Highlights
- Many anime series struggle to deliver a satisfying conclusion, leaving fans disappointed after investing their time and expectations.
- However, there are certain anime, like A Silent Voice and Dororo, that handle their endings flawlessly, leaving fans feeling content and fulfilled.
- These satisfying endings provide proper closure, answering fans' questions and tying up loose ends.
As with any long work of fiction, it is often said that after the creation of a manga or anime, the hardest part is to make a fitting conclusion. When fans of an anime series invest their time, they expect to be rewarded with a great ending.
There have been many instances where an anime's ending has left a sour taste in the mouths of the fans. Many famous anime, such as Attack on Titan, Sword Art Online, etc., have suffered from this problem. However, certain anime have handled their endings flawlessly. Fans weren't disappointed with these conclusions but were left with the satisfaction that the story had come to a fitting end.
UPDATED on August 27, 2023, by Suzail Ahmad: The common consensus among anime fans is that it is much easier to start a series than to finish it. Over the years, fans have seen many great series get anticlimactic endings, which wasted years of buildup and hard work. However, there are still many series that have managed to pull off a perfect ending, leaving fans feeling content. These anime endings gave the audience proper closure and gave them the answers that they wanted. Here are some of the most satisfying anime endings of all time.
18 A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice is a masterpiece created by Yoshitoki Ōima. Given the quality of the manga, it wasn't surprising that it received a movie adaptation. A Silent Voice follows the life of Ishida Shoya, a boy with an odd childhood. He was a bully, and he made life hell for Nishimiya. Shoya created many problems for the poor girl, which caused her mother to step in. Not long afterward, Shoya got a taste of his own medicine as he became the target of bullying.
As he grew up, Shoya realized his mistakes and tried to make amends. He attempted to get back into Nishimiya's good books and make up for his other mistakes. After struggling a lot, Shoya succeeded in his attempt and freed himself from the chains of solitude.
17 Dororo
Dororo received two anime adaptations; one came out in 1967, while the second one was released in 2019. Both versions were showered with praise, but when it comes to satisfying conclusions, the 2019 anime did a much better job. In this specific version, Hyakkimaru and Dororo face off against many formidable opponents to recover the former's limbs.
Hyakkimaru is driven by rage, but over time he begins to realize that there is more to life than revenge. The presence of Dororo plays a massive role in his life and helps him become a better person. Toward the end of the series, both Dororo and Hyakkimaru grow up and reunite after completing their respective goals.
16 Monster
Monster is widely believed to be one of the greatest anime series. It is a psychological horror anime that covers the story of Kenzo Tenma, a renowned surgeon. After a moral crisis, Tenma decides to save the life of a young boy over a famous person.
Tenma's decision leads to his downfall and a series of eerie events. Tenma soon realizes that they are tied to the boy whose life he saved, and this leads him on a mission to confront him. After getting rid of Johan, Tenma is finally able to work without any problems.
15 Megalo Box
Megalo Box is the story of an underdog boxer named Joe who dreams of crushing Yuri, the current champion of Megalonia. Joe's journey is far from easy, and he has to fight his way through to the final. Despite facing so many obstacles, Joe refuses to back down.
Even with the odds stacked against him, Joe manages to secure a rematch with Yuri. With the fight entering the final stage, both Joe and Yuri throw one last punch. The result of the battle is not revealed immediately in an attempt to keep up the suspense. It takes a while before Joe is confirmed as the victor.
14 Naruto
Naruto is among the most popular shonen series of all time. It follows a young boy named Naruto who dreams of becoming the leader of his village. Naruto's path is riddled with all kinds of obstacles, making it difficult for him to achieve his goal.
In the finale, Naruto finally manages to save his best friend Sasuke, who wants to rule over the world with power and hatred. Following the conclusion of the war, Naruto marries Hinata Hyuuga and starts his own family.
13 AnoHana
Not many anime can stir up the emotions of the viewers like AnoHana. The short anime series focuses on Jinta and Menma, who is now a spirit that is unable to pass on to the other world.
The final episode had all of Menma's friends trying to help her. Jinta tells everyone that Menma wants to speak with them. Before leaving, Menma writes down final messages for her friends, which takes them over the edge and they start crying.
12 Katanagatari
Katanagatari is an anime series that is based on the light novel of the same name. It is a very short anime that just has twelve episodes, which makes it an easy choice for binge-watching.
The story follows Shichika, a swordsman who doesn't use swords to fight. Due to his unique way of fighting, Togame decides to team up with him. Towards the end, Togame ends up dying, and she fails to kill Shichika. It has a satisfying conclusion as Togame didn't actually want to kill Shichika and because of her death, she is unable to go through with the plan.
11 Samurai Champloo
It is one of the most popular anime series of all time. The series was created by Shinichiro Watanabe, who has also worked on Cowboy Bebop. Samurai Champloo follows three individuals— Fuu, Jin, and Mugen.
They travel through Japan to find the samurai who smells of sunflowers. In the final episode, Fuu sees her father being murdered, but Jin makes sure that the murderer is punished. He manages to kill him and on the other hand, Mugen fights and defeats Umanosuke. The three of them eventually go their separate ways.
10 Death Note
Death Note is Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata's magnum opus. As one of the most famous anime series in recent memory, it is often recommended to anime neophytes because of its incredible story.
After using the Death Note for a while, Yagami Light's megalomania begins to reach new levels. He manages to manipulate one of the Shinigami into killing L, the only real threat to his goal. This resulted in Light lowering his defenses, and his opponents took full advantage. In the end, Light is killed by Ryuk, who keeps his promise of killing him. Thus, the main character's madness was brought to an end.
9 Code Geass
Code Geass follows Lelouch, an exiled prince of the Kingdom of Britannia. Lelouch's life changes after he meets C.C., who gives him the power of Geass. With this power, Lelouch led the resistance against the Holy Britannian Empire.
By the end of the second season, Lelouch has garnered a notorious reputation among the common people. In order to unite the world, Lelouch formulates a brilliant plan, in which Suzaku disguises himself as Zero and kills Lelouch. With Lelouch gone, the world rejoices as the tyrant lies dead, his final plan a success.
8 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was a genre-defining series, as it appealed to the interests of both seinen and shonen fans. The unique plotline and the interesting characters led to widespread popularity. The main characters, the Elric brothers, have a ghastly past, but they are determined to change it. Together, they overcome several obstacles in order to realize their dream.
They started on their own, but they gathered many allies on their way. Knowing what they've been through, the Elric brothers deserved a happy ending, and thankfully they got one. The finale featured a picture of Edward, Winry, their two kids, and Alphonse, showing the characters at peace.
7 Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is the work of Shinichiro Watanabe. It was released in 1997 and it cemented itself as one of the greatest anime from the 90s. The series tackles a lot of important issues, which makes for a fascinating watch.
The ending of Cowboy Bebop concludes the journey of Spike Spiegel in a remarkable manner. In the final episode, Spike manages to kill his long-standing rival, Vicious; however, he also ends up losing the woman that he loves. In addition to the emotional trauma, Spike is heavily wounded as he fights through an army of Syndicate's fighters. In his final moments, Spike forms a gun with his fingers and says "bang", before blacking out.
6 Assassination Classroom
Assassination Classroom is an incredibly well-written series that teaches its audience a lot about life. The story follows Koro-sensei, an anomalous creature, who seeks to destroy the earth.
The authorities decide to use a group of students to get rid of the surly creature. Eventually, the students grow attached to Koro-sensei, but they have to kill him. It is a fitting ending, as Koro-sensei was with his loved ones in his final moments.
5 Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate's impact on the anime industry cannot be understated. It is one of the most famous sci-fi anime, with a vast fanbase. Steins;Gate follows the story of Okabe Rintarou, who discovers a method to alter the future by sending messages into the past.
Sending the messages in the past came at a cost, which Okabe realized later as it resulted in Kurisu's death. However, Okabe was determined to change the outcome, which he managed to achieve eventually. The ending was heartwarming, as Okabe met his beloved Kurisu.
4 Your Lie in April
When Your Lie in April was released, it led to many a tear being shed due to the sad yet gripping story. The anime earned the praise of critics and fans alike and was one of the best anime that was released in 2014.
The story is about Arima, a piano prodigy, whose entire life is turned upside down after the death of his mother. After this tragedy, Arima finds solace in meeting Kaori. Though heartbreaking, the ending is a comforting one as Arima receives Kaori's letter, in which she confesses her love for him. The letter enables Arima to move on and continue his life.
3 Your Name
Makoto Shinkai is a genius, known for creating movies that are nothing short of masterpieces. Your Name was released in 2016 and smashed record several grossing records. The movie centers on two teenagers, whose story transcends time.
At first, Mitsuha and Taki are unaware that they are separated by more than just distance, but as they begin to talk more and more, they finally figure out that meeting each other is nigh impossible. But they don't give up and manage to alter the timeline. After years of striving to meet each other, they finally manage it.
2 I Want To Eat Your Pancreas
I Want To Eat Your Pancreas was released in 2018, and it is one of the saddest anime series. The movie starts with a shocking announcement of major character Sakura's death. Despite the unexpected revelation, the movie is still enjoyable.
The movie focuses on Haruki and Sakura's interactions as they slowly become the best of friends. However, Haruki's happiness is short-lived, as Sakura dies in a fatal stabbing accident. Distraught, Haruki decides to visit her residence after the funeral. In the end, Haruki becomes friends with Kyouko, and the two of them visit Sakura's grave together.
1 Hunter X Hunter
Considered by many to be one of the greatest shonen anime in existence, Hunter x Hunter is the work of Togashi. The story follows Gon, a young boy who sets out to become a hunter to find his father. Along the way, Gon makes new friends and they help each other.
After the intense Chimera Ant arc, the Election arc offers a much-needed break from the action. This arc finally sees the completion of Gon's goal. It brings the series to a perfect conclusion as Gon is united with his father.