Anime has seen a remarkable evolution since the turn of the century. Each year has brought forth series that have not only captivated audiences but have also shaped the landscape of anime as we know it today. From iconic classics to modern masterpieces, let’s journey through the most popular anime of each year from 2000 to 2024.
2000: Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters
The year 2000 marked the beginning of a phenomenon with Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters. This series became a staple for many fans, largely due to its connection with the card game that launched alongside it. The story follows Yugi Mutou as he battles in the Duelist Kingdom to save his grandfather’s soul. With its epic creature designs and the iconic phrase, “My grandpa’s deck has no pathetic cards, Kaiba,” the series captured the hearts of viewers everywhere. The nostalgia surrounding the Blue Eyes White Dragon remains strong among anime enthusiasts even today.
2001: Fruits Basket
In 2001, Fruits Basket introduced viewers to a world of emotional depth and character development. This shoujo classic centers on Tohru Honda, a sweet girl who becomes intertwined with the mysterious Sohma family. The series blends slice-of-life elements with darker themes, creating a compelling narrative. Its romantic tensions and character arcs resonated with many, making it a beloved series that still holds a special place in fans’ hearts.
2002: Naruto
As we moved into 2002, Naruto emerged as a key player in the shonen genre. This series follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the Hokage. With its flashy fight scenes and a diverse cast, Naruto became a defining series of its time. The infamous Naruto run and the determination of its protagonist set a new standard for character resilience, appealing to audiences worldwide.
2003: Fullmetal Alchemist
The year 2003 introduced us to Fullmetal Alchemist, a series that masterfully blends action, adventure, and philosophy. Following the Elric brothers’ quest to recover their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment, the series captivated audiences with its intricate world-building and emotional storytelling. While it diverged from the original manga, its impact remains undeniable, with many fans still considering it one of the best anime adaptations to date.
2004: Bleach
In 2004, Bleach joined the ranks of the big three shonen series. The story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who becomes a Soul Reaper, brought a unique blend of action and supernatural elements. Its initial arcs laid the groundwork for a compelling narrative that would expand significantly in the Soul Society arc, solidifying its place in anime history.
2005: Eureka Seven
Eureka Seven debuted in 2005, bringing a refreshing take on the mecha genre. The series follows Renton Thurston as he joins a group of rebels, navigating love and conflict against a backdrop of giant robots and surfing on air. This unique premise, combined with strong character development, made it a standout series that garnered a dedicated fanbase.
2006: Death Note
In 2006, Death Note took the anime world by storm. This psychological thriller follows Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. The intense cat-and-mouse game between Light and the detective L sparked debates about morality and justice, making it a landmark series that continues to influence storytelling in anime.
2007: Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann burst onto the scene in 2007 with its over-the-top action and unique animation style. This series follows Simon and Kamina as they fight against oppressive forces in a world filled with giant robots. Its message of perseverance and the mantra “believe in the you that believes in yourself” resonated deeply with fans, establishing it as a cult classic.
2008: Soul Eater
In 2008, Soul Eater captivated audiences with its blend of quirky humor and dark themes. Set at the Death Weapon Meister Academy, the series follows students who hunt down evil beings. Its unique art style and engaging character dynamics contributed to its popularity, despite a controversial ending that left many fans wanting more.
2009: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
2009 saw the release of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, a faithful adaptation of the original manga. This series brought back the beloved Elric brothers and concluded their journey in a way that resonated deeply with fans. Its intricate plot, stunning animation, and emotional depth solidified its status as one of the greatest anime of all time.
2010: Angel Beats!
Angel Beats! debuted in 2010, combining elements of fantasy, action, and comedy. Set in the afterlife, the series follows a group of deceased students fighting against an enigmatic girl named Angel. Its blend of humor and heartfelt moments created an emotional rollercoaster that left a lasting impression on viewers.
2011: Hunter x Hunter
In 2011, Hunter x Hunter made its mark with a fresh adaptation of Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga. Following Gon Freecss on his journey to become a Hunter, the series captivated audiences with its intricate world and character development. Its rich storytelling and action sequences set it apart from other shonen series, keeping fans engaged through its lengthy arcs.
2012: Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online burst onto the scene in 2012, capturing the attention of both anime fans and newcomers alike. This series follows players trapped in a virtual reality game, where death in the game means death in real life. Its exploration of love, friendship, and survival resonated with many, leading to a dedicated fanbase despite mixed reviews on its subsequent seasons.
2013: Attack on Titan
2013 introduced Attack on Titan, a series that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant humanoid creatures, the series captivated viewers with its intense action and intricate plot twists. Its exploration of themes such as freedom and sacrifice resonated deeply with audiences, making it a defining series of the decade.
2014: Haikyuu!!
With the debut of Haikyuu!! in 2014, sports anime gained a new level of popularity. This series follows a high school volleyball team as they strive for victory. Its emphasis on teamwork, perseverance, and character growth resonated with fans, making it a beloved staple in the sports genre.
2015: One Punch Man
One Punch Man took the world by storm in 2015 with its unique take on the superhero genre. Following Saitama, a hero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch, the series combines humor and action in a way that satirizes traditional superhero tropes. Its stunning animation and comedic elements made it an instant classic.
2016: My Hero Academia
In 2016, My Hero Academia captured the hearts of fans with its blend of superhero elements and school life. Following Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world where they are the norm, the series explores themes of heroism and friendship. Its engaging characters and emotional arcs have made it a standout series in recent years.
2017: Black Clover
Black Clover debuted in 2017, following Asta, a boy born without magic in a world where it is everything. This series blends action and fantasy as Asta strives to become the Wizard King. Its relentless pacing and character dynamics have garnered a dedicated fanbase despite the familiar tropes it employs.
2018: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
In 2018, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime stood out in the isekai genre. Following Satoru Mikami, who is reincarnated as a slime in a fantasy world, the series blends humor and adventure in a refreshing way. Its unique premise and character development have made it a fan favorite.
2019: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba exploded onto the scene in 2019, captivating audiences with its stunning animation and compelling story. Following Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who becomes a demon slayer to save his sister, the series has set new standards for action and emotional storytelling in anime.
2020: Jujutsu Kaisen
In 2020, Jujutsu Kaisen emerged as an instant classic. This series follows Yuji Itadori as he battles curses and uncovers the dark world of sorcerers. Its dynamic action sequences and engaging characters have made it a standout series in recent years, solidifying its place in the anime landscape.
2021: Tokyo Revengers
With the debut of Tokyo Revengers in 2021, fans were treated to a unique blend of time travel and gang drama. Following Takemichi Hanagaki as he attempts to save his girlfriend by altering the past, the series explores themes of regret and redemption. Its compelling narrative and character development have resonated with viewers, making it a must-watch series.
2022: Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man took the anime world by storm in 2022 with its outrageous premise and dark humor. Following Denji, a young man who can transform parts of his body into chainsaws, the series is a wild ride filled with action and unexpected twists. Its unique storytelling and character dynamics have garnered significant attention and acclaim.
2023: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
As we look to 2023, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has captured the hearts of many. This series follows an ageless mage reflecting on her past adventures with her party after the defeat of the demon lord. Its exploration of life, loss, and the passage of time has resonated deeply with audiences, making it a standout series of the year.
2024: Solo Leveling
Looking ahead to 2024, Solo Leveling is set to take the anime community by storm. Based on the popular manhwa, the series follows Sung Jinwoo as he evolves from the weakest hunter to the strongest. Its anticipated adaptation promises to deliver thrilling action and character development that fans are eagerly awaiting.
As we reflect on the evolution of anime over the past two decades, it’s clear that each year has brought unique stories and characters that resonate with audiences. From classic series to modern hits, the anime landscape continues to grow and captivate fans worldwide. What has been your favorite anime over the years? Let us know in the comments!
