Top 20 Anime Guaranteed to Make You Cry

These anime explore themes of loss, recovery, and the strength of human connection, delivering deeply moving stories. You’ll find both lengthy series that develop characters over time, and impactful films that tell complete stories quickly. These shows often feature family conflicts, the challenges of growing up, and friendships that change lives. For each recommendation, we’ve included a summary, the creators, and details about its length and overall scope.

‘Your Lie in April’ (2014–2015)

The series centers on Kousei Arima, a talented pianist who lost his ability to hear himself play after a traumatic experience. He begins to rediscover his passion for music when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a violinist whose unconventional style challenges him to face his past. Based on the manga by Naoshi Arakawa and brought to life by director Kyohei Ishiguro and studio A-1 Pictures, the show consists of 22 episodes plus an original video animation (OVA).

‘Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day’ (2011)

A group of childhood friends falls out of touch after a sad event, but they’re brought back together when the ghost of their friend, Menma, appears to one of them. The story deals with themes of guilt, hidden emotions, and learning to move on. Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai with scripts by Mari Okada and animation by A-1 Pictures, it’s an 11-episode series that was later continued with a sequel movie, revisiting the characters and their story.

‘Clannad After Story’ (2008–2009)

This continuation of the story follows Tomoya and Nagisa as they navigate life after high school, focusing on the challenges and joys of adulthood, marriage, and raising a family. Animated by Kyoto Animation with direction from Tatsuya Ishihara, this season adapts Key’s original visual novel and includes 24 episodes along with bonus shorts.

‘A Silent Voice: The Movie’ (2016)

A Silent Voice tells the story of Shoya Ishida, who tries to make up for bullying a deaf classmate, Shoko Nishimiya, when they were both in elementary school. The film explores their journey toward forgiveness and deals with themes of loneliness and finding self-acceptance. Directed by Naoko Yamada and animated by Kyoto Animation, it’s based on a manga by Yoshitoki Oima and lasts approximately 130 minutes.

‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988)

This animated film, directed by Isao Takahata for Studio Ghibli, tells the heartbreaking story of Seita and Setsuko, two siblings trying to survive in Japan during World War II. Based on a partly true story, it shows the harsh realities of war for ordinary people, focusing on their everyday struggles and decreasing supplies. The film is approximately 89 minutes long.

‘Violet Evergarden’ (2018)

Violet, a young woman who once fought as a child soldier, now works as an Auto Memory Doll – essentially a ghostwriter who crafts letters for people. Each episode explores the story of a different client, often touching on themes of loss and love. The series, consisting of 13 episodes, a side story, and a concluding movie, was created by Kyoto Animation with Taichi Ishidate directing.

‘I Want to Eat Your Pancreas’ (2018)

The film centers on a reserved student who learns his classmate, Sakura, is seriously ill. It beautifully portrays the simple, heartfelt moments and genuine conversations they share during her final days. Directed by Shinichiro Ushijima and produced by Studio VOLN, it’s based on the novel by Yoru Sumino and has a runtime of approximately 108 minutes.

‘Angel Beats!’ (2010)

This anime takes place in an afterlife version of high school, where students band together to fight a strange, controlling system and come to terms with their past regrets. Each character’s story unfolds through a mix of action and personal flashbacks, allowing them to resolve issues they left unfinished in life. Seiji Kishi directed the series, and Jun Maeda, who created the original concept, composed the music. It consists of 13 episodes, plus several additional animated shorts.

‘Tokyo Magnitude 8.0’ (2009)

When a huge earthquake strikes Tokyo, brother and sister Mirai and Yuuki team up with a motorcycle courier to make their way home. The anime explores the challenges of disaster relief, how emergency services respond, and the impact on families during a crisis. Directed by Masaki Tachibana with animation by Bones and Kinema Citrus, it’s a complete story told across 11 episodes.

‘Wolf Children’ (2012)

This animated film tells the story of a college student who falls in love with a werewolf, and later raises their two children by herself in a rural setting. It explores themes of motherhood and what it means to discover who you are. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda and produced by Studio Chizu, the movie runs for approximately 117 minutes.

‘Plastic Memories’ (2015)

Set in the near future, the series centers around androids called Giftia, who are collected by a special team when their lifespans end to prevent memory loss. It follows Tsukasa, a new member of this retrieval team, and his partner Isla as they help Giftia owners say their final goodbyes. The 13-episode anime is directed by Yoshiyuki Fujiwara at Doga Kobo, based on an original idea.

‘To Your Eternity’ (2021–)

This anime follows an immortal being who lives many lives by taking on different forms and learning from the people they connect with. Each story arc takes place in a new setting, but consistently explores ideas about life, death, and human relationships. The series is based on a manga by Yoshitoki Oima, with the first season animated by Brain’s Base and later seasons by Drive. It’s been running for multiple seasons, divided into several parts.

‘Banana Fish’ (2018)

Ash Lynx, the leader of a teen gang, delves into a puzzling mystery surrounding the phrase “Banana Fish,” which is connected to a deeply troubling event in his past. The story unfolds within New York’s criminal underworld and involves dangerous government secrets. Directed by Hiroko Utsumi at MAPPA, this 24-episode series reimagines the original 1980s manga with a modern setting.

‘March Comes in Like a Lion’ (2016–2018)

March Comes Like a Lion follows professional shogi player Rei Kiriyama as he battles depression and finds a found family with the Kawamoto sisters. The anime beautifully blends intense shogi matches with a realistic look at everyday life and Rei’s journey to healing. Based on Chica Umino’s manga and directed by Akiyuki Shinbo at Shaft, the series consists of two seasons with a total of 44 episodes.

‘Fruits Basket’ (2019–2021)

Tohru Honda, a young woman who lost her parents, ends up living with the Soma family, who carry a unique secret: they transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac under certain circumstances. This new adaptation of the manga tells the complete story, focusing on the family’s struggles and their journey towards healing. Produced by TMS Entertainment and directed by Yoshihide Ibata, the series consists of three seasons that cover the entire narrative.

‘Orange’ (2016)

Naho, a high school student, starts receiving letters from her future self, warning her to take action to help Kakeru, a new student. The story explores themes of regret and how even small decisions can have a big impact. Directed by Hiroshi Hamasaki and animated by Telecom Animation Film, it’s based on a manga by Ichigo Takano and consists of 13 episodes plus a continuation movie.

‘Puella Magi Madoka Magica’ (2011)

Young teens are given the chance to become magical girls, but accepting comes with significant and reality-altering consequences. The story unfolds quickly over just 12 episodes, revealing the specific rules and sacrifices involved. Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo at the studio Shaft, with writing by Gen Urobuchi, the series has expanded with both recap movies and follow-up installments.

‘Made in Abyss’ (2017–)

Riko, an orphaned girl, journeys into a mysterious chasm called the Abyss with her robot companion, Reg, hoping to find her mother. As they descend, each new level of the Abyss presents unique environments, ancient artifacts, and dangerous biological effects that become increasingly powerful. The story is adapted into an animated series by Kinema Citrus, with a captivating score by Kevin Penkin. The series expands on the original manga with multiple seasons, recap movies, and a continuation film that connects different story arcs.

‘Air’ (2005)

A puppeteer comes to a coastal town and befriends a girl who seems linked to an old story about a woman with wings. The story jumps between the present and the past, revealing a curse that happens again and again. This anime is based on a visual novel by Key and directed by Tatsuya Ishihara. It consists of 12 episodes plus a special.

‘A Place Further Than the Universe’ (2018)

A group of four high school girls travels to Antarctica, each with their own unique reasons – from family connections to personal ambitions. The show follows their preparations, the complex planning involved, and the challenges of life in the polar region. Directed by Atsuko Ishizuka at Madhouse, this is a self-contained story told over 13 episodes.

Let us know in the comments which items on this list resonated with you the most, and if there are any other titles you’d add.

2025-10-31 09:49