Anime is often known for its vibrant animation, action-packed sequences, and larger-than-life characters. However, it also has the incredible ability to explore deep emotions, tackle complex themes, and tell stories that can leave viewers profoundly moved. Sad anime, in particular, are some of the most heart-wrenching and unforgettable experiences in the medium. Whether they deal with loss, love, sacrifice, or the harsh realities of life, these anime resonate with audiences on an emotional level, leaving a lasting impact.
Sad anime often create connections with viewers through their well-developed characters, intricate storylines, and raw emotional moments. From tear-jerking moments that catch you by surprise to stories that gradually unfold and build to a climactic heartache, these anime dive deep into the human condition. They make you reflect on life, appreciate the fleeting moments, and realize the complexity of emotions we all experience.
In this list, we’ve rounded up the top 15 sad anime that have left audiences in tears. These anime explore different aspects of sadness—from devastating losses and unrequited love to the effects of war and the passage of time. Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster as you dive into these heart-wrenching anime series.
Table of Contents
1. Clannad: After Story
Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Episodes: 24 (2008–2009)
Clannad: After Story is widely regarded as one of the most emotionally devastating anime of all time. Following the life of Tomoya Okazaki after his high school years, the series explores his relationship with Nagisa Furukawa and their struggles as a family. With themes of love, loss, and family, After Story takes viewers on an emotional journey that will leave you heartbroken, especially in its later episodes, where the narrative delves into the complexities of parenthood and grief.
2. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)
Genre: Drama, Music, Romance
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Episodes: 22 (2014–2015)
Your Lie in April follows Kousei Arima, a young piano prodigy who has lost the ability to hear the sound of his piano after his mother’s death. His world begins to change when he meets a spirited violinist named Kaori Miyazono. This anime blends music, romance, and tragedy, exploring themes of love, loss, and healing. The emotional depth and the heartbreaking final episodes make it an unforgettable experience.
3. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Episodes: 11 (2011)
Anohana is a poignant tale about a group of childhood friends who are haunted by the death of their friend, Meiko “Menma” Honma. The story follows their struggles with grief and guilt as they try to come to terms with her passing. As they reunite and attempt to fulfill Menma’s last wish, the anime explores the complexity of friendship, love, and unresolved emotions. Prepare to cry as this series touches deeply on themes of loss and closure.
4. Angel Beats!
Genre: Drama, Music, Supernatural
Studio: P.A. Works
Episodes: 13 (2010)
Set in the afterlife, Angel Beats! follows a group of deceased students as they struggle to find peace before moving on. The characters, each with their own tragic pasts, are guided by a girl named Angel as they confront their regrets and unresolved issues. The anime blends humor with sorrow, especially as it delves into the characters’ backstories, leading to a powerful and emotional conclusion that will leave you teary-eyed.
5. Violet Evergarden
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Slice of Life
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Episodes: 13 (2018)
Violet Evergarden is a visually stunning anime that follows Violet, a former soldier who is learning to understand emotions after the war. As she takes on the job of writing letters for people, she learns about love, loss, and human connection. The emotional depth of Violet’s journey to understand the meaning of the words “I love you” and her attempts to cope with her past make this anime a beautiful yet heartbreaking experience.
6. March Comes in Like a Lion (3-gatsu no Lion)
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life
Studio: Shaft
Episodes: 44 (2016–2018)
March Comes in Like a Lion follows Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player, as he struggles with personal issues, loneliness, and depression. The anime delicately explores his emotional growth, his relationship with his adoptive family, and the trauma he’s experienced. With its subtle storytelling and powerful depiction of mental health, the series is a tearful exploration of healing, understanding, and hope.
7. Grave of the Fireflies
Genre: Drama, War
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Episodes: Movie (1988)
Grave of the Fireflies is a harrowing film set during World War II, telling the story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, who struggle to survive after their home is destroyed by bombing raids. The heartbreaking narrative explores the devastating impact of war on innocent civilians, and the movie’s tragic conclusion is one that will stay with you forever. Its poignant themes of loss, survival, and the innocence of childhood make it one of the most emotionally charged films in anime.
8. The Plague Dogs
Genre: Drama, Adventure
Studio: Madhouse
Episodes: Movie (1982)
This grim and sorrowful film follows two dogs, Snitter and Rowf, who escape from a laboratory where they were subjected to cruel experiments. As they roam through the wilderness, they struggle to survive and find safety. The film is a moving exploration of the cruelty of human actions, with the animals representing the innocent caught in the crossfire. The sheer sadness and hopelessness of their journey make The Plague Dogs an emotional experience.
9. A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi)
Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Episodes: Movie (2016)
A Silent Voice follows Shoya Ishida, a former bully who seeks redemption by reconnecting with Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl he tormented during elementary school. The film explores themes of bullying, guilt, forgiveness, and personal growth. The emotional weight of the characters’ journeys and the raw portrayal of how people deal with their past mistakes make this anime film an incredibly powerful and sad experience.
10. 5 Centimeters Per Second
Genre: Drama, Romance
Studio: CoMix Wave Films
Episodes: Movie (2007)
Directed by Makoto Shinkai, 5 Centimeters Per Second tells the story of Takaki Tono and his relationship with Akari Shinohara, exploring the pain and longing of unrequited love and the passage of time. The movie’s bittersweet narrative, combined with its beautiful animation and reflective tone, makes it a deeply emotional and sad exploration of lost love and the separation between people as life moves on.
11. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life
Studio: Bones
Episodes: 11 (2009)
Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 is a heart-wrenching tale of survival after a catastrophic earthquake hits Tokyo. The story follows Mirai and her younger brother Yuuki as they navigate through the ruined city to find their family. The anime poignantly captures the devastation, the emotional toll of the disaster, and the deep bonds between family members, making it a powerful and sad journey.
12. From the New World (Shinsekai Yori)
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Episodes: 25 (2012–2013)
From the New World is set in a dystopian future where humans have developed psychic powers, and society is strictly controlled to prevent chaos. The anime explores the complex moral dilemmas faced by its characters, many of whom must confront the harsh truths about their world. With a haunting atmosphere and deeply emotional moments, this series is a powerful exploration of humanity, sacrifice, and the darker side of progress.
13. Natsume’s Book of Friends (Natsume Yuujinchou)
Genre: Supernatural, Slice of Life, Drama
Studio: Brains Base, J.C. Staff
Episodes: 74 (2008–2017)
Natsume’s Book of Friends is a beautiful and bittersweet series about Takashi Natsume, a boy who can see spirits and inherits his grandmother’s book of names. As he helps the spirits fulfill their wishes, he slowly uncovers the painful history of those around him. The anime’s exploration of loss, friendship, and the passing of time makes it both emotionally uplifting and sad.
14. ReLIFE
Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Drama
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Episodes: 13 (2016)
ReLIFE follows Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old man who gets the chance to relive his high school years thanks to an experiment. The anime explores themes of regret, second chances, and personal growth. The bittersweet moments of reconciling with one’s past and facing the harsh realities of adulthood give ReLIFE its emotional depth, making it a sad yet hopeful series.
15. The Wind Rises (Kaze Tachinu)
Genre: Drama, Historical, Romance
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Episodes: Movie (2013)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, The Wind Rises follows Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Zero fighter aircraft used in World War II. The film explores Jiro’s passion for flight, his love for a woman named Naoko, and the impact of war on his creations. While visually stunning, the film is tinged with sadness, capturing the bittersweet nature of pursuing one’s dreams in a world fraught with hardship.
Conclusion
Sad anime have a unique ability to resonate deeply with viewers, leaving a lasting emotional impact. These 15 anime exemplify the genre, each telling stories that explore themes of loss, sacrifice, love, and the human condition. While they may leave you in tears, they also provide moments of beauty, growth, and profound reflection. If you’re prepared for an emotional journey, these anime will take you through the full spectrum of human emotions, reminding you of the complexities of life and the power of storytelling.
