10 Anime That Fumbled Their Finales

Anime pulls us into worlds bursting with action, emotion, and unforgettable characters. We get hooked on epic battles, intricate plots, and heartfelt journeys, investing hours in these stories. But even the most gripping series can trip at the end, leaving us with conclusions that feel off or incomplete.

A disappointing ending can dim a show’s shine, turning excitement into frustration. Whether it’s rushed pacing, dangling plot threads, or choices that clash with the story’s core, these missteps hit hard. Below, we break down ten anime that captivated us but stumbled in their final moments, exploring why their endings fell flat.

10. ‘Deadman Wonderland’ (2011)

‘Deadman Wonderland’ plunges us into a brutal prison where Ganta wields blood-based powers to survive. Its dark tone and intense battles grab us from the start, but the anime’s ending feels like a letdown. Covering only part of the manga, it stops short of a real conclusion.

The finale hints at a bigger conspiracy but resolves nothing, leaving Ganta’s quest and Shiro’s role up in the air. With no second season, the abrupt cliffhanger and unanswered questions frustrate our investment in the story.

9. ‘The Promised Neverland’ (2019-2021)

‘The Promised Neverland’ kicks off with a chilling setup—orphans Emma, Norman, and Ray learn their orphanage is a demon’s farm. The first season’s suspense and clever escapes keep us glued, but the second season’s ending derails everything.

Straying from the manga, the finale skips key arcs and character growth, like Isabella’s redemption. The demons’ threat fades without a fight, and loose ends pile up, leaving a hollow conclusion that betrays the show’s early promise.

8. ‘Tokyo Ghoul: √A’ (2015)

‘Tokyo Ghoul: √A’ tracks Ken Kaneki’s struggle as a half-ghoul, building on the first season’s moral depth. The second season takes an anime-original route, but its ending lacks clarity. It rushes through pivotal moments, losing the story’s emotional core.

Kaneki’s final scene, carrying Hide’s body, feels vague and lacks impact without manga context. Missing a climactic battle or clear resolution, the finale feels like a missed chance to honor the series’ strengths.

7. ‘Gangsta.’ (2015)

‘Gangsta.’ delivers a gritty crime drama with mercenaries Nicolas and Worick in a city of gangs and superhuman Twilights. Its stylish action and deep bonds hook us, but the ending falters as an incomplete adaptation. The story stops mid-stride, leaving us stranded.

The finale teases a larger conflict but offers no closure for Nicolas’ past or the city’s tensions. Without a second season, the abrupt halt and unresolved threads leave the story feeling unfinished.

6. ‘Gantz’ (2004)

‘Gantz’ throws Kei Kurono into a deadly game where players hunt aliens for survival. Its raw violence and psychological edge keep us on edge, but the anime’s original ending diverges from the manga, landing with a thud. The conclusion feels rushed and unsatisfying.

The finale wraps up Kei’s arc with a vague resolution, ignoring key manga developments and leaving character fates unclear. This abrupt close lacks the emotional or narrative payoff we craved after the show’s intense buildup.

5. ‘Darling in the Franxx’ (2018)

‘Darling in the Franxx’ mixes mecha action with emotional relationships, following pilots Hiro and Zero Two. Its bold art and early focus on bonds draw us in, but the final act rushes to a chaotic close. The ending feels detached from the story’s heart.

A sudden alien twist and space battle overshadow the character-driven narrative, while key relationships get shortchanged. The sacrifices in the finale feel unearned, leaving us with a disjointed and unfulfilling end.

4. ‘Wonder Egg Priority’ (2021)

‘Wonder Egg Priority’ tackles heavy themes like loss and trauma through Ai’s magical girl battles. Its stunning visuals and emotional depth grip us, but the ending collapses under its ambition. The finale’s overreach leaves us confused.

An abrupt evil AI twist and vague resolutions, like Koito’s unclear fate, undo Ai’s growth. Unanswered questions and a lack of closure make the ending feel like a letdown, tarnishing the series’ bold start.

3. ‘Akame ga Kill!’ (2014)

‘Akame ga Kill!’ follows Tatsumi and the Night Raid assassins in their rebellion against a corrupt empire. Its high-stakes action and moral dilemmas keep us hooked, but the anime-original ending veers off, delivering a forced and overly grim close.

The finale kills off most characters, including Tatsumi, in a rushed, tragic way, with plot holes like inconsistent powers. This bleak ending undercuts the rebellion’s victory, leaving us with frustration instead of triumph.

2. ‘Girl Meets Bear’ (2016)

‘Kuma Miko’ charms with Machi, a shy village girl, and her talking bear, Natsu, as she dreams of city life. Its lighthearted tone and growth-focused story delight us, but the ending undoes Machi’s progress. The conclusion feels like a betrayal.

After an idol contest, Machi abandons her city dreams and reverts to her old self, unsupported. This sudden reversal negates the show’s message of self-discovery, leaving us with a bitter and disheartening close.

1. ‘Attack on Titan’ (2013-2023)

‘Attack on Titan’ is a juggernaut, with Eren Yeager’s saga in a Titan-filled world weaving themes of freedom and sacrifice. Its complex plot and epic action make it a masterpiece, but the final season’s rushed ending divides fans. The close feels messy compared to earlier highs.

Eren’s motives lack clarity, and key moments, like his mother’s death, miss buildup. Vague twists like ‘Only Ymir Knows’ and rushed pacing make the finale feel incoherent, falling short of the series’ brilliance.

Which anime ending let you down the most, or is there another series we overlooked? Share your thoughts in the comments!