10 Underrated 2000s Anime That Desperately Need A Remake

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Although anime from the 2000s enjoy widespread acclaim today, there are many series that remain undervalued and overlooked. Shows such as “Naruto” or “Fullmetal Alchemist” have earned their place as classics, but there are numerous other titles that deserve equal recognition. Regrettably, these hidden gems didn’t receive the attention they deserved when they were first broadcast; instead, they were often overshadowed by more popular shows at the time. However, in recent years, some of these series have finally received the spotlight they should have had earlier on.

These anime titles venture into more innovative territories compared to their widely recognized counterparts. They dared to explore fresh concepts that were scarcely attempted in the genre before, often paving the way for later successful series such as Jujutsu Kaisen. As a result, a contemporary reboot or reinterpretation of these timeless classics would serve as an excellent opportunity to introduce both old and new enthusiasts to these overlooked treasures.

The beloved anime series, Zatch Bell!, is still being lauded by fans of shonen anime as a hidden gem and a modern classic, rightfully so. What sets it apart is its distinctive battle system – here, magical Mamodo dolls and their masters engage in a tournament to decide who will rule the Mamodo world. While tournaments are common in shonen anime, what makes Zatch Bell! stand out is that it gives viewers a deep understanding of the series’ characters.

In the world of ‘Zatch Bell’, each duo, such as Mamodo and Zatch, or Tia and Megumi Oumi, has a unique connection. Initially, their contrasting traits like Zatch’s kindness and Kiyo Takamine’s intelligence might lead to friction, but they eventually learn to complement each other, leveraging their individual strengths in an attempt to conquer the tournament. This dynamic, where diverse personalities unite for a common goal, is one of the standout aspects of ‘Zatch Bell!’s character development. These partnerships are instrumental to ‘Zatch Bell!’, making it an engaging and enjoyable watch.

Initially, “The Law of Ueki” was largely ignored when it was released in 2005, but has since gained cult status. This anime series revolves around a competition among 100 middle school students vying to become the new ruler of the Celestial World. At first glance, the concept might not appear extraordinary. However, the show soon captivates audiences with its eccentric characters and their peculiar powers.

Kosuke Ueki, our protagonist, embodies an intriguing pattern. Despite his selfless nature, he possesses the unique ability to summon celestial weapons, transform waste into trees, and think swiftly under pressure in combat situations. His classmate, Ai Mori, lacks powers but matches him in cunning, often finding herself in situations where she must outsmart her adversaries just as much as Ueki does. At first glance, The Law of Ueki might appear straightforward, but the strategic skills and maneuvers of each character transform this typical battle shonen anime into a series of intricate mental challenges.

The Anime’s Stylish Visuals and Characters Will Instantly Make Viewers Ask For A Modern Remake

Chrono Crusade, from the early 2000s, is an anime that warrants much greater recognition. It’s set in New York during the Roaring Twenties, and follows Sister Rosette Christopher and her demonic companion Chrono as they pursue demons who torment innocents. The duo journeys across the nation, exterminating the unholy on behalf of the enigmatic Order of Magdalene. Along their travels, they encounter numerous demonic perils that jeopardize ordinary lives.

The anime showcases an exceptional ability to immerse audiences in its distinctive and otherworldly setting. The bustling cityscape of New York is teeming with malevolent demons known as Sinners, who have turned against their kin to wreak havoc among humans. These harrowing situations challenge the relationship between Rosette and Chrono, leaving viewers on tenterhooks. Despite being relatively unknown, Chrono Crusade deserves a contemporary remake.

Individuals who find themselves yearning for a change from the continuous action of the numerous action-packed anime shows might consider delving into the thought-provoking mystery series known as Haibane Renmei. This anime offers an intriguing exploration of concepts such as life, death, and rebirth in an afterlife setting. As Rakka, a character resembling angels, acclimates to her new life within the peculiar Old Home boarding school, she encounters numerous new acquaintances who have recently discovered their unfamiliar surroundings.

In the community known as Old Home, each haibane, including Rakka and Kana, has a distinct backstory and view on life. Reki, an elder resident of Old Home, remains unaware of the source of her mysterious dreams and unsettling past. On the outside, Kana appears tomboyish, but she secretly ponders about the mysteries hidden beyond the walls of the rural landscape. For anime enthusiasts seeking a more contemplative series to enjoy during their leisure time, Haibane Renmei is an excellent choice.

RahXephon is often underestimated among mecha anime produced in the 2000s, but like timeless series such as Gurren Lagann, it offers a distinctive concept and narrative that sets it apart from many mecha shows of its time. The story centers around an invasion of Earth by a mysterious alien race called the Mulians, who have covertly taken control of Tokyo. It falls upon 17-year-old student Ayato Kamina to defend against these invaders, utilizing the massive mechanical being known as RahXephon.

The anime stands out for blending typical mecha elements with music, creating an extraordinary experience. In this series, the colossal robots, known as Dolems, attack while singing or performing melodies. Interestingly, the RahXephon’s attacks are boosted by its pilots’ singing, using their “notes” to increase the power of their strikes. The distinctive concept and themes of RahXephon make it a unique mecha anime that could be wonderfully reimagined in a modern setting.

Air Gear stood out in the shonen genre when it debuted in 2006, unlike shows such as Kuroko no Basket which revolve around conventional basketball themes. Instead, Air Gear focuses on the futuristic craze of Air Treks, an advanced version of skating. Intrigued by this innovation, Itsuki Minami, a middle-school student, becomes engrossed in the world of Air Treks. Not long after, Itsuki finds himself drawing both allies and adversaries as he maneuvers through the various gangs that have embraced the Air Treks trend for their own purposes.

Without a doubt, Air Gear sets itself apart in the realm of sports anime with its sharp animation and fashionable characters. The meticulous attention to detail in character attire ensures that viewers won’t confuse Itsuki with his friend Kazuma Iruka, or any other skaters for that matter, given each character’s unique style. Each time Air Treks take center stage, the animation brilliantly portrays the skaters’ breathtaking tricks and stylish moves. Air Gear is an anime that’s ripe for a fresh revamp, catering to sports anime enthusiasts who yearn for something beyond the ordinary.

Rave Master is an unconventional shonen anime that had the potential to be a massive success among enthusiasts of the genre, but it didn’t quite reach the popularity levels of series like Naruto or Bleach. However, it remains a series worth watching for its unique storyline. The story revolves around Haru Glory, a sixteen-year-old boy who embarks on a journey with his companions in search of pieces of a mystical stone that wicked groups are after. Along the way, Haru encounters numerous new friends and foes as he travels across the globe.

One of the standout aspects of Rave Master is its richly developed cast of characters. For instance, Plue, who resembles a snowman, shows unwavering loyalty towards Haru and his companions, often finding ways to clown around in the process. Elie, on the other hand, brings a sunny disposition to the group and is endowed with formidable magical powers. The antagonistic force, Demon Card, presents ominous challenges for Haru’s team as they navigate through the world, with characters like Lucia and Gale Raregroove instantly striking fear as formidable adversaries due to their ruthless nature.

In my humble opinion, delving into the captivating world of “Wolf’s Rain” is an absolute must for any anime enthusiast. This unique fantasy series follows the thrilling journey of four wolves – Kiba, Tsume, Hige, and Toboe – as they tirelessly seek a mythical haven known as Paradise. Their quest leads them to the grim reality of Freeze City, where its inhabitants endure unimaginable hardships.

As these remarkable wolves traverse various lands, their relentless pursuit of Paradise and the enigmatic Flower Maiden who holds its key, inevitably leads them into the heart of numerous local conflicts. Each step they take brings new challenges and revelations, making this an anime adventure you simply can’t miss!

In each case, the four wolves have unique motivations for seeking Paradise. While Kiba’s ardent pursuit stems from his conviction that the Flower Maiden saved him from the fire that destroyed his original pack, his fervor for discovering Paradise swiftly earns him leadership among the group. Tsume initially accompanies them out of ennui, but under Kiba’s tutelage, he becomes equally resolved to find Paradise as his leader. Hige and Toboe, with doubts about Kiba’s assertions, still decide to join in an attempt to leave their monotonous past behind.

Despite being less recognized in today’s world, it’s clear that the captivating mysteries and characters within “Darker Than Black” remain compelling. The story unfolds in contemporary Tokyo, where a mysterious phenomenon known as “Hell’s Gate” brings about individuals with extraordinary abilities, termed “Contractors.” Among these extraordinary beings is an assassin named Hei, who serves the enigmatic Syndicate. On his quest to find his lost sister Bai, Hei becomes entangled in battles against various influential groups controlling their own Contractors.

In Darker Than Black, various agencies involved in the mysteries surrounding Hell’s Gate intertwine to form one cohesive narrative. Initially, the story revolves around Hei’s quest for his missing sister, but as he uncovers more details, viewers are introduced to Pandora and Evening Primrose, two organizations also probing Hell’s Gate. The tension between Contractors and their organizations contributes to the gritty, underworld ambiance of the show. A contemporary remake of Darker Than Black could prove highly successful due to its supernatural theme resonating well with current titles.

The Psychological Thriller’s Themes of Depression and Guilt Is Even More Relevant in the Modern Day

Paranoia Agent remains one of the most peculiar and distinctive thriller anime ever produced, featuring an intriguing storyline that revolves around a series of enigmatic attacks perpetrated by a mysterious figure known as Lil’ Slugger. As investigations into these strange assaults unfold, it is uncovered that they serve to alleviate the stress and inner turmoil of his victims. Initially presented as a baffling mystery, this story eventually sweeps across Tokyo in a wave of chaos.

In the storyline of Paranoia Agent, it’s the intricate roles of its characters that drive the plot. Initially, Tsukiko Sagi appears unrelated to Lil’ Slugger, the mysterious attacker we first witness on-screen. However, as the narrative unfolds, her ties to this enigmatic boy become pivotal in solving the larger mystery surrounding his violent acts. Maromi, a well-known cartoon character designed by Tsukiko, often seems to take on a life of its own, pushing Tsukiko towards her delusions. The influences of both Lil’ Slugger and Maromi on Tsukiko and her companions serve to anchor the more fantastical aspects of Paranoia Agent‘s tale in real-world relevance. Ultimately, the erratic and unforeseeable plot twists of Paranoia Agent provide a backdrop for themes that could easily fit into a contemporary reinterpretation of the series.

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2025-07-06 23:52