Top Emotional Anime Series That Will Bring You to Tears

The anime industry showcases remarkable diversity, mirroring the variety found in other media. Among this vast landscape, certain anime stand out for their exceptional ability to evoke profound sadness, leaving viewers emotionally drained and teary-eyed.

Spanning genres from heartfelt school tales such as Clannad, originally based on visual novels, to sharp societal critiques, anime can evoke feelings that are nuanced and deep. Despite the genre’s broad scope, some sad anime resonate with audiences in especially powerful ways, forging a lasting impact.

Updated on November 2, 2024 by Mark Sammut: The Fall 2024 anime season has initiated a wave of new episodes, allowing audiences to assess the emotional potential of the latest offerings. Although it’s still early in the season, a few shows have demonstrated promise for future heartbreak.

Will Fall 2024 Deliver Tearjerker Anime?

As the season settles in, it’s evident that while many series are just beginning to unfold, the hallmark “sad”anime are often defined by their poignant moments, which may still be on the horizon. The following series stand out as potential candidates capable of delivering genuine emotional impacts as the story progresses:

TsumaSho (or If My Wife Becomes an Elementary School Student) emerges as a frontrunner for emotional depth in Fall 2024. The initial episodes introduce heavy themes such as grief, depression, and child abuse, compelling viewers to engage with its sensitive subject matter. Particularly striking are the experiences of a reincarnated mother dealing with her verbally abusive past while trying to reconnect with her estranged family.
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth offers a gripping historical narrative set in 15th-century Poland, where individuals question the church’s teachings. Although early episodes may not fully emphasize sadness, the series’s dark undertones suggest an ability to embrace heartbreak in future episodes.
Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World returns for its third season, which thus far has been action-driven. However, viewers can anticipate the signature blend of harrowing tragedy and personal sacrifice that has made the series a staple in the realm of tearjerkers.

A Look at Iconic Sad Anime

Unforgettable Moments in Battle Shonen

Popular battle shonen series like One Piece, Naruto, and Dragon Ball harbor poignant moments, though these emotional instances can be separated by countless episodes. For viewers specifically seeking a series to elicit frequent tears, these shows may not be ideal. However, if an extensive action-adventure plot peppered with sporadic emotional scenes sounds appealing, shonen titles are likely to deliver.

Notably, One Piece deftly navigates emotional storytelling, employing a range of sentiments beyond just devastating deaths. Similarly, Fullmetal Alchemist strikes hard at the audience’s emotional core.

Exploring the Magical Girl Madoka

Psychological Trials and Tribulations

Madoka Magica stands out for its duality: while new viewers might be aware of its notable plot twists, the emotional depth of the series remains unfazed. This magical girl narrative touches upon psychological horror, immersing characters in horrific predicaments that test their mental strength. The heart-wrenching moments arise less from gore and more from the palpable despair that permeates the characters’ journeys.

Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World

Facing Trauma & Reflection

While Re:ZERO can be divisive among fans, there’s no denying its ability to evoke tears, especially in emotionally charged moments. The isekai plot transports Subaru to a fantasy world where he initially revels in his hero’s journey—until the darker reality of his existence sets in. As Subaru faces death, guilt, and redemption cycles, viewers witness significant character growth in response to repeated trauma.

Girls Band Cry

Navigating Bullying Through Music

The Spring 2024 season delivered various anime capable of eliciting emotional responses, with titles like Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night garnering attention. Following the journey of an artistic collective called JELEE, this series introduces endearing characters but loses momentum in final episodes due to pacing issues.

On a similar note, Girls Band Cry explores the dynamics of a band’s formation, touching on themes of bullying. Despite its slower beginning, the thoughtful exploration of character relationships enhances its impact, resonating deeply with audiences.

To Your Eternity

The Journey Through Loss

Immortality carries profound consequences in To Your Eternity. A magical orb traverses existence, transforming into shapes that reflect those it encounters. Central to the narrative is the exploration of death, illustrating how relationships shape Fushi’s identity. The series adeptly conveys both joy and sorrow, often leaving a lasting emotional mark on viewers.

5 Centimeters Per Second

The Weight of Nostalgia

5 Centimeters Per Second, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Makoto Shinkai, unfolds the poignant tale of Takaki and Akari, whose childhood bond is tested by the passage of time and distance. Divided into three acts, the narrative intricately weaves a tapestry of longing and heartache, showcasing the sadness of unfulfilled connections and the impact of life’s inevitable changes.

Haibane Renmei

The Duality of Existence

Haibane Renmei captivates with its introspective narrative centered around Rakka, a haibane in a mysterious walled town. The underlying story explores the themes of life, death, and belonging while delving into Rakka’s personal growth against the backdrop of existential dilemmas and heart-wrenching events.

Rumbling Hearts

Romance’s Emotional Tapestry

Adapted from a visual novel, Rumbling Hearts captures the complexities of youthful romance. Following high school sweethearts Takayuki and Haruka, their relationship faces an insurmountable hurdle following a tragic accident, leading to emotional turmoil and heartbreak. The portrayal of flawed yet realistic characters enriches the narrative, making it a relatable exploration of love’s fragility.

Wolf Children

A Mother’s Journey

Wolf Children illustrates the touching journey of Hana, a single mother raising her half-wolf children after encountering a werewolf. The film’s focus on the family’s day-to-day challenges, coupled with the themes of acceptance and love, ensures emotional resonance for viewers seeking a profound story about familial bonds.

Toradora!

The Complexity of Relationships

As a beloved classic, Toradora! masterfully intertwines comedy with emotional moments. Ryuji and Taiga’s evolving relationship encapsulates themes of vulnerability and self-discovery. While the series maintains a lighthearted tone, it deftly transitions into heart-wrenching territory, particularly showcasing Taiga’s struggles as she opens her heart, making viewers emotionally invested in her journey.

Kotaro Lives Alone

The Depth Behind the Humor

Initially presenting as a lighthearted tale, Kotaro Lives Alone gradually reveals profound themes surrounding childhood trauma and resilience. This heartwarming yet poignant narrative focuses on a precocious four-year-old who navigates life alone, finding community and care from his neighbors, while the underlying emotional backstory invites viewers to reflect on the complexity of childhood.

Now And Then, Here And There

Children of War

Now And Then, Here And There is renowned for its harrowing portrayal of war’s impact on innocence. This 1999 anime navigates dark themes through the eyes of a young boy unwittingly thrust into a battle-scarred world. The narrative challenges the viewer to confront the brutal realities of conflict, making it a poignant yet discomforting experience.

Ef – A Tale Of Memories & A Tale Of Melodies

A Deep Dive Into Emotion

Ef is a strikingly emotional adaptation of a visual novel, structured around two interwoven romantic stories. Delivering unapologetic melodrama, the series successfully tackles serious topics with engaging narratives and relatable characters. Both seasons explore the fragility of love and the complexities of human relationships, leading to numerous moments of sadness.

March Comes In Like A Lion

Confronting Inner Demons

March Comes In Like a Lion depicts the struggles of Rei Kiriyama, a professional shogi player grappling with depression and isolation. The narrative delves into complex themes of mental health, trauma, and healing, skillfully portraying how connections with others can pave paths toward recovery and hope in an often-dark world.

Terror In Resonance

A Chilling Social Commentary

Terror in Resonance, released in 2014, tackles pressing modern issues through a psychological lens. This gripping tale revolves around two teenagers seeking to expose truths behind terrorism, leaving behind a chilling commentary on society’s fragility. The series pushes the envelope in addressing contemporary themes, remaining relevant in today’s world.

Made In Abyss

The Depths of Despair

Made in Abyss takes viewers on a dark adventure through the titular Abyss, where beauty and horror intertwine. The journey of Riko and her robot companion uncovers grim realities that unfold as they traverse increasingly perilous depths. This Rich narrative ultimately challenges both emotional and psychological boundaries, showcasing how innocence can be fundamentally altered by external circumstances.

Fruits Basket (2019)

Healing Through Relationships

Fruits Basket encompasses a rich emotional journey as Tohru Honda navigates her life after losing her mother. Upon encountering the Sohma family, she discovers unexpected joys and heartaches in a world filled with magical curses. The series carefully balances lighthearted moments with serious themes, ultimately leading to deep insights into healing and the importance of individuals’ support systems.

Angel Beats!

Existential Exploration in Afterlife

Angel Beats! dives into themes of life after death, set in a school-like purgatory where Otonashi and others grapple with unresolved issues. This anime artfully mixes humor and heartache, encapsulating the complexity of human emotions and experiences. It’s a perfect entry point for newcomers keen to explore the melancholic side of anime storytelling.

Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War In The Pocket

Navigating Innocence During Conflict

Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War In The Pocket offers a profound coming-of-age narrative amid war. Following a young child who befriends soldiers from opposing factions, the series reveals the human side of conflict rather than the usual focus on mechs and battles. Its personal tale invites viewers to witness how war’s harsh realities shape and challenge innocence.

I Want To Eat Your Pancreas

An Intimate Journey of Love

With a title that belies its warmth, I Want To Eat Your Pancreas chronicles a poignant relationship between Haruki and Sakura, a girl with a terminal illness. Their journey is marked by profound moments that highlight the beauty and sadness of life, ultimately leaving audiences with an impactful, bittersweet experience.

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