Few things in anime are as satisfying as a perfectly executed series finale. While many struggle to deliver a conclusion that lives up to the buildup, some manage to create an ending that is both flawless and entirely fitting for the series. These finales leave a lasting impression on fans and elevate everything in the narrative that came before, cementing their place in the anime hall of fame.

Some of the most unforgettable anime finales achieve this by honoring the journey and themes while delivering something unexpected. A great and memorable ending does more than conclude a story. It solidifies its legacy and ignites emotions and discussions long after the credits roll.

7 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Based on the Manga by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood achieved a finale that offered both closure and a strong emotional impact. Edward and Alphonse’s journey to restore their bodies takes them down a path in which they face moral dilemmas, personal struggles, and political drama. Every character, from the ing cast to the villains, is fully developed and has strong defining traits.

The final battle is visually stunning and in line with the series’ themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and strength in unity. From the beginning to the end, the series laid the groundwork for its themes and conflicts, ensuring that each arc contributed to the series’ resolution. Every major storyline and ing character in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood reached a satisfying conclusion.

6 Assassination Classroom

Based on the Manga by Yusei Matsui

Assassination Classroom blends humor, action, and drama in a high school setting where the unusual becomes part of everyday life. The students in Class 3-E are tasked with assassinating their seemingly invincible alien teacher, Koro-sensei, who also happens to be the greatest teacher they’ve ever had. Each of Koro-sensei’s students undergoes a deeply emotional journey that leads to massive personal development.

The series delivered a conclusion that perfectly captured its themes of mentorship and growth. Each character arc was given meaningful and fitting resolutions, ensuring that the lessons learned throughout the storyline had a lasting impact. With its entertaining and heartfelt storytelling, Assassination Classroom provided a finale that is unforgettable and truly flawless from beginning to end.

5 Kaguya-Sama: Love is War

Based on the Manga by Aka Akasaka

Kaguya-sama: Love is War takes the romantic comedy genre and elevates it with sharp wit, psychological battles, and heartfelt character development. The story centers around student council Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane and the strong romantic tension between them as they battle against one another’s pride on their path to confessing their true feelings. Beneath the humor and over-the-top mind games, the anime gradually peels back layers of its characters and explores the personal struggles that make them relatable and compelling.

What makes Kaguya-sama deserving of this list is how it delivers a finale that fully rewards its character arcs while staying true to its themes and tone. It balances humor and sincerity, ensuring that every relationship, both romantic and platonic, is given a meaningful conclusion. The story respects the growth of its characters and allows them to embrace love and vulnerability without losing their charm, making the series end on a memorable high note.

4 Banana Fish

Based on the Manga by Akimi Yoshida

Banana Fish is a crime drama that features intense action and deep emotional resonance. Set in the streets of New York, the story follows Ash Lynx, a brilliant yet tormented gang leader, as he uncovers a conspiracy linked to a mysterious drug called “Banana Fish.” His journey is one of survival, revenge, and healing that comes after he bonds with Eiji Okumura, a kind-hearted photographer who provides him with glimpses of a better life.

The series balances brutality with tender moments, making each character and scene all the more impactful. Banana Fish delivers a conclusion that stays true to its themes and overall tone. It refuses to offer easy resolutions and embraces the beauty and tragedy that defines its characters’ lives that viewers will never forget. Banana Fish is fearless with its storytelling, and its finale proves this right up to the final scene.

3 Death Note

Based on the Manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata

Death Note is a psychological thriller that masterfully explores power, justice, and morality. The story follows Light Yagami, a young genius who finds a Shinigami’s notebook and gains the ability to kill anyone by writing their name in the Death Note. As he begins to construct his vision for a new world, he faces off against a world-renowned detective, L, leading to an intense battle of wits.

Death Note starts off strong and offers its characters a fitting conclusion for its complex storyline and themes. Manipulation, hubris, and the consequences of power culminate in a finale that stays true to its premise. While the series may have arguably lost some of its footing along the way, it ends flawlessly and leaves a lingering effect on viewers.

2 Fruits Basket

Based on the Manga by Natsuki Takaya

Fruits Basket follows Tohru Honda, a kind young girl who uncovers the Sohma family’s bizarre secret—they transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when they’re hugged by the opposite sex. As she helps them confront their past traumas and personal insecurities, she also finds herself on a journey of love, healing, and self-acceptance. Every character is given room to grow throughout the series despite the hardships they experience, making the journey feel personal and meaningful.

Fruits Basket’s finale beautifully ties together its themes of redemption and healing. Each thread is carefully resolved in a way that respects individual characters’ growth, ensuring that their struggles are not overlooked or invalidated. The final moments of the series offer a sense of warmth and fulfillment that feels well-deserved and absolutely flawless.

1 Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Directed by Gorō Taniguchi and Written by Ichirō Ōkouchi

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is a mecha anime that blends political drama with psychological warfare. The series follows Lelouch vi Britannia, an exiled prince who gains the power of absolute obedience through Geass. Using his intellect and new ability, he rises up to lead a rebellion against the oppressive Britannian Empire as Zero, the masked leader of the Black Knights, in order to create a world where his sister would be safe.

The series pushes themes of moral ambiguity, and its characters often navigate a fine line between heroism and tyranny. Every twist and revelation throughout the anime led to a finale that fully embraced the weight of its storyline and delivered one of the most impactful conclusions in anime history. Code Geass offered fans a perfectly executed ending while solidifying Lelouch’s legacy in an unforgettable way.