Top anime series that will leave you in tears

If you are looking for good anime that will leave you in tears, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are some of the recommendations that got me so immersed in the plot and managed to make me cry regardless of how many times I rewatched them.

{Editor's note: Although the videos embedded in this article are viewable in Japan, it is possible that some of them are restricted in other regions. We apologize in advance for the inconvenience.}

Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)

Shigatsu wa kimi no Uso 四月は君の嘘 is the story of a young pianist named Kōsei Arima, a genius with a tragic story that leaves him scarred and unable to play the piano anymore. Then, he meets a very cheerful and talented girl, Kaori, who happens to play the violin. She tries hard to get Arima back on stage. Kaori will be the light in Kōsei’s life, but the future which awaits them, their journey and the final episode will make you cry like a baby.

Hotaru no Haka (Grave of Fireflies)

Hotaru no Haka 火垂るの墓 is a film by Studio Ghibli. However, what makes it very different from the other Ghibli masterpieces is the realistic description and sad reality of the war that is portrayed in the movie. One of the greatest war films, made in 1988, it focuses on the hardships of the two siblings, Seita and Setsuko and their struggle to survive during World War II.

Ano Hana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Ano Hana: The Flower We Saw That Day あの日見た花の名前を僕達はまだ知らない。is a masterpiece. It tells the story of a group of childhood friends who end up separated after the loss of Menma, their friend. Menma, however, turns into a ghost and starts haunting Jinta, her best friend, saying she needs to fulfill a wish, but can’t seem to remember what that wish is. For Menma to rest in peace, Jinta tries to gather the friends he had lost contact with and convince them to help him. What we first know about Jinta is that he was once a leader figure of the group. Ever since the accident that caused Menma’s death, however, he became an introvert who wouldn’t go to school or leave his house. The anime follows the characters all along and we get to see how Menma’s death had a strong impact on all members of the group, each of them still blaming themselves and not knowing how to deal with the situation.

There is no official trailer available for the anime. Here is a trailer for the 2013 movie sequel set during school summer break a year after the events of the anime.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Kimetsu no Yaiba 鬼滅の刃 has become very famous worldwide and is now in the best decade anime top list.

The action takes place in the Taisho Era and the main character, Tanjirō Kamado, is working hard to support his family after his father’s death. However, an unfortunate event happens when he is not at home: his mother and siblings get attacked by a demon, turning his little sister Nezu into a demon as well. Through his journeys, as Tanjirō sets out on a quest to cure his sister, there are many times we get to see the stories of each character, both humans and demons, each of which are so touching they will pierce your heart. The overwhelming emotions and plot will make you feel closer to the characters and you'll shed tears of sadness while watching the series.

In 2020, there are even more promising anime series, some of which have already begun airing.

Here are some of the anime I recommend keeping an eye on. Some of them (like the first one) may elicit more tears of fright than pull on your heartstrings, but I think they'll all be worth your while.