Top 10 Anime Movies That Will Make You Cry

Anime is renowned for its vibrant storytelling, rich characters, and emotional depth. Some anime films transcend mere entertainment, delivering heart-wrenching narratives that leave viewers teary-eyed. If you're seeking anime movies that will tug at your heartstrings, here's a curated list of the top 10 that are sure to evoke strong emotions.

1. Grave Of The Fireflies (1988)

(A heart-wrenching tale of survival and sibling love amidst the horrors of war.)

One of the most iconic tragic anime films, "Grave of the Fireflies" depicts the devastating consequences of war on two orphaned siblings, Seita and Setsuko. Set during World War II, this Studio Ghibli classic doesn't shy away from showing the brutal realities of conflict and the heartbreaking bond between the siblings. It's a poignant reminder of the loss and suffering faced by innocent civilians in times of war.

IMDB Rating: 8.5
Genres: Drama, War
Director: Isao Takahata

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2. Your Name (2016)

(A visually stunning masterpiece of love, fate, and the power of connections across time.)

While not conventionally sad, "Your Name" (Kimi no Na wa) beautifully blends romance, fantasy, and tragedy. The story follows two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who mysteriously swap bodies. As they try to navigate their unusual connection, a catastrophic event looms in the background. The emotional weight of their bond and the impending tragedy will leave viewers overwhelmed.

IMDB Rating: 8.4
Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
Director: Makoto Shinkai

3. A Silent Voice (2016)

(A deeply emotional journey of redemption, forgiveness, and understanding.)

"A Silent Voice" (Koe no Katachi) tells a story of redemption, bullying, and forgiveness. Shoya, who once bullied a deaf girl named Shoko in elementary school, is haunted by his actions years later. The film explores the psychological toll of bullying on both the victim and the perpetrator. The emotional turmoil and struggles for forgiveness in this film are gut-wrenching.

IMDB Rating: 8.2
Genres: Drama, Slice of Life
Director: Naoko Yamada

4. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (2018)

(A bittersweet story about friendship, love, and the fragility of life.)

Despite its odd title, "I Want to Eat Your Pancreas" is a deeply emotional story. The movie follows an introverted boy who befriends a girl named Sakura, who is secretly suffering from a terminal illness. The film focuses on their evolving relationship and how her positive outlook on life changes him. The inevitable conclusion will leave you in tears, reflecting on life and death.

IMDB Rating: 8.0
Genres: Romance, Drama
Director: Shin'ichirô Ushijima

5. The Wind Rises (2013)

(A beautifully crafted story of dreams, ambition, and the tragic cost of war.)

"The Wind Rises" is a fictionalized biopic of Jiro Horikoshi, the engineer behind Japan's WWII fighter planes. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this film is a love letter to ambition, creativity, and dreams, but it's also filled with tragedy. As Jiro chases his dreams, the looming shadow of war and personal loss weigh heavily on the story. The beauty and sadness of the film are intertwined, making it a masterpiece that will move any viewer.

IMDB Rating: 7.7
Genres: Historical, Drama
Director: Hayao Miyazaki

6. 5 Centimeters Per Second (2007)

(A poignant exploration of love and distance, framed in breathtaking visuals.)

Another beautiful yet melancholic film by Makoto Shinkai, "5 Centimeters Per Second" portrays the bittersweet feeling of love and separation. The film follows the story of Takaki and Akari, two childhood friends who drift apart as life takes them in different directions. This slow-paced, introspective film captures the painful reality of unfulfilled love and distance between people.

IMDB Rating: 7.6
Genres: Drama, Romance
Director: Makoto Shinkai

7. Wolf Children (2012)

(A moving tale of motherhood, identity, and the challenges of raising children with a secret.)

"Wolf Children" follows Hana, a young woman who falls in love with a werewolf and raises their two children after he passes away. The story is about a mother's enduring love and sacrifice for her children, who are torn between their human and wolf identities. The emotional depth of Hana's struggle, as well as the children's search for their true selves, will leave viewers with a deep sense of melancholy.

IMDB Rating: 8.1
Genres: Fantasy, Drama
Director: Mamoru Hosoda

8. Clannad: After Story (2009)

(A heartbreaking continuation of love and family, with profound emotional depth.)

Though it's part of a series, "Clannad: After Story" deserves a mention for being one of the saddest anime narratives ever. It focuses on the life of Tomoya and Nagisa after high school as they build their life together. The film takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, dealing with love, marriage, family, and heart-wrenching loss. It's a tearjerker that has left many fans emotionally wrecked.

IMDB Rating: 8.6
Genres: Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Director: Tatsuya Ishihara

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9. Weathering with You (2019)

(A story of love, sacrifice, and the power to change the weather and fate.)

"Weathering with You" tells the story of Hodaka, a runaway who meets Hina, a girl with the mysterious power to control the weather. While the film is visually stunning, it's the emotional depth of the characters and the sacrifices they make that make it heart-wrenching. The bittersweet ending will leave you reflecting on love, loss, and the power of hope.

IMDB Rating: 7.5
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
Director: Makoto Shinkai

10. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

(An emotionally charged narrative about the consequences of time travel and growing up.)

Although not traditionally sad, "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" has a profound emotional weight that sneaks up on the viewer. The film follows Makoto, a high school girl who gains the ability to time travel. As she uses her newfound power recklessly, the consequences of her actions become more severe. The film's emotional climax is sure to leave you with a lump in your throat.

IMDB Rating: 7.7
Genres: Sci-Fi, Romance, Drama
Director: Mamoru Hosoda