Top 10 Anime Moments We Waited Years to See

“Inuyasha: The Final Act” (2009-10)

The spider’s quest to reform the Shikon Jewel fuelled many if not all of the series’ conflicts, driving the titular half dog demon and his friends to try to stop him on numerous occasions, and not always coming out of it victorious. Naraku eventually succeeds in his goal during the last few episodes and appears to have become invincible, but thanks to an undying love for Kagome and the nostalgia of hardcore retro fans, Inuyasha was able to cleave through and finally slay the beast, earning everyone a plethora of happy endings in the process!

“Attack on Titan” (2013-)

The contents of the Jaeger’s basement had been puzzling fans ever since its inception, and yet for the longest time were given nothing to clue them in. It wasn’t until Eren and the Survey Corp sliced through a hell of a lot of giant heads and took down an entire internal conspiracy before they finally made it. Inside, they discovered several books, which revealed more information about the Titans, Grisha’s past, as well as the life of humanity beyond the walls. While they didn’t answer all our pressing questions, the ones we got flipped everything we thought we knew.

“Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn” (2010-16)

There have been many classic rivalries in anime over the years, but few hold a candle between the original Gundam pilot and the Red Comet. However, their final battle left their actual fate up in the air, with both labeled officially missing in action following the events of Char’s Counterattack. It was not until nearly three decades later that fans had their true fates confirmed, in which the duo appeared as spirits, cementing that they had perished after all. But hey, least they got that reunion with Lalah.

“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

Considering he’s something of an expert when it comes to smashing apart androids, some fans were disappointed that Goku never got to test his mettle against Android 17 back in his Z days. Then along came Super to grant their wish, though perhaps not how they had expected. While recruiting allies for the Tournament of Power, Goku seeks out the formerly murderous machine on an island, where he’d become a park ranger and family man. While their instant chemistry might seem a little strange at first, we do get to see them dust off the gloves in a quick practise match!

“Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Dark Side of Dimensions” (2016)

Following their final duel, the spirit of Atem; the ancient card game playing pharaoh possessing Yugi Moto’s body, was finally allowed to move on to the afterlife. Although time travel shenanigans allowed for further appearances from the character in sequel series and films, fans were still eager for a proper return by the character. Of course, you can leave it to Kaiba and his monstrous ego to somehow goad a ghost back into the world of a living just for the chance. With his rival causing mayhem and his former duelling vessel in need of saving, Atem makes a grand cameo that shakes the heavens!

“Hunter x Hunter” (2011-14)

Considering his entire reason for becoming a Hunter was to seek out his father Ging, this reunion was literally years in the making. Gon’s attempts to find his absentee father formed the basis for several arcs, but it wasn’t until the finale that the two were able to meet. Ging may not have been there for his son growing up, but he still manages to impart some great wisdom, while deepening the vast lore of the world. No matter your opinion on the master hunter, the conversation between these two was still wholly vibrant and meaningful.

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10)

The primary goal of the Elric brothers; restoring their bodies became their obsession following a botched and deadly alchemic experiment to resurrect their mother. Something they dealry paid for. Their hunt for the Philosopher's stone took them all over the world, but it wasn’t until they finally brought down Father that they made their goal a reality, with each sacrificing something to restore what the other lost. It’s a heartwarming and fist-pumping moment that had two full series of buildup to reach, and the result has us cheering/crying every time.

“Naruto” franchise (2002-)

Considering this ninja in training refused to shut up about it, it became very clear what his goal was from the beginning - to climb the ranks and become the leader of the Hidden Leaf Village. And we’ll be damned, he actually pulled it off. It took mountains of fillers, sequels and an OVA, but he got there in the end. Though after stopping the likes of Pain, Madara and Kaguya, there really wasn’t any other eligible candidate. Regardless of the wait, it felt good to see him earn the respect he had long sought, while doing a fair bit of growing up in the process.

“Pokémon” (1997-)

“I want to be the very best, like no one ever was?” Well, Ash Ketchum certainly could have fooled us! Because for all his lofty ambitions, he couldn’t win a tournament to save his life for most of the show’s history! All that changed though with the Alola League. It’s still quite shocking given all the grief and parodies that have been made about this trainer’s inability to both win a championship, as well as age up. But low and behold, he pulled it off in the most spectacular fashion imaginable against Gladion!

“Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection” (2019)

He sacrificed himself as the ultimate tyrant so peace could bloom thereafter. RIP Lelouch. But in the years since his departure, fans have speculated – what if he didn’t die? What if that brilliant mind found a way to accomplish his goal and survive? Lo and behold, a cinematic sequel that reveals that the man formerly known as Zero has been brought back from the dead. And sure, technically, the movies are set in an alternate continuity, blah blah blah, whatever! The important thing is that he got to live to see the world he created in some manner!