Credits: Doga Kobo

Contents

• Introduction: Embrace the Feels
• 12 Sad Anime Shows to Make You Cry
• Conclusion: Share the Tears with Fellow Otaku

Embrace the Feels

Are you ready to embark on an emotional rollercoaster that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you reaching for the tissue box? Anime has a unique way of conveying deep emotions, and some series and movies are crafted to make even the toughest among us shed a tear.

I've compiled a list of 12 sad anime that are guaranteed to make you cry. So, grab your comfort snacks, find a cozy spot, and let's dive into these heart-wrenching tales together!

1. Clannad: After Story

Credits: Kyoto Animation

Ah, Clannad: After Story—the granddaddy of heartbreak. If the original Clannad gave you butterflies, this sequel will crush your soul in the best way. Following Tomoya and Nagisa as they take on adulthood, this series dives deep into themes of love, family, and loss.

The emotional punches just keep coming, and you’ll be crying buckets by the end. It’s like they took every tear-jerking trope, wrapped it in a kawaii bow, and said, “Good luck not sobbing.” Seriously, don’t say I didn’t warn you!

2. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)

Credits: A-1 Pictures

Oh, Your Lie in April—where do I even start? Kousei, a piano prodigy who’s lost his spark, meets Kaori, a violinist with a free spirit and a BIG secret. Their music-filled journey will leave your heart soaring... until it shatters into a million pieces.

The way this series blends music, love, and loss is pure anime magic. And the animation? So beautiful, you’ll cry just looking at it. But those final episodes? Absolute heartbreak. Say it with me: Yamete!

3. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Credits: A-1 Pictures

If you’re looking for maximum waterworks, Anohana delivers. This emotional powerhouse reunites a group of estranged childhood friends after their late friend, Menma, shows up as a ghost. Her only wish? To move on... but not without a few tears (or a LOT of them).

Watching these friends navigate guilt, grief, and forgiveness is a journey you won’t forget. And the finale? It’s like the anime gods said, “We need every otaku crying RIGHT NOW.” Ugh, pass the tissues, please!

4. A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi)

Credits: Kyoto Animation

Ready for a heavy but oh-so-beautiful story? A Silent Voice explores redemption as Shoya tries to make amends with Shoko, a deaf girl he bullied in the past. Their emotional journey is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking.

This movie doesn’t just make you cry—it makes you THINK. The themes of bullying, forgiveness, and self-worth hit hard, and the stunning animation is the cherry on top. By the end, you’ll be sobbing and hugging your screen. Sugoi, but so sad!

5. Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru no Haka)

Credits: Studio Ghibli

This Studio Ghibli masterpiece is the definition of tragic beauty. Following two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, trying to survive during WWII, it’s a story that rips your heart out and stomps on it.

The bond between the siblings is so pure, it hurts to watch their struggles. Honestly, this is the kind of anime that leaves you emotionally wrecked for DAYS. If you’re ready to cry like it’s your full-time job, this one’s for you.

6. Angel Beats!

Credits: P.A. Works

Angel Beats! is the perfect mix of comedy, action, and tears—and oh boy, those tears hit HARD. Set in a limbo high school for souls with unfinished business, it follows Otonashi and Yuri as they try to uncover the mystery behind their afterlife.

Just when you’re enjoying the goofy moments, the show drops an emotional nuke that leaves you sobbing uncontrollably. The ending is yabai levels of sad, but it’s also so beautiful you’ll forgive the heartbreak.

7. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (Kimi no Suizou wo Tabetai)

Credits: Studio VOLN

Don’t let the quirky title fool you—this one will break you. When a shy boy discovers that his classmate, Sakura, is dying of a pancreatic illness, they form an unexpected bond that’s as sweet as it is bittersweet.

The story is a reminder of how precious life is, and the final act is guaranteed to leave you ugly crying. It’s emotional, it’s beautiful, and yes, you’ll be shouting yameroooo! at your screen.

8. Violet Evergarden

Credits: Kyoto Animation

Violet Evergarden, you delicate, heart-shattering beauty. Watching Violet—a former soldier trying to understand the meaning of love—as she writes letters for people is an emotional punch every single time. Her journey of learning empathy and coping with loss is so touching, it’s like a slow, sweet stab right in the kokoro.

And the animation? It’s breathtaking! Every teardrop, every glance, every letter Violet writes feels like pure art. By the time you reach the movie, you’ll be curled up in a ball, clutching your blanket and crying out, “Why do I do this to myself?!” But let’s be real—you’ll love every second of it.

9. Plastic Memories

Credits: Doga Kobo

What’s sadder than falling in love? Falling in love with someone who has an expiration date! Plastic Memories follows Tsukasa and Isla, a Giftia (a type of android) nearing the end of her lifespan. Their relationship is as sweet as it is tragic, and every episode has this bittersweet vibe that’ll make you sniffle.

But when the inevitable goodbye comes? Oh boy, it’s a full-on sobfest. You’ll be yelling, “No, no, NO!” at the screen, even though you know it’s coming. It’s an emotional ride about cherishing the moments we have, and trust me, you’ll need those tissues.

10. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

Credits: Bones and Kinema Citrus

This one hits different because it feels so real. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 is about two siblings, Mirai and Yuki, navigating a devastated Tokyo after a massive earthquake. The realism of their journey will have you holding your breath as they fight to survive and reunite with their family.

The bond between these siblings is so pure and heartfelt, and as the story unfolds, the emotions just keep building. By the end, you’ll be crying so hard, you’ll wonder if it’s an anime or a life lesson in disguise. Warning: your kokoro might not recover.

11. Orange

Credits: Telecom Animation Film

Orange, the anime that teaches us to never take a second chance for granted. When Naho receives a letter from her future self, begging her to save her classmate Kakeru from a tragic fate, you just KNOW the tears are coming. Watching her and her friends band together to rewrite the past is both heartwarming and gut-wrenching.

This one beautifully captures the importance of friendship, love, and mental health. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that’ll make you wish you could send a letter to your past self to say, “Prepare to cry a lot.”

12. Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)

Credits: A-1 Pictures

Erased is the perfect mix of mystery, suspense, and emotional devastation. When Satoru is sent back in time to prevent the murder of his classmate Kayo, the stakes couldn’t be higher. You’ll be on the edge of your seat, praying for a happy ending while bracing for heartbreak.

And Kayo’s story? It’s so raw and painful that you’ll want to reach through the screen and hug her yourself. Every twist and turn will keep you hooked, and the finale will leave you in a puddle of emotions. Sugoi, but my kokoro can’t handle it!

Share the Tears with Fellow Otaku

And there you have it, minna-san—12 sad anime guaranteed to bring on the waterworks. From tragic love stories to tales of resilience and redemption, these shows remind us of the beauty and complexity of human emotions. Whether you’re watching alone or with friends, these heartfelt tales are sure to leave an unforgettable impression.

Looking for more anime recommendations or a place to discuss these tear-jerking moments? Join The Otaku Community, where fans come together to share their love for all things anime! Don’t forget to grab the free version of Waifu Monthly for exclusive content.

Until next time, keep your tissues close, your snacks closer, and your otaku heart open. Happy watching, minna-san!