Top 10 Saddest Anime Series

Anime series come in various flavors, including the comedic ones that make us laugh, the romantic ones that warm our hearts, the mysterious ones that keep us guessing, and the science-fiction ones that take us to otherworldly realms. But what truly grips my heart are the tragedies, or rather, the emotional rollercoasters that bring tears to our eyes.

The title of the saddest anime series isn't something to be taken lightly. It hinges on the depth of the storyline, the intricate backgrounds of its characters, and those pivotal moments that transform them into emotional masterpieces, leaving us with teary eyes and heavy hearts.

1. Angel Beats!

   

   Angel Beats! is a 13-episode Japanese anime television series produced by P.A. Works and Aniplex. It was directed by Seiji Kishi and written by Jun Maeda. The series features a story set in the afterlife and blends action, comedy, and drama.

   Angel Beats is the saddest anime I've watched so far. It's beautiful, sad, hilarious, heartbreaking, and the music and emotions are amazing. You just get so attached to the characters, and the last episode left me absolutely crushed. The way he screamed Kanade in the end literally broke my heart. I just had to watch it to the very last second to see if he disappears too.

   It left me in such a sad awe that I didn't even think of watching another series for a couple of days. I felt that it would ruin the moment. It leaves you sad and crushed, but at the same time, you're happy and feel kind of free and fulfilled. If you haven't seen this, then you should type it in right now. It's just breathtaking. Must see!

2. Clannad After Story

   

   Clannad is an anime series based on a visual novel that follows the life of Tomoya Okazaki, a disaffected high school senior who struggles with his relationship with his alcoholic father and harbors resentment toward the town he lives in. Tomoya and his friend Yohei Sunohara spend much of their time... read more

   Let me just say for the record that I have a heart of stone, and none of the other anime on this list, nor any other anime ever, has gotten me to cry. However, in Clannad After Story, I was bawling like a little child. No other show, book, movie, video, or anything else has ever made me cry so hard - except for maybe a couple of Thai Life Insurance videos, haha.

   The story is deeply grounded in family values, and it genuinely shows you what emotions feel like. You will never truly connect with any other character or anime as you will with Clannad After Story. If you don't mind the emotional rollercoaster, Clannad After Story is the most beautiful, heart-meltingly sweet anime I have ever seen, and I urge you to watch it.

3. Fullmetal Alchemist

   

   Fullmetal Alchemist is an anime series adapted from the manga of the same name by Hiromu Arakawa. It follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in a quest to restore their bodies after a failed attempt to resurrect their mother. The original series aired in 2003, and a more faithful... read more

   This anime protagonist had the saddest childhood, not Naruto, not Ushio, not anyone else, because:

   1. His father left.

   2. His mother died.

   3. Then their master's child died, which depressed their master. Because of that, she also used alchemy to resurrect her child.

   4. They learned alchemy and tried to resurrect their mother. But Al dies (not fully, but his soul is left), and one of Ed's legs materializes. To protect his brother, Ed sacrifices his arm to put Al's soul into armor.

   5. They resurrect a horrifying body, pitch black and looking like a demon, and it wasn't their mother. So think about their life as children. 5.5. This was also sad, the death of Nina.

   6. The most depressing moment was when Hughes dies, and then the funeral was just such a depressing moment.

   7. The opening song in Brotherhood, Again, shows their pain. Their childhood was just... I don't have words for it.

   So just think about their childhood and compare it with any other anime.

4. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

   

   Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is a Japanese anime television series that aired in 2011. The show focuses on a group of childhood friends who drift apart after the death of one of their own but are later reunited to fulfill her final wish. It is widely praised for its emotional depth, complex characters... read more

   This is one of my favorite animes, such a masterfully developed story that shows a lot of meaning and tugs quite a bit at the heartstrings. The protagonists are all quite admirable and each has a strong, but sad, background story that reveals how they could have changed Menma's life that day, showing how many regrets one can have. The emotions of the characters are really strongly portrayed, and both the opening and ending are amazing songs!

   The final scene will have you crying like a little girl, so be forewarned! Make sure to bring some buckets and have tissues at the ready. Overall, this is an anime that is quite unique and amazing. I can't wait for the movie this August!

5. Death Note

   

   Death Note is a Japanese anime television series based on the manga created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. The story follows Light Yagami, a gifted high school student with a strong sense of justice who discovers a notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. His actions as... read more

   I started to watch Death Note one day after I heard it was complete. I watched every episode up to episode 26. The 25th episode was very sad. Spoiler alert, L died. I was discouraged and didn't watch it anymore. Later, I decided to complete it to see what would happen in the end. However, I couldn't help myself and ended up seeing the spoiler about Light's death. I was scarred for life. I was so traumatized that I didn't even think about it anymore. The writer's obsession with the alphabet "L" was scary in itself, if you know what I mean. The opening was sad, and the tunes in the background were scary. This was truly a masterpiece, which even now, I cannot bring myself to watch.

6. Elfen Lied

   

   Elfen Lied is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Lynn Okamoto. It was serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump magazine from June 2002 to August 2005. The series includes 107 chapters, which have been compiled into twelve tankōbon volumes.

   The anime and the manga were both really sad. There was a game that I was addicted to playing. I would spend a lot of time on it every day. After Elfen Lied, well, I stopped playing for weeks. I just sat on my bed and thought about the unfairness of the world.

   Later, I tried filling the void it left by watching other anime like Fullmetal Alchemist and Angel Beats. Fullmetal Alchemist was interesting, but nowhere near as sad as Elfen Lied. Angel Beats was actually very sad, mostly because of the ending and the incredible soundtrack. However, the lack of character progression made it so that the ending wasn't as depressing as Elfen Lied.

7. Naruto

   

   Naruto is an anime and manga franchise created by Masashi Kishimoto. The manga was adapted into a television anime series produced by Studio Pierrot and Aniplex. It premiered on TV Tokyo and other TX Network stations on October 3, 2002.... read more

   Naruto was neglected, hated, despised, isolated, and feared his whole life for something he didn't ask for and something he couldn't control. Yet he always smiled, saying he would be Hokage and hoping for a better day tomorrow. He meets Iruka, Kakashi, Team 7, the Rookie 9, Jiraiya, and so many people who finally acknowledge him as a shinobi and as someone who means something. He's so happy that they saved him from his own depression and sadness. Who wouldn't be?

   As if they're not already stuffing enough emotion into our faces, Naruto is forced to endure even more suffering the deaths of close ones and the loss of his best friend and rival, Sasuke. He continues on through life, affecting so many people, changing the hearts of his enemies, friends, and teachers alike. He strains so hard to save what helped him so much and to keep his friends safe, just as they helped him.

   It's heart-wrenching to see the sad but close bond he shares with people like Gaara, Sasuke, Killer B, and anyone who has had a hard life. But he inspires so many to continue on. He is living proof that with enough determination, perseverance, and confidence, you can do anything. By the end of the series, he's made his way to Hokage, and people finally acknowledge him. I couldn't imagine the pure surge of emotion one would feel to be embraced by those who hated you for so long, for people to understand and accept you when you've never had love before. This anime/manga has been able to make me cry when no other has been able to before.

8. Code Geass R2

   

   The moment I saw Lelouch die, after everything he had been through, how could this not be the saddest thing ever? His sacrifice for the greater good of humanity was such a huge burden for him to bear. And to think that everyone else shunned him without knowing what he had given them - it is so cruel. In another way, it was a poetic and beautiful ending, even if it ended with his death.

   In fact, Lelouch's sacrifice reminded me of Romeo and Juliet's love story, where they could never be together as long as they were alive. Just like Lelouch, they died so that their wish would come true. If this isn't a tragedy, then I don't know what is.

9. Clannad

   

   Clannad is the anime adaptation of the visual novel developed by Key for Windows PCs in 2004. The game was later ported to PlayStation consoles and the Xbox 360. It was the best-selling PC title in Japan in 2004 and appeared in national top 50 rankings several more times afterward.... read more

   It's a shame that Clannad and Clannad After Story are often discussed separately because they function as Part 1 and Part 2 of an incredible story. That being said, Clannad hits rock bottom in terms of sadness around halfway through with its arc. Meanwhile, After Story takes the foundation of the story and delivers a more memorable heart-wrenching ending.

   A lot of people seem to forget about the original Clannad because the After Story was so sad. However, the original Clannad had many tear-jerking moments and is easily one of the greatest anime for storyline and likable characters. It's also a must-see if you plan on watching Clannad: After Story.

10. Your Lie in April

    

    Your Lie in April, known in Japan as Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso or simply Kimiuso, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Naoshi Arakawa. It was serialized in Monthly Shōnen Magazine from 2011 to 2015. The story was also adapted into a popular anime television series.

    The story is beautiful, as is the music. It captures the expressiveness of Romantic Classical music in anime form! At the end, I curled into the fetal position and let out a meek "ow" as I clutched my heart. I then felt grateful because the story leaves you feeling sad, yet also shows the beauty of sorrow itself and how it can create something beautiful. It's like poetry! Some characters could have used more development, but those who were developed were done so exceptionally well. The animation is astounding. I also appreciate how it evokes tears without going out of its way to emotionally wound you. Rather, it shows that pain is a part of life and that humans have a knack for getting through it with softer hearts and gentler smiles.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Chainsaw Man

    

    At first, I thought Chainsaw Man was just edgy and violent, but it turned out to be really dark and sad too. Denji probably has one of the worst backstories of all time, and everyone in the series is just dead inside.

    Don't get attached to anyone either - they kill off a lot of characters in this show.

12. ?

    Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

    

    The ending is extremely sad, especially when they kill off literally everyone except Lucy.

The Contenders

13. Attack on Titan

    

    Attack on Titan, known in Japan as Shingeki no Kyojin, is a widely acclaimed anime series created by Hajime Isayama. The series premiered in Japan in April 2013 and debuted in English in the United States in 2014. It is recognized for its emotional storytelling, post-apocalyptic setting, and thrilling... read more

    I just finished Season 3, and I don't usually cry. However, some episodes nearly tore me apart and even made me shed a tear. I won't spoil the end of Season 3, but if you've seen it, you'll know what I'm talking about. To be honest, this isn't an anime that struck me as "sad." I viewed it more as action/gore. But the author has created these characters beautifully! Even the smallest ones have emotional depth and personality.

    If the smallest characters have emotional depth, imagine how you'll feel about the larger characters! The scariest part of this anime is that no character is safe - absolutely no one. Word of advice: don't get emotionally attached to any character because they will most likely be consumed by a naked humanoid. As silly as that sounds, it just adds to the horror. Something that seems inferior based on intellect and attractiveness has so much power over humans, ultimately making us unworthy. However, if you delve into the real story behind the Titans, your opinion will change. You'll feel a range of emotions - sadness, terror, anger, frustration, and even joy and happiness. This anime made a seemingly soulless person like me feel bipolar. It's a good watch. I recommend it 100% - that is, if you can handle swearing and gore. You'll also need a strong stomach. Afterward, I recommend watching Attack on Titan Junior High for a hilarious parody.

14. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

    

    Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a 2011 Japanese anime television series produced by Shaft and Aniplex. It was directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and written by Gen Urobuchi, with music composed by Yuki Kajiura. The series features an opening theme by ClariS, ending themes by Kalafina and occasionally the voice... read more

    Everyone should watch this series. I showed it to my mom, and she loves it. I also showed it to my friend, and we stayed up all night watching it.

    I have some advice for anyone who wants to watch this anime. The first piece of advice is to never judge a character based on a first impression. Many characters do not show who they really are at first. I don't want to give any examples, as they would be spoilers, and I hate to spoil things for people.

    The next piece of advice is to take some tissues with you. Even I cried, and that means something. Enough said. You will cry, even if you're me.

    Now, let me get to the review.

    If a picture is worth a thousand words, then how many words is a series worth? Especially one like this. There are not enough words to describe this anime. It's a beautiful, sad, almost heartbreaking series that I enjoy no matter what. I can't seem to find any other anime like this. It's perfectly executed. Everything fits together. The series combines elements of horror, psychological themes, tragedy, and maybe even action. This anime is very tragic, can be scary at times, has parts that contain action, and is, of course, very dramatic. I recommend this anime to fans of the action, tragedy, psychological, and/or horror genres.

15. Sword Art Online

    

    Sword Art Online is a series of Japanese light novels written by Reki Kawahara and illustrated by abec. In 2012, it was adapted into an anime by A-1 Pictures and the SAO Project, directed by Tomohiko Ito. The first season features two arcs, "Aincrad" and "Fairy Dance," and it was followed by a second... read more

    I don't think this anime was really one of the saddest anime series of all time, but there was one scene that had me crying: Yuuki's death. I will never get over that poor girl's death. It was so surprising to me and broke my heart.

    Yuuki was my favorite Sword Art Online character, and I just loved her happy I want to make the best of life while I can attitude. I know that many anime series typically feature characters like her, but I just became particularly attached to her persona.

    She had a positive outlook on life even though she was really sick and could barely wake up every day. She joined SAO to escape from her reality and do all the simple things she could never do because of her condition.

    In the game, she was so strong and sweet, while in reality she was really weak and frail. I would give my heart for her. She really was one of the reasons I watched SAO, even if she was only on screen for a short time. I could never write enough about her.

16. Akame ga Kill!

    

    Akame ga Kill! (アカメが斬る!, Akame ga Kiru!) is a Japanese manga series written by Takahiro and illustrated by Tetsuya Tashiro, serialized in Gangan Joker. It received an anime adaptation that premiered on July 6, 2014, and concluded on December 14, 2014. The story follows a group of assassins fighting against... read more

    Aww, the anime that made me produce 10,000 cups of water just from crying. Akame ga Kill truly is an anime filled with action, humor, character development, and graphic content.

    But it's an anime filled with sadness and misery. Pretty much all your favorite characters die a pretty sad and brutal death. Chelsea's death blinded my eyes with tears.

    Want to watch an anime that has action, gore, romance (not much romance, but it includes some ships), great characters, a good plot and story, and sadness? Watch Akame ga Kill.

    This is like action plus sadness. It would be perfect for a person who likes action and very sad things. I would rate it five stars for this. (SPOILERS AHEAD) It was so sad when almost everyone died, including Tatsumi and Mine. For me, it was unbelievable that Tatsumi and Mine never got together in the end. Everyone died a heroic death, but only Akame stayed alive. I would rate this five stars for being sad and having action. And it's like the opposite: the kingdom is bad, and Night Raid is good. (SPOILERS END) This show can make you cry, but you have to find out for yourself.

17. Fairy Tail

    

    Fairy Tail is a manga franchise created by Hiro Mashima. It was adapted into an anime series produced by A-1 Pictures and Satelight, which first aired in Japan on October 12, 2009. The franchise also includes several original video animations and a feature film titled Fairy Tail the Movie: Phoenix Priestess... read more

    I love Fairy Tail as much as the next guy, but this series isn't as depressing either. Lisanna's return is more like a very emotional reunion. No one in Fairy Tail dies either. The only confirmed death is Mavis, who died generations before the series began. They never kill anyone off from Fairy Tail despite having 15+ members to sacrifice. It's hard to believe Makarov will die the next time when he's already come close to dying three times.

    Other than that, Lucy's dad dying and sending her gifts on her birthday every year for 7 years - even though she wasn't present in the timeline - was very depressing. This was only because Lucy finally felt loved by her father.

18. Kanon

    

    Kanon is far, far better than Clannad/After Story. Clannad sucked. Most of the "sad" moments were just shoved in and felt manipulative. It was completely unnecessary. In contrast, Kanon's whole story revolved around sadness, so it made a lot more sense.

    Kanon's story is far superior to Clannad's. The characters are better developed and more fleshed out as well. And don't get me started on the ending of Clannad After Story. If there's one thing I hate, it's massive cop-outs. Kanon's ending didn't feel like a cop-out, so it was acceptable.

    I'm not saying Kanon is perfect. It has flaws too, but it is so much better than Clannad, yet it doesn't even get half the credit that Clannad does. Kanon deserves it far more than Clannad.

19. Guilty Crown

    

    Guilty Crown is a 2011 Japanese anime television series produced by Production I.G. It aired on Fuji TV's noitaminA programming block from October 2011 to March 2012.

    The story follows Shu Ouma, a high school student who gains an ability called the "Power of the King," allowing him to extract... read more

    All I can say about this anime is the story is tragic. The government is basically a dictatorship and has the right to kill anyone they think might be "infected." That's where Funeral Parlor comes in. Even the resistance name is sad.

    The story revolves around Shu Ouma, who ends up using the King's Power, also known as the Void, to help the resistance Funeral Parlor and try to change the world.

    Along the way, Shu loses himself and ends up turning evil. He eventually returns to normal to stop the government, but even so, Inori pays the ultimate sacrifice to heal all the infected.

    It's truly a sad, beautiful show.

    Guilty Crown is sadder than most of the animes listed above. Starting from Shu stabbing Gai to Mana, everything becomes increasingly melancholic. Hare Menjou's death transforms Shu, leading him to become a harsh leader who implements the void ranking system.

    In the end, when Shu resolves to save Inori, he finds her already transformed into Mana, initiating the fourth apocalypse. Later, he defeats Gai using Inori's void, a gift from Inori's soul through a flower. To add to the tragedy, Inori dies in the end, and Shu becomes blind due to absorbing the apocalypse-affected people's cancer.

20. Steins;Gate

    

    Steins;Gate is a 2011 anime television series created by the animation studio White Fox. It is based on the 2009 visual novel developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus, and is part of the Science Adventure franchise. The series has been praised for its intricate time travel narrative.

    (SPOILERS) The scene when Mayuri gets killed by the car and Okabe has to relive her death yet again just killed me. It especially hurt when he traveled back to when they were running the hack and he was just hanging his head, unable to do anything.

    That scene really hit me hard. Also, after Mr. Braun killed himself, the scene played of his daughter sitting alone at a table set for two, and it just broke my heart. This is the best anime I have ever watched. It's filled with powerful emotions and an incredible story.

    There is nothing that will compare to the second half of this show. Episode 22 is the most incredible climax to any anime in existence.

    (SPOILERS) This is the only anime on this entire list that made me cry. I cried for a solid 5 minutes when Mayuri was hit by the car and train, Suzuha's heartbreaking letter, and when Mr. Braun kills himself. It cuts to the shot of his child waiting at the table for a father who will never return. I also cried when Okabe kills Kurisu and she dies in his arms, and in the movie when Okabe throws himself in front of the truck to save Kurisu. This is the best show in existence.

21. Future Diary

    

    Future Diary is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Sakae Esuno. The story centers on a deadly survival game in which each participant possesses a diary that can predict the future. The manga was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Shōnen Ace magazine from January 2006 to December 2010.... read more

    I watched the series beginning to end as well as all the other material, and I must say... SO SAD.

    I cried for days. The sheer sadness of the anime made me feel for the characters a lot, mainly Yuno. When you see everything she has been through and what she does for love, like how all she has left is Yuuki and all she wants is Yuuki. But in the end, she has to kill him.

    But in the end, she can't do it. She kills herself in front of him, asking for a final kiss, following the line, "This is where I belong," as her dead body slumps to the floor while Yuuki cries (as well as me).

    It makes it one of the saddest animes I've ever seen. Not to mention the OST song "Here With You." It's instrumental, but it's so sad. It's the song at the end when she stabs herself.

22. Air

    

    It's the saddest anime I have seen so far. Clannad and Angel Beats are not even half as sad as this one. Besides, I love the main story of this series, especially the special summer energy. You can FEEL it.

    I'm sick of people who say that Misuzu is a crybaby and immature. Honestly, she has been having a very harsh time, unloved and all alone, yet she tried to keep a smile on her face and definitely - after many failures - tried her best and never gave up. Maybe she acted in an immature way, but inside she was very strong.

    People complain that they don't understand this anime - yes, you may get lost if you don't follow it carefully or don't read the subtitles well. "Air" is not a simple story. Anyway, yes, I was depressed for a week after watching this.

23. Hell Girl

    

    Every episode is a different story, and in most of them, you find yourself getting attached to the characters, only for them to be deceived and thrown into Hell or have some other sort of tragic happening.

    Hell Girl has a different story because of the victims in each episode, and some of their stories made me feel sad.

    The irony makes it feel sad and makes a person emotional at times.

24. Dragon Ball Z

    

    Dragon Ball Z is a Japanese anime television series produced by Toei Animation. It follows the adventures of Goku and the Z Warriors as they protect Earth from various villains. The series emphasizes themes of good versus evil and teaches values such as teamwork, loyalty, and perseverance.

    So many characters whom you may not feel are worth crying for because of their previous deeds, but they change, and your feelings for them do as well. Probably the saddest part was having to cry for Buu when Bee died.

    Vegeta's death against Majin Buu is inevitably one of the saddest deaths of all time. Plus, when Goku died against Cell, and when everyone thought Buu killed Gohan.

    Vegeta's death is the only time in anime outside of Naruto that made me cry like a baby.

25. Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom

    

    This one has the most impactful unexpected ending ever. Add the ending song to it, and you'll need to buy a megapack of tissues. I don't cry easily. Only two animes have had such a great impact on me that it took me over a week to stop dreaming about them, and my brain was completely out of focus for a few days. This is the second one. Chrono Crusade was the first.

    This anime made me think about the ending for weeks after I finished it! I've watched almost over 80 animes, but this one ranks in at least my top 15. The ending was one of the most unexpected, especially considering how the story flows throughout.

26. Claymore

    

    Claymore is a dark fantasy manga series written and illustrated by Norihiro Yagi. It first appeared in the May 2001 issue of the now-defunct Monthly Shōnen Jump but was later transferred to one of its sister magazines due to its mature content. The story centers on Clare, a warrior who hunts shape-shifting... read more

    The story is sad for everyone. Most of the characters are orphans whose parents were killed by monsters.

    Man, those monsters always made me cry whenever they harmed someone. It's a great anime to watch.

    Teresa's relationship with Clare was beautiful and sad.

27. Berserk

    

    Berserk, also known as Sword-Wind Chronicle Berserk, is a Japanese anime television series that aired from 1997 to 1998. An adaptation of the manga Berserk, it comprises 25 half-hour episodes produced by Oriental Light and Magic. The series first aired on Nippon TV and covers the Golden Age Arc from... read more

    This is the first anime I've ever watched. I don't know why I started with it, but it's by far the saddest anime I've seen. Guts went from hating everyone to having friends that he could call his family, only for him to be shoved right back into the abyss of loneliness again. His life is just so messed up in every way. He will forever be cursed.

    This is a tragedy based on Shakespeare's Macbeth. The anime and manga contain the most heartbreaking betrayal in the history of fiction, period. The abuse and hell the main character suffers through genuinely made me tear up.