Some anime endings are unforgettable because they refuse to offer closure. Instead of tying up loose ends neatly, they leave viewers grappling with existential questions and a sense of quiet devastation. These finales linger in the mind, challenging our perceptions of growth, survival, and the cost of both.

Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)

The original TV ending of Neon Genesis Evangelion is a prime example of an ending that alienated and fascinated viewers in equal measure. Its haunting internal monologues and fragmented visuals left fans questioning the nature of identity and purpose. The End of Evangelion film provided a more concrete yet equally devastating conclusion, showcasing humanity’s desperate bid for evolution and the loneliness that followed.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Studio Ghibli’s war-time masterpiece, Grave of the Fireflies, is emotionally pulverizing. The story of Seita and Setsuko’s struggle for survival amidst the ravages of war captures the human cost of conflict in a raw and gut-wrenching way. The ending offers no comfort or redemption, leaving viewers hollow and haunted by the image of the children watching the city lights from the afterlife.

Devilman Crybaby (2018)

Devilman Crybaby starts as a wild and psychedelic reimagining of Go Nagai’s manga but spirals into an apocalypse of despair. The collapse of Akira and Ryo’s friendship under the weight of emotion and ideology leads to a catastrophic ending that feels personal and profound. The finale of Devilman Crybaby leaves humanity in ruins, with a sense of futility that is both heart-wrenching and captivating.

Perfect Blue (1997)

Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue strips away the glamour of idol culture to reveal a dark and twisted world of anxiety and identity crisis. As Mima’s reality unravels, viewers are drawn into a claustrophobic nightmare that blurs the line between what is real and imagined. The ending leaves a lingering sense of dread, with Mima’s final smile feeling more like survival than victory.

Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul (2020)

Made in Abyss may have cute art, but its storytelling is anything but gentle. The film’s ending forces its young heroes to confront the brutal price of survival, transforming themes of love into something monstrous and beautiful. The mix of horror and tenderness in the ending captures the essence of Made in Abyss as an exploration of human cruelty disguised as adventure.

Berserk (1997)

Berserk’s Golden Age arc ends in total annihilation, with Guts and his comrades falling victim to cosmic betrayal. The Eclipse sequence is a nightmarish descent into trauma and despair, leaving viewers staring into the abyss alongside Guts. The brutality of Kentaro Miura’s storytelling is captured in the lack of redemption or justice, only the endless cycle of violence.

Akira (1988)

Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira closes with a burst of psychic energy that swallows the city and its characters. Tetsuo’s transformation into a godlike monstrosity symbolizes power without restraint, while Neo-Tokyo’s collapse serves as a prophecy of mankind’s self-destructive tendencies. The aftermath offers no moral lesson, only aftermath and awe, leaving viewers haunted by the implications of humanity’s evolution.

These anime endings defy convention and challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about life, loss, and the human condition. What are your thoughts on these endings? Join the conversation and share your opinions in the comments below!