10 Heart-Wrenching Anime That Will Make You Cry

The ocean of anime is so vast that there is the perfect anime for every mood. Some series make you laugh, while others can thrill you to the core or leave you sobbing uncontrollably. Those sad anime can emotionally wreck you long after the credits roll.

If you’re ready to shed some tears and dive into the emotional depths, here are the Top 10 saddest anime to consider.

10. To the Forest of Firefly Lights

To the Forest of Firefly Lights presents an ending we never wanted. The story follows Hotaru, who visits her grandparents’ house during vacation and stumbles into a forest inhabited by spirits. There, she meets Gin, a mysterious boy wearing a mask, and learns about the curse placed on him. Their relationship grows stronger, but fate challenges them throughout their journey, leading to an ending that leaves viewers heartbroken.

9. Angel Beats

Angel Beats unfolds in the afterlife, exploring the question of where souls go after death. Otonashi awakens in a realm between life and death, entangled with a group fighting against a god and their student council president, Angel. The anime delves into the traumatic pasts of the characters, highlighting their emotional stories and the plot’s significant events.

8. Ride your Wave

Ride your Wave is a fantasy romance that leaves the audience in an ambiguous state. The story centers on Hinako, a college student and surfing enthusiast, who meets Minato, a firefighter, due to an unexpected incident. Their journey begins sweetly but takes a tragic turn, emphasizing themes of recovery and loss, making viewers deeply sentimental.

7. To Your Eternity

This anime features an immortal being sent to Earth, capable of transforming into any deceased being nearby. As the narrative unfolds, we encounter numerous well-written characters, each with their own motives and life goals. The journey of this emotionless entity towards humanity captures the significance of experiences and memories, revealing heartbreaking truths about life.

6. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

In Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, David struggles to survive in a dark and dystopian universe. His life transforms dramatically after meeting Lucy, which leads to the introduction of new characters and meanings for his existence. The anime illustrates the long-term impacts of violence and trauma, culminating in a heartbreaking conclusion for David and Lucy, while the stunning visuals please both the cyberpunk and anime communities.

5 . Clannad

Clannad follows Tomoya Okazuki, a delinquent bored with life, who meets Nagisa, determined to revive the drama club. As Tomoya helps her pursue her dreams, he encounters four other girls and learns about their struggles, discovering that his own life may not be as dull as he thought. The sequel movie, Clannad: After Story, promises to leave viewers in tears.

4. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

This poignant tale centers on childhood friends who reunite to fulfill the wish of their deceased friend Menma, who appears as a spirit. The series explores themes of friendship, acceptance of loss, and the emotional connection among friends. The realistic portrayal of their separation and the struggle to accept Menma’s death leads to profound moments that resonate with viewers.

3. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

Shiga lives in a world of words, oblivious to life around him, until he discovers Sakura’s secret. This secret binds them in an unexpected journey. Sakura’s vibrant personality influences him, but this bond’s sustainability is questioned as they navigate life’s complexities.

2. Banana Fish

Ash and Eji — Ash and Use Source: Fandom

In Banana Fish, 17-year-old Ash Lynx, an American gang leader with exceptional skills and a troubled past, crosses paths with Eji Okumura, an assistant to a Japanese photographer. As their bond grows through tender moments, the narrative explores the drug “Banana Fish,”culminating in unexpected twists and a tragic ending that leaves the audience emotionally shattered.

1. Your Lie in April

Your Lie in April tells the story of Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy whose life collapses after his mother’s death, leaving him unable to hear the piano. His dull existence changes upon meeting Kaori, a fellow pianist whose cheerful demeanor pushes him back into the world of music. However, the temporary comfort of her lie poses challenges, indicating that the pain of reality might not be escapable.