17 Emotional Anime Films That Will Make You Cry, A Must-Watch!

Kapanlagi.com - Kapanlagi.com - Who isn't captivated by the world of anime? Various genres in anime films can touch hearts and evoke emotions in their viewers. It's no wonder that many are looking for recommendations for sad anime films that are ready to drain tears.

This time, we present a list of sad anime films from various genres, ranging from fantasy to family drama. Each story offered not only entertains but also contains profound messages that you can reflect on.

So, if you are ready to feel a wave of deep emotions, let's check out these sad anime film recommendations that can move you! With a duration of 1 to 2 hours, each story presented will shake your feelings. Prepare your tissues and enjoy this emotional journey! (kpl/ans)

1. GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (1988)

GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (credit imdb)

"Grave of the Fireflies" is an anime film that must be on the watchlist for lovers of sad stories that can bring tears. It tells the heartbreaking journey of two children, Seita and Setsuko, amidst the suffering of World War II that struck Japan in 1945. The film illustrates how tragic their fate is after being left by their parents.

Their father went to war, while their mother died in a bombing attack, leaving Seita and Setsuko adrift without shelter. In a 1 hour and 29 minutes emotional duration, you will feel the weight of their lives as they are forced to fend for themselves in a place far from decent, relying only on the light of fireflies to illuminate the night. Their story is a bitter reminder of loss and an unforgettable struggle.

2. PERFECT BLUE (1997)

PERFECT BLUE is a film that is not suitable for children under the age of 18, considering its content that contains disturbing scenes of rape and violence.

With a duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes, this film presents a touching story about Mira Kirigoe, a former member of a J-Pop idol group who struggles to start a new career as an actress.

However, Mira's journey is not as easy as she imagined; she must face doubts about her acting talent as well as the terror from fanatic fans who cannot accept her decision to change. Her winding story will evoke sympathy and may even bring tears to your eyes by the end of the tale.

3. SPIRITED AWAY (2001)

SPIRITED AWAY (credit: imdb)

Prepare your tissues, because "Spirited Away" is an anime film that will shake your emotions and make tears flow freely! Directed by maestro Hayao Miyazaki, this film has won dozens of awards that prove its unquestionable quality.

With a duration of 2 hours and 5 minutes, we will be taken on a thrilling adventure with Chihiro, a little girl who fights hard to save her parents who are trapped in a curse after enjoying food in a beautiful yet mysterious world. The obstacles that Chihiro faces will make our hearts tremble, and be ready to feel deep sympathy as she struggles against all difficulties!

4. COLORFUL (2010)

The film COLORFUL is worthy of being one of the recommended anime movies that touches the heart, due to its story full of emotion and meaning. The story begins with a boy named Makoto who is trapped in the darkness of his life until he decides to end it all by swallowing pills.

However, fate brings him to the afterlife, where he meets PuraPura, a mysterious figure who gives him a second chance. With the challenge to correct mistakes from the past, Makoto returns to his ordinary life, but gradually, he begins to feel happiness that he had never enjoyed before. In a duration of 2 hours and 7 minutes, this film invites us to delve into Makoto's emotional journey, from despair to hope and rebirth.

5. THE WIND RISES (2013)

THE WIND RISES (credit: imdb)

The film "THE WIND RISES" is a touching work that stirs emotions with a story about disaster, love, war, and profound loss. This work, written and directed by the maestro Hayao Miyazaki and animated by Studio Ghibli, must be included in the list of recommended sad anime movies that will surely make you cry.

Telling the journey of Jirou, a young man who dreams of creating an extraordinary airplane, this film takes us on an emotional journey that culminates in the creation of the legendary Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter plane, a symbol of glory in Japanese history.

6. YOUR NAME (2016)

YOUR NAME is a masterpiece that must be watched by fans of sad anime films. Combining elements of fantasy and love, this film successfully captures the hearts of many viewers with its profound story. With a duration of 1 hour and 46 minutes, we are invited to dive into the world of Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana, two teenagers who find themselves in an extraordinary situation when they suddenly switch bodies.

This strange occurrence is not new to Mitsuha, who has dreamed of it before. Over time, they learn to adapt to this oddity, weaving a tale full of joy and sorrow that will immerse the audience in deep emotions. Prepare tissues, as their journey will tug at your heartstrings!

7. A SILENT VOICE (2017)

The film "A SILENT VOICE" tells the emotional journey of a deaf girl named Shouko Nishimiya, which is dubbed as one of the saddest films of all time. It’s no surprise that this film is included in the list of recommended sad anime movies that must be watched.

In this touching story, Shouko becomes a victim of bullying by Shouya Ishida, which ultimately leads her to decide to transfer schools. However, karma comes for Shouya when he himself becomes a victim of bullying, and his guilt towards Shouko continues to haunt him. When they meet again in high school, Shouya sees an opportunity to atone for his past mistakes and tries to mend their broken relationship.

8. MIRAI NO MIRAI

MIRAI NO MIRAI (credit: imdb)

One of the recommended anime movies that is sure to stir emotions is "MIRAI NO MIRAI". The story is not only heartwarming but also filled with exciting adventures and drama. It focuses on Kun Oota, a 4-year-old boy who was once the center of attention, until the arrival of a younger sister named Mirai changes everything. Feeling jealous and angry, Kun runs away to the garden and meets mysterious figures from the past and future, including a teenage girl who claims to be the grown-up version of Mirai. Together, they explore outer space and delve into the true meaning of family, making their journey not only thrilling but also full of valuable lessons.

9. DOUKYUUSEI

For fans of Boy Love (BL) stories, the film "DOUKYUUSEI" is a must-watch! Not only does it present a sad atmosphere, but the film is also filled with heartwarming romance.

It tells the love story of two teenagers, the smart Rihito Sajou and Hiraku Kusakabe, the band kid, who meet at a music festival that marks the beginning of their interaction. Over time, the seeds of love grow between them, creating a sweet relationship that is inevitably accompanied by tears. Prepare tissues, as their love journey will drain your emotions!

10. THE PLACE PROMISED IN OUR EARLY DAYS

THE PLACE PROMISED IN OUR EARLY DAYS (credit: imdb)

One of the recommended anime films that will touch your heart is "THE PLACE PROMISED IN OUR EARLY DAYS". This story is set in a Japan divided into two, where Hokkaido is under the control of the Union, while the southern islands are governed by the United States.

In the summer of 1996, three junior high school students make a promise to cross the border with a plane they designed themselves. This story depicts the struggle of friendship that is full of emotion and will make your tears flow abundantly.

11. YOUR LIE IN APRIL

YOUR LIE IN APRIL is an anime that can evoke emotions and touch the heart, making it one of the best sad works ever. Not only that, its profound story has also been adapted into a live-action version, ready to make the audience shed tears.

It tells the journey of a teenager named Arima Kousei who is trapped in trauma after losing his mother; this anime introduces Miyazono Kaori, a cheerful and talented violinist. With her spirit, Kaori tries to bring Kousei back to the world of music he once loved, gradually healing the wounds in his heart.

12. THE TOWN WHERE ONLY I AM MISSING

THE TOWN WHERE ONLY I AM MISSING (credit: imdb)

One anime that is a must-watch for fans of sad stories is "THE TOWN WHERE ONLY I AM MISSING". This story follows the journey of Satoru Fujinuma, a man with a unique ability to return to the past, just a few minutes before a tragedy occurs. However, it doesn't stop there; Satoru is thrown back to the year 1988, 18 years ago, where he must confront dark memories of the kidnapping and murder of his classmate, Kayo Hinazuki. With this second chance, Satoru is determined to uncover the mystery surrounding the tragic event and fight to save Kayo's life as well as protect his friends. Prepare yourself to feel the tension and thrilling storyline in this emotionally charged anime!

13. CLANNAD: AFTER STORY (2009)

Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa, after completing their high school years, are now ready to step into the challenging real world. In facing the uncertainties of the future, Tomoya begins to realize the value of a strong work ethic and how important Nagisa's support is at every step of his journey.

Meanwhile, as time passes and winter approaches, the Illusionary World also undergoes dramatic changes. In the midst of increasingly difficult situations, the Illusionary Girl and the Garbage Doll are forced to confront a reality that gradually reveals profound mysteries about the true purpose of the world they inhabit.

14. VIOLET EVERGARDEN (2018)

VIOLET EVERGARDEN (credit: imdb)

After four years of struggling in the Great War that tore apart the continent of Telesis, deep wounds and sorrow envelop the survivors, including Violet Evergarden, a girl raised to be a war machine. Now, trapped in the last words of her beloved that she does not fully understand, Violet begins a new chapter in her life at CH Postal Services.

There, she discovers the profession of "Auto Memory Doll," which allows her to write the feelings of others. In every story she uncovers from her clients, Violet strives to understand human emotions and, in the process, finds her lost identity.

15. I WANT TO EAT YOUR PANCREAS (2018)

A solitary student who always keeps away from the crowd unexpectedly finds a book titled "Living with Dying." The book is the secret diary of Sakura Yamauchi, his classmate who is facing pancreatic disease and realizes her time left to live is limited.

As time goes by, their vastly different interactions begin to form a deep emotional bond. Sakura's cheerful demeanor, despite being wrapped in sadness, gradually changes the protagonist's perspective on life, leading him to a new understanding of the meaning of existence in this world.

16. ANOHANA: THE FLOWER WE SAW THAT DAY (2011)

Jinta Yadomi lives in silence until one day, the figure of Menma, his deceased childhood friend, reappears before him. With a simple yet heart-wrenching request, Menma encourages Jinta to face the past he has long avoided.

This magical encounter not only reunites a group of friends separated by guilt but also invites them on an emotional journey to help Menma find peace, while simultaneously paving the way for healing the deep-seated wounds that have long been buried.

17. PLASTIC MEMORIES (2015)

PLASTIC MEMORIES (credit: imdb)

Tsukasa Mizugaki embarks on a new adventure at Sion Artificial Intelligence Corporation, a company that creates unique androids called "Giftias." Each Giftia has a specific lifespan, and Terminal Service One is responsible for retrieving them before they lose their precious memories.

Throughout this journey, Tsukasa is paired with Isla, an experienced Giftia whose life is rapidly coming to an end. As time continues to pass, their relationship deepens, presenting beautiful moments that also remind us that nothing is eternal in this world.

18. Questions Related to Sad Anime Movie Recommendations

Q: What makes sad anime so impactful?
A: A plot that focuses on the emotional cause and effect makes the audience feel the loss and character growth.

Q: Is the theme of loss always at the core of sad anime?
A: Loss often serves as a trigger, but what is emphasized is the life changes that occur after such events.

Q: Why are character relationships important in sad anime?
A: These relationships show how support or separation affects the characters' decisions and futures.

KLovers, those are some recommendations for sad anime movies that can make you cry.

(kpl/psp)