Are you a poker-faced anime fan who is looking for something emotional? Maybe you are easily moved and is looking for an anime that will easily make you cry? If this sounds familiar, then you are in the correct place. Today, I will be going over the list of the 6 sad and emotional anime that will definitely make you cry! So strap up and be prepared for the most epic emotional roller coaster you will ever experienced.
6. Byousoku 5 Centimeter

- Episode: 3
- Season: Winter 2007
- Source: Original
- Studio: CoMix Wave Films
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Anime Synopsis:
Byousoku 5 Centimeter follows the story of two close friends and potential lovers, Akari and Takaki. Due to family circumstances, the two are soon separated. Yet, despite the separation, the two continued to keep in touch with each other via mail. As they both mature, however, they furthermore become distant from one another.
Sad Anime:
Throughout Byousoku 5 Centimeter’s beautiful and emotional story, the buildup to the climax is definitely a surprise. Be prepared for a tear-jerking experience as the anime truly allows the viewers to ‘feel’ its characters rather than merely ‘watching’.
5. Ansatsu Kyoushitsu

Anime Synopsis:
When an alien destroyed the Moon, the students at 3-E of Kunugigaoka Middle School, also known as the misfits, was confronted with a task to assassinate the mysterious creature who named himself Koro-sensei. Though with no seemingly chance of success, the students quickly realize that Koro-sensei was the best teacher they ever have.
Sad Anime:
Throughout the anime, the viewers are able to experience the love and care that Koro-sensei has given them. What does it mean to be a true teacher? Why does Koro-sensei spend so much time nurturing these misfits? Ansatsu no Kyoushitsu provides its viewers with an emotional journey about friendships, as well as showcasing a truly beautiful and unique relationship between Koro-sensei and his students.
4. Plastic Memories

Anime Synopsis:
After failing his exams, Tsukasa Mizugaki, an eighteen years old, was lucky enough to land a job at the Sion Artificial Intelligence Corporation. The company, SAI, is responsible for creations of highly intelligent androids, also known as ‘Giftia’. Upon being assigned his first shift, Tsukasa found himself partnered with an absolutely stunning android named Isla. As love blossom between the two, they quickly realizes that nothing last forever.
Sad Anime:
Plastic Memories take on a romantic story between Tsukasa and a ‘Giftia’, or android, named Isla. These androids specifically only have approximately nine hours until they malfunctions and become hostile to humans. This usually is not a problem for most. For Tsukasa, however, he quickly realizes that he is falling in love with Isla. Throughout Plastic Memories, the viewers will experience a sweet, yet emotional and memorably sad story about true love.
3. Violet Evergarden

- Episode: 13
- Season: Winter 2018
- Source: Light Novel
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Genres: Slice of Life, Drama, Fantasy
Anime Synopsis:
Violet Evergarden talks about a girl and her journey of PTSD recovery. After a gruesome war, Violet, a surviving ex-soldier finds herself working for the Auto Memories Doll. Though her job is to transcribe customers emotions into mail messages, Violet has yet to understand the human’s heart. She must learn to truly grasp the hidden meaning behind each word to ultimately decode her Lieutenant’s final’ messages.
Sad Anime:
The anime teaches viewers the ultimate struggles of war, and along with Violet, allows us to see the fragile yet beautiful hearts of people. As the young girl learns of newer human emotions, whether it be sadness, gratitude, hope, we will encounter many truly tear-jerking moments that will teach us a thing or two about emotions itself.
2. Anohana

Anime Synopsis:
Anohana revolves around a group of childhood friends and their painful past. During one hot summer day, “Menma”, one of Jinta’s childhood friend, suddenly shows up next to him. Thinking that he is merely hallucinating due to the summer heat, Jinta merely ignores her. Soon, however, Jinta realizes that she was actually the ghost of Menma. Reunited with his former childhood friends, the lives of Jinta and his friends are suddenly turned upside down. The questions remain for Jinta — what does Menma’s ghost’ wants from him?
Sad Anime:
Anohana teaches us what it truly means to part with someone or something important. It showcases viewers the regrets of Jinta and his friends, as well as their struggles in finding the final and resting moment of their long lost friend. If you are up for an emotional roller coaster and do not mind crying non-stop, definitely consider watching this anime.
1. Clannad: After Story

- Episode: 24
- Season: Fall 2008
- Source: Visual Novel
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy, Supernatural, Drama, Romance
Anime Synopsis:
Clannad: After Story is a continuation of its first season prequel: Clannad. The series depicted the after-events of Tomoya and Nagisa after their high school graduation. As their relationship deepens, the couple finds themselves going through many challenges and hardships that must be overcome.
Sad Anime:
The anime tells viewers to appreciate the little things that they currently possess. Along with the protagonists, the viewers experience the true meaning of growing up, creating a family, and becoming an adult. Through a beautiful story, Clannad: After Story presents moments where you will be unable to stop your tears.
Conclusion:
So there you have it, the ultimate lists of anime that will make you cry and tear up. Though many of them contain a different story and settings. at the end of the day, be ready for a tear-jerking watch that will make you bawl your eyes out unbearably.
The only one I’ve seen on this list was 5cm. That does hit me in the feels, but I never felt the need to cry.
For my pick of anime that made me cry, there is only one choice that is bar none on the top of my list: GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES! I seriously dare anyone to watch that movie and not cry at least once. That’s also the only animated film that still makes me cry as an adult.
That is an interesting take. Personally, I have never watched Grave Of The Fireflies but I might give it a try. Perhaps if I’ve watched it, It might have been on this list otherwise
Sure thing. Grave of the Fireflies is a very powerful watch, but extremely depressing. It’s nothing like other Ghibli movies.
I am sad to realized I have not watched any of the Studio Ghibli movies… maybe I should catch up this weekend
I see. Maybe you should check one or two of them. Don’t feel bad. There are popular anime that I haven’t seen like My Hero Academia.
Ngl, I cried/teared up during Every Violet Evergarden episode past it’s third. They were just so tear-jerking! Too tear-jerking.
I feel you. After the 3rd which is the buildup/intro, everything just becomes blurry for my eyes 😭😭
Hmm… I’ve heard of Anohana and Clannad being some tear-jerkers. I didn’t expect to see Assassination Classroom in this list!
When I watched the entire 2 season, that final scene to me was some of the saddest anime moments ever to me.
I watched them all,all are heart breaking