15 Nostalgic Anime from the 2000s Worth Rewatching, A Journey Back to the Golden Era of Japanese Animation

NARUTO (2002-2007) The story of a ninja boy named Naruto Uzumaki who aspires to become the strongest Hokage (village leader) despite being ostracized for having a nine-tailed fox monster within him. Naruto's journey with Team 7 is filled with epic battles, friendships, and deep character growth. This nostalgic anime from the 2000s brings back memories, especially when recalling iconic moments like Naruto's battle against Sasuke in the Valley of the End or the Chunin Exams. Soundtracks like "Sadness and Sorrow" or "Naruto's Theme" instantly evoke emotional memories for fans who grew up with this determined ninja story.

BLEACH (2004-2012) Following the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who accidentally gains Shinigami (death god) powers and must protect the world from Hollows. The world of Bleach, with Soul Society, Arrancar, and various zanpakuto powers, creates a rich and complex universe. Epic battles like Ichigo against Byakuya or Aizen's invasion of Karakura Town are unforgettable nostalgic moments from the 2000s anime. Ichigo's transformation into a stronger fighter, interesting side characters, and legendary soundtracks like "Asterisk" and "Velonica" make Bleach always remembered with longing.

ONE PIECE (1999-present) The adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat crew searching for the legendary treasure One Piece and fulfilling their dream of becoming the Pirate King. A vast world with unique islands, devil fruit powers, and a global government system creates a richly detailed and immersive story setting. Arcs like Alabasta, Skypiea, Water 7, and Enies Lobby that aired in the 2000s are nostalgic old-school anime from the 2000s that are still frequently discussed. Emotional moments such as the farewell to Going Merry, Robin's rescue, or Luffy's fight against CP9 leave a lasting impression that stands the test of time.

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST (2003) The journey of siblings Edward and Alphonse Elric who lost their bodies due to a forbidden alchemical experiment and are searching for the Philosopher's Stone to restore them. A story about sacrifice, war, morality, and humanity wrapped in a unique alchemical world. When talking about nostalgic old-school anime from the 2000s, the blend of action, humor, and drama in Fullmetal Alchemist always holds a special place. The mature execution of the story, well-developed characters, and strong moral messages keep this series relevant and often rewatched by fans.

DEATH NOTE (2006-2007) A psychological thriller about Light Yagami who discovers a death note that can kill anyone whose name is written in it. The battle of wits between Light and detective L in an ideological war about justice creates captivating tension from beginning to end. The cat-and-mouse game between Light and L is a perfect example of why nostalgic anime from the 2000s is unmatched. The unexpected plot twists, complex moral dilemmas, and the charismatic main antagonist character make Death Note one of the most influential anime in history.

CODE GEASS (2006-2008) A political drama and mecha about Lelouch Lamperouge who gains the power of "Geass" and uses it to destroy the Britannian Empire. Brilliant war strategies, epic mecha action, and shocking plot twists make it an unforgettable masterpiece. The controversial yet perfect ending of Code Geass is one of the reasons why nostalgic anime from the 2000s is always discussed. Lelouch's complexity as an anti-hero, the development of relationships between characters, and mature political themes keep this series respected to this day.

INUYASHA (2000-2004, 2009-2010) The adventures of Kagome, a modern high school girl trapped in feudal Japan, and Inuyasha, a half-dog demon, searching for the shards of the Shikon Jewel. A blend of action, comedy, romance, and Japanese mythology creates a captivating and timeless fantasy story. The slowly developing relationship between Inuyasha and Kagome is a perfect example of a slow-burn romance that gives nostalgia to fans of this classic 2000s anime. The mix of modern and feudal eras, charming supporting characters, and the legendary opening "Change the World" make it an unforgettable memory.

SCHOOL RUMBLE (2004-2006) A romantic comedy about Tenma Tsukamoto who has a crush on Karasuma, while Harima is in love with Tenma. Funny misunderstandings, absurd situations, and a complex love triangle create an entertaining and colorful school comedy. This classic 2000s anime brings nostalgia, especially for the romantic comedy genre, with School Rumble being one of its pioneers. Expressive characters, universal humor, and heartwarming moments amidst the chaos make this series always hold a special place for fans of anime comedy.

THE MELANCHOLY OF HARUHI SUZUMIYA (2006-2009) A story about Haruhi Suzumiya, an eccentric girl who unknowingly has the power to change reality, and Kyon, who is forced to keep her entertained. A blend of sci-fi, comedy, and mystery with an innovative non-chronological narrative structure. The dance "Hare Hare Yukai" that became a global phenomenon is an example of how early 2000s anime evokes pop culture nostalgia that transcends the anime community. The unique concept of a god unaware of her powers, interesting characters, and the controversial "Endless Eight" episodes make it an unforgettable series.

ELFEN LIED (2004) A dark tale about Lucy, a Diclonius (a human mutant with telekinetic abilities) who escapes from a research facility where she was developed as a weapon. A story about discrimination, childhood trauma, and humanity with explicit violent scenes and emotional moments. The haunting opening "Lilium" and a story that combines extreme violence with tender moments are reasons why early 2000s anime creates complex nostalgia. A bold approach to adult themes, psychologically wounded characters, and an ambiguous ending keep Elfen Lied a topic of discussion to this day.

AZUMANGA DAIOH (2002) A slice-of-life comedy about the daily lives of a group of high school girls and their eccentric teachers. Without a complex main plot, the series relies on character interactions and absurd humor to create a heartwarming experience. This nostalgic anime from the 2000s reminds us of the simplicity of Azumanga Daioh, which perfectly captures the essence of school life. Distinctive characters like the daydreaming Osaka, the quiet yet cute-loving Sakaki, and the hyperactive Tomo create an engaging group dynamic.

FRUITS BASKET (2001-2002) The story of Tohru Honda, who lives with the Sohma family cursed to transform into Chinese zodiac animals when hugged by the opposite sex. A family drama with a supernatural touch that explores trauma, healing, and the power of kindness in the face of darkness. With themes of acceptance and healing, Fruits Basket is a nostalgic anime from the 2000s that touches emotionally. Tohru's journey to help the Sohma family confront their trauma while dealing with her own sadness creates a profound and meaningful story that remains relevant today.

EUREKA SEVEN (2005-2006) The adventure of Renton Thurston, a teenager who joins the rebel group Gekkostate and falls in love with a mysterious pilot named Eureka. A combination of mecha action, romance, coming-of-age, and environmental messages packaged in stunning visuals. The development of Renton and Eureka's relationship slowly evokes nostalgia for the classic anime of the 2000s, especially for fans of sci-fi romance. The complex worldbuilding, philosophical themes about coexistence, and a captivating soundtrack by FLOW make Eureka Seven a often-overlooked masterpiece.

MONSTER (2004-2005) A psychological thriller about Dr. Kenzo Tenma who saves a child named Johan, only to discover that he has freed a serial killer. Tenma's pursuit of Johan takes the audience through a dark exploration of evil and humanity. This nostalgic classic anime from the 2000s features a mature narrative like Monster, which sets it apart from most anime. Its slow yet captivating pace, psychologically complex characters, and difficult moral questions make this series by Naoki Urasawa regarded as one of the greatest anime of all time.

GTO (GREAT TEACHER ONIZUKA) (1999-2000) This anime tells the story of Eikichi Onizuka, a former gangster who becomes a teacher to gain respect and attract the attention of young girls, but ultimately becomes a caring and inspirational educator. A combination of comedy, drama, and life lessons packaged in an entertaining story. Onizuka's rough yet golden-hearted character and his unconventional teaching methods make this nostalgic anime from the 2000s full of inspiration. His ability to tackle troubled students' problems with a unique approach creates a story that is not only entertaining but also teaches important values about education and life. That’s the list of nostalgic anime from the 2000s that you can rewatch to reminisce about the past. There are still many anime recommendations that you can discover by reading articles on kapanlagi.com. Because, if not now, when?