25 Sad Anime Series Guaranteed To Make You Cry (2024)

Sad anime series tell some of the stories that stick with fans the longest, as few emotions are felt as intensely as sadness. It is easy to laugh at a brief joke or feel joy over a character's achievements and victories, but such feelings are often short-lived. On the other hand, bringing viewers to tears requires a genuine connection to be formed, as the characters need to feel real and relatable.

There are plenty of series that make their viewers cry on occasion. Especially when it comes to longer-running ones, certain moments are bound to be especially sad, such as One Piece's Going Merry's tragic ending. However, few shows go out of their way to attempt to build up a real connection with viewers, focusing on their emotions above all and leading to some of the greatest sad anime series.

25 The Promised Neverland

Animated By Cloverworks, Based on the Manga by Kaiu Shirai & Posuka Demizu

The Promised Neverland

TV-14

Animation

Action

Adventure

Drama

Fantasy

Horror

The Promised Neverland is a suspenseful anime series set in an orphanage where children, led by the intelligent Emma, uncover a dark secret about their idyllic home and plan a daring escape.

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Cast

Sumire Morohoshi , Mariya Ise , Shinei Ueki , Lynn , Yuuko Mori , Yoshino Aoyama , Hiyori Kono , Mari Hino , Koko Hayashi , Maaya Uchida , Yûko Kaida , Erisa Kuon , Nao Shiraki , Ai Kayano , Shizuka Ishigami , Amber Connor

Character(s)

Emma , Ray , Don , Gilda , Lannion , Mark , Phil , Thoma , Rossi , Norman , Isabella , Jemima , Yvette , Anna , Nat

Release Date

April 14, 2019

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Kaiu Shirai

Given a premise focusing on raising children to feed them to demons to uphold "The Promise," The Promised Neverland is one of the more upsetting anime concepts in recent years if not at least one of the most sad. Beyond the inherently distressing plot, the anime's first season is also one of the most beloved in recent years, masterfully adapted by CloverWorks. However, the second season is not viewed favorably, massively rushing the major developments from the manga.

Despite the major misfire of season 2 though, the series remains a worthwhile and uplifting story about growing up and seizing agency. Despite the darkness inherent to the series' premise, the series is ultimately about overcoming impossible circumstances. Still though, when The Promised Neverland gets dark, it's one of the darkest and saddest anime ever adapted from a Shonen Jump manga.

24 Violet Evergarden

Animated By Kyoto Animation, Based on the Light Novel By Kana Akatsuki & Akiko Takase

Violet Evergarden

TV-14

Drama

Violet Evergarden is a Japanese anime series that follows the titular character, a former child soldier, as she reintegrates into society by becoming an Auto Memory Doll, a professional letter writer. Through this role, Violet embarks on a journey to understand and convey human emotions, seeking to comprehend the words of her late commanding officer. This series explores themes of love, loss, and healing within a post-war setting.

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Cast

Erika Harlacher , Tony Azzolino , Kyle McCarley , Reba Buhr , Ben Pronsky , Christine Marie Cabanos

Release Date

January 11, 2018

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Netflix

Franchise(s)

Violet Evergarden

Writers

Reiko Yoshida , Tatsuhiko Urahata , Taaki Suzuki

Directors

Taichi Ishidate , Haruka Fujita

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Kana Akatsuki

Violet Evergarden follows the eponymous protagonist who, after being raised as a weapon meant only to excel on the battlefield, has to start a whole new life as an "Auto Memory Doll" after the war ends. As she herself is largely unaware of the extent of human emotions and experiences, transcribing others' thoughts and getting to know their feelings is a perfect way to learn and grow.

While Violet's backstory is quite sad in and of itself, the saddest moments of this series occur when she interacts with her clients, such as a mother writing letters for her daughter's future birthdays, knowing she won't be around herself.

23 Angel Beats!

Original Anime Series By P.A. Works

Angel Beats!

Animation

Action

Comedy

Drama

Family

Fantasy

Angel Beats! is an anime series centered on a group of teenagers in the afterlife, led by Yuri Nakamura, who rebel against a mysterious girl named Angel. Set in a high school purgatory, the show explores themes of life, death, and the unresolved regrets of its characters, blending action, comedy, and drama. Directed by Seiji Kishi, it features a strong musical component with a soundtrack by the fictional band Girls Dead Monster.

Cast

Hiroshi Kamiya , Harumi Sakurai , Kana Hanazawa , Ryōhei Kimura , Blake Shepard , Brittney Karbowski , Emily Neves , David Matranga , Shun Takagi , Yuuki Masuda , Yumiko Kobayashi , Leraldo Anzaldua , Andrew Love , Corey Hartzog , Michael Rivas , Adam Van Wagoner , Megumi Ogata

Character(s)

Yuzuru Otonashi , Yuri Nakamura , Kanade Angel Tachibana , Hinata , Yuzuru Otonashi (English) , Yuri Nakamura (English) , Kanade Angel Tachibana (English) , Hinata (English) Hinata , Noda , Fujimaki , Ooyama , Noda (English) , Fujimaki (English) , Oooyama (English) , TK , TK (English) Ayato Naoi

Release Date

April 2, 2010

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Jun Maeda

The premise of Angel Beats! already sets it up as one of the most emotional series that anime fans could experience. Set in the afterlife, the story revolves around a group of teenagers, all of whom died with profound regrets and unfulfilled wishes. From the protagonists to the supporting characters, everyone who ended up here has a tragic and realistic backstory, at least one of which viewers are bound to connect with.

Although moments of humor and action are present as well, particularly relating to the conflict between the Afterlife Battlefront and Tachibana, this is ultimately but a facade behind which some of the medium's saddest scenes await unsuspecting viewers.

22 Fruits Basket

Animated By TMS Entertainment, Based on the Original Manga by Natsuki Takaya

Fruits Basket

TV-14

Animation

Comedy

Drama

Fruits Basket (2019) is an anime adaptation following Tohru Honda, a high school girl who ends up living with the mysterious Sohma family. She discovers that twelve members of the Sohma clan are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when embraced by the opposite sex. The series delves into the lives and challenges faced by the cursed members while exploring themes of acceptance, friendship, and personal growth.

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See Also

Search Anime - MyAnimeList.netHow Oshi No Ko and Perfect Blue Explore Idol Culture, Explained12 Anime That Exceeded Everyone's Expectations For Better or WorseIdol master: Hatsune Miku Project Diva X review | Technobubble

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Cast

Laura Bailey , Eric Vale , Jerry Jewell , John Burgmeier , Elizabeth Maxwell , Mikaela Krantz , Colleen Clinkenbeard

Release Date

April 6, 2019

Seasons

3

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)

Fruits Basket

Writers

Natsuki Takaya

Directors

Yoshihide Ibata

Main Genre

Drama

Creator(s)

Yûichirô Kido , Natsuki Takaya

For such a beloved classic shojo anime, Fruits Basket is a surprisingly strong contender as a tearjerker series while boasting otherwise whimsical premises. It doesn't take long for the series to move along its romantic comedy roots to explore healing emotional trauma of the Somas, while working through her own troubled past.

The 2001 anime and, later, the 2019 reboot of Fruits Basket are consistently praised as one of the best shojo anime of all time for how it handles themes of isolation, bullying, and abuse, while remaining steadfast as a heartwarming and wholesome series.

21 Orange

Animated By Telecom & TMS, Based on the original manga by Ichigo Takano

Orange

TV-PG

Animation

Drama

Orange is a Japanese anime series that follows high school student Naho Takamiya, who receives a letter from her future self urging her to prevent a tragic event involving her classmate Kakeru Naruse. As Naho and her friends grapple with their emotions and decisions, they must navigate the complexities of friendship and love to change their fates and protect Kakeru's future.

Cast

Kana Hanazawa , Seiichiro Yamashita , Makoto Furukawa , Rika Kinugawa , Kazuyuki Okitsu , Natsumi Takamori , Jeannie Tirado , Jason Liebrecht , Jill Harris , Sarah Wiedenheft , Micah Solusod , Dave Trosko , Junta Terashima , Chris Thurman

Character(s)

Naho Takamiya / Naho , Kakeru Naruse / Kakeru , Hiroto Suwa / Suwa , Takako Chino , Saku Hagita , Azusa Murasaka / Azusa , Takako , Suwa , Naho , Azusa , Kakeru Naruse , Hagita , Nagasaka

Release Date

July 2, 2016

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Ichigo Takano

Orange is a deceptively angsty shojo series that opens in the way most anime fans would expect it to, in a classic high school "meet cute" scenario between the female lead and the classic transfer student male lead. Things take a dark turn, though, when the female lead is given an ominous message from the future: the male lead, Kakeru, is at the center of her deepest regrets, and to prevent his tragic fate at all costs. Naho, the protagonist, begins to follow what these messages tell her to do to change the future – and just when things start to seem a little too supernatural for a series that's otherwise deeply rooted in reality, audiences get to see the future versions of these characters visiting Kakeru's grave.

The Eisner-Award nominated series is one that stays heavy throughout, a character study that explores themes of regret, grief, and learning to "let go" – in every meaning of the phrase. As the anime continues, Orange provides a powerful message about silver linings and supporting one another, as well as the ever-powerful "found family" trope.

20 Oshi no Ko

Animated By Doga Kobo, Based on the Manga by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari

Oshi No Ko

TV-14

Animation

Mystery

Supernatural

Oshi no Ko is an animated supernatural mystery series that follows a gynecologist named Gorou, a big fan of an idol whom he is caring for as she prepares to deliver her children. After an obsessive fan of the idols murders Gorou, he is reincarnated as her newborn son - but along with him, a terminal patient he knew is reborn as his twin sister. Years later, after yet another seemingly related murder, Gorou (now known as Aqua) decides to enter the idol world and find the culprit.

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Cast

Manaka Iwami , Jeremy Gee , Jack Stansbury , Alyssa Marek , Savanna Menzel , Natalie Rial

Release Date

April 12, 2023

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

HIDIVE

Writers

Jin Tanaka

Directors

Daisuke Hiramaki

Oshi no Ko has the distinction of making its anime viewers cry within one episode, with its feature-length premiere having a devastating gut-punch that kicks off the true events of the series. In his previous life, Gorou was a physician and idol otaku influenced by his patient, Serena, to adore Ai Hoshino, the star of B-Komachi. After a surprising turn of events involving Ai's stalker, and the unfortunate deaths of Gorou and Serena, the two reincarnate as Aqua and Ruby Hoshino only to witness their mother's murder, prompting Aqua to begin a journey of vengeance against Ai's murderer.

The idol industry in Japan is a popular topic for anime, but rarely is its darker side portrayed as well as it is in Oshi no Ko. The anime does an incredible job of making viewers feel for Ai, making her murder all the more heartbreaking. While Oshi no Ko isn't all sadness, it's definitely far more tragic than most other idol anime.

19 Your Lie in April

Animated By A-1 Pictures, Based On the Manga By Naoshi Arakawa

Your Lie in April

TV-PG

Animation

Comedy

Drama

Your Lie in April follows Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy who loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother's death. His life changes when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a spirited violinist who helps him rediscover his passion for music. The series explores themes of loss, recovery, and the power of music in healing. The show stars Natsuki Hanae as Kousei and Risa Taneda as Kaori.

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Cast

Max Mittelman , Erica Lindbeck , Erica Mendez , Kyle McCarley , Erik Scott Kimerer , Erika Harlacher , Stephanie Sheh , Wendee Lee , Carrie Keranen , Christina Vee

Release Date

October 9, 2014

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll , Hulu

Franchise(s)

Your Lie in April

Writers

Takao Yoshioka

Directors

Kyohei Ishiguro

Main Genre

Drama

Creator(s)

Naoshi Arakawa

Your Lie in April follows Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy who lost his ability to play as well as his love for music after his mother's death. However, things seem to change when he meets Kaori Miyazono, an eccentric violinist whose free-spirited, emotional music playstyle re-kindles Kousei's passion and inspires him to start playing piano again. Unfortunately, Kaori suffers from a terminal illness and their journey together comes to an untimely end.

Although Kaori's illness is shown from the very beginning, and she spends most of her time in hospitals, no viewer could possibly finish the show without crying at the end, when Kousei reads her letter. The notes of Your Lie in April are all familiar and well-worn, but the anime handles them so well that it's difficult to knock the series for being a bit predictable. Your Lie in April is one series that is guaranteed to break fans' hearts in the best way possible.

18 Banana Fish

Animated By MAPPA, Based on the Manga By Akimi Yoshida

Banana Fish

TV-MA

Action

Adventure

Animation

Banana Fish follows Ash Lynx, a young gang leader in New York City, who uncovers a mysterious substance called "Banana Fish" linked to his brother's past trauma. Partnering with Eiji Okumura, a Japanese photographer, Ash navigates a dangerous world of crime and conspiracy. The series explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and the struggle for survival against powerful adversaries.

Cast

Toshiyuki Morikawa , Yuma Uchida , Makoto Furukawa , Yoshimasa Hosoya , Jun Fukuyama , Hiroaki Hirata , Unshô Ishizuka , Kenji Nojima , Shinji Kawada

Release Date

July 5, 2018

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Prime Video

Writers

Hiroshi Seko

Directors

Hiroko Utsumi

Main Genre

Action

Creator(s)

Akimi Yoshida

The story of Banana Fish is fraught with sad moments and reasons to cry, as it boldly features themes that few other stories have the courage to cover. From drug abuse and gang violence to corruption and PTSD, no phenomenon is too dark to be explored. The story follows Ash Lynx, a complex character who has proven himself to be incredibly strong in spite of his traumatic past, and Eiji Okumura, who gets drawn into Ash's world with the apparent desire to save him. Unfortunately, their journey together does not end on the happy note that fans may have wished for.

Banana Fish is a classic 80s manga, and studio MAPPA's adaptation absolutely does the story justice. So much of Banana Fish's story is contained in little moments, and that's something that MAPPA nailed with their anime. Banana Fish might be heartbreaking, but it still stands among MAPPA's best anime series of all time.

17 Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Animated By A-1 Pictures, Original Anime Created By Artist Collective Super Peace Busters

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Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

TV-14

Animation

Comedy

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is an anime series that follows a group of childhood friends who drifted apart after the death of one of their members, Menma. Years later, the friends are brought back together when Menma's spirit appears to Jinta, the group's former leader, seeking to fulfill her unfulfilled wish so she can pass on to the afterlife. The series explores themes of friendship, loss, and healing.

Cast

Brina Palencia , Jarrod Greene , Amanda Lee , Tabitha Ray , Mallorie Rodak , Ariel Graham , Bill Jenkins , Tyler Walker , Kyle Phillips

Release Date

April 6, 2018

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)

Hinamatsuri

Writers

Keiichirō Ōchi

Directors

Kei Oikawa

Main Genre

Comedy

See Also

Dan Tong ZHANG - Anime News Network:W

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is infamous for being one of the saddest anime series, and for good reason. The story revolves around a group of friends who drifted apart after one of them, Meiko Honma, died. Several years later, her sudden reappearance in the form of a ghost brings them back together, forcing them to confront the regret, guilt, and sorrow that they ignored for so long.

Although it features a supernatural twist, its nostalgic theme and focus on human relationships keep it grounded and relatable, only adding to the impact of its overarching sadness. Its distinct ending theme is sure to make fans emotional every time. With gorgeous animation, a cast of likable characters, and a story that will feel relatable to anyone grappling with the lost of a loved one, Anohana isn't just one of the saddest anime, it's also one of the best anime ever made.

16 Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Animated By Studio Trigger, Based on the RPG Series Created By Mike Pondsmith

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Animation

Action

Adventure

David Martinez (Kenichiro Ohashi) is a streetwise kid living in the slums of Night City in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. To survive, David becomes an edgerunner, also known as cyberpunk, taking on mercenary jobs outside the system. Together with a group of new and veteran edgerunners, David will shoot for the moon to escape the underbelly of the increasingly cyber-obsessed city. Unfortunately, the law isn't the only group that the edgerunners will have to contend with, as other heavily cyber-augmented humans will pose an even more significant threat.

Cast

Aoi Yuki , Kenichiro Ohashi , Kenjiro Tsuda , Kazuhiko Inoue , Tomoyo Kurosawa

Release Date

September 13, 2022

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Netflix

Franchise(s)

Cyberpunk

Writers

Mike Pondsmith , Yoshiki Usa , Masahiko Otsuka

Network

Netflix

Given its background, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners may easily be dismissed as promotional material for a game that only fans of the franchise would appreciate. However, it is far more than that, proving itself to be one of the best and saddest stories told in the medium. The show features an original story revolving around David Martinez, a boy with a once-bright future who ended up as an edgerunner after a series of tragedies, and Lucy, a netrunner with a likewise tragic backstory.

With the story taking place in Night City, a dangerous, dystopian futuristic city where being good is rarely rewarded, its heartbreaking events are almost to be expected. At its heart, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a tragedy. Audiences will likely have a good idea of the horrible events that will unfold throughout the series long before the characters do, and that makes watching it even more difficult. It's a testament to the anime that the perception of the controversial video game completely flipped after the wide critical acclaim of the show.

15 Death Parade

Original Anime Series By Studio Madhouse

Death Parade

TV-MA

Animation

Drama

Mystery

Death Parade is an anime series where deceased individuals are judged through mysterious bar games to determine their eternal fate. In a bar known as Quindecim, bartender Decim oversees these games, exploring the depths of the human psyche and the morality of judgment.

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Cast

Jamie Marchi , Asami Seto , Alex Organ , Tomoaki Maeno , Anastasia Munoz , Jad Saxton , Rumi Okubo , Koki Uchiyama

Release Date

January 10, 2015

Seasons

1

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Yuzuru Tachikawa

Character(s)

Woman , Black Haired Woman , Decim (English) , Decim , Additional Voices , Nona (English) , Nona , Clavis

With one of the flashiest and catchiest opening themes ever produced, Death Parade offers much more than an infectious soundtrack. The anime original, which was created, written and directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa, takes place in a purgatory-esque bar situated between Heaven and Hell. Here, those who have passed away compete in "Death Games" to determine if their soul will be reincarnated, or if they'll be sent to the void.

Any series that analyzes and critiques the nature of death and the afterlife is bound to get heavy, but the way in which Death Parade handles some of its characters, their backstories, and how their lives led them to being the people they became up until the moment of their death adds an even heavier weight and consequence for their ultimate fates once their future is decided for them. Some of the stories are so impactful that they're certifiable tear-jerkers.

14 Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

An Original Anime Series Co-Produced by Studio Bones & Kinema Citrus

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

TV-14

Animation

Drama

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 is an anime series that follows siblings Mirai and Yuuki Onozawa as they struggle to reunite with their family after a massive earthquake strikes Tokyo. The show explores themes of survival and resilience amidst the chaos and devastation caused by the natural disaster.

Cast

Satomi Hanamura , Yumiko Kobayashi , Yuhko Kaida , Christel Takigawa , Kikuko Inoue , Hiroshi Naka , Ai Nonaka , Narumi Takahira , Takeshi Aono

Character(s)

Mirai Onozawa , Yuuki Onozawa , Mari Kusakabe , Newscaster , Masami Onozawa , Seiji Onozawa , Aya Kawasaki , Meg , Mr. Furuichi

Release Date

July 9, 2009

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Main Genre

Animation

One of Tokyo Magnitude 8.0's main strengths is just how true to life it is, seeking to realistically depict an earthquake powerful enough to change the landscape of Tokyo in an instant, and the severe consequences thereof. No one could ever be prepared for such an event, much less Mirai Onozawa and Yuuki Onozawa, two children away on vacation by themselves. Yet, far from their family, they have no choice but to face this new situation, together with Mari Kusakabe, a motorcyclist and single mother.

Japan, more so than many other nations, has been hit hard by a handful of natural disasters. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 makes all that hit close to home, even for anime fans who have never been personally hurt by a disaster themselves. The sheer scale of the damage after something like a big earthquake is difficult to grasp, and that's something Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 captures quite well. The sadness comes from the effects of the disaster, which causes plenty of loss and grief in the city.

13 Flavors of Youth

Animated by Haoliners Animation League & CoMix Wave Films

Flavors of Youth

TV-PG

Animation

Drama

Romance

Flavors of Youth is an anthology film comprised of three vignettes, each exploring themes of nostalgia, love, and personal growth across different cities in China. Directed by Li Haoling, Jiaoshou Yi Xiaoxing, and Yoshitaka Takeuchi, the film weaves together stories that reflect on the impact of memories from youth on the present and future. The narrative is deeply rooted in cultural context, offering a poignant look at life's fleeting moments.

Director

Haoling Li , Yoshitaka Takeuchi , Xiaoxing Yi

Release Date

August 4, 2018

Writers

Yoshitaka Takeuchi , Haoling Li , Jiaoshou Yi Xiaoxing , Naruki Nagakawa

Cast

White-K , Taito Ban , Dorothy Elias-Fahn , Matt Fowler , Crispin Freeman , Ikumi Hasegawa , Mariya Ise , Billy Kametz , Minako Kotobuki , Erica Mendez , Takeo Otsuka , Kendall Quiniano

Character(s)

Xiaoming , Shaomin , Grandma , Various , Xiao Ming , Shiaoyu , Young Shaomin , Yi Lin's boyfriend , Irin , Xiao Yu , Rimo , young Xiao Ming

Main Genre

Animation

The highly underrated film Flavors of Youth that released in 2018 is the unique case of an anime series produced in China being released to mainstream audiences. The feature-length film is based around the tradition of the four basic necessities of life: food, clothing, housing and transportation, which is divided into three separate parts; The Rice Noodles, A Little Fashion Show, and Love in Shanghai.

While the film may not be emotional or "sad" in the traditional ways that anime fans would expect, Flavors of Youth hits hard in its core themes and resounding message of enjoying every moment of life, as well as being a beautiful cultural piece that gives an ample amount of love to the many landscapes and landmarks found in China. Watching each of the characters in the short stories gives every audience member somebody or something to relate to, adding to the film's impactful qualities.

12 WorldEnd: What do you do at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us?

Animated By Statelight & C2C, Based on the Light Novel By Akira Kareno and Ue

WorldEnd: What Do You Do At The End Of The World? Are You Busy? Will You Save Us?

TV-14

Animation

Drama

Fantasy

Romance

Sci-Fi

WorldEnd: What do you do at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us? is an anime series set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are extinct, and mystical creatures live on floating islands. Willem Kmetsch, a human soldier, must protect a group of weaponized fairy girls from extinction while battling his own dark past.

Cast

Ryôhei Arai , Azusa Tadokoro , Amber Lee Connors , Alexis Tipton , Micah Solusod , Akari Uehara , Machico , Tomomi Mizuma , Bryan Massey , Kikuko Inoue , Yurika Kubo , Manaka Iwami , Hina Kino

Character(s)

Willem Kmetsch , Chtholly Nota Seniorious , Chtholly Nota Seniorious (English) , Nephren Ruq Insania (English) , Willem Kmetsch (English) , Nephren Ruq Insania , Ithea Myse Valgulious , Tiat , Grick Graycrack , Nygglatho , Pannibal , Lakhesh , Collon

Release Date

April 11, 2017

Network

AT-X

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Directors

Hiroki Ikeshita , Takeshi Nishino , Daisuke Tsukushi , Takayuki Yamamoto , Yasuo Iwamoto , Takebumi Anzai , Hidekazu Sato

Main Genre

Animation

Producers

Ryousuke Yamada

WorldEnd follows Willem Kmetsch, a former warrior who was frozen in ice 500 years ago. He then awakens to find that he's the only remaining human, as humanity was wiped out by mysterious creatures known as "Beasts". In fear of these monsters, he and the surviving races must now live on floating islands in the sky. This is where he encounters the Leprechauns, young girls used as weapons against the Beasts.

From its post-apocalyptic setting to the tragic backstories of the Leprechauns, as well as their purpose of sacrifice and disregard for their own lives, this series is full of emotional moments.

11 Plastic Memories

Original Anime Series Produced By Doga Kobo

Plastic Memories

TV-14

Drama

Plastic Memories follows Tsukasa Mizugaki, a new employee at the SAI Corporation, which produces androids with human-like emotions and memories. Paired with Isla, a veteran android, Tsukasa's job involves retrieving these androids, known as Giftias, before their lifespans expire. This animated series explores themes of love, loss, and humanity within a futuristic setting.

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Cast

Yasuaki Takumi , Sora Amamiya , Chinatsu Akasaki , Sayuri Yahagi , Megumi Toyoguchi , Satoshi Hino

Release Date

April 5, 2015

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll , Hulu

Writers

Naotaka Hayashi

Directors

Yoshiyuki Fujiwara

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Naotaka Hayashi

Plastic Memories is a story of forbidden love, limited by time. The story takes place in a world where a company known as SAI Corp produces lifelike androids who resemble humans in every way, besides the fact that they have a significantly shorter lifespan. After landing a job at this company, Tsukasa Mizugaki meets up with Isla, a veteran android, and together they must retrieve other androids before they lose their memories.

Not only is it heartbreaking to see humans and androids who grew close be separated, but the very relationship of Tsukasa and Isla, which develops throughout the show, is also fated to end tragically.

10 Terror in Resonance

Original Anime Series by Shinichirō Watanabe and MAPPA

Terror in Resonance

TV-14

Animation

Crime

Drama

Terror In Resonance is an anime series directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, which follows two mysterious teenagers who execute a series of bombings in Tokyo. As they engage in a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse with the police, the duo's motives and backgrounds gradually come to light.

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*Availability in US

Cast

Kaito Ishikawa , Soma Saito , Atsumi Tanezaki , Shunsuke Sakuya , Aaron Dismuke , Robert McCollum , Jad Saxton , Christopher Bevins

Character(s)

Nine , Twelve , Lisa Mishima , Kenjiro Shibazaki , Toji Hisami , Kenjiro Shibazaki (English) , Lisa Mishima (English) , Arata Kokonoe

Release Date

July 11, 2014

Seasons

1

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Shin'ichirô Watanabe

One of MAPPA's earliest anime projects featuring the beloved direction of Shinichirō Watanabe, Terror in Resonance joins Kids on the Slope as a niche production with lasting, strong appeal. The series features a cerebral plot involving a nuclear strike scheme by the terrorist group Sphinx, whose members are survivors of a nefarious experiment by the Rising Peace Academy, with Sphinx being reminiscent of Death Note's Kira.

The emotional depth of the soundtrack, yet another highlight of Watanabe's filmography, evokes a bittersweet sadness at an exploitative and cynical society while ultimately preaching hope. Though fans may think the series is about the societal effects of terrorism, given the title, in reality, Terror in Resonance is much more about the political situation surrounding Japan's military. The result is a thrilling watch that gives unique insight into the political climate in Japan.

9 Given

Animated By Lerche, Based on the Original Manga by Natsuki Kizu

Given

Not Rated

Animation

Drama

Given (2019) is an anime series that follows the journey of four musicians navigating their personal struggles and relationships while forming a rock band. The story centers on high school student Ritsuka Uenoyama and his introduction to the world of music and romance through his bandmate, Mafuyu Sato. Directed by Hikaru Yamaguchi, the series explores themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of music.

Cast

Shogo Yano , Yuma Uchida , Masatomo Nakazawa , Takuya Eguchi , Fumiya Imai

Release Date

July 12, 2019

Seasons

1

The BL drama Given is a wholesome experience throughout, depicting the lives and loves of the band "The Seasons," whose lives and names are changed forever by one key new member. The band's lead guitarist, Ritsuka Uenoyama, discovers the forlorn Mafuyu Sato clutching his guitar, pitifully sad about some recently broken strings.

However, as the two connect and Ritsuka introduces Mafuyu to his bandmates Haruki and Akihiko, they discover Mafuyu's angelic singing voice and a tragic past. When Mafuyu finally unleashes the music in his heart, there is no single dry eye in the house for the Given anime. Music and anime are inherently linked, but with Given, that connection extends well beyond a fun soundtrack. The music in Given is integral to the plot and a major factor in what makes the series such a memorable experience.

8 Wolf Children

Animated By Studio Chizu

Wolf Children

PG

Animation

Drama

Family

Wolf Children is an animated film directed by Mamoru Hosoda, revolving around a young mother named Hana who raises her two half-wolf, half-human children after their father’s untimely death. As they grow, Hana grapples with the challenge of nurturing their dual nature while seeking a peaceful and fulfilling life for her family in the rural countryside.

Director

Mamoru Hosoda

Release Date

July 12, 2012

Writers

Mamoru Hosoda , Satoko Okudera

Cast

Aoi Miyazaki , Takao Osawa , Haru Kuroki , Yukito Nishii , Momoka Ôno , Amon Kabe , Takuma Hiraoka , Megumi Hayashibara , Tadashi Nakamura , Tamio Ôki , Tomie Kataoka , Takashi Kobayashi , Hajime Inoue , Shôta Sometani , Taichi Masu , Masahiro Usui , Kae Okumura , Ichirô Hashimoto

Character(s)

Hana , Ôkami otoko , Yuki (shôjo-ki) , Ame (shônen-ki) , Yuki (yônen-ki) , Ame (yônen-ki) , Sôhei , Sôhei no haha , Hosokawa , Yamaoka , Nirasaki no oba-san , Nirasaki no dan'na-san , Tendô , Tanabe-sensei , Radio Announcer

Runtime

117 Minutes

Main Genre

Animation

Mamoru Hosoda has a colorful career in filmmaking, helming projects like Summer Wars and his most recent success, Belle. One of his most emotionally profound features, though, is Wolf Children. The film is a lot of things: in its opening, Wolf Children is a story of unconditional love, and over the course of the film becomes a beautiful, insightful look into the emotional toils of motherhood.

Hana begins as a young college student, and after sharing her textbook with a mysterious man who sits in on one of her classes, becomes deeply enamored by him. As their relationship progresses, she learns he's a "wolf man" – similar to a classic werewolf, albeit far more gentle. The pair later have two children, and when her love tragically passes away in an accident, Hana takes Ame and Yuki and moves to the countryside where they can live a peaceful life. The second half of the film depicts Hana's struggle to manage the two children as they grow into middle schoolers, and must learn to accept the two very different directions her children wish to take in life.

7 Kanon

Animated By Kyoto Animation, Based On The Visual Novel By Key

Kanon

Kanon is a 2006 anime series that follows Yuichi Aizawa, a high school student returning to a town he visited seven years ago, where he reconnects with several girls whose lives are intertwined with his forgotten past. Adapted from the visual novel by Key, Kanon explores themes of memory, emotion, and the supernatural through a dramatic and poignant narrative.

Release Date

October 5, 2006

Kyoto Animation's Kanon stars Yuichi Aizawa, a cynical high schooler who comes to live with his cousin in a city he hasn't visited in seven years. As Yuichi slowly remembers what made the city so special, he becomes involved in the lives of several girls his age, all of whom have some prior connection to him and, in many cases, an odd relation to the supernatural that only he can deal with.

While it might not have the craft and prestige of its most immediate contemporary, Clannad, Kanon is filled with plenty of heartbreaking drama for all the characters involved, and it does so all while effortlessly combining five separate stories into a singular narrative, as well. Kyoto Animation is famous for its emotional and human dramas, and even after so many years, Kanon is one of the best anime to embody that ideal.

6 Clannad

Animated By Kyoto Animation, Based on the Visual Novel by Key

Clannad

TV-PG

Animation

Comedy

Drama

Fantasy

Romance

Clannad follows Tomoya Okazaki, a delinquent high school student, whose life changes when he meets a peculiar girl named Nagisa Furukawa. Together, they navigate the complexities of youth, friendship, and family while discovering the importance of dreams and perseverance. This anime is a blend of romance, comedy, and drama, set in a small Japanese town, illustrating everyday struggles and emotional growth in the lives of its characters.

Where to Watch

Season

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*Availability in US

Cast

Yuichi Nakamura , David Matranga , Luci Christian , Mai Nakahara , Ryō Hirohashi , Shelley Calene-Black , Daisuke Sakaguchi , Kara Greenberg , Greg Ayres , Andrew Love , Kikuko Inoue

Character(s)

Tomoya Okazaki , Tomoya Okazaki (English) , Nagisa Furukawa , Nagisa Furukawa (English) , Kyou Fujibayashi , Kyou Fujibayashi (English) , Youhei Sunohara , Sanae Furukawa (English) , Youhei Sunohara (English , Akio Furukawa (English) , Sanae Furukawa

Release Date

October 5, 2007

Main Genre

Animation

Clannad: After Story follows the future wherein Tomoya Okazaki starts dating Nagisa Furukawa, as well as their life together. Unfortunately, while witnessing their relationship develop should be a positive experience for fans of the couple, their family life proves to be riddled with trouble, challenges, and difficult choices. The tragedies are not even limited to the couple alone, with other characters also facing their own hardships.

Adulthood is rarely easy, a fact that this series portrays realistically and sincerely, which evokes genuine empathy from viewers. Many anime fans consider this title to be one of the saddest ever, with Tomoya and Nagisa's family developments breaking fans' hearts multiple times.

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