Summary
The 2000s were an era of hope and newfound energy worldwide. The new millennium was a shining beacon of unexplored possibilities. Technology boomed, bringing another wave of wealth to Japan’s formerly sluggish economy, and anime reflected that prosperity and optimism. Later, during the global financial crisis, the cultural zeitgeist shifted. Optimism faded; narratives grew darker.
Nonetheless, the zeal and artistry of anime’s creative masterminds never lost steam. The medium’s booming popularity powered its meteoric rise to global prominence. Viewers craved more, and studios happily obliged. For many fans, the 2000s may be best known for its television classics, but the new millennium also birthed many classic anime films.
9Steamboy
It may not be the most widely-recognized anime film of the 2000s, but Katsuhiro Otomo’sSteamboypacks all the meaty, visually stunning punches of its predecessor, Akira. The steampunk film hit theaters in 2004; its international dubs were unveiled in 2005. Both critics and audiences lauded the film’s artistic prowess, drawing attention to its lush world and detailed character designs.
Unfortunately, Steamboy had lackluster marketing and limited releases abroad. Despite its domestic success, Katsuhiro Otomo’s twenty-first-century theatrical debut was a commercial failure — at least on paper. Its highly praised animation came with an astronomical $26 million budget, yet it earned only $18.9 million at the box office.
8Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade
Originally pitched as a six-episode miniseries,Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigadestraddles the millennial line. Officially, it hit theaters in 2000. However, it also premiered at multiple 1999 European film festivals, including the November Cannes Film Festival. Regardless of where the film falls on a timeline, its heavy tone and nail-biting plot easily earn it a place in anime film history.
Upon its release, Jin-Roh was praised for its storytelling and subtext. Contemporary animators adored its visionary style and stunning scenery. At the same time, critics lauded its plot, noting its balance of political commentary and widespread accessibility. Parallels were also drawn toGhost in the Shell, another film written by Mamoru Oshii.
7Rebuild Of Evangelion (1.0 and 2.0)
Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Aloneis the first of the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy. Together, the four films reimagineNeon Genesis Evangelion’s controversial anime ending. The second installation,Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance, was released in 2009 (although its global release was in 2011). The two final parts of the tetralogy were released globally in 2016 and 2021.
Despite the long-reaching release schedule, Rebuild of Evangelion’s late-2000s roots shine throughout the series. It builds upon its predecessor, adding new faces to the main lineup and breathing some much-needed depth into the established cast. At the same time, the four-part series retains the original anime’s dynamic action and philosophical nihilism.
6Ponyo
Studio Ghibli’s last release of the 2000s may not appeal to everyone, butPonyoholds a special place in many fans’ hearts. Hayao Miyazaki’s fanciful reimagining of The Little Mermaid eschews romance to create a wholesome, family-friendly adventure few can resist. Its ever-cheerful cast and vividly colored scenery form inviting backdrops for its child-friendly action, while its emotional depth keeps adults engaged.
Originally, Hayao Miyazaki wanted to make a sequel to Ponyo as his “final” film. However, he was ultimately convinced to create The Wind Rises instead, although the historical drama film would not be his last. After emerging (again) from retirement, Miyazaki then directed The Boy and the Heron, Studio Ghibli’s most recent theatrical release.
Thanks in part to Ghibli’s global success, Ponyo received a rare honor for anime films: a simultaneous domestic and international release date. Audiences everywhere met the adorable fish girl on July 13, 2025. Moreover, both its Japanese and English voice casts were star-studded affairs.
5Millennium Actress
First released in 2001,Millennium Actressis one of Satoshi Kon’s many hits. It differentiates itself from its many contemporaries by focusing on a grounded, emotionally charged plot. Whereas other 2000s anime films revolved around action and suspense, Millennium Actress emphasized the beauty of lived experiences.
That said, this isn’t a film for fans of fast-paced films. Millennium Actress is a leisurely, albeit sometimes fanciful, stroll through Japan’s recent history. It unfolds like a symphony, taking plenty of time to build each movement before moving to the next. In fact, in many ways, Millennium Actress is aperiod piecethat just so happens to be animated.
4Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
Few 1990s anime had the cultural power ofShinichiro Watanabe’s Cowboy Bebop, and the early 2000s was a perfect time to release the beloved series’ grand hurrah.Cowboy Bebop: The Movie(also known asCowboy Bebop: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door) debuted in the United States in 2002, although its Japanese premiere was in 2001.
The film encapsulates everything fans love about the futuristic gunslinging show. It cushions its stunning action scenes with heartfelt emotion, lovable characters, and a generous helping of existential ennui. Of course, it also features a toe-tapping jazz soundtrack by Yoko Kanno and The Seatbelts.
3Howl’s Moving Castle
WhileHowl’s Moving Castlelacked the commercial success of its predecessor, Spirited Away, Studio Ghibli’s 2004 fantasy epic has the same captivating allure. With Hayao Miyazaki at its helm, Howl’s Moving Castle was initially conceived as an anti-war piece — a direct condemnation of the United States’ military presence in Iraq.
Since its release, retrospective reviews and commentary have re-established the dramatic fantasy romp as one of Ghibli’s most dominant displays of its art and storytelling powers. Its unforgettable characters have found their way into the global zeitgeist, with cameos in countless films, games, and television series. For example, you’ll find turnip-headed scarecrows inStardew Valley!
2Paprika
Satoshi Kon’s final film,Paprika, is nothing short of spectacular. The film’s gorgeous visuals complement its surrealist dreamscape-faring plot. As a cherry on top, the entire film is backed by a synth-laden soundtrack composed by Susumu Hirasawa. Predictably, upon its release, Paprika was hailed by critics and audiences alike as a triumph of art and storytelling. Its dramatic flair and unforgettable are perfectly balanced.
Many critics and fans have drawn parallels between Christopher Nolan’s Inception and Paprika, although Nolan has never publicly acknowledged Paprika as an influence. Despite its many striking similarities, some critics suggest both films merely share common progenitors.
Paprika wears its pedigree on its sleeve. Its sweeping scenery and colorful cast blatantly reference Satoshi Kon’s muses. Its mind-melting dreamscapes often recall the slow-motion action ofThe Matrix, while its multi-layered plot recalls transhumanistic themes fromGhost in the Shell.
1Spirited Away
Few anime films have the same cultural weight as Hayao Miyazaki’sSpirited Away. The 2001 Academy Award-winning coming-of-age tale captivated a global audience with its uniquely Japanese take on adolescence, environmentalism, and liminality. It swept the stage at the Tokyo Anime Awards and earnedeven moreaccolades at the Annie Awards.
As one of only a handful of films to please audiences and critics alike, Spirited Away was the highest-grossing Japanese film for nineteen years. (Its record was officially broken byDemon Slayerin 2020.) More importantly, Miyazaki’s smash hit exposed Western audiences toStudio Ghibli’s artistry. Spirited Away is the starting point for many anime fans, and its timeless story cements the film’s legacy.
