Summary
The complex storytelling present in most anime is a huge reason why most people can’t get enough of this medium. The fact that it caters to several interests and genres is a huge reason why anime has become so mainstream, with both short and long-form series becoming household names because of the interest they garner. The animation quality anda wealth of memorable charactersare just a few of the many reasons why fans love this medium of entertainment and what it brings to the table.
Some shows with riveting plotlines become a source of joy for fans, so it can be frustrating when these animeend on an anti-climactic noteinstead of wrapping up everything satisfyingly. Some of these endings may be improved with supplementary content, but this can come a little too late for fans who are already disappointed by the anti-climax of these endings. Of course, in some rare instances, theseanti-climactic conclusions can fit perfectly with the series' narrative, but that’s more of an exception than the norm.
Devilman Crybabywas one of the most unique anime back when it came out on Netflix. The lack of a lengthy OP or ending coupled with an incessant focus on rampant gore and disturbing themes made this series feel unlike any other anime at the time. Akira’s transformation into a Devilman and the bond he shares with his friends are both compelling, only for the series to become even darker and show some of the most disturbing scenes in anime history as it goes along.
By the timeDevilman Crybabyreaches the end of its run, humanity has completely lost any credibility, Akira’s friends are ruthlessly killed by a rampaging mob, and his only remaining friend turns out to be Satan himself. He invites Akira to join the creation of the new world, but Akira refuses and gathers the other Devilmen to stage a war to save Earth from this fate. Unfortunately, he fails in this task as the entire world is decimated in this war. In the end, Ryo is left talking to a deceased Akira and mourns the loss of his friend as Earth is reformed in anihilistic and anti-climactic endingthat is perfect given the themes ofDevilman Crybaby.
Neon Genesis Evangelionis an iconic show that needs no introduction. This mecha anime transforms into a coming-of-age tale that is rife with religious undertones and features several plot twists that will leave fans reeling. The strong storytelling and incredible themes of the series are a huge reason why it continues to be talked about to this day, and the two-part conclusion of the anime is a huge talking point that inspires many a spirited discussion.
After the Human Instrumentality Project becomes a reality, the minds of every human on Earth are combined into a collective consciousness, leading to one of the most experimental episodes in the series. The reception to this ending has been as divisive as they come, but many people love the journey Shinji goes through over the course of this two-part finale, rejecting a fantasywhere he wasn’t chosen to pilot the EVAand accepting himself for who he is. This prompts a wave of congratulations from his friends, which makes for an infamous scene, yet makes a lot of contextual sense in the grand scheme of things. Any fan disappointed by this ending can always check outThe End of Evangelionfor an alternate take on the show’s finale.
2Fullmetal Alchemist
The Anime-Original Ending Takes A Wild Turn That’s Quite Interesting
Fullmetal Alchemistis one of the few shonen anime to receive two adaptations, with many people consideringBrotherhoodto be vastly superior because of its adherence to the source material. Meanwhile,the 2003 seriescaught up to Edward and Alphonse’s adventures in the manga, veering off in a whole new direction that had some redeeming qualities, even if the series did take a dip when it came to the storytelling quality.
The biggest example of this is the ending, where Edward is seemingly whisked away to modern Japan after being revived by Alphonse, who managed to acquire his body. It’s an anti-climactic ending that works surprisingly well given the cryptic nature of this conclusion. Fans who still want answers can check out the movieConqueror of Shamballa, which does a decent job of wrapping up all loose ends and reuniting the brothers after one of the boldest endings in anime history.
Code Geassisone of the most iconic mecha anime of all time, and the thrilling nature of this series makes it a fan favorite in the eyes of many. The power of the Geass is used very creatively, as Lelouch strives to attain the throne at all costs. He commits accidental atrocities and alienates his friends along the way, with his rise to the throne after defeating his father feeling rather underwhelming. Still, fans were glad that this protagonist got the glory that he was seeking for so long.
However, the anime throws one final curveball at the viewer, revealing that Lelouch and Suzaku conspired to fake his death to bring hope back to the people and thrust Britannia towards an age of wonder. Lelouch’s death may seem disappointing, but it ties in perfectly with his goals to inspire his people after being oppressed by a power-hungry regime for the longest time. To make things better, the movieCode Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrectionresurrects everyone’s favorite character for one final adventure.
