In contemporary otaku culture, anime sometimes diverges from its source material, giving the production team creative freedom to develop the story as they see fit. This approach can lead to either great success or significant backlash from fans, who may demand a remake. This article explores five anime series that stirred controversy and disappointment due to their endings.
Here are the top 5 anime series that dissatisfied fans with a controversial ending.
5. Future Diary
- Number of Episodes: 26 episodes + 1 OVA
- Animation Studio: asread.
Future Diary, or Mirai Nikki, was once considered a classic anime. However, its controversial and confusing ending involving time travel—a concept previously unrelated to the series—left fans disappointed. Although a sequel OVA provides a more satisfying conclusion, the anime serves as a cautionary tale against unnecessary experimentation in established series.
4. Tokyo Ghoul
- Number of Episodes: 48 episodes
- Animation Studio: Studio Pierrot
Tokyo Ghoul’s first season was widely praised as an excellent adaptation. However, the anime began to falter when it stopped following the manga after Season 1. The protagonist’s decision to join the enemy side could have been an intriguing twist, but poor execution left viewers confused. The anime’s ending, which diverged from the manga, led to fans demanding a re-adaptation of the series.
3. Erased
- Number of Episodes: 12 episodes
- Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures
Erased, or Boku Dake ga Inai Machi, was a popular mystery-supernatural series that managed to maintain quality throughout its run, even though it deviated from the manga. The last episode sparked controversy when the protagonist’s love interest was revealed to be carrying another man’s child after a 15-year time skip. Additionally, the protagonist’s constant setbacks created frustration among viewers.
2. Death Note
- Number of Episodes: 37 episodes.
- Animation Studio: Madhouse
Death Note, hailed as one of the best anime of the 2000s, has been recommended to countless newcomers to the world of anime. Despite its popularity, Death Note received criticism for the premature death of fan-favorite character L. The anime’s ending also deviated from the manga, with protagonist Light Yagami dying from a gunshot rather than having his name written in the Death Note by Ryuk, the Death God. This change resulted in a confusing and controversial conclusion. The series has also received a live-action adaptation, and another live-action is also in development.
1. The Promised Neverland
- Number of Episodes: 23 episodes
- Animation Studio: CloverWorks
The Promised Neverland had an outstanding first season, raising expectations for Season 2. However, it fell short as the second season attempted to condense 181 manga chapters into just 23 episodes. The anime’s rushed conclusion, which differed significantly from the manga, left fans feeling disappointed and dissatisfied.
Do you agree with our list? Are there any other anime series with controversial endings that we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
