5 Sad Anime Shows to Get Your Tears Going

Want to watch sad anime throughout the mind-numbing moments in life? Well, we’ve got you covered.

Anime has been known to show off the best, emotional, most gripping stories, whether it be through movies or TV. We’ve already listed down the sad anime films you can watch, so if you’re looking for a longer, more tragic hit, these series should get your tears going. Watch with caution.

Clannad: After Story (2008)

Sad Anime
Image from Kyoto Animation

An oldie but goodie, Clannad: After Story is everything you need to experience extreme sadness. The struggles of adulthood, maintaining a family, and all that comes with it — this is what sad stories are made of. This anime is the direct sequel to its predecessor Clannad, so we really suggest watching the first show to really feel the heavyweight of the second.

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2011)

anohana group
Image from A-1 Pictures

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is a doozy. It follows a group of childhood friends who grow apart through the years after the unexpected death of another friend. Her ghost, however, playfully haunts the group, reminding them of all the love and friendship that was lost in time. It’s a delicate tale that explores the feelings of guilt and grief amidst one’s death, and how life moves forward without consideration to such. So yes, you will probably cry. A lot.

Your Lie in April (2014)

Sad Anime
Image from A-1 Pictures

If you haven’t heard of the heartbreaker that is Your Lie in April, then you’re missing out big time. It tells the story of a downtrodden pianist named Arima Kousei, who suffers through intense personal hardships after the death of his mother. Through the exuberant and fun-spirited Kaori, he’s able to experience the beauty of classical music all over again. The anime is chock full of funny and light-hearted moments, but fans often find that the themes of overcoming trauma and loss and moving on are what put a lump in their throat.

Violet Evergarden (2018)

Sad Anime
Image from Kyoto Animation

Violet Evergarden took animation to the next level with its stunning visuals and bittersweet storytelling. Viewers will get to see the emotional transformation of Violet, a young soldier who struggles to deal with the concepts of love and loss after the end of a bloody war. You’re sure to need a box of tissues beside you because this series is filled with genuine heart, emotion, and hope in each of its healing stories.

A Place Further Than the Universe (2018)

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Image from Madhouse

More poignant than sad, A Place Further Than the Universe is the latest to join the collection of beautifully animated, melancholy shows in recent years. There are definitely a lot of reasons why we love this show, but it’s mostly because it tells of a youthful journey of self-discovery between four high school girls en route to Antarctica. Don’t expect to cry through every episode, but do anticipate a couple of heart-wrenching scenes somewhere between the high-flying adventures.

Art Macky Arquilla

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