Get ready to travel into the world of anime on an emotional trip where sadness and melancholy take centre stage. Each of the top 15 sad anime in this collection has a special capacity to evoke strong feelings in its viewers. These anime show off the amazing ability of storytelling to provoke intense emotion, from heartbreaking tales of love and loss to moving tales of hardship and sacrifice.
These anime create an enduring impression on our hearts by inspiring contemplation through their masterfully crafted plots, engaging characters, and challenging subjects. They serve as a constant reminder of the beauty that exists inside the realm of tragedy.
Table of Contents
15. Grave of the Fireflies
- Episodes: 1 (movie)
- Season: 1
- Genre: Drama, Historical
This highly regarded movie, which was directed by Isao Takahata, portrays a tragic tale during World War II. It chronicles the struggles of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, to live in a war-torn Japan. The film examines themes of grief, tenacity, and the terrible toll that war takes on innocent lives. The movie “Grave of the Fireflies” is renowned for its raw emotion and the way it shows children the grim reality of war. Viewers are left with a deep impression as it skillfully conveys the family bond and the sacrifices the siblings make for one another.
14. A Silent Voice
- Episodes: 1 (movie)
- Season: 1
- Genre: Award Winning, Drama, Shounen
“A Silent Voice,” a movie adapted from Yoshitoki Ima’s manga This movie, which was directed by Naoko Yamada, explores the subjects of bullying, atonement, and the strength of forgiveness. The protagonists of the tale are former bully Shoya Ishida and the deaf girl he once tormented, Shoko Nishimiya. Shoya attempts to atone for his past deeds as they make their way through high school, and the two develop a special friendship. “A Silent Voice” is renowned for its sympathetic depiction of disability, examining the difficulties with social acceptance faced by people with hearing problems.
13. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
- Episodes: 1 (movie)
- Season: 1
- Genre: Drama, Romance, School
This moving tale, which is an adaptation of Yoru Sumino’s novel, centres on a high school student named Haruki Shiga, who finds a diary that belonged to his classmate Sakura Yamauchi. Sakura has a terminal pancreatic disease, as the diary indicates, but despite this, she manages to be upbeat and full of life. Haruki and Sakura develop an unusual bond, and the two of them set out on a voyage of self-discovery, cherishing every moment. The movie “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas” examines issues like dying, friendship, and finding happiness in the face of hardship. It’s a heartwarming narrative that emphasises the value of experiencing life to the fullest while still being bittersweet.
12. Erased
- Episodes: 12
- Season: 1
- Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Suspense
The movie “Erased,” often referred to as “Boku dake ga Inai Machi,” This gripping thriller centres on 29-year-old manga artist Satoru Fujinuma, who has a special talent known as “Revival.” Satoru is transported back in time to his early years after a sad event, allowing him to stop a string of kidnappings that had plagued him in the past. Satoru discovers unexpected links as he looks into the cases and tries to change the future. As a result, he comes to the conclusion that the riddles he is facing are tied to his own past. The mystery, time travel, and psychological suspense in “Erased” keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
11. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
- Episodes: 11
- Season: 1
- Genre: Award Winning, Drama
After a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 rocks Tokyo, this riveting series is set there. A little girl named Mirai and her younger brother Yuuki are followed as they make their way through the devasted terrain in search of their family. Their friendship deepens as they overcome countless obstacles and experience the disaster’s effects. The documentary “Tokyo Magnitude 8.0” examines issues of resiliency, hope, and people’s ability to help one another in difficult circumstances.
10. Clannad
- Episodes: 47
- Season: 2
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Supernatural, School
“Clannad,” a film adaptation of Key’s graphic book This well-liked series tells the tale of high school student Tomoya Okazaki, who meets Nagisa Furukawa, a woman determined to bring back the theatrical club at her school. As they spend time together, Tomoya learns about his classmates’ individual challenges and becomes interested in their lives, developing strong bonds and discovering his own purpose. The movie “Clannad” explores issues like family, friendship, and the strength of unwavering love.
9. Violet Evergarden
- Episodes: 13
- Season: 1
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy
“Violet Evergarden,” a film adaptation of Kana Akatsuki’s light novel series The narrative centres on Violet Evergarden, a former soldier who now works as an auto-memory doll and composes passionate letters on behalf of people. The story is set in the post-war era. While working on several writing assignments, Violet struggles with her own perception of feelings and interpersonal relationships. The themes of love, sorrow, and the influence of words are expertly explored in the anime. Viewers see Violet’s development from a cold and emotionless person to someone who learns to navigate the nuances of human emotions through her path of self-discovery.
8. Plastic Memories
- Episodes: 13
- Season: 1
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
“Plastic Memories,” a planet where humans and cutting-edge androids known as “Giftia” cohabit The protagonist of the novel is Tsukasa Mizugaki, who starts working for a business that collects and discards expired Giftia. Isla, a Giftia who is very close to the end of her life, is matched with Tsukasa. In order to retrieve memories from Giftias and their owners, they set out on sad excursions together. The film “Plastic Memories” explores the interconnectedness of life, love, and mortality. It investigates the powerful emotional bonds that can develop between people and synthetic organisms, posing questions about the nature of humanity and the worth of memories.
7. Orange
- Episodes: 13
- Season: 1
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
“Orange,” a movie made from Ichigo Takano’s manga Naho Takamiya, a high school student, is the main character of the novel. She gets letters from her future self imploring her to fix the mistakes she made in the past. The letters pay particular attention to Kakeru Naruse, a transfer student who struggles emotionally. Naho and her companions set out on a voyage of friendship, self-discovery, and the value of second chances in an effort to prevent a catastrophe from befalling Kakeru. The movie “Orange” examines issues like regret, friendship, and the precarious equilibrium between destiny and free will.
6. Made in the Abyss
- Episodes: 25
- Season: 2
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-Fi
“Made in Abyss,” a film based on the Akihito Tsukushi manga The Abyss, a vast, enigmatic pit that conceals several secrets and weird monsters, is where the story is situated. The plot centres on Reg, a robotic child, and Riko, a teenage orphan with aspirations of becoming a cave raider. Together, they set out on a dangerous adventure into the Abyss, where they must overcome deadly obstacles and unravel its mysteries. The world-building in “Made in Abyss” is intriguing, the lore is deep, and it explores human curiosity and ambition.
5. Your name
- Episodes: 1 (movie)
- Season: 1
- Genre: Award Winning, Drama, Supernatural
“Your Name,” a movie Makoto Shinkai directed A high school student from a small village named Mitsuha Miyamizu and a high school student from Tokyo named Taki Tachibana are the subjects of this love fantasy movie. They occasionally find themselves switching bodies as a result of a strange phenomenon. A strong bond develops between them as they navigate one another’s lives and leave notes for one another. “Your Name” explores issues of fate, identity, and the strength of love while expertly fusing aspects of romance, drama, and fantasy. The film enthrals audiences with its stunning animation, poignant plot, and captivating soundtrack that perfectly supports the story. “Your Name” became a worldwide success, winning praise for its moving storytelling and making an impact on viewers all over the world.
4. 5 centimetres per second
- Episodes: 3 (movie)
- Season: 1
- Genre: Drama, Romance
“5 centimetres per second,” another masterpiece from Makoto Shinkai The movie portrays a moving story about love, separation, and the passing of time. It is divided into three interrelated parts and covers the lives of Takaki Tno and Akari Shinohara, two people who develop a close friendship during their infancy but are later forced to part ways. As the years pass, they find it difficult to stay in touch, and their paths separate. The movie “5 Centimetres per Second” expertly conveys the fleeting moments and the sourness of missed opportunities and unrequited love. The themes of longing, nostalgia, and the importance of insignificant events in forming our lives are all explored in the anime. “5 Centimetres per Second” is a mesmerising and introspective journey that intimately connects with its audience thanks to its breathtaking sights, insightful storyline, and emotionally charged atmosphere.
3. Your Lie in April
- Episodes: 22
- Season: 1
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Shounen
“Your Lie in April,” a film adaptation of Naoshi Arakawa’s manga In this musical drama series, Ksei Arima, a gifted pianist who experiences a horrific occurrence that makes him lose his love of music, tells his story. But when he meets vivacious musician Kaori Miyazono, his life changes. Kaori supports Ksei in confronting his emotional issues and rediscovering his passion through their shared love of music. The movie “Your Lie in April” explores the subjects of loss, friendship, and the transforming potential of art. With a deeply affecting plot that examines the complexities of human emotions and the search for artistic expression, the anime enthrals viewers with its gorgeous animation, emotionally charged performances, and captivating visual style.
2. Terror in Resonance
- Episodes: 11
- Season: 1
- Genre: Mystery, Suspense
“Terror in Resonance,” directed by Shinichir Watanabe In order to reveal the truth behind society’s injustices, two enigmatic teens named Nine and Twelve organise a string of bombings in Tokyo in this psychological thriller. They engage in a cat-and-mouse game with Kenzashi Shibazaki, a clever detective. The documentary “Terror in Resonance” examines issues of identity, morality, and the effects of society’s indifference. The anime holds viewers’ attention throughout thanks to its complex plot, strong atmosphere, and provocative social commentary. It casts doubt on ideas of right and wrong by providing a morally ambiguous narrative that explores the intricacies of human nature and the cost of seeking justice outside the bounds of the law.
1. Angel Beats
- Episodes: 13
- Season: 1
- Genre: Drama, Supernatural
This Seiji Kishi-directed television series is set in the afterlife, when a group of youngsters find themselves trapped in a high school. They establish the Afterlife Battlefront, an organisation that rebels against the forces that control their existence, under the leadership of a mystery female named Yuri Nakamura. “Angel Beats!” combines comedy, action, and drama components as the protagonists work through their individual challenges, find resolution, and find comfort in their common experiences. The themes of life, death, and the value of savouring the present moment are all explored throughout the anime. “Angel Beats!” manages to achieve a balance between humorous moments and sombre observations on the essence of existence, leaving viewers with a lasting impression thanks to its bright animation, recognisable characters, and touching storyline.
CONCLUSION
The top 15 Sad anime, as indicated above, encompass a wide range of emotionally stirring tales that have had a lasting effect on viewers. Themes of loss, sadness, love, and the complexity of the human experience are explored in these anime. These anime elicit a wide spectrum of emotions, from the heartbreaking travels of “Grave of the Fireflies” and “A Silent Voice” to the reflective narratives of “Your Name” and “5 Centimetres per Second.” These depressing anime shows teach us valuable lessons about empathy and the value of savouring the good times long after the credits have rolled, thanks to their fascinating narratives, enduring characters, and breathtaking imagery.
FAQ
What is sad anime?
Themes of loss, tragedy, and the brittleness of human emotions are explored in sad anime, which is a dramatic and emotionally stirring series. These anime arouse a great sensation of sadness in viewers through captivating writing and realistic characters, leaving a deep impression.
What is the best sad anime?
While all of the above-mentioned anime qualify for this list, we can still conclude that if you were to ever begin with one, then it would definitely be “Grave of the Fireflies.” It will leave you in a state you might never recover from.
