Anime openings often steal the spotlight with their explosive visuals and iconic soundtracks, but real fans know that the best anime endings carry just as much — if not more — emotional weight. The final moments of an episode are where the music slows, the story sinks in, and the emotions hit hardest. Whether it’s a quiet piano ballad after a heartbreaking twist or an artistic montage that speaks louder than dialogue, a great ending can elevate an anime from good to unforgettable.
In this article, we’re counting down the Top 50 Best Anime Endings of All Time — songs and sequences that didn’t just close an episode but closed in on your heart. From the iconic to the underrated, from 90s nostalgia to the latest masterpieces of 2025, each entry earned its place through its impact, artistry, and timeless emotional resonance.
Let’s dive into the endings that made us stay through the credits — and feel everything.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Best Anime Ending Songs of all time
50. “Fukai Mori” – Inuyasha
There’s something hauntingly timeless about Do As Infinity’s “Fukai Mori.” With its ethereal tone and deep emotional resonance, it perfectly complements Inuyasha’s themes of time, love, and tragedy. The ending visuals are minimal but poignant — a quiet reflection of the chaotic romance between Kagome and Inuyasha.
49. “Wind” – Naruto
In a sea of iconic Naruto endings, “Wind” by Akeboshi stands out for its quiet melancholy. The acoustic melody, paired with imagery of Naruto walking alone through endless landscapes, evokes his loneliness and desire for acknowledgment. It’s a soft punch to the gut that stays with you.
48. “Lost in Paradise” – Jujutsu Kaisen
This ending shook the internet when it dropped. ALI’s funky beats combined with stylized visuals showing our cursed-fighting crew just vibing brought unexpected levity. It became a viral sensation and offered a stylish, jazzy cool-down after intense episodes — showing that mainstream anime can also groove.
47. “Shiki no Uta” – Samurai Champloo
“Shiki no Uta” feels like a memory. Its lo-fi beats and Minmi’s soulful vocals close each chaotic episode with graceful finality. It’s less of an ending and more of a spiritual exhale, solidifying Samurai Champloo’s genre-defying status in the anime mainstream landscape.
46. “Orange” – Your Lie in April
If ever a song matched the soul of its show, it’s “Orange.” 7!! delivers a bittersweet goodbye with soft instrumentals and longing vocals. It captures Kaori’s ephemeral presence, lingering like a final note from a piano recital that echoes long after it ends.
45. “Secret Base (Kimi ga Kureta Mono)” – Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
This ending is pure emotional devastation. Originally a 2001 song by Zone, its reimagining for Anohana taps into childhood nostalgia and unresolved grief. The visuals of the main cast growing older without Menma make it one of the most emotionally resonant anime endings ever.
Also check: Best anime opening songs of all time
44. “For Fruits Basket” – Fruits Basket (2001)
Even before the reboot, this ending by Ritsuko Okazaki had a charm that stayed with fans. It’s tender, introspective, and layered with sorrow and hope — exactly what Fruits Basket represents. A quiet gem that mirrors Tohru’s resilience in the face of pain.
43. “Namae wo Yobu yo” – Attack on Titan: Junior High
A rare lighthearted moment in the Attack on Titan franchise, this ending brings humor and slice-of-life comfort. It’s playful, charming, and gives fans a breather before plunging back into the grim despair of titans and war. Proof that mainstream anime can laugh at itself.
42. “Kaze wa Fuiteiru” – Haikyuu!!
Haikyuu has had several memorable endings, but this one sticks for its uplifting tone. As the boys reflect on losses and train harder, the song carries a wind of change — fitting the team’s growth and the series’ ever-rising emotional pitch.
41. “Motherland” – Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
A standout from the original adaptation, “Motherland” balances sorrow with determination. The visuals of Edward and Alphonse wandering through snow as they search for answers evoke a deep sense of distance — both physical and emotional — in their journey. A hidden treasure among early 2000s mainstream anime.
40. “Yoru ni Kakeru” – Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023)
With the original version by YOASOBI already a viral sensation, this anime ending turned out to be a perfect match. Amid a series about finding freedom in the apocalypse, this song gives the night a sense of infinite possibility. It’s upbeat yet strangely introspective — making you feel alive in the dead of the world.
39. “ColorFULL” – Ousama Ranking (Ranking of Kings)
Few shows have endings that feel like lullabies, but “ColorFULL” wraps Bojji’s emotional journey in warmth. Its soft visuals and gentle vocals make you want to believe in kindness. This one isn’t flashy, but it resonates quietly — like a whisper after a storm.
38. “Gin no Kisei” – Noragami Aragoto
A melancholic piano-driven track that perfectly captures Yato’s isolation and inner turmoil. The song builds alongside imagery of loneliness, memories, and devotion, giving Noragami fans one of the most thematically rich endings in recent memory.
37. “Haru Urara” – March Comes in Like a Lion (S2)
With lyrics that feel like a letter to someone struggling with depression, “Haru Urara” lifts Rei’s story with gentle optimism. This ending proves that anime doesn’t need grand spectacle — sometimes all you need is empathy set to music.
36. “The Real Folk Blues” – Cowboy Bebop
Iconic in every sense, “The Real Folk Blues” isn’t just an ending — it’s an identity. The noir visuals and jazzy vocals capture the existential void that Cowboy Bebop flirts with in every episode. It’s cool, it’s tired, and it’s totally unforgettable.
35. “Veil” – Fire Force
Veil’s moody tone and haunting imagery mirror Fire Force’s eerie world. It’s a slow burn that mixes despair with a flicker of hope, revealing more about the characters’ traumas than you’d expect from an action-heavy series. A hidden banger from the shonen world.
34. “Michishirube” – Violet Evergarden
This one feels like a letter Violet would write herself. “Michishirube” is a song of closure, healing, and emotional clarity — a fitting exit note to one of the most beautifully animated and emotionally rich anime of all time.
33. “Zankoku na Tenshi no Thesis” (Ending Ver.) – Evangelion: 3.0+1.0
While the original opening gets all the love, this emotionally broken-down version used as the final movie’s ending deserves its own spotlight. It’s the same iconic song but stripped of energy, left raw — like Evangelion itself coming full circle with a sigh.
32. “LIFE” – Tokyo Revengers
Tokyo Revengers is about cycles of violence and brotherhood, and “LIFE” slows that chaos down to show the emotional price. The soft melody contrasts with the show’s themes, highlighting the weight behind Takemichi’s every decision. A fitting close to turbulent arcs.
31. “Kamihikouki” – Fruits Basket: The Final
As the final curtain falls on one of anime’s most emotionally complex dramas, “Kamihikouki” is the perfect send-off. Gentle vocals and calm imagery echo the themes of healing, love, and forgiveness. The song truly feels like floating away on a paper airplane — fragile, nostalgic, free.
Also check: Best romance anime you should be watching
30. “Uso” – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (1st ED)
This bittersweet track by SID became an instant classic. While the animation shows the Elric brothers’ journey, the lyrics carry their guilt, pain, and unwavering bond. “Uso” means “lie,” and the song reflects the irony of the brothers’ noble mistakes. It’s melancholic, beautiful, and perfectly placed.
29. “Wind” – Naruto
Soft, emotional, and nostalgic — “Wind” isn’t the Naruto ending with the most energy, but it hits deep. It captures the lonely boy’s hopes with quiet sincerity. When paired with flashbacks and slow shots of the ninja village, this song becomes an emotional exhale.
28. “My War (Ending Version)” – Attack on Titan Final Season
This stripped-down version of “My War” used in several closing scenes is haunting. Its slow, almost mechanical build-up contrasts the show’s overwhelming chaos. It’s the sound of humanity marching to an uncertain fate — perfectly matching AoT’s shift in tone.
27. “Iro Kousui” – Horimiya
Light, upbeat, and full of heart, this ending captures Horimiya’s slice-of-life warmth. The animation highlights different couples and friendships, making you smile every time. It’s the kind of ending that feels like a polaroid album — simple and full of love.
26. “Akane” – Chainsaw Man (Ending 9)
Each Chainsaw Man episode had a unique ending, but “Akane” stands out with its blend of distortion and melody. It’s chaotic, yet hauntingly personal, reflecting the internal trauma behind the explosions. The gritty animation adds a layer of raw emotion that lingers.
25. “Sayonara Gokko” – Dororo
“Sayonara Gokko” feels like a lullaby from a scarred world. The song’s haunting vocals and melancholic visuals mirror Hyakkimaru’s tragic journey. As you listen, it feels like the ghost of a childhood never lived — one of the most emotionally rich endings in recent anime.
24. “Avid” – 86 Eighty-Six (ED1)
Sawano Hiroyuki’s “Avid” is chilling. The vocals echo across war-torn visuals, perfectly capturing the heartbreak and sacrifice of the series. This ending makes you sit in silence after every episode, overwhelmed by the weight of what you just witnessed. Underrated and unforgettable.
23. “Kaze wa Fuiteiru” – Haikyuu!! TO THE TOP
With breathtaking animation of the Karasuno team pushing past limits, this ending embodies persistence. The song’s steady tempo builds like a heartbeat before a spike. For anyone who’s ever fought to improve themselves, this one hits different.
22. “Out of Frame” – Pluto (2023)
Dark, minimalistic, and emotionally charged, “Out of Frame” closes out Pluto’s complex narrative with quiet reflection. It matches the show’s questions about humanity and identity. The restrained visuals paired with the slow melody invite you to sit with the discomfort — a rare kind of ending.
21. “Keshin no Ken” – Hell’s Paradise
Hell’s Paradise isn’t known for softness, but its ending offers a strange serenity. “Keshin no Ken” brings eerie calm to the madness. It pairs slow motion and shadowed visuals with hypnotic vocals, as if mourning the innocence lost in the island’s blood-soaked soil.
20. “Give It Back” – Jujutsu Kaisen (ED2)
This soft and emotional ending offers a surprising contrast to the show’s intense battles. With visuals of Nobara, Yuji, and Megumi enjoying quiet moments, “Give It Back” highlights their stolen youth and fleeting normalcy. It’s an ending that feels like a deep sigh after chaos, reminding us of the humanity behind the sorcery.
19. “Shikaku” – Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
One of the most inventive endings of recent years, “Shikaku” plays with color and geometric animation as Akira’s zombie apocalypse journey unfolds in quirky visuals. It’s stylish, energetic, and perfectly reflects the show’s unusual balance of existential dread and comedic optimism.
18. “Yoru wa Nemureru kai?” – Ajin: Demi-Human
Gritty and intense, this ending mirrors the series’ dark themes of persecution and identity. With haunting vocals and rapid cuts of chaos and calm, it leaves viewers uneasy and intrigued. It’s not comforting — it’s meant to unsettle you, and it does that well.
17. “Last Stardust” – Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (Insert Song/ED-like)
Although used sparingly, “Last Stardust” carries the emotional weight of Shirou’s ideals and sacrifice. When played in climactic moments, it functions almost like an ending, closing the loop on intense character arcs. With orchestral beauty and raw emotion, this track remains unforgettable.
16. “Niji” – Beastars (ED1)
Stylized, jazzy, and beautifully symbolic, “Niji” stands out for how it visualizes Legoshi’s struggle with his instincts. It’s introspective and full of fluid animation, showing a layered personality beyond the surface. Few endings reflect inner turmoil this artistically.
15. “Namae wo Yobu yo” – Attack on Titan: Junior High
It might be a parody, but this ending has no right being this good. The melancholy tone combined with heartfelt visuals pays homage to the main AoT universe while keeping its chibi form. It’s a hidden gem that surprisingly captures the spirit of the original show with tenderness.
14. “Torch” – Clannad: After Story
Heartbreaking and soft, “Torch” plays like a lullaby for lost time. It follows the arc of love, family, and deep grief. As the visuals show everyday moments, the song swells into something quietly profound. You don’t just watch this ending — you feel it in your chest.
13. “The Real Folk Blues” – Cowboy Bebop
No list is complete without this legendary ending. The bluesy tone, smoky vocals, and noir-inspired visuals close each episode with a sigh of cool melancholy. It perfectly captures the show’s themes of loneliness and lost dreams, ending every space odyssey with a quiet thud of reality.
12. “Yoru wo Kakeru” – Vinland Saga Season 2
Season 2 marked a dramatic tonal shift, and this ending captured that transformation. Focused on Thorfinn’s emotional rebirth, the animation is subdued, often featuring wide, empty landscapes. “Yoru wo Kakeru” is a song about the weight of past sins and the long road to forgiveness.
11. “Tabibito no Uta” – Samurai Champloo
A soulful blend of hip-hop and traditional Japanese instruments, this ending defines cool. The gritty, sketched animation paired with mellow beats gives the viewer a feeling of journey and memory. Like the show itself, this song refuses to be boxed in — it’s timeless.
10. “Baka Mitai” – Yakuza 0 (Dame Da Ne Meme Version)
Technically not from an anime, but its cultural impact in the anime fandom is too massive to ignore. “Baka Mitai” became a viral meme thanks to deepfake videos, and its soulful, tragic vibe mirrors the melodrama found in many anime endings. The karaoke-style delivery and heartbreak-infused lyrics struck a surprisingly sincere chord with fans across the world.
9. “Orange” – Your Lie in April
“Orange” is not just a song — it’s an emotional knife to the heart. This ending builds emotional weight with each episode, especially once you know what’s coming. The soft vocals and delicate visuals of Kousei and Kaori’s fading bond make this one of the most beautifully bittersweet anime endings ever created.
8. “For Fruits Basket” – Fruits Basket (2019)
Gentle, soothing, and emotionally loaded, this ending feels like home. It captures the warmth, healing, and painful transformation of the cast across the rebooted series. The soft animation and peaceful tone feel like a warm hug after an emotionally dense episode — simple, but deeply resonant.
7. “Waiting for the Rain” – Naruto Shippuden (ED20)
This melancholic ballad plays during a crucial time in Naruto’s journey. The visuals of rain and solitude paired with the haunting melody reflect the emotional isolation and longing of the characters. It’s quiet but unforgettable, standing out as one of the best endings in the Naruto franchise.
6. “Kaze wa Fuiteiru” – Death Parade
Unlike its energetic opening, the ending of Death Parade slows things down into an emotional cascade. With reflective shots of Decim and the cast amidst serene visuals, it invites contemplation about life, death, and identity. The music feels ethereal, floating through your mind long after it ends.
5. “Kamisama no Iutoori” – The God of High School
One of the rare cases where the ending far surpasses the show itself. The art style here switches completely into a dreamy, almost oil-painting aesthetic, accompanied by a soft but powerful ballad. It’s melancholic, mysterious, and emotionally nuanced — a beautiful contradiction to the show’s wild pace.
4. “Lithium Flower” – Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Chic, cyberpunk, and seductive — this ending track sounds like a whisper from the future. “Lithium Flower” embraces the sensual, noir undertones of Stand Alone Complex, and paired with its minimalist visuals, it makes you sit and process everything you just watched.
3. “Zankoku na Tenshi no Thesis (Refrain)” – Evangelion 3.0+1.0
This is the somber reworking of the classic Evangelion theme, played in the closing credits of the Rebuild finale. More than just nostalgia, it serves as a thematic conclusion to two decades of emotional baggage. The refrained version is slower, richer, and emotionally devastating — a poetic goodbye.
2. “Akuma no Ko” – Attack on Titan: Final Season Part 2
An anthem of sorrow and resolve, “Akuma no Ko” is not just an ending — it’s a statement. Its lyrics echo the tragic complexity of Eren’s journey, and the art direction amplifies the tension between innocence and monstrous fate. As far as emotional gut-punches go, this one is unmatched in recent memory.
1. “Aimer – I Beg You” – Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel III
The crown jewel of anime endings. Aimer’s haunting vocals, paired with surrealist animation and heavy visual metaphors, elevate this into something beyond anime. It’s a song of desperation, guilt, and longing that burns into your brain. As the final credits roll, “I Beg You” doesn’t just end the story — it lingers in your soul.
From the nostalgic beauty of “Fruits Basket” to the dark allure of Fate/stay night, these anime endings remind us how crucial the final moments of an episode can be. They leave lasting impressions, carry emotional weight, and often become the very thing we remember most.
Whether you’re new to anime or a lifelong fan, these endings prove one thing: anime doesn’t just know how to tell a story — it knows how to end it perfectly.
