The best anime films and series of the 21st century as recognized in Russia have been identified through a thoughtful assessment conducted by FAN channel. To build this rating, the publication consulted a panel of industry experts who specialize in anime, manga, and Japanese culture, seeking informed judgments from practitioners and critics who understand the medium inside out. The result reflects how a mature audience in Russia engages with contemporary animation, what stories resonate across borders, and which works have become touchstones for fans and scholars alike.
Taking the top spot is the television series Attack on Titan, an expansive adaptation of Hajime Isayama’s post-apocalyptic manga about humanity fighting for survival against towering, cannibalistic giants. The series has left a broad footprint: it spawned two feature-length films, a compact drama adaptation, and multiple video games, demonstrating how a single property can expand into a multimedia universe. Its ambition, visual intensity, and philosophical questions about fear, freedom, and the cost of survival have sparked debate and analysis far beyond the screen, cementing its status as a landmark in modern animation.
In second place sits Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, adapted from Hiromu Arakawa’s beloved manga. The narrative follows the Elric brothers as they undertake a perilous quest to restore what they have lost through the perilous art of alchemy. The series is often praised for its tightly woven plot, moral complexity, and character development, offering a rich blend of action, humor, and poignant human drama. Its persistent thematic focus on sacrifice, responsibility, and the consequences of ambition has resonated with viewers of diverse ages and backgrounds, making it a touchstone in the canon of contemporary anime.
Rounding out the top tier, the animated series Death Note presents a provocative premise in which a high school student gains the power to erase lives with a notebook that bears supernatural authority. The show explores questions of justice, power, and ethics as it unfolds a tense cat-and-mouse battle between intellects, where every decision carries weighty repercussions. Its influence extends into cultural conversations, inspiring debates about morality in technology-enabled age and becoming a sustained reference point for fans and scholars alike.
Beyond the podium, other notable works in the top ten include Your Name, Naruto, Steins;Gate, Spirited Away, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Hunter x Hunter, One Punch Man, and One Piece. Each title contributes a distinct flavor to the spectrum: from intimate romance and cosmic fate to time-travel paradoxes, epic political intrigue, and long-running adventures that shape generations of viewers. Together, these titles illustrate the breadth of modern anime—from intimate storytelling to sprawling epics, from introspective character studies to outward-facing action and humor—demonstrating how the medium has evolved and diversified over the 21st century.
In other industry news, a Japanese television channel reportedly condemned a company from Novosibirsk due to affiliations with Naruto, a development that has sparked conversation about licensing, regional distribution, and the cultural reach of popular anime franchises. This incident underscores how cross-border collaborations and media governance can influence the availability and reception of beloved series in different markets. While such disputes are not uncommon in the global media landscape, they often prompt discussions about rights, censorship, and the responsibilities of distributors to fans while respecting local regulations and cultural contexts.
Meanwhile, rumors regarding casting and production notes related to other major projects have circulated in industry circles. One report suggested that a director involved in a film about a controversial public figure might have indicated a leading role for a performer from another region, highlighting how rumors can intersect with real development timelines and project profiles. In the fast-moving world of anime and related media, such discussions—whether grounded in official statements or speculative chatter—reflect fans’ strong interest in who voices, directs, or stars in major adaptations and the ways these choices shape a work’s reception and legacy.