Anime creators appear to enjoy the habit of making the audience cry because they continue to release heartbreaking and tear-jerkingly sad anime movies on a regular basis.
If you want to see those depressing endings but don’t want to wait for episodes, you can watch some of the best sad anime movies. So we’ve compiled a fantastic list of suggestions for you.
Best Sad Anime Movies!
13. Big Fish & Begonia
Chun is a being from beyond the human realm who transformed into a dolphin to experience the mortal world. But she is almost killed and is saved by a boy’s sacrifice. She must now guard his soul until it can return to the human realm.
Big Fish and Begonia is a visually stunning anime film produced by a Chinese animation studio. It draws you in and keeps you glued to the screen from the start, like a magnet. You’ll cry enough to qualify it as one of the saddest anime films of all time.
12. Children Who Chase Lost Voices
Asuna notices a strange sound coming from a crystal radio and tunes in. She is soon transported to a mysterious world full of beauty and mythical beasts. Things in this fantasy world are far beyond human comprehension. It appears that even the dead can be brought back to life, but there is a cost.
Despite not being on par with other Makoto Shinkai masterpieces, this film has its advantages. It is one of the most beautiful films we’ve seen, as well as one of the most tragically sad. If you’re looking for sad anime movies to watch, this is the place to be.
11. The Garden of Words
Takao frequently skips school to sketch in a rainy garden. He meets an older woman named Yukino there. Despite their age difference, they form an unusual relationship after a few meetings. However, as the rainy season comes to an end, so do a few things.
This mature love story is told in the form of a short anime. In fact, it is only 46 minutes long but packs a powerful punch.
10. The Wind Rises
Jiro Horikoshi aspires to be able to fly, so he built a plane. From childhood to adulthood, he worked tirelessly to create a beautiful aircraft: the Mitsubishi A6M Zero. It was, however, used for something unexpected: The War.
The Wind Rises is a stunning film that deserves every accolade it receives. From a standpoint, it even deserves more. The story is told in a unique way, and the ending is heartbreaking.
9. Whisper of the Heart
Shizuku meets a boy named Seiji who also enjoys literature as much as she does. She learns about Seiji’s dreams after meeting with him, but she is unsure of her future plans. Can she discover and pursue her true calling?
Whisper of the Heart is as lovely and inspiring as previous Hayao Miyazaki films. It’s not exactly sad, but it elicits a range of emotions and leaves you speechless at the end. If not for the romance, at least for the aspiring plot.
8. Ride Your Wave
Hinako enjoys surfing and has recently relocated to a new seaside town. She meets a firefighter named during a fire breakout scene, and they both fall in love with each other. However, a tragedy occurs, and Hinako can now summon Minato from any water surface with just a song.
Ride Your Wave receives a 9/10 solely for its heartbreaking premise. It’s a breathtaking film with a sweet story and wacky situations. The animation was also a godsend. If you enjoy sad romance anime films, this could be your new favourite.
7. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Makoto Konno, a tomboyish high school girl, gains the ability to travel through time. What do you believe she will do with it? Examinee cheating? Or how about 10 minutes of Karaoke? However, when a minor change occurs, the consequences flood into her life.
Actually, time travel stories aren’t that uncommon. But what distinguishes it from the rest is its ability to deliver a bittersweet story with a tear-jerking ending. Overall, it’s a fantastic film with a good concept and a few other noteworthy elements.
6. Grave of the Fireflies
Setsuko and Seita live at a relative’s house due to her mother’s illness and his father’s service in WWII. However, following her aunt’s cruel treatment, they decide to live in an abandoned bomb shelter.
They try their hardest to survive in this world because they have no one else to help them. Food and supplies have become scarce, and their lives are spiralling downward. Isn’t life extremely fragile?
With any concept, Studio Ghibli creates a work of art. If you prefer to watch emotionally charged stories, this is most likely the one for you.
5. To the Forest of Firefly Lights
Hotarou, a six-year-old boy, gets lost in the woods during summer vacation and is rescued by a youkai named Gin. He is cursed and will vanish if he is ever touched by a human.
Gin ages slowly over time, while Hotaru matures. She has developed feelings for Gin, but will this story ever end happily?
This short anime film is both simple and stunning. Despite its short length, it does not leave anything out. The romance is captivating, and the plot is well-executed.
It hooks you up in seconds and is one of the most heartbreaking and sad anime movies ever made.
4. Wolf Children
Hana was just like any other human until she fell in love with a werewolf. He died as fate would have it, leaving Hana and two unusual children alone. Hana fled to the countryside to build a peaceful life for them, and her motherly responsibilities began on this day.
Wolf Children is nothing out of the ordinary, but it makes you cry like a little kid. It represents a mother’s struggle to protect her children. In a nutshell, it is an undeniable masterpiece.
3. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
Haruki discovers Sakura’s diary in a hospital and realises she has a terminal illness in her pancreas. Haruki decides to spend her last few months with her because she only has a few months to live.
Many TV shows and anime have tackled this concept before, but the execution is phenomenal. The story is heartfelt and does not feel forced in any way. At the very least, it causes you to cry.
2. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms
Maquia is born into the “The Loph,” a rare tribe of weavers. To steal their secrets, the King dispatched soldiers who began to disrupt the tribe’s peace.
Maquia, on the other hand, was successful in escaping into the wilderness. She finds an orphaned boy with whom she has a strong connection and decides to care for him on her own. Is the tragedy, however, over?
Maquia is most likely the most beautiful anime with a depressing plot. 90% of the time, you’ll be bawling your eyes out while admiring the animation’s beauty.
Everything about it, especially the characters, is impressive. If you’re looking for some good sad anime movies, this one’s for you.
1. A Silent Voice
Shouko Nishimiya was bullied because of her deafness, even after transferring to a different school, thanks to Ishida. Because of his bullying, she had to drop out of school, and the class eventually turned on him.
Years later, Ishida meets Nishimiya and decides to make amends by apologising and becoming her friend. However, Nishimiya’s scar has become too deep to heal. How will the story conclude?
A Silent Voice is not a lighthearted anime with a hint of angst; rather, it is an emotional rollercoaster. People who can relate to bullying may end up sobbing for a few weeks at the very least.
Conclusive Thoughts!
So there you have it. You can now sob until you’re tired of it and make your friends bawl their eyes out until they realise how depressing anime movies can be.
These anime sad movies will teach you valuable life lessons while leaving you depleted for a few days. So, when you’re free, watch and fully appreciate them. So, have a great time watching.
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