While it's rare for anime fans to universally agree on certain topics, every once in a while, the community comes together to reach a consensus. One such case is the existence of anime-original endings, which deviate greatly from the source material. These finales are, on most occasions, widely considered inferior or downright bad, with many fans claiming they can even ruin an entire series.
Although rare, there are examples of this practice that can result in an equally good, or even better, finale than what the manga series has to offer. The changes made by these endings work perfectly due to various factors. Whether it's because they managed to expand the lore of an existing franchise in an effective way or because the anime allowed the story to correct its mistakes, these anime-only finales are both beloved and fascinating.
8
The relationships between the characters feel very personal in Silent Voice
Known as one of the most iconic and beloved anime movies in existence, A silent voice tells the story of Ishida, a teenage boy who deeply regrets bullying his deaf former classmate, Nishimiya. Years after their paths diverge, the two meet by chance, sparking a deeply moving and personal story of growth, forgiveness, and the struggle of social anxiety.
While the silent voice The film stays fairly true to the overall plot of the manga, removing many scenes that revolve around supporting characters to place greater emphasis on Ishida's life and relationship with Shouko. The biggest change in the plot happens right at the end, as the movie completely deletes the final scene of the pair reuniting with old elementary classmates. Instead, the final moments depict Ishida letting go of her remorse and opening up to the world once more.
7
Death of Summer Hikaru succeeds in blending cosmic horror and emotional storytelling
Adapted from the best psychological horror manga of the past few years, Summer Hikaru died The story focuses on the aftermath of a tragic accident that takes Hikaru's life. After his death, Hikaru's corpse harbors a mysterious and ancestral being who wants to better understand humanity, the only flaw in his plan is that the dead boy's best friend Yoshiki witnessed the accident.
because of Summer Hikaru died Released while the original manga is still being published to this day, the team behind the anime was forced to create a new ending for the first season. They managed to close this chapter of the anime in a bittersweet but satisfying way, portraying the struggles faced by the people who once loved Hikaru, as well as the crime that began to consume the institution. It is not a perfect closure, but it is very well executed.
6
K-On! Took a short comedy series and completely turned it into a slice of life
Yui's arrival at Sakuragaoka High School was like a miracle for the members of the Light Music Club, as their beloved band was about to disband without the required four members. While most of their time is spent drinking tea, gossiping and eating, the four girls quickly develop a bumpy bond, which only grows with every hardship they go through together.
original K-On! The manga was a popular Japanese 4-panel comic that told unrelated and light-hearted short stories revolving around Yui and her friends. The anime improved on this concept by a large margin, not only delving deeper into the lives and dreams of the protagonists, but also including a heartwarming finale in which the girls graduate and go on to find their own paths.
5
The third Ariel Girls Squad OVA anime is very optimistic
Set in the fictional universe of Shirobako, 3rd Aerial Girls Squad A fantasy anime imagined by the protagonists of the manga, who are pursuing their dreams of becoming popular anime creators. The story of this defunct show follows a group of students tasked with piloting advanced war jets to protect humanity from a race of dangerous monsters.
In 2015, to celebrate the success of the anime adaptation of Shirobako, an OVA was released depicting what the finale of the third Ariel Girls Squad would be like in real life. The manga has a very dark ending, with the hero's best friend dying in battle and forcing him to give up his dreams of flying. The OVA resolved this desperate situation by having the main character rediscover his passion for flying by traveling to his friend's home village and meeting his little sister.
4
Bunny Drop improved the story by ignoring the manga
One of the most heartwarming slice-of-life anime released in the past few decades, Bunny Drop Found is a fascinating series about family and the bonds that can exist without sharing blood. After learning that his recently deceased grandfather left behind a six-year-old illegitimate daughter named Rin, Daikichi decides to raise her as his own with as much love and care as possible.
The original manga was praised by many at the time it was published for its realistic and healthy dynamic between a father and his adopted daughter. As such, when the final arc of the manga was released, and teenage Rin started dating Daikichi, many fans couldn't believe their eyes. The anime completely ignored this part of the story, instead ending its run when Rin is still a young girl, pampered by her father.
3
Trigon's finale honored Wash's pacifist ideals
-
madhouse -
madhouse -
25 in the distant futureth Over the centuries, humanity has finally conquered the stars, creating colonies on many distant planets. It is in one of these new destinations that Vash the Stampede lives, a cosmic being with the power to destroy entire planets if he so chooses. Yet, even with these amazing powers, the hero refuses to allow violence to guide his hand, holding on to his pacifist ideals.
trigun It's one of the best classic stories of the 90s, as it prefers to follow its own path rather than adopt typical shonen tropes of the time, with a protagonist who prefers to talk before resorting to fighting. The 1998 anime, which ended several years before the manga reached its epic conclusion, managed to stick to these ideals, making Wash excel in brutal combat without killing his brother, giving fans hope for their future.
2
The Girl Who Leap Through Time has a very happy ending
Before dying in a tragic accident, Makoto is sent back in time thanks to a small marble-like device he finds lying on the floor. Through various experiments, she discovers that she can now travel into the past as long as she can hold an object and move forward. What seems like a wonderful gift soon turns dangerous, as the girl discovers that her adventures over time have changed the world for the worse.
A true classic of Japanese cinema, A girl who jumps through time There is a simple but significant difference that made viewers prefer its ending to the manga's. In her final moments as a time traveler, Makoto is able to stop herself from taking the device, allowing her friend and love interest, Chiaki, to return to her own time in the future. Unlike the manga, in which they are forced to say goodbye and forget each other, the movie gives the audience hope for a possible reunion.
1
Death Note's finale added a subtle but significant change
Objectively one of the most popular anime ever created, and with good reason, Death note A story that needs no introduction. Light's quest to become the god of a new world, eliminating anyone he deems a criminal or a threat to his rule, is beyond iconic among anime fans. Although the series is incredibly complex and well-written, fans have often complained about its finale in the manga and anime versions.
However, there is one clear but decisive difference that makes the animated depiction of this ending stand out. In the manga, Light finds himself trapped inside a warehouse, surrounded by his former allies. In a panic, the hero asks Ryuk to kill them all, only to be shot dead as he cries and walks away in a truly pathetic manner. The anime gives Light a chance to find a small moment of peace before his death, in which he repents and accepts his fate, a very fitting ending.
