sad anime series tell some of the stories that remain most in fans’ memories, as few emotions are felt as intensely as sadness. It’s easy to laugh at a brief joke or feel joy at a character’s achievements and victories, but these feelings are often short-lived. On the other hand, moving viewers to tears requires forming a genuine connection, as characters need to feel real and relatable.
There are many series that make their viewers cry from time to time. Especially when it comes to longer moments, certain moments tend to be especially sad, like One pieceThe tragic ending of Going Merry. However, few shows make the effort to try and build a real connection with viewers, focusing above all on their emotions and leading to some of the greatest sad anime series.
25
The Promised Neverland
Animated by Cloverworks, based on the manga by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu
Given a premise focused on raising children to feed them to demons and fulfill “The Promise”, The Promised Neverland is one of the most disturbing anime concepts in recent years, if not at least one of the saddest. In addition to the inherently harrowing 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 is not viewed favorably, greatly rushing the main developments of the manga.
Despite Season 2’s major misfire, The series remains a valuable and uplifting story about growing up and gaining agency. Despite the darkness inherent in the series’ premise, the series is ultimately about overcoming impossible circumstances. Still, when The Promised Neverland It gets dark, is one of the darkest and saddest anime ever adapted from a Shonen Jump manga.
24
Violet Evergarden
Animated by Kyoto Animation, based on the light novel by Kana Akatsuki and Akiko Takase
Violet Evergarden follows the eponymous protagonist who, after being created as a weapon only meant to excel on the battlefield, has to start an entirely 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 the thoughts of others and getting to know their feelings is a perfect way to learn and grow.
Although Violet’s story is quite sad in itself, The saddest moments in this series come when she interacts with her clientslike a mother writing letters for her daughter’s future birthdays, knowing she won’t be around.
23
Angel knocks!
PA Works Original Anime Series
The premise of Angel knocks! It already sets it up as one of the most exciting series that anime fans can experience. Set in the afterlife, the story revolves around a group of teenagers, all of whom died with deep regret and unfulfilled desires. From the protagonists to the supporting characters, everyone who ended up here has a tragic and realistic storyat least one of which viewers are sure to connect with.
While moments of humor and action are also present, particularly relating to the conflict between the Afterlife Battlefront and Tachibana, this is ultimately just a facade behind which some of the medium’s saddest scenes await unsuspecting viewers.
22
Fruit basket
Animated by TMS Entertainment, based on the original manga by Natsuki Takaya
For such a beloved classic shojo anime, Fruit basket is a surprisingly strong contender as a thrilling series while also boasting outlandish premises. It’s not long before the series follows its romantic comedy roots to explore healing the Somas’ emotional trauma while working through their 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 by how you deal with issues of isolation, bullying and abusewhile remaining steadfast as a heartwarming and wholesome series.
21
Orange
Animated by Telecom & TMS, based on the original manga by Ichigo Takano
Orange is a deceptively harrowing shojo series that begins the way most anime fans would expect, in a classic high school “meet cute” scenario between the female protagonist and the classic transfer student male protagonist. Things take a dark turn, however, when the female protagonist receives an ominous message from the future: the male protagonist, Kakeru, is at the center of his deepest regrets and must avoid his tragic fate at all costs. Naho, the protagonist, begins to follow what these messages tell her to do to change the future – and just when things start to seem a little supernatural for a series that is otherwise deeply rooted in reality, the audience can see the future versions of these. characters visiting Kakeru’s grave.
The Eisner Award-nominated series remains heavy throughout, a character study that explores themes of regret, sadness, and learning to “let go” — in every sense of the phrase. As the anime continues, Orange provides a powerful message about silver lining and supporting each other, as well as the ever-powerful “found family” trope.
20
Oshi no Ko
Animated by Doga Kobo, 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 her feature film debut packing a devastating punch that kicks off the true events of the series. In his previous life, Gorou was a doctor and otaku idol influenced by his patient, Serena, to worship 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 are reincarnated as Aqua and Ruby Hoshino only to witness her mother’s murder, leading Aqua to begin a journey of revenge against Ai’s killer.
Japan’s idol industry is a popular subject for anime, but rarely is its darker side portrayed as well as in Oshi no Ko. The anime does an incredible job of making viewers feel sorry for Ai, making her murder even more heartbreaking. While Oshi no Ko It’s not all sadness, it’s definitely a lot more tragic than most other idol anime.
19
Your lie in April
Animated by A-1 Pictures, based on the manga by Naoshi Arakawa
Your lie in April follows Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy who lost his ability to play as well as his love of music after his mother’s death. However, things seem to change when he meets Kaori Miyazono, an eccentric violinist whose free-spirited, emotional musical style reignites Kousei’s passion and inspires him to start playing the piano again. Unfortunately, Kaori suffers from a terminal illness and their journey comes to an untimely end.
Although Kaori’s illness is demonstrated early on and she spends most of her time in hospitals, no viewer could finish the show without crying at the endwhen Kousei reads his 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 criticize the series for being a little predictable. Your lie in April is a series that is sure to break fans’ hearts in the best way possible.
18
Banana Fish
Animated by MAPPA, based on the manga by Akimi Yoshida
The story of Banana Fish is full of sad moments and reasons to cry, as it boldly presents themes that few other stories have the courage to address. From drug abuse and gang violence to corruption and PTSD, no phenomenon is too obscure to explore. The story follows Ash Lynx, a complex character who has proven himself to be incredibly strong despite his traumatic past, and Eiji Okumura, who is drawn into Ash’s world with the apparent desire to save him. Unfortunately, their journey together doesn’t end on a happy note that fans may have wanted.
Banana Fish is a classic manga from the 80s, and studio MAPPA’s adaptation does the story absolutely justice. So much of Banana Fish the story is contained in small moments, and this is something that MAPPA nailed with its anime. Banana Fish It may be heartbreaking, but it’s still among MAPPA’s best anime series of all time.
17
Anohana: the flower we saw that day
Animated by A-1 Pictures, original anime created by Artist Collective Super Peacebreakers
Anohana: the flower we saw that day is famous for being one of the saddest anime series, and for good reason. The story revolves around a group of friends who are separated after one of them, Meiko Honma, dies. Several years later, his sudden reappearance in the form of a ghost brings them together again, forcing them to face the regret, guilt, and sadness they ignored for so long.
Although it has a supernatural twist, its nostalgic and focus on human relationships, keep them grounded and relatable, only adding to the impact of his all-encompassing sadness. Its distinctive ending theme is sure to leave fans feeling emotional every time. With stunning animation, a cast of likable characters, and a story that will be relatable to anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one, Anohana It’s not just one of the saddest anime, it’s also one of the best anime ever made.
16
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Animated by Studio Trigger, based on the RPG series created by Mike Pondsmith
Given your context, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners it could easily be dismissed as promotional material for a game that only fans of the franchise would enjoy. However, it is much more than that, revealing itself one of the best and saddest stories told in the world. The show features an original story that revolves around David Martinez, a boy with a bright future who ends up becoming an edgerunner after a series of tragedies, and Lucy, a netrunner with an equally tragic story.
With the story taking place in Night City, a dangerous and dystopian futuristic city where being good is rarely rewarded, its heartbreaking events are almost expected. In your heart, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners It’s a tragedy. The audience will likely have a good idea of the horrific events that will unfold throughout the series long before the characters do, and that makes it even harder to watch. It’s a testament to the anime that the perception of the controversial video game has completely changed following the show’s widespread critical acclaim.
15
Death Parade
Original anime series from Studio Madhouse
With one of the most eye-catching and captivating 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-style bar situated between Heaven and Hell. Here, those who have passed away compete in “Death Games” to determine whether their soul will be reincarnated or sent to the void.
Any series that analyzes and criticizes the nature of death and the afterlife is bound to get heavy, but the way it Death Parade deals with 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 even greater weight and consequence to their ultimate fates once their future is decided for them. Some of the stories are so impactful that they are verifiable.
14
Magnitude Tokyo 8.0
An original anime series co-produced by Studio Bones and Kinema Citrus
One of Magnitude Tokyo 8.0The film’s main strengths are how true to life it is, seeking to realistically portray an earthquake powerful enough to change the landscape of Tokyo in an instant, and the serious consequences of this. No one could ever be prepared for such an event, least of all Mirai Onozawa and Yuuki Onozawa, two children who were on vacation alone. However, away 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 several natural disasters. Magnitude Tokyo 8.0 makes this all hit close to home, even for anime fans who have never been personally hurt by a disaster. The sheer scale of the damage after something like a major earthquake is difficult to understand, and that’s something that Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 captures very well. Sadness comes from the effects of the disasterwhich causes a lot of loss and sadness in the city.
13
Flavors of Youth
Animated by Haoliners Animation League and CoMix Wave Films
The highly underrated film Flavors of Youth released in 2018 is the unique case of an anime series produced in China being released to the general public. The feature film is based on the tradition of the four basic needs of life: food, clothing, housing and transportation, which is divided into three distinct parts; The rice noodles, A small fashion showand Love in Shanghai.
While the film may not be emotional or “sad” in the traditional way that anime fans would expect, Flavors of Youth hits hard on its central themes and resounding message of enjoying every moment of lifeas well as being a beautiful cultural piece that gives a lot of love to the diverse landscapes and landmarks found in China. Watching each of the characters in the tales gives each viewer someone or something to relate to, adding to the film’s impactful qualities.
12
WorldEnd: What do you do at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us?
Animated by Statelight & C2C, based on the light novel by Akira Kareno and Ue
End of the World follows Willem Kmetsch, a former warrior who was frozen in ice 500 years ago. He then wakes up to discover that he is the only human left, as humanity has been wiped out by mysterious creatures known as “Beasts”. Afraid of these monsters, he and the surviving races must now live on floating islands in the sky. It is here that he encounters the Goblins, girls used as weapons against the Beasts.
From the post-apocalyptic scenario to tragic stories of LeprechaunsIn addition to its purpose of sacrifice and disregard for life itself, this series is full of emotional moments.
11
Plastic Memories
Original anime series produced by Doga Kobo
Plastic Memories and a story of forbidden love, limited by time. The story takes place in a world where a company known as SAI Corp produces realistic androids that resemble humans in every way, aside from the fact that they have a significantly shorter lifespan. After getting a job at this company, Tsukasa Mizugaki meets with 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 who have become close to each other be separated, but Tsukasa and Isla’s own relationship, which develops throughout the show, is also doomed to end tragically.
10
Terror in resonance
Original anime series by Shinichirō Watanabe and MAPPA
One of MAPPA’s first anime projects with the beloved direction of Shinichirō Watanabe Terror in resonance join Children on the slope as a niche production with strong and lasting appeal. The series features a cerebral plot involving a nuclear attack scheme by the terrorist group Sphinx, whose members are survivors of a nefarious Rising Peace Academy experiment, with Sphinx being reminiscent of Death Note Kira.
The emotional depth of the soundtrack, another highlight of Watanabe’s filmography, evokes a bittersweet sadness in an exploitative and cynical society, while, ultimately, preaching hope. While fans may think the series is about the social effects of terrorism, given the title, in reality, Terror in resonance It’s much more about the political situation surrounding Japan’s military. The result is a gripping watch that offers a unique insight into the political climate in Japan.
9
Given
Animated by Lerche, based on the original manga by Natsuki Kizu
Given (2019) is an anime series that follows the journey of four musicians navigating their personal struggles and relationships while forming a rock band. The story revolves around student Ritsuka Uenoyama and his introduction to the world of music and romance through his bandmate, Mafuyu Sato. Directed by Hikaru Yamaguchi, the series explores themes of love, loss and the transformative power of music.
- Cast
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Shogo Yano, Yuma Uchida, Masatomo Nakazawa, Takuya Eguchi, Fumiya Imai
- Release date
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July 12, 2019
- Seasons
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1
The BL drama Given is a wholesome experience, portraying the lives and loves of the band “The Seasons”, whose lives and names are forever changed by an important new member. The band’s lead guitarist, Ritsuka Uenoyama, discovers the forlorn Mafuyu Sato clutching his guitar, pitifully saddened by some recently broken strings.
However, when the two connect and Ritsuka introduces Mafuyu to his bandmates, Haruki and Akihiko, they discover Mafuyu’s angelic voice and tragic past. When Mafuyu finally releases the music in his heart, there isn’t a dry eye in the house for the Given anime. Music and anime are inherently linked, but with Giventhis connection goes far beyond a fun soundtrack. The music in Given it’s an integral part of the plot and a major factor in what makes the series such a memorable experience.
8
Wolf children
Animated by Estúdio Chizu
Mamoru Hosoda has had a colorful career in film, directing projects such as Summer Wars and his most recent success, Lovely. One of his most emotionally profound characteristics, however, is Wolf children. The film is many things: in the opening, Wolf children is a story of unconditional love and throughout the film becomes a beautiful and insightful look at the emotional toils of motherhood.
Hana starts out as a young college student and, after sharing her book with a mysterious man who attends one of her classes, falls deeply in love with him. As their relationship progresses, she discovers that he is a “werewolf” – similar to a classic werewolf, although much gentler. Later, the pair have two children, and when their love tragically dies 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 Hana’s struggle to manage her two children as they grow through high school and must learn to accept the two very different directions her children want to take in life.
7
Kanon
Animated by Kyoto Animation, based on the visual novel by Key
Kanon is a 2006 anime series that follows Yuichi Aizawa, a high school student who returns to a town he visited seven years ago, where he reconnects with several girls whose lives are intertwined with his forgotten past. Adapted from Key’s visual novel, Kanon explores themes of memory, emotion and the supernatural through a dramatic and moving narrative.
- Release date
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October 5, 2006
Kyoto animation Kanon stars Yuichi Aizawa, a cynical high school student who moves in with his cousin in a town he hasn’t visited in seven years. As Yuichi slowly remembers what made the town so special, he becomes involved in the lives of several girls his age, all with some prior connection to him and, in many cases, a strange relationship with the supernatural that he has only ever known. he can handle. .
Although he may not have the skill and prestige of his immediate contemporary, Clannad, Kanon is filled with heartbreaking drama for all the characters involvedand it does so while effortlessly combining five separate stories into a singular narrative. Kyoto Animation is famous for its emotional and human dramas and even after so many years Kanon is one of the best anime to embody this ideal.
6
Clannad
Animated by Kyoto Animation, based on the visual novel by Key
Clannad: After the story follows the future in which Tomoya Okazaki begins dating Nagisa Furukawa, as well as their life together. Unfortunately, while witnessing their relationship develop should be a positive experience for the couple’s fans, their family life proves to be full of problems, challenges and difficult choices. The tragedies are not limited to the couple, with other characters also facing their own difficulties.
Adult life is rarely easy, a fact that this series portrays in a realistic and sincere way, which evokes genuine empathy in viewers. Many anime fans consider this title to be one of the saddest of all time, with Tomoya and Nagisa’s family developments breaking fans’ hearts several times.