Anime – a medium that not only entertains us but also has the power to evoke strong emotions, making us laugh, cry, and reflect on our lives. Out of the numerous amazing anime series out there, some have left an indelible mark on our hearts, making us weep uncontrollably. Here are ten anime series that had us reaching for the tissue box.
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A Silent Voice: It’s hard to forget the poignant story of Shoya Ishida, a former bully who seeks redemption for his past mistakes. This powerful series explores the theme of bullying, friendship, and forgiveness, tugging at our heartstrings in the most unexpected ways. As Shoya’s journey unfolds, we can’t help but feel a deep sense of sorrow and regret for the harm he caused.
Your Lie in April: Music is often associated with joy, but in this beautiful series, it becomes a source of both healing and heartache. Kousei Arima’s story of loss and longing will tug at your heartstrings, making you cry tears of sorrow and joy. The way music is weaved into the narrative is nothing short of magical.
Plastic Memories: In a world where androids are the norm, the love story of Tsukasa and Isla will leave you weeping. Their relationship is bittersweet, filled with tender moments, but ultimately destined for heartbreak. As Tsukasa’s emotions grow, we’re reminded of the fragility of life and the pain of losing someone precious.
Clannad: This beloved series needs no introduction. Its relatable characters, coupled with an engaging storyline, make it an emotional rollercoaster ride. The heartbreaking story of Nagisa and Ushio will shatter your heart into a million pieces, as you witness the trials and tribulations this lovely family faces.
5 Centimeters Per Second: The bittersweet tale of two childhood friends, Akari and Takaki, will leave you feeling somber and nostalgic. Their unique bond is slowly strained as the distance between them grows. This poignant series reminds us that sometimes, the ones we love the most can become the ones we lose.
The Pet Girl of Sakurasou: Sorata’s moving story is often underappreciated, but it’s one of the most emotional series out there. As he forms connections with the people around him, we see a softer side of him emerge. But the star of the show is Mashiro, whose quirky personality and tender demeanor will make you go soft.
Grave of the Fireflies: Often recognized as one of the saddest anime films of all time, this movie adaptation is nothing short of a heartbreaker. The devastation of two siblings’ livelihood as they struggle to survive in war-ravaged Japan will make you weep. Their desperation and loneliness evoke strong feelings that are painful to endure.
The Ancient Magus’ Bride: With a narrative that beautifully blends fantasy and reality, this enchanting series will eventually shatter your heart. Chise and Elias’ delicate relationship builds slowly, creating tension that tugs at your heartstrings. Just as we begin to root for them, reality hits hard.
AnoHana: The Story That Was Left Behind is better known as the AnoHana series, and for good reason. Its incredible narrative revolves around a close-knit group of friends haunted by the ghost of Menma, who died in an accident years ago. Their bond is bittersweet, marked by longing and an odd sense of retribution that finally gets the better of you.
My Neighbor Totoro, however, might be an odd inclusion here. Its enchanting visuals and soothing background score evoke feelings of nostalgia and an intense love for the bond between a family. That said, it is this relationship that makes us choke up on the inside. For, the narrative navigates intense moments of sorrow as though we’ve been drawn deep into the childhood experience of the main protagonists.
While a tear-inducing anime can be brutal, it’s undeniable that sometimes those particular storylines and set designs strike an immeasurable chord and that is the great quality of these dramatic anime series filled with heartbreak to truly touch our hearts
