Nostalgia for the 2000s, especially right now, seems to be at an all-time high. This is also true for anime fans, who continue to share their love of anime classics from this era. Many are also looking for new shows to watch thanks to the resurgence in popularity of anime in the 2000s, whether they're popular classics or hidden gems.
On that note of hidden gem anime, there are hundreds of shows that many fans have yet to discover. There's truly something for everyone, from slice-of-life supernatural to action-packed science fiction. Some shows are also created by the same people who brought other classics from the era to life, but are still waiting for their chance in the limelight.
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hack//sign A legendary video game is Isekai
Tsukasa finds himself trapped in a digital world
in the world ofhack//sign2009 becomes a true turning point for society when a virulent computer virus is introduced Pluto's kiss A catastrophic internet shutdown almost results in war. After this chaotic incident, the rules of cyberspace were tightened. result of Pluto's kiss Tragedy also reveals that an operating system, Altimit OS, is mysteriously immune to every known computer virus. Pluto's kiss. Soon after, an online fantasy role-playing game, called the worldPresented exclusively for Altimit OS systems.
The story really begins when a player named Tsukasa wakes up in the world, with no memory of his past or a way to stop the game. Thus, he embarks on a great quest to rediscover his past and learn the secrets behind the legendary online game. Despite what new audience members may believe, hack//sign There are very few action sequences; Instead, the show is slow-paced and highly introspective. hack//signAlso the series that followed it are famous for delving into themes such as mental health struggles, escapism and humanity's relationship with technology.
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The Dan-Noah Coil Takes place in a world where AR becomes part of reality
A group of children discover secrets related to their home
Set in 2026, The Dan-Noah Coil Known as Den-Noh Megane, the unique AR glasses introduce its viewers to a world that will change society forever. Since the launch of the glasses, Dan-Noh technology seems to be everywhere, and even children are rarely without their own AR glasses. Many children in the series, including protagonists Yuko “Yasako” Okonogi and Yuko “Isako” Amasawa, cannot imagine life without the Dan-Noh technique. Yasako is also shown to have her own virtual pet, a dog named Densuke, who can only be seen with Den-noh Megane.
Although Den-Noh Megane seems to have helped many people, it is not without its weaknesses or its secrets. Yasaku later joins the Children's Detective Bureau, where its members try to solve mysteries related to several Den-Noh Megane-related urban legends. Meanwhile, Yasako tries to solve her friend's disappearance by figuring out why she can't remember her memories of her new home. Since its debut, it has been widely praised by critics The Dan-Noah CoilThanks to its characters, soundtrack and amazing animation.
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Haibane Renmei Mysterious, emotional and touching
The journey of many angel-like human beings
Successive uses LainA legendary psychological thriller anime with character designs by Yoshitoshi Abe, it is considered a gem in how its story explores the relationship between humanity and the Internet. However, there are many fans of the series who have never heard of it Haibane RenmeiAnother supernatural anime that was actually created by Yoshitoshi Abe. Haibane Renmei Abe himself began as a self-published work, including the first story and character design elements for the characters.
Haibane Renmei Takes place in a mysterious world where fairy-like beings are summoned Haiban After emerging from the cocoon, you must settle in a rural area called the Old Home. Raqqa, New Haiban Named after her dream of falling, she wakes up with no memory as she recognizes her fellow angel-like beings, all while adjusting by growing wings and wearing a halo. Although things seem calm in the Old Home and the walled city of Glee, dark secrets surround Rakka's new home and her fellow Haiban. The series deals with many themes such as sin, suicide, redemption and grief, yet handles each element with thoughtfulness and care.
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Rain of wolves It's a one-of-a-kind story
The wolf pack tries to find heaven in a dying world
In a dystopian society, the few remaining wolves on planet Earth search for Paradise, their only refuge from predatory humans and the impending end of the world. The main protagonist of the series, the white wolf Kiba, arrives in Freeze City tracking down the scent of the Lunar Flower, an important key to finding Paradise. However, Kiba knows that his life will be in danger if the man sees him. Thus, like other wolves in the anime, he uses illusions to appear human, an ability that also allows him to speak.
Kiba meets several other wolves, such as Tsume, Toboe and Hige, who have lived with humans for many years. However, even if their paths cross with the source of the Moon Flower, their path to Paradise will be really difficult. Since its debut, Rain of wolves It has been widely praised for its unique storytelling, and has even received a manga adaptation. One of the most beautiful aspects of the series is its soundtrack, created by legendary composer Yoko Kano and various artists from around the world.
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Princess Tutu Rewrite classic fairy tales
The duck wants 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 ballet performances, in particular The Ugly Duckling and Swan Lake. But the story Princess Tutu It is absolutely one of a kind at its core. the world of Princess Tutu The story takes place within the book written by author Drosselmeyer. However, before he finishes his greatest story, The prince and the ravenDrosselmeyer passed. In order to defeat the evil Raven once and for all, the protagonist of the story, Prince Siegfried, shatters his own heart and thus loses his emotions and memories.
Sometime later, a lonely duck falls in love with Mytho, the emotionless remnant of a tragic prince. Hoping to finally create a fairy tale conclusion, Drosselmeyer's consciousness grants her the ability to transform into a human girl and the magical ballerina Princess Tutu. Thus the duck tries to restore Mitho's broken heart, though he discovers that not everyone in his world wants this outcome. Princess TutuAlthough it has a fantasy and charming outer shell, at its core is also an anime with a deeply emotional and shocking true story, and a perfect show for fairy tale fans.
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Kaiba Unlike any other science fiction anime
Warp travels across the universe after losing his memories
Legendary anime director Masaki Yuasa is known for his work on many unique series Kaiba A particularly unusual title is one that many fans have never heard of. In the futuristic world of KaibaPeople across 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 death of one's body, or a person can insert their memory chip into another body and thus live on. However, this technique is not without its consequences, and Kaiba does not hesitate to show how corruption and greed can completely destroy one's life.
Kaiba An amnesiac man known as Warp wakes up with a hole in his chest and a pendant around his neck, starting out holding a portrait of a woman he doesn't recognize. Thus, Warp begins a journey to discover the mysteries of the galaxy around him and discover who he is. Despite the often cute art style, Kaiba Intended for mature audiences, and deals with themes not suitable for younger audiences. However, this is a touching and heart-wrenching series which is sure to remain in the memory of the audience even after watching it.
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Mushi-shi is thoughtful and utterly charming
Jinko meets many people with supernatural problems
In a fictional time set between the Edo period and the Meiji period, a traveler known as Jinko wanders from village to village. in each chapter and/or episode Mushi-shi Usually each story is related to a new cast, but each story is linked by the arrival of Ginko as well as the presence of a type of supernatural being called Mushi. These organisms look like plants or bacteria, but they are powerful enough to greatly influence the world around them. As Jinko travels, he meets new people whose lives have been changed by Mushi's abilities, some for the better and some for the worse.
In a supernatural event though Mushi-shi While horror can certainly take on aspects of fiction, anime is actually a part of it yashikei genre, a slice-of-life subgenre focused on placating the audience. With its slow-paced story, gorgeous soundtrack and beautiful visuals, it's easy to see how a person can feel calm after watching one episode. Mushi-shi or two. However, it makes for a compelling story and a wide cast of characters Mushi-shi A truly unforgettable watch.
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Mononoke Just returned after a decade
Fans can now watch the sequel films on Netflix
Since the 2000s was really a time for more experimental anime Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo who Cat soup. However, an avant-garde anime that became very popular upon its debut, and even more years later, remains of Toei Animation. Mononoke. Set around the end of the Edo period, the original Mononoke The series follows the adventures of a mysterious, supernatural figure known as “The Drug Dealer”. Each story within the anime showcases the drug dealer's battles against evil mononokeSpirits that harbor negative human emotions. However, to get rid of it properly mononokeA drug dealer must learn its shape, its truth, and its rationale for being there.
In 2024, seventeen years after the original series' 2007 debut, Mononoke The Film: Phantom in the Rain Released worldwide. Following the journey of a different drug dealer, the film and its sequel films all employ the unique animation style that made their predecessor series so beloved. Same as the original Mononoke, Mononoke The Film: Phantom in the Rain and Mononoke The Film: The Ashes of Rage Explore the relationship between humans and Mononoke, as well as the negative emotions that cross their paths. The first film not only received positive reviews from critics, but helped relaunch the franchise's popularity with new audiences.