It might be hard to define the meaning behind “perfect ending”. In fact, given that the viewers have subjective impressions and lenses, some might find certain finales to be perfect while others might find them to be mediocre. A very good example of such a debate is the finale of HBO’sGame of Thrones. After years of investing in the TV show, the viewers had high expectations for the finale. Unfortunately, following its release, a huge debate arose, with many fans even going to the extent of opening a petition asking for a re-creation of the show’s final season. The same applies toanime. People, especially hardcore anime fans, expect a great deal from the finale. The reason behind such expectations is obvious; an anime’s overall ratings and position depend on how the creators conclude the show.
That being said, not everyone can pull off a brilliant final episode. A perfect ending requires the tying up of important loopholes, giving the fans the much-needed closure and ensuring that all this is done while elevating the emotions of the viewers. If the ending is perfect, it can have a lasting impact on viewers. So, if you are thinking of investing your time in an anime that gives the necessary perfect goodbye, we suggest giving the following titles a try.
Updated on August 20th, 2023 bySean Shuman:This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.
20Haibane Renmei (2002)
Haibane Renmeicomes from the mind of Yoshitoshi Abe, famous for his work on the surreal anime series Serial Experiments Lain. This time around, however, his creative touch can be found in the series' writing and visuals alike. The series paints a picturesque view of a small town named Gile, a place inhabited by the Haibane – young women who resemble angels, with halos floating above their heads and wings stretching out from their backs. Rakka, the newest occupant of Gile, finds herself occupying the “Old Home” residence as she tries to unravel the mysteries of the world around her.
Haibane Renmeiis a beautifully somber series with an optimistic ending. After switching from an unconventionalslice-of-life seriesto heart-wrenching drama,Haibane Renmeirewards seeing things out to the very end with a bittersweet resolution for both Rakka and her mysterious friend, Reki.
19Devilman Crybaby (2018)
Devilman Crybabyis easily one of the best entries in the long-runningDevilmanfranchise. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa and produced by his animation studio, Science Saru,Devilman Crybabyis a cerebral take on this classic property. Akira Fudo and Ryo Asuka are the only things standing in the way of ancient demons that seek to destroy humanity, but when Akira merges with the body of a demon himself, the duo’s relationship becomes strained as the world dives headfirst into chaos.
Underneath some disturbing imagery towards the latter half ofDevilman Crybaby, there’s an ending that’s as definitive as it is harrowing. If you have the stomach for a grim ending, what you’ll find inDevilman Crybabyis a story that forces us to be introspective, to examine our own personal demons through some clever metaphors.
18Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011)
Puella Magi Madoka Magicablew everyone’s minds when it initially debuted in 2011, not only for bringing the “magical girl” subgenre back to the mainstream but doing so in a way that analyzes the real-world consequences of what it entails. When Madoka Kaname signs a contract to become a magical girl, she and a group of others find themselves pitted against monstrously surreal “witches.” But things aren’t all fun and games. A horrible tragedy suddenly puts things into perspective as the group struggles to deal with the anguish and regret associated with their new roles.
The ending ofPuella Magi Madoka Magicais easily the series' biggest payoff. For the series' duration, the character of Homura Akemi is nothing but cold and distant to our main heroine. As the mysteries surrounding what it means to be a magical girl are unraveled, the tragic past behind Homura’s disposition makes for an incredibly impactful ending.
17The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
The Tatami Galaxy, directed by Masaaki Yuasa and animated by Madhouse, is a series that takes a look at the impact of parallel universes with aunique art style. We follow a nameless student at Kyoto University, with each episode following a similar format. Lamenting his current status, an imaginary scenario sees him joining the university’s various clubs as a first-year student before ultimately returning to reality, just to repeat the cycle over and over again.
Based on what we’ve described, you may be able to see the ending coming already. Still, it’s a thematically appropriate conclusion to a story that dazzles the senses, all while covering familiar territory for plenty of younger anime fans. If you can’t get enough of the concept, a feature-film spiritual sequel in the form ofNight is Short, Walk On Girltells a similarly-beautiful story as well.
16Paranoia Agent (2004)
Paranoia Agent, originally released in 2004, marks the penultimate production before Satoshi Kon’s tragic passing in 2010. Being aSatoshi Kon production, you can expect the same degree of artistry and mind-melting plots found in his feature films. A group of people living in Tokyo are all affected by the influence of “Lil' Slugger,” a mysterious criminal who attacks others while riding on roller skates. As a pair of detectives aim to uncover the mystery behind Lil' Slugger, those he affects start to undergo a plethora of psychological troubles.
Despite taking an unconventional approach to storytelling, the mystery surrounding Lil' Slugger and his motivations are slowly drawn out over the course of thirteen episodes. While each episode itself works as an experimental horror story, the grand mystery comes with a satisfying payoff, bringingParanoia Agentfull circle in a brilliant way.
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15Barakamon (2014)
An anime about a calligrapher might sound boring at first, but in reality,Barakamonis an interesting anime that has the ability to motivate the viewers. The focus on Seishu Handa’s journey to realizing who he is and what he wants while forging his path is beautiful.
In fact, the anime begins with Handa punching an elderly man for insulting his calligraphy, but the finale shows how much the character has grown and developed. Even if he ends up winning fifth place in the contest, his reunion with the team and his going back to the village are what make him happy. The ending is very realistic, as other anime would uplift the protagonist to the position of the “best.” It is also a reminder of how true happiness derives from our surroundings and our bonds, and not through our success.
14Dororo (2019)
This is a 2019 re-adaptation of the 1969 anime of Osamu Tezuka’s Manga. The series takes us back to the Sengoku period, a violent period in Japan. Amidst this setting,Dororofollows two protagonists, Hyakkimaru, who starts off as a less human person due to his father sacrificing his limbs, and Dororo, a child who helps Hyakkimaru become human. This is undeniably one of the best animes out there and keeps the viewers on their toes. The storyline deals with hard questions and at one point, the viewers might start seeing Hyakkimaru as a villain.
However, the ending is what makes all the emotional rides worth it.Dororo’s ending starts with the two characters saying goodbye as they go on their own paths but concludes with them reuniting. It is so satisfying to watch Hyakkimaru become a better person, inside and out, and Dororo becomes a heroine.
13Hunter x Hunter (2011 - 2014)
A must-watch anime and also, an anime with so many arcs that it is hard to determine the actual ending of the series or whether it has even ended.Hunter x Hunterhas been onso many hiatusesand there are some un-adapted materials from the manga.
However, the most recent “ending”, episode 148, also known as the finale of the “Election arc” might give the fans a satisfactory closure (for now). In this episode, Gon finally gets to have a proper chat with his father, Ging, whom he has been searching for throughout many episodes. He also uses the time to reminisce about his adventures. He also returns the Double-Star Hunter License to Ging, its original owner. Overall, this final episode is a huge relief.
12Naruto: Shippuden (2007 - 2017)
The final episode ofNaruto, “Hidden Leaf Story: The Perfect Day for a Wedding”, focuses on Naruto and Hinata’s wedding. However, to come to that point, the finale begins with the ending of the Fourth Great Ninja War.Naruto and his team, including Obito, fight against Kaguya Otsutsuki, who is revealed to be the true villain of them all. The final episodes reveal What Kaguya has been doing so far, in turn, explaining many loopholes and bringing out many shocking twists.
Following this victory, Naruto and Sasuke engage in one final battle, where each loses an arm. From the very beginning ofNaruto, this has been one upcoming battle. So, its conclusion is like the tying of loose ends. Ultimately, the two rekindle their friendship and, in a way, everyone’s dreams come true. The biggest relief is that Naruto, who was lonely and shunned at the beginning, ends up being the hero and finally gets the love he deserves.
11AnoHana (2011)
This 11-episode anime concludes with the group finally being able to move over their friend, Menma’s death. It is definitely a beautiful ending that brings closure to both the characters and the viewers. Each character reveals their guilty conscience about Menma’s death, allowing them to rekindle their friendship. Menma also reveals her final wish, which is a promise made to Jinta’s mother.
However, it’s the group’s ability to say their goodbyes to Menma and finally move on that brings the anime to the perfect ending. We also see that Jinta returns to school and the anime also hints that the group will continue their friendship as they have finally accepted their feelings of loss, allowing them to go ahead with their lives.
