For anyone who keeps up to date with anime, there’s always this inherent risk that the viewer might never see the anime they love again. Every show runs the risk of getting canceled, or being unable to continue. Then viewers have to either wait endlessly, or read the manga (if there is one).
However, every so often, fans are met with the wonderful news that the show they loved so much will finally get another season — in a new decade. While for some, the wait wasn’t worth it (as was the case withBerserk), other times, it was a good tripdown nostalgia lane.
The 2000s were an interesting era for anime. A lot of fans had just started getting into it, especially in the west. It is a time remembered with a lot of nostalgia, andA Certain Magical Indexwas one of those shows that was as 2000s as it gets.
It introduced fans to a flurry of characters that most fans even remember more than the protagonist, like Accelerator and Misaka. However, fans who had enjoyed the first two seasons had to wait quite a bit for a third. The final season only came in 2018, about a decade after the first season.
MAL Rating: 7.57
Fairy Tail
Fairy Tail follows the adventures of Natsu Dragneel and his guild members in the land of Fiore. As a wizard in the Fairy Tail guild, Natsu searches for the dragon Igneel while undertaking missions that involve battling dark forces, protecting his friends, and uncovering ancient secrets. The series explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and magic, featuring a diverse cast of characters with unique magical abilities.
Fairy Tailaired around the time when the likes ofBleachandNarutowere in their heyday, and so it wasn’t as appreciated at the time. But, it was still a fun shonen romp with a cast of wacky characters and a story format that leaned on the power of friendship.
The first season ran until 2013 with the second starting a year later, meaning had already crossed from one decade into another. The final season at the time aired in 2018, and fans were excited when it was announced that another season is coming out in 2024. Now fans can continue with the adventures of Natsu, Lucy, and Happy.
The Devil Is a Part-Timer!
The story of the devil coming to earth and getting a job at McDonald’s was one of theearlier examples of an isekaibefore the explosion of that sub-genre of anime. Fans loved the show with its charming characters and amusing scenarios. So when it wrapped up in 2013, fans waited patiently for a second season.
It never came. Thankfully, just as fans were losing hope, a second season was announced and eventually aired in 2022, much to the delight of fans worldwide.
There are some shows that are consideredgateway animelikePokemon,Fullmetal Alchemist, andSaint Seiya(for a lot of South Americans). For some,Bleachwas also an excellent show that was their first experience of many with anime.
The story of Ichigo and his battles involving Soul Society grew into one of the biggest stories of the time. When it ended on episode 366, fans were a bit disappointed. The arc from the manga that many consider the best didn’t get the animation treatment. But, this would change when it was announced thatBleachwould return in 2022. Return it did, and it did not disappoint.
D.Gray-man
D. Gray-Mancame at a time when anime was still a weekly affair, so there were shows that had hundreds of episodes and ran for years. Nowadays, shows mostly stick to the 12 or 24-episode season run. The story of Allen Walker and his fellow exorcists is one that resonated with fans so much at the time.
When a new season was announced for 2016, 8 years after the end of the first one, fans were ecstatic.D. Gray-Manis a great show with some pretty awesome fights and a memorable villain.
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You
The cute little romance features a beautiful girl who, for some reason, no one could appreciate. It tells the tale of how she came out of her shell and got into a relationship with the boy she liked, and was one of thegreat anime romances of the 2000s.
The story got alive-action adaptationin 2010 and a second season in 2011, both of which were well received. For those who enjoyed the story, they will get a new season in 2024, which is pretty exciting for those who saw the first two seasons over a decade ago.
MAL Rating: 8.59
Berserk
In his quest for revenge, Guts confronts sinister forces, including violent criminals, evil spirits, and a devout adversary. Despite the immense personal cost, he fights relentlessly, relying solely on his human strength and swordsmanship to face enemies with unnatural powers.
Berserkis considered one of the best anime ever made. The dark fantasy story follows Guts and centers on his friendship with Griffith, who is the leader of the Band of the Hawk. Griffith’s betrayal is seared in the minds of anyone who has ever watched the show.
At its end, it was wondered if fans would ever get a continuation of the epic story.One was released in 2016, but it didn’t exactly live up to expectations. The less said about it, the better.
MAL Rating: 8.66
Mushi-Shi
Mushi-Shi is an anime series set in a world where ethereal creatures called Mushi exist, influencing the natural environment and human lives. The series follows Ginko, a Mushi Master, who travels from village to village investigating Mushi phenomena and helping those affected. Rich in atmosphere and philosophical depth, Mushi-Shi explores themes of nature, life, and the unseen forces that connect them.
Mushishiis a brilliant tale that is sometimes misunderstood. It excels in its contemplative, ponderous nature, and might turn off the average viewer who is simply seeking a thrill. A niche anime, as some might say, it initially ran from 2005-2006.
Thankfully, a new season came out 8 years later in 2014, and it was just as good as the first season. It continued with the question that permeated the whole show: What are Mushi?
Fighting Spirit
Hajime No Ippois thequintessential zero-to-hero story, centering on a bullied boy takes up boxing and fights his way to become one of the best in the world. It’s a feel-good story that reminds one of similar tales like theRockymovies.
There was a steady supply of the show in the 2000s, and fans were ecstatic when the last season came out in 2013.Hajime No Ippo: Risingdid not disappoint, as it delivered once again the pulsating action and adrenaline of the seasons before.
