There are many iconic anime arcs that fans have gotten to witness over the years from various genres of anime. While some arcs can stand out in their general writing, others are special because of their battles, and some arcs hold a special place in the hearts of fans for their incredible endings. In a plethora of amazing anime arcs, some have special endings that fans have remembered for years and will continue to remember for decades to come.
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7
Marineford
Marineford is widely agreed upon to be One Piece’s very best arc, as it saw the conclusion of the pre-timeskip journey with the commencement of a massive war. Near Marineford’s end, Ace and Whitebeard died, and with the last bastion standing being defeated, the Marines were about to decimate the Whitebeard Pirates and their allies, including Monkey D. Luffy, who was left in a state of shock after the death of his brother.
To stop the war from continuing, Koby went on to protest and, in turn, almost died, labeled a mutineer by Akainu. This is where Shanks, after over a decade of inactivity, made his move. Shanks and the Red Hair Pirates arrived just in time to stop the war. By blocking Akainu’s attack, Shanks saved Koby’s life. This intervention of the Red Hair Pirates allowed the Whitebeard Pirates and also Monkey D. Luffy to withdraw to safety. The epilogue of the arc was also amazing, as it saw Luffy deal with the grief of his brother’s loss.
6
Arabasta
If there is one thing that One Piece has mastered, it’s the art of concluding arcs beautifully. Throughout its almost 30-year run, Eiichiro Oda has written many amazing conclusions, and aside from Marineford, Arabasta has also been a fan favorite.
The Arabasta arc was the first truly major One Piece arc, which saw Monkey D. Luffy take on the Shichibukai Crocodile to free Vivi’s homeland, Arabasta. Arabasta’s end saw Crocodile being exposed by Luffy to an entire population that he had tricked, and more than that, rain falling on the kingdom for the first time in years. After the defeat of Crocodile and the remainder of Baroque Works, Vivi decided that she wanted to stay home to watch over her country. With that, one of the most heart-wrenching farewells in anime was painted. To not be marked a traitor by the Navy, Vivi couldn’t verbally say goodbye to her friends, however, the Straw Hat Pirates proudly displayed the mark of their friendship, the X on their left hand. Fans can’t wait for them to meet again after over twenty years of waiting.
5
13th Hunter Chairman Election Arc
Image via Madhouse
Yoshihiro Togashi has written some of the most iconic anime arcs of all time. While the vast majority consider the Chimera Ant arc to be his best, when it comes to arc conclusions, the Chairman Election arc reigns supreme.
This arc finally saw the proper introduction of Ging Freeccs and the members of the Zodiacs. It also saw Killua, the deuteragonist of Hunter X Hunter, go to extreme lengths in hopes of saving Gon after his massive sacrifice in the Chimera Ant arc. By the end of this arc, siblings Killua and Alluka were able to heal Gon. With Gon better, he went on to finally to achieve the goal he had set out for and faced many trials for, which was meeting his father Ging. Ging and Gon meet at the top of the World Tree and talk. In the anime, this arc serves as a conclusion of the Hunter X Hunter series, making it even more iconic.
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4
Sasuke Retrieval Arc
Masashi Kishimoto has crafted many incredible arcs in Naruto. While quite a few of these arcs from early Naruto have incredible conclusions, the Sasuke Retrieval arc, which precedes the timeskip, was definitely one of the best. In the Sasuke retrieval arc, Naruto, together with a group of other Genin including Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi, Neji Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Rock Lee, goes out to stop Sasuke from joining Orochimaru and losing himself.
The battles in this arc were intense, but what truly makes this arc as memorable as it is, is its ending, which saw Sasuke face off against the protagonist and defeat him to join Orochimaru. This arc went on to set up the post-timeskip as well as enriched the bond between Naruto and Sasuke.
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3
Stone Ocean
Anime: Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure has become one of the most popular anime series in the last few years. This anime has quite a few exciting parts, but the ending that stands out far more than any other is that of Part 6, also known as Stone Ocean. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 6 follows the story of Jolyne Cujoh, the daughter of Part 3 protagonist, Jotaro Kujo. Part 6 definitely stands out as unique compared to the rest. It sees Jolyne try to escape from Green Dolphin Prison and save her father from Pucci, a Dio Brando loyalist.
The ending of Stone Ocean is definitely out of the ordinary for Jojo. Technically, Jolyne, Jotaro, and the others lose and get killed. However, due to the universe resetting and Emporio succeeding in stopping Pucci, Jolyne and the others are reborn with new identities. Not only does this ending conclude Part 6 of Jojo but it also sets an end to the whole story of this universe.
2
War Arc
Vinland Saga has become one of the most popular and iconic Seinen series out there, and in big part, this is thanks to creator Makoto Yukimura’s amazing storywriting. Vinland Saga has its fair share of amazing arcs, though when it comes to endings, not many can compete with the finale of its War arc in the anime.
The War arc ended near the end of Season 1, immediately after a major battle unfolded, and Thorfinn was locked in to take his revenge on Askeladd for killing his father years ago. What makes this ending as incredible as it is is the fact that it shatters Thorfinn as a character. Not only does he fail to kill Askeladd, but he also loses his whole purpose in life. His conflicting feelings for Askeladd and his loss of goal in life send him into slavery. But more than anything, it helps him evolve as a character.
1
Ruhenheim Arc
Monster is not an action-heavy series. Instead, it leans into incredible writing and thrills. The story of Monster has no low points, and all of its arcs are fan favorites. Every single arc has its own highlight, but the one that stands out the most is the final arc, known as the Ruhenheim Arc. The Ruhenheim Arc comes after a long chase from Dr. Tenma for Johan Liebert, and this is where the story is finally tied together. All of the mysteries concerning Johan and his sister are finally unveiled, and the ending is a pure delight.
The story of Monster started with Dr. Tenma healing a young child who would someday become a serial killer. The ending of Monster mirrors its first episode. When Johan Liebert is shot and about to die, Tenma chooses to perform life-saving surgery on him once again, despite knowing everything that he has done and is capable of. This ending ties the story and the motivations of Dr. Tenma together in a beautiful way that is hard to replicate.
