5 Best Manga Endings (& 5 More That Didn’t Live Up to Expectations)

As a longtime manga reader, I have experienced how the endings of manga can have a lasting impact and shape our memories of a series.

Both Fullmetal Alchemist and Mob Psycho 100 delivered satisfying conclusions with emotional depth and thoughtful resolutions, while Future Diary and The Seven Deadly Sins fell short of the expectations they had built up.

In this article, we examine both the successes and failures of manga endings by featuring five manga with exceptional conclusions and five with lackluster ones. Whether you are a well-versed manga lover or new to the genre, this detailed guide will provide insightful and enjoyable analysis of the highs and lows of manga storytelling endings.

This article expresses the author’s personal viewpoint.

Best Manga Endings

Fullmetal Alchemist

Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the rare manga series with an exceptional ending. The story follows two brothers who attempt to use alchemy to restore their bodies after a failed transmutation. The series finale is just as superb, providing a satisfying conclusion for the characters. Whether they receive the justice they deserve or the punishment they deserve, the ending is well-crafted and ties up all loose ends.

Despite losing his alchemy abilities, Edward sacrifices one of his arms in order to bring his brother Alphonse back to life, exemplifying the concept of equivalent exchange. The final chapters of the series showcase intense passion, gripping battles, and well-developed characters, demonstrating how a complex and expansive series should come to a close.

2) Mob Psycho 100

The conclusion of Mob Psycho 100 is a perfect representation of Mob’s character growth. Throughout the series, humor, action, and emotional moments have been integral to its identity, and the finale stays true to this formula. Mob’s journey of self-discovery reaches its pinnacle as he learns to accept and understand his emotions.

The conclusion is incredibly optimistic and appealing, providing the audience with an inspiring message about self-acceptance and the importance of emotions. It effectively wraps up a story that focused on the internal struggles of its main characters rather than external events.

Dungeon Meshi

Ryoko Kui’s Dungeon Meshi is a remarkable fusion of fantasy and culinary narrative. Its finale is a true banquet, perfectly encompassing all the elements that made the manga stand out.

The last sections of the manga fulfill the expectations of a grand adventure while still capturing the series’ unique charm. It’s a satisfying and comprehensive conclusion that leaves readers content yet eager for future installments.

4) Assassination Classroom

Assassination Classroom (Image via Lerche )

Yusei Matsui’s Assassination Classroom is the perfect manga for those who enjoy a blend of humor, action, and slice-of-life elements. From start to finish, this series delivers a dynamic combination of laughter, intensity, and heartfelt moments, as it follows the story of Class 3-E and their mission to take down their super-powered teacher, Koro-sensei.

The Teacher Koro Killing arc concludes with the death of Koro-sensei, providing a meaningful and substantial ending. The final chapter beautifully captures the individuation process and insights gained by the characters, creating a poignant reflection on the themes of life, death, and growth.

5) ReLIFE

Yayoiso’s ReLIFE is a modern take on the idea of a second chance and provides a satisfying finale to a story about personal growth. The series falls under the harem-comedy genre and follows the journey of Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old who is granted the chance to relive his high school years.

The conclusion of the manga is closely reflective of the protagonist’s actions, the emotional connections he formed, and the consequences of his choices. As a result, the conclusion evokes strong emotions and provides a fitting sense of closure and hope. It effectively ties back to the themes of redemption and the importance of relationships in the story.

Tokyo Revengers, Berserk, and other manga endings that failed to meet expectations

Future Diary (Mirai Nikki)

Sakae Esuno’s Future Diary is a thrilling manga that captivates readers from start to almost the end, however the finale left numerous fans dissatisfied. The plot follows a deadly game where individuals utilize diaries that predict the future, creating intense suspense and complex relationships, particularly between protagonists Yuki and Yuno.

Despite being advertised as a promising show with potential for multiple seasons, the final major cycle was overcrowded with side plots and numerous storylines. The resolution felt rushed and unsatisfying, and the last shot left the audience with more confusion rather than providing answers. This ultimately led to disappointment when the manga came to an end.

2) The Seven Deadly Sins

The Seven Deadly Sins (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Despite being a popular shonen manga released before the new century, The Seven Deadly Sins by Nakaba Suzuki was considered to have one of the most disappointing endings. The show, which followed the adventures of knights in a magical kingdom, faced criticism for its rushed and somewhat formulaic finale. The final battle, meant to be the climax of years of character development and plot progression, fell short of expectations.

Despite the fact that the conclusion of the major characters’ arcs and the twists in the storyline appeared rushed and forced, the epilogue attempted to set the stage for the next generation. However, it received a mixed response as it failed to provide satisfactory closure to the emotional journeys and character arcs that had been built up throughout the series.

3) Berserk: A Dark Fantasy Manga Series

Berserk (Image via (Oriental Light and Magic Studio)

Despite its enduring popularity and devoted following, Kentaro Miura’s Berserk came to an abrupt halt when the author passed away in 2021. This tragic event left fans with unfinished storylines and unanswered questions, as Miura’s death means that the manga will not receive a proper conclusion. The journey of Guts and his relentless battle against the world and its darkness will forever remain unresolved.

Despite having the ability for Miura’s assistants to continue the series, it still fails to provide the desired conclusion that fans have been eagerly awaiting for the past twenty years. The absence of Miura has left fans and readers to ponder on the potential direction he would have taken with the complex and gripping plot he created.

The Promised Neverland

The initial concept for The Promised Neverland, created by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu, revolved around a group of children trying to escape a horrifying orphanage. The manga starts off with several engaging storylines, each filled with tension, clever writing, and gripping suspense. However, as the series progresses, it unfortunately loses its momentum.

Despite being spread out over thirty episodes, the final arc encompasses the main storylines and their resolutions in the series. Some fans have expressed frustration with the rapid and convenient progression of events. It appears that the manga ending was approached differently than the previous parts of the series, causing disappointment among many viewers.

5) Tokyo Revengers

The central focus of Tokyo Revengers is the protagonist Takemichi’s efforts to rescue his friends and alter the course of events, which effectively creates a intricate web of timelines and interwoven relationships between characters.

Despite this, the final chapters are riddled with unexpected developments that feel unearned and a resolution that undermines the intense conflicts and consequences established throughout the story. What was most concerning was the rushed pacing and forced attempt at a happy ending, which ultimately seemed contrived and illogical.

Despite high hopes, the series did not reach its full potential, leaving many fans feeling disappointed.

Final Thoughts

After diving into the topic of manga endings, it becomes evident to fans that these conclusions can greatly impact the overall experience. The analysis of five unforgettable manga endings, including the expertly crafted ending of Fullmetal Alchemist and the emotionally charged finale of Assassination Classroom, demonstrate the exceptional storytelling and character growth that elevate a great manga to a timeless masterpiece.

On the other hand, unsatisfying conclusions in manga such as Future Diary and Tokyo Revengers act as a sobering lesson that even the most promising concepts can stumble in their final moments. Fans have grown accustomed to approaching manga endings with hopeful caution, knowing that disappointment is a possibility. However, when fortunate enough to experience those rare manga endings that leave them in awe, their perspective is forever altered.

10 Anime and Manga that fumbled their endings
5 manga endings better than the My Hero Academia finale
6 Popular manga that’ll end soon