Anime has brought us unforgettable stories, yet it also features absurd moments that can leave viewers stunned or spark intense debates, imprinting deeply into our memories.
Below, let’s delve into some of the most memorable moments in anime that have left fans both shocked and intrigued.
1. The Ending of Neon Genesis Evangelion – “Congratulations, Shinji”
The anime community was greatly divided over the ending of Neon Genesis Evangelion, which led to Hideaki Anno creating The End of Evangelion, a conclusion that was both more complex and more intense. Nevertheless, “Congratulations, Shinji!” has since become an iconic meme.
2. Ash Loses in the Pokémon League to Ritchie
This was the first time in this series that Ash broke the hearts of fans… but it certainly wasn’t the last. Many years later, Ash continued to lose in various leagues in frustrating ways, until finally achieving victory in Alola.
3. The Second Season of The Promised Neverland

The first season of The Promised Neverland is considered one of the best survival horror anime, but the second season turned into a disaster.
Instead of following the acclaimed manga closely, the anime omitted many characters and skipped extensive plot points, concluding with a movie-like segment instead of a fitting finale. Although disappointing, many fans believe that the manga remains a superior option for those who want to experience the story fully.
4. Gohan’s Battle with Majin Buu in Dragon Ball

Gohan faced off against Buu after receiving the powerful assistance from Old Kai. Goku’s son was granted access to immense latent power without undergoing the rigorous training process. This moment marked Gohan’s significant role in Dragon Ball, yet it was not without its pitfalls.
After a few ups and downs, Gohan became overly confident and ultimately fell victim to Buu’s cunning traps, marking a pivotal moment in his character’s evolution and highlighting that Dragon Ball would never entirely revolve around Goku.
“I’m about to become a giant snail!” – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean

The JoJo series is renowned for its surreal moments, but Stone Ocean took it to a new level when the character Pucci activated an incredibly powerful ability, transforming into a giant snail.
With its bizarre scientific explanations and mind-bending visuals, this moment left fans both perplexed and captivated.