Ranking The Top 11 Saddest Anime Movies of All Time

Among the anime movies, some leave us with a heavy heart. Sad anime movies usually rely on deep emotions and memorable stories where each moment is unforgettable.

The main themes of sad anime are loss, love, and hope. They make us cry and feel connected to what is happening with the characters in those movies.

Whether it’s about friendships family bonds, or even personal struggles, the film stays there long after the credits roll. If you want to watch soul-touching movies or for a good cry, then saddest anime movies work like a balm.

So let’s dig out some of the most touching and depressing anime movies. I hope you love our anime recommendation, please comment down your favourite anime.

You will find many saddest anime movies but these are one of my favorites and close to my heart.

The Saddest Anime Movies That’ll Make You Cry-

11. When Marnie Was There-

• Imdb rating- 7.6/10
• Runtime- 1h 43m

The When Marnie Was There movie is counted among the saddest anime movies for good reason. This Studio Ghibli film tells the story of Anna, the lonely girl sent to the countryside to recover her health.

There, she happens to meet Marnie, a mysterious girl who seems to appear and vanish with the tide. As the depths of Marnie’s past and Anna’s own struggles come to light, their bond grows stronger.

What sets this movie apart is how it combines beauty and heartbreak. The plot tells a tale of isolation, self-discovery, and the unhealed pain of unresolved emotions.

With Anna and Marnie, there’s this rawness and sincerity that pulls viewers into their story. When the truth starts unravelling, it leaves a pain that borders on bittersweet, reverberating long after the credits roll.

If you want a story that stays on your mind, this is one of the saddest anime movies you shouldn’t miss.

10. Wolf Children-

• Imdb rating- 8.1/10
• Runtime- 1h 57m

Wolf Children is a must-watch for anyone exploring the saddest anime movies. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, the film beautifully captures the struggles of Hana, a young woman raising two half-human, half-wolf children after the sudden loss of their father.

The story delves into Hana’s journey of single parenthood, balancing the unique challenges of her children’s dual nature while providing them with a sense of belonging.

The movie doesn’t rely on over-the-top drama; instead, it tugs at your emotions with its grounded portrayal of sacrifice, resilience, and unconditional love.

Watching Hana navigate heartbreak, joy, and the bittersweet process of letting her children choose their own paths is emotionally raw. The moments of triumph are heartwarming, but the underlying sense of loss makes it unforgettable.

Wolf Children resonates deeply, making it stand out among the saddest anime movies. It’s a story that lingers with you long after the credits roll.

Read more- Top 9 Must-Watch Horror Anime Series

9. Hello World-

• Imdb rating- 6.7/10
• Runtime- 1h 38m

Hello World is an excellent anime movie, that blends science fiction, romance, and drama beautifully. The sad anime movie is placed in a future world where advanced technology comes to blend with human emotions.

Anime story about Naomi Katagaki, a high school student loaded with guilt and regret over an incident that took place in the past. During such a series of mysterious events, he meets a girl named Ruri Ichigyo, with whom he feels that, despite his lack of memory, he still knows her.

Their relationship deepens as they unravel the secrets of Naomi’s forgotten past and work together to help prevent a fatal future.

Hello World movie is stunning, seamlessly blending amazing CGI with traditional hand-drawn artistry. There was much care taken for each scene to thrill the audience with a visually stunning world of colours and futuristic landscapes.

The movie is all about how delicate human connections can be and how something or someone may have a really big impact on us.

It tells a story that will make you think, feel, and feel all sorts of things. If you want to watch something unique, you must definitely watch this movie.

8. The Garden of Words-

• Imdb rating- 7.4/10
• Runtime- 46min

A Garden of Words is an anime film visually gorgeous, for the second time in a row from director Makoto Shinkai, who is known for his breathtaking animation and emotional story.

A Garden of Words is nothing but fascinating, speaking to the detailed backgrounds and fluid motion of the characters, which is similar to rainy days in Tokyo.

The relationship between Takao and Yukino starts slightly in a subtle way, with very silent understanding and mutual support. Beyond the difference in age and social expectations, their connection surpasses mere friendship and provides them with an easy way out of the troubles they are in.

A Garden of Words is one of the depressing anime movies that addresses themes like loneliness, hope, and the temporary nature of personal relationships. Fans who like emotional movies shouldn’t miss this one because of its unique storytelling.

7. Silent Voice-

• Imdb rating- 8.1/10
• Runtime- 2h 9m

Silent Voice is one of the popular and beautiful anime movies that explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the effects of bullying that can last a lifetime. It’s set in a high school environment and follows.

The incredible journey of Shoya Ishida, a former bully, who is trying to make an apology for his past behaviour towards his deaf classmate Shoko Nishimiya.

It’s truly a masterpiece that will leave you feeling pushed and inspired. The movie hits you right in the feels because of the relationship between Shoya and Shoko.

At first, they didn’t get along, and everything was just miserable and misunderstood, but then it all changed. They started to understand each other, and it became really heartwarming to watch.

The way they reconciled was both painful and satisfying, reminding us that people can be empathetic and forgive each other. It presents a thought-provoking storyline with sensitivity and depth, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

With its powerful message of redemption and healing, “Silent Voice” rightfully earns its place among the saddest anime movies of all time, leaving a lasting impact on viewers with its emotional depth and sincerity.

6. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms-

• Imdb rating- 7.4/10
• Runtime- 1h 57m

This movie is without a doubt one of the most heartbreaking anime movies in recent years. This anime film is directed by Mari Okada and tells a complex story about love, hope, and the wearing aspects of life.

The plot of the film centres on Maquia, a young girl from the Iorph clan, who becomes separated from her people after a devastating invasion.

During the war, she finds a human child and chooses to keep him, embarking on a painful mother-son journey that stretches across ages.

This movie is one of the good films, and yes, it is one of the sad anime movies. Must-watch for fans who like this type of movie.

Read more- Top Must-Watch Detective Movies That Will Keep You Guessing

5. 5 Centimeters per Second-

• Imdb rating- 7.5/10
• Runtime- 1h 2m

5 Centimeters Per Second is an anime directed by Makoto Shinkai that beautifully portrays the quick nature of love and the passage of time.

The movie tells a story of unanswered love, distance, and the bittersweet realization of life’s fleeting moments.

The film is a poignant experience to be remembered forever—something that touches the heart and inspires as well.

Deep inside, 5 Centimeters Per Second is the definition of the saddest anime movie not because of dramatic tragedies or over-melodrama but due to its raw portrayal of human feelings that happens to be so typical and close to reality.

While “5 Centimeters Per Second” may not offer a conventional happy ending, it leaves a lasting impact, prompting reflection on the nature of love, loss, and the choices we make. That is why I selected this movie for my saddest anime movie list.

4. Weather with You-

• Imdb rating- 7.5/10
• Runtime- 1h 54m

Weathering with You is a visual masterpiece with stunning animation that brings to life the rain-soaked streets of Tokyo. The weather itself acts as a character, describing the emotional and worldly struggles of the main character.

The movie feels real, and the animation is top-notch. Did you know that the anime is directed by the talented Makoto Shinkai, who also created the beloved movie “Your Name”?

This is a touching, heartfelt story of love and sacrifice. The blossoming of a relationship between Hodaka and Hina leads to several heartbreaking decisions that test the depth of their love and stability.

Weathering with You is an animation that is visually and emotionally so deeply diving within a mesmerizing blend. It ensures that it is detailed on how love and strength overcome challenges.

Any anime fan, particularly one who loves the saddest anime movies, should watch this.

3. The Grave of the Fireflies-

• Imdb rating- 8.5/10
• Runtime- 1h 29m

Grave of the Fireflies is one of the sad anime movies that shows the impact of war upon innocent lives. Two orphaned siblings, Seita and Setsuko, are made homeless after their city, Kobe, is firebombed in World War II.

This movie shows their difficulty in a brutal, starving, and desperate world. The bond between Seita and Setsuko becomes the emotional side of the movie, revealing the fragility of life and that love is never lost, even in the darkest times.

Backwards, where there is pain and hopelessness, Grave of the Fireflies is also a testament to the strength of the human soul and to the human’s ability to find compassion and pity when tragedy strikes.

This sad anime movie will surely touch the hearts of all people around the world. It is underpinned by a great story, a beautiful vision, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that remains long after the movie ends.

Surely, it’s a movie that makes you leave a print in your mind.

2. Your Name-

• Imdb rating- 8.4/10
• Runtime-  1h 50m

Your Name is one of the saddest anime movies ever. The movie speaks of a beautiful story of two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who started swapping bodies through some sort of mystery phenomenon.

Growing closer despite being miles apart, just as things begin to set in, tragedy strikes. The emotional twist, involving a shocking natural disaster, breaks the hearts of viewers as the two struggle against time and fate to reconnect.

Love, loss, hope—this movie smashes one right in the gut. There’s really no chance not to cry. Bittersweet animation and singing touched hearts.

Even so, its bittersweet ending makes you think about the course of destiny and other missed chances. If you’re ready for a ride on an emotional journey, Your Name is one of those must-watch movies that well deserves the “saddest anime movie” title.

1. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas-

• Imdb rating- 8/10
• Runtime- 1h 48m

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is one of the saddest anime movies ever I watched. It’s about an unlikely friendship between a quiet boy and a girl with an untreatable illness. The movie grabs your emotions right from the start.

You get attached to the characters because they feel so real. Watching their bond grow, knowing her time is limited, is heartbreaking.

The movie balances happy and sad moments well, which makes the emotional hits even stronger. The twist at the end catches you off guard and leaves you stunned.

It’s not just about sadness; it’s about appreciating life and human connections. If you’re ready for tears, this movie delivers. It’s a must-watch for anyone looking for a deep, emotional story that stays with you long after the credits roll.

This is my favourite movie on the list and has a special place in my heart. If you want to try any sad movie, then I personally recommend you watch this anime.

Conclusion-

Therefore, sad anime movies linger, for they touch our emotions and also the different senses of love, loss, and strength. They teach people about truly taking good care of life and the relationships we have.

Grave of the Fireflies recollects the horrors of war, whereas Your Lie in April outlines personal struggles and the beauty of impermanence in the connections of humans.

These stories resonate because they deal with universal truths, often through characters we grow attached to.

The sadness isn’t just about heartbreak—it’s about reflecting on what it means to live fully. These films teach us to value joy in the face of hardship, making their emotional weight worth the tears.

They create spaces where viewers can cry, remember, and heal. While they might be tough to watch, the depth of their stories stays with us, reminding us how powerful anime can be in sharing human experiences.

“What’s the saddest anime movie that moved you to tears?

FAQ-