The anime offers all sorts of stories, just like other types of entertainment. They can be scary, hilarious comedies, and more.
This mix makes it more inviting for everyone. But, some of the best anime ever are the sad dramas and tragic stories that really tug at your heartstrings.
Anime, from stories like Clannad that started from visual novels to those that talk about society, can really make you feel things.
But, when it comes down to it, even though there are lots of anime out there, some sad ones really stand out in making fans cry more than others.
Anime like One Piece, Naruto, Dragon Ball, Full Metal Alchemist, and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure have some really famous and heart-wrenching sad scenes.
But, these moments might be spread out across many, many episodes. So, if you’re looking for an anime that will make you cry a lot and often, these shows might not be the best fit.
However, if you want a long action-packed series that could sometimes make you cry unexpectedly, then battle shonen anime should be right up your alley.
One Piece is really good at hitting you right in the feels, and it doesn’t always need deaths to do it. Full Metal Alchemist is another one that doesn’t hold back when it wants to tug at your heartstrings.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
The popularity of Madoka Magica has its pros and cons. Nowadays, many new viewers already know about its amazing twist before they even start watching.
This can make a big moment early on less surprising. However, that shouldn’t take away from the whole experience.
This magical girl anime gets close to psychological horror. It puts its young characters through really tough situations that could break anyone’s mind.
The anime tests how strong and fragile they are mentally, pushing them into places nobody should have to go.
Madoka Magica has some really scary and gory scenes that can leave a lasting impression. But, the saddest parts of the anime don’t come from bloody deaths.
Instead, it’s all about showing how hopeless the girls feel. These characters are truly shattered.
To Your Eternity
To Your Eternity tells a story where immortality has a big cost. It starts with a magical orb, sent to Earth by a mysterious observer.
This orb can change its shape, and it ends up becoming a wolf and then a boy. The orb, now called Fushi, can only take on the form of someone who has died. So, death is a big part of the anime’s story.
The anime follows Fushi’s journey and how his personality is shaped by the relationships he forms along the way.
In To Your Eternity, death and life are tightly intertwined. Even after someone passes away, they can live on through the people they leave behind.
The anime covers every emotion, from pure happiness to deep sadness. There are lots of moments that can really make you cry.
5 Centimeters Per Second
In 5 Centimeters per Second, one regret can shape someone’s whole life. Takaki Tono and Akari Shinohara met as kids and instantly clicked.
It felt like they were meant to be together, but life had other plans. They ended up drifting apart forever.
The anime tells the story of their brief but beautiful time together, and then how they try to move forward after they’re forced to part ways.
5 Centimeters per Second was directed by Makoto Shinkai, a filmmaker who really knows how to tug at your heartstrings.
The anime is divided into three parts, and as it goes on, it becomes more and more heartbreaking and deep.
It doesn’t just show really sad moments, but also dives into the feelings of depression that can come after life-changing events.
Your Lie In April
Your Lie In April is known for its incredibly sad ending. It follows the story of Kosei Arima, a talented pianist and musician. Things get interesting when the lively and free-spirited Kaori Miyazono enters the picture.
Throughout the anime, Kosei and Kaori form a strong bond, and their relationship blossoms romantically. But things take a dramatic turn as illness enters the story, affecting each character deeply.
Your Lie In April has a lot to offer, especially for fans who enjoy well-developed characters and emotional stories.
Violet Evergarden
War is one of the biggest tragedies, and the anime Violet Evergarden really drives this point home. The story revolves around Violet Evergarden, a former soldier trying to find her way back into society after a recent war.
Violet becomes a ghostwriter, crafting letters for those who can’t write. The anime explores the emotions of each character, especially Violet herself.
Violet Evergarden is a great choice for fans who enjoy historical dramas with a mix of suspenseful action.
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Anohana is often recommended for its unique and emotional story. It follows a group of childhood friends who have grown apart over time. The group split up after an accident took the life of one of their friends, Meiko.
The accident deeply affects the group, especially the main character Jinta, who has become withdrawn. Things take a turn when Meiko’s ghost appears, bringing the group back together.
Anohana is a fantastic series for viewers who enjoy a story that’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.
Haibane Renmei
In sad anime, many fantasy series stand out as icons. Yet, there’s one fantasy gem that often goes unnoticed but has the potential to be one of the most heart-wrenching of them all Haibane Renmei.
The premise of Haibane Renmei follows the story of Rakka, a haibane (a creature resembling an angel), and the mysterious-walled city of Glie.
However, as mysterious as the circumstances are, the plot only becomes more suspenseful as viewers learn more about Glie and its inhabitants.
As engaging as the central mystery is, Haibane Renmei’s depth comes from its characterization of Rakka as the story chronicles her life and growth, which includes experiencing inescapable events like death.
Rumbling Hearts
Rumbling Hearts, based on a visual novel, dives into the world of romance and the complex mix of emotions that come with it.
Takayuki and Haruka are high-school sweethearts, and even though their relationship isn’t flawless, they seem perfect for each other. But then, an accident changes everything, throwing their future into chaos.
Rumbling Hearts features a solid cast of main characters, each with their own complexity and grounded in reality.
None of them are painted as villains, but the anime doesn’t sugarcoat their flaws. They’re portrayed as imperfect humans, capable of selfishness, anger, and hostility.
Wolf Children
Anime movies have a special spot in the hearts of fans because they can create heartwarming moments in a way that series sometimes can’t.
The length of a movie, and the need to watch it all at once, lets the story really sink in. A great example of this is the film Wolf Children, which follows the daily life of a family of wolf people.
The main character, Hana, meets a werewolf in college and ends up having two half-wolf children. Wolf Children tells the story of this special and unique family.
Wolf Children is a great choice for anime fans seeking a touching, sad fantasy movie that’s different from the usual Studio Ghibli style.
The film puts more emphasis on the bond between mother and child rather than a plot filled with action.
Toradora!
Toradora! is one of the most influential romance anime ever, setting the stage for many imitators with its ideas and themes.
While it might seem a bit generic now due to its copycats, back in 2008, it was a trendsetter and still holds up better than many of its followers.
At school, Ryuji and Taiga are the perfect examples of don’t judge a book by its cover, but in completely opposite ways.
Ryuji looks like a delinquent but is actually quite gentle, while Taiga, despite her small size, has a fiery temper that could rival cartoon characters.
To pursue their romantic interests, they team up, even though they often clash more than agree. Toradora! isn’t always trying to make you cry.
It often leans into comedy and romantic tension. However, when it does aim for sadness, it hits hard. Taiga is at the heart of many heartbreaking moments, and these scenes are particularly powerful.
Because they show her vulnerable side, breaking down her protective barriers. Minori also adds to the series’ tragic moments.
Kotaro Lives Alone
Kotaro Lives Alone may not seem like a tearjerker at first, but it slowly and quietly tugs at your heartstrings. As the title suggests, it’s about Kotaro, a 4-year-old who moves into his own apartment.
Naturally, this catches the attention of his neighbors, who become like unexpected but cherished parental figures to Kotaro.
The premise sets the stage for a whimsical and light-hearted slice-of-life story about an unconventional family dynamic.
While Kotaro Lives Alone does have those moments, it’s not the whole story. The anime explores Kotaro’s backstory, showing the tough circumstances that forced this young child to grow up quickly.
Even the lighter moments in the show have a touch of sadness underneath.
Now And Then, Here And There
Only few isekai anime few that lean into drama heavily, but true tearjerkers are rare. Re: Zero – Starting Life In Another World might come close, although it’s more unsettling than outright sad.
However, if we’re looking for the most heartbreaking isekai anime, Now and Then, Here and There would take the crown.
Setting aside the sent to another world aspect, this anime is a raw war story that centers on innocent children caught in the middle.
In an effort to rescue a girl named Lala-Ru, Shu gets trapped in a bizarre and cruel world that shows no mercy to the weak.
Now and Then, Here and There takes its viewers to incredibly dark places, tackling themes that few anime dare to approach. It’s not an easy or enjoyable watch, but this 1999 anime is incredibly powerful and leaves a lasting impact.
Ef – A Tale Of Memories & A Tale Of Melodies
Adapted from the Ef: A Fairy Tale of the Two visual novel, Shaft’s anime series revolves around two romances in each season.
While both series share some characters, A Tale of Melodies focuses more on characters who had minor roles in A Tale of Memories.
Because of this, they can be seen as standalone experiences, though it’s best to start with the first season.
Ef is known for being unabashedly melodramatic, with its characters wearing their emotions on their sleeves.
While this can be a bit much at times, the anime makes up for it with solid writing, likable characters, and a willingness to address serious topics.
Both seasons are worth watching, but A Tale of Melodies is often considered the stronger of the two. However, both are capable of bringing on the tears.
March Comes In Like A Lion
March Comes In Like a Lion, despite its puzzling title, is widely regarded as one of the best dramas in anime, especially for its second season.
Since losing his parents at a young age, Rei has dealt with health issues and depression by immersing himself in shogi.
While the game offers him a bit of solace and a path to a hopeful future, it does little to alleviate his loneliness. However, things start to change when he befriends three sisters who are also going through tough times.
March Comes In Like a Lion delves into tough topics such as depression, trauma, psychological abuse, and bullying.
What’s commendable is how the show approaches these themes with sensitivity and depth, never offering easy answers but still suggesting that there’s hope for improvement. Watching this anime is like riding an emotional rollercoaster.
Terror In Resonance
Terror in Resonance, released in 2014, delves into the profound tragedy of terrorism, a significant issue in recent decades.
The anime uses striking imagery and intricate plot mechanics to explore this modern historical issue with depth and emotion.
However, viewers should be aware that the imagery in the anime can be difficult to handle, as it balances between being a psychological thriller and a critique on a highly controversial topic.
Despite this, the journey of Nine and Twelve is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches until the end.
Made In Abyss
Made in Abyss tells the story of a girl and her robotic companion as they journey into the Abyss, a fantastical place teeming with incredible creatures, and a sense of despair.
As they descend further into its depths, the challenges they face become increasingly dire. This fantasy anime doesn’t shy away from putting its characters, regardless of their age or innocence, through harrowing trials and tribulations.
Made in Abyss, created by Kinema Citrus, is not an easy watch. While it’s not always consistently sad, the anime has very few moments of genuine happiness.
Every triumph is overshadowed by pain, loss, and tragedy, and every character seems to be either suffering or causing misery to others.
Among dark adventure anime, Made in Abyss stands out in its own league, even though it can be difficult to wholeheartedly recommend due to its unsettling and disconcerting moments.
Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket is an anime that covers the whole range of emotions, and it does so with grace and style. While it’s not always trying to be sad, when it aims for heartbreak, it delivers.
After the death of her mother, Tohru Honda finds herself without a home and feeling isolated. However, when the Sohma family learns of her situation, they invite her to live with them.
Living with her school’s popular guy and his short-tempered cousin, Tohru’s days are filled with laughter, surprises, warmth, and, at times, tragedy.
At the start, Fruits Basket leans heavily into comedy as it introduces its main characters and sets the stage.
Gradually, the anime explores the backstories of these characters, revealing that many of them are shaped by past traumas.
As the series progresses into its third and final season, it transitions into a full-blown drama, delving deeper into the characters’ struggles and emotions.
This evolution adds layers of depth to the story, making Fruits Basket all the more compelling and impactful.
Angel Beats
Key visual novels are renowned for their emotional storylines, often intertwined with romantic subplots and stunning visuals.
Angel Beats, the anime released in 2010, stands out as one of the most compelling examples of this legacy.
The story takes viewers to an afterlife set in a school, where Otonashi Yuzuru and a group of rebellious teenagers are fighting against moving on to the next world.
As the story unfolds, viewers confront the harsh realities of this afterlife world. For newcomers to anime, Angel Beats is an excellent introduction to the more melancholic side of the medium.
The blend of comedy and the school setting gives the series a light-hearted tone, which is then counterbalanced by its incredible visuals, music, and twists that hit straight to the heart. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War In The Pocket
Gundam has a long history of delving into tragedy, with many of its releases containing heartbreaking moments.
Among the more accessible entries, both The Witch from Mercury and Iron-Blooded Orphans are known for pulling at the heartstrings, especially the latter.
However, the most heart-wrenching Gundam project is often considered to be 1989’s War in the Pocket.
This OVA series might not be as widely known as other Gundam properties, but its short run and personal story make it a surprisingly good standalone experience.
It deviates from the typical Gundam formula, offering a unique and emotional journey. War in the Pocket is set in a neutral colony that tries to stay out of the war between the Federation and Zeon.
The anime follows a young child who is entranced by war and forms a friendship with two soldiers from opposing sides.
Rather than focusing on action or political intrigue, War in the Pocket tells a very human story. It serves as a dark coming-of-age journey, exploring the impact of war on individuals and the complexities of friendship in a time of conflict.
I Want To Eat Your Pancreas
Some anime are designed to tug at the heartstrings, and I Want To Eat Your Pancreas is one of them. It creates a world that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at its core.
The story revolves around a girl named Sakura, who is suffering from a rare and fatal pancreatic illness. Watching the main character Haruki, viewers get really attached to the relationship between the doomed duo.
The great artwork and well-written characters leave viewers feeling a strong and unique emotion by the end of the story.
Clannad & Clannad: After Story
Clannad is a classic anime tearjerker that has earned its place among fans. For those who’ve been around a while, it brings back nostalgic memories. For newcomers, it offers a dramatic series with some really deep themes.
The story centers on Tomoya Okazaki, a high-schooler trying to figure out his own version of happiness and reality.
Based on the Key visual novel with the same name, Clannad the anime tells a tragic story focused on each heroine.
One subplot stands out more than the others, but the unforgettable conclusion comes in its sequel, Clannad: After Story.
Orange
Everyone enjoys a good mystery, whether it’s in anime or not. Mysteries can build suspense and reveal tragic events, often leading the audience to unexpected conclusions. This is certainly true for the 2016 series, Orange.
The protagonist, Naho Takamiya, receives a letter from her future self warning of a tragedy involving her classmate, Kakeru Naruse.
Naho finds the true meaning of the letters to prevent the predicted tragedy. The series hits themes of regret and other poignant topics, making it perfect for viewers who enjoy a subtly melancholic story.
A Silent Voice
Anime films, many of which are available on Netflix, have the power to be even more heartbreaking than episodic series.
A Silent Voice is a prime example, attracting the viewers with its realistic and down-to-earth storyline. The movie follows the story of Shoya Ishida and his deaf classmate, Shoko Nishimiya.
The story delves into the themes of bullying and depression, sparking a conversation on these important issues.
While not all sad anime end in tragedy, viewers will find the conclusion of A Silent Voice to be fulfilling, though still a bit somber. It’s a perfect choice for audiences seeking a mix of emotions, offering the best of both worlds.
The story showcases the themes of bullying and depression, sparking a conversation on these important issues.
While not all sad anime end in tragedy, viewers will find the conclusion of A Silent Voice to be fulfilling, though still a bit somber. It’s a perfect choice for audiences seeking a mix of emotions, offering the best of both worlds.
Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms is an ambitious movie that blends a war epic with an intimate family drama.
The story follows Maquia, who belongs to a race called the Iorph that lives for hundreds of years, far outlasting humans. They usually keep their distance from humans.
However, when war erupts, Maquia flees and ends up becoming the guardian of a human baby. As the child grows older, surpassing his own mother’s age, tension starts to build between them.
Maquia handles its central relationship with grace and nuance, creating a dynamic that feels disarmingly real despite the movie’s fantastical setting.
The emotional moments in the anime hit hard because, at its core, the themes of grief and loss are something most people can relate to.
Plastic Memories
The evolution of robotics is a familiar theme in both sci-fi movies and anime. However, only a handful of series explore the sadder aspects of this topic.
Plastic Memories is one such series that focuses on these poignant issues, following the journey of Tsukasa Mizugaki and the android Isla.
Plastic Memories weaves a poignant tale about the fleeting nature of human and android life, exploring the emotions tied to artificial intelligence.
The deep connections between characters and the questions of romance within a limited lifespan make this story incredibly interesting. It’s a must-watch for sci-fi anime fans seeking something a bit out of the ordinary.
A Place Further Than The Universe
A Place Further Than The Universe might not strike you as a typical tearjerker anime, given its optimistic tone and plenty of humor.
However, the premise sets the stage for some heavy moments, and the show delivers on them. Shirase has been saving money for a trip to Antarctica, the last place her mother was seen before she disappeared.
It’s not something a teenager is meant to do, but Shirase’s determination convinces a few of her classmates to join her, and they go on the journey together.
A Place Further Than The Universe almost dips into cute girls doing cute things territory at times, especially in the first half of the series. However, as the journey begins, the anime transitions into a heartfelt drama.
All four main characters are endearing and have their own reasons for going on this adventure. Their growing bonds become the heart of the story.
While Shirase is hopeful about what she might discover in Antarctica, deep down, she’s seeking closure. When that moment finally arrives, tears are sure to follow.
WorldEnd: What Do You Do At The End Of The World? Are You Busy? Will You Save Us?
WorldEnd, also known as SukaSuka, sets the tone right from the start don’t expect a happy ending, and it delivers on that promise.
The anime is set hundreds of years in the future, where humanity has been wiped out, leaving behind a new race living in fear of an alien threat called Beasts.
The sole remaining human, Willem, is tasked with caring for weapons used to combat the Beasts. These weapons are actually young girls, and their future is incredibly grim.
SukaSuka follows Willem as he tries to form connections with these girls, creating friendships that bring some happiness into their short lives. He also develops a deeper relationship with Chtholly, a seasoned fighter.
While WorldEnd may have some pacing issues, it doesn’t hold back when it comes to delivering emotional gut punches.
Grave Of The Fireflies
Sometimes, older films offer an even more interesting plot than modern classics. This is certainly true for the Studio Ghibli film, Grave of the Fireflies, released in 1988.
The story follows the wartime experiences of Seita and his sister, Setsuko. The civilian side of Japan in 1945 often gets overlooked in modern history, so this film offers a poignant retelling, based on the autobiography of the same name.
While Grave of the Fireflies has some very dark tones, especially compared to other Ghibli films, its plot and well-developed characters make for an unforgettable and emotionally exhausting experience.
Though it might be challenging to watch again, Grave of the Fireflies is undeniably one of the saddest anime of all time, and indeed one of the saddest movies ever made.