1. Naruto: An Unexpected Conclusion
Image Courtesy: Naruto Official Website
When Naruto finally concluded, it was a monumental event. Fans, old and new, eagerly anticipated the series’ grand finale. The ending was filled with surprises, from the revival of Kaguya to the final showdown between Naruto and Sasuke. The most unexpected twist, however, was seeing Naruto grown up, married to Hinata, and raising a family. This conclusion sparked heated debates among fans and remains one of the most controversial endings in anime history.
2. School Days: A Shocking and Horrific Finale
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School Days started as a typical slice-of-life romance but gradually took a darker turn, leading to one of the most infamous endings in anime. The series ends with graphic and shocking deaths that left the audience stunned. This drastic shift in tone and the horrifying conclusion have cemented “School Days” as one of the most notorious anime in history.
3. Gurren Lagann: A Heartbreaking Conclusion
Image Courtesy: Gurren Lagann Official Website
Gurren Lagann is known for its emotional depth and tragic moments. The series ends on a particularly sad note after the final battle. Simon and Nia finally marry, but their happiness is short-lived as Nia disappears right after their wedding vows. This heart-wrenching moment leaves Simon alone and continues to evoke strong emotions from fans.
4. Darling in the Franxx: A Disappointing Decline
Image Courtesy: Darling in the Franxx Official Website
Darling in the Franxx began with high expectations, touted as the next great mecha series. However, as the series progressed, it began to falter, culminating in a rushed and unsatisfying finale. What started as a promising show ended in disappointment, with fans feeling let down by its hurried and lackluster conclusion.
5. Elfen Lied: A Creepy Cliffhanger
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Elfen Lied enjoyed significant popularity during its run, but its ending left many fans bewildered. The series concludes with a strange and ominous cliffhanger, leaving many questions unanswered. The ambiguous final scene, with Kouta’s door opening to an unknown visitor, has frustrated fans and remains a topic of speculation.
6. Neon Genesis Evangelion: A Perplexing Finale
Image Courtesy: 6. Neon Genesis Evangelion Official Website
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a ’90s classic that took a bizarre turn towards its conclusion. The series starts as a typical mecha anime but becomes increasingly complex and confusing. Its finale, known for its abstract and philosophical nature, left many fans bewildered and dissatisfied, earning it a reputation for having one of the most perplexing endings in anime.
7. Cowboy Bebop: A Legendary Cliffhanger
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Cowboy Bebop remains a beloved classic, but its ending shocked many fans. In the final episode, Spike battles Vicious and ultimately collapses from his wounds. The series leaves Spike’s fate ambiguous, with his death neither confirmed nor denied. This open-ended conclusion continues to be a point of discussion among fans.
8. Soul Eater: A Divergent Ending
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Soul Eater was a popular anime of the 2000s, but its adaptation is infamous for its ending. As the manga was still ongoing, the anime created its own conclusion, diverging significantly from the source material. This non-canon ending disappointed many fans, who felt it failed to do justice to the story and characters.
9. Clannad: A Controversial Retcon
Image Courtesy: Clannad Official Website
Clannad is renowned for its emotional depth and heart-wrenching moments. However, the ending of “Clannad: After Story” sparked controversy by retconning many of the series’ saddest events. The finale offers a happy ending for Tomoya and Nagisa, but this resolution left many fans feeling conflicted, as it undermined the emotional impact of the earlier story.
10. Death Note: A Softened Demise
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Death Note was expected to conclude on a grim note, with many anticipating Light Yagami’s demise. While the manga portrays Light’s death as humiliating and terrifying, the anime gives him a more dignified send-off. This alteration left fans divided, with many feeling that the anime’s ending lacked the satisfying closure of the original manga.
These ten anime series are infamous for their endings, each leaving a lasting impression—whether through shock, disappointment, or controversy. Their finales continue to be discussed and debated, highlighting the enduring impact of a memorable ending.