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Manga endings can make or break a story, often dividing the whole fandom into two groups—one that is satisfied with the end and the other that is disappointed. Fans have witnessed a lot of manga that completed their long-running journey in the 2020s.
While some were praised and highly acclaimed for a perfect conclusion, others were highly criticized for not fulfilling their expectations. This was either because the storylines became rushed or had unsatisfying conclusions, or because beloved characters didn't get the end fans had hoped for. These are a few of the reasons fans felt let down by the manga endings.
This list will look at 20 manga ending in the 2020s, ranked from the most disappointing for fans to the least disappointing.
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Disclaimer: This ranking is based on the collective opinion of the fandom, though individual impressions may vary and include spoilers from the respective manga series.
Tokyo Revengers, Attack on Titan, and 18 other major Manga endings since 2020, ranked
20) Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen finale ranks among the worst manga endings of the 2020s, with multiple loose ends and major character underdevelopment. Although the series is known for good narration and development of its characters, the ending failed to evoke importance regarding some plot threads and character development. There was no space for meaningful progressions as there was a sudden onset of the final act.
Major characters like Gojo and Kenjaku received unsatisfactory resolutions, particularly in undermining their importance in the series. The ending was not so great because it presented a rather disappointing return to normalcy while sending no regard to the aftermath of Sukuna's defeat. The lack of closure and unresolved arcs disappointed a lot of fans, and this had an adverse effect on the entire series.
19) My Hero Academia
This divisive final arc makes My Hero Academia ending arguably one of the most disappointing for the 2020s. The two-year drag of the conclusion that led to the slow storyline of a narrative filled with false climaxes really dragged down the overall pacing.
In addition, mishandling the redemption arcs of villains made all the efforts of heroes meaningless, as most of the main antagonists died without a feeling of repentance. The epilogue was almost well related to an extremely predictable and vague thing, as many plot lines still were hanging out there.
Still, in comparison with Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia had much more character growth and closure for both the heroes and villains. This made it much more organic to close the incredibly complex world it built.
18) Tokyo Revengers
Tokyo Revengers has faced a lot of criticism for its ending because of its inconsistencies and many unresolved plot points. The fans felt many characters' arcs rushed, neglecting the character development all over the series. The ending tried to deliver a sense of closure to Takemichi's struggle, but many fans felt that it left more questions than answers.
The time-travel mechanics formed a sort of central narrative and became confusing. While trying to keep things proper for what was occurring, some blurriness developed concerning what the rules and consequences were.
Also, some important character sacrifices were made meaningless in the end, which detracts from the emotional impact. These factors make Tokyo Revengers one of the disappointing manga endings in the 2020s.
17) The Promised Neverland
The Promised Neverland’s ending is highly criticized for not being satisfying, mainly because of the unexplored arcs of the major characters and the high-paced conclusion. Norman's rapid redemption after the Imperial Capital Battle arc was unlikely to undo all the depth built into his darker turn. His trauma and the near-antagonistic path he took were just dropped without meaningful resolution, leaving fans confused.
The lack of meaningful sacrifices, with nearly every character living to see the end, felt unrealistic given the kind of high stakes the series was built for. The rushed nature was especially unsatisfying in not addressing how it would change key elements, such as Phil's role or Norman's feelings towards Emma. This makes The Promised Neverland one of the most disappointing manga endings after the year 2020.
16) The Seven Deadly Sins
While the quality of The Seven Deadly Sins as a series overall was not bad, it did consist of many storylines that left loose ends hanging. This included key players such as Gilthunder, who did well in development but rather ended up being put on a shelf. The battle against the Demon King was the main focus while everything else was taken to the side.
The Holy War Saga, which was supposed to be so heavy in stakes, was rushed and had no significant consequences or breadth. The schedule dragged the fight out way too long to take what was actually a short conflict in multiple chapters. These flaws left The Seven Deadly Sins with one of the most disappointing manga endings of this decade.
15) Domestic Girlfriend
The story of Domestic Girlfriend reaches the heights of absurdity when the protagonist, Natsuo, fathered a child with Rui. Eventually, however, he ends up married to her sister Hina, who is in a long coma.
This development undercuts all those chapters invested in the romance between Natsuo and Rui. Things only worsen with time skips and forced plot summaries, leaving the personal growth of its characters in shambles. It results in a narrative that feels nonsensical and hurried, giving this manga one of the disappointing endings of the 2020s.
14) Captain Tsubasa: Rising Sun
The eighth story arc of the long-running manga series, Captain Tsubasa: Rising Sun, delivered an end that left many fans unsatisfied. This is mainly because of the decision to change the final style into rough storyboards, which lost all its polish in the visuals.
Yoichi Takahashi's purpose was to accelerate the pace of Tsubasa's journey to get on with the continuation of his story. However, it proved to be a shock for all those waiting for a well-rounded culmination of the arc to the format change.
The plot ended dangling without loose ends being tied up for the final edition of the manga in its very last issue and felt unfulfilling, making it one of the unsatisfying manga endings.
13) Darling in the Franxx
In Darling in the Franxx, what was once a very promising mecha-romantic drama with completely fresh sci-fi elements gradually lost its appeal. That ending in the manga and anime, criticized as rushed and lukewarmly done, was given nothing but haters' feedback
The sudden invasion of aliens and the relentless storyline revolving around Hiro and Zero Two made it weak in terms of emotional impact, and the rest of the characters had almost irrelevant postures. The dismay at the ending of many plotlines left it unsatisfied for many fans, ranking it among the most disappointing manga endings of the 2020s.
12) Attack on Titan
Even though Attack on Titan perfectly tackled its themes of sacrifice, war, and moral uncertainty, many fans left feeling disappointed after the manga ended.
The dramatic transformation of the main character of the story creates intense debate among the fans on his motivations and concept of freedom. The main character, Eren Yeager, goes from a hopeful child to a character willing to destroy almost the whole of humanity.
Many expected the resolution to be catering to their ways and means, only to be met with a depressing and grim end. This dissatisfaction reflects the struggle of trying to reconcile the very complex themes that this manga has straddled while meeting fan expectations. This makes it one of the disappointing yet justified manga endings.
11) Noragami
The manga ending of Noragami has raised mixed feelings for fans as it ties up long-running themes of love, friendship, and identity. Some readers voice disappointment by the relative lack of interaction from the main trio in this final arc, but it is fitting to remember the journey that brought these characters to this conclusion.
However, despite the left unanswered questions between Yato and Hiyori, the series of individual arcs are still wrapped up well and can be said to be a sort of development and redemption.
The final pages of the manga give a certain hope for this, saying that even pain may lead to happiness. The ending may not be remotely said to satisfy some, but the emotional character depth and journey help depict a legend of endurance.
10) Call of the Night
The manga ending of Call of the Night is quite complex in terms of narrative resolution that goes well with how much it reflects themes of exploration and acceptance. The breakup between Kou and Nazuna mirrors how relationships and personal growth are unpredictable. To some readers, that may be a bit bare-bones for an ending, but it does prove that life journeys are unlikely to be clear-cut or perfect.
The time gap affords a meaningful reunion that refers to the possibility of growth and commitment without having it culminate in a conclusive ending. The uncertainty merits some reflection on the part of the reader, and hence, makes the ending reflective rather than just conclusion.
9) Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible
Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible's manga ending is satisfying for the journey of its protagonists, Junta and Nagisa, offering a sweet, wholesome ending for its readers. The art of the manga enhances the narrative, beautifully painting emotional highs for characters.
A long-awaited confession scene is so heartwarming and real, that Junta's nervousness followed by courageous steps are bits of true human emotions. Meanwhile, reciprocation on the side of Nagisa brings a twist for satisfaction.
The interruption is quite lighthearted and adds a playful feel to the scene so that things do not become too overly melodramatic. The ending thus wraps the manga in a sense of fulfillment as it symbolizes mutual feelings and a future full of happiness.
8) The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses
The manga ending of The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses effectively wraps up the themes of memory and connection, which are central to the story. The modest encounter between Mie and a former classmate underscores how fragile relationships can be. Additionally, the jealousy of Komura toward Mie speaks about his insecurity at being forgotten.
The fear he feels that Mie will forget him, especially as she forgets her glasses, adds much emotional meaning to the story. The flashback of their meeting in childhood with the incident over the stolen glasses beautifully ties their past together with their present.
7) Chihayafuru
The ending of Chihayafuru shows the perfect growth and maturity of its protagonist, Chihaya, in her relationships and motivation. Though some fans, during the anime series, had lost hope over Taichi's romantic side with her, the manga reveals a subtle development.
Chihaya starts off as a carefree "karuta baka" but matures into a relatively capable leader of her game, more aware of her life than she is of the game.
Even without Taichi, the thumping influence he leaves behind is still very much present, with the poignant scene at the Omi Jingu shrine reminding her of what she feels for him. This results in a fine manga ending between personal growth and romance.
6) Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!
The manga ending of Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable is left full and satisfied with an appropriate reflection of the entire audience. Sure enough, there is emotional depth when Minami and Tsubasa are shown peacefully together, signifying their growth and relationship.
This visual representation shows the fulfillment that the fans have grown up with finding in the series. It is a combination of both nostalgia and fulfillment that forms legitimate closure greater than many manga endings can boast, making readers both happy and wistful over the ending.
5) Fire Force
The ending of Fire Force allows for the convergence of disparate narrative threads with further exposition within the universe of Soul Eater. Atsushi Ōkubo brings a satisfying conclusion to what the themes of hope and courage would demand, at the very least in terms of the development of characters like Maka.
The connections between characters in both series, such as Inca and signs of witch and hero mutual relationships, make their lore more intricate and filled with meaning. Moreover, thematic coherence throughout the series regarding the souls and fire, as if seen in Shinra's monologues, provokes a happy and satisfying manga ending.
4) Tomodachi Game
The manga ending of Tomodachi Game provides a thought-provoking conclusion with several complexities regarding friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. The end revealed that the person manipulating the game was none other than Yuichi's father, Masakazu Shibe, who wanted to test relationships and confront his own guilt and feelings over prior actions.
The decision of Yuichi to commit heinous murder on Yuka proves that emotional catastrophe and how far human beings may go for a momentary break from disillusionment. As the plot unfolds into darker levels, it brings out true friendship compared to riches.
Finally, when Yuichi comes out of the coma, all the times in the series prove that the show has been finally showing that wealth cannot compare to real friendships as well as untruths.
3) Golden Kamuy
The manga ending of Golden Kamuy brings all the intricate narratives and character arcs to produce a satisfying conclusion. The ending brings the survival of Sugimoto and Asirpa in her growth into a leader for the Ainu in situations of chaos and conflict.
The climax successfully accomplishes a meaningful exploration of loyalty, legacy, and redemption without losing focus. The reunion of Sugimoto and Asirpa, along with the mutual memories and magnanimous gesture in the form of goodwill towards Umeko and her son, ensured that this bond continued to stand the test of time.
2) Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer illustrates a beautifully composed culmination of Tanjiro's journey and all the overarching themes in the story, family and sacrifice. The manga ending after the defeat of Muzan starts connecting the loose ends and giving closure with the way characters have grown, the weight laid upon them not to forget their struggles, and the impact that they left behind.
Tanjiro's cure brings hope, and as the Demon Slayer Corps disbands, their victory feels bittersweet, weighed down by the heavy losses they've endured. At the same time, it also heralds in a new generation while creating importance around the sacrifices of the past for a greater future.
Thematic continuity at such an end makes the whole narrative much more meaningful. It makes the ending poignant as a tribute to the legacies of the characters and affirmations of the emotional depth of the series.
1) Haikyuu!!
The conclusion of Haikyuu!! comes up as the most satisfying manga ending in the 2020s. It captures the series' themes of growth, camaraderie, and volleyball. A time skip shows how everyone has grown up a little, as Hinata leaves for beach volleyball training in Brazil before returning to challenge Kageyama in the professional league.
It's not just a matter of win and lose but about their constant rivalry and mutual respect. The story identifies that the actual essence of sports is to love the game more than merely winning. Therefore, Haikyuu!! ends high note as it derives a permanent place in the hearts of the viewers.
Final thoughts
The 2020s have presented a mix of manga endings, with some titles leaving fans completely satisfied and happy, while others did not meet their expectations. For instance, Haikyuu!! and Demon Slayer offered the best conclusion to a storyline and left many impressed readers.
Manga series like Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia shocked most fans at the very end of incomplete arcs and rushed conclusions. These polarized reactions to endings in series show value in character arcs and resolution, where quality end work succeeds in complementing a story but a rushed or unclear conclusion might depress its work.
Related links:
- 5 best manga endings (& 5 more that didn't live up to expectations)
- 5 manga endings better than the My Hero Academia finale (& 5 that are way worse)
- 5 shonen manga with perfect endings (& 5 that disappointed everyone)
- 10 Anime and Manga endings that fumbled their conclusion
