The first decade of the 21st century saw a remarkable wave of innovation and creativity in the world of anime. With the merging of traditional art forms and modern technology, filmmakers explored various themes and narrative techniques, ushering in a golden age of anime cinema. The films of this period not only entertained but also challenged, inspired, and left a lasting impact on the world of cinema. Here, we explore the ten best anime films of the 2000s.
10. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust – Yoshiaki Kawajiri (2000)
In “Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust,” the stoic and enigmatic protagonist D embarks on a formidable quest. He is a half-vampire bounty hunter with a storied past, whose solitary journey through a dystopian world is marked by a blend of existential solitude and an unyielding sense of duty. His target is Meier Link, a distinguished vampire nobleman shrouded in mystery, who has seemingly abducted a human woman named Charlotte Elbourne. However, as D’s search intensifies, it becomes clear that there is an unforeseen romantic dynamic between the abductor and the captive.
Yoshiaki Kawajiri sets the film in a realm where supernatural phenomena permeate a decaying world, invoking a sense of both enticement and trepidation. This cinematic creation masterfully merges the thrills of horror, the depth of romance, and the dynamism of action-adventure, constructing a visually striking and narratively complex experience. As D moves through this world of moral grey areas, the story probes deep into themes of solitude and the search for personal truth, all while presenting the contradictions of D’s dual heritage. “Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust” emerges as a distinctive narrative, presenting a sophisticated and exhilarating adventure that subverts the clear-cut dichotomy of villain and hero.
9. Ponyo – Hayao Miyazaki (2008)
“Ponyo,” directed by the visionary Hayao Miyazaki, tells the captivating tale of an adventurous goldfish named Ponyo, who possesses a fervent desire to transform into a human being. This desire is sparked by an unexpected bond with a kind-hearted five-year-old boy, Sosuke, whose innocent love and acceptance ignite her determination. As the plot unfolds, Ponyo’s use of her enchanting powers inadvertently brings forth ecological imbalances, triggering a cascade of supernatural phenomena that bridge the divide between her aquatic domain and the human world. Her quest to embrace a human life leads to an enthralling clash between the reverence for the natural order and the impact of human desires.
Within this magical odyssey, Miyazaki’s narrative prowess shines, offering a profound commentary on the interplay between nature and humanity, making this one of the best anime films of the 2000s. The film’s visual narrative is a feast for the eyes, depicting vibrant and mesmerizing vistas that celebrate the beauty of the marine and terrestrial landscapes. “Ponyo” contemplates the delicate themes of ecological equilibrium and the untainted dreams of youth, creating a story that resonates with a warmth and depth that is universally endearing. This cinematic piece stands as a celebration of unadulterated affection and curiosity, emphasizing the incredible bonds that can form across the most unlikely of boundaries.
8. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie – Shinichiro Watanabe (2001)
“Cowboy Bebop: The Movie,” masterfully positioned within the much-adored cosmos of the “Cowboy Bebop” series, chronicles the escapades of the Bebop spaceship crew as they navigate the dusty red plains of Mars, pursuing a lucrative bounty. Their adventure intensifies dramatically as they inadvertently uncover a chilling terrorist scheme poised to unleash an unprecedented biological terror upon the masses. Spike Spiegel, the enigmatic and unruffled lead bounty hunter, along with his diverse band of compatriots, suddenly find themselves embroiled in a web of deceit that stretches well beyond the usual rogues and scoundrels they typically contend with.
Shinichiro Watanabe successfully expands the “Cowboy Bebop” narrative, creating a film that remains true to the original series’ eclectic mix of genres while introducing a robust, stand-alone storyline. This cinematic journey not only captures the core ethos of the original series but also enhances it, offering a gripping narrative that binds viewers with its complex web of crime and retribution. As the movie unfolds, it explores the shadowy corners of right and wrong, punctuated by the dynamic character arcs that add layers of complexity to the Bebop crew’s interstellar journey.
7. Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem – Kazuhisa Takenouchi (2003)
“Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem” is an avant-garde visual narrative, where the musical genius of the French house music icons Daft Punk collides with the colorful world of Japanese anime. The film portrays a mesmerizing saga of extraterrestrial musicians who face an abrupt end to their usual daily lives when they’re abducted and whisked away to Earth. Here, their otherworldly essence is cunningly concealed beneath human facades, and they are thrust into the limelight as the latest music sensation. As the film progresses without a single line of spoken dialogue, it’s the powerful tracks from Daft Punk’s album “Discovery” that propel the story, illustrating the alien band’s struggle to regain their true identities and journey back to their cosmic homeland.
Under the direction of Kazuhisa Takenouchi, the movie blossoms into a groundbreaking cosmic adventure, forgoing conventional storytelling for a symphony of animated imagery synched to an electronic beat. The story resonates with a silent yet potent commentary on the dazzling yet deceptive nature of the entertainment industry, while also pondering the universal themes of self-discovery and the pursuit of autonomy. “Interstella 5555” establishes itself as an innovative and memorable work, making it one of the best anime films of the 2000s.
6. Paprika – Satoshi Kon (2006)
“Paprika” invites audiences on an exhilarating journey through the shifting planes of dreams, where Dr. Atsuko Chiba, a gifted researcher, dons the persona of Paprika, a dream detective created through a pioneering psychological treatment device. This device becomes a source of peril when it falls into the wrong hands. Paprika finds herself on an urgent quest to retrieve the stolen technology as the once-solid boundary between dreams and reality starts to disintegrate. Through a cascade of increasingly bizarre and vivid dreamscape sequences, the film explores the instability of identity and the hidden depths within the human mind.
Satoshi Kon, in what would be his final film, creates a spellbinding tale that masterfully fuses the ethereal with the physical, challenging viewers to navigate the maze of the subconscious. The fluidity and inventiveness of the film’s animation bring to life the ever-morphing dream sequences, each rendered with stunning clarity and imagination that command the viewer’s attention. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into the potent implications of technology’s role in manipulating the human mind. “Paprika” stands as a highlight of animated storytelling, showcasing the expansive potential of cinema to explore and visualize the uncharted territories of dreams.
5. Mind Game – Masaaki Yuasa (2004)
In “Mind Game,” the narrative focuses on Nishi, a somewhat directionless and imaginative young adult, who harbors feelings for Myon, a woman entwined with his past and present. Their fateful encounter with a yakuza ends with Nishi’s untimely demise, only to be followed by a surreal twist of fate that resurrects him with a renewed zest for life. Suddenly thrust into the belly of a whale, Nishi, alongside Myon, her sister, and a mysterious old man, embarks on an existential odyssey. Inside this extraordinary limbo, Nishi grapples with his existence, leading him to a determination to seize life with unprecedented vigor, propelling him and his companions into a bizarre series of adventures.
Director Masaaki Yuasa’s vision makes “Mind Game” as a narrative rollercoaster, where storytelling conventions are disrupted in favor of a vivid stream-of-consciousness depiction, making it one of the best anime films of the 2000s. The film’s animation style is unorthodox and dynamic, reflecting the narrative’s wild twists and the protagonist’s mental liberation. Yuasa’s storytelling is fearless, prompting the audience to question their own life paths and the endless potential within them. “Mind Game” stands out as an audacious film that uses its medium to ponder the essentials of existence, encouraging a life lived with eyes wide open to the marvels that it may hold.
4. Tokyo Godfathers – Satoshi Kon (2003)
“Tokyo Godfathers,” another film by Satoshi Kon, unfolds the compelling tale of three individuals on the fringes of society: Gin, a grizzled man haunted by his former life; Hana, a transgender woman with a heart full of maternal love; and Miyuki, a young girl running from her past. On a frigid Christmas Eve, their routine existence is jolted by the discovery of a baby, an innocent life abandoned amidst the refuse. Seized by a shared, unspoken resolve, they set out on a journey through Tokyo’s snow-laden streets, determined to restore the child to her parents. This quest, fraught with unexpected turns, prompts them to peer into the heart of their personal histories.
Kon’s direction brings forth a narrative that is both touching and revelatory, depicting a side of Tokyo often overshadowed by its bright lights and bustling activity. The film navigates the landscape of human experience with humor and warmth, finding light in the shadowed lives of its protagonists. Through the eyes of Gin, Hana, and Miyuki, Kon exposes the nature of human interaction and the ripple effects of kindness in a world that can seem indifferent. “Tokyo Godfathers” is a compelling narrative that celebrates the redemptive power of connection and the unexpected families we form, standing as a heartfelt affirmation of hope amid life’s adversities.
3. Millennium Actress – Satoshi Kon (2001)
In “Millennium Actress,” the veil between past and present grows thin as documentary filmmaker Genya Tachibana seeks to unravel the enigma of Chiyoko Fujiwara, a legendary figure who once captivated the silver screen. Immersed in the aura of her secluded retreat, they coax a wide array of tales from Chiyoko. As the interview unfolds, Chiyoko’s narrative becomes a fluid journey across eras of transformation, each era of Japanese history told through the lens of her cinematic adventures. In this journey, the pursuit of a spectral figure who ignited her heart’s deepest yearnings remains ever-present throughout her storied career.
Satoshi Kon’s “Millennium Actress” transcends traditional storytelling, evolving into a multilayered exploration that celebrates the enduring magic of film and the complexities of human memory. The movie itself is a homage to the golden age of Japanese cinema, simultaneously offering a window into the soul of an actress whose own life is as spellbinding as the narratives she enacted on film. Kon’s artful direction crafts a narrative maze, where time and truth dance together in a mesmerizing ballet of images and emotions, making it one of the best anime films of the 2000s. “Millennium Actress” soldifies its place as an anime classic that contemplates the profound impact of pursuing our passions and the lasting impressions it imprints upon our existence.
2. Howl’s Moving Castle – Hayao Miyazaki (2004)
“Howl’s Moving Castle” tells the tale of the young and earnest Sophie, a hat-maker who is inexplicably cursed by a vindictive witch, turning her into a woman of old age. In a spirited quest to reclaim her youth, Sophie ventures into the heart of the wilderness, discovering Howl’s strange castle. This castle, an architectural chimera cobbled together with a myriad of oddities, moves through the landscape on mechanical legs, reflecting the wizard Howl’s mercurial nature. It is here that Sophie encounters a diverse assembly of beings: a talking fire demon named Calcifer, a loyal scarecrow she calls Turnip Head, and other entities that inhabit the castle’s living spaces. Caught in the throes of a conflict that reaches across the skies, Howl strives to elude involvement in a war that threatens to consume the lands he traverses.
Under the direction of Hayao Miyazaki, “Howl’s Moving Castle” emerges as a narrative triumph, adapting Diana Wynne Jones’s acclaimed novel into a cinematic spectacle. The film explores profound themes like the journey towards self-awareness, the redemptive qualities of love, and the devastating impact of human conflict. With each frame, Miyazaki infuses the narrative with a sense of wonder. “Howl’s Moving Castle” remains a standout masterpiece in Miyazaki’s body of work, a film that not only enchants but also inspires courage and transformation in the hearts of those who journey with Sophie.
1. Spirited Away – Hayao Miyazaki (2001)
“Spirited Away” portrays the captivating journey of the resilient ten-year-old Chihiro, who finds herself in the grip of a spellbinding realm after a detour leads her to an abandoned amusement park. This park, steeped in enchantment, serves as a sanctuary and bathhouse for a wide range of deities, spirits, and mystic entities. Following the unsettling transformation of her parents into swine, Chihiro is thrust into a bizarre world of sorcery where witches reign and mythical beings roam. In the company of the sorceress Yubaba, Chihiro embarks upon a formidable journey that calls her to muster bravery and embrace the virtues of perseverance and diligence.
Another film by Hayao Miyazaki, “Spirited Away” seamlessly combines the fantastical with the material, ensnaring the audience’s imagination with its stunning animation and a narrative that pulsates with human emotions and experiences. The film deftly navigates through the intricacies of maturation and the quest for self. Having captured the hearts of viewers globally, “Spirited Away” has ascended to the heights of cinematic greatness, setting a benchmark in the world of animated storytelling. It’s a tale that echoes with an exploration of amazement and self-discovery, chronicling Chihiro’s metamorphosis from a girl plagued by doubt to a determined protagonist, making it one of the best anime films of the 2000s.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best Anime films of the 2000s:
- Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust – Yoshiaki Kawajiri (2000)
- Ponyo – Hayao Miyazaki (2008)
- Cowboy Bebop: The Movie – Shinichiro Watanabe (2001)
- Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem – Kazuhisa Takenouchi (2003)
- Paprika – Satoshi Kon (2006)
- Mind Game – Masaaki Yuasa (2004)
- Tokyo Godfathers – Satoshi Kon (2003)
- Millennium Actress – Satoshi Kon (2001)
- Howl’s Moving Castle – Hayao Miyazaki (2004)
- Spirited Away – Hayao Miyazaki (2001)
