10 Anime That Started Strong but Lost Their Way

Anime can pull us in with bold worlds, striking art, or stories that hit hard from the first episode. A killer opening season often sets the bar sky-high, making us eager for more adventure, drama, or heart. But not every show keeps that fire burning, and some fumble the magic with shaky plots or fading quality.

We’ve all been let down by an anime that promised greatness but couldn’t deliver. From rushed endings to tonal shifts, these series started as must-watch hits but ended up slipping. Here’s a look at ten anime that kicked off strong but went downhill, ranked from least to most disappointing.

Aldnoah.Zero (2014-2015)

‘Aldnoah.Zero’ launched with a gripping sci-fi mecha setup, where Mars wages war on Earth. Its first season thrilled us with intense battles and a jaw-dropping finale that left key characters’ fates uncertain, keeping us hooked.

The second season dropped the ball, undoing major deaths and piling on plot holes. The war’s resolution felt hollow, turning a once-exciting show into a reminder of squandered potential.

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (2016)

‘Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress’ burst out with a steampunk zombie apocalypse, blending stunning visuals and intense action. The story of Ikoma fighting undead Kabane while aboard a fortified train had us glued to the screen.

The second half stumbled with rushed pacing and forced romantic subplots. The narrative lost focus, and the epic stakes of the early episodes gave way to a messy, unsatisfying conclusion.

Tokyo Ghoul (2014-2018)

‘Tokyo Ghoul’ grabbed us with its dark tale of Ken Kaneki, a student turned half-ghoul in a brutal world. The first season’s gritty tone and emotional depth made it a standout, pulling us into his struggle.

‘Tokyo Ghoul √A’ strayed from the manga with confusing choices, like Kaneki’s abrupt shift in loyalties. Later seasons rushed the story and skimped on animation, dimming the brilliance of its start.

Akame ga Kill! (2014)

‘Akame ga Kill!’ hooked us with Tatsumi joining Night Raid, assassins fighting a corrupt empire. Early episodes packed a punch with bold action and shocking deaths that kept us on our toes.

The constant character deaths grew repetitive, feeling like cheap shocks. With an anime-original ending that rushed the story, the series lost the thrilling edge of its opening chapters.

Deadman Wonderland (2011)

‘Deadman Wonderland’ kicked off with a brutal premise, following Ganta Igarashi, a teen framed for murder and thrown into a deadly prison. Its dark tone, wild fights, and mystery drew us in fast.

The anime ended abruptly, covering only part of the manga and leaving major plotlines unresolved. The rushed pacing and lack of closure left us frustrated, far from the gripping start.

Sword Art Online (2012-2020)

‘Sword Art Online’ dazzled with its concept of players trapped in a lethal VR game. The ‘Aincrad Arc’ blended survival, romance, and action, making Kirito and Asuna’s story a fan favorite.

Later arcs, like ‘Alfheim Online’, felt weaker, leaning into generic isekai tropes. Though still a hit, the series struggled to match the tight, emotional storytelling of its early days.

The Seven Deadly Sins (2014-2021)

‘The Seven Deadly Sins’ launched as a lively shonen fantasy, with knights inspired by medieval tales. Its colorful cast and dynamic battles made the first two seasons a blast to watch.

A studio switch in season three tanked the animation quality. Sloppy visuals and uneven pacing dulled the show’s charm, leaving us missing the energy of its early run.

The God of High School (2020)

‘The God of High School’ wowed with its fast-paced martial arts tournament and crisp animation. Jin Mori’s quest to be the strongest fighter, rooted in its webtoon source, promised an action-packed ride.

Straying from the source, the anime rushed the plot and tweaked key fights, losing depth. The breakneck pace sacrificed the spark that made its early episodes so electric.

Darling in the Franxx (2018)

‘Darling in the Franxx’, from Studio Trigger and A-1 Pictures, shone with its unique mecha world and emotional core. Zero Two and Hiro’s bond, paired with gorgeous visuals, made the first half a standout.

The second half recycled conflicts and added jarring sci-fi twists, muddling the story. The once-vibrant character focus faded, leaving us wishing the show had stayed on track.

The Promised Neverland (2019-2021)

‘The Promised Neverland’ gripped us with its chilling first season, as Emma, Norman, and Ray uncovered their orphanage’s dark truth. Its clever plotting and tense vibe made it a unique anti-shonen hit.

Season two ditched the manga’s depth, skipping key arcs and rushing to a flat ending. The loss of suspense and rushed pacing left us disappointed, far from its brilliant start.

Which anime do you think started hot but fizzled out, or did we miss one worth mentioning? Share your thoughts in the comments!