Top 10 Most Rewatched Animated Series Finales
#10: “Ed, Edd n Eddy's Big Picture Show” (2009) “Ed, Edd n Eddy” (1999-2009)
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A decade following the show's debut, the Eds' misadventures on Cartoon Network came to a close with a bang. While "Ed, Edd n Eddy" generally sticks to the Cul-de-Sac, the "Big Picture Show" sets the characters loose on the rest of the country, as the Eds find themselves on the run after pulling off their most accidentally violent scheme yet. Along with offering plenty of the typical humor synonymous with the cartoon, "Big Picture Show" doubles down on emotional moments and throws out a cathartic ending that involves Eddy's big brother. As a series finale, "Ed, Edd n Eddy's Big Picture Show" is very satisfying.
#9: “Alive!” & “Destroyer” “Justice League Unlimited” (2004-06)
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Launching with "Batman: The Animated Series," the DC Animated Universe effectively bowed out with the fantastic "Justice League Unlimited." A mostly episodic series with a truly massive roster of characters, "Unlimited's" finale somehow manages to be not only a splendid send-off for the Justice League but also the entire animated universe. With Darkseid's arrival imminent, the Justice League must team up with the Secret Society to hopefully save Earth, a confrontation that leads to one of Superman's greatest animated moments. All of "Justice League Unlimited" is endlessly rewatchable, but the finale is essentially a mini-movie that can stand alongside DC's greatest animated blockbusters.
#8: “Operation: I.N.T.E.R.V.I.E.W.S.” “Codename: Kids Next Door” (2002-08)
Utilizing a live-action interview as a framing device, "Codename: Kids Next Door's" finale details Numbuh 1's last mission while also providing a look into what the future holds for the heroes. Known for its action, humor, and quick pace, the Cartoon Network series made sure to deliver everything fans could want out of a finale. While the episode is Nigel-centric, the other Sector V operatives also get their moments to shine, as do villains like Father and the Delightful Children from Down the Lane. "Operation: I.N.T.E.R.V.I.E.W.S." very much feels like the end of an era.
#7: “The Last Stand” “The Legend of Korra” (2012-14)
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After four seasons of hardship, soul searching, and bending, Korra's animated time as an Avatar came to a close with style. While "The Last Stand" does not exist in isolation, "The Legend of Korra's" final episode does feature some of the most iconic moments in the series. A climax revolving around Team Avatar taking on a giant mech, the finale does a splendid job of highlighting the importance of teamwork and harmony. There is also Korra bending a massive spirit beam, which is just one of those scenes that can be looped for eternity without getting old.
#6: “CI” “Samurai Jack” (2001-04; 2017)
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More than a decade after the cartoon concluded with a non-ending, "Samurai Jack" returned for a darker final season. While Season 5 has a more continuous structure than "Samurai Jack's" earlier episodes, the finale ultimately serves as a celebration of the series as a whole. Along with bringing back various characters from Jack's past, the finale finally settles the decades-long conflict between Aku and the soft-spoken samurai. "Samurai Jack's" ending is not exactly a happy one and brings some serious questions about the consequences of Jack's actions, which only serves to make the episode all that more rewatchable.
#5: “Graduation” “Kim Possible” (2002-07)
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Disney's "Kim Possible" was meant to end with 2005's "So The Drama" movie, but the cartoon earned itself a fourth season and once again knocked a finale out of the park. Like the best "Kim Possible" stories, "Graduation" involves a bit of world-saving, some relatable high school drama, and Shego and Drakken threatening to steal the show. Split into two episodes, the finale has enough room to deliver plenty of action while exploring the characters' development, futures, and insecurities. Although still a core Kim Possible adventure, "Graduation" has a unique feel since it pushes Ron to the forefront.
#4: “Come Along with Me” “Adventure Time” (2010-18)
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Finn and Jake's delightful adventures in the Land of Ooo often found ways to pepper in philosophical ideas and poignant musings, especially during its later seasons. "Adventure Time" can be hilarious, challenging, heartbreaking, and silly; traits that are all present in "Come Along with Me." Lasting just over 40 minutes, "Adventure Time's" finale ties up some remaining plot threads while throwing out plenty of surprises that fit the characters and the show as a whole. The finale stresses that while this might be Finn and Jake's last animated adventure, it's not the end of their stories or this world's history.
#3: “The Siege of Mandalore” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-20)
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This series could not have ended on a stronger note. "The Clone Wars'" seventh season culminated with "The Siege Of Mandalore," a four-episode arc that represents everything great about not only the cartoon but "Star Wars" in general. The final episode itself is a heart-pumping and gorgeously animated romp that stresses the brilliance of the show's characters, particularly Ahsoka, Rex, and Darth Maul. "The Siege Of Mandalore's" exceptional action is heightened by a melancholy tone that stresses the arc's importance in the "Star Wars" timeline, a point cemented with a short but unforgettable epilogue. Disney should just release these four episodes in theatres because "Star Wars" does not get much better than this.
#2: “Weirdmageddon” “Gravity Falls” (2012-16)
Throughout the "Weirdmageddon" saga, "Gravity Falls" expertly pays off two seasons worth of mystery, character development, and relationships. Built around an apocalypse that is a billion years in the making, "Gravity Falls'" climax offers a visual feast for the eyes and plenty of food for the soul. While Dipper, Mabel, Stan, and Ford are naturally the main focus, especially in the final part of the arc, "Weirdmageddon" makes sure to celebrate all of the show's incredible characters, with Wendy getting some especially awesome moments. Rewatching all three "Weirdmageddon" episodes is the perfect way to spend an evening. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Nice While It Lasted,” “BoJack Horseman” (2014-20) Because Sometimes Nothing Hits the Spot Like a Bittersweet Bojack Ending “Last Day of Summer,” “Phineas and Ferb” (2007-15) Because Ripping the Space-Time Continuum Is Quite a Way to Go Out “Plus Est En Vous,” “Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure” (2017-20) Because This Series Earns Its Happily Ever After “Phantom Planet,” “Danny Phantom” (2004-07) Because This Episode Really Goes All Out “The Ultimate Enemy,” “Ben 10: Ultimate Alien” (2010-12) Because the Finale Lives Up to Its Title
#1: “Sozin’s Comet” “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
A series as ambitious as "Avatar" deserved to go out with a masterpiece, and "Sozin's Comet" delivered just that. Making the most of its four episodes, "Sozin's Comet" sees Team Avatar taking on the Fire Nation at its strongest, a battle that not only tests the heroes' skills but also their ideals. Whether it is the arc's quieter and more contemplative opening parts or the action-driven final two segments, "Sozin's Comet" does not waste a single moment as it builds up to a magnificent crescendo. As a series, "Avatar" interweaves humor, action, suspense, and character revelations to create a saga unlike no other; "Sozin's Comet" reflects all of these elements.
