The anime’s opening and ending serve as memorable book endings for their respective series. The endings, in particular, are often overlooked due to their placement, even though they are works of art. However, there are many anime endings that stand out from the crowd for a number of reasons.
Some The best anime ending of the 2010s possesses eye-catching visuals that evoke strong emotions from the audience thanks to their connection to the events in the current story and the unforgettable musical themes that accompany them. These endings are guaranteed to be masterpieces that will encourage audiences to stay until the very end.
10 “The Mountain Climber” by Galileo Galilei – Haikyu!!
While all Haikyu!! the iconic ending, the third ending, featuring “Climber” by Galileo Galilei, stands out for a number of different reasons. First, this ending evokes the highs and lows of the series and how the series does a very good job of maintaining tonal symmetry. The images throughout the ending continue to remind viewers of the journey Karasuno is on, and nothing is a more powerful depiction of their return than the final images that linger at the end. As always, the metaphors and imagery surrounding the crow are beautifully done without being ridiculous.
9 “One Step Closer” of INTERSECTION – Fruit Basket
Fruits Basket’s second ending theme is a beautiful and emotional melody accompanied by lovely stylized depictions of the various zodiac animals. The animals of the zodiac are placed against a motionless background, but there are moving elements that create even more visual intrigue; such as the panning camera and the movements of falling snow and rain, blowing leaves and petals, etc. The final theme’s lyrics feel as if they are intended to convey complex emotions that when combined with the visuals beauty of nature, will feel very meditative. Like many of the picks on this list, it’s an ending that tugs at viewers’ hearts, sometimes in ways they may not be able to identify.
8 “Sonata” by Clammbon – She and Her Cat -Everything Goes Smoothly-
For anime fans with pets, the ending theme of She and Her Cat – Everything Flows- is sure to make hearts flutter. “Sonata” by the Japanese musical trio Clammbon is a touching accompaniment to the moving imagery in this ending, which depicts Miyu and Daru living their lives together over the course of many years. The images are done in a style reminiscent of watercolor paintings, giving the overall appearance of these images as warm and loving memories. The lyrics highlight the warmth that Daru and Miyu bring to each other’s lives, making this ending a compelling work of art, especially for individuals whose lives are brighter thanks to the their animal companion.
7 “Yoru no Kuni” by Annabel – Gangsta
Gangsta’s use of color in its opening and ending is dramatic and expressive – and that’s one of the many reasons why its ending is worthy of praise. The ending song, “Yoru no Kuni” by Japanese-Argentinian singer Annabel, is accompanied by dark visuals with splashes of color by Gangsta’s two main characters, Nic and Worick. There are several standout moments, including one at the end of the song, which is simply Nic signing the remaining lyrics as they are presented. Overall, the ending feels contemplative and meditative, focusing on the relationship between Nic and Worick, which also serves as a foundational component of the anime’s story.
6 “Uraomote Fortune” by Ari Ozawa – Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun
The ending theme of Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun is the upbeat song “Uraomote Fortune” by Ari Ozawa, who also voices main character Chiyo Sakura. Thematically, the lyrics seem to focus on Sakura and Nozaki’s relationship – specifically her infatuation with Nozaki and her unawareness of his feelings for her. This explains why many of the images seem more pensive despite the upbeat music. It’s a charming ending that maintains the series’ rhythm and lighthearted humor while also focusing on the more emotional aspects. It feels appropriately shoujo in nature, reminding the audience that, after all, this series began and will continue to move forward because of love.
5 “I Want You” by Savage Garden – Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 4
The ending of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable continues the list with bright and colorful visuals, accompanying “I Want You” by Australian pop duo Savage Garden. This ending takes the audience on a mini tour of the season’s setting, the town of Morioh, where more and more residents appear the further along the season the audience follows.
True to Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure overall, vibrant color combinations prevail as viewers are guided through Morioh and iconic locations from the series. Naturally, as the main character and loyal protector of Morioh, Josuke appears multiple times throughout the season. While most of the characters are represented within Morioh’s composition, Josuke seems to almost stand apart from it, like a watchful guardian, with the town and its people always close to his heart.
4 “You Only Live Once” by Wataru Hatano – Yuri On Ice
Yuri on Ice’s ending song is “You Only Live Once” by Japanese singer Wataru Hatano and features images of various characters from around the world as if they were Instagram photos. Tied into this form of fun are scenes of Yuuri and Victor spending time together, including when they set off fireworks. Not only are viewers excited to see the characters have a good time at the end, but the fireworks scenes also create some stunning visuals that last until the end of the film. Every second of the ending is exciting to watch and is sure to bring a smile to fans’ faces.
3 “Hoshi wo Tadoreba” by Yuiko Ōhara – Little Witch Academia
One of the great things about Little Witch Academia is its adorable art style, which of course is fully showcased at the anime’s conclusion. The ending theme is called “Hoshi wo Tadoreba” by Japanese singer Yuiko Ōhara combined with this cheerful national anthem, viewers will admire the lovely soft colors and images of the cast. Little Witch Academia in their day. These adorable images appear before the viewer’s eyes almost as if they were reading from a storybook and discovering more about the magical daily life of Akko and her friends. This is the perfect charming book ending to each volume of this lovely series.
2 “Cause You’re My Hero” by LiSA – My Hero Academia
How could an anime ending that combines popular shounen anime and classic fantasy elements not stand out? My Hero Academia’s third epilogue is a mini-adventure that viewers are sure to enjoy from start to finish. LiSA’s “Because You Are My Hero” theme takes viewers on a journey with several characters from the series through a fantasy world seemingly filled with danger and adventure. Seeing the heroes team up against waves of dangerous enemies while representing what resembled traditional RPG classes was such a great crossover that fans are unlikely to forget any time soon.
1 “I’m Not Afraid” by Sajou No Hana – Mob Psycho
Mob Psycho 100’s second ending features a lovely art style and upbeat tone that combine to create an ending that makes viewers smile. The tune is called “Memosepia” and is performed by Sajou no Hana, and its hopeful lyrics play out alongside cute chibi-style animations of Shigeo talking about school life and Spend time with friends and family. The ending is touching, showing viewers all the relationships Shigeo has built throughout the series, connections he makes that are clearly important to him. It’s a reminder of the joy viewers experience in seeing how much a character’s life has changed since the beginning of the series and how many possibilities there are in the world.
The anime’s ending feels like an extension of the series, possibly sharing many different characteristics that the show itself has. They can remind the audience of the journey that the film’s characters have gone through, place the characters in a new context, or simply show them their daily lives. Whether they are presenting a new chapter in the chronicle of a character’s adventures or even serving as a meaningful summary, The best anime ending of the 2010s will stir emotions in fans’ hearts.
