20 sad anime series guaranteed to make you cry

Sad anime series Tell some of the stories that stick with fans the longest, as few emotions are felt as intensely as sadness. It’s easy to laugh at a short joke or feel joy over a character’s achievements and victories, but such feelings are often short-lived. On the other hand, bringing viewers to tears requires a genuine connection to be formed, as the characters need to feel real and relatable.

There are many series that make their viewers cry on occasion. Especially when it comes to the longer runs, certain moments are sure to be sad, such as One pieceS’Going Mary’s tragic end. However, few shows go out of their way to try to build a real connection with viewers, focusing on their emotions above all and leading to some of ​​the greatest sad anime series.

20

The Promised Neverland

Based on the manga by Kaiu Shirai & Posuka Demizu

Given a premise focusing on raising children to feed them to demons to keep “the promise,” The Promised Neverland is one of the more upsetting anime concepts in recent years if not at least one of the saddest. Beyond the inherently distressing plot, the first season of the anime is also one of the most beloved in recent years, masterfully adapted by Cloverworks. However, the second season was not favored, massively rushing the main developments of the manga.

Despite the major misfire of season 2 though, The series remains a worthwhile and uplifting story about growing up and grasping agency. Despite the darkness inherent to the premise of the series, the series is ultimately about overcoming impossible circumstances. Still though, when The Promised Neverland Get Dark It is one of the darkest and saddest anime ever adapted from a Shonen Jump manga.

19

Violet Evergarden

Based on the light novel by Kana Akatsuki & Akiko Takase

Violet Evergarden Follows the eponymous protagonist who, after being raised as a weapon meant only to excel on the battlefield, has to start a whole new life as an “auto memory doll” after the war ends. As she herself is largely unaware of the extent of human emotions and experiences, transcribing others’ thoughts and getting to know their feelings is a perfect way to learn and grow.

Although Violet’s backstory is quite sad in and of itself, The saddest moments of the series occur when she interacts with her clientsLike a mother writing a letter for her daughter’s future birthday because she won’t be around.

18

Angel Beats!

Original anime series by PA Works

The premise of Angel Beats! Already set it as one of the most emotional series that anime fans could experience. Set in the afterlife, the story revolves around a group of teenagers, all of whom died with deep regrets and unfulfilled wishes. From the protagonists to the supporting characters, Everyone who ended up here has a tragic and realistic storyAt least one of which viewers are bound to connect with.

Although moments of humor and action are also present, especially with the conflict between the Afterlife Battlefront and Tachibana, this is ultimately but a facade behind which some of the saddest scenes of the medium await unsuspecting viewers.

17

Fruit basket

Based on the original manga by Natsuki Takaya

For such a beloved classic shojo anime, Fruit basket is a surprisingly strong contender as a tearjerker series while boasting otherwise whimsical premises. It doesn’t take long for the series to move along its romantic comedy roots to explore Somas’ healing emotional trauma while working through her own troubled past. The 2001 anime and, later, the 2019 reboot of Fruit basket are consistently praised as one of the best shojo anime of all time for How it handles themes of isolation, bullying and abuseAlways remain as a hearty and healthy series.

16

Orange

Based on the original manga by Ichigo Takano

Orange is a deceptively angsty shojo series that opens as most anime fans would expect it to, in a classic high school “meet cute” scenario between the female lead and the classic transfer student male lead. Things take a dark turn, though, when The female lead is given an ominous message from the future: the male lead, Kakeru, is at the center of her deepest regrets, and to prevent his tragic fate at all costs. Naho, the protagonist, begins to follow what the messages tell her to do to change the future – and just when things start to seem a little too supernatural for a series that is otherwise deeply rooted in reality, the audience gets to see the future Versions of the series. Characters visit Kakeru’s grave.

The Eisner Award-nominated series is a series that sticks hard, a character study that explores themes of regret, grief and learning to “let go” – in every sense of the phrase. As the anime continues, Orange Gives a strong message about silver linings and supporting one another, as well as the ever-powerful “found family” trope.

15

Oshi no Ko

Based on the manga by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari

Oshi no Ko Has the distinction of making its anime viewers cry in one episodeWith its feature-length premiere with a devastating gut-punch that kicks off the true events of the series. In his previous life, Gorou was a doctor and idol otaku influenced by his patient, Serena, to adore Ai Hoshino, the star of B-Komachi. After a surprising turn of events involving Ai’s stalker, and the unfortunate deaths of Gorou and Serena, the two reincarnate as Aqua and Ruby Hoshino only to witness the murder of their mother, prompting Aqua to embark on a journey of revenge against Ai’s killer.

The idol industry in Japan is a popular subject for anime, but rarely is its darker side portrayed as well as it is in Oshi no Ko. The anime does an incredible job of making viewers feel for AI, making her killing all the more heartbreaking. While Oshi no Ko It’s not all sadness, it’s definitely a lot more tragic than most other idol anime.

14

Your lie in April

Based on the manga by Naoshi Arakawa

Your lie in April Follows Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy who lost his ability to play and his love for music after his mother’s death. However, things seem to change when he meets Kaori Miyazono, an eccentric violinist whose free-spirited, emotional music playing style re-ignites Kousei’s passion and inspires him to start playing the piano again. Unfortunately, Kaori suffers from a terminal illness and their journey together comes to an antibiotic end.

Although Kaori’s illness is shown from the beginning, and she spends most of her time in hospitals, No viewer could possibly finish the show without crying at the endWhen Causey reads her letter. The notes of Your lie in April They’re all familiar and well-worn, but the anime handles them so well that it’s hard to knock the series for being a little predictable. Your lie in April is one series that is guaranteed to break fans’ hearts in the best way possible.

13

Banana fish

Based on the manga by Akimi Yoshida

The history of Banana fish is full of sad moments and reasons to cry, as it is bold with themes that few other stories have the courage to cover. From drug abuse and gang violence to corruption and PTSD, no phenomenon is too dark to be explored. The story follows Ash Lynx, a complex character who has proven to be incredibly strong despite his traumatic past, and Eiji Okumura, who is drawn into Ash’s world with the clear desire to save him. unfortunately, Their journey together does not end on a happy note That fans could have wished for.

Banana fish is a classic 80s manga, and Studio MAPPA’s adaptation does the story justice. So much of Banana fish The story is contained in small moments, and this is something that MAPPA has nailed with their anime. Banana fish It may be heartbreaking, but it’s still among MAPPA’s best anime series of all time.

12

Anohana: The flower we saw that day

Original anime created by artist collective Super peace boosters

Anohana: The flower we saw that day is infamous for being one of the saddest anime series, and for good reason. The story revolves around a group of friends who drift apart after one of them, Meiko Honma, dies. A few years later, her sudden reappearance in the form of a ghost brings them back together, forcing them to confront the regret, guilt and sorrow they ignored for so long.

Although it features a supernatural twist, its nostalgic theme and Focus on human relationships keep it grounded and relatable, Only adding to the impact of its overarching sadness. Its outstanding ending theme is sure to make fans emotional every time. With gorgeous animation, a cast of likable characters and a story that will feel relatable to anyone grappling with the loss of a loved one, Anohana It’s not only one of the saddest anime, it’s also one of the best anime ever made.

11

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Based on the RPG series created by Mike Pondsmith

According to his background, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Could easily be dismissed as promotional material for a game that only fans of the franchise would appreciate. However, it is much more than that, proving itself to be One of the best and saddest stories told in the medium. The show features an original story revolving around David Martinez, a boy with a once-bright future who became an adventurer after a series of tragedies, and Lucy, a netran with an equally tragic backstory.

With the story taking place in Night City, a dangerous, dystopian futuristic city where good is rarely rewarded, its heartbreaking events are almost to be expected. in his heart, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a tragedy. Audiences will likely have a good idea of ​​the horrific events that will unfold throughout the series long before the characters do, and that makes watching it even more difficult. It’s a testament to the anime that the perception of the controversial video game has completely flipped after the show’s wide critical acclaim.

10

Death Parade

Produced by Madhouse

With one of the blastest and catchiest opening themes ever produced, Death Parade Offers much more than an infectious soundtrack. The original anime, which was created, written and directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa, takes place in a purgatory-esque bar situated between heaven and hell. Here, those who have died compete in “Death Games” to decide whether their soul will be reincarnated, or if they will be sent to the void.

Any series that analyzes and criticizes the nature of death and the afterlife will be difficult, but the way in which Death Parade Handles some of its characters, their backstories, and How their lives led them to be the people they became up until the moment of their death adds an even heavier weight and consequence to their ultimate fate once their future is decided for them.. Some of these stories are so touching that they are certified tear-jerkers.

9

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

An original anime series co-produced by Studio Bones and Cinema Citrus

one of Tokyo Magnitude 8.0Its main strengths are just how true to life it is, seeking to realistically depict an earthquake strong enough to change the landscape of Tokyo in an instant, and the severe consequences thereof. No one could ever be prepared for such an event, much less Mirai Onozawa and Yuuki Onozawa, two children away on vacation alone. However, far from their family, they have no choice but to face this new situation together with Mari Kusakabe, a motorcyclist and single mother.

Japan, more than many other nations, has been hit hard by a handful of natural disasters. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 Makes all that hit close to home, even for anime fans who have never been personally hurt by a disaster themselves. The sheer scale of the damage after something like a major earthquake is hard to grasp, and that’s something Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 captures quite well. The sadness comes from the effects of the disasterWhich causes a lot of loss and sadness in the city.

8

Flavors of youth

Produced by Haoliners Animation League & CoMix Wave Films

The highly underrated film Flavors of youth What was released in 2018 is the unique case of an anime series produced in China being released to mainstream audiences. The feature-length film is based on the tradition of the four basic needs of life: food, clothing, housing and transportation, which is divided into three separate parts; The rice noodles, A small fashion showAnd Love in Shanghai.

While the film may not be emotional or “sad” in the traditional ways that anime fans would expect, Flavors of youth Hits hard in its core themes and resounding message of enjoying every moment of lifeAs well as a beautiful cultural piece that gives a sufficient amount of love to the many landscapes and landmarks found in China. Watching each of the characters in the short stories gives each audience member someone or something to relate to, adding to the impressive qualities of the film.

7

WorldEnd: What do you do at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us?

Based on the light novel by Akira Kareno and Ue

world end Follows Willem Kmetsch, a former warrior who was frozen in ice 500 years ago. He then wakes up to find that he is the only human left, as humanity has been wiped out by mysterious creatures known as “Beasts”. In fear of the monsters, he and the surviving races must now live on floating islands in the sky. Here he meets the leprechauns, young girls who are used as weapons against the animals.

From its post-apocalyptic setting to the Tragic backstories of the leprechaunsAs well as their goal of sacrifice and disregard for their own lives, the series is full of emotional moments.

6

Plastic memories

Original anime series produced by Doga Kobo

Plastic memories Is A story of forbidden love, limited by time. The story takes place in a world where a company known as SAI Corp produces affordable androids that resemble humans in every way, except for the fact that they have a significantly shorter lifespan. After landing a job at this company, Tsukasa Mizugaki meets Isla, a veteran android, and together they must recover other androids before they lose their memories.

Not only is it heartbreaking to see humans and androids come close to being separated, but Tsukasa and Isla’s very relationship, which develops throughout the show, is also set to end tragically.

5

Terror in Resonance

Original anime series by Shinichirō Watanabe and MAPPA

One of MAPPA’s earliest anime projects with the beloved direction of Shinichirō Watanabe, Terror in Resonance Joints Kids on the slope As a niche product with lasting, strong appeal. The series features a cerebral plot involving a nuclear strike scheme by the terrorist group Sphinx, whose members are survivors of a nefarious experiment by the Rising Peace Academy, with Sphinx reminiscent of Death note Kira.

The emotional depth of the soundtrack, yet another highlight of Watanabe’s filmography, evokes a bittersweet sadness In an exploitative and cynical society while ultimately preaching hope. Although fans may think the series is about the social effects of terrorism, given the title, in fact, Terror in Resonance is much more about the political situation surrounding Japan’s military. The result is an exciting watch that provides unique insight into the political climate in Japan.

4

Granted

Based on the original manga by Natsuki Kizu

The BL drama Granted is a wholesome experience throughout, depicting the life and love of the band “The Seasons,” whose lives and names are changed forever by one key new member. The band’s lead guitarist, Ritsuka Uenoyama, discovers the lost Mafuyu Sato clutching his guitar, saddened by some recently broken strings.

However, as the two bond and Ritsuka introduces Mapuyu to his bandmates Haruki and Akihiko, They discover Mafuyu’s angelic singing voice and a tragic past. When Mafuyu finally unleashes the music in his heart, there is not a single dry eye in the house for these Granted Anime. Music and anime are inherently linked, but with GrantedThat connection extends well beyond a fun soundtrack. The music in Granted is integral to the plot and a major factor in what makes the series such a memorable experience.

3

Wolf children

Produced by Studio Chizu

Mamoru Hosoda has had a colorful career in filmmaking, with projects like Summer wars and his latest success, Master. One of his most emotionally intense features, though, is Wolf children. The film is many things: in its opening, Wolf children is a story of unconditional love, and Over the course of the film, a beautiful, insightful look at the emotional toil of motherhood takes place.

Hanna starts out as a young college student, and after sharing her textbook with a mysterious man sitting in one of her classes, he falls deeply in love with him. As their relationship progresses, she learns that he is a “wolf man” – similar to a classic werewolf, although much gentler. The couple later have two children, and when her love tragically passes away in an accident, Hana takes Ame and Yuki and moves to the countryside where they can live a peaceful life. The second half of the film depicts Hannah’s struggle to manage the two children as they grow into middle schoolers, and must learn to accept the two very different directions her children want to take in life.

2

Clannad

Based on the visual novel by Key

Clannad: Another Story Follows the future in which Tomoya Okazaki starts dating Nagisa Furukawa, as well as their life together. Unfortunately, while witnessing their relationship develop should be a positive experience for fans of the couple, their family life proves to be Riddled with conflicts, challenges and difficult choices. The tragedies are not even limited to the couple alone, with other characters also facing their own hardships.

Adulthood is rarely easy, a fact that the series portrays realistically and candidly, evoking genuine empathy from viewers. Many anime fans consider this title to be one of the saddest ever Tomoya and Nagisa’s family developments are breaking fans’ hearts Multiple times.

1

Tomb of the Fireflies

Produced by Studio Ghibli

While Ghibli has never been afraid to tackle serious issues, rarely is the result as heartbreaking and difficult to watch as Tomb of the Fireflies. The story centers around a young man named Seita and his young sister Setsuko who are faced with a tough life at the tail end of World War II. With their mother dead, their father fighting the way, and the aunt they live with in the meantime not exactly welcoming, Seita is forced to fend for himself and Setsuko in a harsh world that has no place for them.

Many were healed Tomb of the Fireflies As one of the greatest anti-war movies of all time, and while that certainly has an element, director Isao Takahata disagreed that this was the movie’s message. Finally, to Takahata, Tomb of the Fireflies is a movie about the personal cost of societal failures. Tomb of the Fireflies is a heartbreaking but necessary watchAnd the movie’s influence is far-reaching both in anime and outside of it. Fortunately for fans, Tomb of the Fireflies is now available on Netflix, so more people than ever can be traumatized by one of the greatest anime movies ever.