TOP 20 Most Heartrending Anime Films That Will Leave You in Tears

Anime movies are among the most beloved genres, captivating audiences with adorable characters and profound storylines akin to blockbuster movies or television series. Explore detailed reviews of the 20 most sad and touching anime movies that hold deep meaning in the article below, courtesy of Mytour Blog.

Unforgettable Memories – Violet Evergarden (2020)

• Genre: Romance, Mystery
• Year: 2020
• Author: Fujita Haruka
• Anime Director: Taichi Ishidate
• Duration: 140 minutes

Violet Evergarden: A poignant anime film that will leave viewers in tears, serving as the emotional conclusion to the tale of the auto-memory doll, Violet. Set years after the war, Violet has undergone psychological transformation and come to understand the significance of the words 'I love you' that Major Gilbert once shared. The film revolves around Violet's quest to uncover the truth behind the letter Gilbert sent her, while also aiding the ailing boy Yurith.

Weathering with You – Child of Weather (2019)

• Genre: Romance, Fantasy
• Year: 2019
• Author: Updating
• Anime Director: Shinkai Makoto
• Duration: 111 minutes

The story follows Hokoda, a high school student, as he decides to leave his hometown island to study in Tokyo. However, he quickly realizes he is facing financial problems and unnamed pressures. The gloomy atmosphere and constant rain symbolize an uncertain future, and Hokoda continues to live in loneliness until he discovers his passion for writing and becomes a contributor to a mysterious magazine.

Everything changes when Hokoda meets Hina, a pure-hearted yet strong-willed girl, at a narrow intersection. With her special ability, Hina can be strange yet remarkably gifted: she can stop the rain and bring clarity to the sky...

A Silent Voice (2016) 

• Genre: High school romance
• Year: 2017
• Author: Yoshitoki Ōima
• Anime Director: Yamada Naoko
• Duration: 129 minutes

The film takes the audience back to the pure and somewhat naive love story of high school days. Nishimiya Shouko is a blind and deaf student since birth. When she transfers to a new school, she continuously tries to communicate with her friends using a pen and a small notebook. Despite her efforts, Nishimiya Shouko still faces many other difficulties that widen the gap between her and her classmates. One day, a bullying incident involving a small girl occurs, and all the blame falls on Ishida Shouya - the most mischievous boy in the class...

Your Name (2016) - A poignant romance anime with a satisfying ending

• Genre: Romance, Psychological Drama
• Year: 2016
• Author: Shinkai Makoto
• Anime Director: Shinkai Makoto
• Duration: 107 minutes

During the appearance of the Tiamat comet in the sky, Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana have their souls swapped. This disrupts both of their lives, forcing them to learn to adapt and deal with the situations that arise in each other's lives. Numerous comical and heartwarming situations occur, but the wonderful thing is that both of them learn valuable lessons after going through everything. A highlight of this sad anime film is the director's choice of a very poignant setting - the 2011 Tohoku natural disaster in Japan, yet the ending is incredibly uplifting. Watch the movie to find out the twists and turns.

Erased (2016) - The saddest anime film set in a vanished town

• Genre: Adventure, Science Fiction
• Year: 2016
• Author: Taku Kishimoto
• Anime Director: Itō Tomohiko
• Duration: Series - 12 episodes

The story revolves around the life of the character Satoru Fujinuma, a young man with the superpower of 'Revival'. This ability allows him to travel back in time before a dangerous accident leading to death occurs and prevent it. When Satoru's mother is murdered at home by an unknown assailant, he returns to eighteen years ago. At that time, Satoru not only has the opportunity to save his mother but also to prevent a kidnapping case involving 3 victims. 'Erased' is a series with many unexpected twists, bringing forth a range of emotions that anime fans cannot miss.

Plastic Memories – Memories of the Machine (2015)

• Genre: Science Fiction, Romance

• Year: 2015
• Author: Hayashi Naotaka
• Anime Director: Fujiwara Yoshiyuki
• Duration: Series - 13 episodes

'Plastic Memories' tells a romantic love story in a sci-fi world between Mizugaki Tsukasa, a human boy, and Isla, an emotional android. Due to technological constraints, the lifespan of androids is limited, and when they reach a certain age, they must accept being decommissioned. At that time, Isla has only 2000 days left to live. Destiny brings Mizugaki and Isla together, and they fall in love. This emotionally charged love story is not only a memorable experience but also ranks among the saddest anime films you can't miss.

Assassination Classroom – Classroom of the Elite (2015)

• Genre: Action, Comedy, Science Fiction
• Year: 2015
• Author: Yusei Matsui
• Anime Director: Kishi Seiji
• Duration: Series - 22 episodes

The story revolves around a classroom equipped by the government with specialized weapons. Their sole mission is to eliminate their new teacher, an extraterrestrial creature with a plot to destroy the Solar System. Ironically, this demonic teacher happens to be the best teacher the class has ever had.

Kotonoha no Niwa – The Garden of Words (2013)

• Genre: Romance, Drama, Emotional
• Year: 2013
• Author: Shinkai Makoto
• Anime Director: Shinkai Makoto
• Duration: 91 minutes

The film focuses on the romantic relationship between 15-year-old boy Takao, who dreams of becoming a shoemaker, and Yukari Yukino, a 27-year-old woman avoiding her busy life at the park. Fate brings them together on a rainy day, and the couple falls in love at first sight.

Akame ga Kill – Akame Kills (2014)

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Action
• Year: 2014
• Author: Takahiro
• Anime Director:  Itō Tomohiko
• Duration: TV Series – 24 episodes

In Akame ga Kill, which is also one of the sad anime series you shouldn't miss. The story revolves around a young swordsman named Tatsumi who leaves his village to make a living and help his poor family in the Capital. Initially, he intends to join the Royal Army, but his dream not only goes up in smoke but also ends up being robbed of his money. Next, he is deceived by a super wealthy family: on the surface, they seem to want to help Tatsumi, but in reality, they plot to kill him. Fortunately, Tatsumi is rescued by the assassin group Night Raid. He decides to join the group and participate in the mission to save the world. Along this journey, Akame loses many important things in life, leaving him with lasting memories. Akame Kills becomes one of the most emotionally moving animated series that viewers cannot overlook.

Memories of Marnie

• Genre: Family drama
• Year: 2014
• Author: Joan G. Robinson
• Anime Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
• Duration: 120 minutes

'Memories of Marnie' is an emotionally poignant anime film inspired by the novel of the same name by Joan G. Robinson. The story revolves around Anna Sasaki, a 12-year-old girl who feels lonely and alienated from the environment around her. To improve her mood and mental health, she is sent to a peaceful village in Hokkaido. It's from here that her beautiful and emotional memories begin...

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

• Genre: Romance, tragedy
• Year: 2015
• Author: Sumino Yoru
• Anime Director: Ushijima Shinichiro
• Duration: 108 minutes

'I Want to Eat Your Pancreas' is the saddest and most touching anime film to watch. The story follows Shiga Haru, a recluse high school student who loves books but lives in isolation from society. One day, he happens upon a diary titled 'Living with Dying' at a hospital. Inside the diary are the final thoughts of Yamauchi Sakura, a girl with pancreatic cancer who is nearing the end of her life. It's a secret only Haru and Sakura know, and Haru decides to spend Sakura's remaining time helping her fulfill her dream of living a normal life. In this journey, they promise each other that if Sakura can leave the hospital, they will go to the beach together. Unfortunately, Sakura meets with an accident and passes away while on her way to the café where Haru had promised to meet, shattering their dream.

Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light – Hotarubi no Mori e (2011)

• Genre: Fantasy, romance
• Year: 2011
• Author: Yuki Midorikawa
• Anime Director: Omori Takahiro
• Duration: 45 minutes

The poignant anime film Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light evokes nostalgia in the audience with a beautiful yet heart-wrenching love story. Takegawa Hotaru, a 6-year-old girl, gets lost in a mysterious forest inhabited by Gin – the spirit of a masked youth. Quickly, Gin and Hotaru become close friends. They long to touch each other, but it's impossible because Gin will vanish upon contact. Eventually, in a bittersweet farewell, Gin disregards the consequences, allowing Hotaru to embrace him before he fades away in her arms.

Hill of the Anemones (2011) – A Tear-Jerking Anime Film

• Genre: Romance
• Year: 2011
• Author: Kazama Shun
• Anime Director: Miyazaki Goro
• Duration: 91 minutes

One of the most tear-jerking anime films that will make you cry your eyes out is Hill of the Anemones. Set in the backdrop of Japan in 1960, it revolves around the life of Matsuzaki Umi, a girl living with her family on a hill near the sea. On the hill grows many anemone flowers, and every day, Umi raises signal flags in the courtyard, placed at the top of the hill – a habit left by her father. Her father passed away in the war, and the daily flag-raising is a hope that if her father returns from the sea, he might recognize his home.

Umi encounters a male student from the same high school who wants to renovate the old club house instead of demolishing and building anew. In the process, they discover they have a connection through their bloodlines.

Charlotte – Adolescence of Supernatural Abilities

• Genre: School, Psychological, Romance
• Year: 2015
• Author: Maeda Jun
• Anime Director: Asai Yoshiyuki
• Duration: TV Series – 6 episodes

'Charlotte' is a touching Japanese anime with the story of Otosaka Yuu, a teenager with a supernatural ability to possess others' bodies. When Otosaka is caught using his power, he is forced to enroll at Hoshinoumi, an academy for people with supernatural abilities, managed by Nao Tomori. Here, Otosaka and Tomori's group unite to help fellow students struggling to control their powers and evade pursuit by research organizations. The tragedy unfolds when Otosaka's sister manifests a supernatural ability and meets a heart-wrenching accident.

Your Lie In April

• Genre: Romance
• Year: 2015
• Author: Yoshioka Takao
• Anime Director: Ishiguro Kyōhei
• Duration: 23 minutes/episode

'Your Lie In April' is a sad anime film, touching on the story of Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy struggling with psychological trauma after his mother's death. His encounter with Kaori Miyazono – a violinist – helps him overcome his past to continue playing the piano. Despite Kaori's illness, she still helps Kousei return to music. After Kaori's efforts, Kousei overcomes his fear and is able to play the piano in front of everyone. Unfortunately, he loses the only light of his life. What brings tears to people's eyes is that Kaori wrote a letter to Kousei beforehand, saying that she wouldn't live long and that Kousei was her inspiration when playing the violin...

5 Centimeters Per Second

• Genre: Romance, Drama, Romantic
• Year: 2007
• Author: Shinkai Makoto
• Anime Director: Shinkai Makoto
• Duration: 2007

'5 Centimeters Per Second' tells the story of Takaki and Akari, two childhood friends who are separated because their families move to different places. The subsequent plot of the film is a beautifully melancholic tale intertwined with sad memories. In the final moments, the image of the train tracks evokes nostalgia, heartache, and regret in the viewers.

Death Note (2006)

• Genre: Thriller, Fantasy
• Year: 2006
• Author: Inoue Toshiki
• Anime Director: Araki Tetsurō
• Duration: 37 episodes

Death Note is an enduringly poignant anime about supernatural love, deeply moving and meaningful, not to be missed. It tells the story of Yagami Raito, a clever girl who finds life dull and is deeply resentful of crime and corruption. Everything changes when she picks up the Death Note in 2003. The notebook states that writing someone's name in it will cause that person to die. Curious yet skeptical, she writes the names of two criminals in the notebook to kill them, and the result is that they die for real. Subsequently, the sudden deaths of criminals prompt a detective to get involved. Through investigation, he learns that the serial killings are carried out by Kira. Detective L discovers Kira in Japan and possesses the supernatural ability to kill people without needing to be present at the crime scene. Yagami also realizes that L is his adversary, sparking the beginning of their chase...

Toradora (2008)

• Genre: Romantic Comedy
• Year: 2008
• Author: Okada Mari
• Anime Director: Nagai Tatsuyuki
• Duration: 25 episodes

As he enters his second year of high school, Ryuuji Takasu is always ready to try and fit in and make friends with everyone. Despite his serious and somewhat intimidating appearance, he is actually gentle and kind. However, this outward demeanor hinders his dream of having a girlfriend.

On the first day of the new school year, Ryuuji is thrilled to learn that he and his best friend Yusaku Kitamura, along with the girl he likes, are all in the same class. However, his joy is short-lived when he unexpectedly crosses paths with Taiga Aisaka – the fiercest girl in the class with the nickname 'Palmtop Tiger'. From that moment, they both believe that getting along with each other is impossible.

Air – Between Sky (2005)

• Genre: Romance
• Year: 2005
• Author: Dezaki Osamu
• Anime Director: Dezaki Osamu
• Duration: 12 episodes

Sad anime 'Air' tells the story of Kunisaki Yukito – a time traveler who decides to stop in a small seaside town to search for the beautiful girl resembling a goddess in the sky that people often talk about. Along his journey, he coincidentally meets three girls: Kirishima Kano, Kamio Misuzu, and Tohno Minagi.

He believes that one of these three girls could be the one he has been searching for all this time. The question is whether he can fulfill his plan to help his mother complete the long and arduous journey?

Firefly's Mound – Grave of the Fireflies (1988) 

• Genre: Family, sentimental
• Year: 1988
• Author: Nosaka Akiyuki
• Anime Director: Takahata Isao
• Length: 111 minutes

This is undoubtedly a top-tier emotionally moving anime film that you absolutely must watch at least once in your lifetime. The film is set against the backdrop of war-torn Japan during World War II, where two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, must seek refuge at their aunt's home after their mother passes away from bombings and their father is away at war. Seita's independent nature, which he cannot bear the pressure of his aunt to stay at home without working. Subsequently, Seita leads his beautiful little sister to build a shelter in an abandoned air raid shelter. Their lives pass in misery and hunger. In the end, Setsuko breathes her last breath before Seita manages to bring food home.

Above is a detailed review of the top 20 most sad anime films that you must watch, hoping you will experience the fascinating range of emotions when watching these anime. Don't forget to visit the reputable e-commerce platform Mytour to own genuine electronic products at good prices.