Ranked roundup
The best series of the 2000s
25 ranked · updated September 2026
The 2000s redefined serialized storytelling, blending the gritty moral decay of modern crime dramas with the expansive, character-driven depth of groundbreaking animation. This collection captures the decade's obsession with complex antiheroes and epic journeys, highlighting the shows that fundamentally shifted the landscape of television for every viewer.
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 its top spot through its unflinching examination of moral decay and the harrowing, inevitable consequences of a man choosing to abandon his integrity.
Explores: Moral Decay, Man Breaking Bad, Consequences of Crime.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Michael Dante DiMartino
Avatar: The Last Airbender masterfully balances its high-stakes elemental world-building with a profound, character-focused coming-of-age narrative that resonates across generations.
Explores: Elemental Powers, Destiny, Balance of Power.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood secures its place by weaving complex themes of alchemy and redemption into a gripping, emotionally resonant story about the unbreakable bond of brotherhood.
Explores: Alchemy, Brotherhood, Redemption.
Death Note
Death Note stands out for its intense psychological exploration of a god complex and the blurred lines between absolute justice and cold-blooded evil.
Explores: Moral Ambiguity, God Complex, Justice vs. Evil.
House
David Shore
House transformed the medical procedural genre by centering on an abrasive, misanthropic genius whose diagnostic brilliance is matched only by his profound personal isolation.
Explores: Medical ethics, Diagnostic medicine, Misanthropic protagonist.
The Wire
David Simon
The Wire is essential viewing for its unparalleled, systemic critique of urban decay and the self-sustaining bureaucracies that govern the modern drug trade.
Explores: Systemic Corruption, Moral Ambiguity, Urban Decay.
The Office
Greg Daniels
The Office redefined the workplace comedy by utilizing the mockumentary format to highlight the eccentricities and quiet hilarity found in mundane, everyday office life.
Explores: Office life, Everyday life, Eccentric characters.
Band of Brothers
Band of Brothers provides a definitive portrayal of military life, grounding its historical war drama in the authentic, visceral experiences of brotherhood and trauma.
Explores: brotherhood, war trauma, leadership.
Naruto Shippūden
Naruto Shippūden earns its place through its enduring focus on determination and the complex evolution of friendships amidst a backdrop of escalating ninja warfare.
Explores: Coming of Age, Friendship, Determination.
InuYasha
InuYasha remains a standout for its seamless blend of feudal Japanese folklore and isekai adventure, anchored by the rich, supernatural mystery of the Shikon jewel.
Explores: Reincarnation, Feudal Japan, Demon Hunting.
Fighting Spirit
Fighting Spirit captures the essence of the underdog journey, utilizing the high-energy world of boxing to explore themes of self-improvement and personal growth.
Explores: Underdog, Self-Improvement, Coming of Age.
Planet Earth
Planet Earth is a visual masterpiece that celebrates global biodiversity, setting the gold standard for how nature documentaries can inspire environmental conservation and awe.
Explores: Biodiversity, Conservation, Natural Wonders.
Malcolm in the Middle
Linwood Boomer
Malcolm in the Middle is celebrated for its honest, comedic portrayal of the struggles inherent in navigating life within a chaotic, dysfunctional middle-class family.
Explores: Dysfunctional Family, Gifted Child, Middle Class Life.
The Spectacular Spider-Man
Stan Lee
The Spectacular Spider-Man is highly regarded for its faithful adaptation of Peter Parker, balancing the pressures of a secret identity with relatable high school drama.
Explores: Secret Identity, High School Drama, Coming of Age.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
George Lucas
Star Wars: The Clone Wars expands the galaxy's lore by focusing on the tactical realities of war and the moral complexities faced by the Jedi Order.
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.
Supernatural
Eric Kripke
A standout among the best series of the 2000s.
Explores: Brotherhood, Good vs Evil, Apocalypse.
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.
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 crime drama series from the 2000s?
Breaking Bad is the top-ranked choice for its exploration of moral decay. Additionally, The Wire is highly recommended for its realistic portrayal of systemic corruption and the narcotics trade within the complex, urban environment of Baltimore.
Can you recommend some high-quality animated series from the 2000s?
Top picks include Avatar: The Last Airbender for its elemental fantasy world, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood for its deep alchemical narrative, and Death Note for its intense psychological thriller elements. These shows are widely considered essential viewing for animation fans.
Which medical drama series was popular in the 2000s?
House is the definitive medical drama of the decade. It focuses on Dr. Gregory House, a drug-addicted medical genius who leads a team of diagnosticians at Princeton–Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, often solving complex cases through unconventional and highly abrasive methods.