The Ultimate Tear Jerking Anime Series That Will Leave You Emotionally Devastated
Prepare to be emotionally moved by these heart-wrenching anime series Each story is expertly crafted to evoke a deep connection with viewers, leaving them teary-eyed and profoundly touched Get ready to embark on an unforgettable emotional journey
Sad anime series have a lasting impact on fans, as few emotions are experienced as deeply as sadness. While laughter and joy may come and go quickly, bringing tears requires a genuine connection with relatable characters.
Some series have moments that make viewers cry, particularly longer-running ones like One Piece, such as the heartbreaking ending of Going Merry. However, only a few shows make a deliberate effort to build a strong connection with viewers by prioritizing emotions, resulting in some of the most powerful and moving sad anime series.
10 Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden revolves around the central character, Violet, who was brought up as a weapon specializing in warfare. However, her life takes a drastic turn when the war concludes, and she embarks on a fresh journey as an "Auto Memory Doll." Due to her limited understanding of human emotions and personal experiences, transcribing the thoughts and emotions of others emerges as an ideal method for her personal development and growth. While Violet's own backstory carries a sense of sadness, the series reaches its most poignant moments when she interacts with her clients, particularly when she assists a mother in composing letters for her daughter's future birthdays, fully aware that she won't be there to witness them herself.
9 Angel Beats!
Angel Beats! instantly captivates anime fans with its emotionally charged premise. Set in the afterlife, the series delves into the lives of a group of teenagers who tragically died with deep regrets and unfulfilled desires. Each character has a realistic and heartbreaking backstory that viewers can't help but connect with. While moments of humor and action add excitement, it's merely a mask hiding some of the most poignant scenes in anime. Prepare to be unexpectedly moved by Angel Beats!
8 Your Lie in April
7 Banana Fish
Kousei Arima, a prodigious pianist, loses both his musical talent and passion after the death of his mother. However, his encounter with Kaori Miyazono, a vibrant and unconventional violinist, reignites Kousei's love for music and motivates him to play the piano again. Sadly, their journey together takes a heartbreaking turn as Kaori battles a terminal illness. Despite the early portrayal of Kaori's illness and her frequent hospital stays, viewers cannot help but shed tears when Kousei reads her heartfelt letter, marking the poignant conclusion of their story.
The narrative of Banana Fish abounds with sorrowful moments and causes for tears, fearlessly delving into themes that only few other stories have the audacity to address. From substance abuse and gang warfare to corruption and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), no somber occurrence is too taboo to be thoroughly explored. The tale revolves around Ash Lynx, an intricate character whose indomitable strength shines through, despite his haunting past, and Eiji Okumura, who becomes entangled in Ash's world with a clear aim of rescuing him. Regrettably, their shared journey does not culminate in the desired blissful conclusion that fans had hoped for.
6 Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
5 Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
One of the most heart-wrenching anime series out there, Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, is renowned for a good reason. The narrative delves into a group of friends who had drifted apart following the untimely death of one of them, Meiko Honma. However, when Meiko returns as a ghost years later, their paths collide once again, compelling them to confront the pent-up regret, guilt, and sorrow they had long suppressed. While the story incorporates supernatural elements, its nostalgic theme and emphasis on human connections ground it in reality, making it all the more poignant. Furthermore, the exceptionally powerful ending theme never fails to stir up fans' emotions every single time.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners goes beyond being mere promotional material for die-hard fans of the franchise, thanks to its compelling narrative. It manages to captivate viewers and establish itself as a poignant masterpiece within the medium. The show revolves around the story of David Martinez, a young individual whose promising future takes a tragic turn, leading him to become an edgerunner. Alongside him is Lucy, a netrunner with a similarly heartbreaking past. Set in the dangerous and dystopian Night City, a place where goodness is rarely rewarded, the show's narrative inevitably unfolds into a heart-wrenching series of events.
4 Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
One of the notable features of Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 is its striking realism in portraying the devastating impact of a major earthquake on Tokyo's landscape, as well as the profound consequences that follow. The suddenness and magnitude of such a calamity make it impossible for anyone to be adequately prepared, including the young siblings Mirai Onozawa and Yuuki Onozawa, who find themselves alone and far from home while on vacation. Despite being separated from their family, they must courageously confront this unfamiliar situation alongside Mari Kusakabe, a single mother and motorcyclist. The heart-wrenching aspect of this disaster lies in the tremendous loss and grief it inflicts upon the city and its inhabitants.
3 WorldEnd: What do you do at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us?
WorldEnd tells the story of Willem Kmetsch, a warrior who was frozen in ice for 500 years. Upon awakening, he discovers that he is the sole survivor in a world ravaged by mysterious creatures called "Beasts". As a result, humans and other surviving races are forced to inhabit floating islands in the sky. It is on these islands that he encounters the Leprechauns, young girls who are trained as weapons against the Beasts. The series explores the post-apocalyptic setting and delves into the heart-wrenching backstories of the Leprechauns, revealing their purpose of sacrifice and their willingness to disregard their own lives. WorldEnd is a deeply emotional series that captures these poignant moments.
2 Plastic Memories
Plastic Memories is a poignant depiction of a forbidden love story, constrained by the passage of time. Set in a world where SAI Corp manufactures strikingly human-like androids with a significantly reduced lifespan, the narrative revolves around Tsukasa Mizugaki, who joins the company and forms an unlikely bond with Isla, an experienced android. Together, they embark on a heartfelt journey to retrieve other androids before their memories fade away. The heart-wrenching separation of humans and androids who have grown intimately close is not the only tragedy, as the evolving relationship between Tsukasa and Isla is also destined to culminate in sorrow.
1 Clannad: After Story
Clannad: After Story takes us on a heartfelt journey into the lives of Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa as they navigate the challenges of their blossoming relationship and build a life together. However, their path is lined with obstacles, forcing them to make tough decisions and face heartbreaking trials. And it's not just the couple who suffers; other characters also endure their fair share of hardships. This series realistically portrays the struggles of adulthood, evoking genuine empathy from viewers. For many anime enthusiasts, Clannad: After Story ranks among the most heart-wrenching shows ever, leaving fans devastated by the numerous setbacks in Tomoya and Nagisa's family journey.
The saddest anime series leave a lasting impact, not through random tragic events, but by creating genuine and meaningful worlds that deeply resonate with viewers. From untimely deaths to shocking revelations, these series skillfully evoke strong emotions by establishing a strong connection between viewers and the characters. Thus, these shows create an experience that feels utterly authentic, leaving a lasting impression that is impossible to forget.
