10 Dark Anime Endings Where the Hero Disappears

Often, fans turn to anime to forget the stress and drama of their daily lives. Although not always, this medium is known to be home to some of the best and most inspiring stories. From young heroes fighting against impossible odds to achieve their dreams, to epic stories of friendship and cooperation that inspire viewers to be better.

Yet viewers aren't always in the mood for light-hearted shonen anime or tear-jerking shojo series. Loved by millions of fans, these shows not only have captivating plots, but they are perfect for those looking to get emotionally drained from their favorite series. While anime often serves as a part for fans to enjoy a happy ending, sometimes, the heroes don't get the finale they want.

10

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

One of the most popular anime centered on a terrorist hero, Code Guess It has become an example of how to effectively create a sinister and hopeless finale without compromising the show's quality. The protagonist, Lelouch, has always been a controversial figure. His desire to unite the world and bring peace was admirable, but the means he took to achieve it were more than questionable.

Still, no one could argue with his commitment, as he was truly willing to go to any extent to make his dreams come true. After effectively bringing down his father's empire, Lelouch realized that a final step was necessary before humanity could truly know peace. Thus, he became a ruthless and sadistic dictator, the world's greatest enemy. He would then be publicly executed by one of his men disguised as his alter ego, X, leaving fans to wonder if he was a villain or just a misunderstood hero.

9

Death note

Light Yagami, a character who committed a plethora of objectively evil deeds during his tenure, is a hero who is a divisive subject among fans. While this is true Death note While the anime introduced the man as someone trying to make a better world, his methods and arrogance quickly turned him into an obnoxious and terrifying figure, more like a villain than a hero.

Still, he is its hero Death note The series, and its sudden and tragic ending, left more than one fan feeling sympathy for the failed God of the New World. After being betrayed by Near and his task force, Light became desperate, confessing his crimes in front of his former friends. Matsuda, who has a strong sense of justice, loses his temper and shoots the protagonist several times, causing Ryuk to slowly bleed out as he looks at his body.

8

Devilman Crybaby

Often praised for its compelling and unexpected approach to many important ethical and philosophical themes, Devilman Crybaby is a series that will remain with those adventurous enough to enjoy. After becoming a demonic creature while chasing an old friend, the once shy Akira decides to use his newfound powers to protect the world.

Sadly, all his efforts and the pain he went through ultimately came to naught, as his entire adventure was manipulated by his former friend, who revealed himself to be Satan. With nothing left to lose, Akira launches himself into a planet-destroying war. In the end, it cannot even be said that the villain wins in the end, as Satan is left alone in a broken world after losing the only person he loves.

7

Berserk 1997

Objectively, one of the best dark fantasy shows of all time, BerserkThe hopeless but intriguing world has managed to captivate fans for over three decades. Forced to survive in a world that knows no mercy, Guts travels far to find a place he can call home. His time with the Band of the Hawk, though violent, was the happiest he had known.

It wasn't until Griffith, convinced he deserved more than he got, sacrificed his friends and became a devil, that Guts realized how cruel the world could be. Although he survived this cataclysmic event, everything he cared about was taken away from him with the Black Swordsman. Himmat's life is a tragic one with no happiness or love that lasts long enough for him to recover.

6

Cyberpunk: The Edgerunners

Based on one of the best open-world games ever made, Cyberpunk: The Edgerunners Using the titular genre to explore the nature of humanity was a truly enjoyable and memorable experience. Throughout the series, fans have come to love David and his group of friends, as they try to survive the chaotic streets of Night City.

Just when everything was going their way and the audience believed that the heroes would get a happy ending, the evil organization Arasaka caught up with them, forcing David and the rest of the crew to sacrifice themselves to try to make Lucy's dream come true. As the series woman achieves her goal of reaching the moon, it comes at the cost of everyone she loves, making the show one of the best dystopian love tragedies of all time.

5

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Hailed for being a series that challenges audiences' worldviews, Evangelion One of the most popular classics of the anime industry. Shinji's story is as complex as it is fascinating, relying heavily on deep moral dilemmas and philosophical questions that affect not only the characters but the audience as well. As such, when it came time for its ending, fans were prepared to be both confused and shocked, which is exactly what happened.

The conclusion of this amazing anime focuses on two different but tightly related events, each related to Shinji's growth as a character. The scenes that take place inside his mind can be seen as a huge win for the boy, as he overcomes his trauma, even if it comes at a great cost. A third effect occurred, causing all of humanity to merge into one consciousness, due to the will of the worst fathers in all of anime.

4

Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans

Over the decades, the undisputed king of mecha anime, The Gundam The franchise has released amazing series for fans to enjoy. Iron-Blooded Orphans Special for many, as it was able to mix epic battles of giant robots with complex and morally dubious plot lines. The show was a perfect blend of political messages, beloved characters, and plot twists that kept fans on edge.

One of the most shocking came during the series finale, as the protagonists Agus and Altland were forced to sacrifice themselves to protect the future of their new family. There is no daring rescue mission to ensure their safety, nor an armor scheme to keep them alive. Heroes do indeed die, in some of the best yet bitterest battles in the entire franchise.

3

Fate/Zero

The fate The franchise is one of the most complicated to follow, with many fans needing the help of a guide to navigate its complex timelines. One of its most controversial series due to the villains triumphing in the end, Fate/ZeroServed as a prequel to the widely popular Fate / Stay the night Anime. Fate/Zero The fourth followed the participants in the Great Holy Grail War, which ended in brutal tragedy.

After facing some of the most skilled fighters in anime history, Kiritsugu Emiya is given the chance to ask the aforementioned treasure for a wish. His great desire for world peace ends in destruction as the Holy Grail is corrupted long before the war begins. This forces the protagonist to destroy the object, resulting in a massive explosion that kills thousands; A very painful ending due to his enemies watching safely from afar.

2

Uzumaki: Spiral into terror

Considered by many to be one of the most disappointing anime of the last decade, Uzumaki An adaptation of Junji Ito's most popular horror story. The series revolves around the town of Kuruzu-cho, which is being haunted by a strange curse. Each day, strange events related to Spiral occur, claiming the lives and sanity of the protagonists, Kiri and Shuichi.

The show slowly reveals that the curse that plagues the town is an ancient supernatural phenomenon that happens every century. The heroes, after learning this terrible truth, travel deeper into the spiral, hoping to find a way to save themselves. They soon discover that nothing can stop their destiny, so they decide to fall victim to the madness of the curse, to prove why. Uzumaki One of the best body-horror stories anime has to offer.

1

Higurashi: When they cried

Thousands of fans will remember the cause of the big shock Higurashi: When they cried Because it was one of the most popular online in the late 2000s. The town of Hinamizawa was once a peaceful and pleasant place, at least until its citizens were caught in a deadly time loop in which most, if not all, were killed. As the series progresses and reveals several failed timelines in which the heroes die, the mystery begins to unravel. Higurashi Season 1 ends on a particularly dark note where the main characters break the cycle, only to reveal that they failed.

Worse, it turns out that Rika, one of the main characters, is the supposed reincarnation of an ancient god, which has attracted the attention of a cult that wants to sacrifice her. While Rika is finally able to escape her murder and live a happy life with her friends Higurashi KaiThe memory of all her pain and suffering will never go away. No matter how much he tries to enjoy life, he will always remember the tragic and brutal death he suffered for 1,000 years.