Anime is more popular than ever, but a common practice is to keep the series going as long as possible to milk as much money out of it as possible. Just look at One Piece. This isn’t inherently bad, but when it comes time to finish the series, the creators struggle to end it or rush it, resulting in a lackluster finale that undermines the buildup of most of the show—just look at Jujutsu Kaisen.
However, despite being rare, there are still some anime with satisfying and well-written endings, and this list will rank the ten best. Based on fan opinion, critical acclaim, and the author’s assessment of the writing, these ten shows demonstrate that they contain the best endings, reflecting the show’s pacing, originality, overall quality, and how well they make sense. This list will try to avoid spoilers, but may contain some.
10
‘Assassination Classroom’ (2015–2016)
School anime have been popular since the medium’s conception, but Assassination Classroom spices things up by adding a hint of murder and aliens. When an octopus-like alien threatens to blow up the moon and demands to teach some students, he teaches them how to kill him, and if they fail, he will destroy the moon.
This series was always fun and entertaining with great character moments and writing, but the second season took things to the next level and hit hard with emotion. The ending is a real tearjerker, building up the love for around 50 episodes only to have a bittersweet conclusion. Fans may cry, but that’s why Assassination Classroom has one of the best endings, making it one of the greatest anime of 2015.
9
‘Odd Taxi’ (2021)
2021 was a slow year for anime, with the pandemic delaying numerous shows for years to come. But one of the sleeper hits was Odd Taxi, which no one expected to be as good as it was. A murder seems to connect everyone in the city, and all of them were in Odokawa’s taxi, making him the key figure in solving this heinous crime.
Each episode builds the mystery until the final episode culminates everything with multiple twists. Unexpected, unpredictable, and unprecedented, Odd Taxi became a binge-worthy masterpiece that emerged from nowhere due to its phenomenal ending. It is shocking, wild, and jaw-dropping, making it a significant event of an ending that earns a spot on this list.
8
‘Mob Psycho 100’ (2016–2022)
Everyone can relate to coming-of-age shows, and Mob Psycho 100 stands out as a masterclass in writing, character development, comedy, action, and animation. Mob (Shigeo) may be the strongest psychic in the world, but he only wants an average life. However, because he restricts his emotions, they burst out as psychic powers, making his life harder than he wants.
Mob Psycho 100 is one of the best anime of all time, so it’s only natural that it would also have one of the best anime endings. It arguably has the most satisfying conclusion, not giving Mob everything, but precisely what he needed to grow as a character. With no dark notes, Mob Psycho 100 is an optimistic anime about growth and emotional control, making it a triumph that ended on a high note.
7
‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)
Everyone knows Cowboy Bebop and its legacy and impact on the medium’s popularity in the West, but it didn’t achieve that without a great ending. Spike Spiegel and his crew hunt criminals for a living, but when his dark past catches up with him, he needs to face it or risk putting his friends in danger.
Cowboy Bebop has a distinct flair, a unique vibe, and thematic relevance throughout the entire story, and the ending encapsulates all of that with a tragic farewell that wraps up the series. The final act is a powerful character moment that enhances the writing of the show, concluding it with a bittersweet tone and a hint of uncertainty. It’s still one of Cowboy Bebop‘s very best episodes, one which remains in the minds of viewers decades later.
6
‘Clannad’ (2007–2009)
The first season of Clannad wasn’t anything special, but the series took a drastic turn in quality with the second season, becoming a beloved series with one of the best endings. Most romance shows only follow their high school happenings, but this show explores the highs and lows of adult romances, relationships, and parenting.
The ending was initially controversial, but fans have grown to love it over time and have come to love the happy ending and emotional turmoil it presents. It shows that past trauma is essential, and it shouldn’t be ignored; only by accepting it can one move forward. Capping off an emotional journey, Clannad is a romance for adults, and this mature take makes it a cherished conclusion.
5
‘The Tatami Galaxy’ (2010)
Avant-garde anime series aren’t the most popular and are slowly dying off, but that shouldn’t discourage fans from watching the masterpiece that is The Tatami Galaxy. The protagonist yearns for a rose-colored college life and will do anything to achieve it. Each episode follows him as he joins a new club in different realities, showcasing his constant failure to score his raven-haired crush.
Most of the endings have been grand or emotional conclusions with a twist or epic moments, but The Tatami Galaxy aims to drive its message home through its final episode. The theme that your purpose, destiny, or dream is dangling right in front of you is a unique message that this anime brilliantly conveys.
4
‘Gurren Lagann’ (2007)
Action series often struggle to conclude their anime, as they want to culminate everything in a grand war. However, Gurren Lagann makes it work. This show follows Simon and Kamina after they discover an ancient mech, using it to pierce the heavens and build their empire while making the universe a better and safer place.
Gurren Lagann‘s ending is a fan-favorite, and it’s hard to argue against, considering the epic final battle is one of the most hype-inducing fights. However, it doesn’t just conclude with an over-the-top fight, but a tragic yet optimistic farewell that brings back the core themes of the future, hope, and passing down the torch. Gurren Lagann shouldn’t be live-action, but more people need to experience this bittersweet ending.
3
‘Ashita no Joe’ (1970–1981)
Sports anime have come a long way, but there aren’t many better than Ashita no Joe, a classic staple of the genre that dared to be goofy and serious. When a washed-up boxer sees potential in a young punk, he manages to convince him to become a boxer. However, their journey is full of hardships, struggles, effort, and tragedy.
Ashita no Joe is a journey like no other, taking fans through the highs, lows, and everything in between, but leaving them on a tragic note with a hint of optimism. Many fans will recognize the famous final scene from the show, which, while it has become a meme, is incredibly moving and has a profound impact on the medium.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is unanimously regarded as one of the best anime series of all time and one of the greatest manga series ever. It didn’t achieve this status with a poor ending; instead, it delivered one of the most satisfying conclusions in the medium. Ed and Al search for the Philosopher’s Stone to heal parts or all of their bodies, but uncovering a government conspiracy throws their plans into disarray.
The final war is inevitable for most battle shonen anime, but Fullmetal Alchemist built up a fascinating plot that made sense. The ending battle was intense, riveting, and satisfying, but not without a few dramatic moments, tearjerking scenes, and twists. From epic fights to meaningful conclusions to satisfying endings, Fullmetal Alchemist ended perfectly.
1
‘Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion’ (2006–2008)
Most fans probably expected this, but it’s no surprise that Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion has the best anime ending of all time. When the titular protagonist gains the power to control others, he uses it to enact his revenge and liberate the Japanese people, but not without employing some devious schemes and making self-sacrifices.
Code Geass is the go-to answer for the best anime ending, and it’s easy to see why. The finale perfectly wraps up the sprawling political plot with twists, schemes, thematic relevance, and narrative brilliance. It is an unforgettable conclusion with memorable moments and one of the best anime episodes ever. This ending was the best part of the anime, creating a complete experience that is etched in anime history.