Anime are beloved stories that change the lives of fans all over the world and take them on unforgettable journeys of action, drama, and tragedy, sometimes all in a single episode. The characters, scenarios, and settings all captivate the anime community, leaving lasting impressions throughout the journey.
But the most important aspect of most anime is their endings. While not every series gets its final goodbye, those that do stand out with a vocal fanbase. Some anime series leave fans satisfied, while others leave a void with fans craving a continuation of the story. It's common for anime endings to leave more questions than answers, and vocal fanbases make it known when an anime is too good to be over. Here are some anime endings that left fans wanting more.
8 Best Anime That End With A Cliffhanger, Ranked
Sadly, not every anime has an ideal ending, and more often than not, viewers are left to interpret it how they please.
Naruto Shippuden
Fans Wanted More Of Adult Naruto's Life
Naruto changed the anime community forever and delivered one of the most memorable stories that rose to the top as one of the most dominant series alongside the other members of the Big Three. Naruto's journey from social outcast to Hokage is a beautiful story that does more than provide entertaining action; it's also a thoughtful and emotional adventure.
The show's ending had thousands of fans on the edge of their seats as Naruto helped shape multiple generations. Upon the last animated film, when Naruto and Hinata finally became an item, fans craved to see more of Naruto's adult years, before becoming a father.
Naruto
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- October 2, 2002
Cowboy Bebop
Life Should Go On For The Rest Of The Crew Of The Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a timeless classic that beautifully blends science fiction and crime noir in a melancholy series of blood, bullets, and space love. Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, and Faye Valentine are three of the most memorable characters in anime, and their stories are incredibly well told.
The ending, while incredible, left fans craving more, hoping that the hero would get back on his horse to fight another day. Unfortunately, the ambiguous nature of the ending divided the community. Even more so, the fate of Jet Black and Fay Valentine is left open-ended, with many fans wanting each character to get their ending.
Kotaro Lives Alone
Kotaro's Story Needs A Happy Ending
Kotaro Lives Alone was a shocking series that, while portrayed as a light-hearted story, actually explores mature themes of abuse and trauma. The slice-of-life themed journey of little Kotaro staying at an apartment complex by himself began as an adorable scenario as his can-do attitude won over the adults in his life, who instinctively gathered around him like a phalanx.
However, as the truth of his situation became clear, the story tugged at the heartstrings of the additional characters and the viewers themselves. The first season of the series ended by revealing Kotaro's history and his grief. Fans became incredibly invested in his everyday life, as it seems the anime won't be renewed, leaving fans demanding that Kotaro receive his happy ending.
Kotaro Lives Alone
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- March 10, 2022
Gundam Wing
History Repeats Itself, And The Gundam Pilots Will Always Return
The Gundam franchise is the most successful mecha anime franchise in history and has been so for nearly fifty years. However, the series that expanded Gundam's reach is arguably Mobile Suit Gundam Wing. With an enormous presence in the West, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing captivated anime fans with its violent and flashy war epic, as several lone pilots attempted to change history using powerful mobile weapons called Gundams.
The series concludes with the pilots walking away from conflict, but as history repeats itself and a sizable continuation of the series is published in novel form, many fans wish to see the Gundam pilots return to the battlefield.
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
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- 2000 - 1996-00-00
WHERE TO WATCH
Gangsta
A Short And Sweet Anime That Left So Much More On The Table
Gangsta is a highly underrated anime series that has gained a cult following thanks to its engaging story and diverse cast of characters crafted with care and depth. Gangsta tells a story of violence, trauma, and healing following the lives of three incredibly flawed individuals: two brothers with a scarred past who sell their services to the highest bidder, and a former working gun battler battling her own demons.
The only season of Gangsta leaves out a sizable portion of the manga, and the ending left an impression on fans who still wish for the entire story to be adapted.
Gangsta
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- July 2, 2015
Hellsing Ultimate
More Alucard, Seras, And Integra Is Never A Bad Thing
Hellsing is a gritty and bloody action-horror series that is highly regarded as one of the best vampire anime of all time. A secret organization called the Hellsing organization protects London from the infestation of blood sucking monsters. The series received an OVA adaptation with Hellsing Ultimate, which precisely adapted the manga and delivered ten episodes of nonstop entertainment.
After a treacherous final battle, the series ends with the long-awaited reunion of Seras, Integra, and Alucard, many years after his disappearance. Many dedicated fans wish a continuation of the series now that the lord of Shadows is back, and Seras Victoria is a full-fledged vampire, as there are always new threats around every corner.
Hellsing Ultimate
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- 2006 - 2012
Cyberpunk: Edge Runners
To The Moon And Back, There's Always More To Do Night City
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners exceeded all expectations with one of the most emotionally charged and traumatic stories of all time. Based on the TTRPG by Mike Pondsmith and the highly acclaimed video game of the same name, fans of the franchise were treated to a heartbreaking adventure of a young boy fighting for his dream of making it to the top, only to follow the path of Icarus.
Across eight episodes, fans fall in love with the main cast of characters and are left reeling with each of their fates. The final moments have left a lasting impression on fans who demand more of Night City.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
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- 2022 - 2022
Death Note
The World Post Kira Needs To Be Explored
Death Note is an anime series highly praised for its creative concept and main character, who subverts expectations by serving as the villain of the story. Light Yagami decides to become the god of a new world when he comes into possession of a notebook that grants him power over death. In a winding tale, Light evades the police while implementing his own personal brand of justice on the entire world, forcing peace and order.
Light is an incredibly intelligent antagonist; unfortunately, as the series drew to a close, his fate was sealed as he became blinded by hubris. The ending splits fans down the middle, with some claiming the ending teased Light ascending to god hood, while others believe a continuation of the series is warranted to explore the world Kira left behind.
Death Note
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- October 4, 2006