30 Best Saddest Anime of All Time

As with other entertainment forms, anime has developed into an excellent means of telling stories. Anime with heartfelt stories have attracted a broader following despite more realistic representations of human emotions and other aspects of life. An increasing number of anime fans now enjoy these heartwarming stories that move them and impart life-changing messages. Take a box of tissues to watch these saddest anime series!

The most famous anime genres are slice-of-life, action, adventure, and science fiction. Still, most of these series also have a great deal of emotional content that helps viewers connect with the characters and feel the emotions they are experiencing. We will focus on tearjerker anime in this article, however, which has a reputation for making you cry. Some sad anime is available on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. So here are our sad anime recommendations.

30. Elfen Lied

Director: Mamoru Kanbe
Writer: Takao Yoshioka
Cast: Sanae Kobayashi, Chihiro Suzuki, Mamiko Noto, Sam Saletta
IMDb Ratings: 7.9
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Prime Video

Elfen Lied has a reputation for being quite sad. The show begins with a fairly horrifying sequence of animal brutality, so viewers may wish to avoid it or locate a guide that advises them what to skip over if that breaks their hearts.

Elfen Lied centers on Lucy, a young girl who is a Diclonius—human endowed with dreadful abilities. She ends up being the subject of a cruel scientific experiment. After finally escaping by murdering everyone in her path, Lucy sustains a wound that transforms her into an infantile state. It’s one of the most divisive anime series available, and it’s undoubtedly not for the weak of the heart.

29. True Tears

Director: Junji Nishimura
Writer: Mari Okada
Cast: Makoto Ishii, Ayahi Takagaki, Kaori Nazuka, Yuka Iguchi
IMDb Ratings: 8
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Prime Video

True Tears is a relatively simple and basic romantic narrative, but it doesn’t mean that by the end of the show, viewers won’t be sobbing uncontrollably. It centers on a boy named Shinichirou Nakagami, who eventually moves in with the girl for whom he has feelings.

Shinichirou, however, starts to observe that she behaves significantly differently at home compared to when they are somewhere else. He wants to support her in the best way he can, but he finds it challenging to do so while also caring for himself.

28. Your Name

Director: Makoto Shinkai
Writer: Makoto Shinkai
Cast: Ryūnosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi
IMDb Ratings: 8.4
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
Streaming Platform: Prime Video or Vudu

In anime, the concept of fate is nothing new. It appears frequently in a number of the medium’s genres. Your Name, on the other hand, approaches it from a fresh angle that is certain to move the audience to tears. Mitsuha and Taki are followed in the film. They are both high school students from common, modest backgrounds.

Despite her inability to pay for it, Mitsuha aspires to live in Tokyo. Taki finds it challenging to continue his education while holding down a part-time job. When they unexpectedly trade bodies, these two incredibly relatable characters are thrown together by fate. They quickly come to the realization that nothing in their lives is actually a coincidence and that their activities profoundly affect one another.

27. Orange

Director: Naomi Nakayama
Writer: Yūko Kakihara
Cast: Kana Hanazawa, Seiichiro Yamashita, Kazuyuki Okitsu
IMDb Ratings: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

Orange initially appears to be your typical mystery anime. Naho Takamiya, the story’s main character, receives a letter from her future self. But as they refer to the passing of her classmate Kakeru, she must decipher the meaning of these messages.

They foretell the greatest calamity for Naho and everyone else if she is unable to decipher the meanings of these letters. Viewers are taken on a journey alongside the characters as they each struggle with their regret, remorse, and loss in Orange, which is immensely melancholy.

26. I Want To Eat Your Pancreas

Director: Shinichiro Ushijima
Writer: Shinichiro Ushijima
Cast: Mahiro Takasugi, Lynn, Yukiyo Fujii, Yuma Uchida
IMDb Ratings: 8
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Streaming Platform: Netflix

Haruki and his popular classmate Sakura are the subjects of this movie. Sakura is now attending school and making an effort to live as normally as she can despite having a fatal pancreatic illness that will soon claim her life. When Haruki finds Sakura’s diary in a hospital waiting room, he learns this, and the two of them grow quite close after that. Before Sakura unexpectedly passes away—not from her illness, but rather from being stabbed to death by an unknown person—the two spend a lot of time together, taking a long train ride, checking things off of Sakura’s bucket list, and going outside to watch fireworks. Rather than Sakura’s impending passing, which was predictable, Haruki must deal with her sudden, unexpected, and utterly arbitrary death.

The remaining portion of the movie centers on Haruki as he gradually puts Sakura’s death into perspective while also telling Sakura’s closest friend Kyoko about her condition. Only two persons who have lost a loved one may bring the two together in this way.

25. Whisper of the Heart

Director: Yoshifumi Kondō
Writer: Aoi Hiiragi
Cast: Yoshifumi Kondō, Issei Takahashi
IMDb Ratings: 7.9
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix

In her spare time, Shizuku Tsukishima enjoys reading and writing poetry. When she glances at the checkout cards of her library books one evening, she sees that a boy named Seiji Amasawa frequently checks out her books.

After becoming interested in the shop, she finds Seiji, with whom she quickly becomes friends. However, Shizuku discovers that Seiji has a dream that he wishes to fulfill, which causes her disappointment. She remains unsure of her future and has yet to recognize her talents.

Shizuku, however, becomes more and more determined to reach her goal as her relationship with Seiji grows. Finally, she resolves to carve out her potential and dreams between the main characters, guided by the whispers of her heart and the inspiration of the Baron. This sad anime has some heartwarming moments.

24. A Silent Voice

Director: Naoko Yamada
Writer: Naoko Yamada
Cast: Saori Hayami, Miyu Irino
IMDb Ratings: 8.2
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix

To escape boredom, Shouya Ishida engaged in cruel acts in the sad anime, A silent voice. He and the other students in his class thoughtlessly bully Shouko Nishimiya after she transfers into their class.

His behavior toward her is blamed on him when his mother notifies the school. When Shouko transferred out, Shouya was left to fend for himself. He is heartlessly ostracized throughout elementary and middle school while teachers turn a blind eye.

Shouya is still haunted by his wrongdoings as a young boy now that he is in his third year of high school. After deeply regretting his past actions, he embarks on a journey to redeem himself by meeting Shouko once again in the incredibly sad anime A Silent Voice. Fans of the series will readily admit to shedding tears during the final episode.

23. Violet Evergarden

Director: Taichi Ishidate
Writer: Reiko Yoshida
Cast: Daisuke Namikawa, Takehito Koyasu
IMDb Ratings: 8.5
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix

Despite being a profound and moving anime, Violet Evergarden contains moments that will undoubtedly leave you with tears in your eyes. It is one of the few animes that leaves its viewers devastated by the end.

The main character, Violet Evergarden, has been explicitly raised to fight. However, after recovering from her wounds and coming to terms with the war’s end, she had to find a new reason for living. Eventually, she begins working as an Auto Memory Doll, which is a job that converts people’s thoughts into written words.

22. Assassination Classroom

Director: Seiji Kishi
Writer: John Burgmeier, J. Micheal Tatum, Yusei Matsui, Makoto Uezu
Cast: Jun Fukuyama, Christopher Bevins, Mai Fuchigami, Luci Christian, Josh Grelle
IMDb: 8
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
Streaming Platform: Netflix, Amazon Prime

Assassination Classroom is a comedic tale released in the year 2013. The Story starts when a mysterious creature stubbornly informs humanity that he will destroy the Earth within a year. Next, an inhuman creature assumes the position of teacher for a group of misfits, warning that if he is not killed by the end of the year, he will destroy the planet.

Students are taught how to kill Koro-sensei by a creature named Koro-sensei and how to accept themselves. A good teacher can make a positive difference in a student’s life, and the show is designed to illustrate that.

21. Rascal Does Not Dream Of A Dreaming Girl

Director: Sôichi Masui
Writer: Masahiro Yokotani
Cast: Mai Sakurajima, Shoko Makinohara
IMDb Ratings: 7.9
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix

Following the high school graduation of Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa from the critically acclaimed slice-of-life series Clannad, this sequel continues the Story. Both of them experience the ups and downs of growing up together. Tomoya discovers the importance of a strong work ethic and the strength of Nagisa’s support after being unable to decide on his future. As a couple, they are committed to resolving their problems, deepening old relationships, and forging new bonds through their unity of purpose.

The Illusionary World also moves forward with time. A difficult situation arises for the Illusionary Girl and Garbage Doll as the coldness of winter approaches and reveals the true intention of the World.

20. Clannad: After Story

Director: Tatsuya Ishihara
Writer: Fumihiko Shimo
Cast: Yuichi Nakamura, Mai Nakahara
IMDb Ratings: 7.9
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix

Tomoya discovers the importance of a strong work ethic and the strength of Nagisa’s support after being unable to decide on his future. As a couple, they are committed to resolving their problems, deepening old relationships, and forging new bonds through their unity of purpose.

The Illusionary World also moves forward over time. A difficult situation arises for the Illusionary Girl and Garbage Doll as the coldness of winter approaches and reveals the true intention of the World.

In Clannad: After Story, based on the visual novel by Key and produced by Kyoto Animation, the importance of family and the difficulties of adulthood are explored. It is indeed one of the saddest anime series!

19. Clannad

Director: Tatsuya Ishihara
Writer: Fumihiko Shimo
Cast: Yuichi Nakamura, Mai Nakahara
IMDb Ratings: 8.6
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

Clannad is a raw, emotionally engaging anime that is one of the saddest series. Typically, the movie begins with a depressed guy attending a new high school and finding himself in a harem. However, the characters shine brightly in this series.

Each one has a tragic backstory with a sympathetic ending. Nagisa’s dream is to revive the drama club, but she has been held back a year because of a severe illness. First, Tomoya asks Nagisa why she’s been held back. Then, with the help of four girls and the claim that he cannot do anything else, he decides to assist her in her goal.

Tomoya spends more time with the girls, so he learns about their problems. After helping each girl overcome her obstacles, he realizes that life isn’t as dull as he once thought.

All of them have been able to overcome their traumas thanks to their strong relationships. Clannad’s characters, however, move on. This is what sets it apart from other games. The characters mature.

18. Angel Beats!

Director- Seiji Kishi
Writer- Jun Maeda
Cast- Blake Shepard, Brittney Karbowski
IMDb Rating- 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes– 77%
Streaming Details- Netflix

Have you ever watched Angel Beats? In addition to focusing on a group of teenagers (of course), the setting is also unique. Those who have passed but cannot give up their attachment to life and their loved ones are buried in high school.

They need to let go to rest in peace in Angel Beats. Doesn’t it sound sad already? In addition to the setting, the constant angst of the characters makes the show nearly unbearable to watch. The sad situations, unlikely friendships, and relationship drama of the characters will make you cry.

17. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Director: Yukihiro Miyamoto
Writer: Gen Urobuchi
Cast: Cristina Vee, Aoi Yuki
IMDb Ratings: 8.3
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix

It’s hard to explain what Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica (Puella Magi Madoka Magica) is like… It’s not your typical magical girl anime series. Instead, it’s dark and grim from the anime industry. This is phenomenal, a series full of broken characters and a setting that is beyond depressing.

You will not find any magical girls’ series here if you’re expecting a happy-go-lucky one. Instead, get ready for a dark and sad story with many emotional moments and heartfelt dramas in this best sad anime when you watch Madoka Magica. Your tears will indeed flow!

16. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
Writer: Mari Okada
Cast: Ai Kayano, Haruka Tomatsu
IMDb Ratings: 8.2
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

The characters in AnoHana (The Flower We Saw That Day) are hurting from mistakes they made in the past. It is the Story of teenage friends trying to deal with their past, like coping with the Death of a Childhood Friend. Tragically, they have been separated by accident. After five years, Menma’s friends gather once more to assist her in fulfilling her last wish before she passes on into the afterlife.

Throughout the day, they struggle to get over their guilt. Throughout the entire film, you won’t be able to let go of the characters’ powerful emotions! You’ll be in tears after watching this anime just by listening to the ending song!

15. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

Director: Masaki Tachibana
Writer: Natsuko Takahashi
Cast: Yumiko Kobayashi, Satomi Hanamura
IMDb Ratings: 7.9
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 focuses on a rare anime theme – the destruction and pain caused by natural catastrophes. As a result of a devastating earthquake in Tokyo, two young siblings must make their way home.

We examine how an earthquake of that magnitude would affect innocent people. The Story depicts real-life tragedies, a heartbreaking story about a force completely out of control that generates heartbreaking moments and grief.

14. Byousoku 5 Centimeter (5 Centimeters Per Second)

Director: Makoto Shinkai
Writer: Makoto Shinkai
Cast: Kenji Mizuhashi, Hilary Haag
IMDb Ratings: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix

A story about two friends torn apart by life is told in 5 Centimeters per Second (Byousoku 5 Centimeter). Although they try, they cannot keep in touch. Finally, almost none of them speak anymore. As time goes on, they begin to remember.

As they wait, they pray they will see one another again. Sadly, this Story is not uncommon. Many viewers share similar experiences. It would be nice if they were reunited. They are universally relatable. Tears are in order!

13. Steins; Gate

Director: Hiroshi Hamasaki
Writer: Jukki Hanada
Cast: Asami Imai, Mamoru Miyano
IMDb Ratings: 8.8
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix

Steins; Gate is an anime that is popular among suspense fans. Intensely desperate characters can be overwhelmed by blossoming relationships as they overcome overwhelming obstacles!

The Story revolves around several friends building a device that can send messages across time and cause ripple effects through the present and past.

While it might not be one of the saddest anime movies like the others, it is filled with characters whose circumstances can bring tears to our eyes. It is indeed one of the saddest anime that will make you cry.

12. Hotaru no Haka (Grave of the Fireflies)

Director: Isao Takahata
Writer: Akiyuki Nosaka
Cast: Ayano Shiraishi, Tsutomu Tatsumi
IMDb Ratings: 8.5
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

The brilliant Isao Takahata directed Grave of the Fireflies. After a firebombing by the Americans during the Second World War in the final days of World War II separates Seita (Tsutomu Tatsumi) and his younger sister, Setsuko (Ayano Shiraishi), from their parents at a young age, this moving Story analyzes the human cost of war through the eyes of Sita. Their Story of survival is as heartbreaking and true to life as it is heartbreaking in Grave of the Fireflies.

The siblings’ sole responsibility is to stay together and survive against all odds. Any human being with even a half-hearted heart will shed tears while watching Grave of the Fireflies.

While watching the Grave of the Fireflies, you will find the audience crying due to the setting. However, let us not forget that anime creators love making them have a good cry through the characters and the unimaginable situation in which they find themselves.

11. Pokemon: Mewtwo no Gyakushuu (Pokemon: The First Movie)

Director: Kunihiko Yuyama
Writer: Atsuhiro Tomioka
Cast: Ikue Ōtani, Rica Matsumoto
IMDb Ratings: 6.3
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

Many viewers may find this movie nostalgic. The Story tells how Mewtwo allegedly challenges Ash to a duel on an uninhabited island, revealing his first anime appearance.

The scenes between Pokemon and the trainer that follow are some of the most touching scenes you’ll ever see. Just thinking about them makes me cry.

10. Chrono Crusade

Director: Yū Kō
Writer: Atsuhiro Tomioka
Cast: Akira Ishida, Tomoko Kawakami
IMDb Ratings: 7.1
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

Despite its seemingly innocuous nature, the adventures of a nun and her (benevolent) demon sidekick are packed with awesome supernatural action.

The goal and motivation of each character, as well as the bond between them, will make you cry.

9. Ima, Soko ni Iru Boku (Now and Then, Here and Now)

Director: Akitaro Daichi
Writer: Hideyuki Kurata
Cast: Akemi Okamura, Kaori Nazuka
IMDb Ratings: 7.9
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

There’s nothing wrong with crying after watching this anime, even if it’s a little older. A young boy is transported to a different time or World in Ima, Soko ni Iru Boku. Shen’s new World is dystopian, in which water is scarce, and females are captured for breeding (remind you of Mad Max? ).

The similarities do not stop there. The same themes of morality, war, slavery, and other dark themes are found in Ima, Soko ni Iru Boku. Makes you think while giving you the sniffles! It is indeed one of the saddest anime series!

8. Isshuukan Friends (One Week Friends)

Director: Tarou Iwasaki
Writer: Shōtarō Suga
Cast: Yoshitaka Yamaya, Sora Amamiya
IMDb Ratings: 7.1
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

This (better) anime version of Adam Sandler’s 50 First Dates examines the difficulties of making and keeping friends and love when your memories don’t last long enough to generate enduring bonds. It isn’t just Kaori’s amnesia effects; her classmates are also affected.

This sad yet hopeful anime will be especially relevant to students who had trouble fitting in at school.

7. Full Moon Wo Sagashite (Searching for the Full Moon)

Director: Toshiyuki Kato
Writer: Hiro Masaki
Cast: Myco, Yakkun Sakurazuka
IMDb Ratings: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

With only a year left to live, 12-year-old young girl Mitsuki desires to become a singer to see her true love once again. Takuto and Meroko, two messengers of death, help her make the most of her time on Earth.

Even though this anime is a shoujo series, it contains themes about young love, dreams, and mortality that will move anyone! It is indeed one of the saddest anime that will make you cry!

6. Haibane Renmei (Charcoal Feather Federation)

Director: Tomokazu Tokoro
Writer: Yoshitoshi Abe
Cast: Junko Noda, Ryō Hirohashi
IMDb Ratings: 8
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

It is unclear what these girls are in Haibane Renmei, but they appear as angels. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict when a child or young adult will emerge from the cocoons in the Old Home one day.

Through Rakka, you gain insight into what it’s like to live on the outskirts of a human village as a Grey-winged creature. Haibane Renmei deals with mortality, guilt, and the effects of past traumas of a tragic story.

5. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Director: Yasuhiro Irie
Writer: Hiroshi Ōnogi
Cast: Kent Williams, Iemasa Kayumi, Vic Mignogna
IMDb: 9.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Streaming Platforms: Hulu, Amazon

Despite being an action anime, Fullmetal Alchemist is also one of the saddest shows of all time. Eric and his family live with one aim in life: to correct the grave mistake they made as children when they forgot about the ultimate rule of alchemy: to achieve what you want, you must sacrifice something else as well.

There is a lot of love in this show, from family to friends to true romance. Among its many highlights are the colorful main character, deep philosophical undertones, and of course, awesome magical battles. However, it is indeed one of the saddest anime series and undoubtedly makes the audience cry!

4. Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki (Wolf Children)

Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Writer: Mamoru Hosoda
Cast: Takuma Hiraoka, Takao Osawa
IMDb Ratings: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

Ookami Kodomo, no Ame to Yuki, made by the director of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, begins cute but then hits you in the gut with its feelings. Wolf Children is a movie in which two children are born to a human and a werewolf. She raises her children by herself.

Hana’s plight will be understood by those who have single parents or who are single parents themselves, even if their troubles are partially canine. The movie shows how a mother’s love can go deep and related topics, but it is also a coming-of-age story that shows how a child changes as they grow up.

3. Plastic Memories

Director: Yoshiyuki Fujiwara
Writer: Naotaka Hayashi
Cast: Sora Amamiya, Yasuaki Takumi
IMDb Ratings: 7.4
Rotten Tomatoes Score: NA
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

Despite being full of cute girls, the anime, Plastic Memories is surprisingly sad. Those cute girls are Giftia robots, and their lifespan is no more than a couple of years. This show explores the theme of death and what it means to be human.

In a retirement facility for run-down Giftias, the main character is a human named Tsubasa Mizugaki. After all, robots don’t have feelings, so he doesn’t expect to become attached.

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

Director: Kyōhei Ishiguro
Writer: Takao Yoshioka
Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Risa Taneda
IMDb Rating: NA
Rotten Tomatoes: NA
Streaming Details: Netflix

It explores love, friendship, and the joy of music in Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso (Your Lie in April). The piano prodigy is Arima Kousei. As a result of losing his mother, he cannot play the piano or listen to music the same way ever again.

He slowly begins to get back on the path to music with the help of the talented violinist Miyazono Kaori. A touching tale filled with heartbreak and music between childhood friends.

Fans of the sad genre like your Lie in April.

1. Nana

Director: Morio Asaka
Writer: Tomoko Konparu
Cast: Rebecca Shoichet, Kelly Sheridan
IMDb Rating: 8.4
Rotten Tomatoes: NA
Streaming Details: Netflix

Nana features two opposite girls and rock music on the surface, and it’s a charming, funny show! The show touches upon some of these things.

Nevertheless, this show is so much more than just a show about two Nanas and a fantastic soundtrack that explores their friendship. As Nana points out, everyone carries their baggage, which makes people human. Laughter, tears, and frustration are all likely to follow.

Fans of music or shoujo should watch this sad anime Nana, but anyone who appreciates the writing of great characters should also watch it.