15 Anime Series With Cliffhangers That Drove Fans Crazy

If you love anime, you have probably experienced the rush that comes with a great cliffhanger. These moments are designed to leave you hanging, questioning what happens next, and sometimes obsessing over it. Fans often find themselves discussing these jaw-dropping scenes for days, waiting for the next installment. The power of a well-executed cliffhanger can make or break a series, and these anime do it like no other.

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Attack on Titan

Released in 2013, Attack on Titan is set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant creatures known as Titans. The series follows Eren Yeager, who joins the military to fight the Titans after they destroy his town. The cliffhanger that left fans in shock occurs at the end of Season 3, when Eren discovers the truth behind the Titans and the walls protecting humanity. This revelation, paired with the sudden shifts in alliances, had viewers questioning what would happen next. The suspense and unexpected twists make Attack on Titan a fan-favorite when it comes to cliffhangers.

Eren’s transformation and the growing mysteries surrounding the Titans keep fans on the edge of their seats. Each episode builds tension, and the show’s ability to leave so many questions unanswered has led to a huge following. The plot’s complexity and the growing stakes make it one of the most thrilling anime. Fans eagerly awaited each new season to find out how the story would unfold. The series’ ability to master cliffhangers made it one of the most talked-about anime in recent years.

Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter originally aired in 1999 and was later rebooted in 2011. The anime follows Gon Freecss, a young boy determined to become a Hunter and find his father. One of the most intense cliffhangers occurs during the Chimera Ant arc, when Gon’s emotions are pushed to their limit. The shocking events surrounding Gon and his friends, paired with the evolving nature of the antagonists, left fans stunned. The anime’s emotional depth and action-packed scenes made these cliffhangers unforgettable.

The arc’s unexpected twists, particularly involving the main characters, created an overwhelming sense of anticipation. Each episode had viewers hooked, eagerly wondering how the plot would progress. The series’ deep exploration of emotions, power, and sacrifice added to the intensity of these cliffhangers. As Gon faces greater challenges, the stakes keep getting higher. Fans have since kept a close watch on each new chapter of Hunter x Hunter, awaiting more shocking moments.

Fullmetal Alchemist-Brotherhood

Released in 2009, Fullmetal Alchemist-Brotherhood follows the journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies. Throughout the series, the brothers uncover dark secrets about alchemy and government conspiracies. The cliffhanger that shook fans happened during the pivotal moments in the final arc, where the brothers face a shocking betrayal and a world-altering event. This cliffhanger tied in the emotional and action-packed elements of the series perfectly. It left viewers waiting eagerly to see how the Elric brothers would overcome these challenges.

The series expertly combines emotional stakes with intense action sequences, building up the tension for the cliffhanger moments. The mysteries surrounding the Philosopher’s Stone and the sacrifices the brothers make for their goal deepen the emotional impact. Fans were captivated by the series’ intricate plot and deep character development. The intense buildup to the climax created a sense of urgency, leaving fans anxiously awaiting the resolution. Fullmetal Alchemist-Brotherhood remains one of the best examples of anime cliffhangers.

Naruto-Shippuden

Naruto-Shippuden, which began airing in 2007, follows Naruto Uzumaki as he grows stronger in his quest to become the greatest ninja. The series presents countless cliffhangers, with some of the most intense moments happening during Naruto’s battle against Pain. The cliffhanger after the battle, where Naruto’s emotional growth is highlighted, shocked viewers and left them eagerly waiting for more. The emotional conflict and power struggles between characters made this one of the most gripping moments of the series.

The stakes in Naruto-Shippuden kept escalating, with each arc ending in unexpected twists. The growing tension between Naruto and his enemies created a roller-coaster of emotions for fans. Naruto’s growth as a ninja and his relationship with other key characters were central to the cliffhangers. Fans were on the edge of their seats, wondering how the battles would unfold. The anime’s impactful moments made it one of the most memorable when it comes to cliffhangers.

Steins Gate

Steins Gate, released in 2011, blends science fiction with time travel, following a group of friends who discover the ability to send messages to the past. The main character, Rintarou Okabe, faces numerous challenges as they attempt to change history. The series is known for its mind-bending cliffhangers, with the most shocking one occurring when the characters realize the devastating consequences of their actions. This revelation pushes Okabe to take a risky decision that would change everything. The suspense surrounding the consequences of tampering with time left viewers eagerly awaiting the next episode.

The intricate plot and well-developed characters added to the emotional impact of the cliffhangers. The show’s ability to mix science, emotion, and suspense kept fans glued to their screens. Okabe’s journey, marked by his internal struggles and dilemmas, made the cliffhangers even more intense. Fans were left in anticipation, wondering how the time travel plot would resolve. Steins Gate remains one of the most talked-about anime when it comes to mind-blowing cliffhangers.

Code Geass-Lelouch of the Rebellion

Released in 2006, Code Geass-Lelouch of the Rebellion is set in an alternate future where the Holy Britannian Empire conquers Japan. The series follows Lelouch vi Britannia, a young man who leads a rebellion against the empire using his mysterious power, Geass. The cliffhanger at the end of Season 1 is one of the most iconic, as Lelouch makes a shocking sacrifice. This decision left fans shocked and desperate to know how the story would continue in the second season. The combination of emotional and action-driven moments made this cliffhanger unforgettable.

Lelouch’s journey is full of moral dilemmas and strategic battles, which heighten the emotional intensity of the cliffhangers. The series builds tension through complex character relationships and thrilling plot twists. As Lelouch faces the consequences of his actions, fans are left wondering how he will overcome the ever-growing threats. The impact of these cliffhangers, combined with the strong narrative, made Code Geass a standout series for its suspense. Viewers eagerly awaited each new episode to see how the intricate plot would unfold.

One Piece

One Piece started airing in 1999 and has since become one of the longest-running and most successful anime series. It follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew in their quest to find the ultimate treasure, the One Piece. One of the most exciting cliffhangers occurs during the Water 7 arc, when the crew faces both internal and external conflicts that change the course of their journey. The cliffhanger at the end of the arc leaves fans wondering about the fate of Luffy and his friends, which adds a layer of suspense to the ongoing story.

One Piece is known for its expansive world-building and unforgettable characters, which add depth to each cliffhanger. The dynamic between the crew members and their shared adventures keeps fans invested in the story. As new challenges arise, viewers are always left eagerly anticipating what will happen next. The way the anime weaves emotional moments with thrilling action keeps the audience hooked. Fans have continued to follow the series, knowing that each new arc may bring another unforgettable cliffhanger.

Death Note

Released in 2006, Death Note follows Light Yagami, a high school student who gains the power to kill anyone by writing their name in a supernatural notebook. As Light uses the Death Note to rid the world of criminals, he faces off against the genius detective L, who is determined to stop him. One of the most intense cliffhangers occurs when Light’s identity is almost revealed, leading to a dramatic twist in the battle of wits between him and L. This cliffhanger left fans hanging, eager to see how Light would navigate the situation. The suspense of who would ultimately win this mental duel made viewers anxiously wait for each new episode.

The series’ ability to blend psychological drama with intense action keeps viewers on edge throughout its run. Light’s moral struggles and his increasingly complicated relationship with L raise the stakes of each cliffhanger. The unpredictable nature of the story keeps fans guessing, making it one of the most captivating anime. As the tension builds, Death Note expertly delivers cliffhangers that make each episode unforgettable. It is widely considered one of the best anime series for its mind-bending twists and emotional depth.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion, first released in 1995, is a psychological mecha anime that follows Shinji Ikari as he pilots a giant robot to protect Earth from mysterious creatures known as Angels. The series explores deep themes such as loneliness, identity, and the complexities of human emotion. One of the most famous cliffhangers occurs near the end of the series, when the true nature of the Evas and the fate of humanity are revealed. The abstract and thought-provoking conclusion left fans questioning what had just happened, creating a sense of bewilderment and anticipation. This cliffhanger had a lasting impact, sparking endless debates among fans.

The series is known for its complex characters and philosophical themes, making the cliffhangers all the more impactful. Each episode builds on the emotional weight of the previous one, leading to some of the most unforgettable moments in anime. Neon Genesis Evangelion‘s use of psychological depth and unexpected twists makes it a standout in the world of anime cliffhangers. Fans continue to discuss the series’ finale and its implications, making it a timeless piece of anime history. Its gripping storytelling has left a lasting mark on the genre.

The Promised Neverland

Premiering in 2019, The Promised Neverland is a dark and suspenseful anime about a group of orphans who discover the horrifying truth about their orphanage. The main characters, Emma, Norman, and Ray, must come up with a plan to escape the farm where they are being raised for a sinister purpose. One of the most shocking cliffhangers occurs at the end of the first season, when the children realize their escape plan may not be as foolproof as they thought. The revelation of new dangers adds a layer of complexity and uncertainty, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next season. This cliffhanger effectively raised the stakes for the children’s journey and the challenges they face.

The anime combines thrilling action with deep emotional stakes, making every cliffhanger even more impactful. The show’s tension builds with each episode, leading to shocking revelations and twists. The Promised Neverland keeps its audience guessing, with cliffhangers that drive the plot forward and leave viewers hooked. Fans eagerly awaited the continuation of the story to see how the children would survive the next stage of their escape. The suspense and unpredictability made it one of the standout anime of its time.

Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul, released in 2014, follows Ken Kaneki, a college student who becomes a half-ghoul after a near-fatal encounter with one of the flesh-eating monsters. The anime is set in a world where ghouls live among humans, hiding their true nature while preying on human flesh. One of the most intense cliffhangers happens at the end of Season 1 when Kaneki’s transformation takes a dramatic turn, marking the beginning of his journey into the ghoul world. This sudden shift in Kaneki’s character and the events that follow left fans eager to see how his story would unfold. The unpredictability and dark themes of the show kept viewers hooked.

The series is filled with moments of psychological struggle and intense action, making the cliffhangers even more gripping. Kaneki’s inner conflict as he grapples with his new identity creates emotional tension that drives the plot forward. Tokyo Ghoul‘s unique premise and complex character development add to the intensity of its cliffhangers. As the battle between humans and ghouls escalates, the stakes continue to rise, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The dramatic twists and turns in the series make it one of the most talked-about anime for its suspenseful moments.

One Punch Man

One Punch Man, which premiered in 2015, follows Saitama, a hero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. Despite his overwhelming power, Saitama is constantly bored and searching for a worthy adversary. One of the most shocking cliffhangers happens when Saitama faces a major threat that tests his abilities in ways he never expected. The reveal of new, powerful enemies and their impact on the world left fans waiting anxiously for the next season. This cliffhanger kept viewers excited about the possibility of seeing a true challenge for Saitama.

The combination of humor and action in One Punch Man makes it stand out among other anime. Saitama’s quest for a real fight creates an intriguing dynamic, especially when new characters with formidable powers are introduced. The intense battles, paired with the unexpected cliffhangers, have kept fans coming back for more. The show’s unique take on the superhero genre adds depth to its plot, making each cliffhanger more exciting. Fans continue to speculate about Saitama’s next challenge, eagerly awaiting the resolution of these tense moments.

Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail, released in 2009, is set in a world where magic guilds exist, and it follows the adventures of Natsu Dragneel and his friends in the Fairy Tail guild. The series is filled with action-packed moments and emotional character development, focusing on the bonds between guild members. One of the most intense cliffhangers comes during the Tenrou Island arc, where characters are placed in life-threatening situations, and a shocking twist changes the direction of the story. The suspense surrounding the fate of the guild left fans desperate to know how the story would unfold. This cliffhanger set the stage for even greater challenges and mysteries.

The deep connections between the characters and their personal struggles make the stakes feel real, and each cliffhanger increases the tension. The unexpected events that occur during battles and guild conflicts keep viewers engaged throughout the series. Fairy Tail mixes adventure, friendship, and magic, delivering cliffhangers that leave fans on the edge of their seats. As new challenges arise, the plot becomes even more unpredictable. The series’ ability to maintain suspense and deliver jaw-dropping moments has made it one of the most memorable in the anime world.

Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online, first released in 2012, follows Kirito, a gamer trapped in a virtual reality MMORPG where the stakes are life or death. The story takes off as players are unable to log out, and the only way to escape is to beat the game. One of the most shocking cliffhangers occurs during the first arc, when Kirito faces a life-threatening battle against the game’s main antagonist, leaving viewers questioning his survival. This intense moment had fans wondering if Kirito would be able to overcome such a difficult challenge. The combination of virtual reality, high-stakes battles, and emotional connections between the characters kept fans hooked.

As the series progresses, Kirito’s personal growth and relationships with other players create a powerful narrative that keeps the cliffhangers coming. The emotional depth, paired with the fast-paced action, keeps the viewers on edge, wondering what will happen next. Fans were left in suspense after each season, with each new arc pushing the characters to their limits. The blend of science fiction and fantasy elements, along with its unexpected cliffhangers, made Sword Art Online one of the most talked-about anime series. Viewers eagerly awaited the next episode to find out what would happen in the unpredictable world of virtual reality.

Black Clover

Black Clover, which began airing in 2017, is a fantasy anime set in a world where magic is everything. The story follows Asta, a boy born without magic, who dreams of becoming the Wizard King. One of the most intense cliffhangers happens when Asta faces powerful enemies, and the fate of his comrades hangs in the balance. This pivotal moment in the story, filled with high-stakes battles and unexpected alliances, left fans eagerly awaiting the next episode. The emotional tension, paired with the action-packed sequences, kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

The growth of Asta and his friends, along with their constant battles to protect the kingdom, makes the series highly engaging. Each arc builds upon the previous one, intensifying the drama and action. The introduction of stronger enemies and more complex magic battles heightens the excitement. The cliffhangers are expertly timed, keeping the fans wondering what will happen next. Black Clover has become a fan-favorite due to its compelling characters and thrilling, unpredictable moments.

The thrill of a cliffhanger is what makes anime such an exciting genre to follow. These moments of suspense leave fans thinking about what could happen next, fueling their excitement for the next episode. The combination of high stakes and emotional investment keeps viewers coming back for more.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.