In the world of anime, patience is often a virtue. Fans of various series know the sting of waiting for a long-anticipated continuation, sometimes spanning years or even decades. Anime studios often take their time crafting sequels, films, or new seasons, leaving the fanbase eagerly speculating and hoping for new content.
While some delays are simply the nature of the industry, others are due to production issues, studio backlogs, or even creative differences. Regardless of the reason, the wait can either fuel fan anticipation or cause frustration.
One of the most notable examples of delayed anime releases is Yuri!!! on Ice, where fans have been eagerly awaiting a continuation of the beloved skating drama. Yet, Yuri!!! on Ice is not the only anime to keep its audience in suspense.
From the long gaps between Attack on Titan seasons to the years it took for the new Dragon Ball series to emerge, delayed releases are a common thread in anime history. Below, we take a closer look at some of the most famous examples of anime that kept fans waiting, exploring the reasons for the delays and the eventual payoff — if any.
While the wait may test even the most loyal fans, it’s often worth it when the new content finally arrives. Whether it’s a new season, a movie prequel, or a reboot, these delayed releases remind us of the dedication of both creators and viewers alike.
Table of Contents
Inuyasha
After the original Inuyasha series concluded in 2004, fans had to wait five long years before the story was properly wrapped up with Inuyasha: The Final Act. This new season finally gave the series its much-needed conclusion, but the wait didn’t end there.
In 2020, over a decade later, the spin-off series Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon debuted, adding yet another layer to the saga. Fans of the original series had the rare opportunity to see their favorite characters once again, but the long stretches between content were certainly not for the faint of heart.
Dragon Ball
Few anime franchises are as iconic as Dragon Ball. After the end of Dragon Ball GT in 1997, it seemed like that was the last of the anime series. However, 11 years later, in 2008, the half-hour special Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!! marked the return of new content.
This was followed by Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods in 2013, and eventually, Dragon Ball Super aired in 2015, bringing the franchise fully back to life. Fans of the series had to endure long periods of waiting, but their patience was rewarded with some of the most exciting new content in the Dragon Ball universe.
Mushishi
For fans of the ethereal and contemplative anime Mushishi, the wait between seasons was excruciatingly long. After the first season aired from 2005 to 2006, it took eight years before the follow-up series, Mushishi -Next Passage-, premiered in 2014. The return to Ginko’s world of mysterious creatures and natural wonders was worth the wait, as the sequel brought back the same hauntingly beautiful storytelling that made the original a classic.
Yuri!!! on Ice
Yuri!!! on Ice quickly became a fan favorite when it first aired in 2016, but since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting more content. Although a second season has yet to be confirmed, a prequel film titled Ice Adolescence is in the works, giving fans hope.
The movie’s release date is still uncertain, but it’s clear that even after multiple delays, the fanbase remains as dedicated as ever. With the popularity of the original series still holding strong, there’s a good chance that more Yuri!!! on Ice content could be on the horizon.
Ghost in the Shell
Fans of Ghost in the Shell have enjoyed a relatively consistent stream of content over the years, but there have been a few long breaks between releases. After the original film in 1995, it took seven years for Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex to hit the airwaves.
Then, another seven-year gap followed before Ghost in the Shell Arise debuted. While the franchise has been kept alive with various films and series, the lengthy waits between major installments have been notable, especially for die-hard fans of the cyberpunk universe.
Attack on Titan
When Attack on Titan first aired in 2013, it became an instant phenomenon. However, fans were left hanging as it took four long years for the second season to arrive in 2017. After that, the production smoothed out, with regular releases every year leading up to the final season.
Still, the extended wait between the first and second seasons remains one of the most significant gaps in recent anime history. Thankfully, the final season has been split into multiple parts, allowing fans to savor every moment of the series’ conclusion.
Fruits Basket
One of the most beloved shojo manga, Fruits Basket, experienced its own share of delays. After the original anime adaptation aired in 2001, it seemed there would never be a proper continuation. Fans and FUNimation both campaigned for a second season, but due to creative differences between the manga’s creator and the original anime’s director, it wasn’t meant to be.
It wasn’t until 2019, a full 18 years later, that a remake of the series finally returned to tell the entire story. The remake has been met with widespread praise, and its final season is scheduled to air soon.
Berserk
Berserk is notorious for its long delays between content. The original anime aired in 1997-98, but it ended on one of the most shocking cliffhangers in anime history. Fans were left waiting for 14 years before Berserk: The Golden Age Arc movies came out in 2012.
Finally, new content beyond the original anime was adapted into animation, but fans would still need to wait until 2016 for more. Unfortunately, the 2016 adaptation was widely regarded as disappointing, leaving many fans feeling like the long wait was not worth it.
Final Thoughts
Waiting for new content can often feel like an endless journey for anime fans. Whether it’s a matter of months, years, or even decades, the release of new episodes or films is often met with a mixture of excitement and relief.
While the reasons for delays vary, one thing is for sure: the anticipation that builds during these hiatuses can sometimes make the eventual release feel that much more rewarding. Fans invest years of their lives in these stories, forming emotional connections with the characters and worlds they love.
From the long-awaited return of Dragon Ball and Attack on Titan to the surprise sequels and films of titles like Yuri!!! on Ice and Mushishi, the anime industry has shown time and again that good things come to those who wait. While it can be frustrating, fans understand that quality often takes time. These series prove that, even after long breaks, fan loyalty remains strong, and the excitement for new content continues to grow.
Ultimately, the ability to revisit beloved stories after such long delays highlights the passion and dedication of both the creators and the fans. Whether it’s a prequel film, a new season, or a full reboot, these anime continue to shape and redefine the landscape of animation, reminding us all of the power of storytelling and the patience needed to see it through to its conclusion.
