Best Anime of the 2000s

In a world plagued by brutal murders, petty crimes, and senseless violence, the realm of the Shinigami exists as a monotonous gambling haven. Light Yagami, a brilliant 17-year-old Japanese student, and Ryuk, a bored Shinigami, both perceive flaws in their respective worlds. Seeking amusement, Ryuk drops his Death Note into the human world, where Light discovers it. Although Light initially dismisses the notebook's first rule—that any human whose name is written in it will die—as absurd, he cannot resist the temptation. He writes the name of a criminal, successfully causing that person's death. Awed by this immense power, Light adopts the alias Kira and launches a crusade to eradicate all criminals in the name of justice. His actions attract the attention of L, a meticulous and brilliant detective who begins the hunt for Kira. As Light's intellect rivals L's, the conflict evolves into a deadly battle of wits where the only possible outcome is the death of one of them.

In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the lives of Edward and Alphonse Elric are irrevocably altered when an alchemical attempt to resurrect their deceased mother backfires. By violating the taboo against human transmutation, the brothers pay a horrific price: Alphonse forfeits his entire physical form, while Edward sacrifices a limb to anchor his brother's soul to a suit of armor. Seeking refuge with their neighbor Pinako Rockbell and her granddaughter Winry, a talented mechanic who crafts automail—sophisticated robotic limbs—for Edward, the duo eventually embark on a perilous journey. Their goal is to restore their bodies through the legendary Philosopher's Stone, an artifact capable of bypassing the law of equivalent exchange. As Edward rises in prominence as a formidable alchemist and acquires the title "Fullmetal," their pursuit draws them into a sprawling conspiracy that threatens the very fate of their world.

Twelve years prior, a colossal demon fox ravaged the world. Amid the chaos, the Hokage, the Hidden Leaf Village's leader and most powerful ninja, sacrificed his life to seal the beast within a newborn, saving humanity but condemning the infant to a life of isolation. Now grown, Naruto Uzumaki is still scorned and bullied by the villagers, channeling his frustration into pranks and minor acts of vandalism. Yet he remains unwavering in his ambition to become Hokage and earn the recognition he desperately seeks. Placed on Team 7 alongside the gifted Sasuke Uchiha and the clever Sakura Haruno, Naruto embarks on perilous missions under the guidance of the enigmatic Kakashi Hatake. As the squad confronts numerous dangers and enemies, each member must overcome personal demons and hone their skills. While Naruto's fierce desire to surpass Sasuke and win Sakura's heart drives him forward, the shared grief and anguish binding them could ultimately tear the team apart.

Following two and a half years of intense training beyond the borders of Konohagakure, Naruto Uzumaki returns with a renewed resolve to achieve greater power. Meanwhile, the Akatsuki, a perilous group of elite rogue ninjas, advances its own plots, threatening the entire shinobi world. Though Naruto has matured and confronts fresh dangers, his spirited and youthful essence persists, now bolstered by heightened confidence and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding his friends and home. Regardless of the obstacles, he battles fiercely for what is most important, even at the cost of his life, as his path toward becoming Hokage continues.

On August 10, 2010, the Holy Empire of Britannia initiated a campaign to conquer Japan. Thanks to their deployment of Knightmare Frames, new mobile humanoid armored vehicles, the operation concluded within a single month. Stripped of its sovereignty and identity, the nation was renamed Area 11. Its inhabitants, now labeled Elevens, struggle for survival while Britannian aristocrats enjoy comfort within their enclaves. In response, various resistance factions have emerged across Area 11 to fight for independence. Lelouch, an exiled Britannian prince living under the guise of a student, finds himself drawn into the turmoil on the island nation. Following a chance meeting with a mysterious girl named C.C., he acquires the Geass, the power of the king. This ability grants him the power to command absolute obedience from anyone, allowing Lelouch to finally execute his plan to destroy Britannia from within.

In Toradora!, Ryuuji Takasu is a high school student known for his kind nature and domestic skills, yet his threatening appearance frequently causes others to misidentify him as a delinquent. In contrast, Taiga Aisaka is a petite, doll-like girl whose aggressive demeanor and use of a wooden katana have secured her the moniker "Palmtop Tiger." Following several awkward run-ins, Ryuuji discovers that Taiga harbors feelings for Yusaku Kitamura, the popular student council vice president and his own close friend. Matters become even more tangled when Ryuuji confesses his attraction to Minori Kushieda, who happens to be Taiga's best friend. The narrative tracks these two improbable allies as they form an agreement to assist one another in winning over their respective crushes, weaving a story brimming with romance and comedy.

Ichigo Kurosaki's mundane high school life is abruptly upended when a Hollow, a soul-devouring spirit, launches an attack on his family. Amidst the chaos, he meets Rukia Kuchiki, a Shinigami who sustains injuries while defending Ichigo's kin. Driven by a desire to protect his loved ones, Ichigo accepts Rukia's powers and transforms into a Shinigami himself. With Rukia incapacitated, Ichigo assumes the perilous duty of purging the Hollows that plague their town. He is soon aided by his friends and classmates—Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, and Uryuu Ishida—who each contribute their own distinct abilities to the fight. As Ichigo and his allies navigate their new roles, striving to balance combat with daily existence, he learns that Hollows represent merely the initial wave of dangers threatening the human world.

During their move to a new home, ten-year-old Chihiro Ogino and her parents stumble upon what appears to be an abandoned amusement park. Initially reluctant and displaying a bratty attitude, Chihiro soon discovers that as twilight descends, they have actually entered the spirit realm, a place teeming with ghostly beings and supernatural occurrences. After her parents devour food intended for spirits, they are transformed into pigs. Now stranded in this strange world, Chihiro must find the courage to navigate and survive among the spirits, aided by the enigmatic Haku and various other characters she encounters. In "Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi," Chihiro undertakes a remarkable journey through this surreal landscape as she strives to rescue her parents and make her way back home.

One year after the failed Black Rebellion against the Holy Britannian Empire and the mysterious disappearance of Zero, the Black Knights in Area 11 struggle to survive without their charismatic leader. Deprived of their former strength, the resistance can no longer effectively oppose the brutal policies Britannia enforces on the Elevens to crush any lingering defiance. Meanwhile, Lelouch Lamperouge, having lost all memory of his past identity, lives a quiet life as a student at Ashford Academy, enjoying time with his friends. However, his former ally C.C., refusing to give up on their shared goal, works to restore Lelouch's memories, hoping that the strategic genius known as Zero will return to complete their unfinished revolution.

In the magical kingdom of Fiore, Lucy Heartfilia harbors a dream of joining the renowned wizard guild Fairy Tail. Her aspiration is realized upon meeting Natsu Dragneel, the fire mage known as "Salamander," who invites her to become a member. Within the guild, friction often erupts between Natsu and the ice mage Gray Fullbuster, even as the formidable Erza Scarlet maintains a commanding presence. Despite frequently causing chaos, these skilled mages and their eccentric comrades are united by a bond of absolute trust that surpasses family ties. As Lucy integrates with Natsu, Gray, Erza, and the rest of the guild, she finds herself repeatedly entangled in perilous scenarios. While undertaking lucrative jobs and missions to safeguard the world, a sinister shadow hangs over their journey: Zeref, the dreaded master of dark magic.

In the gloomy Death City, Shinigami, the Lord Death, oversees the Death Weapon Meister Academy, known as Shibusen. This institution prepares students to become Death Scythes, a unique fusion of human and weapon that transforms into a Demon Weapon once 99 wicked souls and a single witch's soul are collected, enabling them to battle the world's myriad evils. Soul Eater Evans, a Demon Scythe obsessed with maintaining a cool demeanor, teams up with his diligent meister, Maka Albarn, to achieve this objective. They are joined by the fearless Black☆Star and his versatile weapon Tsubaki, as well as Death the Kid, the Shinigami's son plagued by obsessive-compulsive tendencies, who wields the twin pistols Liz and Patty. Together, they undertake missions to harvest souls and protect the city from threats. Throughout their training and exploits, the Shibusen students strive to maintain equilibrium within their minds, bodies, and spirits.

Deep beneath the surface in an isolated underground village, Simon and Kamina spend their days together. Kamina is a bold, reckless dreamer eager to forge his own path, whereas Simon is a shy youth with no grand aspirations. While digging one day, Simon stumbles upon a peculiar artifact that awakens an ancient war machine they christen Lagann. Equipped with this new weapon, the pair defends their home against a sudden assault from the surface, receiving crucial aid from Yoko Littner, a fierce red-haired warrior who roams the upper world wielding a colossal firearm. Following their triumph, the sky is revealed to them for the first time, igniting a shared desire to explore the desolate surface alongside Yoko. They quickly become entangled in a war against the Beastmen, monstrous humanoids who terrorize the remnants of humanity with their powerful mecha known as Gunmen. Despite facing countless hardships and defeats, the trio battles valiantly alongside other survivors to reclaim the surface and uncover a cosmic mystery that stretches across the galaxy.

In Elfen Lied, Lucy is a Diclonius, a subspecies marked by horns and invisible telekinetic arms that made her a target of brutal government experiments. When she finally finds a chance to escape, the years of her captivity and suffering have twisted her mind, leading to a bloody slaughter of her captors as she breaks free. During her frantic flight, a severe head injury fractures her psyche, creating a second, childlike personality who is barely able to speak. In this vulnerable state, she is found by Kouta and his cousin Yuka, college students who unknowingly take the injured fugitive in. Their compassion sets off a chain of events that pulls them into a hidden world of government secrets and conspiracy.

In Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric, a prodigious alchemist, endures catastrophic losses at the tender age of twelve. Attempting to resurrect their deceased mother via the forbidden act of human transmutation, Edward and his brother Alphonse suffer terrible consequences: Edward forfeits an arm and a leg, while Alphonse loses his entire physical form, his soul remaining tethered only to a suit of armor through Edward's alchemical ingenuity. A year later, Edward attains the rank of state alchemist, earning the title Fullmetal. Together with Alphonse, he embarks on a quest to locate the Philosopher's Stone, a mythical artifact rumored to enhance an alchemist's power and allow them to circumvent the Law of Equivalent Exchange, which demands a sacrifice equal to the gain. Backed by the military, Edward seeks to restore what was taken, yet as the brothers uncover the truth behind the stone, they become entangled in a sinister, far-reaching conspiracy that threatens more than just their own destinies.

In Clannad, high school student Tomoya Okazaki feels detached from his world, frequently skipping classes to wander aimlessly with his friend Youhei Sunohara. His routine is interrupted when he notices Nagisa Furukawa, a girl who suddenly shouts "Anpan!" regarding a popular Japanese pastry, sparking his curiosity. Although Tomoya initially rejects her offer of friendship, he grows accustomed to seeing her around the school and eventually accepts her company. He learns that Nagisa repeated a year due to a serious illness and harbors a dream to revive the school's drama club. With few other commitments, Tomoya joins her in this endeavor alongside four other girls. Through his interactions with them and his efforts to help them navigate their personal struggles, Tomoya begins to view life through a new lens, realizing that existence may not be as dull as he previously thought.

In Bakemonogatari, high school senior Koyomi Araragi narrowly survives a vampire assault thanks to the intervention of Meme Oshino. Although Araragi is restored to his human form, he retains peculiar abilities such as rapid healing and enhanced vision. With the assistance of his friend and class representative Tsubasa Hanekawa, Araragi strives to maintain a normal student life. One day, after catching his classmate Hitagi Senjougahara as she tumbles down the stairs, Araragi realizes she feels unnaturally light. Despite Senjougahara's protests, Araragi chooses to help her and seeks out Oshino, the same individual who aided him previously. Through a series of tales involving spirits and deities, Bakemonogatari chronicles Araragi's endeavors to assist those suffering from supernatural afflictions.

The colossal, locomotive Howl's Moving Castle, characterized by its clanking gears and billowing smoke, is the domain of the legendary wizard Howl, renowned for his potent magic and status as a ladies' man. In a tranquil town where such legends are whispered, Sophie Hatter, the modest daughter of a hatmaker, dedicates herself to her family's trade without any desire for a life beyond it. Sophie's routine existence is upended when she faces a perilous predicament and is saved by the mysterious Howl. This interaction angers the spiteful Witch of the Waste, who, driven by jealousy stemming from a previous conflict with Howl, casts a curse upon Sophie, aging her into an elderly woman. To shatter the curse and restore her youth, Sophie sets off on a hazardous quest alongside Howl and his eccentric allies, including a powerful fire demon and a jumping scarecrow, all within the living castle. Their journey takes place against the backdrop of a raging war that threatens to tear their world apart.

Fuu Kasumi, a bumbling young waitress, lives a tranquil existence at a modest teahouse until she clumsily spills a drink on a patron, triggering harassment from a gang of samurai. In a moment of panic, she summons Mugen, another samurai present in the establishment, who swiftly neutralizes the aggressors using a unique combat style blending breakdancing with martial arts. Mugen subsequently goads Jin, a reserved and highly skilled ronin renowned for his traditional swordsmanship, sparking a violent clash that demolishes the teahouse and accidentally results in the death of the magistrate's son. Apprehended and condemned to death for their actions, Mugen and Jin are liberated by Fuu, who employs them as her protectors. Having lost her home, Fuu resolves to hunt down a samurai who carries the scent of sunflowers, convincing the two former warriors to accompany her on this mission. Though initially hesitant, they consent to aid her. The trio sets off on a journey brimming with action, comedy, and fierce sword battles, all underscored by a distinctive hip-hop soundtrack. Their travels unfold in an alternate Edo Period Japan, where this unconventional group seeks to solve the mystery of the sunflower-scented samurai while striving to prevent Mugen and Jin from coming to blows with one another.

Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a gifted neurosurgeon destined to become the hospital director's son-in-law, enjoys a promising career until he faces a harrowing choice: operate on a renowned performer or a dying immigrant laborer. Choosing the laborer leads to the patient's death and ignites a deep ethical struggle within Tenma. Years later, a similar predicament arises when he must choose between saving a young boy named Johan Liebert or the local mayor. Despite losing his status and facing severe professional consequences, Tenma remains steadfast in his decision to save the child. Following the mysterious deaths of the hospital director and two other doctors, Tenma is exonerated and eventually rises to become the director himself. Nine years after that fateful surgery, Tenma's past resurfaces while treating a criminal, revealing that the patient was once the child he saved, Johan Liebert. Overwhelmed by guilt, Tenma embarks on a relentless journey to undo the devastation wrought by the life he chose to preserve.

In Clannad: After Story, Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa have graduated high school and must now confront the harsh realities of adulthood. While Tomoya struggles to find his direction, he comes to understand the value of perseverance and learns to cherish Nagisa's steadfast support. United by their mutual resolve and aspirations, they strive to surmount individual hurdles, deepen their relationship, and forge new connections. Meanwhile, events unfold within the Imaginary World. As winter descends, blanketing the landscape in cold, the Imaginary Girl and the Garbage Doll face a significant trial that reveals the true purpose behind this world's existence.

In the shadowy corners of Victorian England, Ciel Phantomhive, known as "the Queen's Guard Dog," tackles the disturbing cases that endanger the realm on behalf of the monarchy. Guided by Sebastian Michaelis, a butler whose capabilities surpass human limits, Ciel employs every method necessary to complete his duties. However, deeper mysteries may lurk behind Sebastian's enigmatic presence. Tragic events from Ciel's past cast a dark shadow over him, prompting a pact with Sebastian, a demon, to exact revenge on those who wronged him in exchange for his soul. In the present, Sebastian excels not merely as a butler but as a flawless executor of Ciel's desires, while impatiently awaiting the day he can feast on Ciel's soul. As they unravel the riddles surrounding Ciel's misfortunes, an unbreakable bond forms between them, defying both heaven and hell.

Diligent scholarship student Haruhi Fujioka enrolls at the prestigious Ouran Academy. While seeking a quiet place to study, Haruhi stumbles into what appears to be an abandoned music room, only to discover the renowned Host Club, a group of attractive boys who entertain the female student body. After a startling encounter with the club's founder and president, Tamaki Suou, Haruhi accidentally shatters an expensive vase. Unable to cover the cost of the damage, the Host Club proposes that Haruhi join them and work as a host. Unbeknownst to their classmates, Haruhi is mistaken for a male student and is assigned to entertain various girls while navigating the eccentricities of these new hosts.

In Edo, a city where samurai once thrived with courage and ambition, the arrival of the powerful alien race known as the Amanto shattered those dreams. The former shogunate now operates under foreign rule, and a new law prohibits carrying swords in public. Gintoki Sakata, a peculiar man with silver hair and a habit of carrying a wooden sword, continues to live as a samurai despite the ban. As the leader of Yorozuya, a small business that takes on odd jobs, he often sets out on missions to help others, though his methods are unusual and frequently chaotic. Alongside Shinpachi Shimura, a bespectacled youth training to be a samurai, Kagura, a strong and gluttonous tomboy, and Sadaharu, their enormous pet dog who likes to bite heads, the Yorozuya navigate the many challenges posed by the diverse residents of Edo, from alien nobility to local gang conflicts.

Hirasawa Yui, a carefree girl beginning high school, is immediately captivated upon seeing a flyer for the "Light Music Club." Acting on her impulsive nature, she signs up without hesitation, only to realize she cannot play any instrument. When she visits the clubroom to explain her predicament, she meets the existing members: Ritsu, Mio, and Tsumugi. Although disappointed by Yui's total lack of musical ability, they encourage her to stay in hopes of preventing the club's closure. After playing a brief piece that reignites Yui's interest, they successfully convince her to remain, gaining both a new member and a guitarist. As Yui attempts to balance schoolwork with practice, she learns the guitar with her bandmates' assistance, encountering numerous clumsy moments along the way. With the school festival approaching and Yui struggling to keep pace with her training, will the Light Music Club be ready for their debut performance?

When a business trip to Thailand takes a disastrous turn, salaryman Rokurou Okajima is seized by the Lagoon Company, a band of perilous mercenary pirates. Upon learning that his firm will not pay the ransom, Rokurou makes the shocking choice to remain with his captors. He must now endure life in Roanapur, a metropolis steeped in crime and corruption where a single mistake can be fatal. In this lawless environment, Rokurou frequently comes into conflict with Revy, a short-tempered and heavily armed crew member. As he attempts to sever connections with his former existence, Rokurou confronts lethal dangers and ethical quandaries, fighting to preserve his principles amidst the brutal realities of his new world.

In Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, Sawako Kuronuma is unfairly feared and avoided by her classmates because her resemblance to a famous horror character earns her the nickname Sadako; they mistake her kind and introverted nature for something menacing. Longing for ordinary friendships, she becomes drawn to Shouta Kazehaya, the school's most popular student, whose bright and outgoing personality she deeply admires. When Kazehaya invites her to join a bravery challenge, Sawako sees it as a chance to connect with others, including Ayane Yano and Chizuru Yoshida. As she navigates these new social experiences, she believes Kazehaya is improving her life, unaware of the profound effect she has on him.

When darkness and evil stalk the night, feeding on anyone in their path, Hellsing serves as humanity's last line of defense against these monstrous foes. Under the command of Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, the organization wields a powerful military force to shield the populace from the undead. However, Integra's most potent asset is Alucard, a vampire who preys on his own kin. Working alongside his newly turned subordinate, Seras Victoria, Alucard confronts supernatural adversaries and any who dare challenge Hellsing's authority, irrespective of their moral standing. As the survival of mankind hangs in the balance, Hellsing Ultimate demonstrates that true strength can arise from the most unforeseen origins, proving that even the most fearsome creatures may become humanity's greatest guardians.

Takaki Toono and Akari Shinohara are bound by a profound childhood bond, yet circumstances beyond their control tear them apart. Despite promising to stay connected, the widening gap between them, spanning both physical distance and emotional drift, slowly drives them apart, even as their shared recollections remain crystal clear. This poignant tale of love delves into the struggle of maintaining a relationship across great distances. Trapped in their own histories and unable to progress, Takaki and Akari cling to the hope of reuniting, existing with only fragments of their hearts truly engaged. This state inflicts suffering not just upon themselves, but also on those surrounding them.

A decade following the appearance of Heaven's Gate in South America and Hell's Gate in Japan, an enigmatic celestial barrier continues to obscure the night sky, with the true nature of these phenomena remaining a mystery. These zones defy the laws of physics, and their emergence brought forth the Contractors, individuals who sacrifice pieces of their humanity in exchange for supernatural powers. In the Japanese city encircling Hell's Gate, Section 4 Chief Misaki Kirihara investigates a notorious Contractor named Hei, infamous in criminal circles as the "Black Reaper." Hei and his team execute missions for the ruthless and shadowy Syndicate while simultaneously peeling back the layers of a treacherous conspiracy that endangers the very existence of the Contractors. Created by Tensai Okamura, this science fiction thriller presents a subtle look at a covert war where political alliances and justice are powerless, depicting a conflict fought entirely in the shadows.

After a catastrophic fire destroys his family, Shirou is saved and adopted by Kiritsugu Emiya, who instructs him in the ways of magic and his own concept of justice. Following Kiritsugu's death, Shirou stumbles upon a brutal confrontation between two powerful entities known as Servants while cleaning his school late at night. Attempting to escape, he is gravely injured by one of them. Though he survives, the same Servant returns to deliver a killing blow, compelling Shirou to frantically summon his own guardian, a knight named Saber. This act drags them into the Fifth Holy Grail War, a deadly tournament where seven mages and their Servants battle for the all-powerful Holy Grail. In Fate/stay night, Shirou struggles to balance his heroic ideals against the world's harsh realities. As he navigates this perilous competition, he must decide if he will fulfill his dream of becoming a hero like his adoptive father or meet his own demise.

Most people dismiss the existence of aliens, time travelers, and espers, and high school student Kyon is no different. However, his mundane outlook is shattered from the first day of school by Haruhi Suzumiya, a girl intent on reshaping his perception of reality. During class introductions, Haruhi explicitly states her disdain for ordinary life and her burning desire to encounter supernatural entities. Unable to find an existing club focused on the paranormal, she impulsively establishes the "Spreading FUN throughout the School with Haruhi Suzumiya Club," widely known as the SOS Brigade. Haruhi then enlists Kyon alongside three others: the quiet, bookish Yuki Nagato; the shy upperclassman Mikuru Asahina; and the perpetually cheerful Itsuki Koizumi. While they seem unremarkable, each member conceals secrets tied to Haruhi's extraordinary nature. Thrown into her chaotic universe, Kyon joins the SOS Brigade and embarks on numerous adventures that slowly unveil the true essence of their enigmatic leader.

In the early 1930s, the transcontinental train Flying Pussyfoot sets out from Chicago on a journey fated to leave a trail of blood across the country. Around the same time, the ambitious scientist Szilard and his reluctant assistant Ennis are searching for missing bottles of the immortality elixir in New York. Meanwhile, conflict among the mafia factions is escalating into open war. And aboard the Advena Avis in 1711, alchemists are about to discover the true price of eternal life. Adapted from the award-winning light novels of the same name, this anime presents several events that first appear unrelated in both time and place, yet all connect to a much larger tale—one of alchemy, survival, and immortality. Tying these threads together are the good-hearted would-be thieves Isaac and Miria, whose actions bring various people into contact, each individual carrying hidden ambitions and schemes, and in doing so create lifelong bonds and far-reaching consequences for everyone involved.

In the world of Mushi-Shi, Mushi embody the fundamental forces of life, existing beyond any moral framework as neither good nor evil. They appear in countless forms, mimicking natural elements ranging from plants and diseases to atmospheric phenomena like rainbows. Yet, this simple description barely touches the surface of their true nature; labeling them merely as life forms fails to capture their full essence. Knowledge regarding Mushi remains scarce, as most people are unaware of their existence. Ginko, a Mushishi, devotes himself to studying these creatures and their place within the natural world. He pursues leads concerning events linked to Mushi, driven by the belief that unraveling their mysteries may reveal the deeper meaning of existence.

Naota Nandaba leads a thoroughly mundane life in a sleepy town where nothing ever happens. Since his older brother Tasuku moved to America to pursue his baseball dreams, Naota has assumed all of Tasuku's former responsibilities, including sleeping in his old bunk bed and dealing with his ex-girlfriend, Mamimi Samejima, who continues to visit frequently. However, Naota's boring existence is completely upended by the arrival of Haruko Haruhara. This eccentric pink-haired girl, who rides a Vespa and plays bass guitar, crashes into Naota's life, leaving tire marks on his back and causing a giant horn to sprout from his head during their initial encounter. Although Naota simply wishes for peace, Haruko's presence at his home triggers a series of events that thrust him into the center of an epic battle for control that could alter everything, not just on Earth, but potentially across the entire universe.

In the tranquil village of Pasloe, Holo, a powerful wolf deity, was once honored for bestowing blessings upon the yearly harvest. However, as the locals became more self-sufficient, Holo's influence dwindled until she was remembered only as a legend. When the traveling merchant Kraft Lawrence visits the village, Holo suggests a deal: she will aid him in return for his assistance in returning her to her homeland, Yoitsu. Acknowledging Holo's unique ability to perceive the true intentions of others, Lawrence accepts the proposal. Combining his shrewd business acumen with Holo's captivating companionship, Lawrence draws nearer to his ambition of establishing his own shop. Nevertheless, as they traverse the countryside in search of lucrative ventures, Lawrence finds his original objectives evolving in unforeseen directions.

Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière attends the prestigious Tristain Academy, where she struggles with magic, causing her spells to frequently fail. Mocked by her peers as "Louise the Zero," she faces a critical moment when first-years must summon their familiars. Louise's attempt results in a massive explosion that everyone assumes is another failure, yet Saito Hiraga emerges from the chaos. Initially treated as a mere servant, Saito is forced to perform menial duties such as cleaning Louise's clothes and eating off the ground. However, a strange mark resembling that of the legendary familiar Gandalfr appears on his hand, hinting that he is far from ordinary. As Saito adapts to this unexpected new life, Louise begins to uncover her true potential, proving she is more than the humiliating nickname suggests.

Located in Japan, Academy City is a futuristic metropolis that stands thirty years ahead of the rest of the world in scientific and technological progress. More than seventy-five percent of its inhabitants are students training their psychic abilities at various institutions. Touma Kamijou, a high school student, is ranked at the bottom with a level-zero ability, yet he wields a unique power named Imagine Breaker capable of neutralizing any supernatural force. Despite this extraordinary capability, Touma lives a normal life until he encounters Index Librorum Prohibitorum, a girl who has memorized every forbidden book of magic. When a dangerous group targets her, Touma vows to protect her from the magicians threatening her life, pulling him into a hidden world of the supernatural.

On her fifteenth birthday, Kagome Higurashi is pulled through the ancient well at her family's shrine by a demon, transporting her back to feudal Japan, an era where demons run wild. She soon finds herself targeted by various creatures attracted to the powerful Shikon Jewel, which she unknowingly carries. Amid these dangers, Kagome encounters Inuyasha, a half-demon who initially mistakes her for Kikyou, a shrine maiden he resents due to their striking resemblance. This confusion fuels Inuyasha's initial hostility toward Kagome, but recognizing their shared peril, he eventually sets aside his grudge to assist her. A struggle over the Shikon Jewel causes it to shatter into numerous fragments scattered across the land. Fearing the chaos these pieces could unleash if they fall into the wrong hands, Kagome and Inuyasha embark on a difficult journey to recover the shards.

In the summer of 1983, Keiichi Maebara relocates to the tranquil village of Hinamizawa, where he swiftly forms close bonds with his classmates Rena Ryuuguu, Mion Sonozaki, Satoko Houjou, and Rika Furude. However, lurking beneath the veneer of their daily lives is a sinister secret. As the annual festival approaches, Keiichi uncovers the village's ominous folklore connected to the celebration. He learns of a pattern of mysterious deaths and disappearances spanning several years, all apparently tied to the festival and the village's guardian deity, Oyashiro. When he questions his friends about these incidents, they respond with evasion. As bizarre and inexplicable occurrences intensify, Keiichi finds himself losing trust in those he once relied upon. Driven by mounting suspicion and confusion, Keiichi delves into the enigmatic events of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, a tale that unfolds through multiple narrative arcs.

Time travel is an ability that could benefit all of humanity or be exploited for selfish reasons. Many people might dream of having such power, but for an everyday schoolgirl named Konno Makoto, it has turned into her actual life. A fateful incident sends her down an extraordinary path. At first, she uses the power to leap back into the past and adjust small details to make her daily life more convenient. Before long, however, she is forced to realize that tampering with the past can trigger serious and far-reaching consequences.

In Welcome to the N.H.K., twenty-two-year-old Tatsuhiro Satou is a hikikomori who abandoned university almost four years ago and clings to various conspiracy theories. Most prominent among them is his belief in the Nihon Hikikomori Kyokai (NHK), a malevolent organization he claims is responsible for his NEET status and actively spreads hikikomori culture. This psychological dramedy tracks Tatsuhiro's struggle to escape the NHK's alleged plots and end his self-imposed isolation. As he attempts to leave his apartment and secure employment, he encounters numerous hurdles. A chance encounter with the enigmatic Misaki Nakahara could offer a path to transformation, yet it also compels him to face his deepest terror: interacting with society.

When a vampire menace transforms the inhabitants of Cheddar into ghouls, the Hellsing organization, sworn to combat supernatural threats, is summoned to intervene. Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, the organization's leader, deploys her most formidable asset: the powerful vampire Alucard. Wielding only a pistol, Alucard decimates the creatures terrorizing Cheddar. In the midst of the chaos, a young policewoman named Seras Victoria gets caught up in the fighting and suffers fatal wounds. Compassionate toward her situation, Alucard offers Seras a choice: die as a human or live on as a vampire. Seras chooses the latter, initiating her journey as a member of Hellsing. Although she transformed willingly, Seras struggles to accept her new existence as a vampire. Nevertheless, she must quickly adapt to her altered state to survive the escalating war between humanity and the supernatural realm.

In "Nana," two young women named Nana embark on separate journeys to Tokyo, each pursuing a distinct dream. Nana Komatsu seeks true love, while Nana Osaki is resolved to establish herself as a renowned musician. Nana Komatsu possesses a cheerful and open nature, yet her romantic life has been complicated by her naivety. She meets Shouji Endo, a reliable partner who moves to Tokyo for university. Despite the distance, Nana Komatsu remains devoted, working hard to relocate and join him. Conversely, Nana Osaki is a reserved punk rock singer whose volatile relationship with her bandmate, Ren Honjou, ends suddenly. Despite the heartbreak, she clings to her ambition and heads to Tokyo aiming to become a celebrated artist. Upon arriving in Tokyo, the two Nanas unexpectedly meet and decide to share an apartment as roommates. Through their time together, they support one another while facing the challenges of building independent lives and careers.

The pain of losing a loved one often creates a desperate wish to bring them back, a feeling the mysterious Millennium Earl exploits. He crafts his mechanical servants, called "Akuma," by trapping the souls of the dead. These spirits remain imprisoned until an Exorcist employs the "Innocence" Anti-Akuma weapon to free them. Allen Walker, after three years of training under General Cross, joins the Black Order, an organization committed to fighting the Akuma and stopping the Millennium Earl. Equipped with an Innocence-powered arm and a cursed eye that exposes the suffering souls inside Akuma, Allen must unite with fellow Exorcists to thwart the Earl's sinister plot, which endangers the very existence of the world.

At first glance, Youkai Academy seems like a standard boarding school, but it is actually a sanctuary where monsters and humans coexist in peace. While students attend regular classes such as literature, PE, foreign languages, and math under human disguises, a strict rule dictates that any human discovered on campus must be eliminated without exception. Tsukune Aono, an average high school student with poor grades, fails to get into any other secondary school. In a desperate bid for education, his parents accidentally enroll him at Youkai Academy. Unaware of the danger, he finds himself in the world of Moka Akashiya, the school's most stunning and desired girl. Hoping to pursue a relationship with her, Tsukune chooses to remain at this perilous institution, completely oblivious to the fact that her charming exterior masks a powerful vampire identity. Rosario + Vampire is a comedic supernatural school tale focusing on Tsukune's romantic endeavors, daily life, and various adventures as he navigates interactions with numerous enchanting yet threatening supernatural creatures.

During a devastating youma assault on Raki's village, where a flesh-eating monster strikes terror, a solitary woman with silvery eyes appears wielding nothing but a sword. She is a Claymore, a hybrid of human and youma specifically engineered to hunt these demons. After Raki loses his family, this Claymore saves him but is forced to leave the village behind. With no other options, Raki decides to follow the warrior, known as Clare, and accompany her on her journey. The pair travels from settlement to settlement, slaying youma wherever they go. As their path unfolds, Raki gains insight into Clare's organization and her fellow comrades. With each village purged and every beast defeated, they draw nearer to the specific youma Clare hunts for vengeance, the creature responsible for her transformation into a Claymore.

Within the seemingly flawless domed city of Romdo, a disturbing shift occurs. A sudden surge in murders coupled with a virus infecting the AutoReivs—the cyborg companions and laborers serving Romdo's population—indicates that their sheltered existence is crumbling. Detective Re-l Meyer initiates an inquiry into these escalating strange events, yet her pursuit of the truth plunges her entire world into chaos. First, the enigmatic immigrant Vincent Law vanishes, followed by the appearance of a monstrous entity that shakes Re-l to her core. This creature proves far more perilous and sinister than it initially appears. Every mystery she investigates ultimately circles back to this being. What is its true nature? What is its purpose? Is it a harbinger of the end or the dawn of something new? Whatever it is, it continually pulls her toward Vincent, eventually leading her to join him on a journey to another domed world known as Mosk. As they traverse the scarred and desolate Earth, Re-l and Vincent uncover more about the monster and the "awakening," a phenomenon that may signal an ending rather than a beginning.

Makoto Ito is a high school boy in Japan who spends his days commuting to and from Sakakino Academy, the fictional school where he has just started his second term. On those train rides, he finds himself increasingly drawn to Kotonoha Katsura, another student who takes the same route. His classmate, Sekai Saionji, learns about his quiet interest and eventually steps in to bring the two together. With her help, Makoto and Kotonoha get to know each other, grow closer, and eventually start dating. Unexpectedly, Sekai finds herself growing jealous of the couple's success, having developed her own hidden feelings for Makoto. Later one afternoon while heading home from the station near Sakakino Academy, she spots Makoto already there, waiting for Kotonoha to meet him for their planned outing. He sits down beside her and once again thanks her for all she has done, repeating how the assistance means so much to him. He tells her to do anything to make it up to her. Sekai insists he is being overly grateful for him, but proceeds with the way she intends to cover her: as the train rolls in, she leans in and gives him a quick kiss, then jumps into an open passenger car and cheerfully passes into the departing train, leaving a speechless Makoto behind with her wish of luck for getting his possible heavenly kilin.

Lucky☆Star chronicles the daily experiences of four delightful high school girls: the laid-back otaku Konata Izumi, the gentle and soft-spoken Tsukasa Hiiragi, her more assertive twin sister Kagami, and the knowledgeable, polite Miyuki Takara. Their vibrant and unique bond grows stronger as they share witty commentary on various aspects of life, ranging from Japanese customs and the intricacies of otaku culture to academic pursuits and culinary endeavors. No subject is too mundane or too complex for their inquisitive and humorous scrutiny.

With his father away, Ippo Makunouchi assists his mother in managing their family's fishing boat business. Due to his timid nature, perpetual fatigue, and the lingering scent of the ocean, he frequently becomes a target for local bullies who beat him up. One day, the renowned boxer Mamoru Takamura intervenes during an assault and brings Ippo to the Kamogawa Boxing Gym to recuperate. There, Takamura and his teammates, Masaru Aoki and Tatsuya Kimura, are stunned by Ippo's powerful punches, a strength honed through years of labor at the fishery. Following a brief training stint with Takamura, Ippo reveals his potential in a sparring session against the boxing prodigy Ichirou Miyata. This encounter establishes Miyata as a rival and Genji Kamogawa, the gym's owner and former boxer, as a mentor. As Ippo embarks on his journey toward a professional boxing career, he encounters increasingly formidable opponents. Through victories, defeats, and relentless training, Ippo strives to realize his dream of greatness. His robust physique and indomitable fighting spirit fuel this young boxer's resolve to surmount the obstacles that lie ahead.

Rito Yuuki, a timid sixteen-year-old, has long harbored a silent crush on his classmate Haruna Sairenji. His mundane existence is abruptly shattered when a mysterious, naked girl crash-lands into his bathtub. She reveals herself as Lala Satalin Deviluke, an alien princess fleeing an arranged marriage from her sprawling intergalactic empire. To evade this forced union, Lala implores the bewildered Rito to marry her. The story chronicles Rito's struggle to manage the chaos Lala unleashes, while his developing affection for Haruna is continually upended by an ever-growing cast of beautiful girls. The narrative unfolds as a frenetic romantic comedy packed with slapstick, risqué humor, and absurd, gravity-defying scenarios.

Brunhilde, a goldfish, escapes her underwater dwelling and washes up on a jellyfish before getting trapped in a glass jar. She is rescued by Sousuke, a young boy living with his mother, Lisa, in a coastal town while his father, Koichi, works as a fisherman at sea. After using her magic to heal a cut on Sousuke's finger, the boy names her Ponyo. Ponyo's father, Fujimoto, a sorcerer who left human life to dwell beneath the waves, frantically searches for his daughter. Upon finding her, Ponyo rejects her original name and insists on becoming human. Using some of Sousuke's blood, she transforms into a girl with arms and legs and returns to the surface. This transformation unleashes potent magic that disrupts the natural order, causing erratic tidal shifts and destabilizing the Moon's orbit. To correct this imbalance and grant Ponyo the chance to remain human, Sousuke must complete an ancient test together with his new friend.

Love takes an unconventional path for Koizumi Risa and Ootani Atsushi, two high school students desperate to find their ideal partners. Koizumi stands at an imposing 172 cm, towering over the average girl, while Ootani is a diminutive 156 cm, well below the average height for a guy. Their romantic struggles deepen when their respective crushes end up falling for each other, leaving Koizumi and Ootani comically flustered and heartbroken. Compounding their misery, their homeroom teacher brands them a comedy duo because of their clashing personalities and extreme height difference, causing classmates to view their heated arguments as improvised sketches. Lovely★Complex tracks Koizumi and Ootani as they support one another in their quest for love, eventually growing into close friends. Beyond their absurd antics, they discover a surprising alignment in their tastes regarding music and fashion. Perhaps they share an unknown chemistry, but the question remains: can love ever bloom between such a mismatched pair?

Academy City stands as a technological metropolis, surpassing the rest of the world by approximately two to three decades. Among its 2.3 million inhabitants, 80% are students whose education focuses on cultivating esper abilities. Misaka Mikoto, one of the city's most potent espers, shares a dormitory with Kuroko Shirai, a high-level esper who serves in Judgement, a student-led law enforcement agency. Both girls are enrolled at Tokiwadai, an exclusive private school for the wealthy and gifted. Kuroko's partner in Judgement is Kazari Uiharu, a low-level esper attending Sakugawa Middle School, where her best friend and classmate is Ruiko Saten, a Level Zero possessing no esper powers. Together, these four become embroiled in various adventures throughout the dynamic scientific city.

At Cross Academy, which is split between a Day Class and a Night Class, Yuuki Cross and the stoic Zero Kiryuu serve on the disciplinary committee to oversee the transition between the two groups. While the Day Class remains unaware, the Night Class students are actually vampires. Ten years prior, Yuuki was saved from a vampire attack by Kaname Kuran, a Pureblood who currently leads the Night Class. As Yuuki encounters Kaname more often, her feelings toward him become increasingly tangled. In contrast, Zero holds a deep hatred for vampires, firmly believing that humans and vampires can never coexist in peace. However, secrets regarding Zero's past begin to surface, threatening the delicate stability of the academy and paving the way for significant turmoil.

Following the Second Impact, what remains of Japan is Tokyo-3, a city under assault by giant creatures called Angels that are determined to wipe out humanity. Having not seen his father in over eight years, Shinji Ikari receives an urgent phone call telling him to report to NERV Headquarters, the organization responsible for fighting the Angels using giant mechs known as Evas. Shinji's task is to pilot Eva Unit 01 and cooperate with Ayanami Rei, the pilot of Eva Unit 00. Note: The film exists in several versions, distinguished by version number: • 1.0: Sep 1, 2007 - Original theatrical release • 1.01: Apr 25, 2008 - DVD release with minor adjustments and fine-tuning of picture, editing, and sound quality. • Explanation of Evangelion 1.01 - Bundled with the special edition DVD release of 1.01, this feature overlays large captions that provide the "official designations" for people, locations, weapons, technology, and the like. • 1.11: May 27, 2009 - Blu-ray/DVD re-release adding 3 minutes of new animation to the first 15 minutes and correcting video issues present in the previous release.

Deep within the realm of dreams lies a portal to the human soul, revealing repressed memories and hidden secrets. A pioneering research facility has developed the DC Mini, a groundbreaking tool enabling users to enter and navigate the dreams of others. Motivated by a desire to cure psychological trauma, Atsuko Chiba and Kosaku Tokita have devoted themselves to refining this revolutionary invention. However, the DC Mini's capacity to breach the subconscious harbors a terrifying risk; if misused, it can serve as a weapon for psychological sabotage, causing devastating mental anguish. When the device vanishes into unknown hands and those nearby start acting strangely, Atsuko and Kosaku grasp the severity of the crisis. Teaming up with Officer Konakawa, who has personally experienced this experimental therapy, they embark on a quest to identify the perpetrator, moving back and forth between the boundaries of reality and dreams.

On November 22, 2010, Japan was struck by "Careless Monday," a missile attack that miraculously resulted in zero casualties, allowing society to quickly return to normal as the incident faded from collective memory. Three months later, college student Saki Morimi is traveling in the United States for her graduation trip when she encounters Akira Takizawa, a naked man suffering from amnesia who rescues her from peril and claims to be a terrorist. Takizawa possesses a peculiar cell phone containing 8.2 billion yen in digital currency. Although his actions and situation are bizarre, Saki finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. Unaware of the broader implications, she becomes entangled in a high-stakes game involving immense wealth, mobile technology, and the destiny of the world. Higashi no Eden chronicles Saki's quest to reveal the truth behind her savior, while Takizawa faces off against other challengers equipped with identical phones, gradually regaining memories that suggest his connection to the earlier missile attacks.

In the initial conflicts against the monstrous Angels, young Eva pilots Shinji and Rei bore the weight of humanity's hopes alone. Now, as the Angels' lethal assault intensifies and the apocalyptic Third Impact draws near, Shinji and Rei share their burden with two new Eva pilots: the fiery Asuka and the enigmatic Mari. Piloting their colossal Eva machines into battle, these four young souls fight desperately to save mankind from the heavens, but can they save themselves in the process? Note: This title exists in multiple versions, indicated by the version number: 2.0 was the original theatrical release on June 27, 2009, while 2.22 is the Blu-ray/DVD release from May 26, 2010, featuring new scenes and readjustments.

In Natsume's Book of Friends, Takashi Natsume has long felt isolated because of his unique ability to see youkai. After being passed between various foster homes, he grew up in loneliness, learning to distance himself from others since he realized they would never accept his experiences. His life changes when he accidentally breaks a spiritual seal, releasing Madara, a powerful spirit who takes the form of a beckoning cat. Madara notices that Natsume strongly resembles his grandmother, Reiko Natsume, who was shunned for creating the Book of Friends—a tome capable of summoning the youkai whose names she had taken. Now holding this book, Natsume has no desire for its power; he simply wants to keep it as a memento of his grandmother and protect it from malicious youkai. He strikes a deal with Madara: once Natsume's life ends, Madara will claim the book, but until then, Madara will serve as Natsume's unofficial guardian, known as Nyanko-sensei. Determined to release the youkai that Reiko trapped, Natsume begins building connections between the human and youkai worlds, strengthening his bonds with both realms.