Anime With Anti-Climatic Endings That Work For The Story

Highlights

Anime like
Devilman Crybaby
may disappoint with anti-climactic endings, but they fit the dark themes perfectly.
Neon Genesis Evangelion’s
experimental climax may divide fans, but Shinji’s journey is unforgettable and thought-provoking.
Fullmetal Alchemist’s
anime-original ending takes a wild turn, whisking Edward away in a cryptic and intriguing conclusion.

As a long-time fan of anime, I’ve seen my fair share of unexpected twists and turns, but the endings of these three iconic series stand out as some of the most intriguing.

One key factor that keeps people hooked on anime is its rich narrative style, which appeals to a wide range of interests and genres. This versatility has played a significant role in making anime popular worldwide, with both brief and extended series gaining widespread recognition due to their appeal. The high-quality animation and abundance of unforgettable characters are just some of the many reasons why fans adore this form of entertainment and what it offers.

Some captivating series, which bring delight to their audiences through intriguing storylines, can leave viewers feeling disheartened when they conclude without a proper resolution. It’s disappointing when these anime end abruptly, failing to provide a satisfying wrap-up. Although additional content might help enhance the ending, it often arrives too late for fans who have already been let down by the unsatisfactory conclusion. Rarely, these unsatisfying conclusions may align perfectly with the series’ overall storyline, but this is more of an exception than the rule.

Spoilers Ahead for the anime series listed!

4 Devilman Crybaby

Akira’s Refusal To Join Satan Seals His Fate, With Earth Being Decimated As A Result

Anime With Anti-Climatic Endings That Work For The Story

Back when Devilman Crybaby graced our screens on Netflix, I found myself captivated by its distinctiveness. The absence of a lengthy opening or closing sequence, combined with an unrelenting emphasis on graphic violence and unsettling themes, set it apart from other anime productions. As Akira transformed into the Devilman, his connections with his friends became intriguing. However, as the series progressed, it plunged deeper into darkness, showcasing some of the most disturbing scenes ever depicted in anime.

As the anime series “Devilman Crybaby” draws to a close, humanity’s reputation is irrevocably tarnished. Akira’s companions meet a brutal end at the hands of an enraged mob, leaving only Satan as his last living ally. Satan extends an invitation for Akira to collaborate in the construction of a new world, but he declines and instead rallies other Devilmen to launch a war to save Earth from this impending doom. Despite their best efforts, they are unable to prevent Earth’s destruction during this conflict. In the aftermath, Ryo converses with the deceased Akira, lamenting the tragic demise of his dearest friend as a desolate and anticlimactic ending unfolds on a nihilistic note, aligning perfectly with the dark themes presented in “Devilman Crybaby”.

3 Neon Genesis Evangelion

The Climax Is Experimental And Features Some Amazing Character Development

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say that Neon Genesis Evangelion is more than just an iconic mecha anime; it’s a transformative journey into the heart of adolescence, subtly woven with religious undertones that leave you questioning reality. The intricate plot twists will leave you breathless and pondering long after the credits roll, sparking endless debates among fans. Its compelling narrative and thought-provoking themes are the very reasons why it’s still a hot topic in anime circles today, and the climactic finale of this series is a conversation starter that never seems to run dry.

Following the realization of the Human Instrumentality Project, all human minds merge into a single consciousness, marking one of the most daring storylines in the series. The response to this conclusion has been as polarizing as it gets, but numerous viewers appreciate the personal growth Shinji undergoes throughout this two-part finale. He rejects a fantasy where he wasn’t selected to pilot the EVA and instead embraces himself, acknowledging his true identity. This decision sparks an outpouring of congratulations from his companions, creating a memorable scene that makes perfect sense within the broader narrative context. Those dissatisfied with this ending can explore The End of Evangelion for a different perspective on the show’s finale.

2 Fullmetal Alchemist

The Anime-Original Ending Takes A Wild Turn That’s Quite Interesting

Release Date: October 4, 2003
Genre(s): Adventure, dark fantasy, steampunk
Studio: Bones
Creator: Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist is exceptional among shonen anime for having two adaptations, with most viewers favoring Brotherhood due to its faithful representation of the original material. Conversely, the 2003 series eventually caught up with Edward and Alphonse’s storyline in the manga but subsequently diverged into an entirely new plot trajectory that had some commendable aspects. However, it’s worth noting that the quality of storytelling in this version took a downturn at times.

A notable instance of this occurs at the conclusion, as Edward appears to be transported to contemporary Japan following his revival by Alphonse, who successfully retrieved his physical form. This somewhat understated ending is surprisingly effective due to its enigmatic resolution. For those viewers yearning for more explanations, they may find satisfaction in watching the film “Conqueror of Shamballa“, which provides a satisfactory conclusion by tying up all the loose ends and bringing the siblings back together after one of the most daring endings in the world of anime.

1 Code Geass

Lelouch Ascends To The Throne After A Mighty Struggle, Only For The Series To Throw A Last-Minute Curveball

Code Geass stands as one of the most renowned mecha anime ever produced, and its gripping storyline has earned it a special place in the hearts of numerous viewers. The mysterious power of Geass is wielded inventively as Lelouch relentlessly pursues the throne, even if his actions unintentionally lead to atrocities and estrangement from friends. His eventual ascension to the throne following his father’s defeat leaves some fans feeling somewhat unsatisfied. However, they were still pleased to see this character finally achieve the recognition he had long desired.

However, the anime throws one final curveball at the viewer, revealing that Lelouch and Suzaku conspired to fake his death to bring hope back to the people and thrust Britannia towards an age of wonder. Lelouch’s death may seem disappointing, but it ties in perfectly with his goals to inspire his people after being oppressed by a power-hungry regime for the longest time. To make things better, the movie Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection resurrects everyone’s favorite character for one final adventure.

2024-08-21 06:33