Forum - View topicBest Anime Endings; Your Picks.
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dtm42
Posts: 14084 Location: currently stalking my waifu |
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Thanks go out to An1fr3ak for the inspiration.
It should be obvious that the ending is one of the most important parts to to any work. Whether it is your lawn-mower person tiding away the grass clippings, a student finishing up an essay with a strong conclusion, or a television show wrapping up all the loose plot threads and rounding out all the character arcs, it doesn't really matter. The effort put into the last moments are the ones people will remember the most vividly, and play a disproportionate role in shaping how you regard the overall work. There have been plenty of threads here at ANN discussing the badly-done endings out there, but what about a positive thread rewarding those works which pull off satisfying endings? Or even great endings; do such things even exist? Now, by "ending", the length depends on the show and how long it is. Dragonball Z had an ending five episodes long, while Gundam SEED had practically no ending at all. I'm not at all saying both were good, I'm just using them as examples for how the length of an ending can be radically different. Anyway, I think most people can tell what is an ending and what isn't. So, feel free to talk about either your favourite endings to an Anime, or the ones you think were very well done (and I realise that there will be a large overlap). Don't forget to use spoiler tags where appropriate. ---------- Me, personally, I like the ending of Kurau: Phantom Memory. spoiler[The main plot finished in the penultimate episode, meaning the show had an entire episode to spend on wrapping up the characters' arcs. I wish more shows did this. The last episode wasn't rushed, and so I could relax and enjoy it, all with the realisation that I was watching some superb Anime. The emotions and sincerity of the episode felt genuine. Another reason I like its ending is because it was so like the first episode, espcially the final few moments. There's a name for that sort of storytelling device which completely escapes me; it felt like a circular story, but in a good way.] All in all, the show was great, but the ending was almost sublime. At least in my opinion. |
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egoist
 Posts: 7762 |
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Code Geass R2. Yes, I've heard nothing but complaints about it, but in reality, I really liked it. It's one of the best endings out there, it was simply superb and also made my cry like a 12-year-old girl, a whisky-drunk one at that. I wasn't really attached to Lelouch, though I must have really liked and seen him as one of the best leads in anime history.
Gungrave also had another outstanding ending. Really, well, sad from one's perspective. I wouldn't call it sad, perhaps because I was aware it was one of the possibilities, though the way the protagonist and antagonist ended up was really surprising. Another ending that got me crying more than once(like a young girl, etc. etc.). By now you must have realized that I simply adore it when my favorite spoiler[protagonists die.] |
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dragonrider_cody
Posts: 2546 |
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I loved the ending to Chrono Crusade. By the whole tone of the series, it could have only ended one way. But the ending that Gonzo did was spectacularly handled. It was very sad, but also moving and beautiful. spoiler[Also, Rosette's fear in the moments before their death felt very real, and both Hillary Haag and the Japanese seiyu did fantastic jobs.]
I also have to throw a vote in for Kurau. I had heard some pretty terrible things about the ending, but I found myself really enjoying it. It wasn't at all what I expected, and some might have even considered it a "cop out", but I really liked it. Last edited by dragonrider_cody on Wed Jan 20, 2010 9:56 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Ggultra2764
 Posts: 4057 Location: New York state. |
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Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade packed enough of a powerful ending in which spoiler[Fuze chooses his loyalty to "the wolves" (Wolf Brigade) by killing off his "humanity" (Kei). This went well throughout the movie as the man struggled and failed in retaining whatever remaining humanity he had in a profession that tossed morality out the window.]
You can't also forget Grave of the Fireflies spoiler[when you see the inevitable bittersweet ending of Setsuko and Seita's spirits being reunited after seeing the hardships and decisions that led to the end of their short lives throughout the movie.] Also have to be in agreement over Gungrave's ending. For a series focused around sci-fi, crime drama and revenge, the ending doesn't go the way you think it would have been. |
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murph76
 Posts: 3291 Location: Akron, OH |
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Haibane Renmei would be my choice. The climax, where spoiler[Rakka physically saves Reki and spiritually rescues her from the circle of sin], is tense, frightening and wonderful. Reki's spoiler[Day of Flight is a bittersweet moment. I'm sad she's leaving the others but happy she's attained her goal and can move forward.] And Rakka spoiler[finding the new cocoons and promising to be a good mentor, like Kuu and Reki were to her, always warms my heart.] Really, the last episode or two nearly have me in tears every time.
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doctordoom85
 Posts: 2094 |
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Cowboy Bebop: Yes, obligatory reference, but it's the perfect ending IMHO. spoiler[Brilliantly foreshadowed, tear-jerking, and the music playing as Spike lies there is incredible.]
Evangelion/End of Evangelion: Yeah, I dare to like both of them! spoiler[The TV ending is uplifting for me as Shinji finally makes personal growth, and the movie ending was a wonderful "where do we go from here?" for me. Hopefully Anno will top himself with the Rebuild ending.] FLCL: spoiler[Just wrapped up perfectly, and only in 6 episodes! I also had a friend like Mamimi (minus the pyromaniac aspects of course), who I also moved away from years ago, so the ending hit me personally in terms of emotions.] Baccano: spoiler[Both endings: the original anime for having that awesome scene in 2001 with Issac and Miria finally realizing they're immortal, and the DVD-only ending with Carol and the President having that interesting talk about endings themselves.] Gurren Lagann: spoiler[Simon refusing to bring Nia back made perfect sense with the themes the series had developed with the Anti-Spiral's warnings, and I love how it ends with Simon still watching over the world in secret, guiding the next generation to tomorrow.] Kino's Journey: spoiler[Brilliant in that the final episode is actually a prequel, and both serves as a tear-jerker and adds more motivation as to why Kino refuses to abandon her journey.] Azumanga Daioh: spoiler[Graduation = big tears from me. (yes, I like sad moments, if it isn't obvious  )]
Gundam 0080: spoiler[Bernie's video and Al crying as his friends ignorantly add to his grief really hits me.] Paranoia Agent: spoiler[I just love seeing Ikari break free from the false reality, and then Tsukiko's "flashback" where she apologizes to Maromi. Really powerful stuff, and the "humanity never fully learns from their mistakes" ending was a nice twist.] |
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zgripţuroicǎ
 Posts: 140 Location: Newburgh, NY |
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I'll second Code Geass R2's ending, and add Texhnolyze. I thought that the ending was perfect for the show, because as sad and depressing as it was, it fit in with the overall tone of the show. There's nothing I hate more than when I dark, gritty and sad show pulls some spectacular plot device out of left field to bring it all together with a happy ending for everyone. If you're going to make a sad, depressing show, don't ruin it by magically making everyone's problems go away so they all wind up fine.
It's okay if a show has a sad arc and does that, but it doesn't sit well with me when a show has one mood pervading it and suddenly goes contrary to it for the ending. |
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egoist
Posts: 7762 |
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If you say nothing but spoiler covered stuff, how is that meant to get anyone interested in the anime? Well, not to sound so annoying, but the primary reason I started reading stuff on ANN forums was to find new anime. And threads like this are usually quite useful given that endings are the most important parts of anime. Though I've found plenty and nowadays I just hang around to annoy people.
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zgripţuroicǎ
Posts: 140 Location: Newburgh, NY |
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I can see what you mean about spoiler tags over everything, but people tend to get angry if you tell someone a show is awesome and then spoil the ending. For some people, they won't even bother to watch it, since they feel like it's been ruined for them.
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dtm42
Posts: 14084 Location: currently stalking my waifu |
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Although I can see what you're saying, you have to remember that spoiler tags exist for a reason. At any time you can choose to look under them. But once you learn of an important spoiler for a show you want to watch, you can never forget it. So it is because are talking about endings, arguably the most important and spoileriffic part of any show, that some people are being extra cautious and applying spoiler tags to everything they write about. And that behaviour is perfectly cool. Besides, this thread's primary purpose is not to get people interested in a show because of the ending, but to give people a rare chance to express their opinions on their favourite endings. |
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An1fr3ak
 Posts: 235 Location: Australia |
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Thanks for that dtm42. Now down to business. While bad endings are easier to agree with at one common level among most people in terms of overall opinion and belief, the best endings choices are really biased in my opinion, because people take out of it what they want or just because they like the series, will be biased towards an ending even if it wasn't that good. When it comes to anime endings, as I mentioned in the 'worst ending thread,' I am highly critical of all anime endings period. That being said, my 'type' of ending which can be classified as the 'best,' is one that makes me burst out laughing and is completely random and unexpected. I will move on to mention my purely biased picks
Fisrt will be GTO, because I prefer the anime overall to my other picks. The almighty GTO finishes the anime up by spoiler[challenging a class of delinquents in a junior high school in California, America, after being shown running away from the cops in Japan. The classic and signature GTO facial expession with the phrase "Nice to meet you" tops it off.] What a laugh that was. The only way to finish this anime was the ending shown. Full marks, 100% quality and sheer brillance. Probably the best anime ending I have ever seen!!! My second pick is the anime GunXSword. spoiler[The nostalgic way Wendy was talking about how Van saved the world and that she will definately see him again, when all of a sudden he walks in and says "Excuse me, do you have any food and milk," Van's personal signature line. Then follows Wendy's "Eh!" of surprise and Van's "Huh?" with his usual slack but surprised face as they stare at each other]. Another classic moment. This ending also had me in hysterics and I didn't expect it at all, which made it all the better. It seems that have to amend this post, because I completely forgot about Baccano!. I'm in total agreement with doctordoom85. spoiler[Completely random and absolutely halarious when Isaac and Miria finally come to the realisation that they are immortal]. It's made better for me personally because they are my favourite characters from Baccano! I would like to conclude with the the following statement: While I have told you all that I despise anime endings in most cases, there are other anime endings that I also liked, but in comparison to these two, which are in a different league, aren't worthy of mention considering my picks should be what I personally deem to be the best 
- EDITED by myself, An1fr3ak Last edited by An1fr3ak on Thu Jan 21, 2010 5:07 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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doctordoom85
Posts: 2094 |
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Yeah, that's what I was thinking too, dtm42. Even if it doesn't mention deaths, romance wrap-ups, or the like, even mentioning a character saying something or anything could be considered massive spoilers for some, since it takes place at the ending. Better safe than sorry.
zgripţuroicǎ: I just finished Texhnolyze last week and do agree that it was a powerful ending. It might make my list, I'll probably rewatch it sometime before deciding. I did like how the ending spoiler[managed to be depressing, yet still positive in one aspect: since Ichise saw Ran's flower at the end, I believe he did manage to change Ran's vision that he would die alone and unloved, since I felt it showed Ran's spirit was still with him and cared about him. I might have misinterpreted it, but that's what I got from the ending.] (also love those dub outtakes: "Got a flat tire? No problem, point a gun at someone!" "PAINTBALL, PAINTBALL, PAINTBALL!!!"  )
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egoist
Posts: 7762 |
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I wasn't saying not to cover spoilers with spoiler tags, I was saying to write something about it(how you feel etc.) where it won't cause any harm to someone who didn't watch it. I can't help but look at your post and think that you're telling everyone who didn't watch the series not to participate or know why you think the series had one of the best endings without having to completely spoil it. Though you say it's for them to express their opinions, if it's fully covered its reading value equals zero, so there won't be many willing to read said opinions. I didn't really want to make it sound like a rant, I was just pointing that out. My personal policy is to not read anything fully covered. If you still want a thread painted in darkness, never mind me.
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dtm42
Posts: 14084 Location: currently stalking my waifu |
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I hate threads which are awash in "a sea of black". But you know what I hate more? Being told off by an angry Moderator. That's why I'm going to help paint this thread as black as midnight.
---------- I remembered another show with an ending I liked; Seirei no Moribito. spoiler[Again, another great show which tried its best to wrap up as much plot as possible by the penultimate episode, and then spend the last episode focusing on the characters. Again, another ending which was not only well-paced but also finished up the character arcs for practically everyone. The plot was tidily taken care of, and we got a sense of closure, a sense that what we were seeing was not only the ending to this story but perhaps the birth of another adventure.] spoiler[The theme of "life goes on" wasn't a big theme in the show but it was still there, unobtrusively lurking in the background. At least until the finale, whereupon we see that Balsa isn't going to just stop now that she has repayed her "debt", and that Chagum has accepted the burden of his station with the maturity of a man and not a spoiled boy. Both had changed on their journey (for the better), but we realise that their real journey doesn't stop at the credits . . . ] Last edited by dtm42 on Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:42 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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penguintruth
 Posts: 8635 Location: Penguinopolis |
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It's pointless to have to use spoiler tags in a thread clearly marked "best anime endings", but yeah, somebody would be stupid enough to complain eventually, so better to be safe than sorry. It's frustrating that we have to idiot proof everything, though.
My favorite anime endings: Cowboy Bebop - spoiler[A perfect end to my favorite anime. While, yes, the Spike/Julia/Vicious storyline is more of an underlying plot thread that just gets revisited now and then, it was clearly the intent of the Sunrise to make this the focus in the long run, and a better climax I could not imagine. It's emotional, it's action-packed, and it's just plain badass. Echoing heroic bloodshed movies, noir, and even a few more traditional action blockbusters, the last two episodes of this show have always given me the impression that, yes, you're gonna carry that weight. ] Giant Robo: The Day The Earth Stood Still - spoiler[A grand, operatic finale to a bittersweet tale of fathers, their children, and the giant robots they leave them to defend the world with. Okay, so that's only the case for one father and son, but the legacy of fathers comes up, as does Daisaku's dilemma in whether he can trust that Ginrei will do the right thing, but still fight, even if it seems like it might be against her. That final push for Daisaku, making his way to Robo with the help of his friends and allies and the painful resolution to the Vogler storyline makes it another emotional anime ending. Of course, with the final scene in the show, it seems more like To Be Continued, but Imagawa has expressed his disinterest in pursuing this any further.] Legend of the Galactic Heroes - spoiler[Okay, so, you can argue that Reinhard's sudden, unknown sickness is a bit of a cop-out end to the great ruler of the universe, but there was so much emotional turmoil swirling around by the end of the series, it's one of those things you can forgive, because otherwise, the ending is great. Things change, but they also stay the same. In the end, there's still the autocratic Empire, there's going to be another democratic Alliance, and it's possible they will continue to clash. Reinhard has left a gap that won't soon be easily filled, but his spirit lives on in Alex, and a similar spirit is in Felix, perhaps inheriting Reueutal's desires, and you just know they'll be friends. Julian, meanwhile, reflects on how if people hadn't given Rudolf von Goldenbaum so much power, because they didn't want to handle their own lives, then there wouldn't have been an Empire. We also see that he's looking forward to a future with Katerose. But it's that final scene with Felix reaching, grabbing for the stars and the swell of music that follows that really gets to me, as well as the epigram at the end, "Die Sage ist Voruber, Die Historie beginnt".] |
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