When it comes to the emotional spectrum, no emotion hits as hard as sad romance anime that will make you cry. Makes us feel many emotions: love, anger, hate, happiness. And like that, when an anime centralized around sadness done right.
It will make you watch the main character’s heart shatter and ensure that your heart breaks in the process. With that note, let’s take a look at the top depressing 10 and sad romance animes that will make you cry.
Best Saddest Romance Anime List (# 1 Anime That heartbreak you)
10. Plastic Memories
We all know teenage love tends to be tragic, but “Plastic Memories” take this truth and dial it up to its highest capacity with its Story. After all, no love is as miserable as a love that destined to fail. The protagonist of this anime, Tsukasa Mizugaki, manages to encapsulate this exact feeling.
The premise of this anime has our protagonist Tsukasa failing his college entrance exams. However, after pulling some strings through his connections. He manages to net himself a job working at the Sion Artificial Intelligence Corporation or SAIC corp for short.
This corporation is famous for its creation of Gifts, which advanced androids, almost identical to real humans in every way they catch. They have a limited lifespan of 81,920 hours, roughly translating to around 9 years and 4 months. Tsukasa was assigned to work at terminal service, responsible for taking care of Giftia years close to their end date. If a Giftia here is not taken care of before its expiry date.
It’s a daring premise that will have you holding onto the edge of your seats with a box of handkerchiefs by your side with a sad ending of this sad romance anime.
Producers: Aniplex, Movic, AT-X, ASCII Media Works, Bushiroad, MAGES., Asahi Broadcasting, BS11
Licensors: Aniplex of America
Studios: Doga Kobo
Genres: Sci-Fi, Drama, Romance
Watch Plastic Memories Animes With Sad Endings Trailer
9. True Tears
True tears is an anime that many claims to be relatively straightforward in its approach and uncomplicated. But, its expert execution ensures that even its direct approach will have you tearing up by the time you reach the last episode.
The premise has us following the protagonist Shinichirou Nakagami. As he finds himself in the position, many people dream of imagining living under the same roof with the girl you have a crush on. But, his expectations come crashing down when he notices that she ends up being a completely different person when she gets home from school.
At the same time, Hiromi is usually athletic, successful, bright, and popular. She turns cold and distant when she returns home. The anime takes you on a vivid journey with many other characters also entering.
The fray making things even more complicated to Shinichirou true tears is a sad romance anime that will make you cry and hit you hard in the fields.
Producers: Bandai Visual, Lantis
Licensors: Bandai Entertainment, Discotek Media, Bandai Visual USA
Studios: P.A. Works
Genres: Drama, Romance, School
True Tears a Tragic Emotional Anime Trailer
8. Orange
If your fan of Kimi no Na Wa fan, you will find yourself interested in the premise of the anime orange as well. It’s not every day that you get to see a science fiction twist in a romance anime, after all. The anime premise follows Naho Takamiya on the first day of her sophomore year of high school.
Yet, she was greeted by a strange letter addressed to her. She woke up when she noticed that the letter claimed to be from herself 10 years into the future. She found it hard to believe. But, she found herself thinking in the letter some of the events explained within the letter end up taking place over time.
The letter claimed that she lives a life full of regrets in her future. And she urges Naho to correct some of her past mistakes. The letter also implores Naho to take care of the new transfer student Kakeru Naruse. And only she can ensure that Kakeru will not commit suicide in the future by taking good care of him.
The plot hits with twists and turns to where the entire Story is an emotional rollercoaster for the viewer. Orange is one sad romance anime that should be on the watchlist and that will make you cry.
Producers: TMS Entertainment, DAX Production, TOHO animation, ABC Animation
Licensors: Funimation, Crunchyroll
Studios: Telecom Animation Film
Genres: Sci-Fi, Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo
Orange Sad Depressing Love Anime Trailer
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7. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
This sad romance anime is notorious for making its long-term fans cry seconds after hearing the first five seconds of its ending theme. “Anohana: the flower we saw that day” is an anime masterpiece that will give you an experience. That you will cherish for years to come in the span of 11 episodes.
The premise is centralizing around a group of childhood friends. Who grew up growing distant from one another after the death of their friend Menma. But, things started to change when the spirit of Menma began to appear in front of Jinta Yadomi.
She began to live as a hermit after the loss of her dear friend. While Jinta pays no heed to the spirit, he hallucinates due to the heat and grief. He starts to accept the reality that this is indeed her spirit. As the group of friends finally come together to help lay their dead friend’s spirit to rest.
It’s a sad emotional journey where every one of her friends ends up finding closure as. They explore how her loss ended up affecting each one of them.
Licensors: NIS America, Inc., Aniplex of America
Studios: A-1 Pictures
Genres: Slice of Life, Supernatural, Drama
Anohana The Flower We Saw That Day Trailer
6. Ef: A Tale of Memories
A tale of memories examines the intricacies of the relationships between six young individuals. Hiro Hirono and Miyako become accidental friends. After an unexpected encounter leaves them stuck together on a Christmas day, their blossoming friendship makes Kei, Hiro’s childhood friend, jealous.
Kei herself is not spared from the attraction as she catches the attention of an expert photographer. And flirts with Kyosuke Tsutsumi, who becomes obsessed with her as a perfect model for a photo shoot. Kei expresses her true feelings about Hiro and Miyako’s friendship to Kyosuke.
Also, in the sad romance story, Renji Asou, a timid boy who often dreams of chivalry. Encounters Kei’s twin sister Chihiro Shindou who is also too shy for her sake. Despite being both fearful, they become friends and even make plans to co-write a novel.
But, Chihiro is plagued by a condition that makes her memories last no longer than 13 hours. This poses a challenge for Renji that will test his chivalrous ideals. With the help of two adults, these young individuals explore what it means to be young while making memories.
Licensors: Sentai Filmworks
Studios: Shaft
Genres: Mystery, Drama, Romance
Ef: A Tale of Memories Crying Couple Trailer
5. Hotarubi no Mori e
Hotarubi no Mori e is a sad romance anime movie that combines the romance genre with mystical and fantasy elements. The premise of this anime ends up exploring a love that destined to fail. The premise starts around six-year-old Hotaru Takegawa. Hotaru finds herself lost in the ancient forest while visiting her uncle in a desperate situation.
She finds help in the form of a masked forest spirit named Gin. Hotaru Takegawa learns that there is only one rule when it comes to ghosts and humans. And that one rule is that human touch would cause a spirit to disappear due to the fragile state of magic in the human world.
After the warning, Gin led the little girl out of the forest and warned her not to return. At the same time, she promises to revisit Gin someday with a gift. Over time Hotaru ends up making it a habit to visit Gin every summer as the two end up being close friends. But, as romantic feelings end up stirring, their resolve is put to the test.
Hotarubi no Mori e is a tragic story that covers the Story of two people who should have never crossed paths. It is one of the saddest romance anime.
Producers: TV Tokyo, Aniplex, Nihon Ad Systems, Hakusensha, DAX Production
Studios: Brain’s Base
Genres: Drama, Romance, Shoujo, Supernatural
Watch Hotarubi no Mori e Shojo Anime crying Trailer
4. Your Lie In April (Shigatsu Wa Kimi no Uso)
Anime lovers worldwide know this anime like the one sad romance anime you revisit once every six months if you need a good cry. The premise follows the prodigious pianist Kousei Arima who was making strides in the music scene.
However, ever since his mother passed. Kousei found himself losing the ability to hear the sound of his piano. This caused Kousei to leave behind the prestigious musical career as he started living a carefree life alongside his friends.
But, things change when a beautiful violinist named Kaori Miyazono enters his life. And ignites his passion once more. The development of the romance within the anime is gradual as Kousei and Kaori end up inching towards a formal relationship with each episode.
Still, those who watch this saddest romance anime will find out exactly why we cannot always have nice things. The journey is heart-wrenching, but it is still a recommended one that everyone should watch.
Producers: Aniplex, Dentsu, Kodansha, Fuji TV, Kyoraku Industrial Holdings
Licensors: Aniplex of America
Studios: A-1 Pictures
Genres: Music, Drama, Romance, School, Shounen
Your Lie in April a Most Tragic Anime That Make You Cry Trailer
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3. 5 Centimeters Per Second (Byousoku 5 Centimeter)
5 centimeters per second is a masterpiece of a movie directed by none other than Makoto Shinkai. He received international praise for his recently released movie Kimi no Nawa. This anime tackles long-distance relationships. And the reality that unveils itself as one decides to commit to one.
The premise has us follow Takaki Toono and Akari Shinohara. Two childhood friends fell in love. But found themselves drifting apart due to unfortunate circumstances. The anime pulls no punches as it showcases how Takaki and Akari live their day-to-day life.
To the point where they are hurting themselves while also hurting the ones around them. As a piece of art created by Makoto Shinkai himself. Consider checking this sad romance anime that will make you cry.
Licensors: ADV Films, Bandai Entertainment, Discotek Media, Crunchyroll
Studios: CoMix Wave Films
Genres: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Byousoku 5 Centimeter Rekindle a Love of Anime Trailer
2. I Want To Eat Your Pancreas (Kimi no Suizo Wo Tabetai)
This sad romance anime will bring you to the opposite feeling of laughter and joy. This movie’s premise has you following an aloof bookworm of a protagonist named Haruki Shiga. Haruki is a somewhat distant individual. He keeps himself detached from the world.
But, things take a turn when he discovers a handwritten book with the title living with dying. He later finds out that the book is a secret diary that belonged to a very beloved and popular classmate named Sakura Yamauchi. She confides in him over the reality of her situation.
Sakura lets Haruki know of pancreatic disease. Haruki decides to go with her for her remaining days even though he was unempathetic to her plight.
This movie shows Haruki developing new meaning in life through the limited time he spends with Sakura as feelings blossom. This tragic tale deserves your attention. It is sad romantic anime that makes me cry or depressed.
Licensors: Aniplex of America
Studios: Studio VOLN
Genres: Slice of Life, Drama, Romance
I Want To Eat Your Pancreas Tragedy Pictures of Love Woman Trailer
1. Clannad: After Story
An anime based on a visual novel made its way after its release, as many consider it to be the most well-known sad anime out there. The prequel to “Clannad: After Story” had us dealing with a rather run-in-the-mill high school romantic drama premise. However, as a direct continuation of Clannad.
Clannad: After Story has us dealing with the struggles of adulthood. The premise of this anime has us following the two protagonists Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa. After their high school graduation. Few slices of life anime will let you see the characters live their entire lives out.
This sad romance anime will break your heart make you cry, period. However, if you’re here to get your heart broken might as well do so with the best. It is recommended that you watch the prequel Clannad before you move ahead with Clannad: After Story.
Licensors: Sentai Filmworks
Studios: Kyoto Animation
Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy, Supernatural, Drama, Romance
Clannad: After Story Sad Heartfelt Anime Trailer
Here Bonus Sad Anime Recommendation Everyone should Try
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl
Senpai Growing up can be challenging, and teenagers have it the hardest. At least that’s what this sad romance anime wants you to believe. We reintroduced to Sakuta Azusagawa, a regular high school student. She believes that there is such a thing as puberty syndrome.
A condition with supernatural elements that only affects teenagers. After a personal experience with the syndrome. He arrived at this conclusion and has since observed it in most teenagers, especially in his school.
One day, he encounters a mysterious girl in a bunny costume and drawn to her. But there’s one problem, Mai Sakurajima, the young lady, is also suffering from puberty syndrome. Her syndrome manifests by rendering her invisible to everyone in the school.
Until Sakuta approaches her, Sakuta takes it upon himself to help Mai with her affliction. And a series of exciting events unfold during this unlikely partnership anime that will make you cry.
Licensors: Aniplex of America
Studios: CloverWorks
Genres: Comedy, Supernatural, Drama, Romance, School
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Animes That Make You Cry Trailer
One Week Friends (Isshuukan Friends)
This sad romance anime starts with sixteen-year-old Yuuki finally having the courage to ask his longtime crush to be friends, only to be turned down by her. Kaori, Yuuki’s crush, is a quiet and withdrawn girl who’s always keeping to herself. So it’s no surprise to find that she’s not interested in becoming friends with him.
A relentless Yuuki decides to meet Kaori every day at the spot. She reserved for herself during a break, hoping to understand her more. This starts to work as she begins to open up to him more. Unfortunately, she starts to push him away at the end of the week by acting cold.
Only for a distraught Yuuki to find out the shocking reason behind her behavior. Kaori was not always that way, but everything changed in middle school when she suffered an accident. That led to losing her memory of everyone except her family every Monday.
Since then, Kaori began avoiding people, so she doesn’t hurt them by forgetting them. This does not deter Yuuki. He was determined to be friends for more than a week. So he decides to ask her to be friends every Monday after her memories of him are gone. He does this knowing that Kaori wants nothing more than to have a friend.
Licensors: Sentai Filmworks
Studios: Brain’s Base
Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy, School, Shounen
Isshuukan Friends Sad Romance aAnime With Tragic Past Trailer
White Album
White Album’s sad romance anime explores the ups and downs of a relationship between an average college student and an upcoming idol singer. Touya is your regular college student who rotates from balancing his study to working for his tuition and minding his personal life. However, there’s a tiny issue with the last one.
Touya can’t get enough time with his popular girlfriend. Yuki’s repetitive absence in the relationship is not intentional. She is also struggling with her fast-increasing fame and has various celebrity life dramas to deal with.
It’s cool to have a celebrity girlfriend. But Touya also pays the price by dealing with the occasional heartbreak caused by Yuki’s unintentional actions. Touya was meeting other people in his school. At the same time, his relationship with Yuki remains tested. Will the couple’s relationship survive the waves?
Studios: Seven Arcs
Genres: Drama, Harem, Music, Romance
Heartbreak White Album Trailer
Violet Evergarden
Many consider watching “Violet Evergarden” as the equal of bashing your heart non-stop with a sledgehammer. This anime is legendary for its performance and its ability to make the viewer feel destroyed by its end.
The premise has you following Violet Evergarden, a young girl raised with the intent of her becoming a weapon of war. But, she found herself hospitalized with the only memory of words left from a person she held dearest within her.
Violet found a new purpose in life. She started working as an auto memory doll, whose job is to translate people’s thoughts into words on paper. Give this sad romance anime that make cry a watch but keep a tissue box nearby as well.
Licensors: Funimation
Studios: Kyoto Animation
Genres: Slice of Life, Drama, Fantasy
Violet Evergarden sad girl Trailer
Golden Time
It’s always said to follow your heart, but what if the soul itself cannot make a decision? For Banri Tada, this is precisely the problem as he’s torn between his past and his future. As a freshman at a law school in Tokyo, he is adjusting to his new life quite well.
Banri Tada even makes a friend on orientation day. But when he encounters Kouko Kaga, a fierce and beautiful lady in his school, for her sinister motive. Their meeting marks the start of an exciting journey. This would t be so sad if it were t that Banri had suffered amnesia after an accident.
That made him forget most of his past, including his childhood love, who is also in the same school. As Banri adjusts to college life, he encounters many interesting characters and plays his part in their lives. Still, he’s also found himself in an unusual love triangle and has to do something about that. Give a try this sad romance anime that will make you cry.
Licensors: Sentai Filmworks
Studios: J.C.Staff
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Golden Time Trailer
Conclusion:
Above are the best sad romance anime. Comment below what are some good sad romance animes that will make you cry which are not on this list.
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