Endings are a crucial element in any story. No matter how good an anime is, a poorly chosen conclusion can frustrate viewers.
Worse yet, a botched ending can turn them off the entire anime, making them dislike the franchise even if they enjoyed every episode until the last. The shonen genre is known for this: due to the nature of the anime industry, many series are forced to drag on until they lose their momentum, ultimately ending in a disappointing failure instead of a thunderous conclusion.
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Fortunately, several shonen series have managed to hold their ground, offering the audience a conclusion that ties up the story and leaves them fully satisfied. But which of these legendary endings is the best?
10. Yu Yu Hakusho offers a charming ending that gives the audience what it needs
Though unpretentious, the ending of Yu Yu Hakusho perfectly matches the tone of the series. Based on the manga by Yoshihiro Togashi, Yu Yu Hakusho follows Yusuke Urameshi, a delinquent who spends most of his time causing trouble. However, one day, Yusuke sees a child about to be hit by a truck and sacrifices himself to save them. When he arrives in the afterlife, he is told that there is no place for him in either heaven or hell because no one expected his selfless act. King Enma, ruler of the underworld, eventually agrees to let Yusuke return to life on the condition that he becomes a detective of the underworld and investigates spiritual activities in the real world.
In 1992, Pierrot produced an animated version of the story. The final episode, "Toward the Future" (Forever Yu Yu Hakusho!), sees the main characters reuniting and spending time together on the beach at sunset. While simple, this ending perfectly encapsulates Yusuke's journey, showing how he went from a solitary loner to a well-liked member of the community surrounded by many friends, making it a perfect conclusion to the animated series. However, it lands at the bottom of the list, with some fans finding it perhaps too simplistic.
9. Naruto ends with a well-deserved marriage
After all the trials and tribulations, Naruto's marriage is a beautiful way to end the story.
Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden are two of the most popular anime series of the modern era. Adapted from Masashi Kishimoto's equally popular manga, the story follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young orphan who dreams of becoming a powerful ninja and earning the respect of those around him. However, he quickly realizes that this is easier said than done, especially as he finds himself embroiled in a vast conspiracy with potentially massive consequences.
The animated version of Naruto, produced by Studio Pierrot, ran for 720 episodes. The final episode, titled "The Message," takes place on Naruto and Hinata's wedding day. We follow the couple reminiscing about their memories and receiving well wishes from their friends during the final preparations, ending just as they leave for the ceremony. After all that Naruto has gone through throughout the story, ending on his happiest moment felt fitting and deserved, especially considering how special his relationship with Hinata was, thanks to the time the writers spent developing it.
8. The final moments of Dragon Ball Z allowed Goku to raise the next generation
Inspired by Akira Toriyama's legendary manga, Dragon Ball Z is one of the most beloved and recognizable anime series ever created. Consisting of 291 episodes (444 including the original Dragon Ball), the anime follows Goku as he saves the world, makes friends, and learns many things about himself, going from a solitary orphan in the forest to one of the most powerful heroes the world has ever known. The final episode of Dragon Ball Z, "Goku's Next Journey," focuses on Goku's match in the World Martial Arts Tournament against a mysterious boy named Uub.
After realizing that Uub is the reincarnation of Kid Buu, Goku vows to train him so he can master his powers and fully unleash his strength. After saying goodbye to his family and friends, Goku and Uub fly off to begin their training. Although some fans didn’t appreciate this ending, the idea that Goku meets an underprivileged child and decides to take him under his wing feels like a natural conclusion for Dragon Ball, thus perfectly closing the story.
7. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters offers a long-awaited battle
Launched in 2000, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters was animated by Studio Gallop, based on the manga written by Kazuki Takahashi. While the anime featured many twists over its five seasons, the final episode left a lasting impression, showcasing all the elements that made the show a success. Titled "The Final Duel - Part 4," the episode concludes the epic battle between Yugi and Atem, the spirit who has resided within Yugi's body since the beginning of the anime.
This duel plays on several levels. It features some of the series' best action, with Yugi and Atem performing masterful strategies. It also serves as a memorable finale, as many iconic monsters from the series make an appearance, adding an epic dimension to the episode. Furthermore, the episode handles the characters' complex emotions perfectly, showing that while Yugi desires victory, the idea of winning is bittersweet, as it means losing a friend who has been by his side for so long.
6. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion has an unexpected yet fitting ending
Launched in 2006 and produced by Sunrise, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion became one of the most beloved anime of the late 2000s. Set in an alternate universe where the world is divided into three giant superpowers, the story follows exiled British prince Lelouch vi Britannia. His main goal is to defeat and overthrow his tyrannical father, Charles Zi Britannia, and create a better world for his sister, Nunnally. To achieve this, he has access to a Geass power called the "Power of Kings," which allows him to control minds.
In "Re," the 25th and final episode of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (the anime's second season), Lelouch finally unites the world under his tyrannical reign. However, his rule quickly collapses when he is assassinated by Suzaku. Afterward, the anime fast-forwards to show that Nunnally has taken the throne, using everyone's hatred for Lelouch to unite the kingdom and establish an era of peace. While controversial, this ironic ending fits perfectly into the world of Code Geass, making it the best way to conclude Lelouch's story. Despite its genius, it lands in the middle of the rankings due to its sudden and slightly confusing nature.
5. Inuyasha: The Final Act gives the heroes the farewell they deserve
Rumiko Takahashi's Inuyasha manga aired from 1996 to 2008. In 2000, Sunrise produced an animated adaptation of the series. Though quickly becoming legendary, the series concluded in 2004, long before the manga's end. Fortunately, in 2009, Sunrise released Inuyasha: The Final Act. This new series adapted the manga chapters that the original show hadn’t covered, allowing anime fans to see the true ending.
The final episode, "Towards Tomorrow" (the 193rd episode overall), perfectly concludes the story. After Inuyasha and Kagome share a kiss and finish their quest, the story jumps forward three years. Kagome returns to the well and chooses to go back to Inuyasha's time, allowing them to continue their romance. At the same time, viewers get glimpses of the other characters, showing how they’ve all grown during the time skip, with most finding new purpose and direction thanks to their adventures with Kagome, offering a touching conclusion to a beloved anime.
4. Mob Psycho 100 ties everything together perfectly
Based on the web manga written and illustrated by ONE, the anime Mob Psycho 100 aired from 2016 to 2019, concluding after its 37th episode. The anime follows Shigeo Kageyama, a middle schooler nicknamed Mob by his friends and peers. Although gifted with immense psychic powers, Mob lives in constant fear of losing control and tries to lead as emotionless a life as possible. Hoping for a normal life, Mob begins working for Arataka Reigen, a con artist posing as a psychic. However, despite his best intentions, he constantly finds himself in difficult situations.
The final episode, "Confession The Future," brilliantly concludes the characters' stories both logically and emotionally. Not only does Mob finally accept all his facets and become a better person, but Reigen also confesses his secret, allowing him to overcome the obstacles that had held him back. This ending is beautifully enhanced by a charming flash-forward showing the characters enjoying life together, creating a perfect, happy conclusion.
3. Assassination Classroom offers viewers one last moment with the characters
Assassination Classroom, released in 2015, was produced by Lerche and adapted from the manga written and illustrated by Yusei Matsui. The series begins with the sudden destruction of 70% of the Moon. Soon after, a strange creature arrives on Earth and claims responsibility for the event, announcing to the world that it will destroy the entire planet in one year unless its demands are met. The creature then becomes a teacher at Kunugigaoka Junior High and is assigned to a class of specially selected students.
The monster (nicknamed Koro-sensei) teaches the students regular subjects and assassination techniques, and whoever kills him will win a huge reward. The final episode, set the day after Koro-sensei's assassination, focuses on the students attempting to cope with the loss of their mentor. Seven years later, the story unfolds as the group reunites to share memories of their time with Koro-sensei. All these elements combine to create an emotionally rich episode that perfectly concludes the story.
2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood deserved its happy ending
Adapted from Hiromu Arakawa's Fullmetal Alchemist manga, the 2009 animated series by Studio Bones became a modern classic. It follows Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers whose lives are turned upside down by the death of their mother. Several years later, after traveling the world and learning alchemy, they attempt to bring their mother back to life. However, their mission fails: Edward loses a leg, and Alphonse’s body is destroyed.
To save his brother, Edward sacrifices his arms to bind Alphonse's soul to an armor. Determined to fix this mistake, the brothers strive to become State Alchemists, hoping one day to restore their bodies. After achieving their goal in the penultimate episode, the final episode focuses on their plans, and Edward and Winry Rockbell share a delicate yet romantic moment. What makes this episode so effective as a conclusion is that everything the brothers gain feels deserved and earned, making it impossible not to feel happy for them as they prepare to continue their adventures.
1. Tomorrow’s Joe is an outsider story that ends on top
Tomorrow's Joe boasts one of the best endings in anime history. Written by Asao Takamori and illustrated by Tetsuya Chiba, Tomorrow's Joe debuted as a manga in the pages of Weekly Shōnen Magazine in 1968. The series quickly became a hit with readers, and in 1970, Mushi Production produced an animated adaptation of the story. This anime was a massive success, and a second season, produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha, concluded the story in 1981. After following Joe Yabuki's transformation from a lonely, aimless drifter to a boxing superstar, the final episode focuses on the fight between Joe and Mendoza. Joe takes a beating during the fight but manages to hold on until the final round. As the judges tally the points, Joe gives his gloves to Yoko (his long-time love).
When the judges announce Mendoza's victory, Joe's team goes to console him but finds that he is unresponsive. After that, the scene ends with an image of Joe sitting alone on his stool, as a sad melody plays and the credits roll, leaving the audience to decide for themselves whether Joe died during the fight. Tomorrow's Joe's ending is considered one of the best in anime history, and it's easy to see why. It is deeply moving and fitting, as Joe's story couldn't have ended any other way. As such, it stands out distinctly from the others.
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