Anime Ships That Didn't Come True - Even The Ones That Made Sense!

In the world of anime, it’s hard not to root for certain couples, even when the ship seems unlikely, different, or even a bit "sus." These pairs, no matter how unexpected or questionable they might seem, manage to capture fans' hearts and spark heated discussions for years—sometimes many, many years.

In this list, we’ll revisit some of the most popular ships that didn’t end up together. From deep connections that never turned into romance to dynamics clearly designed to be anything but loving, these pairs prove that, in anime, even the most "suspect" possibilities can win a place in fans' hearts.

By the way, this article contains SPOILERS!

Laios and Marcille (Dungeon Meshi)

Why didn’t they end up together?

Laios and Marcille share an incredible dynamic, mixing moments of comedy and genuine friendship. But Dungeon Meshi focuses more on the individual growth of its characters rather than romance. Marcille has enormous magical responsibilities, and Laios is… well, busy with his culinary obsession.

Why do fans ship them?

Despite the lack of explicit romance, the two have undeniable chemistry, both with each other and Laios’ sister. Marcille always tries to support Laios (even when he’s a bit strange), and their teamwork is genuine and fun. Plus, it’s worth noting that the ending doesn’t confirm whether they develop a romance or not, so fans might not be entirely wrong.

Ichigo and Rukia (Bleach)

Why didn’t they end up together?

Ichigo and Rukia share a deep bond, but Bleach chose to explore other romantic paths. Rukia ends up with Renji, while Ichigo pairs with Orihime. It was a narratively coherent choice, but many fans hoped the protagonists would end up together.

Why do fans ship them?

The camaraderie between Ichigo and Rukia is immense. Rukia helps Ichigo grow both as a person and as a Shinigami, and their iconic moments make it hard not to root for them.

L and Light (Death Note)

Why didn’t they end up together?

Let’s be honest: Death Note isn’t exactly a romantic anime, even with the presence of Misa Misa. The relationship between L and Light is built on rivalry, manipulation, and obsession, but that hasn’t stopped fans from shipping them to this day. It’s at least a "suspect" ship, but nothing has ever stopped fandoms before.

Why do fans ship them?

Their dynamic is electrifying. L and Light are two geniuses trying to outwit each other, and that tension is seen by many as something deeper. It’s a ship that defies logic but remains incredibly popular.

Levi and Hange (Attack on Titan)

Why didn’t they end up together?

Though they share one of the most interesting relationships in Attack on Titan, Levi and Hange never had anything beyond friendship and mutual respect. The series focuses more on humanity’s chaos and desperate fight for survival.

Why do fans ship them?

The contrast between Levi’s serious demeanor and Hange’s chaotic energy creates an irresistible chemistry. Even without romance, their dynamic is so good that the fandom couldn’t resist. Neither character was written with romance in mind.

Eren and Mikasa (Attack on Titan)

Why didn’t they end up together?

Well, aside from the obvious. Mikasa was always clear about her feelings for Eren, but he never reciprocated in the same way. Additionally, Eren’s tragic fate made any happy ending for the pair impossible.

Why do fans ship them?

Mikasa’s devotion to Eren is both moving and painful to watch. Even without clear reciprocation, their moments of connection highlight how much Mikasa cares, leaving many fans believing they deserved more.

Naruto and Sakura (Naruto)

Why didn’t they end up together?

Naruto was always in love with Sakura, but she never returned his feelings. The story chose to pair Sakura with Sasuke, while Naruto found happiness with Hinata.

Why do fans ship them?

Naruto was always there for Sakura, even when his feelings were unrequited. Many fans see their relationship as having untapped potential for something deeper.

Gintoki and Tsukuyo (Gintama)

Why didn’t they end up together?

Gintama was never a romance-focused anime, and Gintoki is known for avoiding serious relationships. Despite this, Tsukuyo often showed feelings for him, though Gintoki never took things seriously.

Why do fans ship them?

Their chemistry is undeniable. Gintoki and Tsukuyo share moments full of humor and emotion, making their dynamic one of the most captivating in the anime.

Not every couple we root for gets the happy ending we imagine, but that doesn’t mean they don’t leave their mark. Whether it’s intriguing dynamics, irresistible chemistry, or even the "suspect" factor, these ships continue to captivate fandoms and spark debates long after the anime ends.

What about you? Which ship that never happened do you still root for? Share your thoughts in the comments!