Anime has permeated every single genre, be it sci-fi, horror, psychological thriller, romance or comedy. That said, some of the greatest anime series of all time are dramas with the saddest storylines and tragedies.
From the ache of unrequited love to tales of loss, the anime world is rich with stories that touch your heart and leave a lasting impact. So much so that even individuals with much emotional resilience find themselves shedding tears while watching the saddest anime series and movies.
So, if you need a good cry, here are some of the most heartbreaking and saddest anime series that will leave you reaching for tissues and contemplating the beauty of life.
Here are the saddest anime series to add to your watchlist for a sobfest
1. Clannad: After Story
IMDb rating: 8.6/10
Director: Tatsuya Ishihara
Voice cast: Yuuichi Nakamura, Nagisa Furukawa, Kyou Fujibayashi
Number of seasons: 1
Based on a manga: Yes
Clannad: After Story is a sequel to the hit anime series Clannad, where Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa navigate the challenges of adulthood together after their high school graduation. Tomoya struggles to find his path in life but eventually learns the importance of hard work and finds strength in Nagisa’s unwavering support. As they face personal obstacles, strengthen existing relationships, and form new connections, their dedication and shared goals drive them forward.
The anime’s plot takes a sad turn in the latter half, so brace yourself for a heart-wrenching emotional rollercoaster. Clannad: After Story is a poignant anime that should not be missed if you want a truly moving experience.
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2. Your Lie in April
IMDb rating: 8.5/10
Director: Kyohei Ishiguro
Voice cast: Natsuki Hanae, Risa Taneda, Ayane Sakura
Number of seasons: 1
Based on a manga: Yes
Your Lie in April is one of the many popular anime series known for its sad ending. Music and sorrow are key elements in the series. Just like a captivating musical composition, the show’s lyrical flow keeps you transfixed, ending before you expect.
Kousei Arima is a former child prodigy pianist, who cannot hear the sound of his piano playing, after his mother’s death. Kousei develops a condition known as psychogenic or conversion disorder, which manifests physical symptoms.
As the series progresses, we see Kousei’s struggle with grief and the psychological barriers that prevent him from reconnecting with his passion for music.
3. Violet Evergarden
IMDb rating: 8.4/10
Director: Haruka Fujita
Voice cast: Yui Ishikawa, Aya Endô, Takehito Koyasu
Number of seasons: 1
Based on a manga: Yes
Set against the backdrop of a recently ended war, Violet Evergarden is about a former soldier who struggles to reintegrate into civilian life due to her past trauma and emotional detachment after the war. She works as an Auto Memory Doll, ghostwriting letters for people who struggle to express their emotions. As she helps others convey their feelings through her writing, she unravels her emotions to begin healing.
Violet Evergarden is an emotionally impactful anime, evoking deep sadness and many individuals consider this series to be among the few that left them utterly devastated by its conclusion.
4. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
Voice cast: Miyu Irino, Ai Kayano, Haruka Tomatsu
Number of seasons: 1
Based on a manga: No
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day explores the theme of losing someone and the process of moving on from it. At its core, it emphasises on the fact that everyone copes with loss in their distinct manner. This anime encapsulates this sentiment perfectly, creating a long-lasting impact that will undoubtedly leave you feeling shattered.
Jinta Yadomi lives a secluded life, avoiding school and spending his days playing video games at home. One day, his deceased childhood friend, Meiko ‘Menma’ Honma, reappears and asks him to fulfil a forgotten wish. Despite her persistence, Jinta remains indifferent as he assumes he is hallucinating. Eventually, he realises Menma’s ghost is present and real indeed.
As Jinta and his childhood friends reunite to help Menma find peace, they must confront their past pain and guilt.
5. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Director: Masaki Tachibana
Voice cast: Satomi Hanamura, Yumiko Kobayashi, Yûko Kaida
Number of seasons: 1
Based on a manga: No
As the name suggests, Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 depicts a catastrophic earthquake striking Tokyo and leaves a lasting impact on viewers due to its focus on a natural disaster. The anime portrays human emotions and realistic situations, resulting in a heart-wrenching depiction of the aftermath of an earthquake.
Mirai Onozawa and her younger brother Yuuki are attending a robot exhibition in Odaiba when a powerful earthquake strikes the Kanto region, leaving both children helpless as they witness the catastrophic impact of this natural calamity on the city. In the aftermath, they encounter Mari Kusakabe, a single mother and motorcyclist, who decides to assist the young siblings.
To return to their homes and reunite with their families, the group embarks on a challenging and arduous journey through the devastated city.
6. Orange
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Director: Ichigo Takano
Voice cast: Micah Solusod, Jeannie Tirado, Jason Liebrecht
Number of seasons: 1
Based on a manga: Yes
Orange uncovers one of the most heartfelt stories in the anime universe, set in a high school. While the anime might not be as gut-wrenching as the rest on the list, it is filled with passionate storylines that can also bring about feelings of melancholy.
Naho Takamiya, a high school student receives a letter from her future self, warning her about the regrets she will have if she doesn’t change her actions. The letter focuses on Naho’s interactions with a new transfer student named Kakeru Naruse. As Naho and her friends receive more letters from their future selves, they learn about Kakeru’s struggles with depression and the role they play in his life.
The series portrays Kakeru’s emotional turmoil and the challenges he faces.
7. Angel Beats!
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Director: Seiji Kishi
Voice cast: Hiroshi Kamiya, Harumi Sakurai, Kana Hanazawa
Number of seasons: 1
Based on a manga: Yes
Angel Beats! is set in a high school in the afterlife, where individuals who have faced challenges in life need to resolve those issues before moving on to the next stage of reincarnation. Apart from being popular for its exciting visuals and heart-wrenching storyline, the anime series starts with lighthearted comedic elements but quickly shifts to a more serious tone.
After waking up in the afterlife, Yuzuru Otonashi encounters Yuri Nakamura, a determined girl who extends an invitation for him to join the Shinda Sekai Sensen (SSS) or the Afterlife Battle Front. This organisation, led by Yuri, aims to combat God due to the hardships they endured in their previous lives.
The SSS’s sole adversary is Angel, the charming Student Council President of their school, who possesses extraordinary abilities. The SSS strongly believes that Angel is somehow connected to God.
8. Plastic Memories
IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Director: Yoshiyuki Fujiwara
Voice cast: Yasuaki Takumi, Sora Amamiya, Chinatsu Akasaki
Number of seasons: 1
Based on a manga: No
Plastic Memories is a mix of sci-fi, sadness and even AI, involving a major twist to the typical slice-of-life genre.
Tsukasa Mizugaki joins the Sion Artificial Intelligence Corporation, a company that specialises in developing “Giftias”— advanced androids that closely resemble humans. Giftias have a limited lifespan of 81,920 hours (around nine years and four months). Tsukasa is assigned to Terminal Service One, a division responsible for retrieving Giftias that have reached the end of their lifespan to prevent memory loss and aggression.
Upon joining Terminal Service One, Tsukasa is paired with Isla, a skilled Giftia known for her expertise in Giftia retrievals. Soon, he starts falling for her, making the situation even more complicated.
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(Hero and feature image credit: IMDb)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which is the saddest anime series?
Clannad: After Story, Your Lie in April, Orange and Angel Beats are some of the saddest anime series.
– Which is the saddest anime series on Netflix?
Violet Evergarden and Kotaro Lives Alone are the saddest anime series on Netflix.
– Which is the highest-rated sad anime series according to IMDb?
Clannad: After Story is the highest-rated sad anime series on IMDb with a rating of 8.6.
