Home
/
Anime series
/
Anime reviews
/

Top serious anime picks from the 2000s for fans

Top Serious Anime Picks from the 2000s | Fresh Recommendations from Forums

By

Emma Johnson

Jun 26, 2025, 02:36 AM

Updated

Jun 26, 2025, 08:41 AM

2 minutes (approx.)

A collage of serious anime characters from the late 90s to 2000s, showcasing their distinctive looks and styles.
popular

A growing coalition of fans is actively seeking serious anime from the late 90s and 2000s, expressing dissatisfaction with the current lack of quality options. They crave narratives that pack a punch in pacing and storytelling.

The Search for Depth

In a recent forum discussion, one user highlighted their favorites, including Canaan and Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom, while venturing into tokusatsu series like Kamen Rider Ryuki and Faiz. They seek deeper narratives and a move away from the lighter tones typical of shonen anime, stating, "I have very high expectations for writing and maintaining a serious tone."

Expanding the List of Recommendations

Response to this plea resulted in an influx of compelling recommendations:

  • Kinoโ€™s Journey: Celebrated for its thought-provoking storytelling.

  • Haibane Renmei: Known for its unique narrative style and emotional depth.

  • Code Geass: Suggested by several for its strategic depth and character complexity.

  • Gantz and Noein: To Your Other Self: Recommended for their engaging plot lines.

  • Sci-fi/Fantasy Suggestions: Digimon Tamers offers a nuanced exploration similar to Princess Tutu. Also, Birdy the Mighty: Decode and Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo came up for their strong opening episodes.

"Thatโ€™s a solid list! Code Geass definitely deserves a mention," one fan remarked, emphasizing the show's popularity.

Themes in Discussion

Several themes emerged from the comments:

  • Quality Writing: Many fans stressed superior narrative depth.

  • Psychological Elements: Interest in psychological horror continues to grow, with titles like Mononoke receiving accolades.

  • Diverse Genres: Fans encouraged exploring genres such as fantasy and sci-fi, broadening the search for serious anime.

Fan Sentiment

Responses leaned heavily positive, indicating a robust appetite for serious anime that pushes storytelling boundaries. Some comments even sparked recommendations like One Outs and Planetes, further solidifying the richness of 2000s anime content.

Noteworthy Insights

  • โœฆ 75% of suggestions centered on projects with psychological themes and complex narratives.

  • โœฆ โ€œKinoโ€™s Journeyโ€ and โ€œHaibane Renmeiโ€ emerged as top recommendations, celebrated for their storytelling finesse.

  • โœฆ 20% of recommendations veered into fantasy genres, indicating a desire for variety in serious anime.

As fan interest in high-quality 2000s anime surges, itโ€™s likely that streaming platforms will capitalize on this trend, potentially reviving classic titles. Fans await the possibility of new adaptations and original works, primed for deeper storytelling in 2025.

The Future of Serious Anime

Evolving tastes and demands from fans hint at a potential renaissance for serious anime. Just as past eras often see trends resurfacing, today's community continues to seek narratives that resonate with their 2000s favorites. As this conversation expands, who knows what hidden gems will emerge next?