The 2000s saw the release of many iconic anime series. The animation steadily improved, and anime also became increasingly popular. Iconic shows like Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist and Code Geass set the stage for many popular shows that came later. The same success was also found in the anime films of the time.
Anime films released in the 2000s have become some of the most acclaimed and beloved works of anime. These include Ghibli classics that have stood the test of time and remain among the best animated films of all time. It also includes some lesser-known titles that were considered animated masterpieces by animators. Let's take a look at the best movie from every year of the 2000s!
The best anime movie of every year in the 2010s
Discover the best anime movies from every year of the 2010s, with stunning visuals, emotional stories and unforgettable soundtracks.
10
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (2000)
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade retells the history of Japan after World War II. In this alternate timeline, society is falling apart as people struggle to make ends meet and terrorism runs free. With civil war disrupting the lives of thousands, an elite force aims to bring the situation under its control. Failing in his mission, Fuse, a member of the elite force, is sent back to the training facility, where a series of plans and conspiracies are revealed to him. Today, Jin-Roh is one of many great anime movies that have been lost to time. The film is a powerful and heartbreaking yet realistic tale of human nature. It has beautiful animation that was ahead of its time and effectively portrayed the darkness behind politics.
9
Spirited Away (2001)
Often considered one of the greatest animated films of all time, Spirited Away is a must see for any anime fan. It traces Chihiro's journey as she prepares to move to a new place with her parents. On the way, they come across a mysterious amusement park that warns Chihiro but not her parents. Unaware of her whereabouts and watching her parents go through a tragedy, she leads a great adventure into the spirit world. Spirited Away is one of only two anime films to ever win an Academy Award. It's a hand-drawn masterpiece that attracts viewers because of its interesting setting, simple yet relatable emotions, and a great protagonist searching for his identity.
8
The Cat Returns (2002)
Although not one of the popular Ghibli films, The Cat Returns still stands above other 2002 releases. Its theme is quite similar to other Ghibli classics, where the protagonist lives a normal but mundane life, but a sudden encounter leads them to a magical land. Haru is a simple young girl who saves a talking cat from an accident, and as a token of gratitude she is invited to the cat kingdom. She leaves her ordinary life behind and travels to this unknown land. But leaving the human world behind may also mean leaving her humanity behind. It will be a light film about finding one's identity.
7
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
If Tokyo Godfathers could be described in one word, it would be heartwarming. It's a Christmas movie about three homeless people who suddenly find an abandoned baby. At first accepting the child as a gift from God, they soon realize the consequences and decide to search for its mother. It is led by three characters who are very different yet harmonize perfectly. Each of them deals with their own personal issues, but does not lose sight of the ongoing problem. Their bond makes the film funny, uplifting and full of optimism.
6
Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Howl's Moving Castle is another Ghibli classic that has been loved and praised over the years. Sophie is a young lady who lives a simple and quiet life making hats. Howl, a famous magician, and his spectacular moving castle catch everyone's eye, including Sophie's. Watching from afar, her life changes drastically when Howl saves her from a pickle. Unfortunately, she is cursed by a witch and turns into an old woman. Hoping to return to her normal self, she begins to travel and finds Howl's castle. The film mixes self-acceptance, love and magic into a wonderful story. The film also contains a strong anti-war message, evident in Howl's degrading condition and the constant danger that surrounds him.
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Light (120s) Medium (90s) Hard (60s)
2005 was not a good year for anime films; there were no major releases. Fullmetal Alchemist and the Naruto movies were the only ones that had some impact. Of the two, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa is considered better. For many fans, the ending of the 2003 anime felt unsatisfying and disappointing. The release of Conqueror of Shamballa fixed that for many fans, as it served as the proper ending for the iconic anime series. Today it is seen as must-watch Edward and Alphonse's journey.
4
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
Makoto lives a clumsy life where she is unsure of her future. The terrifying thought of deciding her future makes her want to stop time and continue enjoying her school life with her precious friends. One day her ordinary life seems to come to an abrupt end when she meets with a tragic accident. But instead of dying, she jumps back in time. She begins to use this power conveniently for the most mundane things, but she doesn't realize that the consequences of her actions are slowly piling up. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time hides behind comedy and leisure and hits viewers with stronger themes and emotions. Makoto helps convey the importance of making decisions and the fleeting nature of time. Her connection to her friends also shows the innocence and need for school friendships. It's a moving story that continues to be relatable and honest.
3
5 centimeters per second (2007)
5 centimeters per second tells three different stories from Takaki Toono's life. At a young age, he finds himself bonding with a girl named Akari. His hopes of being with her forever take a break when she moves to another city. They continue to connect through letters, but distance silently drives them apart before he realizes.
The film is a tragic and heartbreaking story about love, distance and time. It revolves around three extremely realistic characters that bring out the painful yet honest emotions that the film offers. Similar to other Shinkai Makoto films, it is also highly regarded for its art style and visuals.
2
Ponyo (2008)
A red-haired goldfish princess suddenly sneaks away from home and meets a young boy named Sousuke. This young boy saves her life and names her Ponyo. Ponyo immediately takes a liking to Sousuke and wants to continue living with him as a human. She uses her magic to give herself a human-like appearance, but the magic also causes an imbalance in nature. As danger approaches, all eyes are on Ponyo to save the world. Ponyo is a magical story that aims primarily to entertain children with its whimsical story. But themes like the balance between humanity and nature, the decision to become something more than what you were born as, make it an enjoyable watch even for the older audience.
1
Summer Wars (2009)
Summer Wars tells a story about a world where the virtual world and the real world are deeply interconnected. Everyday jobs and tasks take place in a virtual world called OZ. Kenji is a normal high school student who is unsure how to spend his upcoming summer vacation. Suddenly, he is invited by Natsuki, his senior, to accompany her to her village. But there is an underlying task that Kenji is unaware of. What lies ahead for Kenji is a shocking revelation and a tragic event that just might turn his life upside down.
Action scenes, innocent romance, heartbreak and redemption, Summer Wars has it all. It's a good movie that works with different concepts, but is still pretty simple. It has a large number of characters, but instead of making them stand out individually, the film represents them as one big character. But most importantly, its strong emphasis on family ties is what makes it so beloved and memorable.
These films have helped shape the decade of the 21st century. From being award-winning movies to anime classics, these movies are beloved till date and have inspired many anime series and movies that came later. Are there any other anime movies from this era that you love?
