In 2001, the anime industry seemed to have found a new maturity. It was no longer necessary to choose between beautiful visuals and deep plots — studios were getting it right on both counts. It was a year of creative diversity: from philosophical sci-fi to crazy romantic comedies, not to mention instant classics that changed the course of modern anime.
If 2000 was the experimental turning point, 2001 consolidated trends. Many of the animes that premiered that year are still references today, whether in discussions, remakes, or the eternal affection of the audience. And yes, this year has true masterpieces that, if you haven't seen yet, you need to correct that mistake immediately.
Below, I gathered the 20 best animes of 2001, not just for their fame, but for their content, legacy, and current relevance. Get ready to prepare the list of next ones to watch.
Read also: The 15 Best Animes of the Year 2000
Table of Contents
Fruits Basket (2001)
Don't confuse it with the remake. The 2001 version of Fruits Basket was many people's first encounter with more sensitive dramas and characters with real traumas. Tohru Honda, the girl who moves in with a family cursed by the Chinese zodiac signs, became a symbol of empathy and resilience.
Even if incomplete, this anime helped pave the way for more faithful adaptations of drama manga.
2. Hellsing
Before the edgy style became fashionable, Hellsing was already doing all of that — with more style. Alucard, the most charismatic (and dangerous) vampire in anime, battles supernatural threats under the command of the Hellsing organization. Stylized violence, imposing characters, and a soundtrack with its own identity.
Don't watch expecting total coherence, but surrender to the elegant chaos of the narrative.
3. Azumanga Daioh (Pilot Webcast)
Although the complete series was released in 2002, the pilot of Azumanga Daioh was launched in 2001. And it already shows what was to come: a nonsense slice of life, funny, and surprisingly reflective.
Each character has their moment, and the silences are just as important as the dialogues. Root Japanese humor.
4. Black
A mixture of Kill Bill and Serial Experiments Lain, but with much less noise. Noir follows two professional assassins in search of answers about their past. European noir aesthetics, French soundtrack, and silent shootouts like dance. The slow narrative may alienate the impatient, but it is a delight for those who enjoy building tension slowly.
5. Shaman King
Yes, the 2021 remake is more faithful to the manga. But the original from 2001 has a charm that cannot be replicated. The story of Yoh Asakura and the Shaman Tournament marked a generation, blending light humor with well-choreographed spiritual battles.
The original Japanese dubbing (and even the western one) helped keep this anime alive in the popular imagination for two decades.
6. s-CRY-ed
Powers, persecution, and intense rivalry. s-CRY-ed was one of the first to bring that dynamic of "two colliding ideologies" with emotional intensity. Kazuma and Ryuhou are rivals with distinct goals, but both carry the weight of a divided world.
If you like X-Men and Akira, you'll feel at home.
7. Beyblade
Let's be honest: Beyblade became a worldwide craze not just because of the anime, but because of the toys. Even so, the series was much more than marketing. The battles were quite lively, the characters were memorable, and the soundtrack was exciting.
It's impossible to hear "Let it Rip!" and not feel nostalgia.
8. The Twelve Kingdoms (Juuni Kokuki)
Want serious worldbuilding? The Twelve Kingdoms delivers. Far beyond "generic isekai," it presents a complex political universe, with mystical creatures and deep moral dilemmas. Youko Nakajima is thrown into this world unprepared — and evolves in a raw and realistic way.
Mandatory reading for anyone who enjoys dense fantasy and well-written characters.
9. Chobits
One of the most well-known works by CLAMP. Chobits mixes romance, sci-fi, and philosophical questions about artificial intelligence. Hideki finds an abandoned "persocom" (android), and the relationship between the two challenges the line between real love and emotional projection.
Despite some somewhat dated ecchi scenes, the social critique remains relevant.
10. Full Metal Panic!
Teen soldiers infiltrated in schools, military mechs, terrorists, and romantic comedy—all together and working. Full Metal Panic! manages to alternate between tension and humor without losing its way. Sousuke Sagara is the most out-of-place soldier of all time, and his interaction with Kaname Chidori yields priceless moments.
Yes, there are several seasons after that. But it all started here.
11. Gensoumaden Saiyuki: Requiem (Movie)
This movie from the Saiyuki franchise expands the journey of Goku and company with a darker narrative and elaborate fights. Although it is aimed at those who already follow the series, it has above-average production and is worth it for the aesthetics and soundtrack.
12. Prétear
A mix of Sailor Moon with Charming Prince. Prétear reinvents fairy tales with a strong female protagonist and a diverse male cast. Short, light, but with its serious moments. The protagonist's transformation symbolizes more than aesthetics — it speaks of acceptance and maturity.
13. Cosmo Warrior Zero
Spin-off of Captain Harlock, this space adventure depicts the struggle between humans and cyborgs in a universe on the brink of collapse. It didn't have much impact in the West, but for fans of retro science fiction, it’s a real treat.
14. A Little Snow Fairy Sugar
It may seem childish, and it is, but Sugar has a unique delicacy. It mixes fantasy and everyday life in an almost therapeutic way. It's about fairies that control the weather, but also about friendship, growth, and the small joys of life.
Ideal for those who want to relax their mind.
15. Hikaru no Go
It's hard to imagine an anime about Go (board game) being exciting. But Hikaru no Go manages to do so. The presence of an ancient spirit that helps the protagonist play adds a supernatural layer, while Hikaru's development and his rivals captivate with authenticity.
Inspirational and educational at the same time.
16. Galaxy Angel
A fun animation, focused on a group of space girls who deal with… strange missions. It's nonsense, slapstick, and colorful. It doesn't try to be profound, and that's part of the charm.
It's worth it to have some good laughs and relax.
17. Vandread: The Second Stage
Direct continuation of the 2000 anime, this phase deepens the relationship between men and women in a universe divided by gender. More action, more drama, and more development. A true evolution of the original series.
18. Mahoromatic
A domestic android with a lifespan. This is the premise of Mahoromatic, which surprisingly blends romantic comedy, fanservice, and existential drama. Mahoro is both adorable and tragic at the same time.
The ending divides opinions, but the journey is worth it.
19. Angelic Layer
Another work by CLAMP, but now focused on electronic battles between dolls controlled by thought. Behind the action, there are themes such as overcoming challenges, mother-daughter connection, and self-confidence.
Simple, but with heart.
20. Captain Tsubasa: Road to 2002
The new version of the classic Captain Tsubasa arrived in 2001, paving the way for the 2002 World Cup. With a refreshed look and plenty of energy, it reignited interest in sports anime about soccer in the new millennium.
