Not old yet, but almost classic: Best Anime of the 2000s. Part one (Topic)

We are finishing our old anime series. We managed to talk about the cult anime from the 60s to the 90s, which shaped the culture. Today we will talk about the best anime of the 2000s to put an end to it. Although I can't call the anime made in the 2000s old school, I think these titles can at least be described as "modern anime classics." These projects were the last of their kind before anime turned into streaming services that were impossible to follow. In addition, 10 to 20 years have passed since their release, so they are worth remembering.

Monster

Kenzo Tenma is a young Japanese surgeon performing brain surgery. Thanks to his skills, he is a rising star in his field. But after rescuing a famous opera singer instead of a poor Turk, he faced the horrors of healthcare corruption with his own eyes.

At the same time, the dissident Mr. Liebert arrives in Dusseldorf from East Germany with his wife and two small children. A massacre takes place in their residence and as a result, the father and mother die, the daughter suffers a mental trauma, and the boy is shot in the head, but he remains alive.

When a boy is admitted to the hospital, coincidentally, the mayor of the city also needs serious help. Tenma's superiors order him to save the mayor, but he is tired of their corruption and saves the boy, relying on the fact that he arrived first. The boy was saved, but the head of the city died. Tenma is demoted and closed to him the path to career growth in the profession.

He wishes death to his leadership, and they will soon die. Thus, Tenma finds himself in a whirlpool of events, where he will have to continue to face moral dilemmas and a cruel killer.

Hell Girl

Hell Girl is a dark novel series with serious themes about human desires and their consequences. As with most episodic television series, it has multiple authors and therefore a wide variety of styles.

Each episode, this or that person learns about the site "Infernal Correspondence", which functions only at midnight and opens only to those who really want to take revenge on someone. Then the Girl from Hell will come to this person, who will help him take revenge, but on the condition that after death he will go to Hell.

Especially in this anime, the selected music is mesmerizing, which varies from orchestral to guitar and complete silence. And all the audio is perfectly matched to reveal human stories.

Fullmetal Alchemist / Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is widely considered the best anime ever. The story tells how the brothers Edward and Alphonse Elrica faced the dark side of alchemy when they tried to resurrect their mother. The whole world of alchemy functions according to the rules of equal exchange. It is impossible to resurrect a person without giving something of equal value in return. Because of this, the older brother loses his leg, and the younger one - the whole body. It was only by sacrificing his hand at the last moment that Edward was able to attach Alphonse's soul to his armor to save him.

Many years later, Edward gets the opportunity to become a state alchemist, and they use his position to find the Philosopher's Stone, canceling the equivalent exchange. So, they have a chance to return their bodies with their brother. In parallel, the series explores the themes of philosophy and war. Which version of the series to watch - choose for yourself. I advise you to watch them in order, but be prepared that the first episodes of Brotherhood, retelling almost the entire plot of the 2003 series, can be difficult, but it will be worth it.

Toradora!

Two unpopular high school students fall in love and try to succeed in romantic endeavors.

This is a typical love story that is interesting because of the great character development. Each character develops internally, which makes him believable and always keeps your attention. Subsequently, the characters find themselves in well-written, touching and artfully woven situations that, while very typical of anime, are made special in how much the series cares about the story it tells.

In this case, Toradora! a powerful drama that explores the hardships of these two similar but different characters and how their fates intertwine. The combination of vivid visuals, great cast and great music sets it apart from the crowd of similar animes.

Koi Kaze

Sekai works as a wedding planner and is abandoned by a girl. He is saved from depression by Nanoka, whom he accidentally meets in the park. The relationship between them begins to develop, they fall in love, and then they find out that they are brother and sister.

Yes, let's be clear right away - this is an anime about random incest. But unlike many other titles with a similar plot, where it is presented as a fetish, this is a believable story, not a fan service. And I think this is one of the most powerful dramas of the time. This is a very bold story that touches on a taboo topic, but as I said, it is not some Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai.

Welcome to the NHK

Sato is a hikikomori who is encouraged to go outside by a young girl trying to wrest him out of the clutches of emotional problems. Welcome to NHK is one of the best comedies of its decade, simply because of its ability to make you laugh out loud all the time, balancing things out with serious moments. In the original source, Sato also suffers from drug addiction, but the anime smoothly bypasses this point directly, but leaves hints, such as the talking refrigerator in the first episodes.

Anime is remarkable for the chemistry between the characters, and as the main character undergoes some kind of psychotherapy. Despite his great humor, by the middle of the anime, he abruptly turns to the side and begins to research mental illness and disorders. I'd say it's a great 2000s anime that balances comedy-drama.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

Immediately after the original Ghost in the Shell, the Millennium anime series completed the story perfectly. It revolves around Division 9, Japan's most serious non-military law enforcement unit that specializes in cybercrime.

Whether it's Bato, Togusa, Aramaki, or anyone else on the team, they each add something special to the anime's narrative and dynamics. But of course the diamond of the whole team is the cyborg Major Motoko Kusanagi, who is the personification of professionalism. With her leadership, the team is involved in countering everything from hacking to terrorism and political corruption.

But don't forget that this is also a great cyberpunk - tough, serious and intelligent anime that raises questions of morality and scientific concepts.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

Kyung sits in front of the strange newcomer Haruhi Suzumiya. He doesn't want to have anything to do with her, but she ends up dragging him into her adventures as a member of the SOS team.

This anime has taken Kyoto Animation to a new level of fame. Haruhi Suzumiya was everywhere at one time, including all kinds of advertisements and merchandise. It was through "Haruhi" that the studio perfected their art style, which was then carried over to their subsequent Kanon, Clannad and K-On! With character designs, a wide variety of camera angles, and impressively fluid animations, Haruhi not only looks technically awesome, but it is also different from anything that came out at the time.

It was a new level of everyday life, where fantasy had a big place in the plot. Haruhi gathers around her the most unusual people, and does not even know about it, while she herself is fascinated by the search for mediums, aliens and guests from the future. The chemistry between mad Haruhi and Kyon, who acts as her voice of reason, deserves special attention.

The series ends with the feature film The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, which also features a big drama.

Fate / Stay Night

Shiro, the son of a mage, is involved in the Holy Grail War, where wizards must fight each other. Think of it as a battle royale. However, Saber is Shirou's weapon in battle.

Fate / Stay Night is an adaptation of the visual novel of the same name. DEEN has done a tremendous job of translating the story into animation with fantastic visuals, great script and quality production that draws the viewer into the modern fantasy world.

The story is exciting, and even the weakest moments contain some kind of excitement and mystery. Whether it's the romantic development of the main characters or exciting battle scenes, the characters themselves grow and change before our eyes.

The Topic of Article: Not old yet, but almost classic: Best Anime of the 2000s. Part one.
Author: Jake Pinkman