10 anime series with the most satisfying endings

Anime has captivated viewers across the world with unique animation style, imaginative stories, and complex characters. While many series struggle to stick the landing with a satisfying finale, some anime nail their endings - wrapping up character arcs, answering lingering questions, and providing emotional payoffs.

The most memorable anime endings leave fans feeling fulfilled rather than frustrated. They bring closure after a long, immersive journey while also allowing room for fans to imagine what happens next. Though saying goodbye is never easy, a well-executed finale reminds fans why they fell in love with a show.

Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers for the mentioned animes. It consists solely of the writer's opinions.

10 best anime series with the most fulfilling conclusions

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Image via Bones)

After 64 action-packed episodes, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood concludes the Elric brothers' painful yet inspiring quest to regain their bodies lost in a failed attempt to resurrect their mother through alchemy.

The happy yet bittersweet ending sees the brothers go their separate ways - with Al finally getting his human body back and Ed giving up his ability to use alchemy to restore Al's body to their original state.

Winry and Ed also finally confess their feelings for each other and enter a romantic relationship after years of subtle hints at their deeper connection. The ending is emotional and conclusive yet leaves room for fans to imagine the next chapters in the lives of these beloved characters.

2. Cowboy Bebop

The ending of the sci-fi anime classic Cowboy Bebop is steeped in tragedy yet filled with meaning. Protagonist Spike Spiegel - cool, nonchalant, deadly in a gunfight - meets his destiny in a climactic clash with his nemesis Vicious, leader of the Red Dragon Syndicate.

Their final showdown ends how many expected it to end, though its emotional weight catches both characters and fans off guard. Having confronted his past, Spike heads bravely yet wearily into the great unknown, collapsing with a smile to the tune of Blue by Yoko Kanno.

While leaving fans devastated, Spike's end perfectly captures the spirit of this stylish, philosophical, genre-bending masterpiece.

3. Steins;Gate

The ending of the beloved sci-fi thriller Steins;Gate brings the main character, Rintaro Okabe's harrowing journey through time full circle. After repeatedly failing to prevent the death of Makise Kurisu, Okabe finally discovers the key to tricking time itself and creating a perfect future where both Mayuri and Kurisu can live.

The ending provides an emotional reunion between Okabe and childhood friend Mayuri while also hinting at the future of his deep connection with Kurisu. With its layers of sacrifice and hard-won victory over space and time, Steins;Gate's finale left an indelible impact on the anime medium.

4. Gurren Lagann

The grand space opera Gurren Lagann concludes with one of the most epic and symbolic final battles in anime history. Protagonist Simon faces off against the Anti-Spiral in a struggle that destroys universes yet gives birth to new ones.

Having lost his love, Nia, Simon embarks stoically on the endless adventure of spiral power he was destined for. Through Simon's quiet, mature acceptance of joy and sorrow, the ending reflects the main themes of perseverance and self-discovery in the face of loss.

Like Gurren Lagann itself, the ending goes big in scale yet remains truly human at the core.

5. Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion (Image via Gainax)

After taking viewers on a hallucinatory dive into the psychology of its characters for over a dozen episodes, the genre-redefining mecha anime Neon Genesis Evangelion sticks the landing with a surreal yet oddly life-affirming finale.

The show's final two episodes focus heavily on the mind of protagonist Shinji Ikari as he struggles to understand himself and his purpose. The ending caused enormous debate and even inspired alternative versions, including films providing more closure.

The controversial introspective dive of the original show captures Evangelion's appeal as an anime that transcends both its medium and genre, although many fans consider the true ending to be presented in the movie The End of Evangelion.

6. Yu Yu Hakusho

The popular shonen anime Yu Yu Hakusho concludes its 112-episode run with a satisfying and emotional bang, bringing protagonist Yusuke Urameshi's journey full circle. After solving multiple crises in the Spirit World, Demon World, and Human World, Yusuke's final decision allows for peace and balance between all three realms.

The former punk hero closes this chapter of his life by living among humans, resuming his relationship with Keiko after resolving the conflict in the Demon World. Yu Yu Hakusho leaves fans with tears and smiles, concluding one unforgettable anime hero's coming-of-age in a bittersweet yet fitting fashion.

7. Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo's finale brings the strange yet endearing trio of Mugen, Jin, and Fuu together one last time for an emotional goodbye. After joining forces to search for the elusive samurai who smells of sunflowers, the group finally locates him - leading to Jin's final duel with Kariya Kagetoki, a member of the shogunate.

The duel sees Jin emerge victorious yet choose mercy for his defeated opponent - hinting at how his journey with Fuu has transformed him. After going their separate ways, the friends reunite for a final meal that captures the unique 'chanbara hip-hop' spirit that made this series so impactful and unforgettable.

8. Code Geass

After two seasons of cunning political maneuvers, mecha battles, and high personal stakes, Code Geass delivers an ending to match - and subvert - audience expectations. With master manipulator Lelouch backed into a corner, he seizes an opportunity to unite the world by making himself a tyrannical martyr.

In an emotional final sequence, he arranges his own public assassination at the hands of his friend Suzaku while disguised as Zero - the revolutionary icon turned conqueror the world hates most.

By sacrificing his life and legacy, Lelouch secures the peaceful future his sister Nunnally always wanted but often felt hopelessly out of reach.

9. Clannad After Story

Clannad After Story (Image via Kyoto Animation)

While the devastating first half emotionally destroyed fans, the magical realist Clannad After Story ultimately rewards their investment with a warmly uplifting ending.

After losing his beloved wife Nagisa in childbirth, protagonist Tomoya is emotionally shattered. He manages, through mystical means, to save both his wife and daughter by making amends with his estranged father before it's too late.

The ending brought closure to Tomoya's story and countless fans who embarked on this rollercoaster journey alongside him. It remains one of the most cathartic conclusions in anime.

10. Hunter x Hunter

Despite experiencing multiple hiatuses, the thrilling shonen series Hunter x Hunter delivered emotional closure in its anime adaptation while the manga continued further.

After the climactic Election arc that culled secondary characters and set up future threats, protagonist Gon reunites with his father, Ging Freecss. This reunion provides significant closure to Gon's character arc.

Before signing off, fans see vignettes catching them up on where key figures now stand while sowing seeds for future confrontations. While the door remains open for more adventures, this farewell love letter rewards loyal fans for over a decade of passion for author Yoshihiro Togashi's intricate world and cast.

Conclusion

Great anime endings tie up loose ends and create resonating emotional memories to leave fans reflecting long after the final credits roll. While franchises like Dragon Ball and One Piece continue indefinitely, the best self-contained series balance, delivering a satisfying stopping point, leaving fans wanting more.

Anime may return to worlds we said goodbye to years later - from new versions of classics like Evangelion to ongoing popular series like My Hero Academia, which continues to produce new seasons.

Until then, fans can revisit these endings anytime to relive the fondness for characters and stories that make anime transcends a niche to become a celebrated international art form.

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Edited by Ivanna Lalsangzuali