7 2000s Anime With the Best Casts of Characters

Compelling characters are essential to any good story, and that’s especially true for . The main characters, along with those who support them and oppose them, move the plot forward. It’s through these characters that the story’s themes and messages are conveyed, and their growth and interactions are what keep audiences engaged.

Often, an anime’s lasting appeal comes down to having characters people genuinely love, and many shows from the 2000s really focused on that. These series weren’t always the decade’s best in terms of animation or story, but they excelled at making viewers connect with nearly every character, not just one or two standouts.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Has One of the Greatest Ensembles in All of Anime

Many fans consider Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to have the best storyline in anime history. The show is incredibly well-planned, with every character – even those with small roles – contributing to the story or its themes. The main characters experience some of the most compelling growth in anime, and even minor characters often deliver unexpected moments and make a lasting impression.

The most popular characters in both the Fullmetal Alchemist manga and anime are Edward and Alphonse Elric, the charismatic Roy Mustang, the surprisingly compelling Greedling, and the formidable villains Wrath and Envy. However, that’s just the beginning – many other characters, including Winry, Kimblee, Alex, Olivier, and Hawkeye, have gained large and dedicated fan followings. Even minor characters like Nina Tucker have left a lasting impression.

Ouran High School Host Club Uncovers the Hidden Depths of its Entire Cast

I recently watched an anime that really excels at making you fall in love with its characters. It centers around Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student who unexpectedly joins the Host Club at her very wealthy school. It’s a funny reverse-harem comedy, but what I loved most was how the show slowly revealed the true personalities hidden beneath the charming facades of each of the host club members.

Haruhi is a truly exceptional character and a pioneer in anime, influencing many strong female leads we see today. While she drives the story, the show’s humor comes from the quirky group of friends she makes. More importantly, the most touching moments happen as Tamaki, Kyoya, Hikaru, Kaoru, Honey, and Mori open up to Haruhi, confront their pasts, and grow as people thanks to their connection with her.

Digimon Tamers Develops its Human and Digimon Characters Equally

Compared to other Digimon shows, both old and new, Digimon Tamers really focuses on a wide range of characters. While Takato, Rika, and Henry are the main characters, their Digimon partners receive just as much attention and development. This also applies to characters like Jeri and Beelzemon, and even adult humans who don’t have Digimon partners, such as Janyu and Yamaki.

Digimon Tamers is notably darker and more complex than most kids’ anime. It tackles difficult themes like family abuse, trauma, and the challenges of growing up, while also examining our relationship with artificial intelligence and the potential for government overreach. Despite these heavy topics, the show offers incredibly satisfying character development for Takato, Rika, and Beelzemon. However, it also presents deeply tragic storylines for Henry and Jeri, leaving them significantly damaged and worse for wear.

Baccano! is Enjoyable No Matter Who its Focusing On

Bacanno! is a show that relies heavily on viewers becoming invested in its complex, interconnected plot and characters. While some characters are more engaging than others, everyone plays a crucial role in unraveling this intricate and elaborate mystery anime.

Isaac and Mira are truly the stars of Baccano!, making the series enjoyable to watch. They lighten the mood and provide a welcome contrast to the show’s more serious moments. Other memorable characters include Firo Prochainezo, who feels like the main character, the delightfully wicked Ladd Russo, and the mysterious Elmer C. Albatross.

Gundam SEED is the Most Underrated Mecha Anime Ever

Gundam SEED is often a point of debate among fans, mainly because it differs from what many expect from the series. While Gundam is typically known for its complex political conflicts and giant robot battles, Gundam SEED focuses more on teenage relationships and drama, with those other elements playing a smaller role.

I’m a big fan of both teen dramas and mecha anime, which probably explains why I enjoy Gundam SEED so much. Looking at it objectively, the show really delivers on its goals, making the most of its characters and creating compelling drama and conflict between them.

Zatch Bell! Invests Viewers in the Struggles of Numerous Mamodo

The early 2000s Toonami favorite, Zatch Bell!, immediately sets up a large cast – over 200 characters! – as 100 magical creatures called Mamodo arrive on Earth to compete in a huge battle. While not every character stands out, the first 50 episodes focus on building the ten main characters, introducing their friends and allies, and sharing touching, sometimes sad, stories about those involved in the fight.

One of the best parts of Zatch Bell! is its memorable cast of characters. This includes Zatch, the main hero, and his partner Kiyo, as well as their rivals Sherry and Brago – Sherry is particularly notable as a strong female character. The series also features the hilarious and surprisingly touching duo of Kanchome and Folgore, strong female leads Tia and Megumi, and the mysterious Dr. Riddles. The villains are also well-developed, with Zeno Bell, Zofis, and Barry standing out as particularly compelling antagonists.

Black Lagoon Offers the 2000s’ Answer to the Bebop Crew

Audiences often enjoy cheering for groups of flawed characters who, despite not being typical heroes, are always loyal to each other. While no anime quite nails this idea like some others, Black Lagoon comes very close. It’s an action-packed series that perfectly captures the exciting and intense style of anime from the 2000s.

The crew of the Lagoon Company – Revy, Rock, Dutch, and Benny – are all deeply flawed individuals. However, Black Lagoon skillfully portrays their relationships in a way that makes them surprisingly likable, while also revealing the painful experiences that shaped who they are. Revy, the central character, perfectly exemplifies this. Though she could easily be seen as a villain, her cool personality, engaging nature, and incredibly sad past make it easy to sympathize with and even cheer her on.

2026-04-25 21:45