We’ve all gotta go sometime and popular belief dictates that eventually, the entire species is going to go as well. We’ve all seen the cautionary tales, post-apocalyptic wastelands in which the last few humans wander desperately clinging to life under horrific circumstances. Brought down by our own hubris, greed and/or ignorance. The end of days seems dark indeed.
But that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, we do everything right and eventually, our time just runs out. Things naturally run their course and it’s time for something *else*. Extinction doesn’t have to be all gloomy and unpleasant. It’s not about who sticks around the longest, it’s about who has the most fun doing it.
So if I’m going to have to watch everything I’ve ever known come to an end, these are the types of places I would like to do it in. These are my top 5 animes with pleasant seeming ends of the world.
Ok so I’m not quite sure what the end of the world is in Kino’s journey, it does seem something has gone off, but we do distinctly see the end of countries. And for the citizens of these countries, it might as well be the end of the whole world.
They say times of disaster and panic brings out a person’s “true” self. Well for the Kind Country that means an entire country full of kind, generous and welcoming folks who will give you the best stay you can ever hope for, at least for a little while.
Sure there may be some other motivations behind it all but who cares? The only thing that really matters is that in the end, everyone is smiling, happy and nice to each other!
4) The Melancholy of Haruhi Shizumiya
Ok so maybe the world isn’t dying per see, but it could d so at any moment especially if left up to the whims of a bored teenage girl…or a bored teenage boy depending on which theory you decide to ascribe to. In any case, we are all on some shaky ground. You never know when time-space will curl itself into an inescapable loop and trap you for eternity.
But as long as I’m going to be a pawn to the will of some unknowable power, it might as well be a cute cheerful girl, right? OK or gloomy still kind of cute boy. Either way, if it means an eternity of high school hijinks, summertime fun and ridiculous teenage duhrama, you can sign me right up.
Sure beats having to battle royal my fellow survivors for the few pitiful resources available. Or having to go to work in the morning…
3) Yokohama Kaidashi Kikō
There doesn’t always have to be some big catalyst for humanity to start its last act. Sometimes the twilight of humanity just sort of happens because it’s time. “Twilight of humanity” I like that expression. It’s what they use in the manga summary for Yokohama Kaidashi Kikō. Basically, we humans have had a good run and now it’s winding down. And you know what people do at those times? They retire!
Everything slows down, people start to leisurely take in the world around them at their own pace. Nothing matters quite as much anymore.
That’s a nice reward for a job well done. Spending calm afternoons in a lush green world with nothing left to argue about. Not only that but you have friendly and joyful robots to serve you delicious treats while you wait. Sweet!
2) Sunday Without God
There’s a chance no one else has ever heard of this series. I very general terms, at some point humans stop being able to produce offspring, and they also stop being able to die. They just go on even after their bodies should stop functioning. This is because God has finally abandoned their creation. So now, people who are responsible for helping the undying find some form of rest, have begun to appear in the form of “gravediggers”.
The “pleasantness” of it all is arguable. However, I enjoy the potential of an end of world story where humanity doesn’t so much “end” as it just stops. Renewal depends on destruction, life on death. Neither being present without the other. But given infinite time, I think I could create something worthwhile. You know, one nice thing.
The overall idea of having the natural processes of life grind to a halt instead of some spectacular disaster take us out has always been rather fascinating to me and personally, I’m the type who will always choose more time if I can get it!
I did not put this show at number one because it’s one of my favourite animes and a lot of people still think it’s unwatchable so I’m going to keep telling everyone it’s great until I trick you all into believing it… I did not only put this show at number one because …
Humanity will decline. Some would argue that it has already started to do so but I have faith in the new generation. And as one species starts to dwindle it makes room for another. In this case fairies, with all that implies. And because fairies are an intelligent decent species, they take care of their endangered species. They feed them, make sure they have comfortable environments, give them little toys to keep them entertained and generally let them do what comes naturally.
Which for us humans means tedious bureaucracy and fanfiction! Sounds about right! So the end of the world turns out to be pretty much the same as the middle of the world but with less pressure! And more adorable girls! You know, that’s an apocalypse I can get behind!
And this is the way the post ends. Not with a bang but with a fizzle. Since all good things must come to an end, might as well make it as enjoyable as possible!
So how about it, do you guys know any end of days Anime that makes the road to oblivion seem kind of nice? Is there an anime apocalypse you would like to be stuck in, and why?
