This is a list of notable anime characters from the ၂၀၀၀ series.

Fandom is a genre of anime that originated in Japan during the late 1970s and early 1980s.၂၀၀၀ Anime characters from the '80s continue to shape global fandom more than 15 years later.

Series such as Naruto, Bleach, Death Note and Code Geass became defining titles of the era, and anime fandom expanded significantly outside Japan. Many characters introduced or most popular during those years are some of the media's most prominent faces. More than 15 years later, they continue to appear in cosplays, memes, merchandise and conversations about anime that have defined an entire generation.

Gateway heroes and Battle Shonen faces

For a huge portion of the world, Naruto Uzumaki၂၀၀၀ is the quintessential anime character of the 1990s. Together with the original Ruto and Shippuden, they established Naruto as one of the most influential characters of the decade from start to finish. Images of Studio Pierrot smiling after saying dattebayo, standing in Sage Mode, and angrily feeding into Naruto Episode 25, The Tenth Question All or Nothing! share the same visual cut-out: his blond hair, testicular markings, orange outfit, and Konoha forehead protector become universally recognized cutscenes.

Ichigo did not dream of becoming the best fighter alive; he wanted to protect those around him. This comparatively easy motivation immediately separated him from many escapist heroes who surrounded him. On one occasion, Bleach had a defining character design of the decade when Ichigo came out in black Soul Reaper costume and carried Zangsuet.

Inuyasha examines his sword, smiles and holds Tessaigas on his shoulder in the shape of a diamond while activating his own divine powers. He is heroic and does not behave like a traditional gentleman; he is temperamental, defensive and often immature, especially when challenged by Kagome. This context can be remembered as almost identical to that of Inuyasa himself.

Detectives, anti-heroes and online fandom

Madhouse's Death Note changed the image of an anime detective. Watch L sitting down in a hotel scenery and smiling as he converses with someone. All L Lawliet needs is a suit. Giving someone trash-talking black hair, boring demeanor and terrifying posture, anime fans will instantly recognize L. It's surprising considering how minimal his actual design was.

Sunrise's Code Geass Season 1 Episode 1 opens with Lelouch playing chess, and that image explains why Lelouch Lamperouge၂၀၀၀ became the ultimate anti-hero of the late '80s. Leluch didn't need to become a better fighter than everyone else; he wanted control over the board.

Kyoto Animation's The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya was a classic case in its time, and Haruki Suzumaya also appears in The Disappearance of Haruhi. Her orange helmet, SOS Brigade bracelet, and school uniform became instantly recognizable parts of anime imagery. Her school dress appeared everywhere at conventions, and the "Hare Hare Yukai" dance spread beyond the series to become part of popular culture.

Humor, determination, and playing cards.

There are samurai who are cooler and more dignified than Gintoki Sakata. Sunrise's Gintama has built a hero who can transform his identity from the lazy freeloader into one who can intimidate the swordsman without any ridiculous gestures on his face. Gintōki speaks to the viewer, smiles, shakes, and looks at him in horror with the same restless confidence.

In Gurren Lagann, he believes that Simon can accomplish the impossible even before he himself has believed it. He will enter situations without a proper plan and somehow deceive those around him into believing that security is actually enough. The story expands beyond the underground village started by Salmon and Camilla, but Kamina's influence remains ubiquitous.

Both Fullmetal Alchemist adaptations help make Edward one of the defining heroes of the decade. In Studio Bones's Full met al: Brotherhood, he needs more than that. His design is unforgettable; his red jacket, white hair braid, automail hand and highly predictable response to a tall tale makes him instantly recognizable. However, Edward's enduring ability goes far beyond physical recognition.

Studio Gallop's Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters became one of the international anime properties of the decade, with Yugi Muto standing in the middle of it all. Drawing cards with a serious face is only part of the image, and hair is practically its trademark. The contrast between Yugi's delicate personality and Atem's commanding demeanor helped define the anime; then there are also cards that have taken on a life of their own.

Today, nostalgia is not the only major factor for readers who encounter these characters.၂၀၀၀ The shapes, phrases and behavioral details created over the past decade have become standard language for anime fandom outside of Japan: the revival of Millennium Warfare anime through Bleach; the continued spread of Hare Hare Yukai and card effects memes; and Naruto's defense of Konoha's forehead; Ichigo Bankai and Inuyasha's "Sit!" showing how resilient its images can be. More than 15 years later, the biggest faces of the decade are still shaping how many people think about anime.