Attack on Titan Final Season Review: Did It Live Up to the Hype?

Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) has been a monumental force in anime history since its debut in 2013. With the Final Season promising to conclude a decade-long journey of mystery, action, and political intrigue, fans around the globe asked one question: Did it live up to the hype?

In this review, we’ll evaluate the final season by examining its plot, character development, animation quality, sound design, and provide an honest final verdict. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or considering watching it for the first time, this review aims to answer all your questions.

The Final Season pivots hard in tone and direction. Unlike earlier seasons focused on survival horror and mystery, this arc leans heavily into military drama, geopolitics, and philosophical dilemmas. We see a broader world perspective beyond the walls and are introduced to new factions, ideologies, and tragic conflicts.

What people liked:

• Bold shift in narrative scope
• Well-paced for the most part
• Raises deep questions about freedom, revenge, and humanity

What some people didn’t liked:

• Can feel overwhelming with so many characters and political threads
• Non-linear storytelling (flashbacks, time jumps) might confuse casual viewers

Eren’s Descent and Armin’s Dilemma The characters in this final stretch evolve drastically. Eren Yeager is nearly unrecognizable compared to his younger self — and intentionally so. This season explores the moral ambiguity of its cast with intensity rarely seen in shonen anime.

Highlights:

• Eren Yeager becomes a morally gray anti-hero, provoking debates even outside the anime community.
• Armin, Mikasa, and Levi face internal conflicts and ideological divides.
• The Marleyan cast (Gabi, Falco, Reiner) receive surprising depth.

Controversial facts:

• Some longtime fans felt Eren’s arc was too jarring.
• Gabi’s screen time was divisive, though ultimately rewarding narratively.

When MAPPA Studio took over animation from Wit Studio, fans were skeptical. The final season was also split into multiple parts, largely due to production demands. Despite that, the studio delivered a consistent visual experience.

Strengths:

• Dynamic battle scenes with 3D maneuver gear
• Emotional close-ups and facial animation are top-tier
• The final episode features breathtaking animation sequences

Weaknesses:

• Earlier episodes had inconsistent CGI Titan animation
• Some background art felt less detailed than in previous seasons

The OST, crafted by Kohta Yamamoto and Hiroyuki Sawano, remains a highlight. From the haunting “Ashes on the Fire” to the emotionally stirring “Call of Silence”, the music elevates every major moment.

Voice Acting:

• Yuki Kaji (Eren) delivers a career-defining performance
• English dub also shines with passionate performances, especially in key monologues

Short Answer: Yes — for the most part.

The final season of Attack on Titan is a bold, emotionally complex, and thematically rich conclusion to one of anime’s most ambitious stories. While not flawless, it offers a thought-provoking narrative that dares to challenge its audience.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

✅ Complex characters

✅ Mature storytelling

✅ High production value

❌ Slight pacing and animation inconsistencies

💬 What Did You Think?

Have you watched Attack on Titan Final Season? What are your thoughts on the ending? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it. 👇

Image credit MAPPA.