Of the good number of anime released over the years, only a few of them are finished or manage to stick their landing in a satisfactory way, wrapping up the main plot and character arcs and conveying that sense of conclusion to the audience. In this sense, in both classic and new anime series, some endings stood out more than others, with some even being considered masterful works.
Maintaining consistency throughout the story is not enough for an anime to have a satisfactory ending, but it must resolve its main conflicts while maintaining the same tone and leaving a lasting impression on viewers. However, some endings not only deserve praise for being relevant and connecting with people through their happy, sad or ambiguous developments, but there are several anime endings so universally loved and well-crafted that they make the entire journey and experience of watching the series worthy.
10
Murder Classroom
Based on the manga by Yusei Matsui
Assassination Classroom follows the story of a mysterious and powerful creature known as Koro-sensei, who becomes the teacher of a class of misfit students tasked with assassinating him to prevent the destruction of the Earth.
- Cast
-
Jun Fukuyama, Mai Fuchigami, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Aya Suzaki, Ayaka Suwa, Chie Matsuura, Eiji Miyashita, Fuuko Saito
- Character(s)
-
Koro-sensei, Nagisa Shiota, Karma Akabane, Kaede Kayano, Touka yada, Megu Kataoka, Sousuke Sugaya, Kirara Hazama
- Release date
-
January 10, 2015
- Seasons
-
2
Animation Studio: |
Lerche Studio |
Final Year: |
2016 |
Episode number: |
47 |
In Murder ClassroomIn the end, it becomes painfully clear that Korosensei is beyond salvation. Still, at least it is his students who lead their lives the way he wanted, leaving Nagisa to carry out such a difficult task. Korosensei fulfilled his mission of helping Class E by being the biggest reference and mentor in their livesand the reunion of classmates many years later showed that their teacher’s classes helped everyone achieve their goals and become a better version of themselves.
However, the best part is that Nagisa follows in Korosensei’s footsteps and now tries to inspire other students. Despite being a predictable ending since it was announced from the beginning, the moving scenes of Korosensei passing through the audience one last time and the soundtrack of students singing are moving enough to make even the most discerning fans shed a few tears.
9
PokƩmon the series
Based on the video game series by Satoshi Tajiri
Animation Studio: |
OLM |
Final Year: |
2023 |
Episode number: |
1234 |
Although Ash won the Orange League in 1999 and his first official league in 2019 in Alola, it would not be until 2022 that he would become world champion, completing a dream after more than 25 years. After this event, PokƩmonThe final arc of features several emotional reunions and tributes for Ash and Pikachuin addition to some of the first PokƩmon on his return to Pallet Town, giving fans even more nostalgia for that boy who was late one morning and today is the champion of champions.
So Ash’s latest episodes reflect on what matters in being such a PokĆ©mon Master. he and Pikachu move on to their next adventure, which makes the final episode as bittersweet as it is rewarding.as it ends the journey that many viewers have followed since childhood, but began a new PokĆ©mon series and a new adventure.
8
Gurren Lagann
Based on the manga by Hiroyuki Imaishi
Animation Studio: |
Gainax |
Final Year: |
2007 |
Episode number: |
27 |
Gurren Lagann ends in a space opera that is not only exceptional, but also justifies and elevates willpower as an essential part of being human. In an epic battle that dominates the enormity of the universe, the Anti-Spiral leader is extremely powerful and omnipotent, but it is human determination that allows Simon to defeat them.
Thanks to this, just like Kamina, Simon’s figure is now that of an unparalleled heroic icon. Although sad and moving, the end is what makes TTGL the perfect coming-of-age anime, as Simon matures enough to not dwell on his loss like he did with Kamina, but rather accept Nia’s sacrifice and move on. Simon also steps away from the prestige of his Spiral Warrior position and lets the next generation take the lead, showing how much he grows from being satisfied with his choice to no longer use his power.
7
Hunter X Hunter
Based on the manga by Yoshihiro Togashi
Animation Studio: |
Hospice |
Final Year: |
2014 |
Episode number: |
148 |
Although Hunter x Hunterthe manga is far from over, the anime ended at the perfect time when Gon finally accomplished his goal of meeting his father. However, this ending also begins another adventure, as the world is an unknown and endless place waiting to be explored, expressing that the pleasure of being a hunter is finding and pursuing one goal after another and enjoying the challenges and experiences at hand. along the way.
Although Gon losing his nen and parting ways with Killua is bittersweet, the ending gives them the closure they need to find each other and grow, and his promise teases that they will reunite again once they find another purpose. Then, Even if the next arc isn’t adapted into an anime, it’s still a satisfying open ending to Hunter x Hunter.
6
Dragon Ball Z
Based on the manga by Akira Toriyama
Dragon Ball Z is the sequel to Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball and continues Goku’s adventures. Along with his companions, Goku defends Earth against various villains, from intergalactic space fighters and conquerors to powerful androids and nearly indestructible creatures.
- Cast
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Masako Nozawa, Ryou Horikawa, Hiromi Tsuru, Hiroko Emori, Shigeru Chiba, Naoko Watanabe, Mayumi Tanaka, Naoki Tatsuta, Yukimasa Kishino
- Release date
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April 26, 1989
- Creator(s)
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Akira Toriyama
Animation Studio: |
Toei Animation |
Final Year: |
1996 |
Episode number: |
291 |
After celebrating Kid Buu’s defeat, the anime moves ten years into the future to show the drastic changes in the lives of Goku and the Z Warriors, who meet again at the World Martial Arts Tournament. Goku faces Uub, the reincarnation of Kid Buu, and decides that he will go with him to train him and help his village, showing not only Goku’s kind heart, but also how he always continues moving towards a new challenge and adventure.
Although with the launch of Dragon Ball Super, many fans may think that the ending of Z It’s not canonsince Super spanning the time between the battle against Buu and this final tournament only makes this Akira Toriyama ending all the more meaningful as it is the culmination of where the story is headed.
5
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters
Based on the manga by Kazuki Takahashi
Animation Studio: |
Gallop Studio |
Final Year: |
2006 |
Episode number: |
224 |
Yu-Gi-OhThe anime’s original ending ends the story brilliantly, featuring the duel between Yugi and Atem in the Rite of Duel for the pharaoh to pass on to the afterlife. This duel showed Yugi’s growth as a duelist, and since he emerged as a victor, it proved that he was ready to stand alone and that Atem’s purpose had been fulfilled, making it a very moving and emotional farewell for both the characters and fans.
However, Kaiba’s ultimate fate was revealed later in the 2016 movie The dark side of dimensionswhich served as a direct sequel written by Kazuki Takahashi and highlighted Kaiba’s amusing obsession with settling scores with Atem. The film featured his last duel with Yugi and how he is dealing with Atem’s departure, and the characters are moving on in life, which only elevated the already great ending.
4
Cowboy Bebop
Original anime series directed by Shinichiro Watanabe and written by Keiko Nobumoto
Animation Studio: |
Sunrise |
Final Year: |
1999 |
Episode number: |
26 |
Spike Spiegel being ready to accept his ending is a moment as thought-provoking as it is epic, making it one of the best constructed deaths in anime and the model for other iconic works such as Death Note and John Wick. However, the ending is ambiguous, as Spike’s fate was never confirmed, leading many viewers to question whether he was actually dead or just passed out from exhaustion.
You will carry this weight
Many people believe that Spike’s quote in the final episode refers to the weight of his decisions, the past that haunts and torments him, or that it refers to the audience, who will move forward carrying the weight of Spike’s story. However, the amount of symbolism in the series proves Cowboy Bebop‘finishing; is a reflection of Spike’s feelingsIt was when he faced his past and destiny during his emotionally charged final duel with Vicious that left an indelible mark on fans.
3
Psycho Mafia 100
Based on the One Webcomic
Mob Psycho 100 is an animated fantasy action series based on a webcomic by author One. The story revolves around a powerful psychic boy named Shigeo, nicknamed Mob, who seeks only to win the affection of his school crush. Striving to hone his craft, he seeks help from a self-proclaimed medium named Arataka Reigen, a con artist. Exploiting Mob for their business, the two team up to exorcise demons – but Mob’s power is slowly growing, and when it reaches its peak, no one will be able to stop him.
- Cast
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Kyle McCarley, Jason Liebrecht, Chris Niosi, Michael Sorich, Max Mittelman, Erik Scott, Kimerer, Casey Mongillo, Cherami Leigh
- Release date
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July 12, 2016
- Seasons
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3
- Creator(s)
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ONE
Animation Studio: |
Studio bones |
Final Year: |
2022 |
Episode number: |
37 |
In a sequence that managed to perfectly combine action and anguish, Psycho Mafia 100 had a cathartic climax. But Mob’s story would not be complete until he learned to accept himself, something he was unable to do out of fear, which made him confine his powers and emotions, which finally exploded. In the end, not only does Dimple come back, but Reigen finally comes clean about his lies and says that even though he despised himself for it, he was grateful because it helped him meet Mob.
This helps Mob reconcile and understand that people are flawed, and that’s okay; Likewise, his powers are part of him, but they do not define who he is. In this way, the ending is a direct delivery of the series’ central message, ‘Your life is yours to live and be yourself’, especially in the final scene of Mob laughing wholeheartedly, becoming one of the most uplifting anime endings of all time.
Based on the manga by Hiromu Arakawa
Animation Studio: |
Studio bones |
Final Year: |
2010 |
Episode number: |
64 |
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is considered a masterpiece, so it’s no surprise that its ending is Widely recognized as one of the most satisfying and moving moments in anime history. Unlike other anime, FMAB wrapped each character with a small bow, giving them a happy ending. Not only was the father defeated after everyone’s cooperation, but Edward also managed to restore his brother Alphonse after sacrificing his door of truth and therefore his ability to use alchemy.
This shows that, More than the absolute power that the Father longed for, there are more valuable things in lifelike family and friends. Also, FMAB presented fans with one of the sweetest confessions in anime to date, when Ed proposed to Winry and even showed how they will have children in the future and how, even after the brothers went their separate ways, they live full lives.
1
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Original anime series directed by GorÅ Taniguchi and written by IchirÅ ÅKouchi
Animation Studio: |
Sunrise |
Final Year: |
2008 |
Episode number: |
50 |
Zero Requiem is one of the most brilliant, significant and best-crafted events in anime history. Node Geass Code ending, since Lelouch decides that he will be the one to end the chain of hatred, he becomes the worst of them all, so that everyone assumes that he was behind everything, sacrificing himself so that Zero would become a hero and Nunnally the leader of a world peaceful group.
But what made the ending better was that Lelouch’s final moments were not only symbolic, but also shrouded in mystery due to their ambiguity, which led many viewers to debate whether Lelouch actually sacrificed himself or faked his death. Although this is still open to interpretation, as the 2019 film Geass Code: Lelouch of Re;surrection follows another timeline, Geass Code‘the final episode remains unforgettable and continues to mark anime fans even after more than a decade, making it the perfect anime ending that made the trip worth it.