26 Anime with the Most Emotional Endings You Need to Watch!

Did you know that around 60% of anime fans say the ending is the most important factor when judging a series? That’s because a great ending can transform an excellent story into something truly unforgettable.

Here, we’ll look at some of the most beloved anime, praised specifically for their epic and meaningful conclusions. These are stories that moved us from beginning to end, leaving a lasting impression when the curtain fell.

Let's dive in!

Aria (2005)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 3 seasons, 52 episodes

Aria is a slice-of-life and sci-fi series set in a future where Earth has been terraformed and is now called "Aqua." The story follows Akari, a young girl who moves to Aqua to pursue her dream of becoming a "gondolier," guiding tourists through the serene canals of Neo-Venezia. The anime is a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and breathtaking scenery.

Throughout the series, Akari and her friends experience significant emotional growth as they discover life’s meaning and the value of their work. In the end, Aria beautifully touches on themes of personal growth and how relationships can be transformative. Its bittersweet finale wraps up the protagonists’ dreams while suggesting hope for new beginnings. The conclusion offers a peaceful sense of closure, a perfect match for the genre.

Ashita no Joe (1970)

Where to Watch: Not available on major streaming platforms; can be found on some fan sites.

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 79 episodes

Ashita no Joe tells the story of Joe Yabuki, a troubled young man who finds his chance at a better life through boxing. Across the series, Joe faces intense rivalries, personal demons, and his own fate.

The ending of Ashita no Joe is tragic and unforgettable, as Joe sacrifices himself in a final, fateful match. His story is one of perseverance, friendship, and human endurance. The closing is painful yet noble—a fitting end to a journey full of internal and external battles.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006)

Where to Watch: Funimation, Crunchyroll

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 2 seasons, 50 episodes

Lelouch vi Britannia, an exiled prince with the power to compel others, uses this ability to fight the empire that destroyed his family. His quest for revenge and global change is filled with twists and moral dilemmas.

Code Geass features one of anime’s most impactful endings. In its climax, Lelouch enacts his ultimate plan, making a huge personal sacrifice to create world peace. His actions leave a lasting impact, resulting in a bittersweet finale that asks profound questions about morality, selflessness, and justice.

Cowboy Bebop (1998)

Where to Watch: Netflix, Hulu

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 26 episodes

Cowboy Bebop follows a group of space bounty hunters, led by Spike Spiegel, a former criminal. It blends action, mystery, and drama while delving into each character’s past and inner conflicts.

The ending of Cowboy Bebop is as enigmatic as the show itself. Spike confronts his past and destiny in a final encounter with his greatest rival, Vicious. The conclusion is melancholic, offering closure while leaving fans with lingering questions. It’s a perfect reflection of the show’s themes of loneliness and redemption.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

Where to Watch: Netflix, Funimation, Crunchyroll

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 64 episodes

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood tells the story of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric as they seek to restore their bodies after a forbidden alchemical act goes wrong. The series expertly weaves action, adventure, and deep philosophical questions.

The ending of Brotherhood is widely considered one of the most satisfying in anime. After fierce battles and great sacrifices, the brothers finally reach their goal and learn profound lessons about sacrifice, forgiveness, and the real meaning of alchemy. The finale is emotional, offering closure and completeness to their journey.

Fate/Zero (2011)

Where to Watch: Funimation, Crunchyroll

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 2 seasons, 25 episodes

Fate/Zero is a prequel to Fate/stay night, featuring mages and their heroic spirits clashing for the Holy Grail, an artifact that grants any wish.

The anime ends tragically and introspectively, with the war claiming almost all the main characters. Fate/Zero explores themes like ambition, honor, and the price of one’s dreams. Its ending is not happy, but it is powerful and perfectly aligned with the show’s dark tone.

Gintama (2006)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 9 seasons, 367 episodes

Gintama chronicles the chaotic adventures of Gintoki Sakata, a fallen samurai, in a Japan ruled by aliens. The show masterfully blends absurd comedy, heartfelt drama, and action.

Gintama’s ending is an epic wrap-up to a series famous for balancing humor and emotion. Gintoki and friends face their greatest challenges, resulting in a heartfelt finale that celebrates friendship, sacrifice, and perseverance—a nostalgic and satisfying closure.

Death Note (2006)

Where to Watch: Netflix, Hulu

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 37 episodes

Death Note follows Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it. He uses it to try to create a crime-free world, pursued relentlessly by the detective L.

Death Note’s conclusion is known for its psychological intensity. After a drawn-out battle of wits, Light is captured and faces the consequences of his actions. The ending delivers justice while exploring themes of power, morality, and the limits of control—leaving viewers with a bittersweet aftertaste.

Gunbuster & Diebuster (1988, 2004)

Where to Watch: Gunbuster on Crunchyroll, Diebuster on YouTube (subtitled)

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 6 episodes (Gunbuster); 1 season, 6 episodes (Diebuster)

Gunbuster follows Noriko Takaya, a young mecha pilot battling a cosmic alien threat, while Diebuster features a new generation fighting for survival.

Both series boast emotional, action-packed finales. In Gunbuster, Noriko's final act is both epic and tragic, showcasing her growth and sacrifice. Diebuster continues the theme of legacy, offering its own moving and satisfying summation.

Attack on Titan (2013)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 4 seasons, 75 episodes

Set in a world where humanity hides behind massive walls from giant Titans, Eren Yeager’s quest for revenge drives the epic narrative.

Attack on Titan’s ending is electrifying and monumental, with Eren’s true motives revealed and the Titans’ mystery resolved. Massive sacrifices and a dramatic final battle create a powerful, bittersweet resolution—one of the most anticipated and discussed conclusions in modern anime.

Gurren Lagann (2007)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 27 episodes

Gurren Lagann follows Simon and Kamina as they rise from an underground world, piloting giant robots on their quest for freedom. The show’s action, courage, and emotional resonance are legendary.

Gurren Lagann’s finale is monumental. After world-shattering battles, Simon confronts a universe-threatening enemy. The conclusion is full of sacrifice, hope, and an inspiring message about forging one’s destiny, closing with a sense of transcendence rarely matched.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 12 episodes

Madoka Magica centers on Madoka Kaname, a girl given the chance to become a magical girl fighting witches, only to learn the heavy cost such power brings.

Madoka Magica’s finale transforms the magical girl genre, with Madoka making a universe-altering sacrifice that saves countless others, elevating her to a transcendent existence. The ending is powerful, emotional, and provides true catharsis.

Macross Frontier (2008)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 25 episodes

Set in a distant future, Macross Frontier tells the story of a space colony’s fight against aliens, interwoven with romance and music.

The show’s finale fuses emotion, spectacular battles, and music for a grand climax, resolving the protagonists' love story and offering hope through unity. The conclusion skillfully blends action and romance for a highly satisfying sendoff.

Devilman Crybaby (2018)

Where to Watch: Netflix

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 10 episodes

Devilman Crybaby follows Akira Fudo, who merges with a demon to fight evil forces and protect humanity. The series is bold, shocking, and philosophical.

Devilman Crybaby’s conclusion is dark and tragic, with Akira losing nearly everything in the struggle against evil. The ending is haunting and impactful, reflecting on human nature’s cruelty and evoking strong emotions.

Angel Beats! (2010)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 13 episodes

Angel Beats! is set in a school afterlife, where youth with unresolved lives challenge "Angel" and face their regrets as they uncover their pasts.

Angel Beats! wraps up with a touching and surprising conclusion. As the protagonists come to terms with their lives and deaths, they achieve peace and forgiveness. The finale is bittersweet, poignantly emphasizing redemption and closure.

Fruits Basket (2019)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 3 seasons, 63 episodes

Fruits Basket follows Tohru Honda as she becomes entwined with the Soma family, cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac.

The show’s ending is deeply moving—each character confronts and overcomes personal pain, and Tohru helps break the family curse. The finale brings resolution and joy, providing one of the most heartfelt and uplifting anime conclusions.

Monster (2004)

Where to Watch: Funimation, Crunchyroll

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 74 episodes

Monster follows Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a neurosurgeon who saves a boy who becomes a serial killer. The series is a psychological thriller delving into the nature of evil and personal responsibility.

Monster’s ending provides closure and a meditation on fate and guilt. After years of pursuit, Tenma faces the monster he helped create, and the story’s resolution is mature and thought-provoking—a contemplative look at human nature.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022)

Where to Watch: Netflix

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 10 episodes

Set in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners follows David Martinez, who gets caught in the dangerous world of cybernetic mercenaries.

The series ends tragically: David’s choices lead to ruin, even amidst efforts to hold onto his humanity. The finale is intense, emotional, and true to the universe’s brutal tone, delivering a conclusion brimming with loss and bittersweet redemption.

Assassination Classroom (2015)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 2 seasons, 48 episodes

Assassination Classroom tells of middle school students tasked with assassinating their superpowered alien teacher before he destroys the Earth, learning vital life lessons along the way.

The ending is touching—students accomplish their mission while honoring everything their teacher imparted. The conclusion involves a significant sacrifice and heartfelt farewell, wrapping up with a powerful message about teaching, growth, and love.

Steins;Gate (2011)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 24 episodes

Steins;Gate is about Rintarou Okabe, a mad scientist who stumbles onto time travel, leading to intricate paradoxes and emotional struggles.

Steins;Gate’s ending is among anime’s most respected, featuring a convoluted yet satisfying resolution to its time-travel conundrums. After great pain and effort, Okabe finds a way to save his friends and make peace with the timeline—a conclusion that is both moving and refreshing.

A Place Further Than the Universe (2018)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 13 episodes

A Place Further Than the Universe tells of four girls who set out on an expedition to Antarctica, searching for something beyond the ordinary.

The series concludes with warmth and emotion—the girls overcome daunting challenges and forge lasting friendships, ultimately discovering the true purpose behind their adventure. The uplifting ending celebrates courage, dreams, and the power of connection.

Akame ga Kill! (2014)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 24 episodes

Akame ga Kill! follows Tatsumi, who joins the assassin group Night Raid to fight a corrupt empire. The story is packed with action and heavy themes of sacrifice and justice.

Its ending is impactful and tragic—after many fierce battles and losses, a climactic sacrifice underscores the high costs of rebellion. The dark conclusion is memorable and fitting for the intense journey depicted.

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby Season 2 (2021)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 13 episodes

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby Season 2 follows horse-girl athletes competing in high-stakes races, blending comedy, drama, and heartfelt moments.

The season closes with the main characters achieving personal and professional milestones. While focused on competition, the true reward is the bond built between teammates and how they overcome both sporting and life challenges together.

Haikyu!! (2014)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 4 seasons, 85 episodes (so far)

Haikyu!! is the story of Hinata Shoyo, a spirited teen aiming to be a top volleyball player, fighting alongside his teammates against bigger and stronger rivals.

Haikyu!! is widely celebrated for the emotional fulfillment of its storyline. The characters push past limits, gaining personal victories both on and off the court. While the anime adaptation is not yet complete, it promises an ending worthy of its journey of perseverance and teamwork.

Violet Evergarden (2018)

Where to Watch: Netflix

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 1 season, 13 episodes

Violet Evergarden follows Violet, a former soldier now working as an Auto Memory Doll, writing heartfelt letters for others while grappling with her own trauma and heartache.

The series finishes on a gentle and poetic note, with Violet finding closure and a deep understanding of love, loss, and self-worth. The ending is emotional, personal, and offers a sense of healing and hope.

Bakuman (2010)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Number of Episodes/Seasons: 3 seasons, 75 episodes

Bakuman traces Mashiro and Takagi, two young men striving to become successful manga creators. The series delves deeply into the pressures and joys of the manga industry.

Bakuman ends on a high note of inspiration. After years of diligent effort and friendship, the protagonists realize their dreams and see their stories published. The finale celebrates persistence and partnership, delivering a rewarding ending.

Anime endings uniquely shape our experience. They’re more than just the final scene—they represent every step the characters took and every feeling we shared.

Until next time!