10 Best Unfinished Anime
Shiro, Deadman Wonderland
The Top Ten Best Unfinished Anime
With the plethora of anime in the world, some for whatever reason do not get proper endings. Some are cancelled, some only exist to promote the manga, some run out of source material, and some are struck by real-world tragedy.
This list looks at titles that were well regarded and unfinished. And this list more or less ranked. Some of subjective options did factor in to the order.
This list could change because these titles could get be continued or rebooted with a proper conclusion or other shows could see the Unfinished treatment.
My Little Monster
10. My Little Monster
My Little Monster is a 13 episode rom-com from 2012. It was adapted from a manga that ended in 2013 with 55 chapters.
While it was cute and fun the show just fizzles out with no ending or second season in sight and very unlikely at this point.
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Spice and Wolf
9. Spice and Wolf
Based on-going light novels, the first season of Spice and Wolf came out in 2008 with a 2nd season in 2009 and OVAs.
There is a season three sometime in 2024 but is unlikely to finish the narrative as it seems to be a whole new story.
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Noragami
8. Noragami
Noragami is an action fantasy about a minor deity who is dreams of having a legion of worshippers.
It was based on a manga and the anime's first season came out in 2014. While it did have a second season and OVA side story, the anime fizzled out due to the manga being on hiatus. In 2023 there has been some new chapters however the manga ended in early 2024 with no prospects of a third season.
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Nana
7. Nana
Nana is about two young ladies named Nana who move in together and their lives get entangled with a very good dose of high drama.
The anime came out in 2006 and ran for 47 episodes. It had a sort-of ending but not really. The manga has been on hiatus since 2009 due to the mangaka, Ai Yazawa, having a serious illness.
August 2022 there was news about her art being exhibited. Yazawa said in an interview that she would like to keep working on her manga while taking care of herself.(1)
In February 2024 Yazawa did wedding gown collab with Lulu Felice(2).
(1)https://gamerant.com/nana-creator-update-finish-series/
(2)https://www.tokyoweekender.com/art_and_culture/fashion/nana-wedding-collection/
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Btooom!
6. Btooom!
Btooom! is a high stakes action, sci-fi, survival story.
The anime came out in 2012 with 12 episodes. The manga ran for nine years concluding in 2018 with 125 chapters. The anime ended in a cliffhanger.
It seems that the anime was canceled due to lack of Blu-ray and DVD sales.
Trailer
Berserk
5. Berserk
Often liken to the golden age of Game of Thrones because of it dark fantasy take, Berserk is another anime that was left unfinished.
The first season aired in 1997 finishing in 1998 with the initial season of 25 episodes. The manga began in 1989 and has gone in and out of hiatus. The original mangaka, Kentaro Miura, passed away May 2021. But the manga resumed agian in June 2022, with Miura's childhood friend and fellow mangaka Kouji Mori.
In 2016 there was anime continuation but wasn't as well received mostly due to the art style which was not great.
Trailer
Claymore
4. Claymore
Claymore is 2007 anime with 26 episode. It was based on a 157 chapter manga that finished in 2014. The anime ended when it caught up with the manga.
It tried to conclude but it was very unsatisfying and let many plot threads dangling. So it very much ended with a cliffhanger and a whimper.
Trailer
No Game No Life
3. No Game No Life
Based on novels that are still being published, No Game No Life first premiered 2014 with a total 12 episodes and a prequel movie came out in 2017.
The anime ended with a cliffhanger and so no words on a second season.
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Baccano
2. Baccano!
Baccano! is an action fantasy anime that takes place primarily on a train in the 1930s with immortals.
It had 13 episode that first aired in 2007 based on light novels that have been in a state hiatus since 2016.
At the time of the anime's ending the light novel were not even half way done so many questions were left lingering with a slim chance of a second season.
Trailer
Deadman Wonderland
1. Deadman Wonderland
Deadman Wonderland was based on 58 chapter manga that concluded in 2013. The anime aired in 2011 with 12 episodes.
The anime strayed away too much from the source material by rushing through story beats and omitting characters altogether. Thus the show was cancelled do to a poor reception.
However the show aired on TV in the west on Toonami in late May 2016 where it gained more of a following. But the following doesn't mean the show will get more seasons.
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Honorable Mentions
These are unfinished titles that I personally just love, in no order
- Yona of the Dawn - The anime ends right as the plot gets going. The first season seems more like a promo for the manga, which is still going. There were however 3 OVAs.
- Ranma 1/2 - Despite 8 seasons, 2 movies, OVAs, and a 2008 special, the anime just stops and doesn't go into the later manga arcs
- Trinity Blood - the original author of the light novel passed in 2004
- Ouran - Another case of the manga being longer than the anime which still left fans wanting more
- Princess Jellyfish - The manga ran seven years after the anime which rushed its ending of 11 episodes.
The Past Version of this List
Originally this list was best anime that had 13 episodes (or less) that were left undone circa 2011.
For posterity the titles on that old version were; Princess Rouge, Gestalt, Angel Sanctuary, My Dear Marie, Angel Nine, Legend of Basara, Please Save my Earth, 3x3 Eyes, Bastard, & Dragon Half.
Of these titles Bastard got a Netflix reboot.
This content reflects the personal opinions of the author. It is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and should not be substituted for impartial fact or advice in legal, political, or personal matters.
© 2011 RiverCygnet
Tell me what you Think
Anonymous on October 13, 2020:
Shamanic Princess. It’s not on the list, but the art and music are incredible. The plot left a lot of holes, but it would have been incredible if the series was expanded to at least 12 episodes.
N B Yomi from Dallas, TX on June 24, 2019:
Okay so I know that Dragon Half and Bastard were unfinished, but Angel's Santuary, Please Save My Earth, Gestalt, and 3x3 Eyes...? Really, those weren't finished...? Shows what I know...
Levon on August 10, 2017:
Where's Claymore?
Baskerville LM on June 22, 2013:
Dragon Half was so funny. I was thinking of adding it to my list too.
CalobrenaOmai on August 14, 2012:
It'll be interesting to see Alien9 anime some day. I only read the 3 volumes of the manga along with the 4th that showed them a little more grown up (sort of).
anonymous on April 01, 2012:
No berserk cmon
Tolovaj Publishing House from Ljubljana on September 17, 2011:
Not a fan of anime, but you made pretty impressive list. If I find some time I'd love to see some of presented animes:)
cuteordeath on August 11, 2011:
Wow, I remember most of these. I'd love to see Alien Nine come back!
OrganicMom247 on May 26, 2011:
I know nothing about Anime except the fact that the kids at school LOVE this stuff. Nice lens.
