There are plenty of impressiveanimethat provide satisfying and memorable finales. A well-earned ending leaves a lasting impression on viewers by bringing the story full circle or giving closure. An anime with a strong ending can turn a series into a timeless classic. However, not all anime are given this chance.
Some stories remain unresolved, whether due to production issues, delays in the source material, or decisions beyond the creators’ control. Some of the best anime end in the middle of an arc or conclude in a way that feels rushed or unsatisfying. Yet, fans continue to hope that one day these anime will return for the ending they always deserved.
8Princess Jellyfish
Produced by Brain’s Base, Based on the Manga by Akiko Higashimura
Princess Jellyfishfollows Tsukimi, a shy, jellyfish enthusiast who lives in a women-only apartment complex filled with quirky, like-minded otaku. Her peaceful, secluded life is disrupted when she meets Kuranosuke, a fashionable and glamorous young man from a wealthy political family that enjoys dressing in women’s clothing to avoid the expectations placed on him.
As the two gradually grow closer,Princess Jellyfishexplores themes of self-worth, societal pressure, identity, and connection. The show stands out for its heartfelt character development that never attempts to “fix” any of the eccentric cast. With a mix of comedy, the story is a touching story about growing into your potential, no matter how unlikely it may seem.
Princess Jellyfishis a coming-of-age anime crafted with sincerity and genuine care. However, the anime ends just as the real emotional stakes start to develop. The romantic storylines were just beginning to unfold and weren’t given a proper chance to be explored. The character arcs all hold great potential, and the series deserved another season.
7Deadman Wonderland
Produced by Manglobe, Based on the Manga by Jinsei Kataoka and Kazuma Kondou
Deadman Wonderlanddraws audiences into a brutal dystopia where convicted criminals are sent to a privately owned prison that doubles as a violent amusement park. The series follows Ganta Igarashi after he is falsely accused of murdering his classmates and is sent to prison, where he discovers he can manipulate his own blood as a weapon.
Inside the twisted prison, Ganta is forced into deadly gladiator-style games alongside other gifted inmates called Deadmen. Among them, Ganta encounters Shiro, a mysterious albino girl from his past who has a connection to both him and the prison complex in ways he never imagined. Unfortunately, the anime adaptation ends abruptly after just one season.
The anime only covers a small part of the manga’s full story, ending just as major revelations are beginning to emerge. This leaves key plotlines unresolved, including Ganta and Shiro’s shared history, the truth about Deadman Wonderland, and the fight against the prison’s true villains, as the series comes to an abrupt halt.
With so much of the story left unsaid and the anime diverging significantly from the source material, fans were never able to experience a true adaptation ofDeadman Wonderland. Over the years,the series’ reputation has grown as an underrated anime, and revisiting the series with respect for the source material would give it the adaptation it truly deserves.
6Soul Eater
Produced by Studio Bones, Based on the Manga by Atsushi Ohkubo
Soul Eateris set in a world where students at the Death Weapon Meister Academy train to hunt evil souls and witches. The anime primarily follows Maka and Soul as they strive to strengthen their bond in the hopes of transforming Soul into a Death Scythe. Death Scythes are the elite weapons meant for the academy’s headmaster, Lord Death himself.
With its bold style, the anime balances high-stakes action, humor, and dark fantasy.Soul Eatercaptivates viewers with its exploration of themes like the line between sanity and insanity, good versus evil, and order versus chaos. Along with its extended cast, Black Star, Tsubaki, Death the Kid, and the twins Liz and Patty, the anime never has a dull moment.
However, the anime diverges from the manga in its final stretch, resulting in an anime-only ending. With major arcs from the manga never adapted and several side characters and subplots left hanging, fans felt the conclusion lacked neat resolutions. A remake or continuation similar toBlue Exorcistcould offerSoul Eaterthe complete and satisfying finale it deserves.
5Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Produced by A-1 Pictures, Based on the Manga by Shinobu Ohtaka
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magicis a reimagining of the classic Middle Eastern folklore,One Thousand and One Nights, also known asArabian Nights. The story follows Aladdin, a young Magi who partners with Alibaba and Morgiana as they explore ancient dungeons, discover magical artifacts, and confront powerful political forces shaping their world.
The series is a vibrant fantasy anime with profound themes of friendship, freedom, and the costs of power. Despite its popularity, strong cast, and compelling story, the anime ends just before the manga’s final arc. Along with differences from the manga, fans are left with an incomplete and unsatisfying ending.
The manga’s final arc offers both philosophical and emotional resolutions that the anime never had the chance to explore. Continuing the series would give fans the closure they’ve waited for and fully tell a story that deserves it.
4Ouran High School Host Club
Produced by Studio Bones, Based on the Manga by Bisco Hatori
Ouran High School Host Clubcenters around Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at an elite academy who gets into debt to the school’s Host Club after breaking an expensive vase. Initially mistaken for a boy, Haruhi becomes a full member and quickly becomes the heart of the group.
What starts as a playful satire of shojo tropes combined with sharp social commentary quickly develops into a story with genuine emotional depth. The series explores themes of identity, privilege, and connection as each host shares more of their backstory and insecurities.The anime is both heartfelt and comedic, with a strong supporting cast that fans continue to love today.
The anime concludes with the Ouran Fair and a dramatic rescue, followed by a whimsical dance sequence that wraps up the Host Club’s antics. However, the anime only covers the first half of the manga and leaves out several romantic plotlines, most notably between Haruhi and Tamaki.
The manga’s second half provides a satisfying continuation and eventual resolution to its subplots. A full adaptation of this beloved series would not only be immensely popular but also give the anime the chance to provide the characters and fans with the romance and closure they’ve been waiting for. It’s a classic shojo that deserves a proper and complete ending.
3Yona of the Dawn
Produced by Studio Pierrot, Based on the Manga by Mizuho Kusanagi
Yona of the Dawnfollows Princess Yona, who is forced to flee her kingdom after a violent coup overthrows and murders her father. Along with her loyal bodyguard Hak and a growing group of skilled companions, she begins her journey to reclaim her throne and awaken the power of the four legendary dragons tied to her family’s legacy.
Blending action, romance, and political drama while exploring complex themes of growth, justice, and leadership, the series offers a compelling and well-balanced storyline. Yona’s personal journey from a sheltered princess to a determined warrior is one of the most rewarding and satisfying character arcs.
Unfortunately, the series ends after Yona and her friends successfully reunite the four dragons, marking a significant milestone in her journey. Many plot threads remain unresolved, and theanime’s finale feels more like a prologue to a larger story. With its manga approaching its conclusion, fans remain hopeful that the series could someday receive a second season or a remake.
2Noragami
Produced by Studio Bones, Based on the Manga by Adachitoka
Noragamicenters on Yato, a lesser-known god who has no shine and takes odd jobs for a small fee, hoping to build his own following. His life changes dramatically when he meets a high school girl named Hiyori, who gets caught between the human and spirit worlds, and a wandering spirit named Yukine, who becomes Yato’s Regalia weapon.
The series blends lighthearted humor with darker themes of redemption, identity, and the consequences of past actions. The strong emotional core of the story comes from the relationships between Yato, Hiyori, and Yukine, appealing to fans with their genuine and compelling dynamics.
However, the anime ends after the second season with a cliffhanger that suggests a third season that never came to pass. With many plotlines unresolved and larger mysteries still open, fans were left craving more. Given its engaging premise and memorable characters, Noragami deserved a continuation that would delve deeper into Yato’s journey and provide fans with the long-awaited answers.
1Nana
Produced by Madhouse, Based on the Manga by Ai Yazawa
Nanatells the story of two young women with the same name who live vastly different lives. Nana Komatsu is a naïve, hopeful romantic seeking love and stability, while Nana Osaki is a fierce, independent punk rock singer looking to make a name for herself in Tokyo. Their fateful meeting marks the beginning of a meaningful friendship and storyline.
With themes of identity, sacrifice, ambition, and connection,Nanamasterfully portrays a grounded view of adulthood with raw emotional honesty and intensity. Despite its many strengths, the anime never fully adapts everything in the manga. WhileAi Yazawa’s manga is on an indefinite hiatus, it extends beyond what the anime covers.
With the manga’s future uncertain, fans strongly want a continuation of the anime. IfNanaever gets a remake or reboot, it could give viewers an anime-only ending while paying tribute to the original work. A proper ending to one of the best anime stories would honor the characters’ journeys and provide fans with the closure they’ve been waiting for.
