15 Anime Endings That Are Still Talked About Today
Anime has given us stories that stick long after the credits roll, and some endings continue to spark conversations years later. Whether they left fans satisfied, shocked, or divided, these finales remain unforgettable. Each one has made a lasting mark, shaping how people remember the series and keeping discussions alive even today.
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Neon Genesis Evangelion
The final two episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion left audiences stunned when they first aired in the 1990s. Instead of providing a traditional conclusion, the story shifted inward, exploring the psyches of its characters in a fragmented, abstract way. Some viewers found it profound, while others were frustrated by its abrupt shift from the external battles with the Angels.
This polarizing finale generated endless theories and debates that continue today. The unconventional approach to storytelling challenged expectations of what anime could be. Decades later, fans still return to the ending, either to interpret its meaning or to argue about its execution.
Death Note
The downfall of Light Yagami is one of the most memorable endings in anime. After years of watching his rise as Kira, his desperate attempt to outwit Near marked the unraveling of his carefully built empire. Many fans were shocked to see his arrogance finally catch up with him in such a brutal fashion.
Even now, people discuss whether the series should have ended earlier or if his fate was fitting. Some admire how the conclusion highlighted the dangers of unchecked power, while others feel it dragged on. Regardless, Light’s final moments remain etched in anime history.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
Lelouch’s final act of orchestrating his own death stunned the anime world. His Zero Requiem plan, designed to bring peace through sacrifice, left fans with a mix of awe and heartbreak. The striking visual of his assassination cemented the ending as one of the most impactful in the medium.
The moral weight of his decision is still dissected today. Was Lelouch a villain, a hero, or something in between? This ambiguity keeps the conversation alive and ensures that Code Geass maintains its place as one of anime’s most frequently revisited conclusions.
Attack on Titan
Few modern anime endings have been as divisive as Attack on Titan. The finale wrapped up years of complex storytelling, offering a bittersweet mix of resolution and tragedy. Some praised its emotional depth, while others criticized its pacing and choices for key characters.
What makes it so enduring is the sheer volume of conversation it sparked. Fans still debate the morality of Eren’s actions, the fairness of the outcome, and whether the conclusion matched the series’ grand build-up. Its ending continues to echo across the anime community.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood concluded with a sense of closure that satisfied many viewers. The Elric brothers’ journey came full circle as they reclaimed what they had lost, bringing resolution to one of anime’s most beloved tales. The ending tied together complex themes of sacrifice, family, and perseverance.
Unlike its predecessor, which veered away from the manga, this finale was faithful to its source material. Fans still discuss how Brotherhood’s conclusion compares with the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime. Both left a strong mark, but Brotherhood’s ending is often praised for its emotional weight and narrative cohesion.
Cowboy Bebop
The ending of Cowboy Bebop remains one of the most iconic in anime history. Spike Spiegel’s final showdown with Vicious concluded with a single word: “Bang.” This ambiguous finish left audiences questioning Spike’s fate and debating whether he lived or died.
Its lasting impact lies in how understated yet powerful it was. The series didn’t need to spell out everything, instead leaving room for interpretation. That ambiguity keeps people returning to the ending, turning it into one of anime’s most quoted and discussed finales.
School Days
At first, School Days seemed like a typical romance anime, but its ending shocked the world. The violent and bloody twist completely upended expectations, cementing its reputation as one of the most infamous finales in the medium. The sheer contrast between the tone of the early episodes and the finale left many stunned.
Conversations around the series often focus on how it subverted genre conventions. While many found it disturbing, others appreciated its willingness to take risks. Years later, School Days is still mentioned whenever shocking anime endings are discussed.
Clannad: After Story
Clannad: After Story delivered one of anime’s most emotional finales. Tomoya’s journey through love, loss, and despair culminated in a heartbreaking yet hopeful ending. The balance between tragedy and redemption made it unforgettable for viewers.
Its emotional weight is still referenced by fans who consider it one of the saddest anime experiences. Many compare their reactions, with countless stories of people crying through the final episodes. The conclusion’s power lies in how deeply it resonated with themes of family and healing.
Steins;Gate
The finale of Steins;Gate skillfully tied together its time-travel narrative. Okabe’s determination to save Kurisu while preserving the world’s safety gave viewers a tense and emotional ride. The clever way the story looped back into itself created immense satisfaction.
Fans often point to this ending as an example of how to resolve a complex story without losing its heart. Discussions continue around the alternate timelines and how the conclusion fits into the wider franchise. Its mix of science fiction and emotion keeps the ending relevant.
The End of Evangelion
As an alternate ending to the original series, The End of Evangelion is unforgettable for its raw intensity. The film combined shocking imagery with emotional devastation, giving audiences a completely different perspective on the story’s conclusion. For many, it remains one of the most harrowing anime experiences.
Its legacy endures because of how uncompromising it was. The film offered closure to some while traumatizing others, leaving debates about which ending is “better.” Both the TV ending and the movie continue to fuel conversations decades later.
Naruto: Shippuden
After years of battles, friendships, and hardships, Naruto: Shippuden concluded with Naruto achieving his dream. He was finally acknowledged by the village, and his story closed with a hopeful vision of the next generation. Fans celebrated his growth from lonely outcast to respected hero.
The ending is still talked about because of its emotional payoff and the legacy it left for Boruto. Some argue it tied up character arcs well, while others wished for more focus on secondary cast members. Regardless, Naruto’s conclusion holds a special place in shonen anime history.
Angel Beats!
Angel Beats! ended on a bittersweet note as its characters found peace and moved on. The emotional graduation scene highlighted themes of closure, regret, and acceptance. For many viewers, it was both heartbreaking and uplifting.
Conversations about the ending often revolve around its emotional impact. Some felt it wrapped things up perfectly, while others wished for more time with the characters. Its blend of humor, sadness, and hope ensures that it remains a frequently revisited finale.
Devilman Crybaby
Netflix’s Devilman Crybaby delivered a finale that was both shocking and tragic. The series ended with a bleak vision of humanity’s destruction, sparking intense reactions worldwide. Its brutal honesty about loss and despair made it unforgettable.
Even years later, the ending is still dissected for its themes and imagery. Some see it as a faithful reinterpretation of Go Nagai’s original manga, while others debate its pacing. What remains constant is its reputation as one of the most emotionally devastating anime conclusions.
Your Lie in April
The ending of Your Lie in April left viewers deeply moved. The revelation in Kaori’s letter and the heartbreaking farewell struck a chord with audiences worldwide. It perfectly encapsulated the series’ themes of love, music, and loss.
Its emotional resonance continues to make it a popular recommendation for new anime fans. Many still recall how it left them in tears, cementing its reputation as one of anime’s most powerful finales. The blend of beauty and sorrow ensures it remains widely discussed.
Samurai Champloo
Unlike many anime, Samurai Champloo ended quietly, with the three companions parting ways. The lack of dramatic closure surprised some viewers, yet its understated nature made it memorable. It emphasized the transient bonds formed during their journey.
Fans continue to debate whether the ending was fitting or anticlimactic. Its open-ended approach allowed each viewer to interpret the characters’ futures for themselves. This lingering ambiguity keeps the conversation alive even years later.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.