Attack on Titan Finale Review: Why the Most Controversial Anime Ending of 2024 Still Divides Fans

The dust has settled, the walls have fallen, and the Titans are gone—but the debate over Attack on Titan's finale rages on stronger than ever. Attack on Titan's finale sparked one of the most polarizing debates in modern anime history, creating a rift in the anime community that continues into 2025.

After a decade-long journey that transformed from a simple "humans vs. giants" story into a complex meditation on war, freedom, and the cyclical nature of violence, Hajime Isayama's masterpiece concluded with an ending that left fans either in tears of satisfaction or fury.

The Numbers Don't Lie: A Cultural Phenomenon

Before diving into the controversy, let's acknowledge the sheer scale of Attack on Titan's cultural impact:

• Server-Crushing Demand: The finale literally broke Crunchyroll's servers, with millions unable to stream during peak hours
• MyAnimeList Domination: The series dethroned Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to become the highest-rated anime of all time
• Theatrical Success: Attack on Titan: The Last Attack received a 9.1 IMDb rating when compiled into a theatrical release
• Global Recognition: The 86-minute finale was praised as having cinematic quality that rivals major animated films

MAPPA vs. WIT Studio: The Animation Controversy That Never Ended

One of the most persistent debates surrounding the finale centers on the animation studio transition from WIT Studio to MAPPA.

The Critics' Perspective

Professional reviewers were split down the middle. Some harsh critics described the animation as having "substantial visual downgrades" and called certain sequences "ugly" compared to WIT Studio's work.

The complaints focused on:

• Static character artwork during emotional moments
• Overuse of CGI in titan battles
• Loss of the distinctive art style that defined early seasons

The Defenders' Response

However, other critics praised MAPPA's technical achievements. Screen Rant called it "arguably MAPPA's greatest work" and emphasized how the finale "truly feels like a movie" with "stunning fight sequences with mind-blowing choreography."

The Reality: MAPPA delivered a visually stunning finale under impossible time constraints, creating some of the most memorable action sequences in anime history while maintaining emotional depth during quieter character moments.

Eren Yeager's Character Arc: Genius Writing or Character Assassination?

The heart of the controversy lies with Eren Yeager's final character moments. His emotional breakdown and romantic revelations in the last 25 minutes divided fans more than any other element.

Why Fans Were Outraged

Critics argued that Eren's final scenes contradicted seasons of character development:

• His manipulative, calculated persona seemed to vanish overnight
• The infamous "You became a mass murderer for our sake!" line felt jarring
• His romantic feelings for Mikasa appeared forced and underdeveloped

The Thematic Defense

Supporters, including professional critics, viewed Eren's breakdown as the ultimate revelation of his true nature. The conclusion does contain a lot of hope, proven by the Marleyans and Eldians finally working together and the continual fight for long-lasting peace after the Rumbling ended.

Anime News Network defended this choice, noting that Eren was revealed to be "a sad and pathetic child whose war-addled brain and petulant heart simply could not handle the power he'd been given."

The Ending That Refuses to Provide Easy Answers

What makes Attack on Titan's finale so controversial is its refusal to deliver a conventional resolution.

The Cycle Continues

Even after all of Eren's efforts, the cycle of violence continues and the technology that allows one to transform into a Titan could fall into human hands again. This "stealth downer ending" reinforced the series' core theme that conflict is inherent to human nature.

Hope in Darkness

Despite the pessimistic undertones, the ending contains genuine moments of hope:

• Former enemies working together toward peace
• Characters like Armin continuing the fight for understanding
• The next generation inheriting a world with new possibilities

Fan Response: Love, Hate, and Everything Between

The finale's reception showcased the passion of Attack on Titan's fanbase:

The Emotional Impact

Multiple fans described being "left in tears" and emphasized the series' lasting emotional impact. The finale's "devastating" nature departed significantly from typical anime conclusions, which resonated deeply with viewers seeking mature storytelling.

The Backlash

However, criticism was equally intense. The controversy surrounding Eren Jaeger's final decisions and the Survey Corps' tragic journey inspired fans to create Attack on Titan: Requiem, an alternate ending by Studio Eclypse.

Fan-created alternatives demonstrate how deeply the original ending affected viewers, though the endings that fans come up with only add more confusion rather than providing satisfying closure.

Professional Critics Weigh In: A Year Later Assessment

A Year Later, Attack on Titan's Ending Doesn't Just Hold Up—this retrospective analysis from Screen Rant highlights how the finale has aged remarkably well.

Critics consistently praised several elements:

• Thematic Consistency: The ending stayed true to the series' exploration of war and human nature
• Emotional Authenticity: Character reactions felt genuine rather than manufactured
• Artistic Ambition: The willingness to challenge anime conventions deserved recognition

The Creator's Perspective: Isayama's Regrets and Intentions

Series creator Hajime Isayama expressed regrets about the ending, wanting to give Eren a heroic conclusion despite his villainous actions. This admission adds another layer to the controversy, showing even the creator struggled with balancing expectations and artistic vision.

The anime adaptation included "small but important rewrites" that were generally well-received, suggesting Isayama learned from fan feedback while staying true to his core message.

Why Attack on Titan's Finale Matters for Anime

The significance of Attack on Titan's conclusion extends far beyond fan debates:

Genre Evolution

The finale proved that anime audiences are ready for complex, ambiguous endings. It challenged the medium to tackle mature themes without resorting to simple resolution.

Cultural Impact

With the theatrical release of 'The Last Attack,' what will be the legacy of Hajime Isayama's 'Attack on Titan'? This question continues to generate discussion among critics and fans alike.

Setting New Standards

The finale's technical achievements, emotional depth, and thematic ambition have influenced how studios approach concluding long-running series.

The Verdict: A Flawed Masterpiece or Misunderstood Genius?

Attack on Titan's finale succeeds as both a controversial talking point and a legitimate artistic achievement. While it may not satisfy every fan's expectations, it accomplishes something arguably more important: it starts conversations about war, peace, and human nature that extend far beyond the anime community.

When I first read the final chapter, I honestly went back and forth on whether I liked it or not. Then, I sat down and read through it while thinking about what Isayama was trying to say, and I came to the conclusion that the ending was a mixed bag, with plenty of good and bad things about it.

This honest assessment captures the finale perfectly—it's neither the masterpiece its defenders claim nor the disaster its critics suggest. Instead, it's a complex, ambitious conclusion that dares to ask difficult questions without providing easy answers.

Final Score: The Most Important Anime Ending in Years

Rating: 8.5/10 - A bold, emotionally resonant finale that succeeds in its thematic goals while struggling with pacing and character development in crucial moments.

Whether you love it or hate it, Attack on Titan's finale has earned its place as one of anime's most significant conclusions. It may not be perfect, but it's undeniably important—and in an medium often criticized for playing things safe, that might be exactly what we needed.