The Saddest Anime Movies and Series for Gloomy Days

Set in World War II, this anime film follows a boy and his little sister trying to survive after an air raid. It doesn’t hold back. Hunger, fear, and the breakdown of society weigh on the siblings.

There’s no magic, no fantasy, just heartbreak. Many consider it the saddest anime, sure to leave you speechless.

Kyoto Animation brought this beautifully animated series to life, and it's one long tearjerker.

Violet is a former child soldier learning about emotions through letters she writes for others. The war is over, but her personal journey has just begun.

The emotional moments come fast, and the heartbreaking moments—like her realization about her commander—hit harder than expected. Anime fans praise its themes of grief, self-discovery and healing.

Also known as "Koe no Katachi," this anime film tells the story of a deaf girl bullied in school and the boy who tries to make amends years later. It's a beautiful story about redemption and forgiveness.

As a true drama, every sad moment feels earned. Watching the characters confront their past lives, lost friendships, and deep regrets creates an emotional gut punch.

What starts as a light high school romance quickly turns into one of the most emotional anime ever made.

After graduation, the characters face the real world—and real loss. Themes like a mother's death, the birth of a daughter, and the collapse of dreams come crashing down.

Even if you've got a heart of stone, the finale will test your tear ducts.

A group of childhood friends drifts apart after a young girl in their group dies in an accident. Years later, her ghost appears, asking for help so she can pass on.

The story dives deep into grief, guilt, and the power of memories. It’s a short anime series with an emotional impact that could rival longer sagas.

Don’t let the strange title fool you. This movie is about a boy who discovers that his classmate has a terminal illness. They grow closer as her time runs out.

The sad moments feel raw and real, especially because the relationship develops in such a quiet, tender way. It’s one of those anime films where, even though viewers know the ending, it still hurts.

A high school student and talented pianist loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother's death. Then he meets a violinist who brings color back into his world.

But there's a catch. The romance, the music and the twist make this a masterclass in emotional storytelling. The final performance? Expect to cry.

Created by the same mind behind "A Silent Voice," this anime spans lifetimes. A shape-shifting orb becomes a boy, then a wolf, then countless other forms as it learns about humanity.

Every arc introduces characters who teach it about love, loss and life—then disappear. It’s a tragic cycle that pulls no punches.

Maquia is a member of an elf-like race who live for hundreds of years while maintaining a youthful appearance. She ends up raising a human boy who grows older while she remains the same.

This film tackles the pain of watching someone you love grow up and drift away. Themes of motherhood, time, and change make it emotionally intense. It’s a fantasy, but the feelings are very real.

This might seem like a feel-good story about high school girls joining an Antarctic expedition, but it packs a punch.

The trip becomes a journey of self-discovery for Mari Tamaki and her group. One girl joins the trip to find closure about her mother, who died on a previous expedition. The sadness sneaks up on you amid the adventure.

These anime are emotional tools in disguise. They help people explore their own feelings, reflect on life and sometimes cry it out, whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or a curious newcomer.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.