Not-So-Happy Endings

Ever seen a good anime that had an ending you just weren't sold on? From bittersweet endings to unfinished ones, there are just some endings that left me feeling like something was missing.

                                                                                                                           

{SPOILER WARNING AHEAD}

1. Spirited Away

This movie is a masterpiece from start to finish, as most Studio Ghibli movies are. However, no one can deny the bittersweet feeling that settles in once the credits roll. (SPOILERS) She just had this grand adventure yet now she's back in her world with so much time having passed (proof being the moss covered rocks, the fully grown trees that weren't there before, etc) her entire life here has changed, and she had to leave all her new friends behind. But still, that doesn't ruin this movie, it just leaves a bittersweet feeling. The only thing to hold on to is that beaded hairband and the promise with Haku that they'll meet again.  

2. Princess Tutu

Princess Tutu was a quirky series from the start, with a duck who turned into a girl who then turned into a ballerina magical girl, it sure was strange. However, it was easy to get interested in the odd plot of Princess Tutu finding the shards of heart that belonged to the boy she's in love with. The ending however, left a bittersweet ending, one that made the viewer wish they could change what happened. (SPOILERS) Now in love with Fakir, Ahiru should've had a happily ever, right? Well, I guess she did, if you can count being stuck in the form of a duck as a happy ending! After sacrificing all she could give and being unable to turn back into a human, her ex-enemy Rue and ex-love Mytho live happily ever after, but she's left as a duck, being unable to communicate with her own loved one, leaving a sad feeling. But at least Ahiru and Fakir are still together in the end!

3. Mirai Nikki / Future Diary

Regarded as a classic with the famous yandere character Yuno Gasai, Mirai Nikki was a fantastic anime. With 11 people trying to kill you, and only a diary and a stalker girlfriend to help you, it's hard to survive! Yuki's not the brightest or bravest kid around the block, but he sure does try to survive. A very interesting anime that has you yelling at the screen. However, the ending was a tad confusing, even odd. (SPOILERS) With Yuki becoming a God and spending centuries alone, only to find Yuno again? Well, I guess he was happy in the end. But it definitely wasn't what I would've liked to see as the ending.

4. D.N.Angel

14-year-old Daisuke discovers that he has another person living within his body, the legendary Phantom Thief, Dark Mousey! Now his biggest problem has gone from confessing to the girl of his dreams to getting away with stealing cursed objects! (SPOILERS) Dark and Daisuke have become friends, but now it's time for Dark to sacrifice himself! Although Dark disappearing is probably the best thing for Daisuke so he can continue on his normal teenage boy life, knowing that Dark is gone leaves the viewer with a lonely feeling.

5. 91 Days

Angelo Lagusa watched as his whole family got murdered- and barely escaped with his own life. Now that years have passed, he's determined that he's going to get revenge on the 4 people who were responsible for his family's death. Angelo's bloodthirsty need for vengeance will stop at nothing. A thrilling and complicated series filled with action and drama, it was a great anime. (SPOILERS) Accomplishing his goal, and making a sort of friend along the way, he leaves everything behind. Kills the man he considered a brother just to get further ahead. Now that his goal is goal is achieved, he thought he would be at peace, but that isn't so. Instead, he's left with an empty nothingness, and ends up getting killed by his almost friend. A fitting ending for someone as twisted as Angelo, but as a viewer, it made me sad, after rooting for him and wanting him to find peace. In a way, I suppose he did. 

6. Boku dake ga Inai Machi / Erased

Although I was personally very fond of Erased, and overall I think it was an incredible anime with some exciting and heart-touching scenes, and it may even be one of my favorites, the ending was a little disappointing. Going back in time to find the person who killed 3 of your classmates and your mother, Satoru is a 30-year-old man in his own 11-year-old body trying to solve the crimes and find the truth. (SPOILERS) While I understand the point of Satoru losing those years of his life because he saved those other kids, and technically he still got to live out those years of his life in the original timeline (in the timeline when Kayo was killed) it was unfortunate that Satoru didn't get to live out those years of his life in the new timeline, and when he finally woke up from that coma, the girl he liked married one of his best friends! But still, Satoru ended up having a happy life in that timeline (becoming a famous mangaka and a hero) so I suppose all's well that ends well.

~Atri