The 20 Most Nostalgic Anime, Ranked
Updated September 14, 2026
Ranked by how highly viewers rate each show and how strongly it delivers this feeling — a slightly less famous show that hits harder can outrank a bigger name.
- 1
Your Name.MOVIE · 2016 · Score 86
“The film that turned longing into a universal language.”
Why it's here
Star-crossed loversSentimental dramaNatural disaster - 2
Clannad: After StoryTV · 2008 · Score 88
“The anime that redefines what a 'happy ending' actually costs.”
Why it's here
Sentimental dramaIllnessHappy ending - 3
- 4
I Want to Eat Your PancreasMOVIE · 2018 · Score 84
“The title is a misdirect. The real gut punch is how alive it makes you feel.”
Why it's here
Sentimental dramaIllnessBe careful what you wish for - 5
- 6
Steins;GateTV · 2011 · Score 89
“A time-travel thriller that's secretly about the price of playing God with the people you love.”
Why it's here
Sentimental dramaHappy endingThe power of love - 7
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s EndTV · 2023 · Score 91
“An elf outlives her friends, and slowly learns what she lost by not paying attention.”
Why it's here
The effects of time and distance on human relationshipsBoy meets girlContemplation - 8
- 9
- 10
Violet EvergardenTV · 2018 · Score 85
“Every letter she writes is another step toward understanding what she lost.”
Why it's here
Sentimental dramaTragic pastFirst love - 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That DayTV · 2011 · Score 80
“The ghost isn't haunting them. Their guilt is.”
Why it's here
Childhood friendsGrowing upBe careful what you wish for - 16
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2TV · 2026 · Score 88
Why it's here
The effects of time and distance on human relationshipsSnowscapeMagic circles - 17
Tamako -love story-MOVIE · 2014 · Score 78
Why it's here
Childhood friendsHappy endingFamily without mother - 18
- 19
Your lie in AprilTV · 2014 · Score 84
“A love letter written in music, sealed with goodbye.”
Why it's here
Sentimental dramaIllnessBoy meets girl - 20
