Similar to how a bad ending can retroactively diminish an otherwise stellar show, a great conclusion can elevate a story out of mediocrity. Be it satisfaction, anger, or confusion, the emotion evoked by an anime's ending sticks in the memory of viewers, often overwriting any other reactions produced by the show.
Dozens of anime are produced every season, and most of them exist within the middle ground between awfulness and awesomeness. They are neither bad nor good, and due to the sheer quantity of shows out there, it can be difficult to justify sticking by a series that is not leaving much of an impression. However, sometimes an uneven or underwhelming anime produces a memorable ending that makes sitting through the whole thing worthwhile.
As these are recommendations, spoilers will be kept to a minimum. However, it is impossible to avoid them entirely.
6 Baki Hanma
Japanese Title |
Hanma Baki: Son of Ogre |
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Studio |
TMS Entertainment |
Where to Stream |
Son of Ogre is the weakest season of Netflix's Baki continuation, which has mostly delivered on its promise of over-the-top action. However, the 2021 cour immediately starts off on the wrong foot with an ultimately pointless fight between Baki and an imaginary Praying Mantis. The middle portion of the season also revolves around a minor character who, while likable, accomplishes very little besides reinforcing the fact that Biscuit Oliva is indeed quite strong.
While most of Son of Ogre drags, the final fight between Baki and Oliva is fantastic, ranking up there with just about any other battle the anime has produced so far. It is ridiculous, impactful, and features Biscuit turning into a ball; what's not to love?
5 Chrono Crusade
Japanese Title |
Chrno Crusade |
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Studio |
Gonzo |
Where to Stream |
OK, describing Chrono Crusade as mediocre is a bit harsh; for the most part, Gonzo's anime is reasonably entertaining. The action is well-animated, the characters are charming, and the story moves along at a steady tempo. It is a perfectly fine mid-2000s anime that does not do too much to stand out from the crowd.
Then, the final episode happens, and it is safe to say that Gonzo pulled no punches. This is one of those rare shows that goes out of its way to show the consequences of the characters' actions and journeys. Nearly nobody receives a traditional happy ending, resulting in a surprisingly poignant final few minutes that might inspire some viewers to shed a couple of tears.
4 Angel Beats!
Japanese Title |
Angel Beats! |
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Studio |
P.A. Works |
Where to Stream |
While not that mediocre of a show, Angel Beats! rushes through the second half of its cour so much that it starts to lose momentum. Just as the show seemed to threaten to become a precursor to Charlotte, Angel Beats! knocks its last episode right out of the park.
Unlike the more action-heavy arc that precedes it, the anime's finale slows things down considerably, allowing the characters to breathe and say their farewells to not only each other but also the audience. The epilogue acts as the icing on the cake, turning a sad ending into a bittersweet one.
3 Dragon Ball GT
Japanese Title |
Dragon Ball GT |
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Studio |
Toei Animation |
Where to Stream |
Dragon Ball GT deserves every ounce of criticism flung its way. The sequel to DBZ sidelines many fan-favorite characters, opens with one of the most boring sagas in the franchise's history, and only features a handful of decent fights. DBGT is the epitome of a mediocre anime.
That said, Dragon Ball GT's last few minutes are perfect and far superior to DBZ's conclusion. The show ends with an emotional tribute to Goku's story, highlighting many iconic moments that defined the shonen franchise over the last decade. When Dragon Ball finally decides to end things for good, the creators should turn to DBGT's finale for inspiration.
2 The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya (& The Disappearance Of Haruhi Suzumiya)
Japanese Title |
Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu (& Suzumiya Haruhi no Shoushitsu) |
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Studio |
Kyoto Animation |
Where to Stream |
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is one of the most influential slice of life anime of all time, and its first season is a solid watch. However, the show's sequel series starts with the Endless Eight arc, which is perhaps the most polarizing storyline in anime history. This saga's repetitive nature can put off many people from completing the show, and it also makes the entire anime harder to recommend.
Thankfully, this season is followed up by The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, a climactic movie that more than justifies sitting through anything that comes before it. Ambitious and thought-provoking, this film emphasizes the best parts of Haruhi Suzumiya while eliminating most of the fat. The movie is so good that it is almost worth watching on its own, however, going down this route greatly lessens the story's impact.
1 School Days
Japanese Title |
School Days |
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Studio |
TNK |
Where to Stream |
A memorable ending is not the same thing as a good ending, and there is nothing good about School Days. The anime shows the dark side of love triangles, all centered around a two-timing protagonist who is about as charming as a wet sponge and nowhere near as useful. For the vast majority of its run, School Days is an annoying SOAP with mediocre animation and infuriating characters – an anime destined to be instantly forgotten.
(Un)Fortunately, the anime's last 10 minutes are so awesomely bad that they have allowed School Days to exist in infamy ever since. The show goes in a direction that is so outlandish and violent that it is almost difficult to digest what is happening on screen.