Many of the anime lovers and enthusiasts out there know how tear-jerking anime movies can be. From the intricate storyline to the great character development to the saddening atmosphere, many anime movies are must-watches that will have you crying your guts out. So, if you’re feeling depressed, or maybe just want to have a crying session, here are some flicks that are definitely worth your time!
Disclaimer: Even if these don’t make you cry, as some might not find these cry-worthy, they are still highly recommended to watch!
Grave of the Fireflies: 10/10
This movie is set in Japan during World War II. Based on that description alone, you know this will be a sad one. Two siblings, a teenage boy named Seita and a little girl named Setsuko, are constantly on the run as their village and homes are being bombed. This movie depicts the hardship and struggles that these two face in order to survive in the war land they call home. Watching the siblings struggle to survive will have your heart feeling an immense amount of pain and leave you in a puddle of tears. Grave of the Fireflies is a well-written and well-executed movie portraying a real event in history as a sobbing masterpiece.
I Want to Eat your Pancreas: 9/10
Don’t be fooled by the name. It might sound strange, but there is more to the meaning. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is about a girl named Sakura who suffers from a pancreas illness. No one knows about her illness except for a boy who found her diary. One day Sakura decides that she wants the boy to help her complete her bucket list before she dies. This might seem like your typical love story, but there are many plot twists and emotional rollercoasters along the way. A cute and tragic love story worth watching.
A Silent Voice: 9/10
A Silent Voice is about a boy named Shoyo Ishiba who decides to bully a girl named Shouko Nishimiya. Not only is Nishimiya new to the school, but she is also deaf. Many years later, after Nishimiya has moved schools and left Ishiba’s life, Ishiba is full of regret and wants to redeem himself for his actions. You can imagine how devastating this movie is from that teaser alone.
Your Name (Kimi No Na Wa): 8/10
Your Name is about a girl from the countryside and a boy from the city. One day, these two switch bodies and begin experiencing each other’s lives (kind of like Freaky Friday). As you might have guessed, the movie revolves around the pair trying to get to the bottom of this mystery. It may seem like a basic plotline, but the way it is executed makes it very sad. The characters’ actions speak volumes; you have to see it to understand!
Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light (Hotarubi No Mori E): 10/10
In just 45 mins, this movie will send you on an emotional roller coaster. This cute short film is about a girl who spends every summer at her uncle’s house. During the summer she encounters a boy in the forest who is actually a spirit. The rest is up to you to discover. Might be a basic description, but there is so much more waiting to be discovered here. In just a short amount of time, this movie will have you feeling so many types of ways!
The list doesn’t end here. There are plenty of other sad anime movies out there that will definitely get you sobbing. Of course, anime is not for everyone, but it’s something you should try watching. Just like any American television show or movie, anime has a wide variety of themes and genres. With an open mind, these movies could be something you never knew you were missing! Happy viewing!