Ranked roundup
The best series of the 2000s
25 ranked · updated July 2026
The 2000s redefined television through complex moral narratives and ambitious world-building that pushed the boundaries of both live-action and animation. This collection captures a transformative era where gritty crime sagas and epic fantasy quests set a new gold standard for character development and thematic depth in modern storytelling.
How this ranking works
Ranked by a Bayesian-weighted score combining each title's average rating and rating count (minimum 100 ratings to qualify, weighted toward titles with more votes), filtered to series released in the 2000s.
Breaking Bad
Vince Gilligan
Breaking Bad earns the top spot for its unflinching examination of moral decay and the visceral, slow-burn transformation of a desperate man into a criminal mastermind.
Explores: Moral Decay, Man Breaking Bad, Consequences of Crime.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Michael Dante DiMartino
Avatar: The Last Airbender masterfully balances a sprawling, war-torn geopolitical narrative with a deeply resonant coming-of-age journey rooted in elemental philosophy and personal growth.
Explores: Elemental Powers, Destiny, Balance of Power.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood secures its place by weaving complex alchemical lore into a poignant exploration of brotherhood, sacrifice, and the heavy price of seeking redemption.
Explores: Alchemy, Brotherhood, Redemption.
Death Note
Death Note stands out for its intense psychological cat-and-mouse game that forces viewers to confront difficult questions regarding justice, morality, and the corrupting nature of absolute power.
Explores: Moral Ambiguity, God Complex, Justice vs. Evil.
House
David Shore
House remains a definitive procedural drama because it utilizes the cynical, misanthropic genius of its lead character to dissect the intersection of medical ethics and human fallibility.
Explores: Medical ethics, Diagnostic medicine, Misanthropic protagonist.
The Wire
David Simon
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Systemic Corruption, Moral Ambiguity, Urban Decay.
The Office
Greg Daniels
The Wire is essential viewing for its unparalleled, systemic critique of urban decay and the self-sustaining bureaucratic mechanisms that fuel the modern war on drugs.
Explores: Office life, Everyday life, Eccentric characters.
Band of Brothers
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: brotherhood, war trauma, leadership.
Naruto Shippūden
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Coming of Age, Friendship, Determination.
InuYasha
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Reincarnation, Feudal Japan, Demon Hunting.
Fighting Spirit
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Underdog, Self-Improvement, Coming of Age.
Malcolm in the Middle
Linwood Boomer
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Dysfunctional Family, Gifted Child, Middle Class Life.
Planet Earth
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Biodiversity, Conservation, Natural Wonders.
The Spectacular Spider-Man
Stan Lee
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Secret Identity, High School Drama, Coming of Age.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
George Lucas
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Good vs Evil, War, Jedi Order.
Sons of Anarchy
Kurt Sutter
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Moral Ambiguity, Brotherhood, Loyalty vs. Betrayal.
Naruto
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Coming of Age, Underdog, Friendship.
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide
Scott Fellows
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: School life, Friendship, Self-improvement.
Drake & Josh
Dan Schneider
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Step-siblings, Blended family, Teenage life.
The Mentalist
Bruno Heller
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Redemption, Revenge, Manipulation.
The Vampire Diaries
Julie Plec
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Forbidden Love, Brotherly Conflict, Doppelgangers.
Bleach
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Spirituality, Protecting the innocent, Afterlife.
Supernatural
Eric Kripke
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Brotherhood, Good vs Evil, Apocalypse.
Monster
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Moral Dilemma, Existentialism, Nature vs. Nurture.
Criminal Minds
Jeff Davis
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Profiling, Criminal Psychology, Team Dynamics.
Common questions
What are the best anime series from the 2000s?
Top-rated anime from this era include Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which explores themes of alchemy and brotherhood, and Death Note, a psychological thriller. Additionally, Naruto Shippūden, InuYasha, and the boxing-focused Fighting Spirit are highly regarded for their character development and action.
Which medical dramas from the 2000s are considered the best?
House is widely considered the definitive medical drama of the 2000s. It features Dr. Gregory House, a misanthropic medical genius who leads a team of diagnosticians at the fictional Princeton–Plainsboro Teaching Hospital while navigating complex medical ethics and personal addiction.
What are some highly-rated crime dramas from the 2000s?
Breaking Bad is the top-ranked crime drama, focusing on moral decay and the consequences of criminal choices. The Wire is also essential, offering a deep, systemic look at urban decay and the bureaucracy of the drug trade in Baltimore.