The 10 Best Anime Shows of the Last 25 Years, Ranked
It may seem like it was yesterday, but the year 2000 is farther away than most would like to admit, with 2025 marking the quarter mark of this century. Fans still have a ways to go until the next century, but these 25 years have provided everyone with revolutionary content that continues to evolve. However, one of the fastest-growing media in this time is anime, which delivers shows like Bleach and Dandadan.
Since there are so many great shows this century, and it's a pivotal landmark in society, now is the perfect time to rank the ten best anime of the past 25 years since 2000. This list will rank the best anime based on various subjects: writing, enjoyment, story, characters, animation, influence/impact, fan opinion, and critical acclaim. These ten shows stick out as some of the greatest anime ever, proving fans have been blessed recently.
10 PHOTOS
10. 'Kaiji' (2007)
Created by Nobuyuki Fukumoto
This choice may be controversial, as Kaiji isn't the most well-known anime, but it more than makes up for that with its dramatic story. The titular character is down on his luck, but when a sketchy businessman offers him a way to make money fast, he has no choice but to accept. Kaiji competes in a series of gambling, death, and risky games to entertain the rich and make a quick buck.
Not only can Kaiji's impact be felt through its riveting plot, but also its inspiration in Squid Game. Each arc sees him compete in drastically dangerous games, providing some of the most entertaining and unique arcs in anime. The drama and suspense are unparalleled, creating a riveting masterpiece that more people need to watch, establishing itself as one of the best anime from the 2000s.
9. 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End' (2023)
Created by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe
While most anime on this list are older, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End proves a young series can top the charts. After her party defeated the demon king and saved the world, Frieren let time slip by without telling her true feelings to the party. With most of them passed on, she and some students retread her old path to reach Auberst, where she can speak with the dead and confess her thoughts and feelings.
Still fresh in people's minds, Frieren is a legendary show despite its age and would find itself higher on this list with more episodes in the future. With some of the most beloved characters in anime, Frieren takes its time to deliver a quaint story that brings viewers on a mystical journey. Each episode is a treat, whether they are picking flowers, fighting dragons, or roaming around town, proving it is a versatile anime.
8. 'Attack on Titan' (2013)
Created by Hajime Isayama
Not many series can break the internet, but that was a small feat for Attack on Titan, which did so multiple times. After Titans destroy his village, Eren Yeager vows revenge. However, when he gets the ability to turn into a Titan, he uses his newfound power to aid in the fight for humanity and lead them against their true enemies across the sea, and learn the truth.
Attack on Titan is one of the most popular anime ever and finds itself comfortable on this list, wowing fans with its revolutionary story that interested the entire world. It's a riveting mystery, drama, story, characters, animation, and action are a testament to the genius writing, creating a brilliant interconnected plot. Attack on Titan is one of the most rewatchable anime shows, and it only gets better with every viewing.
7. 'Gintama' (2006)
Created by Hideaki Sorachi
Shōnen anime is the staple of the medium, providing long-running entertainment without fail, and Gintama is one of the best series in that regard. Set in an alternate Edo Japan where aliens took over the world, Gintoki is a former revolutionist who now makes a living completing odd jobs with Kagura and Shinpachi. Together, the trio goes on hilarious misadventures involving themselves with terrorists, pirates, police, the government, and aliens.
Comedy anime aren't the most popular in the West, but Gintama will change anyone's mind. Despite having a slow start, this anime ramps up and never slows down, delivering a mix of serious, semi-serious, and comedic arcs to fit everyone's taste. One moment, fans are crying, and the next, they are laughing: Gintama has a special way of reaching everyone, making it one of the best comedy anime ever.
6. 'Steins; Gate' (2011)
Created by Nitroplus and 5pb.
Based on a visual novel of the same name, Steins; Gate is a sci-fi anime series following a self-proclaimed scientist who creates useless inventions. However, when one invention can end texts to the past, their timeline slowly starts to unravel, warranting unwanted attention. To get their reality back and avoid tragedy, they must fix the original timeline or face the consequences.
Time travel is a difficult genre to master or even start, with many plot holes and inconsistencies hindering the enjoyment. However, Steins; Gate is one of the few shows to perfect this genre, delivering an imaginative experience that puts every fan on edge through suspense and intrigue. While the set-up is slow, the rest of the series is non-stop time-travel goodness and one of the few perfect sci-fi anime shows.
5. 'The Tatami Galaxy' (2010)
Created by Tomihiko Morimi
Avant-garde anime has a hard time reaching the mainstream, but The Tatami Galaxy is as close as the genre will get. Set in Kyoto's beautiful and imaginative background, this romance anime follows a college student looking for the perfect campus life. Determined to find the girl of his dreams, each episode takes place in an alternate reality where he joins a new club chasing after his perfect girl, but always to no avail.
Despite not being the most popular anime, The Tatami Galaxy is a masterpiece with profound messages, unconventional storytelling methods, distinct editing, gorgeous animation, and a relentless pace that is just enough to capture everything in this renowned story. Teaching fans that what you want may be dangling in front of you the whole time, The Tatami Galaxy is one of the best avant-garde anime series that should be mainstream.
4. 'Monster' (2004)
Created by Naoki Urasawa
Created by the legendary mangaka Naoki Urasawa, who has also made revolutionary works such as Pluto and 20th Boys, Monster is his magnum opus. When a surgeon saves the life of a boy instead of the mayor, that same kid is now a serial killer. Tenma takes it upon himself to set things right, going on a journey to kill Johan while learning about his dark and twisted past.
It doesn't get much better than Monster, an anime that can be considered a masterpiece because of its groundbreaking story, distinct atmosphere, and genius writing, which created one of the greatest villains in anime history. It has one of the most chilling and captivating mysteries, made better by its endearing cast. This unpredictable and award-winning anime will have fans on the edge of their seats throughout the show.
3. 'Naruto' (2002)
Created by Masashi Kishimoto
This list wouldn't be correct without the addition of Naruto, arguably the most famous anime in history that attracted anime and non-anime fans alike. This uber-popular series follows the journey of the titular character from street punk to goofy ninja to the hero of the world as he aims to become the Hokage of the village. However, if he wants to achieve his dreams, Naruto first has to retrieve Sasuke and save him from darkness.
Naruto could have reached number one on this list without its exuberant amount of filler and wasted potential. But it's spot on this list, even with those flaws, proves the anime is overall a legendary series. Naruto didn't become one of the longest-running anime series for no reason. Its imaginative world and likable characters create one of the most immersive anime experiences that will be remembered far longer than just 25 years.
2. 'Mob Psycho 100' (2016)
Created by ONE
While more fans probably know ONE for One Punch Man, his other series is much better. Mob Psycho 100 follows Shigeo, also known as Mob, a powerful psychic who only wants to live a regular middle school life. However, by depressing his emotions, psychic outbursts make his life harder, but help him fight against the powerful espers who want to rule the world.
Despite featuring an overpowered protagonist, Mob Psycho 100 isn't a power fantasy but the opposite. It delivers a profound story and stunning animation with stellar fights, making it a 10/10 in every category. It can entertain with action or amaze with its character development. There aren't a lot of shows like Mob Psycho 100, which is a perfect series from start to finish, making it one of the greatest anime of all time.
1. 'Hunter x Hunter' (2011)
Created by Yoshihiro Togashi
Battle shōnen are the life and blood of anime, and while there are plenty of excellent series, including Naruto, Hunter x Hunter is arguably the greatest of this century. Gon ventures out to find his dad and learn why he abandoned him, but his first step is to become an official hunter. Along the way, Gon meets new friends, enemies, and dangerous situations that call for his help.
While the manga came out in the 1990s, the anime remake premiered in 2011 and is the definitive version of the story, perfecting the animation, art, pacing, and story. Hunter x Hunter subverts expectations and defies common anime tropes to deliver one of the most unique shōnen series. It can be dark and intriguing or light and entertaining, but either way, this series is a must-watch for every fan. Hunter x Hunter isn't just a modern classic anime, but the best show this century has to offer so far.
Keywords: Best animes | Asia | Asian cinema | Cinema | Adult cartoon | Adult animes