Isekai anime usually starts after the main character’s life on Earth has ended, with the protagonist facing the end of their old life rather than the start of a new one. Although the plot rarely concludes satisfactorily, the theme of death and rebirth appears frequently in isekai anime. Many isekai, on the other hand, end with the main character accepting their new life and never returning to the world they once knew.
While the characters’ acceptance of their new isekai life can be an interesting ending in some situations, if not addressed in a truly human way, it can leave them feeling empty. Occasionally, isekai anime begins with what appears to be a fantastic concept, only to veer off course in the end.
Best Isekai Anime That Were Ruined By Their Endings
10. The Rising Of The Shield Hero
When Ascension of the Shield Hero was first released, it received nearly universal acclaim. The unique elements of the story, which depicted the main character going through terrible situations in a foreign environment, created an engaging storyline that kept viewers interested.
The second season lacks many of the elements that made Shield Hero one of the most popular new anime series of 2019. The second season’s first half is more akin to “The Shield Hero’s Fall.” Naofumi’s appealing animation, plot, and general conflicted character development sparked a fandom. Fans can only hope that the third season, which will premiere in 2023, will pick up where the second season left off.
9. Re:Creators
To be honest, Re:Creators’ ending should be redone. Re:Creators is a Meta Anime about a young anime fan who is writing a light novel. He is eventually drawn into an anime universe whose creator has died. In retaliation, the antagonist uses all of the powers bestowed upon her in various fan fiction to attempt to destroy the universe.
Re:Creators was a fantastic show with a unique plot that established it as one of the most intriguing new isekai in recent years. It’s a shame there wasn’t a better ending to give the characters who took so long to develop closure.
8. How Not To Summon A Demon Lord
The plot of How Not to Summon a Demon Lord will be familiar to Isekai fans: a lonely gamer is drawn into a fantasy realm that is identical to his favourite MMORPG. Unlike many other series in this genre, this story’s protagonist is a Demon Lord who enslaves the people who summoned him, rather than an overpowered hero.
Diablo’s psychological disposition from his previous life, as well as the new identity he attempts to embrace as a Demon Lord, make the episode both interesting and hilarious. The second season was far less enjoyable than the first, rather than being ruined by the final episode.
7. Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online’s success is well-deserved, despite the frequent criticism. Sword Art Online kicks off with an array of intriguing plot themes and emotionally charged character development. The show is entertaining, with great fights and animation.
However, by the end of the first season, everything on which the plot was based had proven ineffective. Kirito makes a problematic decision near the end of the show, which appears to be an attempt by the writers to provide an excuse for future seasons after the main plot has run its course. Everything went to hell, especially the Fairy Dance Arc. However, I did enjoy watching the Alicization Arc.
6. Arata The Legend
The original manga for Arata The Legend contains some outstanding source material, with distinct art and character powers that set it apart from other isekai. The episode had strong character development as well, but it was cut short before it could take an interesting turn. Given that the first twelve episodes aired nearly ten years ago with little fanfare, a second season is unlikely.
Despite staying true to the manga, the twelve episodes were insufficient to properly credit the source material. As a result, the anime’s conclusion fell short of expectations and did little to flesh out what it had begun.
5. “.hack//sign”
Tsukasa is a Wavemaster who has become trapped within the virtual reality game “The World.” His befuddlement over his situation sparks an exciting story of mystery and discovery. hack/sign. With numerous manga and video game spinoffs, Sign has become a well-known and influential isekai series.
The problem with.hack’s ending is that it is simply too open-ended, with many unanswered questions supposedly receiving answers in the video game entries. This finale, on the other hand, will be a huge letdown for anime-only fans who have grown attached to the characters up to that point.
4. Demon Lord, Retry!
Demon Lord, try once more! essentially re-enacts tried-and-true isekai clichés in a self-aware and frequently amusing manner It knows it’s an isekai harem about a powerful adventurer in a video game, and it works best as a parody for isekai fans.
Retry had a lot of potential, but by the end, it appears that the show had forgotten what it set out to do. Rather than pursuing the intriguing plot elements of Kunai trying to figure out how he became trapped in the Infinity Game, he appears to accept his fate. The final episode concludes with the phrase “to be continued,” which I hope is genuine because the series covers a lot of ground.
The worst part is that Demon Lord, Retry! doesn’t seem like it’s getting a retry anytime soon
3. No Game No Life
Sora and Shiro, two NEET siblings, are immersed in a world where game outcomes determine everything. Because their lives were already centred on gaming, Sora and Shiro perform exceptionally well in their new circumstances. The concept itself creates a one-of-a-kind and entertaining experience that isekai fans should not miss.
In contrast, No Game No Life is another brilliant isekai anime that ends on an unappealing cliffhanger. The plot ultimately left fans with more questions than answers, with the climax featuring an exciting combat scene.
2. Aesthetica Of A Rogue Hero
Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero takes a different approach, emphasising the hero’s return rather than their journey away. The entire premise of Aesthetica revolves around the fact that his world’s citizens are frequently transported to another world and thus take advantage of this fact. This type of double reverse isekai suggests that the show has the best of both worlds.
The fact that Aesthetica ended at all — or, more precisely, that the show ended before it was supposed to and will almost certainly never receive a proper conclusion — ruined the ending. Tetsuto Uesu, the author of the original material, has abandoned the project, making the continuation of the anime extremely unlikely.
1. In Another World With My Smartphone
In Another World With My Smartphone, which continues the trend of oddly specific anime titles, lives up to its name. As an apology for accidentally killing Touyo, God allows him to be reincarnated in a fantasy world along with a modified version of his smartphone.
This anime ultimately fails because it does not devote enough time to its distinctive smartphone dynamic. It’s almost as if, by the end, the series has forgotten what it’s all about and has succumbed to the hype train of the isekai overpowering main character.
In Another World With My Smartphone is without a doubt one of the worst anime I’ve ever seen, but it’s also the only anime I’ve ever watched more than seven times. I hate anime, but I can’t bring myself to dislike it.
And, whether you like it or not, a second season of In Another World With My Smartphone was just announced, 5 years after it first aired. Please keep us in your prayers.
Tell us about your favorite guilty pleasure anime from this list in the comments!