Top 10 Anime Endings That Left Fans Unhappy, Ranked

Anime has the power to captivate audiences with gripping storylines, unforgettable characters, and emotional journeys. However, not all anime endings are met with applause. Some finales leave fans feeling dissatisfied, frustrated, or heartbroken—sparking debates and dividing the community. These endings are often remembered not for their resolution but for the questions, controversies, or sadness they leave behind.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 anime endings that left fans unhappy. From rushed conclusions to shocking twists, these finales shook the fandom in unexpected ways. Whether they were criticized for their lack of closure or mourned for their emotional weight, these endings continue to be hot topics in the anime world.

10. Akame ga Kill! – A Bloodbath Finale

The ending of Akame ga Kill! shocked fans with its high-stakes, all-out battle that resulted in the loss of almost every beloved character. While some appreciated the bold move, many were left disheartened by the sheer brutality and lack of a hopeful resolution. The final battle against Esdeath and the Emperor was intense, but the outcome felt excessively tragic.

What made this ending so divisive was the abruptness of the emotional devastation. After investing in the characters’ growth and relationships, viewers were left with little time to process their losses. While the series aimed to emphasize the harsh realities of war, the ending felt more like shock value than a meaningful conclusion, leaving fans yearning for a glimmer of hope.

9. Soul Eater – The Power of Friendship?

Soul Eater is a beloved series with vibrant characters and a unique art style, but its ending left many scratching their heads. The final battle between Maka and Asura felt rushed, with Maka defeating the seemingly undefeatable villain through the “power of courage.” This conclusion felt out of place compared to the darker tone of the series.

Fans were disappointed that the anime deviated from its manga source material, resulting in a less satisfying resolution. The lack of a deeper explanation or buildup to the finale made it feel unearned. While Soul Eater remains a classic, its ending left viewers wanting a more cohesive and impactful conclusion.

8. Neon Genesis Evangelion – A Psychedelic Confusion

The original ending of Neon Genesis Evangelion is infamous for its abstract, introspective approach. Instead of resolving the central conflict, the finale dives into Shinji’s psyche, presenting a surreal exploration of his emotions and fears. While some praised it for its artistic ambition, many fans were left bewildered and dissatisfied.

This unconventional conclusion sparked outrage, leading to the creation of The End of Evangelion movie to provide a more narrative-focused resolution. However, the original ending remains a polarizing topic in anime history. Love it or hate it, it’s an ending that undeniably left a lasting impression.

7. Tokyo Ghoul √A – The Silent Walk

The ending of Tokyo Ghoul √A left fans in a state of confusion and frustration. Kaneki’s silent walk while carrying Hide’s body through the rain was visually striking but offered little closure to the overarching story. Many felt that the series had strayed too far from its manga source material, resulting in a lackluster conclusion.

While the symbolism in the final scene was poignant, it didn’t answer the many questions fans had about Kaneki’s journey. The unresolved plot threads and emotional ambiguity left viewers feeling unsatisfied, making this one of the most debated anime endings in recent years.

6. Berserk (1997) – The Eclipse

The 1997 Berserk anime ends with one of the most devastating moments in anime history: the Eclipse. Guts watches in horror as his comrades are slaughtered, and Griffith sacrifices them to ascend as Femto. The abrupt ending left fans in shock, as it cut off right after this harrowing event with no resolution.

While the Eclipse is a defining moment in Berserk, its placement as the series finale felt incomplete. Fans who hadn’t read the manga were left reeling, unsure of what would come next. Despite its brilliance in storytelling, the lack of closure made this ending a tough pill to swallow.

5. School Days – The Infamous Boat Scene

School Days took a dark turn in its final episode, leaving fans stunned and horrified. What started as a high school romance spiraled into a tragic tale of obsession and betrayal, culminating in a gruesome and shocking finale aboard a boat.

While the ending was undeniably impactful, it left many viewers feeling disturbed and unsatisfied. The sudden shift in tone and the brutal conclusion made it one of the most infamous anime endings, polarizing the audience and cementing its place in anime history.

4. Darling in the Franxx – A Cosmic Disappointment

The final episodes of Darling in the Franxx took a drastic turn, introducing alien invaders and a rushed space battle. Fans were disappointed by the sudden shift in tone and pacing, which felt disconnected from the series’ earlier themes of love and individuality.

What frustrated viewers most was the lack of closure for many character arcs. While the relationship between Zero Two and Hiro received a bittersweet conclusion, the rushed storytelling left fans feeling let down. This polarizing ending overshadowed what could have been a classic anime.

3. The Promised Neverland (Season 2) – A Speedrun to Disappointment

Season 2 of The Promised Neverland became infamous for its rushed pacing and omission of key arcs from the manga. The finale attempted to wrap up the story with a slideshow-style montage, leaving fans feeling cheated out of a proper conclusion.

What made this ending particularly frustrating was the wasted potential. The series had built a strong foundation with its first season, only to falter with its poorly executed conclusion. Fans couldn’t help but mourn what could have been an exceptional adaptation.

2. Guilty Crown – A Tragic Misfire

Guilty Crown had a promising start, but its ending left fans divided. The death of Inori and Shu’s bittersweet survival felt underwhelming after the series’ buildup. While the emotional weight was there, the execution felt rushed and inconsistent.

Many fans criticized the finale for prioritizing spectacle over substance. The unresolved plot threads and lack of character development in the final episodes made the ending feel incomplete, leaving viewers unsatisfied.

1. Attack on Titan: The Final Season (Part 3) – Controversial Closure

The conclusion of Attack on Titan was one of the most anticipated endings in anime history, but it divided fans worldwide. While some praised its thematic depth and character-driven narrative, others were frustrated by its pacing and the fate of key characters.

The controversial resolution left fans debating Eren’s actions and the series’ overall message. Love it or hate it, the ending ensured Attack on Titan would remain a hot topic for years to come.

These anime endings remind us that a finale can make or break a series. While some left fans heartbroken, others sparked debates and controversy that continue to this day. Regardless of their reception, these endings prove that anime has the power to evoke strong emotions and leave a lasting impact.