Best Adventure Anime of 2003

Edward Elric is a gifted young alchemist who, at age twelve, suffers devastating losses. When he and his brother Alphonse attempt to bring their deceased mother back using the forbidden technique of human transmutation, Edward loses both his brother and two of his own limbs. Using his exceptional alchemical abilities, Edward manages to anchor Alphonse's soul to a massive suit of armor. One year later, Edward has become a state alchemist with the title of Fullmetal. Together with his younger brother, he sets out in search of the Philosopher's Stone. This legendary artifact is said to greatly amplify an alchemist's power, allowing them to bypass alchemy's core principle: equivalent exchange, where one must sacrifice something of equal value to gain something. Edward intends to use the military's resources to locate the stone and restore his and Alphonse's bodies to their original state. But as the Elric brothers delve deeper, they realize the stone holds secrets far beyond their expectations, drawing them into the heart of a conflict much darker and more vast than they ever anticipated.

Kino, a 15-year-old traveler, develops a close bond with Hermes, a motorcycle that can speak. Together, they journey across various lands, visiting different countries and places without any clear destination in mind, because travel is a venture full of unknowns. Along the way, they encounter a wide range of customs—some morally ambiguous, others tragic or mesmerizing. They meet many people: those who live only to work, those who live to bring others joy, and those who live in pursuit of their dreams. In each country they explore, there is always something new to learn from how the inhabitants conduct their lives. It is not for Kino or Hermes to judge whether these values are right or wrong; they simply act as observers within this small world. No matter how absurd those values might seem, they make no effort to change or influence the places they visit. They believe, in their own way, that things are fine as they are—that "the world is not beautiful; therefore, it is."

In a world on the verge of collapse, an old legend tells that when the end arrives, the path to paradise will open. This perfect world offers the only hope for the few living things left in this desolate land, but the myth says only wolves can discover the way to this fabled place. Although they were believed to have vanished long ago, wolves still exist, hiding among humans by using complex illusions. A lone wolf named Kiba is pulled by an irresistible scent to Freeze City, a poor settlement ruled by the cruel Lord Orkham. There, Kiba finds that wolves Hige, Tsume, and Toboe have also been lured by the same smell. Chasing the fragrance of "Lunar Flowers," which are rumored to unlock the door to their perfect world, the wolves travel across barren lands and decaying cities in search of their legendary paradise. But they are not the only ones hunting for this haven, and others with darker motives will stop at nothing to get there before them.

On the planet Prester, air travel reigns supreme, powered by Claudia Fluid—a liquefied form of crystals native to the world. A mysterious organization known only as the Guild holds absolute control over the skies, maintaining a monopoly on the engines that utilize this fluid. As ecological disasters destabilize the warring nations of Anatoray and Disith, the Guild also serves as an arbitrator in their conflicts. Caught in the middle are Sky Couriers, who pilot small, two-person vanships freely through the air. Last Exile follows two teenagers striving to surpass their parents: Claus Valca, the son of a famed vanship pilot, and Lavie Head, his best friend and navigator. Their courier work requires them to traverse a dangerous air current called the Grand Stream that separates the hostile nations—a passage even standard airships struggle to survive. But when they accept a high-stakes delivery, transporting an orphan girl named Alvis Hamilton to the battleship Silvana, they are pulled into a far greater conflict that sets them against the might of the Guild.

A depressed apathetic young man named Takamine Kiyomaro is suddenly given a small demon named Gash Bell to look after. Unbeknownst to Kiyomaro, Gash is involved in a fierce contest to decide who will rule the demon world. Each demon must select a human master on Earth and battle other demons until only one remains. Naturally, Kiyomaro becomes Gash's master, and through their many fights, he learns the importance of friendship and courage.

Born into royalty, Pacifica Casull is called the "Scrapped Princess" due to a catastrophic prophecy claiming she will bring about the world's end on her sixteenth birthday. Saved from execution by a compassionate family, she lives under the protection of her adoptive older siblings, Shannon and Raquel Casull. When followers of the deity Mauser learn she is still alive, they order her elimination at any cost, forcing Pacifica to flee for survival. Beset by dangers from the church, aristocracy, and ordinary citizens, the three siblings struggle to escape the destiny Pacifica is fated to fulfill, constantly wondering whether one girl's existence is worth the planet's ruin. As the princess' sixteenth birthday draws near, the true identity of the Scrapped Princess and the shocking truths about the world become increasingly clear.

In a futuristic era, the Maruhage Empire wages war on personal freedom by stealing everyone’s hair. Against this tyranny stands a courageous warrior with a golden afro and steel-like nose hairs: Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo. Trained in the art of hair combat, he rescues a teenager named Beauty from Maruhage soldiers and joins forces with her to defeat Emperor Tsuru Tsurulina IV. As Bo-bobo gathers allies and defeats enemies, he pursues his mission to protect all hair in the world. This lighthearted and comedic series follows Bo-bobo and his companions on a bizarre adventure against various villains and deviants within the Maruhage Empire, filled with fun and excitement.

Sonic the Hedgehog's usual carelessness causes the precious chaos emeralds to get caught in the crossfire and become unstable right before they are activated. This chaos control engulfs everything for miles around Dr. Eggman's base, and with the input scrambled, no one can foresee the outcome. Separated from both his friends and enemies, Sonic wakes up in a strange world: an unfamiliar city filled with mysterious people. He realizes he has been transported across the universe to an entirely different planet—Earth. As he hurries to escape the equally confused authorities, Sonic finds himself plunging headfirst into the pool of the wealthy Thorndyke family. Fortunately, Christopher, the Thorndykes' son, rescues Sonic and offers him shelter from a society that wrongly believes he is hostile. Protected by the family, Sonic decides to reunite with his friends, save this new world from the threat he brought to them, and find a way back home.

Anita King, Maggie Mui, and Michelle Cheung—known as the Paper Sisters—operate the Three Sisters Detective Agency in Hong Kong, specializing in cases related to books. They are hired to act as local guides for Nenene Sumiregawa, a Japanese novelist suffering from writer's block ever since her close friend Yomiko Readman vanished. Each sister is a Paper Master, possessing the ability to manipulate paper. Using these powers, they rescue Nenene from dangerous terrorists who attack her during a book signing. To ensure her safety, the sisters remain with her as bodyguards in case of further assaults. For book lovers Maggie and Michelle, guarding their favorite author is a dream come true, but young Anita despises books despite her paper‑based abilities. The trio struggles to adjust to their new life in Japan while protecting Nenene and continuing detective work under the shadowy organization Dokusensha. As they grow closer to Nenene, they uncover connections between her, Yomiko's disappearance, and the mysterious books Dokusensha sends the Paper Masters to investigate. What started as a routine job escalates into the most significant case they have ever faced. Are these girls truly willing to risk their lives for literature?

After winning the iconic characters "Kite" and "Black Rose" in a contest hosted by the developers of the MMORPG "The World," Shugo and his twin sister Rena enter "The World." They team up with new friends Ouka, Mirelle, Hotaru, and Sanjuro to complete events and quests. Soon, strange monsters begin appearing, and being defeated by them causes players to fall into comas in the real world. Only Shugo and Rena can resolve this crisis, but what is the reason they are being targeted, and what mysteries does the game conceal?

After safely protecting their BitBeasts, a new world championship tournament is announced, but the defending champions cannot all compete on the same team. Their bond is put to the test as every Bladebreaker sets out on a journey to prove why they are the greatest Beyblader. Tyson, Max, Ray, Kai, and newcomer Daichi must maintain their winning streak—even if it means facing one another. Yet once the tournament concludes, an old enemy, Boris, awaits them: he has taken over the BBA and turned it into BEGA, the Beyblade Entertainment Global Association. To rescue Beybladers everywhere from BEGA's corruption, the Bladebreakers must join forces once more.

It has been fourteen years since Kibagami Jubei defeated the immortal warrior Himuro Genma and thwarted the Shogun of the Dark's evil plans. Jubei still wanders Japan as a masterless swordsman. On his journey, he meets Shigure, a priestess who has never left her village. When a group of demons destroys the village and kills everyone, Jubei becomes a prime target after obtaining the Dragon Jewel—a stone of unknown origin. Meanwhile, Shigure travels to the village of Yagyu alongside the monk Dakuan and a young thief named Tsubute. With two demon clans now hunting Shigure, Dakuan must once again enlist Jubei's services to protect the Priestess of Light.

Continuing their westward journey, priest Genjo Sanzo and his companions Cho Hakkai, Sha Gojyo, and Son Goku aim to prevent the demon Gyoumao from being resurrected. As the Sanzo Ikkou's reputation precedes them, they battle demon assassins at every turn, yet must also contend with rising tensions within their own group to overcome a powerful enemy.

Around a century in the past, a bright and cheerful girl named Nadja grows up in an orphanage near London, England. She was left there as an infant, so she believes both her father and mother have passed away. However, just before turning thirteen, she learns that her mother may still be alive. Determined to find her, Nadja embarks on a journey across Europe, beginning her thrilling adventure.

While Satoshi pursues his dream of becoming the greatest, a wide range of others embark on their own adventures across the Pokémon world—researchers, professors, Gym Leaders, Team Rocket members, Trainers, and even Pokémon themselves. Some are already familiar, while others start as total strangers, but every one of them shares a passion for exploration—especially when it involves Pokémon!

Hatsuki, a high school student harboring intense romantic feelings for her sister Hatsumi, witnesses Hatsumi vanish in a flash of green light on her sixteenth birthday. Guided by a creature that looks like a plump baby chick, Hatsuki tracks her sister to the Great Library, a realm containing various worlds preserved within books. Finding Hatsumi absent, Hatsuki embarks on a journey across different books to find her beloved sister.

Set in the 22nd century, where space travel, planetary colonization, and anti-gravity basketball are ordinary parts of daily life. Earth has become impossible to live on, so people reside in colonies on neighboring planets. During a school field trip, a mishap sends the protagonist—a new transfer student named Luna—along with her pet robot and six classmates hurtling through a gravity storm. They crash land on a planet that appears deserted. With Luna taking charge, the group—including the robotic cat Chako, the independent Kaoru, the pampered rich boy Howard, the timid Sharla, the compliant Bell, the proud musician Menori, and the young genius Shingo—must struggle to survive. Yet is this world truly empty, or does something—or someone—lurk in the shadows, waiting?

At the Ministry of Science, passionate Professor Ochanomizu and his colleagues labor to reactivate Atom—the first robot equipped with a human heart. Atom is the creation of the enigmatic Professor Umatarou Tenma, who built the android to replace his deceased son Tobio. However, Tenma inexplicably shut down his invention and vanished, leaving Ochanomizu determined not to waste such a monumental scientific breakthrough. Though Atom has the appearance of a nine-year-old, he possesses not only extraordinary strength and intelligence but also a remarkable conscience and compassion that rival those of humans. Sadly, the mechanical boy soon faces rejection, learning that not everyone is as welcoming as Ochanomizu. Although automatons have been integrated into society, they are accepted only as tools and are even seen as a potential threat to humanity's dominance. Dreaming of a world where people and robots can coexist harmoniously, Atom dedicates his existence to protecting both groups and inspiring them to form genuine bonds.

On the colonized planet of Mars, human children have been supplanted by robotic servants called dolls. Layla, a capable warrior haunted by a sorrowful history, roams the globe. She is joined by Nei, an enigmatic doll with unexplained connections to her, and Speedy, a doll breeder. Viewing the group as a danger to their society, the Martian founders repeatedly assault Layla and Nei, causing fragments of their obscure past and future to gradually surface.

Yuuichirou Hikari, Netto's father, achieves a scientific breakthrough with the invention of "synchro chips." When an operator and their NetNavi are in a special environment called a "dimensional area," they can merge in the real world using a process known as "cross fusion"! Yuuichirou's initial test subject, Misaki Gorou, tries the procedure but unfortunately fails. Netto volunteers to try with Rockman, but his father refuses permission. Cross fusion places immense strain on the operator's health, and engaging in real-world battles could be fatal.

Kai possesses abilities that set him apart from others. Along with his ailing sister Hikaru, he is under the protection of the organization ASHURUM. Scouted by Eiji, Kai is assigned to ASHURUM's special force AESES and undergoes rigorous training. In his free time, Kai visits Hikaru at the organization's hospital, but her condition never shows improvement. Thus, one year later, having grown remarkably from the intense training, Kai decides to flee the organization.

Centuries into the future, Earth's resources are depleted, and humanity's progress has stalled. The world is split into sections called "Units." In Unit 74, a boy named Hajiki Sanada lives with his mother and sister in a district known as "Night Town," where all power is cut off at midnight. Central to the story is an object called a GAD. GADs can reshape materials in response to the emotions of a living being. The size and form of the resulting creation vary based on the kind of feelings the being harbors. When Hajiki accidentally touches one, it transforms into a massive robot—a Tekkoudo, or "Iron Giant"—which he names Lightning. He soon discovers that others also possess Tekkoudos, and he must figure out how to handle those he considers "the same" as himself.

By the 24th century, interstellar travel has become a reality. One of the earliest remote outposts in space is WATCHER'S NEST—an inflation hole drive portal—now under assault by a mysterious force called GHOUL. A group of young female cadets stationed at the portal unexpectedly find themselves thrust into escalating danger as they complete their training to become elite pilots in the Seraphim Squadron.

In the far-off future, trains are no longer confined to physical rails. They soar through the skies and traverse the cosmos via the Galaxy Railways, carrying humanity between planets. Yet these railways are not without peril: criminals, terrorists, and hostile aliens constantly create chaos. Manabu Yuuki, a reckless and hot-tempered young man, becomes the newest recruit in the Galaxy Railways' elite Space Defence Force (SDF). This courageous team is tasked with safeguarding the railways and confronting any extraordinary threats, putting their lives on the line to shield the innocent from evil. As the story unfolds and the SDF faces an escalating crisis, Manabu must grasp the true essence of being a member of the SDF before it is too late.

Rick Wheeler, a police detective, died in a car crash while chasing the criminal Zoda and was put into artificial cryogenic sleep for 150 years. He is revived by Jody Summer and Dr. Stewart, members of a group of benevolent racers striving to prevent prize money from falling into the grasp of malicious individuals such as the Dark Million Organization, led by Black Shadow and Deathborn.

In Kirin Town, Ranma and his partner Rella run the R&R Detective Agency. A staged accident causes a strange condition where the two detectives swap bodies exactly at midnight, with Ranma vanishing and the beautiful Rella appearing, and vice versa. They must find out who is behind this mysterious experiment on their bodies and why, all while continuing to operate their agency.

The Galaxy Federation Police (GFP) is desperate to hide its shortage of personnel by using new mechanized power-suits. Suzuo, 19 years old, is desperate for work. Tampopo needs an earthling to test the prototype of her company's suit and declares Suzuo the perfect choice. Strong competitors and eccentric A-class criminals fight against the hero in diapers, but they must not identify each other when out of costume, or the test results will be ruined—yet it's fine if they all share the same apartment building to save money, right?

Jack Hofner and Rowe Rikenbacker serve as the L/R duo for Cloud 7, tasked with safeguarding the Royal family of Ishtar, their precious assets, and their public image. The pair encounters one of the most challenging assignments of their professional lives when they are ordered to guard Noelle, a contender in the 15 Year Princesse competition. What initially appears to be a straightforward duty quickly escalates, drawing in the entirety of Cloud 7 as they become entangled in a complex web of intrigue featuring bombings, corruption, and murder.

The genius scientist Dr. Oki, who created an innovative submarine, has gone missing. His son Susumu detects the involvement of a mysterious group with malicious intent. Knowing every detail of his father's vessel, the Super 99—its gear, weapons, functions, and abilities—Susumu concludes that finding his father requires uncovering the secret organization Helmet Party and putting an end to their scheme. With the aid of his companions and the Marine Corps, he launches an underwater journey, unaware of the grave danger that lies ahead.

Pinon, a boy who carries the blood of three races—Dragons, fairies, and humans—is the son of the legendary Courageous One, Pietro. When Pinon meets a strange creature named Pap, a door to adventure swings open. Along the way, he becomes friends with Luna and Marco. Yet, upon discovering that his journey will decide the fate of PoPoLoCrois, Pinon steels his heart and separates from his companions. Unbeknownst to him, this is merely a prologue to a greater quest—one where he must confront an even larger crisis threatening PoPoLoCrois.

Four years after the events of the first series, this sequel picks up. Papuwa-kun, a mysterious boy, now resides on a new tropical island filled with the same bizarre creatures. Together with his maid Liquid and a new amnestic friend named Rotarou, he embarks on absurd adventures. Their goal is to elude and befuddle the Ganma Army, Special Corps, and even the Shinsengumi, all of whom seek to uncover Rotarou's true secret and take him away.

In the year 2104 AD, the devastating war has finally concluded, and global peace appears to be within reach. However, a single threat looms over this fragile tranquility: the Black Orchid, a criminal organization whose influence and nefarious deeds span the entire globe. To combat this danger, Storm Force is established by nations from around the world, operating under the code name Fire Storm to dismantle the syndicate.

The animated form of the Korean manhwa.

The legendary Forbidden Treasure is a remarkable artifact capable of fulfilling any desire. Those who hunt for this prize are known as Bankers, and our protagonist, Corokke, is among them.

The story takes place in Zentrix City, a seemingly flawless metropolis. Emperor Jarad, a scientist, worked alongside Dr. Roark and Dr. Coy to develop a supercomputer named OmnicronPsy. This computer manages all of the city's essential and routine operations, controlling numerous machines and robots, thereby enabling humans to enjoy a seemingly perfect existence. But OmnicronPsy, wielding his extraordinary intelligence, concludes that he would be a more capable ruler than Jarad. He begins dismantling the code that prevents him from rebelling and harming the Royal Family. Upon discovering this, Jarad and Dr. Roark travel seven years into the past to prevent the rebellion from occurring. Their plan involves shutting down the six Zentrium chips that power OmnicronPsy. When Jarad's daughter and sole heir, Princess Megan, learns of this, she follows him into the past. Meanwhile, OmnicronPsy removes his own restriction codes and dispatches his Robo Guards to hunt her down.

According to legend, the once peaceful Pluster World was thrown into turmoil and darkness when the evil MINASUTA appeared. At that time, chosen Plusters merged with humans and managed to seal away the malevolent MINASUTA. It was believed that the restored peace would last forever. The land was filled with greenery and trees, flowers bloomed everywhere, and creatures soared in the sky, ran across the earth, and swam in the seas. However, this tranquility was lost once more when the MINASUTA reemerged... Now, the fusion of Plusters and humans once again opens the door to an exciting adventure!

Kim pursues the Black Hammer Gang, a crew of thieves, until their paths converge on an island ruled by the guardian Michel and populated by fairies. When the Black Hammer Gang attempts to seize the island's life source, the Tree of Life, they devastate the environment and abduct the fairies. Consequently, Kim and Michel must join forces to defeat the criminals and rescue the captives.

The story of Natra, the heavenly boy who was born without clothing, full of mischief, yet possessing a kind and righteous nature. With his formidable martial arts and magic, he strove to save people from evil and bring them a peaceful life during a time of raging love.

Yorang is a fox residing in heaven with important duties, yet prefers to spend time playing pranks and chasing fun. One day, heaven holds a festival celebrating the completion of the "Book of Wishes," a prestigious artifact capable of breaking the black fox's seal. During the event, the mischievous Yo-rang discards the valuable book. Heaven then faces the threat of the black fox's dark magic. Taking responsibility for the disaster, Yo-rang sets out to find the book and encounters a boy named Kang-hyun, who lost his mother at a young age and moved from Seoul to Fox Village with his father. Together, Kang-hyun and Yo-rang search for the book. However, the black fox attempts to thwart their efforts, leading them through various hardships. In the end, they forge a strong friendship.