Anime fans often discover captivating series that leave them craving more. However, despite their popularity and critical acclaim, many shows never receive a second season. This can be frustrating for viewers who become invested in characters and storylines.
Although some of the best anime with no second season offer complete, self-contained stories that resonate long after the final episode, other anime shows have stories to be told but never get a sequel!
These one-season wonders may have ended due to various factors, including limited source material, production costs, or artistic decisions.
While you might wish for more content, the brevity of these series often contributes to their impact and memorability.
In this article, we will see some of the best anime without a second season that definitely deserve a sequel! So, let’s get started!
Best Anime with No Second Season in 2025
1. Death Parade
Death Parade offers a unique take on the afterlife. It is set in a mysterious bar where the recently deceased play games to determine their fate—whether they will be reincarnated into a new life or sent into the void!
The show’s premise and exploration of human nature will captivate you.
The series introduces you to Decim, an enigmatic bartender who judges souls. Each episode presents new characters with compelling backstories, keeping you engaged throughout the 12-episode run.
Decim’s method of judging the deceased by playing various games remains unchanged, but the sudden appearance of a certain individual forces him to re-evaluate his own rulings!
2. Kaichou wa Maid-sama!
Kaichou wa Maid-sama! is a delightful romantic comedy that will leave you wanting more. Set in a high school that is predominantly male, you’ll follow Misaki Ayuzawa, the strict student council president with a secret—she works part-time as a maid!
The anime’s charm lies in its well-received blend of humor and romance. You’ll find yourself laughing at Misaki’s attempts to keep her job hidden while failing to stop her growing closeness with the popular Takumi Usui, who stumbled upon her secret when he visited the cafe where Misaki works.
With only 26 episodes and an OVA, you’ll be left craving more of this underrated romance anime.
The series expertly balances Misaki’s tough exterior at school with her softer side at the maid café, creating a multi-dimensional character you can’t help but root for.
3. Daily Lives Of High School Boys
You’ll find yourself laughing out loud at the hilarious antics of Tadakuni, Hidenori, and Yoshitake in Daily Lives of High School Boys. This comedy anime perfectly captures the mundane yet absurd moments of teenage life.
The show’s strength lies in its relatable characters and surreal humor. Each episode is a collection of short skits, keeping the pace quick and the jokes fresh.
From imaginary girlfriend scenarios to ridiculous literary discussions, boys continuously find themselves in awkward social situations and bizarre misunderstandings.
After the 12 episodes fly by, you’ll find yourself wishing for more, making it a prime candidate for an anime that deserved a second season but never got one.
4. No Game No Life
No Game No Life will take you to a fantastical world of Disboard, where all conflicts are resolved through games. After responding to an unknown message, genius gamer siblings Sora and Shiro are transported to Disboard, where they are welcomed by Tet, the One True God.
Every challenge in this world, from simple bets to high-stakes political maneuvering, is decided by games of skill and wit, making it a paradise for the siblings who love playing games.
After meeting Tet and trying to explore this new world, Sora and Shiro meet with a girl trying to regain her father’s throne, a task that isn’t easy for her.
However, the brother-sister duo decides to help her with her goal, with their ultimate aim being to become the undisputed rulers of this world of Disboard!
5. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress captivates with its unique blend of steampunk aesthetics and zombie apocalypse thrills. In a world undergoing the industrial revolution, terrifying monsters have emerged due to a mysterious virus.
The anime’s protagonists, Ikoma and Mumei, showcase compelling character development as they navigate the dangers of their world. You’ll appreciate the stunning visuals and fluid animation that bring the intense action sequences to life.
Despite its popularity, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress never received a second season. There is a movie that acts as a sequel to the anime, but there hasn’t been a proper second season!
6. Talentless Nana
Talentless Nana is a gripping psychological thriller set on an isolated island in a world where the supernatural is the norm. The anime follows students with supernatural abilities as they train to combat humanity’s enemies.
The anime focuses on Nanao Nakajima, the only student without powers, and how he’s constantly bullied because of it.
However, things change when two transfer students, Nana and Kyouya, appear, and Nana develops an interest in Nanao. Soon, things start heating up as mysterious disappearances begin at the academy.
7. Hyouka
Hyouka stands out as a beautifully animated mystery series known for its subtle storytelling and complex characters.
You’ll find yourself drawn into the world of Houtarou Oreki, a high school student who reluctantly joins the Classics Club after being intrigued by Eru Chitanda, a fellow first-year student who recently joined the club.
As the club’s members grow to four, Chitanda’s outgoing personality prompts the club to take on various mysteries, try to solve them, and find answers.
The show makes seemingly mundane mysteries feel genuinely intriguing, with each episode presenting a new puzzle for the club members to solve.
8. Prison School
Prison School offers a hilariously outrageous and ecchi-filled experience you won’t soon forget. Set in a formerly all-girls school, it follows five boys who recently enrolled in the school and find themselves imprisoned on campus for peeping into the girls’ bath.
The anime is known for its bold and provocative humor, over-the-top situations, and eccentric characters, especially the intimidating Student Council, which is hellbent on making the boys’ lives as tough as possible as punishment for their actions.
Despite its raunchy premise, the anime surprises with clever writing, genuine character development, and to-notch animation quality.
9. Yona of the Dawn
Yona of the Dawn follows Yona, the princess of the kingdom of Kouka, whose quiet life comes to an abrupt halt due to an act of treason.
Now, accompanied by her childhood friend and bodyguard, Son Hak, she is on the run with a target on her back as she tries to survive while looking for a way to reclaim her birthright and make the kingdom a safe haven as it once was!
Its unique blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure makes it one of the best anime with no second season. The story follows Princess Yona’s journey from a pampered royal to a determined warrior as she transforms into a strong, capable leader.
10. Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash offers a fresh take on the isekai genre, in which ordinary people struggle to survive after being transported to a fantasy realm.
Unlike typical power fantasy isekai anime, Grimgar focuses on character-driven storytelling. The story follows a ragtag group of strangers forced to join forces after being left behind as the stronger people have teamed up.
Their memories are gone, and they only know their name and the fact that they are now in a harsh, game-like world where they need to do whatever it takes to survive. Because there are no respawns, and you only get one life!
11. Baccano!
Baccano! is a thrilling anime that combines different stories into a much larger, bigger story. You’ll be captivated by the intricate plot involving immortal alchemists, mafia families, and a transcontinental train journey.
In 1711, a group of alchemists summoned a demon to become immortal, and he gave them the elixir of immortality. However, gaining eternal life has some severe consequences.
In 1930s America, a transcontinental train is beginning its journey, while at the same time, at another location, some people are looking for the immortality elixir that’s gone missing. Meanwhile, the war between mafias is only getting worse!
From the cheerful but dangerous Isaac and Miria to the ruthless Ladd Russo, each character brings something unique to the table, making the anime worth a watch!
12. Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun
Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun is a romantic comedy anime that follows high school student Chiyo Sakura’s attempts to confess her feelings to her crush, Umetarou Nozaki.
The twist? Nozaki is a secret shoujo manga artist.
Despite writing about it, his obliviousness to real-life romance creates hilarious situations. A series of events leads Chiyo to become his assistant, and she becomes friends with many quirky schoolmates.
Each episode brings fresh laughs as it playfully subverts common romantic tropes, and the visual gags and comedic timing are spot-on.
13. Ouran High School Host Club
Set in an elite high school, the anime follows Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student who accidentally breaks an expensive vase and must join the school’s host club to repay her debt.
The host club is made up of attractive boys whose job is to entertain girls from the entire school. This is an issue for Haruhi, who may look like a boy but is actually a girl! However, this plays to her benefit as she’s really good at handling the girls who come to the club.
This shoujo anime covers only part of the manga, making it one of the anime without a second season. Its unique blend of comedy, romance, and social commentary sets this series apart, and I still don’t know why it didn’t get a sequel!
14. Deadman Wonderland
Deadman Wonderland throws you into a twisted world where prisoners fight for survival in a nightmarish theme park.
Ganta Igarashi and his schoolmates were visiting this theme park when his life took a sharp turn as a mysterious person massacred all his schoolmates. Only Ganta survives, and he is accused of this heinous massacre.
He’s then sent to this very same prison, the prison theme park where he was supposed to be on a visit, and his hellish life begins!
15. Terror in Resonance
Terror in Resonance, a psychological thriller anime, follows two teenage terrorists, Nine and Twelve, as they orchestrate attacks across Tokyo.
They launch a devastating attack on a nuclear facility in Japan, and the government and the police have no clue who’s behind it until a video is released. In the video, two teenage boys threatened to cause even more destruction, which led to mass panic spreading throughout the city.
The government mobilizes the police to find and stop them, but will they be able to stop their actions and prevent further chaos?
The series keeps you on the edge of your seat with its intense cat-and-mouse game between the protagonists and law enforcement.
16. SHIMONETA: A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn’t Exist
SHIMONETA features a world where morality laws have gone too far, and anything deemed “immoral” is strictly forbidden. People wear special devices around their necks through which the authorities monitor them and take strict action if anyone engages in anything obscene.
The story follows Tanukichi Okuma, a high school student who joins the student council to get close to the president and his childhood crush, Anna Nishikinomiya.
He also meets Ayame Kajou, the vice president of the council, who is secretly a masked criminal spreading obscene content worldwide.
Moreover, Tanukichi happens to be the son of a terrorist who used to spread condoms as a mark of protest, and this fact makes Ayame interested in him. She makes him join her organization, where he’s forced to spread obscene propaganda as a way to fight the government’s oppressive rule.
17. Beelzebub
Beelzebub is a hilarious comedy anime that focuses on Tatsumi Oga, a delinquent high schooler who becomes the unwilling caretaker of Baby Beel, the infant son of the demon king.
Soon, he is joined by Baby Beel’s caretaker, the demon maid Hildegard. She thinks Tatsumi isn’t suited to raising Baby Beel to his fullest potential, but the baby has formed an attachment and refuses to be away from him.
So, they are stuck to raising him together!
The anime blends supernatural elements with high school hijinks, and the dynamic between the tough-as-nails Oga and the adorable yet powerful Baby Beel is something to look forward to!
18. Nichijou – My Ordinary Life
Nichijou is a delightful slice-of-life anime where you follow the everyday adventures of high school girls Mio, Yuuko, and Mai, whose seemingly ordinary lives are anything but normal.
The show easily turns the most mundane situations into hilarious, over-the-top scenarios, and you’ll laugh at the most unexpected moments, whether it’s a simple game of rock-paper-scissors or a deer showing up in the school hallway.
The series also introduces you to Nano, a robot trying to live a normal life, her creator, the child prodigy Professor Shinonome, and Sakamoto, a talking cat.
19. Angel Beats!
Angel Beats! is set in an afterlife high school, which is a dimension for souls who have died unwanted deaths.
It explores deep emotional themes and follows a group of deceased teens rebelling against their fate!
The series’ main character, Yuzuru Otonashi, finds himself in the afterlife, and he’s soon recruited to the rebellious faction that wants to bring down Kanade Tachibana, the student council president.
However, Yuzuru Otonashi also wants to find out the other side of the story and understand exactly who the real enemy is!
20. Kenichi: History’s Strongest Disciple
Kenichi: History’s Strongest Disciple perfectly blends martial arts action and coming-of-age comedy. You’ll follow Kenichi Shirahama, a once-weak high schooler, as he trains under eccentric masters at the Ryozanpaku dojo.
After meeting a new student, Miu Furinji, and witnessing her fighting off thugs, Kenichi asks her how to become a better fighter. Miu takes her to her grandfather’s dojo, which is filled with masters of different martial arts.
The dojo takes Kenichi on as a student, and his hellish training begins as each master trains him in a different combat style.
While the anime adaptation covers only a portion of the manga, it still offers a satisfying arc. But with so much content in the manga, the anime deserved a second season—one that it never got!
21. Highschool of the Dead
Highschool of the Dead takes you into a chaotic zombie apocalypse through the eyes of high school students, who are forced to fight the undead and survive against all odds.
The anime has a unique cast of characters, including Takashi Kimuro, Rei Miyamoto, Saeko Busujima, and others. Each of them brings something to the table that will help the group battle a horde of undead monsters as they try to figure out the root cause of the apocalypse.
What sets this anime apart from typical zombie apocalypse stories is the unique combination of plenty of fan service and horror elements.
Despite its short run, the animation quality is impressive, and although there’s no chance for a second season, fans hope to hear some news someday!
22. Bloom Into You
Bloom Into You is known for its portrayal of young love and self-discovery as it explores the complex relationship between Yuu and Touko, two high school girls navigating their feelings for each other.
The anime’s gorgeous animation and soulful soundtrack enhance the emotional journey. It tackles themes of identity and personal growth with sensitivity and depth, and its thoughtful exploration of LGBTQ+ themes makes this anime worth watching.
While the first season concluded in 2018, fans eagerly await news of a second season. The story feels unfinished, leaving you craving more of Yuu and Touko’s evolving romance.
23. Land of the Lustrous
Land of the Lustrous is a unique, visually stunning anime that follows Phosphophyllite, a young gem-person, in a society of crystalline beings.
The story takes place in the future, where crystalline organisms known as Gems inhabit a world that has been destroyed by meteors. Then, there is another species called Lunarians, who attack these Gems because they want to use their shattered bodies.
And so, the Gems are constantly at war with the Lunarians, with each Gem taking on a certain role.
A young gem, called Phos, is not strong, so they are kept away from the war, something they don’t like. To be helpful to the war and their friends, Phos and another Gem try to find a role for themselves that they can truly enjoy!
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