Anime has the remarkable ability to tug at our heartstrings, bringing out a wide range of emotions. If you’re a fan of emotionally charged storytelling and are looking for a good cry, you’ve come to the right place. In this list, we’ll explore Emotional anime series that are guaranteed to make you shed tears. Whether it’s the characters’ struggles, touching storylines, or profound themes, these shows have the power to evoke strong emotions.
Each entry includes information on the total number of seasons and episodes, allowing you to plan your emotional journey. So, get your tissues ready and dive into the 23 Emotional Anime Series That Will Make You Cry.
23 Clannad
“Clannad” is a heartrending tale of high school romance and family bonds. The story follows Tomoya Okazaki, a delinquent who finds solace in the company of the kind-hearted Nagisa Furukawa. This series will take you on an emotional rollercoaster through the trials and tribulations of its characters.
2 Seasons, 49 Episodes
22 Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
This anime explores themes of loss, grief, and the enduring power of friendship. A group of childhood friends reunites to fulfill the wishes of their departed friend, Menma. The emotional depth of this series is sure to leave you in tears.
1 Season, 11 Episodes
21 Your Lie in April
Prepare to be moved by the story of a piano prodigy, Kousei Arima, and a free-spirited violinist, Kaori Miyazono. Their journey is filled with music, love, and tragedy, making “Your Lie in April” a tearjerker from start to finish.
1 Season, 22 Episodes
20 Grave of the Fireflies
This Studio Ghibli classic is a powerful tale of two siblings trying to survive in Japan during World War II. It’s a heartbreaking and thought-provoking film that will undoubtedly leave you in tears.
1 Movie
19 Violet Evergarden
“Violet Evergarden” follows a former child soldier as she embarks on a journey to understand the meaning of love and emotions. Each episode tells a unique story, often filled with poignant moments.
1 Season, 13 Episodes
18 Angel Beats!
Set in the afterlife, “Angel Beats!” explores the stories of students who are stuck in a liminal world. Their experiences, struggles, and the search for meaning create a touching narrative that can bring tears to your eyes.
1 Season, 13 Episodes
17 Plastic Memories
In a world where human-like androids have limited lifespans, this series explores themes of love and loss. The relationships between humans and androids in “Plastic Memories” are both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
1 Season, 13 Episodes
16 Wolf Children
This heartwarming film tells the story of a young mother raising two children who can transform into wolves. The challenges she faces in preserving her family’s secret and identity make for an emotionally charged narrative.
1 Movie
15 AnoHana
“AnoHana” is a story about childhood friends who grow apart after a tragic incident. When the ghost of their deceased friend reappears, they must confront their shared past and their own unresolved emotions.
1 movie
14 Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
A powerful earthquake in Tokyo is the backdrop for this series, which follows two siblings as they journey through the devastated city in search of their family. The show provides a realistic portrayal of disaster and its human toll.
1 Season, 11 Episodes
13 ReLIFE
Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old struggling with life, gets an opportunity to relive his high school days. This series touches on themes of second chances, friendship, and self-discovery.
1 Season, 13 Episodes
12 Hotarubi no Mori e
This short film explores the bittersweet relationship between a young girl, Hotaru, and a forest spirit, Gin. Their love story is filled with touching moments and an inevitable separation.
(1 Movie)
11 Clannad: After Story
The sequel to “Clannad,” “After Story” continues the story of Tomoya and Nagisa, delving deeper into their married life and the challenges they face as a couple and as parents.
1 Season, 24 Episodes
10 March Comes in Like a Lion
The series follows the life of Rei Kiriyama, a young professional shogi player, as he navigates the complexities of his personal and professional life. Themes of loneliness and the search for connection are prevalent throughout the show.
2 Seasons, 44 Episodes
9 A Silent Voice
A tale of redemption and forgiveness, “A Silent Voice” focuses on the relationship between a deaf girl, Shouko, and the boy who once bullied her, Shouya. The emotional journey of these characters is profoundly moving.
1 Movie
8 Erased
Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist, possesses a unique ability to go back in time to prevent accidents. When he finds himself in a situation involving a serial killer from his childhood, the story takes a gripping and emotional turn.
1 Season, 12 Episodes
7 Banana Fish
This crime drama follows the story of Ash Lynx, a young gang leader, and Eiji Okumura, a Japanese photographer. Their bond is central to the narrative as they navigate the dangerous world of gangs and crime.
1 Season, 24 Episodes
6 5 Centimeters Per Second
Makoto Shinkai’s masterpiece explores the concept of distance and separation through the lives of two individuals, Takaki and Akari. The film portrays the passage of time and the emotional distance between the characters.
1 Movie
5 SukaSuka (WorldEnd)
The show takes place in a world on the brink of destruction, where the last remaining humans forge relationships with immortal beings. It’s a story of love, hope, and the inevitability of loss.
1 Season, 12 Episodes
4 Nagi no Asukara
In a world where sea people and land people coexist, the series follows the lives and loves of four childhood friends as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a changing world.
1 Season, 26 Episodes
3 Fruits Basket
This heartwarming series revolves around the Soma family, who are cursed to transform into animals from the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex. It explores themes of acceptance, love, and healing.
2 Seasons, 63 Episodes
2 Now and Then, Here and There
The series tells the harrowing tale of Shu, a young boy transported to a war-torn world where he becomes a symbol of hope for those suffering. The brutal reality of war and its impact on children is depicted poignantly.
1 Season, 13 Episodes
1 In This Corner of the World
Set during World War II, this anime film tells the story of Suzu Urano, a young bride living in Hiroshima. Her experiences and struggles in a war-torn city are portrayed with sensitivity, making it a poignant and emotional watch.
1 Movie
The world of anime is a treasure trove of emotional storytelling, and the 23 series and films listed here are just a small sample of the many titles that can bring you to tears. Whether you’re in the mood for heart-wrenching romances, touching family dramas, or thought-provoking tales of loss and survival, there’s an anime on this list to satisfy your emotional cravings.
As you embark on this journey through the world of emotional anime, be sure to keep your tissues handy. These shows and movies are not just about making you cry; they’re about exploring the depths of human emotion and the power of storytelling.
So, take your pick from this list, press play, and let the tears flow as you immerse yourself in these emotionally charged and unforgettable anime experiences.
For a change of pace and a different kind of feast for your senses, check out our curated list of delectable food-themed anime series that will tantalize your taste buds. Explore these savory and heartwarming culinary adventures in Anime based on Food.
