The bitter end: 10 anime series with disappointing conclusions

Anime series often build up intense momentum, drawing viewers in with compelling plots and vibrant characters. However, a disappointing ending can sour the entire experience, leaving fans frustrated and unsatisfied. Whether due to rushed conclusions, unresolved plotlines, or unexpected turns, these endings can undermine the brilliance of the series as a whole.Here's a look at ten anime endings that missed the mark, leaving a lasting negative impact on their otherwise promising narratives.
Princess TutuImage Courtesy: Princess Tutu- IMDb
The charming fairy tale narrative of Princess Tutu captivated audiences with its unique blend of ballet, magic, and mystery. However, its ending left many fans divided and disappointed. Without spoiling too much, the resolution veered into overly complex metaphysical territory, confusing rather than satisfying viewers.
Death Note Image Courtesy: Death Note- Official Website
Death Note gripped audiences with its psychological cat-and-mouse game between Light Yagami and L. However, the introduction of Near as a replacement for L in the series' final arc felt rushed and anticlimactic, failing to live up to the intense buildup of earlier episodes.
Berserk Image Courtesy: Berserk- Official Website
Known for its dark themes and visceral storytelling, Berserk shocked fans with an ending that diverged drastically from the manga. The use of controversial CGI animation in the final episodes further detracted from what should have been a powerful conclusion.
Deadman Wonderland Image Courtesy: Deadman Wonderland- Official Website
This dystopian thriller started strong but struggled to maintain its momentum towards the end. The anime's conclusion felt abrupt and inconclusive, failing to resolve key plot points and character arcs satisfactorily.
No Game No Life Image Courtesy: No Game No Life- IMDb
No Game No Life enchanted viewers with its clever protagonists and vibrant fantasy world. However, the anime concluded abruptly, leaving audiences hanging with unresolved conflicts and a lack of closure on major plot threads.
The Promised Neverland Image Courtesy: The Promised Neverland- Official Website
As a suspenseful thriller with a gripping premise, The Promised Neverland captivated viewers with its dark twists and intense character dynamics. However, the rushed pacing and deviation from the manga's storyline in its final season left fans disappointed and bewildered.
Wonder Egg PriorityImage Courtesy: Wonder Egg Priority- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account
Praised for its exploration of complex themes like trauma and identity, Wonder Egg Priority garnered critical acclaim early on. However, the anime's conclusion attempted to wrap up too many plotlines in a single episode, resulting in a confusing and unsatisfying finale.
Akame Ga Kill! Image Courtesy: Akame Ga Kill!- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account
Akame Ga Kill! shocked audiences with its bold narrative choices and high-stakes action. However, the anime's divergence from the manga in its latter half led to a drastically different and controversial ending that left many fans dissatisfied.
School Days Image Courtesy: School Days- IMDb
Infamous for its unconventional take on high school romance, School Days built up tension with its dramatic and unpredictable storyline. However, the anime's ending, marked by a sudden and shocking twist, left viewers feeling more unsettled than satisfied.
Dragon Ball GT Image Courtesy: Dragon Ball GT- IMDb
As a continuation of the beloved Dragon Ball series, Dragon Ball GT faced high expectations. However, its departure from the established canon and inconsistent pacing led to a lacklustre conclusion that disappointed many longtime fans.