The Best Final Episodes of Anime, Ranked

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The narrative arc of a story can be unpredictable, filled with highs and lows, unexpected twists, and sharp turns. However, its success boils down to two crucial elements. The initial setup, which is established in the opening act, plays a significant role, while the conclusion that ties up all loose ends at the end is equally important. It’s about crafting a gripping climax skillfully, and occasionally, some storytellers excel more than others.

Just as with any piece of media, the creator aims to make a lasting impression by wrapping up the story effectively. The end of a tale often sparks discussions for extended periods, even years, following its conclusion. One might even contend that the ending of an anime is crucial because one can recover from a weak start, but they are stuck with how the series concludes.

Keep in mind: Similar to many other lists you might encounter, the selections here are based purely on personal preference. It’s possible that an episode you favored isn’t featured, but its absence doesn’t diminish its quality. These ten episodes, however, have left a lasting impression on me since the series concluded, making them particularly meaningful and dear to me.

10.
Attack On Titan

The Final Chapters (Part 2)

This entry at position ten on the list is highly contentious, sparking intense debate among viewers. The finale of “Attack on Titan” provoked strong reactions, causing some fans to be disappointed while others were satisfied. In response to these contrasting opinions, mangaka Hajime Isayama revised the final chapters and re-released them to appease the fanbase. The unique appeal lies in the fact that people continue to passionately discuss and debate the story’s conclusion online even now.

As a gamer putting my emotions into words, let me say that Attack on Titan had its rough patches, like when Eren lost his cool edge after breaking down to Armin. But overall, the ending was heart-wrenching enough to make even the toughest of us weep. It’s a story where Eren transformed into a monster to become the antagonist, sacrificing himself for the sake of saving his friends from the agony of being evil Eldians. If you didn’t shed a tear during those final episodes, either you lack feelings altogether or you’re not being honest with yourself.

9.
Death Note

New World

The animated series or graphic novel “Death Note” will be remembered as one of the best stories in the realm of anime and manga, and for valid reasons. The narrative of Light Yagami, who transforms from an upstanding student into a character with divine ambitions upon finding the death note, is relatable to many. In a world plagued by wickedness and criminality, isn’t it tempting to exploit such power, purging society of its lawlessness?

Sadly, whatever rises will eventually fall. In the end, a light’s shift towards darkness inevitably leads to the unmasking of his true identity by the authorities. A skirmish in a warehouse leaves him gravely wounded and near death’s doorstep. Yet, the story finds its poignant resolution when Ryuk, Light’s shinigami companion who shares in his criminal endeavors, is the one to pen Light’s name in the Death Note. With his last heartbeat, the loop is elegantly closed.

8.
Yu Yu Hakusho

To The Future

Everyone appreciates a heartwarming finale, and Yu Yu Hakusho delivers an emotionally thrilling denouement. After countless episodes filled with strife, fierce battles against formidable demons, and a high-stakes tournament where their lives hang in the balance, Yusuke and his comrades manage to emerge unscathed. What’s more, Yusuke’s journey as a fighter concludes on a positive note, offering a satisfying resolution.

Following his reunion with his father, discovering his unique half-demon, half-human existence, and honing his skills, Yusuke finally unearthed the satisfaction he so desperately sought. The tranquil ending of the final episode truly distinguishes it from other episodes in the series. It’s a moment of peace where everyone can smile, which hasn’t been common for quite some time.

7.
Cowboy Bebop

The Real Folk Blues (Part 2)

From another perspective, Spike doesn’t find a joyful conclusion in Cowboy Bebop. Instead, the series might be seen as having a mix of happiness and sadness, but the main character’s grand finale – defeating Vicious yet sacrificing his own life – is tough to swallow. What adds to the sorrow is the circumstances that drove Spike to such a drastic action.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, it was Julia, the individual Spike had vowed to safeguard and ensure survival for, who tragically breathed her last in his embrace. Her last whispered words, “Everything… felt like a dream,” left the viewers in tears, marking one of the most poignant deaths in anime history. This sorrowful event made Spike’s determination to confront Vicious without hesitation more understandable, and his climactic gesture of pointing his finger gun at the syndicate group and shouting “Bang” represented a defiant act of resistance before he succumbed to his injuries and passed away.

6.
Erased

Treasure

he can rewind time to just before a dangerous event. If you enjoy stories where things are repeatedly tried until the right outcome is achieved, “Erased” might be just what you’re looking for. Fortunately, this series ends on a satisfying note, leaving viewers both smiling and shedding tears of happiness.

During the narrative, Satoru experiences a heartbreaking sequence of events as he watches those he vows to safeguard slip away. This journey propels him towards uncovering the enigmatic murderer, all while maintaining a semblance of ordinary life. However, when it’s disclosed that their beloved teacher is the perpetrator, the climactic attempt to expose these crimes edges perilously close to Satoru’s own demise. The emotional reunion with Kayo Hinazuki leaves one choked up, as she manages to survive and thrive, but has since formed a family and distanced herself from Satoru emotionally.

5.
Steins;Gate

Achievement Point

In anime, time travel is frequently depicted in various scenarios, yet few series delve as deeply into the butterfly effect and its potential negative consequences as Steins;Gate. Repeatedly, the character Rintaro Okabe journeys through time, altering specific incidents to improve an individual’s fate, but upon his return, he finds that the world has been drastically altered for the worse. In fact, at one juncture, Rintaro’s actions reshape the very structure of a city entirely.

Essentially, Rintaro, Kurisu, and their team are left with no choice but to undo everything they’ve changed in order to rectify the predicament they’ve found themselves in. This action erases the relationship Rintaro and Kurisu had formed, resulting in them meeting again without Kurisu recalling Rintaro. Whether they rekindle their bond or Rintaro accepts things as they were, the story ends ambiguously, leaving it to viewers to interpret the outcome.

4.
Dragon Ball Z

Goku’s Next Journey

Dragon Ball Z is destined to be among the most legendary anime series ever made, introducing a new generation to the world of anime. Although there are numerous other series that boast more complex narratives, intricate characters, and cutting-edge animation, Dragon Ball Z remains timeless due to its satisfying conclusion resonating strongly with viewers. A large part of this enduring popularity stems from the way it wrapped up the story effectively.

In each saga, there was a chief antagonist for the heroes to vanquish, and the final arc was no exception. Once Goku had defeated Kid Buu, he made a wish for the main villain to be reborn as a virtuous individual, so they could engage in combat again sometime in the future. This wish materialized when Kid Buu came back as Uub, who later became Goku’s student. The conclusion has a distinctly Goku-like quality, as he departs to hone his skills and create a new warrior. It’s both endearing and amusing, reflecting the classic Goku style.

3.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean

It’s A Wonderful World

As a die-hard gamer, I’d say you can’t possibly claim that if you’ve experienced one, you’ve seen them all when it comes to Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. Each season introduces a fresh narrative, intricate device plots, and a thrilling ride unlike any other. For me, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, the sixth story arc, stands out as the best conclusion to any tale I’ve ever encountered. While the series always wraps up brilliantly, Stone Ocean was nothing short of perfection.

As a gamer, I found myself staring in awe as the antagonist seemed virtually invincible. It was clear that Enrico Pucci’s character evolved from a pesky disc thief to a formidable foe capable of bending time and gravity with his stand. The master plan left only Emporio Alnino standing to confront Enrico, but the villain’s defeat set off something extraordinary – not just a reversal of events, but a complete transformation of the entire universe. When Enrico regained consciousness, everyone was miraculously alive and well, yet subtly different from before. The end credits rolled with the catchy tune “Walk Like An Egyptian,” serving as a poignant farewell to an unforgettable journey.

2.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Journey’s End

One blunder I made while getting into anime was watching “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” as my inaugural series that I completed from start to finish. This anime is often hailed as flawless and difficult to surpass, and even now remains challenging to outdo in terms of a comprehensive narrative. By the time you reach its conclusion, you’ve shed tears numerous times, shouted at the screen, and needed some quiet time to reflect on your feelings.

In the concluding part of “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood”, Edward and Alphonse Elric manage to vanquish the homunculi using alchemy. After Edward’s triumphant return through the gate, he relinquishes his powers to restore Alphonse’s physical form. A poignant scene where Alphonse comes back, and Winry rushes into their embrace sobbing with happiness is a memory that still tugs at my heartstrings. This anime ending remains unmatched, save for one other title on this list, in its emotional impact to this day.

1.
Neon Genesis Evangelion

The Beast That Shouted ‘I’ At The Heart Of The World

Instead of getting mixed up with “The End of Evangelion,” it’s essential to note that the final episode of “Neon Genesis Evangelion” stands out for its unique and open-ended conclusion. Typically, anime endings involve a significant climax, battles, violence, and character deaths. However, in the case of “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” such elements are absent.

The climactic episode of Neon Genesis Evangelion unfolds like a vivid nightmare of psychological turmoil, as protagonist Shinji grapples with a multitude of personal struggles: his strained bond with his father, the complicated romantic entanglements involving Asuka, and the daily uncertainties he encounters. Once Shinji accepts that he is worthy of existence and has a place in the world, his illusions dissipate as those around him offer congratulations. Whether this conclusion is considered happy remains subjective, as the reality Shinji inhabits may solely reside within his own mind.

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2025-05-29 05:09