The best Seinen anime series of every year of the 2000s

We're at the point where 2000s anime is now considered “retro”. That may be too much for some fans to take, but it's true. Many series that some fans loved and grew up with are viewed with the same old affection that fans had for classic '80s and '90s anime long ago.

Every decade has its standout series that make an impression on fans, and while some years are stronger than others, there's always one series that stands out. The 2000s was a great year for seinen anime, holding some of the most memorable series of the century as well as some forgotten gems.

2000: Tree in the Sun

Based on the manga by the legendary Osamu Tezuka, A tree in the sun Definitely not his most famous work, but it's still worth a look. It is set in the 19th century and focuses on two characters: a traditionalist samurai named Manjiro and a young doctor practicing Western-style medicine named Ryon. The series follows both Manjiro and Ryon as they navigate the societal and societal changes that Japan experienced during the final years of the Tokugawa period.

Interestingly, Ryon's character is actually based on Tezuka's grandfather. With many amazing series under his belt, A tree in the sun is one of the underrated gems of Tezuka's catalog. Whether you're a fan of his work or interested in historical anime, this is a great watch.

2001: Hellsing

If we are talking about classic 2000s anime, then Hellsing Certainly among the other greats of the decade. Helsing, a group led by Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingets Helsing, is tasked with fighting supernatural threats. The series follows Hellsing's most powerful agent, the legendary vampire Alucard, as well as former police officer and newly turned vampire Seras.

Hellsing Definitely looks like a product of its time in the best way. The visuals scream 90s/late 2000s, and the dark tone and action-heavy sequences make this a memorable watch that will stick with you long after you finish it.

2002: Chobits

If chobits' If the art style sounds similar to you, then you might want to familiarize yourself with Clamp, a group of all-female manga artists, with their other popular works, e.g. Card Captor Sakura or xxxholic. Chobits Perhaps the most interesting of the bunch is addressing themes of love and loneliness through our relationship with technology.

Hideki Motosuwa is a down-on-his-luck ambitious college student who doesn't have much. One day, Hideki finds an abandoned Persocom, a new type of android computer that looks like a human. Naming her Chi because of the only thing she can say, Hideki begins to teach Chi about the world through shared experiences, with the two developing a unique dynamic in the process.

2003: The Planets

You may be a fan of manga Makoto Yukimura through his acclaimed The Vinland Saga series, but that wasn't his first foray into the manga world. Yukimura started his career the planets in 1999, with the anime adaptation only airing a few years later.

The series takes place in 2075, where space travel has become commonplace. Ai Tanabe dreams of exploring space and takes a job cleaning up space debris as a member of Technora Corporation's debris division. It is here that Ai meets and gets to know various members of the Wreck Section staff. While focusing on space maintenance workers might not sound like the most exciting setup, the planets There is a great cast of characters and some incredible scenes that you won't forget.

2004: Monster

Naoki Urasawa is one of the most famous mangaka of his era. With notable works like Boys of the 20th Century and Pluto Under his belt, Urasawa has become one of the most celebrated mangaka in recent memory. But among all his works, it is the series that stands above the rest monster.

monster A famous Japanese surgeon working in West Germany. Kenzo is focused on Tenma. Tenma has secured a high-paying job, the respect of his peers, and is set to marry Eva, the daughter of the hospital director. But his life takes a drastic turn when he chooses to operate on seriously injured fraternal twins instead of the town's mayor. While the twins survive, the mayor dies, and Tenma's professional and personal life quickly deteriorates. But when Tenma becomes involved in a series of murders and learns that one of the twins he saved is the culprit, he is left questioning his decisions. monster It is an incredible story told through the perspectives of different characters. Not only is it a great mystery, but the moral dilemmas regarding Tenma's past actions make him an interesting character to follow while leaving you wondering the same questions.

2005: Mushishi

environment of Mushi That's something that most anime can't match. The series follows Jinko, a mushishi who goes around observing mushi, mysterious supernatural beings that seem to exist for no reason.

Mushi Still looks good two decades later. The atmosphere – a calm and sometimes eerie mix – is unlike any other series, and perfectly captures the spiritual themes that the anime explores. This is a great series that gives you some incredible episodic stories to go along with the amazing visuals.

2006: The Black Lagoon

The Girls with Guns genre was big in the 80s and 90s, as were the series A dirty pair, A gun-toting catand Ghost in the Shell stand out. black lagoon Another great addition to the subgenre, and stands as one of the most memorable anime of the 2000s.

Paymaster Rokuro Okajima is held hostage after a business deal is struck by a mercenary gang called the Lagoon Company. Rokuro decides to join the group rather than become a hostage, but must get used to his new lifestyle and dealing with his crewmates – especially the hot-headed gunslinger, Revy.

2007: Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor

When one of his colleagues defaults on his loan, Kaiji Ito, a young layabout, is pressured by loan sharks to help settle it. With no money of his own and few options left, he is offered aboard the Espoir, a ship where he can earn a ridiculous amount of money and pay off his debt in just one night.

The premise of Kaiji seems pretty straightforward, but the series is full of twists and turns that provide a great viewing experience. Gambling anime may not appeal to everyone, however Ultimate Survivor Kaiji does a great job of setting up some interesting obstacles to overcome.

2008: Golgo 13

of Takao Saito Golgo 13 Has been for decades. One of the longest-running manga, the series has had various anime and live-action adaptations over the years. of 2008 Golgo 13 Could be the best.

The series follows Duke “Golgo 13” Togo, a professional hitman with an impeccable track record whose true identity is a mystery. Willing to serve as a hired gun for any organization, the anime focuses on his various exploits through episodic stories. It's a great action-thriller, and while it can get a little cheesy at times, it's still a fun watch.

2009: Bakemonogatari

There aren't many anime like that monogatari series. While the series does feature some action here and there, most episodes are incredibly dialogue-heavy and character-driven, with a heavy focus on character interactions and motivations.

The series follows newly-turned-vampire Koyomi Araragi, a high school student who finds herself constantly dealing with supernatural oddities and the people affected by them. The first part of The Monogatari Series: The First Season, Bakemonogatory Courtesy of Studio Shaft is a strong introduction to the world of Araragi with an incredible cast of characters and a unique visual style. It may not appeal to everyone, but the unique style, visuals, and strong voice acting make up for it Bakemonogatory One of the stand-out anime of the decade.