Chainsaw Man set itself apart from most anime from 2022 in a myriad of ways. The animation stands out as some of MAPPA’s best work from any year. They put a lot of effort into every episode including the ending sequences. This is where the anime truly outshines anything else from this year.
Chainsaw Man got one opening with “Kick Back” by Kenshi Yonezu but then there were twelve ending themes in addition to that. Every ending sequence featured a new song and an animation to go alongside it. Most of these endings centered around the episode’s themes with episode five being one of the more prominent examples. Of the twelve songs and animated scenes, which are the best of the best?
Spoilers Ahead
12 Chainsaw Blood
“Chainsaw Blood” by Vaundy is the first ending theme in Chainsaw Man. It’s a good rock song to bookend the start of what will become an amazing anime.
While the song is good, the background leaves something to be desired as there’s nothing to it besides the credits. That’s why it has to be the lowest-ranked ending on the list.
11 Rendezvous
“Rendezvous” by Kanaria is one of the more boring ending sequences. It’s the ending theme to episode six, which is right when Denji jumps into the Infinity Devil’s mouth.
The sequence shows off a spiraling staircase as Denji descends into madness. Photos of his teammates are flashed periodically as well. It’s an artsy ending sequence that is fine for what it is trying to convey but it is nowhere near the top.
10 Dogland
“Dogland” by People 1 is the episode ten ender and it foreshadows a concept way down the line in the manga. This might not be completely revealed until season three. Makima refers to Denji as a dog so often because she loves and owns multiple dogs.
They can be seen in this ending animation which isn’t a huge spoiler but it is an odd thing to note. Denji also sees Pochita in this vision briefly.
9 Time Left
“Time Left” by Zutomayo is the ending theme of the second episode. It’s a good song that showcases how the three main characters of Denji, Aki, and Power sleep. They eventually meet in the rain ready to fight another battle.
The biggest takeaway fans can take from this ending is the brief snippet of Makima who is drinking tea and playing with dominos. This is as if to say she is controlling things behind the scenes, teasing what a strong female anime character she is.
8 Violence
“Violence” by Queen Bee is like a disco pop song that closes out episode eleven. It’s another black and white ending with not a lot going on.
There is a building titled on its side that characters like Aki and Makima are walking across as their bodies turn into cubes. It doesn’t fit with the theme of episode eleven in the slightest.
7 Deep Down
“Deep Down” by Aimer is the ending theme of episode nine and it is a dramatic one. The animated sequence shows various characters briefly but the main attraction is Makima. It’s another example that showcases how powerful and mysterious Makima is as a female anime character.
This is right after she uses her powers to crush her opponents in episode nine. She is manipulating blood and other body parts in this animation, which may be a clue as to how her powers work.
6 First Death
“First Death” by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure is the end song of episode eight. It’s a good rock song which is an odd juxtaposition to what the animated sequence is about. It’s sort of like a celebration of Himeno’s life, with the animation ending with Aki laying flowers and cigarettes by her grave.
It’s the one ending sequence in Chainsaw Man that gives some concrete answers on something that just happened in the anime. It’s as if to say, yes, Himeno truly did die.
5 Fight Song
“Fight Song” by Eve is the final ending to season one of Chainsaw Man. It is not accompanied by a separate animation scene as credits roll over the actual episode. Aki, Denji, and Power pray at a temple, then gather some groceries at a store, and then sit down for a nice meal at home.
“Fight Song” is an odd name to place over this sequence as there isn’t any fighting. It’s more like a scene of victory, but the song on its own is good.
4 In The Backroom
“In the Backroom” by Syudou ends episode five and it’s a better ending to the Infinity Devil arc than the next episode for multiple reasons.
The animation is trippy, putting viewers into a psychedelic headspace similar to the characters in the anime. The song is also catchier than “Rendezvous” in episode six.
3 Tablet
“Tablet” by TOOBOE is the ending theme of episode four and it's all about Power. The episode ends with Denji about to cop a feel of Power’s womanhood as a reward for saving her cat, Meowy.
This ending sequence then is sort of like Denji’s fantasy of Power as she goes through various scandalous outfits like a foxy boxer and a maid. It’s a very bouncy song that is appropriate for the fan service and is hilarious to boot.
2 Chu, Tayousei
“Chu, Tayousei” by Ano is just as fun as Power’s adjacent theme of “Tablet” from episode four. Episode seven ends with Himeno asking Denji if he wants to do it.
The song is a good fun poppy tune, but the animation is the best part of this ending sequence. It’s like a PS1 RPG with retro graphics and text commands centered around the bar scene. There’s also a well-animated sequence of Himeno puking a rainbow into Denji’s mouth.
1 Hawatari Niku Centi
“Hawatari Niku Centi” by Maximum the Hormone is the best song and ending sequence of the anime. That baseline and drumbeat are used throughout Chainsaw Man after episode three, when this premiered, to build up tension.
The song and animated sequence feel more appropriate as the opening theme instead. Maximum the Hormone is no stranger to performing anime openings with Death Note being the best example.