Anime spans thousands of titles over a range of genres. While the most popular and talked-about series tend to have definitive conclusions, many don’t share the same privilege. Whereas some conclude with anime-original endings that diverge from their source material, others simply stop despite having an ongoing or completed manga or light novel left to adapt. These unfinished narratives continue to stand out for their storytelling potential, even years later.

While adaptations depend on various factors such as timing, availability of source material, and commercial performance, some titles continue to draw in new and returning viewers every year without a proper conclusion in sight. In many cases, the original manga or light novel extends beyond what the anime covers, offering clear paths for potential continuations of beloved classic and modern classic anime series.

10

Deadman Wonderland

Deadman Wonderland concludes its anime after 12 episodes with an open, original cliffhanger. As Ganta and his remaining allies survive their encounters with the Undertakers and continue their search for the Red Man, the anime leaves major questions and plotlines unresolved. Over a decade later, it remains one of the most unlikely series to receive a reboot.

That said, however, the series did rather well overseas, becoming a cult classic even though it ultimately flopped in Japan. The original manga extends well beyond the anime adaptation and is highly regarded and popular, making it deserving of a faithful continuation. With its dark setting, high stakes, unique power system, memorable and distinctive characters, and thrilling narrative, Deadman Wonderland stands out for its untapped potential.

9

Kamisama Kiss

Kamisama Kiss concludes its second season on a calm, relationship-centered resolution rather than a definitive endpoint. Nanami and Tomoe solidify their bond, with Tomoe openly acknowledging his feelings for Nanami and the two settling into life at the shrine alongside their companions. The finale of the series was later adapted into several OVAs that feature key material from the manga, including the Past Arc and the finale.

While anime-only audiences are given insight into Tomoe’s past and his future with Nanami in these OVAs, they stand out as supplemental material rather than a true continuation. Since it was pushed into OVAs, the ending is rather rushed and streamlined, omitting important moments from the manga. Continuing the series would allow the story to unfold with a stronger pace and deliver a more emotionally complete experience for fans.

8

Princess Jellyfish

Princess Jellyfish ends with the residents of Amamizukan saving their home from redevelopment and Tsukimi gaining confidence in her fashion design skills. With the threat of demolition overturned and Kuranosuke coming to realize his feelings for Tsukimi, the anime leads to a satisfying yet open-ended conclusion.

Yet, even with a satisfying close, there are outcomes that haven’t been explored, including Tsukimi and Kuranosuke’s relationship development, career milestones, and the ways the otaku residents of Amamizukan grow as individuals. Roughly two-thirds of the original story remains, leaving behind more than enough material to continue the anime. As a series known for its unconventional approach to topics such as gender and self-acceptance, Princess Jellyfish still has so much to offer audiences.

7

Claymore

Claymore ends with a climactic but incomplete confrontation that significantly diverges from its source material. The final episodes shift to an original storyline in which Clare and her allies face Priscilla on a volcanic battlefield, defeat her, and leave The Organization to travel together. However, rather than offering a satisfying resolution, the anime finale left behind questions and a sense of abruptness.

That said, the adaptation had caught up to the manga, leaving only two options. Either creating an anime original ending or ending the story without a proper conclusion. Yet, given how much the manga expands on certain characters and opens up to new arcs, the series is well deserving of a new season that faithfully adapts the remaining source material.

6

Nana

Nana’s anime adaptation concludes before the manga’s most significant turning point. While the original source material remains unfinished due to a long hiatus, the anime series ends on a tense note, leaving questions unanswered and the future uncertain. In the chapters that haven’t yet been adapted are major events that ultimately alter the bond between Nana and Hachi, ultimately leading Nana to leave Japan and disappear from public life.

While the anime offers a momentary glimpse into this future, it’s unclear to viewers who are not familiar with the manga. While there is no definitive conclusion yet, the material that has not been adapted still holds potential and may even lead to an original ending that honors the story’s themes and provides some sort of closure for longtime fans and potential newcomers.

5

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic concludes with its second season, titled The Kingdom of Magic, wrapping up the Magnostadt conflict and leaving off on a safe yet fragmented world. While Aladdin, Alibaba, and Morgiana prepare for future challenges, other major characters set off on their own journeys, such as Hakuryuu, who seeks revenge against his mother with Judar. Overall, the anime leaves the story open-ended with no third season.

The manga extends far beyond where the anime ends, providing ample material for adaptation. With major arcs and worldbuilding developments still to come, the story has scale, stakes, and depth to offer anime-only viewers. Not only does Magi’s ending omit important moments crucial to the narrative, but its unique world-building and memorable characters also deserve a proper continuation.

4

Yuri on Ice

Custom Image by Ana Nieves

Yuri on Ice ends on a competitive and emotional high point following the Grand Prix Final, where Yuri Katsuki secures silver while Yuri Plisetsky takes gold. Rather than retiring, Yuri commits to continuing his skating career and asks Victor Nikiforov to remain as his coach while he aims for gold. While the anime provided a satisfying ending, many fans were left disappointed that the series didn’t gain a second season or a film.

Yuri on Ice concluded with an ending card that read “See You Next Level,” leading to anticipation for Yuri and Victor’s future. Given that the series is an anime original, there is no source material to turn to for additional content, leaving fans wanting more. With the anime’s strong fan base, an additional season would likely draw attention quickly and could provide a fulfilling extension to the characters’ journeys.

3

Soul Eater

Soul Eater diverges from its source material in its final stretch, shifting into an original conclusion rather than following the manga’s later arcs due to catching up to its publication. The confrontation with Asura is resolved in a rather unconventional manner that emphasizes Maka’s growth and bravery, and other characters reach very different conclusions than in the manga.

Soul Eater is a cult classic series that’s known for its unique atmosphere and style, capturing viewers’ attention and holding it with its adventurous storyline. With how significantly the anime diverts from the manga, a new season could retell the finale from where the anime began to shift into original content. Especially with the finale of Fire Force in April, many fans are eager for Soul Eater to return.

2

No Game No Life

No Game No Life ends its anime run after Sora and Shiro secure a victory over the Eastern Federation, reshaping Elkia through a strategic alliance that brings multiple factions under their control. Their success marks a major turning point in the series, making the anime’s conclusion ultimately unsatisfying due to numerous unresolved plotlines.

Only a fraction of the source material has been adapted, leaving behind plenty of story left to tell. The lack of closure for Sora and Shiro’s journey is upsetting and frustrating, particularly due to the fact that many fans still consider the anime a worthwhile series with unique visuals and world-building. No Game No Life deserves a new season to continue the duo’s story and expand on its compelling universe.

1

Noragami

Noragami ends after its second season with the resolution of the Ebisu arc, which brings a major divine conflict to a close while reshaping Yato’s path. After finally releasing Nora and standing firm in his choice to make people happy, the anime ends on a note that elicits mixed reactions from viewers. Whereas some might feel the anime ends hopefully, others find it incomplete.

Arguably, out of every anime deserving a new season, Noragami stands as one that is almost long overdue. With its manga officially complete and major character arcs left to explore and resolve, the story still has plenty left to offer. Noragami has a story that is full of potential, dark twists, and emotional weight, making it a series that desperately needs an animated return.