The 10 Most Heart-Wrenching Anime Moments That Will Leave Even the Toughest Fans in Tears

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Anime, in all its forms, can give rise to numerous unforgettable moments. There are scenes that uplift the spirits, and others that evoke such intense emotions, they become some of the saddest anime scenes in history. Given the abundance of devastating anime scenes, it's no surprise that there are plenty to choose from. Despairing scenes in anime serve different purposes for the creators, but for viewers worldwide, they are often remembered for eliciting tears.

10 The Death of Tanjiro's Family - Demon Slayer

: Heart-wrenching Moments That Define the Power of Anime

The widely popular shonen series, Demon Slayer, fearlessly delivers intense and gripping moments to its devoted viewers. One particular scene serves as both a pivotal moment in Tanjiro's life and a heart-wrenching sequence within the anime. In the early stages of the series, Tanjiro finds himself far from home, desperately laboring to provide for his family. Despite initially planning to return that very night, circumstances lead him to accept a generous offer for shelter, as the perilous journey through the treacherous mountains after dusk is riddled with danger. Upon his arrival the following morning, he is confronted with a nightmarish and grisly sight: the merciless slaughter of his entire family.

9 Daru's Death - She and Her Cat

The circumstances alone are heart-wrenching, but when juxtaposed with the previous heartwarming scenes portraying Tanjiro and his family's deep love and happiness, followed by the excruciating moments as he battles to rescue the sole survivor, the impact becomes even more profound. Despite enduring unimaginable hardships, Tanjiro's unwavering kindness has remained a defining trait throughout the series, even as he faces increasingly daunting challenges.

She and Her Cat -Everything Flows- is a mesmerizing four-episode anime adaptation of one of Makoto Shinkai's earlier works. It beautifully depicts the life of Miyu, a college student, and her daily ebbs and flows through the eyes of her beloved childhood cat, Daru. In a poignant moment, when Miyu finds herself battling depression and distancing herself from her loved ones, Daru ingeniously utilizes the landline to reach out to Miyu's mother, prompting her to check on Miyu. The ensuing reunion ensues in a heartwarming moment, as Daru realizes that they are all in a better place together.

8 The Broken Promise - One Piece

Miyu and her mother share a heartfelt laugh together, while Daru, Miyu's steadfast companion since childhood, peacefully drifts off to eternal slumber in her loving embrace. The delicate tapestry of emotions, eloquently woven through Daru's perspective, bears witness to the vast affection and admiration he holds for the amazing individual that Miyu is. This mesmerizing tale implies the eventual reunion of these kindred spirits, as Daru is believed to be reborn into another adorable feline, destined to cross paths with Miyu once more. A poignant and contemplative finale, evoking a cascade of tears that mirror the blend of joy and sorrow.

One Piece is famous for its diverse and captivating characters, especially the main crew who are united by their unique ambitions. Throughout the series, the audience witnesses Luffy's unwavering dedication to his cherished comrades and his relentless determination to protect them. In the Arlong Park Arc, we gain further insight into the aspirations and motivations of Nami, the skilled navigator, as she strives to liberate her childhood village from the merciless grip of Arlong the Saw.

7 Rengoku's Death - Demon Slayer

After losing the person who was like a mother to her and facing rejection from her fellow villagers, Nami is desperate to obtain the necessary funds to save Cocoyashi village. However, her hard-earned fortune is unexpectedly confiscated, leaving her with the realization that Arlong has no intention of ever allowing her to achieve her goal. This only deepens her despair. Overwhelmed, Nami finally reaches her breaking point, leading to an emotionally charged and iconic interaction with Luffy. Despite Nami's attempts to push him away, she eventually pleads for his assistance. In a show of unwavering support, Luffy gently places his straw hat on Nami's devastated head and declares that he will certainly help her. With determination, Luffy and the rest of their crew set off to confront Arlong and his gang.

After the conclusion of the first season of Demon Slayer, Tanjiro and his allies unite with one of the Hashira in order to embark on the Mugen Train Arc. It is during this time that they form an immediate bond with Rengoku, a strong, reliable, and spirited individual. Rengoku's exceptional abilities and courageous spirit become evident, and Tanjiro and his comrades swiftly establish a fraternal connection. Towards the conclusion of the arc, Rengoku confronts the formidable demon Akaza, but despite his tremendous efforts, he is unable to defeat him before daybreak. Akaza manages to escape, prompting Tanjiro to angrily give chase and deliver a passionate speech about the unjust nature of the conflict between human demon slayers and the cruel and cowardly demons.

6 Ash and Charmander - Pokémon

Despite the glimpses into Rengoku's past, which reveal the loss of his mother, the emotional distance between him and his father, and his role as an elder brother to both his biological sibling and the main cast of Demon Slayer, his tragic demise remains a heart-wrenching obstacle that the audience, as well as Tanjiro and his friends, must grapple with as the show progresses.

In the early episodes of the Pokémon anime, Ash comes across a trainer who boasts about leaving his Charmander behind because he believed it was too weak. It is later revealed that this trainer left the Charmander waiting without any intention of returning. Ash is understandably devastated by this revelation and immediately rushes to rescue the abandoned Pokémon. Meanwhile, a heavy rainstorm poses a serious challenge for the struggling Charmander's survival. Witnessing the unwavering loyalty of the Charmander towards its heartless owner and Ash's relentless efforts to save it will undoubtedly stir strong emotions among viewers.

This moment in the series provides a glimpse into the heartbreaking cruelty displayed by trainers who disregard the value of their Pokémon. Simultaneously, it highlights Ash's extraordinary compassion and unwavering determination to aid those in need. In contrast to the other trainer, Ash holds a deep conviction about the significance of his bond with Pokémon and their rightful place in the world. He perceives them as sentient beings deserving of love and respect. The tragic backstory of Charmander is widely recognized as one of the most sorrowful tales in the Pokémon universe.

5 Kuro Finding Out About Shiro's Death - Blue Exorcist

The passing of Shiro Fujimoto, the nurturing father figure for Rin and Yukio, profoundly devastates the two primary protagonists of Blue Exorcist. However, it becomes apparent to the viewers that Shiro's influence extended far beyond just Rin and Yukio. His impact was also deeply felt by Cat Sidhe and Kuro, Fujimoto's former familiar. Kuro, upon serendipitously overhearing a conversation about his dearest friend's demise, is overwhelmed with emotional distress, triggering a transformative outburst of rage.

4 Mikoto's Death (K Project)

True Cross Academy had originally planned to eliminate the demon Kuro, but Rin intervenes when he empathizes with Kuro's distress. In this unexpected act of compassion, Rin becomes a reflection of Fujimoto's benevolence, which ultimately soothes Kuro's turmoil and prompts him to revert back to his original form. Although still understandably perturbed, this poignant encounter serves as the catalyst for a profound bond between Kuro and Rin, underscoring the profound impact of Shiro's kindness.

The death of Suoh Mikoto in the anime K Project marks the culmination of a tragic event in the series - the loss of Totsuka Tatara. Motivated by his quest for revenge after Totsuka's demise, Mikoto pushes himself beyond his limits, endangering himself and others with the potential for another catastrophic Damocles Crater incident. With no sign of Mikoto relenting, the Blue King Munakata Reisi is left with no choice but to end Mikoto's life in order to prevent a cataclysmic event that could have claimed many lives.

3 Ace's Death - One Piece

The weight of Mikoto's loss is heavy not only on him but also on the hearts of those who were once part of HOMRA and sought solace in the world he had created. The scene of sorrow, with members of HOMRA mourning the death of their beloved king and friend, reflects the tragic consequences of Mikoto's chosen path and its impact on those around him.

One Piece is filled with countless emotional moments, but none are as heart-wrenching as the death of Portgas D. Ace, Luffy's beloved brother. As Ace's execution draws near, Luffy faces seemingly insurmountable challenges. He becomes separated from his friends, who tragically cannot offer their support during this time of need. Luffy valiantly confronts a never-ending onslaught of enemies, enduring unimaginable pain when poisoned by the vengeful Impel Down Warden, Magellan.

All of Luffy's struggles and sacrifices seem to lead to a fleeting moment of freedom, only to have it cruelly snatched away when Ace falls victim to Marine Admiral Akainu's attack while protecting Luffy. This devastating loss intensifies the weight of Luffy's journey to save his cherished companion, rendering his grief an overwhelming hurdle that must be conquered.

2 Hatori Protecting Kana - Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket's Hatori Sohma, a doctor and member of the Sohma family, is compelled to erase the memories of the woman he adores following a violent incident involving the family's leader that leaves Hatori injured and Kana overwhelmed with guilt. Hatori and Kana were deeply in love and had intentions of getting married, but their announcement was met with anger from Akito Sohma. This anger resulted in Hatori losing vision in his left eye and Kana being consumed by the belief that she was to blame.

In an effort to relieve Kana of her grief, which Hatori witnessed intensifying with each passing day, he chose to erase her memories and create distance between them. While Hatori does eventually find love again, his decision to alleviate Kana's grief, even at the cost of his own, is an altruistic display of devotion that resonates with all Fruit's Basket fans.

1 Kiki Being Unable to Speak to Jiji (Kiki's Delivery Service)

Kiki's Delivery Service delves into emotionally complex subjects, specifically addressing the overwhelming exhaustion that accompanies a job. Like real-life burnout, Kiki's experience in the film has unexpected and tangible consequences. Her fading magical abilities serve as signs of her burnout, hindering her ability to effectively communicate with her closest friend, Jiji. This unforeseen and overwhelming outcome amplifies the weight on Kiki's struggles, making it even more challenging for her to overcome the root of her problem. Kiki's feeling of helplessness and her desperate attempts to return to her normal state represent an authentic internal battle that many individuals face daily.

Most narratives aim to evoke a range of emotions from their audience, with grief and sadness often being particularly poignant. Scenes of this nature hold significant impact for numerous reasons and, although difficult to witness, can make the series stand out to both devoted fans and newcomers alike. Such moments may even resonate with viewers on a personal level, helping them come to terms with their own complex emotions. While the saddest anime scenes may be heart-wrenching, they ultimately serve as a crucial aspect of the cathartic experience.