From the good number ofanimereleased over the years, just a few of them are finished or able to stick to their landing satisfyingly, giving closure to the main plot and character arcs and conveying that feeling of completion to the audience. In this sense, in both classic and new anime series,some endings have stood out more than others, with some even considered masterful works.
Maintaining consistency throughout the story isn’t enough for an anime to have a satisfying ending, but it must resolve its major conflicts while keeping the same tone and leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Yet some finales are not only deserving of praise for being relevant and connecting with people for their happy, sad, or ambiguous developments, but there are severalanime endings so universally loved and well-crafted that they make the whole journey and experience of watching the series worthy.
Assassination Classroom
Cast
Assassination Classroom follows the story of a mysterious and powerful creature, known as Koro-sensei, who becomes the homeroom teacher for a class of misfit students tasked with assassinating him to prevent Earth’s destruction.
2016
Number of Episodes:
47
InAssassination Classroom’s ending, it is painfully clear that Korosensei has no salvation. Still, at least his students are the ones to take his life in the way he wanted, with Nagisa being in charge of carrying out such a difficult task.Korosensei fulfilled his mission of helping Class E by being the greatest reference and mentor in their lives, and the reunion of the classmates many years later showed that his teacher’s lessons helped everyone achieve their goals and become a better version of themselves.
However, the best part is thatNagisa follows Korosensei’s footsteps and is now trying to inspire other students. Despite being a predictable ending since it was announced from the beginning, the touching scenes of Korosensei passing attendance one last time and the soundtrack of the students singing are moving enough to make even the hardest fans shed a few tears.
Pokémon
Pokémon follows Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master, accompanied by his loyal Pikachu. Released in 1997, the series explores Ash’s travels through various regions, where he encounters new friends and challenges, underscoring the themes of adventure and teamwork.
2023
1234
While Ash won the Orange League in 1999 and his first official league in 2019 in Alola, it wouldn’t be until 2022 that he would become the world champion, completing a dream after more than 25 years. After this event,Pokémon’s final arc showcases several emotional reunions and tributes to Ash and Pikachu, as well as some of the first Pokémon on their return to Pallet Town, delivering more nostalgia to fans for that boy who was late one morning and is now the champion of champions.
Thus, Ash’s last episodes reflect on what matters to being a Pokémon Master just ashe and Pikachu head on to their next adventure, which makes the final episode just as bittersweet as fulfilling, since it ends the journey that many viewers followed since childhood but begins anewPokémonseries and a new adventure.
Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann is an anime series set in a future where humans live in underground villages. The story follows Simon and Kamina, who break free to the surface and pilot the titular mecha to fight against oppressive forces.
2007
Number of Episode:
27
Gurren Lagannends in a space opera that is not only exceptional but also vindicates and elevates willpower as an essential part of being human. In an epic battle that overwhelms with the enormity of the universe, the anti-spiral leader is so extremely powerful and omnipotent, but it’s human determination that allows Simon to defeat them.
Thanks to this, just like Kamina was, Simon’s figure is now that of an unparalleled heroic icon. While sad and heartbreaking,the ending is what makesTTGLthe perfect coming-of-age anime,as Simon matures enough to not delve into his loss like he did with Kamina but rather accept Nia’s sacrifice and move forward. Simon also moves away from the prestige of his position as a spiral warrior and leaves the next generation to take over leadership, showing how much he has grown, and that he is content with his choice not to use his power anymore.
Hunter x Hunter
In Hunter x Hunter, young Gon Freecss discovers his long-lost father is a legendary Hunter, an elite class of adventurer with the license to go anywhere or do almost anything. Determined to find him, Gon sets out to pass the Hunter Examination, a life-threatening challenge that draws hundreds of hopefuls seeking fortune, fame, and adventure. Along the way, Gon becomes friends with other candidates, including the vengeful Kurapika, the ambitious Leorio, and the enigmatic Killua. Together, they face a world filled with bizarre creatures, sinister criminals, and unpredictable adventures.
2014
148
Even thoughHunter x Hunter’s mangais far from finished, the anime ended at the perfect moment whenGon finally fulfilled his goal of meeting his father. However, this ending also sets off another adventure, as the world is an endless unknown 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 along the way.
Hunter x Hunter’s Anime Ending Explained: How Does The Anime End & What Happens After It?
The final episode of Hunter x Hunter’s anime is both the end and the prologue to a new adventure. Here’s how the anime closes Gon’s story.
While Gon losing his nen and parting ways with Killua is bittersweet, the ending gives them the closure they need to find themselves and grow, and their promise teases that they will reunite again once they find another goal. So,even if the upcoming arc isn’t adapted into anime, it is still a satisfying open ending toHunter x Hunter.
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z follows Goku, who lives a peaceful life with his family until the arrival of Raditz, a mysterious warrior claiming to be Goku’s brother. This revelation unveils their true heritage as Saiyans, a formidable warrior race known for conquering planets.
1996
291
After celebrating the defeat of Kid Buu, the anime advances ten years into the future to show the drastic changes in the lives of Goku and the Z warriors, who meet again in 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 to move towards a new challenge and adventure.
Although with the release ofDragon Ball Super,many fans may think that the ending ofZis not canon, sinceSupercovers the time that elapsed between the battle against Buu and this final tournament only makes this ending of Akira Toriyama even more significant, since it is the culminating point where the story is heading.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters follows Yûgi Muto, a frail youth targeted by bullies, who discovers his alter ego, Yami Yûgi, after completing the ancient Millennium Puzzle. This new persona, embodying the “King of Games,” emerges to challenge opponents through mystical “Shadow Games,” when Yûgi faces injustice.
2006
224
Yu-Gi-Oh’s original anime ending brilliantly wraps up the story by presenting the duel between Yugi and Atemin the Rite of the 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 winner, it proved that he was ready to stand on his own and that Atem’s purpose had been fulfilled, making it a very emotional and tear-jerking farewell for both the characters and the fans.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Ending Explained: What Happened to Yugi, Kaiba, & Joey At The Series' End?
Yu-Gi-Oh! is easily one of the most iconic anime of the past 20 years, and here’s a breakdown of its ending and the fates of its principal leads.
However, Kaiba’s final fate was revealed later in the2016filmThe Dark Side of Dimensions, which served as a direct sequel written by Kazuki Takahashi and highlighted Kaiba’s amusing obsession with settling the score with Atem. The film featured his last duel with Yugi and how the latter is coping with Atem’s departure, and the characters are moving on in life, which only elevated the already great ending.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a 1998 animated series set in 2071, where humanity has colonized the Solar System following a catastrophic event. As crime surges, bounty hunters known as “Cowboys” are employed by the Inter Solar System Police to capture criminals in exchange for rewards.
1999
26
Spike Spiegel being ready to accept his ending is a moment just as thought-provoking as it is epic, becomingone of the best-constructed deaths in anime and the blueprint for other iconic works likeDeath NoteandJohn Wick. However, the ending is ambiguous as Spike’s fate is never confirmed, leading many viewers to question whether he was really dead or just passed out from exhaustion.
You’re Gonna Carry That Weight
Many people believe that Spike’s quote in the final episode refers to the weight of his decisions, to the past that haunts and torments him, or that it refers to the audience, who will move on carrying the weight of Spike’s story. Nevertheless,the amount of symbolism in the series provesCowboy Bebop' ending; it’s a reflection of Spike’s feelings as he faced his past and destiny during his emotionally charged final duel with Vicious, which left an indelible mark on fans.
Mob Psycho 100
Mob Psycho 100 follows Shigeo Kageyama, a young boy struggling with self-expression while possessing formidable psychic abilities. As he strives for normalcy by suppressing his powers, he faces challenges from false psychics, malevolent spirits, and enigmatic entities, bringing his emotional and psychic thresholds to critical levels.
2022
37
In a sequence that managed to combine action and anguish perfectly,Mob Psycho 100had a cathartic climax. But Mob’s story wouldn’t be complete until he learned to accept himself, something he couldn’t do out of fear, which made him confine his powers and emotions, which finally exploded. In the ending, not only does Dimple come back, but Reigen finally comes clear about his lies and says that even though he despised himself for that, he was grateful because it helped him meet Mob.
This helps Mob make terms with himself and understand that people are full of flaws, and that’s OK. Likewise, Mob’s powers are part of him, but they don’t define who he is. This way, the ending is a direct delivery of the series’ core message, ‘Your life is yours to live and be yourself’, especially in the final scene of Mob wholeheartedly laughing, becomingone of the most uplifting anime endings of all time.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric who use alchemy in a quest to restore their bodies after a failed transmutation. The series explores themes of sacrifice, the consequences of ambition, and the quest for truth in a richly developed world.
2010
64
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodis considered a masterpiece, so it’s no surprise that its ending iswidely recognized as one of the most satisfying and emotional moments in anime history. Unlike other anime,FMABwrapped every character up with a little bow, giving them a happy ending. Not only was 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 Father longed for, there are more valuable things in life, like family and friends. Also,FMABgifted fans one of the sweetest confessions in anime to this day when Ed proposed to Winry and that they have kids in the future and how, even after the brothers went on separate ways, they lived a fulfilling life.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is a Japanese anime series set in an alternate future where the Holy Britannian Empire has conquered Japan. The series follows Lelouch vi Britannia, an exiled prince who gains a mysterious power called Geass and uses it to lead a rebellion against the imperial power. Lelouch balances his dual life as a student and a masked revolutionary leader, driven by a desire to avenge his mother’s death and create a better world.
2008
50
The Zero Requiem is one of the most brilliant, significant, and best-crafted events in the history of anime. In theCode Geassending, since Lelouch decides that he will be the one to end the chain of hatred, he becomes the worst of all, so that everyone assumes that he was behind everything, sacrificing himself for Zero to become a hero and Nunnally the leader of a peaceful world.
But what enhanced the finale was that Lelouch’s final moments were not only symbolic but also shrouded in mystery and ambiguity, which led many viewers to debate whether Lelouch had truly sacrificed himself or faked his death. Even though this is still open for interpretation, as the 2019 filmCode Geass:Lelouch of the Re;surrectionfollows another timeline,Code Geass' 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 journey worth it.
