The 20 Saddest Anime That Will Make You Cry, 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.
If you're going through a difficult time, you're not alone.
Reach out anytime — someone is always there to listen.
- 1
A Silent VoiceMOVIE · 2016 · Score 88
“The most honest film ever made about earning the right to forgive yourself.”
Why it's here
Mental illnessSentimental dramaMelancholy - 2
Your lie in AprilTV · 2014 · Score 84
“A love letter written in music, sealed with goodbye.”
Why it's here
IllnessMental illnessSentimental drama - 3
Clannad: After StoryTV · 2008 · Score 88
“The anime that redefines what a 'happy ending' actually costs.”
Why it's here
IllnessSentimental dramaFamily - 4
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 dramaTransgenderTime loop - 5
Violet EvergardenTV · 2018 · Score 85
“Every letter she writes is another step toward understanding what she lost.”
Why it's here
Sentimental dramaMelancholyTragic past - 6
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
IllnessHospitalSentimental drama - 7
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming GirlMOVIE · 2019 · Score 84
Why it's here
IllnessSentimental dramaRomantic drama - 8
- 9
Fullmetal Alchemist: BrotherhoodTV · 2009 · Score 90
“The anime that proved shonen could be literature.”
Why it's here
SnowscapeAnti-warDeath of a loved one - 10
- 11
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
SnowscapeThe effects of time and distance on human relationshipsNostalgia - 12
- 13
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl SenpaiTV · 2018 · Score 81
Why it's here
Sentimental dramaRomantic dramaDysfunctional family - 14
Hunter x Hunter (2011)TV · 2011 · Score 89
“An adventure story that quietly becomes the most psychologically complex anime ever made.”
Why it's here
HospitalDysfunctional familyTransgender - 15
- 16
Fruits Basket (2019)TV · 2019 · Score 82
Why it's here
Tragic pastAnimal transformationDysfunctional family - 17
Your Name.MOVIE · 2016 · Score 86
“The film that turned longing into a universal language.”
Why it's here
Sentimental dramaThe effects of time and distance on human relationshipsDysfunctional family - 18
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That DayTV · 2011 · Score 80
“The ghost isn't haunting them. Their guilt is.”
Why it's here
MelancholyGrowing upNostalgia - 19
Neon Genesis EvangelionTV · 1995 · Score 83
“The mecha anime that was actually a therapy session the creator couldn't afford.”
Why it's here
MelancholyLonelinessClone - 20
Grave of the FirefliesMOVIE · 1988 · Score 83
“The film that makes you angry at war itself.”
Why it's here
MelancholyAnti-warDeath of a loved one