There is no doubt that the 21st century has witnessed some of the best anime shows of all time. From iconic thrillers to mind-blowing adventure and romance series, the first quarter of the century has given us some truly unforgettable titles. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or a newcomer venturing into this vibrant (and addictive!) world for the first time, these stories and characters are bound to get you hooked.
The animation technology behind these shows has undergone a massive change with the turn of the century making them more realistic, engaging, and immersive. Twenty-five years on, we cannot emphasise enough the cultural impact of anime in the 21st century. Besides all-time hits such as Pokemon, Doraemon, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and Bleach, newer shows like Attack on Titan, Naruto Shippuden and Jujutsu Kaisen have transcended borders with fans across the globe.
Punching dialogues combined with adept voice acting and soundtracks that stay with you long after the credits roll; it’s no surprise that anime fans go crazy over the best anime shows of all time. From cosplaying as favourite characters and hoarding merchandise to attending conventions and eagerly awaiting the next big hit, viewers feel emotionally attached to these shows.
Going beyond entertainment, most anime shows explore themes of identity, resilience, Japanese culture and the human condition. Despite being fictional, the characters are extremely relatable. So, whether you’re chasing Titans or embarking on a quest to save the world, there’s no denying the sheer joy of diving into the best anime shows of the 21st century (so far).
Note: For this article, we have considered shows released in the 2000s. One Piece is an exception as only a couple of its episodes were released in the 1990s, but most of it aired in the 21st century and left a lasting impact.
Here are some of the best anime shows of the 21st century that you must watch
Jump To / Table of Contents
- 1 Bleach (2004-2024)
- 2 My Hero Academia (2016- )
- 3 Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006-2008)
- 4 Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011)
- 5 Vinland Saga (2019-2023)
- 6 Spy x Family (2022- )
- 7 Haikyu!! (2014-2020)
- 8 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023-2024)
- 9 Hunter x Hunter (2011-2014)
- 10 Samurai Champloo (2004-2005)
- 11 Steins;Gate (2011-2015)
- 12 One-Punch Man (2015- )
- 13 Violet Evergarden (2018)
- 14 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010)
- 15 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019- )
- 16 Monster (2004-2005)
- 17 Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009-2015)
- 18 Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure (2012-2017)
- 19 Death Note (2006-2007)
- 20 Attack on Titan (2013-2023)
- 21 Jujutsu Kaisen (2020- )
- 22 Mob Psycho 100 (2016-2022)
- 23 One Piece (1999- )
- 24 Tokyo Ghoul (2014-2015)
- 25 Naruto (2002-2007)
Bleach (2004-2024)
IMDb rating: 8.2
Created by: Tite Kubo
Cast: Johnny Yong Bosch, Michelle Ruff, Stephanie Sheh, Jamieson Price, Derek Stephen Prince, Wally Wingert
Synopsis: Unlike other high school students, Ichigo Kurosaki (voiced by Bosch) has the ability to see ghosts. However, Ichigo and his two sisters’ lives change when they are attacked by a tormented spirit called Hollow. Shinigami Kuchiki Rukia (voiced by Ruff) saves the siblings but gets gravely injured herself. She transfers her powers of purifying Hollows into good spirits and sending them to the Afterlife called Soul Society to Ichigo and there begins his adventures.
About the series: This iconic anime show is widely popular across generations with brilliant character arcs that capture modern Shounen anime fans. Ichigo’s journey, emotions, chivalry and anxiety make him all the more relatable.
Bleach began broadcasting in Japan in 2004 and ran till 2012. A total of 366 episodes were aired. It returned in 2020 as Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. Its third part released in 2024 with the fourth season expected to come out in 2025.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
My Hero Academia (2016- )
IMDb rating: 8.2
Created by: Kohei Horikoshi
Cast: Aoi Yuki, Ayane Sakura, Christopher R. Sabat, Yûki Kaji, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Daiki Yamashita, Kenta Miyake
Synopsis: In a world filled with superhumans, a young boy named Izuku Midoriya (voiced by Yamashita), aspires to become a hero despite not possessing any superpower. After a fateful encounter, he inherits the legendary quirk of All Might (voiced by Miyake), the number one hero in the world. But when he enrols in the U.A. High School for Heroes, he realises it is not as easy as it seems.
About the series: My Hero Academia garnered a massive pop culture fan following owing to its action sequences, anime quality, story arc and world-building.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006-2008)
IMDb rating: 8.7
Created by: Gorô Taniguchi, Ichirô Ôkouchi
Cast: Jun Fukuyama, Takahiro Sakurai, Johnny Yong Bosch
Synopsis: When the Britannia empire invades Japan, Lelouch Lamperouge (voiced by Fukuyama) promises his Japanese friend Suzaku Kururugi (voiced by Sakurai) to avenge them. Years later, Lelouch comes across a Japanese anti-social called 11, sent by Suzaku. When 11 and Suzaku are captured by the military, an immortal witch gives Lelouch the power of Geass, making him the leader of the rebellion.
About the series: World-building and themes of war, genocide, imperialism, politics, oppression and friendship make it a very poignant and relatable shounen anime show. The mecha elements, anime where robots and cyborgs become integral parts, are also blended seamlessly into the quick-paced plot.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011)
IMDb rating: 8.2
Directed by: Akiyuki Shinbou
Cast: Aoi Yûki, Chiwa Saitô, Emiri Kato, Eri Kitamura
Synopsis: Kyubey (voiced by Kato), an alien creature, offers to grant young girls any wish if they agree to become ‘magical girls’ or sell their souls. Kyubey offers two young girls Madoka Kaname (voiced by Yûki) and Sayaka Miki (voiced by Kitamura) a wish on the same terms, to fight witches. Despite ominous warnings from another young girl called Homura (voiced by Saitô), will they agree to join Kyubey?
About the series: Whether you call it a fantasy or horror anime show, Puella Magi Madoka Magica is dark and engaging. Kyubey, an incubator, is supposed to be a heartless creature, but its diabolic actions make it one of the most dreadful anime villains.
Image: Courtesy of © Magica Quartet / Aniplex, Madoka Partners, MBS via IMDb
Vinland Saga (2019-2023)
IMDb rating: 8.8
Created by: Makoto Yukimura
Cast: Yûto Uemura, Shin’ya Takahashi, Mike Haimoto
Synopsis: The son of legendary Norse warrior Thor, Thorfinn Karlsefni (voiced by Uemura), seeks revenge against those who traumatised his early life. Although initially overwhelmed by the glory of war and honour, Thorfinn undergoes a change of heart when he is left to survive alone, along with the man he vows to kill.
About the series: The German-Austrian-Japanese animated series Vicky the Viking, which ran in the mid-1970s, inspired Yukimura to create this historical anime show. Thorfinn’s personal agony, suffering, and misery make it a poignant must-watch.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Read more: The saddest anime movies ever, according to Rotten Tomatoes
Spy x Family (2022- )
IMDb rating: 8.3
Created by: Tatsuya Endo
Cast: Takuya Eguchi, Atsumi Tanezaki, Saori Hayami
Synopsis: Codenamed Twilight, undercover spy Loid Forger (voiced by Eguchi) needs a family as part of his mission. He hastily marries a city hall worker and adopts a child and a dog. Little does he know that his new family also has secrets of their own. His wife Yor (voiced by Hayami) is an undercover assassin and his daughter Anya (voiced by Tanezaki) is a runaway psychic who can read minds. In fact, their dog can also tell the future.
About the series: Blending several genres like spy-thriller, family drama and suspense, this shounen series has been a hit right from the beginning. In 2023, a movie titled Spy x Family: Code was released.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Haikyu!! (2014-2020)
IMDb rating: 8.7
Created by: Haruichi Furudate
Cast: Ayumu Murase, Kaito Ishikawa, Yu Hayashi
Synopsis: Hinata Shouyou (voiced by Murase), a short middle school student, gets interested in volleyball after watching a match on television. He joins the school volleyball club but realises he is the lone member. Although five other students join, they are easily defeated by the rival player Kageyama Tobio (voiced by Ishikawa). However, when Shouyou begins high school, he finds out Tobio also goes there.
About the series: Although volleyball is a niche sport, Haikyu!! has gained widespread popularity in Japan due to its excellent casting and intriguing plot. Well-defined character arcs, animation quality and modern animation style made it one of the most impactful shows of the 21st century.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023-2024)
IMDb rating: 8.9
Created by: Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe
Cast: Atsumi Tanezaki, Kana Ichinose, Hiroki Tôchi
Synopsis: Elf mage Frieren (voiced by Tanezaki) and her group of adventurers reminisce about their journey of defeating the demon king before bidding each other farewell. However, time doesn’t move at an equal pace for each elf and Frieren is left to witness her companions pass away one by one. Before his death, Heiter (voiced by Tôchi), one of Frieren’s mates, gives her a young human apprentice called Fern (voiced by Ichinose). The pair embarks on an aimless journey, revisiting the places that heroes of yore had visited.
About the series: One of the most recent anime shows, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End became largely popular due to its unique characters, storyline and perspective. Where most fantasy anime shows put elves as secondary characters, this series made them the protagonists.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Read more: 15 anime series on mental health that perfectly capture mental struggles like depression
Hunter x Hunter (2011-2014)
IMDb rating: 9
Created by: Yoshihiro Togashi
Cast: Issei Futamata, Megumi Han, Mariya Ise, Miyuki Sawashiro
Synopsis: Gon Freecss (voiced by Han), a young boy on Whale Island, aspires to become a hunter, a person capable of great fetas. Following in his father’s footsteps, Gon decides to take this up professionally and leave the island. He must clear the formidable Hunter Examination to make his dreams come true.
About the series: The series features the shounen (or shōnen) genre using the most typical tropes. But Gon’s antics, dialogues and true-to-life spirit make him quite loveable.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Samurai Champloo (2004-2005)
IMDb rating: 8.5
Created by: Shin’ichirô Watanabe
Cast: Kazuya Nakai, Ginpei Sato, Ayako Kawasumi
Synopsis: Fuu (Kawasumi) a waitress who works in a teahouse, rescues two master swordsmen, Mugen (Nakai) and Jin (Sato) from their execution to help her find the ideal samurai who smells of sunflowers.
About the series: A classic samurai story with a cool, edgy touch, it is popular for the three strong protagonists, their character arcs, emotions and aspirations.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Steins;Gate (2011-2015)
IMDb rating: 8.8
Created by: Chiyomaru Shikura
Cast: Mamoru Miyano, Asami Imai, Kana Hanazawa
Synopsis: University student Okabe Rintarou (voiced by Miyano), who calls himself Crazy Mad Scientist Hououin Kyouma, works on a microwave device that can transfer messages to the past. Having discovered the portal to time travel, Okabe and his lab mates must work hard to defeat SERN, the evil organisation.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
One-Punch Man (2015- )
IMDb rating: 8.7
Created by: One
Cast: Makoto Furukawa, Kaito Ishikawa, Max Mittelman
Synopsis: In a fantasy world, young Saitama (Furukawa) can defeat any enemy with a single punch. But just one hero amid all anti-heroes also implies that his life is rather empty and boring. Nobody respects him, he doesn’t have an aim and worst of all, Saitama has lost all his hair due to intense training.
About the series: This comedy-action anime show brings a unique approach to the superhero genre making it one of the best anime series of recent times with strong action sequences, comic relief and punching dialogues that go a long way in elevating a seemingly standard storyline to higher reaches.
It is an adaptation of Yusuke Murata’s manga remake of Japanese artist One’s 2009 original webcomic of the same name.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Violet Evergarden (2018)
IMDb rating: 8.4
Directed by: Taichi Ishidate and Haruka Fujita
Cast: Yui Ishikawa, Daisuke Namikawa, Kouki Uchiyama
Synopsis: After the First World War, retired soldier Violet Evergarden (voiced by Ishikawa) is hunting for a job. In an attempt to save herself from merely being a weapon during her time in the Leidenschaftlich army, Violet starts working as an auto-memory doll. She helps transcribe people’s thoughts and feelings into words on paper while learning to reconnect with her emotional side.
About the series: One of the best Japanese anime shows of the 21st century, Violet Evergarden is based on the 2015 Japanese light novel of the same name, written by Kana Akatsuki and illustrated by Akiko Takase. In 2019, Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll was released and became one of the best anime movies with 7.5 IMDb rating.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010)
IMDb rating: 9.1
Directed by: Yasuhiro Irie
Voice cast: Romi Park, Rie Kugimiya, Shinichiro Miki
Synopsis: After losing their mother, brothers Edward/Ed (Park) and Alphonse/Al Elric (Kugimiya) use an alchemy experiment to resurrect her. In the process, Ed loses an arm and a leg, while young Al loses his body. As they try to get back into their physical forms, Ed gets involved with the military as mysterious monsters keep an eye on him.
About the series: This anime television series is loosely adapted from the original manga series of the same name by acclaimed artist Hiromu Arakawa. The series was an attempt to create a faithful adaptation of the entire storyline of the source material after 2003’s Fullmetal Alchemist strayed away from it.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019- )
IMDb rating: 8.6
Created by: Koyoharu Gotouge
Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitô
Synopsis: When demons attack his family, only Tanjiro Kamado (voiced by Hanae) and his sister Nezuko Kamado (voiced by Kitô) survive. As Nezuko is slowly turning into a demon, her brother sets out to become a demon slayer to seek revenge for his family and heal his sister.
About the series: One of the best anime shows of the 21st century, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is noted for intense fight scenes, shounen elements, epic action sequences and jaw-dropping art style that set new standards in the anime industry. Coupled with a beautiful sibling relationship, it is a must-watch for all. The 2020 film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, is among the highest-grossing anime films of all time.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Monster (2004-2005)
IMDb rating: 8.7
Created by: Naoki Urasawa
Cast: Hidenobu Kiuchi, Liam O’Brien, Eiji Hanawa
Synopsis: Dr Kenzo Tenma (voiced by Kiuchi) is the most skilled neurosurgeon at Isler Memorial. However, his life changes when he risks his career to save a young boy with a heavy head injury instead of operating on the mayor. Nine years later, the boy he saved reappears as a charismatic young man amid a string of unusual serial murders. Does this hold a deeper meaning for Tenma?
About the series: Talk about character development with a tragic story; Monster is a must-watch. It also presents one of the greatest and most vile anime villains ever — Johan Liebert. He is the main anti-hero of the Monster anime and manga.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009-2015)
IMDb rating: 8.3
Created by: Yasuhiro Nowatari, Naohiro Terazaki
Cast: Masako Nozawa, Jôji Yanami
Synopsis: Goku (voiced by Nozawa) is the planet’s strongest fighter, the head of the Z-fighters, leading them on a quest to obtain the Dragon Balls. His peaceful life is disrupted when a visitor crashes into the planet and claims to be Goku’s brother.
About the series: Dragon Ball Z Kai is a remastered and recut version of one of the most influential anime of all time, Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996). The renewed anime series, created in honour of 20 years of Dragon Ball Z, builds on the OG plot and consists of parts from the original anime.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure (2012-2017)
IMDb rating: 8.5
Created by: Hirohiko Araki
Cast: David Vincent, Matthew Mercer, Daisuke Ono, Takehito Koyasu
Synopsis: The Joestar family is a group of superhumans imbibed with supernatural powers that protect them in their seemingly eternal war against Dio Brando (voiced by Koyasu) and his band of nefarious followers.
About the series: Each season of the anthology anime series follows each member of the Joestar family as they combat against Dio and protect the clan. Full of action, stunning fight scenes, shounen themes and characters that will leave you on the edge of your seat — Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is extremely engaging. It is based on Araki’s hit 1987 manga series.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Death Note (2006-2007)
IMDb rating: 8.9
Created by: Tsugumi Ôba, Takeshi Obata
Cast: Mamoru Miyano, Vincent Tong, Ryô Naitô, Kappei Yamaguchi
Synopsis: High school student Light Yagami (voiced by Miyano) discovers a mysterious notebook that grants its owner the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. Light uses it to carry out his own brand of justice. When Light’s enigmatic detective father L (voiced by Yamaguchi) suspects him of a string of murders, a game of cat and mouse begins.
About the series: One of the greatest anime shows of all time, Death Note is known for portraying themes of morality, power, and the consequences of absolute authority. Gritty action scenes, gory bloodshed and cold-blooded killings make this thriller anime series not for the faint-hearted. The manga also has several other adaptations including a live-action production, attesting to its popularity.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Attack on Titan (2013-2023)
IMDb rating: 9.1
Created by: Hajime Isayama
Cast: Trina Nishimura, Yûki Kaji, Yui Ishikawa, Yûki Kaji
Synopsis: Set in a world where humanity has been caged up in walled cities to protect against giant human-eating Titans, Eren (voiced by Kaji) decides to avenge his mother who was killed in front of his eyes by a Titan. He vows to cleanse his hometown of these monstrous creatures. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers he possesses the power to turn into a Titan and control them.
About the series: This modern anime show became a worldwide hit soon after its release. The complex storytelling, brilliant writing, shounen elements and compelling character arcs make it a crowd favourite.
Image: Courtesy of Photo by Courtesy of Crunchyroll via IMDb
Jujutsu Kaisen (2020- )
IMDb rating: 8.5
Created by: Gege Akutami
Cast: Junya Enoki, Yuma Uchida, Yuichi Nakamura, Adam McArthur, Asami Seto
Synopsis: Yuji Itadori (voiced by Enoki) joins his school’s Occult Club as a joke but turns out, that its members are real sorcerers who can manipulate other beings. Here, Yuji hears about a cursed talisman, the finger of Sukuna, a demon targeted by other cursed beings. Yuji swallows the finger to protect his friends, accidentally inheriting its magic. He joins the Tokyo Metropolitan Magic Technical College to locate Sukuna’s body and be able to exorcise himself.
About the series: The fantasy horror anime series has won Crunchyroll’s Anime of the Year award for 2021 and 2024. It is also considered one of the best anime shows of the 21st century in terms of animation techniques, story building, characterisation and fight scenes.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Mob Psycho 100 (2016-2022)
IMDb rating: 8.5
Created by: One
Cast: Setsuo Ito, Takahiro Sakurai, Miyu Irino
Synopsis: Kageyama Shigeo (voiced by Ito), aka Mob, is an unassuming middle school student with psychic powers but has always struggled to keep them under wraps. To learn to hone his powers and restrain his emotions, he gets hired by a conman, a spiritual medium called Arataka Reigen (voiced by Sakurai) as his assistant.
About the series: One of the best shounen anime series ever, Mob Psycho 100 is a must-watch if you enjoy fantasy elements and strong characters finding their true selves. At the first Crunchyroll Anime Awards, Mob Psycho 100 took home two awards for Best Fight Scene and Anime of the Year in 2017.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
One Piece (1999- )
IMDb rating: 9
Created by: Eiichirô Oda
Cast: Mayumi Tanaka, Akemi Okamura, Kazuya Nakai, Chikao Ôtsuka
Synopsis: Gold Roger (voiced by Ôtsuka) obtains wealth, fame and power to become the Pirate King. But, just when he is about to be executed by higher powers to discourage piracy, he reveals that his treasure called One Piece was hidden somewhere at the Grand Line. Over two decades later, a boy named Monkey D. Luffy (voiced by Tanaka) decides to become a pirate and search for the treasure.
About the series: One Piece is one of the most popular anime shows of the 21st century. Although it debuted in 1999, only a handful of the episodes were released before 2000 while over 400 episodes came after that. Fine dialogues, a hero’s journey towards a bigger goal and gorgeous visuals make it a must-watch. Netflix released a live-action adaptation of this series in 2023.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Read more: Here is how you can read ‘One Piece’ manga in order of chronology
Tokyo Ghoul (2014-2015)
IMDb rating: 7/7
Created by: Sui Ishida
Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Sora Amamiya, Sean Hennigan
Synopsis: Innocent high school student Ken Kaneki’s (voiced by Hanae) date with classmate Rize Kamishiro (Hanazawa) takes a deadly turn when she reveals herself to be a ghoul, a flesh-eating creature. Severely injured, he is taken to a hospital. On waking up, Ken realises he underwent surgery which has made him into a half-ghoul.
About the series: Tokyo Ghoul is one of the greatest anime series with nail-biting suspense, cold-hearted murder, complex characters and a dilemma of whether to support Kaneki or not.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
Naruto (2002-2007)
IMDb rating: 8.4
Created by: Masashi Kishimoto
Cast: Junko Takeuchi, Chie Nakamura, Noriaki Sugiyama
Synopsis: Naruto Uzumaki (voiced by Takeuchi) is a mischievous ninja who yearns to become a Hokage, the village leader. However, he is misunderstood by both villagers and other ninjas due to his pranks. Undeterred, Naruto works hard and perseveres to earn their respect.
About the story: A beautiful story of determination, hope and love; a tale of overcoming impossible odds and finding one’s true value and beauty in the darkest of times. Naruto is one of the greatest anime shows of all time with a huge cult following. Its remastered remake series Naruto Shippuden arrived in 2007 and continued till 2017.
Image: Courtesy of IMDb
(Hero and featured images: Courtesy of IMDb)
Frequently Asked Questions
‘Naruto’, ‘One Piece’, ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’, ‘Attack on Titan’ and ‘Death Note’ are among the best anime series of the 21st century.
‘Death Note’, ‘One Piece’, ‘Attack on Titan’, and ‘Mob Psycho 100’ are among the highest-ranked anime series of the 21st century.
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Trinetra is an ardent foodie and bibliophile who writes about films, travel, food and lifestyle. As a writer and literature student, slam poetry and storytelling are her go to jam. When not working, Trinetra is busy looking for her next place to visit or binge-watching Instagram videos for travel inspiration.
