10 Years Ago Today, One of the Greatest Mystery Anime Debuted (But Fans Are Still Divided on Its Ending)

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Wow, can you believe it’s been 10 years since one of my all-time favorite mystery anime first came out? It’s still incredible, even if people disagree about how it ended! What I love about truly great mystery anime is how they grab you right from the start with a compelling hook, throw in clever misdirection, and then completely blow your mind with unexpected twists. Often, they’ll blend in sci-fi or fantasy elements too, which just makes things even more exciting. But it’s not just about the plot, you know? The best ones really get you invested in the characters and their stories, so you’re hooked on an emotional level, not just trying to solve the puzzle. That’s what makes it a truly immersive experience!

Even after ten years, one anime series remains remarkably impactful thanks to its deeply emotional story. At just 12 episodes, it’s perfect for watching all at once – whether you’re discovering it for the first time or revisiting it to mark its anniversary. The only real weakness is its ending, which has proven divisive among fans – some dislike it, while others find it fitting. Despite the debate, the show is still well worth watching, and the fact that people are still discussing it a decade later speaks volumes.

The Erased Anime Debuted 10 Years Ago Today

If you’re searching for a captivating mystery anime, Erased is an excellent choice. This series, which originally aired in Japan in January 2016, quickly gained popularity. Based on a manga by Ken Seibe, it centers on a protagonist determined to prove his innocence and uncover the truth behind his mother’s murder. The case is deeply personal, and he soon discovers it’s connected to a string of childhood kidnappings. Luckily, he possesses a unique ability called “Revival” that lets him travel back in time. After his mother’s death, he’s sent back to his childhood, giving him a chance to save both her and a classmate who went missing.

The anime Erased cleverly combines a mystery with elements of science fiction and fantasy, thanks to its use of time travel. This creates a truly captivating series with multiple intriguing questions. While the initial violence immediately grabs your attention and makes you want to find out who’s responsible, you’ll also be fascinated by the mystery surrounding the protagonist’s special ability and the circumstances of his mother’s death. Ultimately, Erased offers a thought-provoking message about the impact of even small choices, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

A Decade Later, Erased Continues to Be One of the Strongest Mystery Anime

Even ten years after its release, Erased is still a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good mystery. It holds up remarkably well, remaining one of the most captivating anime series thanks to its surprising plot twists. The series feels relevant today because it avoids overly specific details that would make it seem dated. Plus, it never became so popular that spoilers ruined the experience, meaning new viewers can still enjoy all the unexpected turns it takes.

What truly makes Erased stand the test of time are its powerful themes, which feel even more important today than when the anime first came out. The series emphasizes how vital it is to have strong communities and connections, and shows that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Considering this in 2026, those messages are still incredibly relevant, making it a worthwhile watch – or rewatch – on its anniversary, even if the ending isn’t entirely satisfying.

Why Fans Are Still Divided on Erased’s Ending

Despite being a well-made anime, Erased’s ending is still debated by fans. The main issue stems from how it adapted the story from the original manga. While most anime stay true to their source material, Erased had to deviate because the manga wasn’t finished yet. This resulted in a different way of catching the killer and a different epilogue showing what happened to the characters afterward.

While some viewers don’t object to the changes, and newcomers likely won’t realize they exist, the ending continues to spark debate, especially online on platforms like Reddit. This discussion will probably continue as more people find and experience the anime and manga. The fact that people are still talking about it years later proves how memorable it is. It’s rare for a series to generate such strong reactions long after it first came out, and it speaks volumes that Erased continues to do so.

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2026-01-08 22:41