The 2000s saw the release of many iconic anime series. Animation has steadily developed and animations have become more and more popular. Iconic shows like Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Code Geass set the stage for many popular shows that came later. The same success was found in animated films of the time.
Animated films released in the 2000s have become some of the most praised and beloved works in animation. This includes Ghibli classics that have stood the test of time and remain some of the best animated films of all time. It also includes lesser-known titles that animators have deemed animation masterpieces. Let's take a look at the best movies of each year of the 2000s!
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10
Noh Jin: Wolf Brigade (2000)
Nojin: 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 roams freely. As civil war wreaks havoc on the lives of thousands of people, an elite unit aims to bring the situation under control. After failing during the mission, Fuse is sent back to the training facility, where a series of plots and conspiracies are revealed. Today, Nojin is one of many great animated films lost to time. This film is a touching, heartbreaking yet realistic story about human nature. It has beautiful animation that was ahead of its time and effectively depicts the darkness behind politics.
9
Spirited Away (2001)
Considered one of the greatest animated films of all time, Spirited Away is a must-see for any animation fan. It traces Chihiro's journey as she prepares to move to a new place with her parents. Along the way, they discover a mysterious amusement park that informs Chihiro, but not her parents. Unaware of her whereabouts and watching her parents suffer tragedy, she leads a great adventure into the spiritual world. Spirited Away is one of only two animated films to win an Oscar. It is a hand-drawn masterpiece that captivates the hearts of viewers with its interesting setting, simple yet relatable emotions, and wonderful protagonist searching for his own identity.
8
The Cat is Back (2002)
Although not one of the more popular Ghibli films, The Cat Returns still stands above other 2002 releases. Its theme is very similar to other Ghibli classics, where the main characters live a normal yet ordinary life, but a sudden encounter leads them to a magical land. Haru, a simple girl who saves a talking cat from an accident, is invited to the cat kingdom as a token of gratitude. She leaves her ordinary life behind and sets off on a journey to an unknown land. But leaving the human world behind can also mean leaving humanity behind. It becomes a cheerful film about finding your own identity.
7
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
If I were to describe Tokyo Godfathers in one word, it would be heartwarming. It is a Christmas movie that tells the story of three homeless people who suddenly discover an abandoned baby. At first, she accepts the baby as a gift from God, but soon realizes the consequences and decides to find the baby's mother. It is led by three characters who are completely different from each other but are in perfect harmony. While each of them deals with their own personal issues, they don't lose sight of what's going on. Their bond makes the movie fun, hopeful, and full of optimism.
6
Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Howl's Moving Castle is another Ghibli classic that has received love and praise over the years. Sophie is a young woman who lives a simple and quiet life, making hats. The famous magician Howl and his spectacular moving castle capture everyone's attention. Even Sophie. Her life, which she watched from afar, changes drastically when Howl saves her from a pickle. Unfortunately, she is cursed by a witch and turns into an old woman. Desperate to return to her normal life, she goes on a trip and finds Howl's castle. The movie blends self-acceptance, love, and magic into a wonderful story. The film also contains a strong message against war, which is evident in Howl's humiliated condition and the constant danger that surrounds him.
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2005 was not a good year for animated films. There was a lack of major releases. The Fullmetal Alchemist and Naruto movies were the only ones that had some influence. Of the two, Fullmetal Alchemist Conqueror of Shambhala is considered the better. For many fans, the ending of the 2003 anime was unsatisfying and disappointing. The release of Conqueror of Shamballa solved this problem for many fans, as it served as a fitting ending to the iconic animated series. Today it is considered a must-see conclusion to Edward and Alphonse's journey.
4
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
Makoto lives an awkward life, unsure of his future. The overwhelming thought of having to decide her future makes her want to stop time and continue enjoying school life with her precious friends. One day, her ordinary life seems to come to an abrupt end when she encounters a tragic accident. But instead of dying, she goes back in time. She begins to use these powers to come in handy for the most mundane tasks, but doesn't realize that the consequences of her actions are slowly piling up. Hidden behind comedy and leisure <시간을 달리는 소녀>shocks viewers with more intense themes and emotions. Makoto helps convey the importance of making decisions and the fleetingness of time. Her relationships with her friends also demonstrate the need for innocence and school friendships. It is a touching story that continues to resonate and be honest.
3
5 centimeters per second (2007)
5 Centimeters per Second tells three different stories about Takaki Tuno's life. At a young age, he forms a bond with a girl named Akari. His hopes of being with her forever are put to rest when she moves to another town. They continue to connect through letters, but before he realizes it, distance quietly pulls them apart.
The film is a tragic and heartbreaking story about love, distance and time. The plot revolves around three extremely realistic characters, heightening the painful yet honest emotions presented by the film. Like other Makoto Shinkai films, it is highly regarded for its artistic style and visual beauty.
2
Ponyo (2008)
The red-haired goldfish princess suddenly sneaks out of the house and meets a young boy named Sousuke. This young boy saves her life and names her Ponyo. Ponyo takes an immediate liking to Sōsuke and wants to continue living with him as a human. She uses magic to create human-like appearances, but magic also causes an imbalance in nature. As danger approaches, all eyes turn to Ponyo to save the world. Ponyo is a magical story that mainly aims to entertain children with its whimsical tales. But themes such as the balance between humans and nature, and the decision to become more than what one was born to be, make it an enjoyable watch even for older audiences.
1
Summer Wars (2009)
Summer Wars is a story about a world where the virtual world and the real world are deeply connected. Everyday jobs and tasks take place in a virtual world called OZ. Kenji is an ordinary high school student who is wondering how to spend the upcoming summer vacation. Suddenly, I am invited by my senior, Natsuki, to accompany her to her village. But there is a fundamental task that Kenji is not aware of. A shocking truth is revealed to Kenji, and a tragic event occurs that will change his life forever.
Action scenes, innocent romance, heartbreak, and redemption—Summer Wars has it all. It's a great film that works with a lot of different concepts, but is also fairly simple. There are a lot of characters, but instead of making them stand out individually, the movie presents them as one big character. But most importantly, the strong emphasis on family bonds is what makes this film so beloved and memorable.
These movies helped shape the decade of the 2000s. From award-winning classics to animated classics, these films are beloved to this day and have inspired many animated series and films that followed. Are there any other animated films from this era that you like?
