Anime creators have a unique talent for evoking strong emotions in their audience, often bringing tears to our eyes with their compelling stories. Whether it’s tales of young love, unrequited feelings, relationship drama, or narratives delving into heavy themes like death, war, and illness, anime has a remarkable ability to break our hearts and make us cry. If you’re a fan of anime that leaves you with a lump in your throat and tears in your eyes, you’re in the right place. There are several outstanding sad anime series and movies that explore truly heart-wrenching and poignant subjects. These 10 sad anime are sure to resonate with your emotions in various ways.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) – 64 Episodes
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows the journey of Edward and Alphonse Elric, who break the laws of alchemy in a desperate attempt to bring their deceased mother back to life. Their actions come at a steep price, yet the resilient brothers refuse to accept their fate and embark on a quest to regain their lost bodies. Their pursuit leads them to the enigmatic Philosopher’s Stone, but they must grapple with the moral dilemmas surrounding its use. This anime is a rich tapestry of tragic stories that will send shivers down your spine and bring tears to your eyes.
Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 (2009) – 11 Episodes
Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 unfolds in the aftermath of a devastating 8.0 magnitude earthquake that strikes Tokyo. Two young siblings, Mirai and Yuki, find themselves on a harrowing journey to reunite with their parents. Along the way, they meet Mari, a single mother and motorcycle courier, who becomes a crucial source of support. This anime offers a chillingly realistic portrayal of life after a catastrophic natural disaster, viewed through the eyes of these well-developed characters.
A Silent Voice (2016) – 130 Minutes
A Silent Voice, a 2016 anime movie from Kyoto Animation, masterfully captures the emotions of its characters. It tells the story of Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl who endures relentless bullying in elementary school, leading her to change schools multiple times. The film also follows Shoya Ishida, the boy responsible for her torment, who later becomes the target of bullying himself. In his final year of high school, Shoya seeks redemption by reconnecting with Shoko. Prepare for a heartfelt journey of healing, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
Angel Beats! (2010) – 13 Episodes
Angel Beats! kicks off with Otonashi waking up in the afterlife, confused and dead. He encounters Yuri, a rifle-toting girl and leader of a rebel group fighting against God and his enigmatic agent, Angel Tachibana, who possesses supernatural powers. As the rebel group carries out missions against Angel, Otonashi questions the morality of their actions. Gradually, the true nature of the afterlife school is unveiled, and Otonashi and Angel collaborate to help those who have endured trauma and hardship in life find closure and move on.
Your Lie In April (2014) – 22 Episodes
Your Lie in April, produced by A-1 Pictures, revolves around Kosei Arima, a piano prodigy who loses the ability to hear the sound of his own music after his mother’s death. Two years later, he meets Kaori Miyazono, a vivacious violinist who teaches him that music should be played with freedom and passion. Kosei’s journey to recovery and the blossoming of his feelings for Kaori are at the heart of this story. However, behind Kaori’s cheerful facade lies a tragic secret, making this anime a poignant exploration of emotional trauma, loss, and moving forward.
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2011) – 11 Episodes
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day tells the story of a group of childhood friends, now teenagers, struggling to cope with the loss of their friend, Menma, who tragically passed away during their childhood. The group has drifted apart over the years, but Menma’s ghost unexpectedly reappears, bringing them back together. The friends unite to fulfill Menma’s final wish, providing closure and healing as they come to terms with their guilt and grief.
Clannad (2007) – 23 Episodes
Clannad, an adaptation of Key’s visual novel, explores both high school drama and the challenges of adulthood in its 24-episode sequel, Clannad: After Story. This anime goes beyond graduation and hand-holding to depict the characters’ entire lives. It doesn’t shy away from emotional punches, leaving viewers sobbing and deeply moved. If you enjoy this experience, consider exploring other Key anime adaptations, such as Little Busters!
Grave Of The Fireflies (1988) – 88 Minutes
Grave of the Fireflies is one of the most heart-wrenching films you’ll ever encounter. Set in the final days of World War II, it portrays the lives of Seita and his younger sister, Setsuko, who are left orphaned and homeless by the brutal war. Despite their youthful optimism, they face unrelenting adversity as they try to survive in the Japanese countryside. This Studio Ghibli masterpiece is both profoundly beautiful and achingly depressing, leaving a lasting impact on all who watch it.
The Day I Became A God (2020) – 12 Episodes
The Day I Became a God may have flown under the radar for some, but it’s a drama worth exploring. It initially feels like a reverse isekai with Hina Sato, an oddly dressed girl who claims to be Odin, visiting Earth on a mission. However, the truth about Hina’s condition is far more heartbreaking. In this touching anime, protagonist Yota Narukami returns the favor by helping Hina, who had once aided him with her “Odin” persona.
Tokyo 24th Ward (2022) – 12 Episodes
Tokyo 24th Ward is primarily a science fiction anime, but it doesn’t lack a human touch. The story revolves around Shu Aoi and his friends, who are still grappling with the tragic death of Asumi Suido in a fire. When they receive psychic messages from Asumi about the future, they uncover a tragic truth that binds them together. This cyberpunk anime offers a compelling blend of advanced technology and heartfelt human drama.
Wrapping it up!
These 10 sad anime will undoubtedly evoke a range of emotions, from heartbreak to hope, and leave a lasting impression on your anime-watching journey. Prepare to be moved, as each of these series and movies delves deep into the human experience, offering a window into the beauty and complexity of life’s highs and lows.
