Anime is a medium that has the power to evoke a range of emotions within its viewers. It can make you laugh, scream, and even cry. Sad anime, in particular, has the ability to pull at our heartstrings and leave us with a heavy feeling in our chest. These anime recommendations are guaranteed to leave you feeling emotional and possibly shedding a tear or two.
Your Lie in April
Your Lie in April is a beautiful and heartbreaking anime that follows the story of Kosei Arima, a former child prodigy pianist who loses the ability to hear the sound of his own playing after the death of his abusive mother. Years later, Kosei meets a free-spirited violinist named Kaori Miyazono who helps him rediscover his love for music and life. The anime is a rollercoaster of emotions and deals with themes of loss, love, and self-discovery.
Clannad: After Story
Clannad: After Story is the second season of the anime Clannad and is often considered one of the saddest anime of all time. The anime follows the story of Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa as they navigate their way through high school and early adulthood. The anime deals with themes of family, love, and loss and will leave you in tears by the end.
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is a short and powerful anime that follows the story of a group of childhood friends who are reunited after the death of one of their friends, Menma. The anime deals with themes of grief, guilt, and regret and will leave you feeling emotional and possibly shedding tears by the end.
Grave of the Fireflies
Grave of the Fireflies is a classic anime film that tells the story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, who are trying to survive during the aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima in World War II. The anime is a powerful commentary on the effects of war and is a must-watch for anyone interested in historical anime.
Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden is a visually stunning anime that follows the story of Violet, a former child soldier who is trying to find her place in a world that no longer needs her. The anime deals with themes of loss, trauma, and self-discovery and will leave you feeling emotional and possibly shedding tears by the end.
Angel Beats!
Angel Beats! is a unique and emotional anime that follows the story of a group of students who are stuck in a limbo-like afterlife. The anime deals with themes of grief, loss, and acceptance and will leave you feeling emotional and possibly shedding tears by the end.
Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 is a gripping and realistic anime that follows the story of two siblings, Mirai and Yuuki, as they try to survive a massive earthquake that strikes Tokyo. The anime deals with themes of family, loss, and survival and will leave you feeling emotional and possibly shedding tears by the end.
A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice is a beautifully animated and emotional anime that tells the story of Shoya Ishida, a young boy who bullied a deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya in elementary school. Years later, Shoya tries to make amends for his past actions and forms a deep connection with Shoko. The anime deals with themes of redemption, forgiveness, and love and will leave you feeling emotional and possibly shedding tears by the end.