Nostalgia for the 2000s, especially now, seems to be at an all-time high. This also applies to anime fans who continue to share their love for anime classics from this era. Many are also looking for new shows to watch thanks to the resurgence in popularity of anime from the 2000s, whether it's beloved classics or hidden gems.
On this hidden gem of anime note, there are hundreds of shows that many fans have yet to discover. There really is something for everyone, from supernatural slice-of-life to sci-fi action. Some shows are even created by the same people who brought other classics from the era to life, yet they're still waiting for their chance in the spotlight.
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.hack//Sign is the legendary Isekai video game
Tsukasa finds himself trapped in the digital world
In the world.hack//Sign2009 becomes a real turning point for society when a violent computer virus known as Pluto's Kiss causing a destructive shutdown of the Internet that almost results in war. After this chaotic event, the rules of cyberspace are even stricter. Aftermath Pluto's Kiss the tragedy also reveals that one operating system, Altimit OS, is mysteriously immune to all known computer viruses, even Pluto's Kiss. Soon after, an online fantasy role-playing game called as was created Worldis introduced exclusively for Altimit OS systems.
The story really begins when a player named Tsukasa wakes up in the World with no memories of his past and no way to log out of the game. So he embarks on a grand quest to rediscover his past and learn the secrets of a legendary online game. Despite what new viewers may believe, .hack//Sign has very few action sequences; instead, the show is slow and highly introspective. .hack//Signas well as the series following it, are known for delving into themes such as mental health struggles, escapism, and humanity's relationship with technology.
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Den-Noh coil It takes place in a world where AR becomes part of reality
A group of children discovers a secret related to their home
Set in 2026, Den-Noh coil introduces its audience to a world where unique AR glasses, known as Den-Noh Megane, have changed society forever. Since the glasses debuted, Den-Noh technology is everywhere you look, and even kids rarely don't have their own AR glasses. Many children in the series, including protagonists Yuko “Yasako” Okonogi and Yuko “Isako” Amasawa, cannot imagine life without Den-Noh technology. Yasako is even shown with her own virtual pet, a dog named Densuke, who can only be seen with Den-Noh Megane.
Although Den-Noh Megane seems to be helping many people, it is not without its flaws and mysteries. Yasako later joins the Children's Detective Agency, where its members try to solve mysteries related to several urban legends related to Den-Noh Megane. Meanwhile, Yasako tries to solve her friend's disappearance while discovering why she can't recall her memories of visiting her new home. It has been widely praised by critics since its debut Den-Noh coilthanks to the cast of characters, the soundtrack and the amazing animation.
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Haibane Renmei It is mysterious, emotional and heartfelt
The journey of several angel-like human beings
Serial experiments of Laina legendary psychological thriller anime with character designs by Yoshitoshi Abe, is considered a gem due to how its narrative delves into the relationship between humanity and the Internet. However, there are a few fans of the series who may never have heard of it Haibane Renmeianother supernatural anime actually created by Yoshitoshi Abe. Haibane Renmei began as a self-published work by Abe himself, including the first narrative and character design elements for the characters.
Haibane Renmei takes place in a mysterious world called by angel-like beings haiban after they hatch from their cocoons, they must reside in a countryside called the Old Home. Rakka, new haiban named after her dream of falling, she wakes up with no memories as she recognizes her fellow angel-like citizens, all while getting used to growing wings and wearing a halo. Although things seem peaceful in the Old Home and the walled city of Glie, dark secrets surround the new home of Rakka and her haibane mate. The series works with multiple themes such as sin, suicide, redemption, and grief, yet handles each element thoughtfully and carefully.
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Wolf rain It has a unique story
A wolf pack tries to find paradise in a dying world
In a dystopian society, the few remaining wolves on planet Earth desperately seek paradise, their only refuge from violent human beings and the impending end of the world. The protagonist of the series, the white wolf Kiba, arrives in Freeze City while following the scent of the moon flower, the key to finding paradise. However, Kiba knows that his life would be in danger if human beings saw him. Thus, like the other wolves in the anime, he uses illusions to appear human, this ability also allows him to speak.
Kiba meets several other wolves, such as Tsume, Toboe, and Hige, who have lived alongside humans for many years. However, even if their paths cross with the source of the Lunar Flower, their journey to paradise will be rough indeed. Since its debut, Wolf rain has been widely praised for its unique storytelling and even received a manga adaptation. One of the most beautiful aspects of the series is its soundtrack, created by legendary composer Yoko Kanno and various artists from around the world.
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Princess Tutu He rewrites classic fairy tales
The duck wishes to save the prince's heart
Originally premiered in Japan in 2002, Princess Tutu is a magical girl anime that is heavily inspired by classic fairy tales and especially ballet performances Ugly duckling and Swan Lake. However the narrative that Princess Tutu it is absolutely unique at its core. World Princess Tutu takes place in a fairy tale book written by the author Drosselmeyer. But before he could finish his greatest story, The Prince and the RavenDrosselmeyer passed. In order to defeat the evil Raven once and for all, Prince Siegfried, the hero of the story, broke his own heart, losing his emotions and memories.
After some time, the lonely duck fell in love with Mytho, the heartless remains of the tragic prince. Hoping to finally create a fairy tale ending, Drosselmeyer's consciousness gives her the ability to transform into a human girl as well as the magical ballerina Princess Tutu. Duck thus embarks on a quest to restore the heartbroken Mythono, even as she discovers that not everyone in her world wants that outcome. Princess Tutualthough it has a fanciful and adorable outer shell, it is also an anime with a deeply emotional and shockingly true story at its core, and the perfect show for fans of fairy tales.
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Kaiba It is unlike any other sci-fi anime
Warp travels across space after losing his memories
Legendary anime director Masaaki Yuasa is known for his work on many unique series Kaiba is a particularly extraordinary title that some fans may have never heard of. In a futuristic world Kaibaindividuals throughout the galaxy are now able to store their memories and thus their minds in memory chips. Because of this, memory chips can be preserved after the body dies, or an individual can insert their memory chip into another body and live on. However, this technology is not without consequences, and Kaiba does not hesitate to show how corruption and greed can completely destroy someone's life.
Kaiba begins when an amnesiac man known only as Warp wakes up with a hole in his chest and a pendant around his neck, holding a picture of a woman he is unable to recognize. So Warp sets out on a journey to discover the secrets of the galaxy around him and find out who exactly he is. Although it often has a cute art style, Kaiba is intended for mature audiences and deals with topics not suitable for younger audiences. However, it is a stunning and heart-wrenching series that is sure to stay in the viewers' memories long after watching it.
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Mushi-Shi It is reflective and utterly charming
Ginko encounters many people with supernatural problems
In the fictional time between the Edo period and the Meiji period, a traveler known as Ginko travels from one village to another. Each chapter and/or episode in Mushi-Shi usually features a new cast per story, but each story is tied to the arrival of Ginko as well as the appearance of a tribe of supernatural beings called the Mushi. These creatures appear similar to plants or bacteria, yet are powerful enough to greatly affect the world around them. As Ginko travels, she meets new people whose lives have been changed by Mushi's abilities, some for the better and some for the worse.
Although supernatural phenomena in Mushi-Shi it can certainly take on aspects of a horror story, the anime is actually part of it iyashikei genre, slice-of-life subgenre aimed at placating the audience. With slow storytelling, a gorgeous soundtrack, and beautiful visuals, it's easy to see how one might feel calmer after watching an episode Mushi-Shi or two. However, its engaging narrative and wide cast of characters does Mushi-Shi a truly unforgettable watch.
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Mononoke He recently returned after more than a decade
Fans can now watch movies on Netflix
The 2000s was indeed a time for more experimental anime Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo on Cat soup. However, the avant-garde anime that became very popular after its debut and for years to come remains Toei Animation. Mononoke. Set around the end of the Edo period, the original Mononoke the series follows the adventures of a mysterious, supernatural individual known only as “The Medicine Seller”. Each story in the anime showcases the Medicine Seller's struggles against the harmful ones monopodspirits that cling to negative human emotions. However, to get rid of properly monopodThe drug dealer must learn its shape, its truth, and its reasons for being there.
In 2024, seventeen years after the original series debuted in 2007, Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain released worldwide. Following the journey of another drug dealer, the film and its sequels all work with the unique animation style that made their predecessor so popular. Like the original Mononoke, Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain and Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage explore the relationship between the humans and the mononoke, as well as the negative emotions that cause their paths to cross. The first film not only received positive reviews from critics, but helped reboot the franchise's popularity with new audiences.
