Nostalgia plays a strong role in biased opinions and makes it easier for fans to turn a blind eye to questionable themes. For many anime fans, the shows that shaped their early years typically have an exemption from any scrutiny. However, as beloved as these series are, they can’t all hold up against time, and if they were released today, they likely wouldn’t have gotten as much traction.

There are plenty of themes, tropes, and even characters that no longer sit right in a modern context. Despite that, emotional attachment runs deep, and there’s a certain magic to these series that viewers can’t help but love. While many of these anime would not hold up with modern sensibilities, they’re ingrained in the hearts of many fans. They are not above critiques, but they’re not going anywhere either.

10 Vampire Knight

Produced by Studio Deen, Based on the Manga by Matsuri Hino

Vampire Knight is a supernatural dark fantasy romance, and for many fans, that’s what makes it unforgettable. The series' aesthetic is peak gothic fantasy, with dark uniforms, moody atmospheres, and, of course, brooding vampires that catch every fangirl’s attention. Yuki, Zero, and Kaname’s tangled love triangle was the blueprint for an entire generation of shipping wars, and it was hard not to feel a little thrill rewatching their story unfold.

However, the series is also loaded with red flags. The romanticization of toxic behavior is off the charts and has stalker-like obsession and questionable consent that is often brushed off in the name of ion. To top it all off, the central plot hinges on an extremely uncomfortable sibling relationship twist that only gets more unsettling the deeper you dig into it. Still, for many, Vampire Knight is a guilty pleasure, flaws and all.

9 D. Gray-man

Produced by TMS Entertainment, Based on the Manga by Katsura Hoshino

D. Gray-man carved out a special place for itself in the mid-2000s with a mix of gothic horror and shōnen action. Allen Walker’s journey as an exorcist fighting Akuma with a cursed arm and a tragic past is precisely what hooked fans. With the right amount of angst and heroism, D. Gray-man felt fresh despite being emotionally heavy.

D. Gray-Man did make quite a few questionable narrative choices. The pacing often spiraled into confusion as characters disappeared and reappeared without warning, and the series' handling of trauma was exploitative rather than empathetic. The uncomfortable use of real-world religious imagery and cultural symbols came off as either careless or a tactless form of appropriation.

8 Crayon Shin-chan

Produced by Shin-Ei Animation, Based on the Manga by Yoshito Usui

Crayon Shin-chan is a comedic staple in Japan and has been for decades. Shin-chan is always up to bizarre antics and makes inappropriate comments, paired with frequent moonings. It’s safe to say that he’s both a menace and a legend all at once. Beneath the absurdity of it all, the series has a surprising amount of heart through its portrayal of everyday family life, even if it comes across as odd at times amid the butt jokes and adult references.

All that said, Crayon Shin-chan hasn’t exactly aged with grace. A lot of its humor leans too heavily on stereotypes, gender norms, and sexual innuendos that wouldn’t slide as well if it were created today. While its irreverent tone was part of its appeal, much of it simply wouldn’t fly in the modern sphere.

7 Sword Art Online

Produced by A-1 Pictures, Based on the Light Novels by Reki Kawahara

When Sword Art Online first premiered, it received widespread acclaim and quickly rose in popularity. The central plot revolves around players who become trapped in a deadly video game and must defeat it in order to survive. It was cinematic, and the protagonist had a cool edge, making him an instant fan favorite.

Yet, as SAO continued, not only did it start to lose its edge, but its problematic themes became increasingly difficult to ignore. The story often sidelined powerful female characters, reducing them to damsels in distress and, much too often, at the center of unwanted sexual advances. While the series started off strong, its repeated themes undercut its story and made it uncomfortable to watch.

6 Black Butler

Produced by A-1 Pictures and CloverWorks, Based on the Manga by Yana Toboso

Black Butler makes a strong first impression with its gothic Victorian aesthetic, morally gray characters, and a tone that shifts from murder mystery to dark comedy with ease. Sebastian Michaelis, the demon butler at the center of the series, quickly caught fire and became an icon. As for Ciel Phantomhive, the young earl’s brooding attitude and sophistication felt so grown-up to many younger viewers. The show's inclusion of elements from the occult, mystery, and revenge played into what made the series so popular.

Despite its popularity, Black Butler has a fair share of problematic themes at its center. The boundaries between Ciel and Sebastian’s interactions are often blurred and laced with scenes that have suggestive undertones that raise eyebrows now in ways that were less frequently discussed in the past. Still, the series has an allure that is difficult to resist, and even after many years, it continues to receive stunning adaptations, making it a guilty pleasure for many fans.

5 Love Hina

Produced by Studio Xebec, Based on the Manga by Ken Akamatsu

Love Hina hit all the right notes for early 2000s rom-com anime fans. The series mixes slapstick humor with a likable yet extremely dense protagonist and a harem of quirky, lovable girls vying for his affection. The series follows Keitaro as he strives to get into Tokyo University and often balances heartwarming moments with embarrassing situations. For many fans, it was one of their first exposures to the harem comedy genre.

However, Love Hina hasn’t aged well in some areas. The series relies heavily on uncomfortable sexual situations, with Keitaro too often stumbling into compromising positions with the girls at their expense. The humor can feel outdated, and it plays off the trope of the clueless guy surrounded by women.

4 Inuyasha

Produced by Sunrise, Based on the Manga by Rumiko Takahashi

Inuyasha remains one of the most iconic anime series from the early 2000s. The series perfectly blends feudal Japan with modern ideologies, adding a touch of magic and romance. The storyline follows Kagome, a high school girl who is pulled into the Sengoku era. There, she meets the half-demon Inuyasha, and together, they embark on a journey to collect the shards of the Shikon Jewel.

While the premise is interesting, and the series remains popular today, it isn’t without its fair share of flaws. The series has a habit of dipping into problematic tropes, including the casual treatment of series injuries and its portrayal of women throughout the story. Despite some of its shortcomings, however, Inuyasha is both gripping and beloved, so many fans turn the other way when some of its uncomfortable themes arise.

3 Sailor Moon

Produced by Toei Animation, Based on the Manga by Naoko Takeuchi

Sailor Moon remains a cornerstone of the magical girl genre and has a nostalgic, heartwarming place in the hearts of many fans who grew up with it. The series centers around Usagi Tsukino, who has the power to transform into Sailor Moon and fights for love and justice along with the other Sailor Guardians. The series was empowering for young girls and mixed romance with action, capturing the hearts of many adolescent viewers worldwide.

However, while it did have empowering themes, the series also had its fair share of harmful and controversial portrayals. The series romanticized dynamics that bordered on possessiveness, and the relationship between Usagi and Mamoru was turned upside down when the animated series made him a college student. Along with harmful messaging, including weight and its representation of LGBT+ characters, Sailor Moon fell short of today's standards.

2 Dragon Ball

Produced by Toei Animation, Based on the Manga by Akira Toriyama

Dragon Ball is easily one of the greatest anime series in history, inspiring many of the series that followed its debut. Goku’s quest for the Dragon Balls led him on a lifelong journey that introduced epic battles, memorable characters, and lighthearted mischief and humor. However, looking back on the series, many aspects would not hold up today.

Not all of Dragon Ball aged with grace, and some of the series’ humor and content is harder to swallow with today's perspective. The show leaned heavily on inappropriate jokes, nudity, and scenes that are wholly uncomfortable to watch when looking back. Still, for all its outdated elements, Dragon Ball is and will always be a groundbreaking and nostalgic ride that many anime fans will never stop loving.

1 Elfen Lied

Produced by Arms Corporation, Based on the Manga by Lynn Okamoto

Elfen Lied is one of those anime that leaves a long-lasting impression, for better or worse. Its gory violence, tragic backstory, and exploration of isolation have earned it a strong following. The story follows Lucy, a mutant with deadly telekinetic powers who escapes from a research facility. The shock value, drama, and violence all work together to capture the attention of anime fans.

Yet, as gripping as the series was, it didn’t age with grace. Elfen Lied’s treatment of its female characters, especially Lucy, raises uncomfortable questions about exploitation and victimization. While it tries to explore themes of cruelty and trauma, the unrelenting violence and unreasonable nudity undercut its deeper message. Yet, despite these flaws, Elfen Lied continues to draw audiences and won’t stop anytime soon.