7 Forgotten 2000s Anime That Are Better Than You Remember

The 2000s era gave fans some of the most innovative anime titles ever! While the big-budget anime series often dominated the popularity ranking, some of these impressive anime were forgotten despite their unique storytelling and themes.

The following list of anime is an example of some of the best works of the decade that have been unfairly overlooked. What makes these series stand out is how modern many of their ideas still feel today. Let us get into the list, then.

7 Wolf’s Rain Delivered One of Anime’s Saddest Journeys

Wolf’s Rain was created by Studio Bones, and it impressively combined post-apocalyptic storytelling with emotional themes, which still continue to resonate with the fans even after all these years.

The journey of the characters in the story makes it even more memorable. Apart from that, many fans still praise Yoko Kanno’s soundtrack today.

6 Noein: To Your Other Self Turned Multiverse Sci-Fi Into Pure Emotion

Even before the multiverse-themed stories became popular, Noein provided an alternate reality via Haruka and Yuu. The anime managed to combine a complex science fiction theme with a very deep emotional storyline.

Apart from that, the unique visuals and storyline continue to distinguish it from other similar titles out there. As a result, even after all these years, it feels far more emotionally grounded than other multiverse storylines.

5 Last Exile Made Steampunk Adventure Feel Truly Epic

Last Exile offered impressive airship battles and one of the best steampunk worlds among anime. The journey of Claus and Lavie captured the feeling of a classic adventure anime that today’s modern anime could rarely recreate.

The worldbuilding remains surprisingly immersive even now. Its political conflicts and aerial combat gave the anime a scale that felt genuinely cinematic for its era.

4 Darker than Black Mixed Noir Storytelling With Stylish Superpowers

Darker than Black combined espionage, mystery, and supernatural abilities through Hei and the mysterious Contractors. The anime’s noir-style ambiance set it apart from the typical action anime right away.

Hei remains one of the most awesome protagonists of the 2000s due to his cool personality and moral ambiguity. Overall, the anime managed to combine style with surprisingly tragic character stories.

3 Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit Proved Fantasy Anime Could Feel Grounded

Produced by Production I.G, Moribito centres around the protagonist Balsa protecting Prince Chagum from various dangers linked to an ancient prophecy.

The uniqueness of this anime lies in its realism. Balsa remains one of anime’s most believable female protagonists, and her relationship with Chagum develops naturally without unnecessary drama.

2 Ergo Proxy Was Too Smart and Ambitious for Its Era

This anime series takes place in the city of Romdo and explores important themes like identity, artificial intelligence, and existential philosophy via Re-l Mayer and Vincent Law.

The anime actually struggled during its original release as the audience probably expected a simpler cyberpunk thriller. However, today, its methodical storytelling, along with the symbolism, feels more relevant than ever.

1 Samurai Champloo Still Feels Cooler Than Most Modern Anime

Samurai Champloo remains a groundbreaking anime to date! Directed by legendary Shinichiro Watanabe, the anime blended samurai action with hip-hop culture, with an unforgettable soundtrack by Nujabes.

Samurai Champloo remains timeless due to its stylish presentation. The chemistry between Mugen, Jin, and Fuu still carries a natural charm that many of today’s anime titles struggle to match, even to this day.

Here is the quick overview of the anime titles we have listed above.

AnimeAnime Rating (IMDb)Where to Watch

Wolf’s Rain	7.9 / 10	Crunchyroll
Noein: To Your Other Self	7.4 / 10	Prime Video
Last Exile	7.8 / 10	Crunchyroll
Darker than Black	7.7 / 10	Not available for streaming in the United States.
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit	8.2 / 10	HIDIVE
Ergo Proxy	7.9 / 10	Crunchyroll
Samurai Champloo	8.5 / 10	Crunchyroll

Here are some of the questions fans may have –

So now the big question – which forgotten 2000s anime do you think deserves a modern comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.