Top 30 Anime That Will Definitely Make You Cry - Netflix Edition

Anime has this remarkable ability to stir up a whirlwind of emotions within us. It’s like a rollercoaster ride for our feelings, with highs and lows that leave us breathless.

And while we have plenty of anime that lift our spirits and fill us with inspiration, there’s an equal number that leaves us reaching for the tissues, our hearts heavy with sorrow.

These anime talks about themes like love, war, loss, and tragedy, hitting us right in the feels and leaving a lasting imprint on our souls. They’re the kind of shows that can turn even the toughest of us into a blubbering mess, reminding us of the depth of human emotion and the fragility of life.

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So, let’s take a journey through some of the most heart-wrenching anime out there, the ones that will leave you reaching for the tissues and pondering the meaning of it all.

1) Grave Of The fireflies

When it comes to heartbreaking anime, few can rival the emotional impact of Grave of the Fireflies.

While Studio Ghibli is known for its heartwarming tales, this film takes a different route, plunging viewers into the devastating reality of war-torn Japan during World War II.

The story follows a young boy and his little sister as they struggle to survive amidst the chaos and destruction of the war. Their journey is filled with hardship and tragedy, painting a poignant picture of the human cost of conflict.

2) A Silent Voice

A Silent Voice is an anime that shows the consequences of bullying, redemption, and forgiveness. Following the story of Shouya Ishida and Shouko Nishimiya, it portrays the devastating effects of bullying on both the victim and the perpetrator.

As Shouya seeks redemption for his past actions, the anime discusses themes of depression and anxiety with sensitivity and depth.

With stunning animation and a powerful storyline, A Silent Voice is a must-watch anime that leaves viewers with a profound sense of hope and understanding.

3) Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket isn’t your ordinary slice-of-life anime; it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that takes you on a journey filled with intense highs and lows. Its remarkable storytelling and profound themes have earned it the prestigious title of MAL’s top-rated anime when its final season aired, a testament to its exceptional quality.

Ranked among the best anime ever created, Fruits Basket doesn’t shy away from showing the complexities of love, both its joys and sorrows.

While it offers moments of romantic fulfillment, it also mentions the darker facets of love, leaving a bittersweet ache in your heart. Prepare yourself with a box of tissues before watching this this melancholic masterpiece.

4) I Want To Eat Your Pancreas

“I Want to Eat Your Pancreas” starts off as a typical rom-com anime but takes a sudden and unexpected turn as it reaches its end. Many fans, found the main character, Haruki Shiga, to be incredibly relatable.

As an introvert leading a secluded life, Haruki’s life is turned upside down when he discovers his classmate’s secret diary, altering the course of both their lives forever.

A Still from “I Want To Eat Your Pancreas”

The anime beautifully portrays the evolving bond between the main characters, charming viewers with its heartfelt depiction.

While the story may seem simple, it’s the depth of the characters and the quality of animation that truly enhances this anime movie

5) Erased

Erased distinguishes itself in heartbreaking anime with its intricate narrative that spans two distinct timelines.

Following protagonist Satoru Fujinuma, a 29-year-old manga artist thrust back 18 years in time, the series intricately weaves together themes of tragedy, mystery, and the profound impact of one’s actions.

Viewers are drawn into a gripping tale that masterfully shows the complexities of time-traveling while delivering poignant character development that resonates long after the final episode.

6) Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 plunges viewers into the heart-wrenching aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake in Tokyo, Japan, following 13-year-old Mirai Onozawa and her younger brother

Yuuki as they travel the devastated city in search of safety and their family. Their chance encounter with motorcyclist Mari Kusakabe becomes a lifeline amidst the chaos, as the trio grapples with the harsh realities of survival and the desperate longing for reunification.

Through its realistic portrayal of human emotions and the stark devastation of a natural disaster, the series delivers a gut-wrenching and poignant viewing experience that resonates deeply with audiences.

With just 11 episodes, Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 stands as one of the most impactful and heartbreaking anime offerings in its genre.

7) Clannad

The Clannad series has garnered widespread acclaim from both fans and critics alike.

The first season follows high school students maneuver life’s challenges, while its continuation, Clannad After Story, deals with the struggles of adulthood, emphasizing the importance of family bonds.

With high ratings on platforms like My Anime List, the series is renowned for its quality storytelling. However, viewers should brace themselves for the emotionally intense second half, which is known to evoke deep sadness.

Clannad is a poignant and heart-wrenching anime experience that shouldn’t be missed, unless one is unprepared for its profound impact.

8) Voilet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden is a masterpiece that stands out for its emotional depth and stunning visuals.

Following the journey of the titular character from soldier to auto memory doll, the anime shows self-discovery and human connection through poignant storytelling.

With each episode offering a heartfelt narrative, viewers are drawn into Violet’s quest to understand herself and the environment around her, leaving a lasting impact that resonates long after the credits roll.

9) Plastic memories

In Plastic Memories, Tsukasa Mizugaki finds himself working alongside Isla, an AI with human-like emotions, at the SAI Corporation. As their partnership develops, Tsukasa begins to develop romantic feelings for Isla.

Despite the inevitable heartbreak that comes with the premise, the anime offers a refreshing twist to the slice-of-life genre with its sci-fi elements.

While not as emotionally intense as some other series, Plastic Memories still delivers a worthwhile experience with its mix of romance and heartbreak across its short 13-episode run.

10) Orange

Orange offers a poignant high school drama and challenges faced by protagonist Naho Takamiya as she lives her senior year.

When she receives a mysterious letter from her future self, urging her to correct past mistakes, Naho finds herself drawn into a compelling narrative that blends slice-of-life elements with a touch of mystery.

The series serves as a valuable lesson on friendship and life, resonating with young anime fans while occasionally evoking feelings of melancholy.

Despite its emotional depth, Orange ultimately uplifts viewers, making it a rewarding anime experience. Additionally, the sequel movie, Orange: Mirai, provides further insight into the story and is highly recommended for fans of the series.

11) Made In Abyss

At first glance, Made in Abyss may seem like a children’s anime, but it defies expectations with its compelling narrative and mature themes.

Renowned for its exceptional setting, stunning art style, and characters, this anime is a standout on our list.

Made in Abyss expertly blends moments of light-heartedness with darker, more intense content, creating a nuanced and engaging viewing experience that resonates with audiences globally.

With its recent season finale drawing even more fans to the series, now is the perfect time to discover this hidden gem of an anime.

12) Your Name

Your Name is indeed a masterpiece that captured the hearts of audiences, propelling its writer and director, Makoto Shinkai, to international acclaim.

This anime movie transcended borders to become a global phenomenon,charming audiences not only in Japan but also around the globe.

Its enduring popularity is evident in the frequent special screenings, even in countries like India, showcasing the unwavering love and admiration of the anime fandom.

Renowned for its breathtaking animation and poignant soundtrack, Your Name continues to resonate with viewers, solidifying its status as a timeless classic in anime.

13) 5 Centimeters Per Second

5 Centimeters per Second marked a significant milestone in Makoto Shinkai’s career, serving as his inaugural full-length feature film.

With this poignant anime, Shinkai shows the bittersweet realities and challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship, as seen through the eyes of protagonists Takaki Toono and Akari Shinohara.

As they understant the complexities of their circumstances, life’s inevitable obstacles threaten to tear them apart. Will fate reunite them once more? The answer lies within this emotionally stirring anime, which showcases stellar animation and compelling characters.

5 Centimeters per Second stands as a testament to Shinkai’s storytelling prowess and is a cinematic experience that is not to be missed.

14) Terror In Resonance

Terror in Resonance offers a gripping narrative centered around a devastating terrorist attack in Japan, shunning typical shounen tropes for a more intense experience.

The clues left behind, coupled with the emergence of two mysterious boys from the Sphinx clan, drive the plot forward with an air of suspense and intrigue.

Despite criticisms of pacing, the anime’s emotional depth remains undeniable, culminating in a poignant ending that resonates long after the final episode.

15) Your Lie In April

Your Lie in April is renowned for its ability to evoke intense emotions, drawing viewers into the poignant tale of Kousei Arima and Kaori Miyazono.

As their intertwined journey unfolds, the anime masterfully shows themes of trauma, depression, and resilience, leaving a lasting impact on audiences with its bittersweet yet uplifting narrative.

16) Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day shows the theme of loss and the journey to find closure. Through the story of five childhood friends reuniting after the death of their friend Menma, the anime shows how each character copes with grief in their own way.

A Still from “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day”

As they work together to fulfill Menma’s unfulfilled wishes, the anime evokes a profound sense of sadness that resonates with viewers.

With its emotional depth and touching narrative, Anohana is sure to leave a lasting impact, compelling audiences to confront their own emotions about loss and moving on.

17) Into The Forest Of Fireflies’ Light

Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light is a poignant anime with a concise runtime of just 45 minutes. It follows the story of Hotaru, a young girl who encounters Gin, a spirit residing in the forest. As their friendship blossoms into something deeper, they must confront the limitations of their connection due to Gin’s curse.

A Still from “Into The Forest Of Fireflies’ Light”

Despite its short duration, the anime effectively captures the emotions of the protagonists and portrays their bond with authenticity. Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light offers a unique and touching narrative, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a brief yet impactful sad anime experience.

18) Banana Fish

Banana Fish offers a unique anime experience, differentiating from conventional tropes with its gripping narrative adapted from Akimi Yoshida’s manga series.

The clash between Mafia leader Dino and Ash Lynx sets the stage for a gripping storyline, further enriched by the romance between Ash and Eiji Okumura amidst the turmoil of war.

With its blend of Mafia intrigue and heartfelt relationships, Banana Fish delivers both action-packed scenes and poignant moments, leaving viewers immersed in its compelling tale of love and conflict.

19) Wolf Children

While its poster may evoke Ghibli vibes, this anime movie is the work of Studio Chizu. It follows the story of a mother tasked with raising her two children after her partner’s tragic accident, revealing a twist: her partner was a werewolf, and their children inherit his supernatural trait.

Set in modern times, the film shows the challenges of single parenthood and coping with loss, delivering a poignant message amidst its emotional narrative. Handling themes of grief and acceptance with maturity, this movie stands out as one of the best in the anime genre.

20) To Your Eternity

To Your Eternity is a deeply emotional anime that may not appeal to everyone, but it stands out as the latest work from Yoshitoki Ōima, known for “A Silent Voice.”

Unlike her previous work, this anime follows a solitary individual who roams the snow-covered wilderness of North America, where he forms a profound bond with a wolf.

Upon its release, To Your Eternity was hailed as one of the best-animated series in recent memory, thanks to its compelling story and heartfelt characters. Its ability to evoke strong emotions makes it a noteworthy addition to the genre of sad anime.

21) The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, adapted from Yasutaka Tsutsui’s novel, is an anime movie centered on the theme of time travel.

Makoto Konno, a high school student, discovers she has the ability to leap through time, which she begins to use without fully understanding its consequences.

A Still from “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time”

As she alters events in the past, she inadvertently impacts her own life and the lives of those around her.

Despite being released in 2006, the film remains a poignant addition to the genre of sad anime, boasting nostalgic appeal, stunning animation, and a compelling soundtrack.

22) Jose, The Tiger And The Fish

“Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish” is a heartwarming anime movie that centers around Tsuneo Suzukawa, a marine biology student striving to pursue his dreams despite financial constraints.

When he encounters an elderly woman offering him a caretaker job for her granddaughter, Kumiko, who prefers to be called Josee, Tsuneo’s life takes an unexpected turn. Despite initial misgivings, the two form a deep bond as they work towards their aspirations.

A Still from “Jose, The Tiger And The Fish”

This slice-of-life drama is celebrated for its endearing characters and realistic storytelling, offering a heartfelt and uplifting experience without veering into a depressing narrative.

23) Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (FMAB) is celebrated as one of the greatest anime ever created, earning top rankings on My Anime List’s anime rankings.

Its narrative follows two brothers who, after a failed attempt to resurrect their deceased mother through alchemy, head on a journey to find the philosopher’s stone to restore their bodies.

A Still from “Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood”

Despite its thrilling plot, FMAB also delivers poignant and heartbreaking moments that resonate deeply with viewers, contributing to its enduring popularity and acclaim.

24) Weathering With You

“Weathering With You” stands as one of Makoto Shinkai’s most celebrated works, meeting the high expectations set by the global success of “Your Name.” Set in a rainy Tokyo, the film charms audiences with its stunning animation and emotive soundtrack.

The story follows Hodaka Morishima, a high school student who flees to Tokyo and encounters Hina Amano, an orphaned girl with the ability to control the weather.

However, as they embrace this extraordinary power, they soon discover the weight of responsibility that accompanies it.

25) Children Who Chase Lost Voices

“Children Who Chase Lost Voices” is Makoto Shinkai’s follow-up movie to his acclaimed work, “5 Centimeters per Second,” another coming-of-age drama centered on young love.

The story follows Asuna Watase, who stumbles upon mysterious music emanating from her radio left by her late father, leading her on a journey to a hidden universe alongside a boy named Shun.

A Still from “The Children Who chase Lost Voices”

While the film may not reach the heights of Shinkai’s best works, it offers an entertaining experience with Ghibli-esque animation that will appeal to Studio Ghibli fans. Despite its flaws, it effectively shows themes of loss and heartbreak, making it a compelling watch for audiences.

26) Oshi No Ko

“Oshi no Ko talks about the Japanese music industry and idol culture, offering a unique perspective on the challenges faced by entertainers. The anime centers around twins born to a prominent idol, whose unusual origins add a surreal layer to their journey through the rough waters of the entertainment business.

Despite its unconventional premise, the series talks about ambition, identity, and the harsh realities of fame. Created by the same mind behind the popular rom-com “Kaguya-sama: Love is War,” “Oshi no Ko” takes a darker turn, showcasing themes of despair and hardship that may tug at the heartstrings of viewers.

27) Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners,” the anime adaptation of the popular game Cyberpunk 2077, took audiences by storm upon its release on Netflix.

Despite the mixed reactions to the game itself, the anime garnered widespread acclaim, even winning the prestigious Anime of the Year award at the 2023 Anime Awards.

Set in a futuristic city where society is driven by technological advancements and body modifications, the story follows a young protagonist who struggles to survive in this high-tech life.

To thrive in such a society, he becomes an Edgerunner, facing challenges and dangers along the way.

While the anime offers a cool and intriguing setup, it also talks about deeper themes and emotions, particularly towards the end, making it a must-watch for fans of futuristic settings and compelling storytelling.

28) The Wind Rises

“The Wind Rises” is a poignant fictionalized biographical film that chronicles the life of Jiro Horikoshi, an aviation engineer credited with creating the Mitsubishi A5M fighter plane.

Throughout his journey, Jiro faces numerous challenges and setbacks in his pursuit of building a working aircraft. Along the way, he meets Nahoko Satomi, with whom he eventually becomes engaged.

However, Nahoko’s battle with tuberculosis casts a shadow over their relationship, leading to bittersweet moments as they learn to love amidst adversity.

Despite Jiro’s eventual success in creating the Mitsubishi A5M, the film is underscored by a sense of melancholy, particularly when tragedy strikes and Jiro loses his beloved wife Nahoko.

“The Wind Rises” stands out as a deeply moving romance anime, offering a reflective and emotionally resonant portrayal of love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams.

29) Whisper Of The Heart

“Whisper of the Heart,” a Japanese animated film from Studio Ghibli, follows the story of Shizuku Tsukishima, a young girl living in Tokyo with a passion for creative writing. As she begans to write a novel blending fantasy with her own experiences, she encounters Seiji Amasawa, a determined boy aspiring to become a master luthier.

Seiji’s dedication to his dream inspires Shizuku to pursue her own, leading to both uplifting and challenging moments along the way. While not among the saddest romance anime, “Whisper of the Heart” offers a mix of poignant and inspiring themes, culminating in a heartwarming end that makes it a worthwhile watch.

30) When Marnie Was There

“When Marnie Was There” follows Anna, a lonely girl who forms a deep bond with Marnie, a mysterious girl she meets in an abandoned mansion. As Anna unravels the secrets of her past through her friendship with Marnie, the film talks about identity and belonging.

While ultimately hopeful, the story carries a poignant sadness as Anna confronts her personal struggles and discovers the truth about Marnie’s identity. The emotional depth and bittersweet undertones of the film make it a poignant and touching experience for viewers.