What kind of anime ending do you prefer?
By saizo6
@saizo6 (2199)
United States
August 26, 2009 6:24pm CST
Someone asked me this question a while back and it got me thinking. I like watching anime series that have the happy endings but that's just too common and it's becoming a bit boring. I want to see something different once in a while. Something like Cowboy Bebop's ending. Another would be School Days' ending. Even though I did not like that anime that ending was really twisted and unforgettable. To all of you that don't know what I'm talking about, go and watch the series. You'll see what I mean. I also like those open ended endings because it leaves the possibility for a sequel or something. Like Samurai Champloo, the ending was kind of lame with them each going off their separate ways but it leaves you with the impression that the story isn't over yet.
So what about you guys? What type of endings do you prefer and do you have any particular one that is memorable.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@kumagai (3)
• United States
4 Nov 09
I am very picky about my anime endings and am almost always disappointed. First, it must feel like a natural progression of the show. I hate those endings where they think the last episode has to be so freakin awesome that they end up writing it way different than the rest of the show. The characters seem off and the plot makes a steep arc. You see this especially in sad endings. Throughout the show you want the protagonist to win so the show progresses in this way, but then at the end they want everyone to die so all the sudden the focus seems way off.
Sad endings, I hate them. The world is full of sadness; life is sad; fiction should not be. If I bothered to watch 50 plus episodes I must have wanted the good guys to win or I wouldn't have cared to sit through it.
Ambiguous endings, I hate them even more than sad ones. Every anime thrives on the complexity and completeness of its story. Why on earth would I want to see an incomplete ending if I am into that?!
So for me an ending has to
1. Feel like it belongs to the rest of the show; doesn't have to be some huge extravaganza, just let the show end itself (it's moving in a direction, let it reach the end of its path).
2. Inspire hope rather than despair (I want to feel happily satisfied, not like someone just punched me in the gut).
3. And lastly, be complete. You raised the questions, answer them. If I wanted to write my own ending I would have written my own story.
@saizo6 (2199)
• United States
6 Nov 09
Hi kumagai, thanks for the response. And I really have to agree with some of the things you just mentioned there. I also hate those really ambitious endings that are way out there. I know their trying to go out with a blast or whatever but sometimes the story becomes too unreal and crazy for my liking. It's like they are trying to try every amazing concept they can think of in the end to blow you away and make you like it. I just find those annoying and strange.
@shinokyoku (56)
• Indonesia
3 Sep 09
hey, how about a nerve-taking ending? like Code geass season 1?
the ending enraged me, arghhhh!! just when the plot risen it ends, T-T
but how about a sad ending? I think it may be a good one for these days of boredom (I'm bored to), but sry I don't know any example of it. . .
@saizo6 (2199)
• United States
3 Sep 09
Hi shinokyoku, thanks for the response.
Yes, Gode Geass season one did have this cliffhanger ending that made me want more but I wasn't too upset because I knew there was a season two coming. But that was one well thought out anime. I really liked the ending for the second season.
@mymelodake (1338)
• Philippines
30 Aug 09
For me, it does not necessarily have to be happy, just that all issues are resolved. I don't like being left to wonder what happens after "THE END"! Of course, sometimes that is what exactly what the creators want, to let the viewer decide or imagine for themselves how loose ends are resolved, or let viewers speculate as to whether a sequel is in the works, but for me, I am always looking for closure and am never satisfied with an ending that leaves me with questions.
