Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: Rebellion

This is the series' first original feature and its most contested entry. The bittersweet peace the television show ended on is broken here: Homura decides the order Madoka established has ignored everything she sacrificed, steals part of Madoka's power and writes a universe more to her liking. What results is a world where love and possession can no longer be told apart. The ending changed twice during production. The original plan had Madoka take Homura into the Law of Cycles; the writer did not think it strong enough, and the director felt godhood was too heavy a burden to place on a teenage girl. The solution they arrived at was to set the two against each other. Fan reaction split, and has stayed split for over a decade. Some find it unjust that Homura, after years of suffering, is put through this as well. Others argue it is the only honest ending the character could have. Who it is for: viewers who have finished the series and enjoy dark, formally daring anime. Who it is not for: anyone who has not seen the series, since the film does not stand alone.