend, and his magnum opus is Monster, a crime thriller about revenge and human nature. When Dr. Tenma saves a child instead of the mayor, that same kid grows up to be a serial killer. Taking matters into his own hands, Tenma sets out to kill Johan, but will encounter the dark past that created the child.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood may be the best anime ever, but Monster is more of a masterpiece because of its complex nature and intricate plot that, despite its slower pace, builds up the story flawlessly. The atmosphere is chilling, the characters are compelling, the story is detailed, the mystery is gripping, and almost everything else about it is perfect. Monster is a mature anime that speeds up when it needs to and slows down when it wants, creating a tense vibe that will engage the viewers throughout.

Like Monster TV-14 Animation Crime Drama Psychological Release Date April 7, 2004 Directors Masayuki Kojima, Morio Asaka Writers Tatsuhiko Urahata, Naoki Urasawa

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