The Best Anime Film of Every Year of the 2000s, Ranked

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The 2000s were a pivotal decade for anime. It was during this time that anime really took off in the West, with many now-classic titles gaining huge popularity, including shows like Cowboy Bebop, Evangelion, Pokémon, and Yu-Gi-Oh! This growth wasn’t limited to television series, though. The decade also saw a wealth of fantastic anime movies released each year, many of which are considered classics today.

The 2000s produced some truly outstanding anime films, and many of these cinematic highlights continue to be enjoyed by both longtime fans and new viewers. This collection showcases the best anime movies from each year of that decade, including critically praised successes, rediscovered favorites, and hidden gems that gained popularity over time.

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust Is a Timeless Gothic Classic That Kickstarted the 2000s

I first encountered the world of Vampire Hunter D through its original novels, which started appearing back in 1983. They introduced this really cool, brooding character – D, a dhampir, basically half-vampire – and his adventures hunting monsters in a dark, ruined future. While an anime movie came out in 1985, most anime fans probably know the story best through the 2000 film, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust.

With its haunting atmosphere and beautiful animation, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is a truly captivating gothic horror film. It draws you into its unsettling world through powerful sound and a story that is both violent and surprisingly heartfelt. Though it only covers a single part of the larger Vampire Hunter D saga, Bloodlust has earned a dedicated fanbase and introduced many to the series.

2001’s Spirited Away Is Still Revered as One of Studio Ghibli’s Best Masterpieces

No anime film from the 2000s—and perhaps ever—did more to introduce anime to a global audience than Spirited Away. While Studio Ghibli had already established itself as a creator of wonderful, family-focused anime, Spirited Away truly showcased anime’s incredible artistic range to the world, a feat recognized with an Academy Award.

Though inspired by Japanese folklore and telling the story of young Chihiro’s journey into a stunning and sometimes eerie spirit world, Spirited Away speaks to everyone, regardless of age or cultural background. Its beautiful animation and deeply meaningful story make it enjoyable even for those unfamiliar with anime, cementing its status as a classic and enduring film.

Millennium Actress Is a Bittersweet 2002 Tale of Memories Created by One of Anime’s Legends

Satoshi Kon was arguably the most influential anime director of the 2000s, with much of his impressive career taking place during that decade. His second film, Millennium Actress, followed his 1997 debut, Perfect Blue. While Perfect Blue was a disturbing psychological thriller, Millennium Actress offers a more uplifting story about a retired actress, Chiyoko Fujiwara, and her reflections on life, love, and her acting career.

Satoshi Kon’s film Millennium Actress beautifully mixes memory, reality, and imagination, making it hard to tell where Chiyoko’s acting ends and her life begins. It’s a truly original and deeply thoughtful movie—one that easily holds its place as a classic of anime and showcases everything that made Kon a visionary director.

Tokyo Godfathers Subverts the Expectations of 2003 Audiences With an Atypical Christmas Story

Following the success of Millennium Actress in Japan, Satoshi Kon quickly followed up with another acclaimed film, Tokyo Godfathers. While known for films that play with reality, Tokyo Godfathers takes a different approach, offering a realistic and touching story. It centers on three unusual homeless individuals who find an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve and decide to care for it.

Though set during Christmas, Tokyo Godfathers is a surprisingly complex and moving comedy-drama, typical of director Kon’s style. It beautifully combines heartwarming moments with clever writing, telling a unique story about an unlikely family. Even after over twenty years, the film’s visuals and sincere message still resonate strongly. While perhaps not as experimental as some of Kon’s other films, Tokyo Godfathers is just as worthy of high praise.

2004’s Howl’s Moving Castle Takes Viewers on a Mesmerizing Fantasy Adventure

In 2004, Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli released the beautiful and imaginative fantasy film, Howl’s Moving Castle. Though it differs from the original novel, the film quickly became a beloved classic. It tells the story of Sophie, a young hatmaker who is cursed and turned into an elderly woman, and how her life becomes connected to the mysterious wizard Howl.

Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle is a stunningly beautiful film and a perfect example of the studio’s incredible talent. But beyond its gorgeous visuals and detailed world, the story of Sophie is deeply meaningful, exploring themes of self-acceptance, the power of sacrifice, and offering a gentle commentary on the effects of war.

One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island (2005) Is an Outstanding Example of a Franchise Tie-In Movie That Exceeds Expectations

Most movies based on existing series, particularly those that don’t follow the main storyline, aren’t usually well-received by fans or critics. As one of the original One Piece films, One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island didn’t seem likely to be anything special. But by taking a familiar setup – a new, self-contained adventure for the Straw Hat crew – and adding a surprisingly dark tone, the movie manages to stand out as truly excellent.

This One Piece film is as exciting and magical as any other story in the series, but it also feels strangely dreamlike. Its dark and unusual atmosphere, along with a fresh take on the crew’s relationships, make it stand out. The film showcases the early talent of director Mamoru Hosoda, who would later become a highly respected and innovative filmmaker.

More Anime Fans Should Give 2006’s Tekkonkinkreet a Try

I recently discovered Tekkonkinkreet, and it’s honestly one of the most unique anime films I’ve ever seen. It’s a visually stunning and incredibly creative story set in a strange, fantastical version of a rundown city. The movie follows two orphaned brothers, Black and White, who basically rule the streets and try to defend their home from powerful and dangerous crime bosses.

Tekkonkinkreet starts with a really compelling idea, and the movie doesn’t disappoint, offering exciting and often intense action and a wildly imaginative story. But beneath all the vibrant visuals, it’s actually a surprisingly sad and moving story about growing up, exploring themes of friendship and what truly makes a person who they are.

Sword of the Stranger Became the Pinnacle of Samurai Anime in 2007

Anime frequently features samurai, with many great examples ranging from funny series like Gintama to shows that playfully twist the genre, such as Samurai Champloo. However, if you’re looking for pure, intense sword fighting action, Sword of the Stranger is hard to beat.

Sword of the Stranger is a solid, if simple, story about a skilled swordsman tasked with protecting a boy from those who are chasing him. The film really shines with everything that makes samurai movies exciting – beautiful visuals and incredibly well-done, realistic fight scenes. The sword fights feel powerful and dynamic, and the characters move with a grace that keeps you completely captivated.

2008’s The Garden of Sinners Chapter 5: Paradox Spiral Is the Best Film in the Classic Urban Fantasy Franchise

It might seem unfair to call a movie from an ongoing series the best of the year, but The Garden of Sinners: Paradox Spiral truly earns its praise within an already well-regarded franchise. Notably, three through six of the Garden of Sinners movies came out in 2008, and Paradox Spiral continues the story of Shiki Ryougi’s intense battles with the supernatural.

Despite being part of a larger series, Paradox Spiral stands out thanks to its clever and exciting story, as well as its beautiful visual style. It explores the core ideas of the franchise more effectively than any other film, and even viewers unfamiliar with The Garden of Sinners would likely agree it’s visually stunning – especially for an anime released in 2008.

Redline Ended the 2000s With One of Anime’s Most Beloved Cult Classics

Some truly great films aren’t appreciated right away. That’s what happened with Redline, a groundbreaking sci-fi racing movie. Though it didn’t do well in theaters initially, it later gained a devoted following and is now celebrated for its incredible visuals. Redline was an enormous undertaking, taking seven years to create with over 100,000 individual, beautifully drawn animation frames.

The passion and dedication of the filmmakers behind Redline are immediately apparent. Every moment in the film, whether it’s a high-speed race or a small detail like a character lighting a cigarette, is filled with striking visuals and energy. This creates a truly unique movie experience that is both exhilarating and intensely captivating.

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2025-10-23 04:50