Ever finish an anime and just need a good, long cry? You're not alone. Japanese ranking site Minna no Ranking recently polled over 4,200 fans to find out which series are the ultimate tearjerkers. The results are in, and we've got the top 10 right here.
The poll asked users to rate various anime, with the final ranking determined by the cumulative scores from 4,218 participants.
Let's dive into the top 10 and see if your go-to sad anime made the cut.
▼ #10 - The Promised Neverland
The two seasons of The Promised Neverland, which aired in 2019 and 2021, tell the story of a group of orphans who plot a daring escape after discovering the dark truth behind their idyllic existence and the true purpose of their orphanage.
According to voters, what really hits home is seeing the children cling to hope and cherish their friends even in the most desperate situations. Emma's unwavering conviction that "we will all survive" resonated deeply with audiences, as did Norman's self-sacrifice and Ray's internal conflicts.
▼ #9 - Steins;Gate
Adapted from the visual novel of the same name, the franchise includes the 2011 TV anime and the 2013 film, Steins;Gate: The Movie – Load Region of Déjà Vu. Set in a realistic depiction of Akihabara, the story follows protagonist Rintaro Okabe as he hops between worldlines in a desperate journey to save his friends from a tragic fate.
Voters were moved by the complex, branching worldlines and the heartbreaking consequences of every choice. Okabe's relentless attempts to defy fate for the people he cares about had viewers reaching for the tissues as they followed him through past and present.
▼ #8 - WorldEnd: What Do You Do at the End of the World? Are You Busy? Will You Save Us?
Based on the light novel series, this 2017 anime is set in a world where humanity has been driven to extinction by monstrous "Beasts." The only ones who can fight them are young fairy soldiers wielding holy swords, a fate that requires them to burn away their own life force. The story follows Willem, the last surviving human, who awakens after centuries and finds himself caring for these girls who want nothing more than to be remembered.
Fans noted that while many might be put off by the long title, the story itself is exceptional. It delicately explores profound themes of loss and the meaning of existence, and the beautifully depicted relationship between Willem and the heroine Chtholly draws viewers in, leading to a deeply emotional experience.
▼ #7 - A Silent Voice
This 2016 film from Kyoto Animation, adapted from the manga by Yoshitoki Ōima, centers on Shoya Ishida, who bullied a deaf classmate, Shoko Nishimiya, in elementary school. Years later, ostracized and riddled with guilt, a high school-aged Shoya seeks out Shoko to atone for his past, pulling himself back from the brink of suicide as they begin to build a new connection.
Voters praised Kyoto Animation's stunningly detailed art and voice actress Saori Hayami's performance as the non-verbal Shoko, which conveyed her character's emotions more powerfully than words ever could. Shoya's journey to confront his past by reconnecting with Shoko left a lasting, heart-wrenching impression on the audience.
▼ #6 - A Place Further Than the Universe
This original TV anime from Madhouse aired in 2018. The story follows high schooler Mari Tamaki, who meets Shirase Kobuchizawa, a girl saving up to travel to Antarctica, where her mother went missing three years prior. Joined by two other girls, Hinata Miyake and Yuzuki Shiraishi, the four embark on an expedition to the Antarctic.
Fans called this series a flawless and moving masterpiece. Every episode was hailed as a gem, touching the hearts of not only Japanese viewers but also international audiences, even earning a spot on The New York Times' best TV shows list. Episode 12, in particular, was singled out as the moment all the narrative threads came together, unleashing an emotional explosion that left viewers in tears.
▼ #5 - Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
This 2011 original anime from A-1 Pictures follows a group of six childhood friends, the "Super Peace Busters," who drifted apart after the accidental death of their friend Meiko "Menma" Honma. Years later, Menma's ghost suddenly appears before the group's former leader, Jintan, kicking off a strange and sorrowful story of miracles.
Voters found that this story of reuniting with a lost loved one and finally saying goodbye struck a deep chord. The complex emotions and conflicts between the friends as they reconnect, especially the relationship between Jintan and Menma, were portrayed with incredible detail. To top it off, the ending theme, "Secret Base (Kimi ga Kureta Mono) (10 years after Ver.)," perfectly complements the story, making it even more moving.
▼ #4 - Angel Beats!
A 2010 TV anime co-produced by Key and Aniplex, Angel Beats! is set in a high school in the afterlife. This world exists to help teenagers who died with regrets resolve their lingering emotions by allowing them to experience the happy high school life they never had, enabling them to finally move on.
Fans pointed to the detailed portrayals of the characters' pasts and growth as the show's biggest draw. Episodes 9 and 10, which reveal the backstory of protagonist Yuzuru Otonashi and deepen the emotional bond between Yui and Hinata, were cited as unforgettable, tear-jerking moments. The process of the characters accepting their pasts and letting go of their regrets, all set to a powerful score by Jun Maeda, cemented this series as a certified sob-fest.
▼ #3 - Clannad: After Story
As the second season of the beloved anime, After Story picks up where the first left off, following the lives of Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa after high school graduation.
According to voters, the reason this series resonates so deeply is its ability to let audiences project their own life experiences onto the story's joys, sorrows, and moments of growth. For those who followed the characters from the first season, After Story feels like growing up alongside them, experiencing all the bitterness and weight that life has to offer.
▼ #2 - Your Lie in April
Adapted from Naoshi Arakawa's manga, this 2014 anime follows Kosei Arima, a piano prodigy who, after the death of his strict mother, suffers a mental breakdown that leaves him unable to hear the sound of his own playing. He gives up the piano until his third year of middle school, when he meets a free-spirited violinist named Kaori Miyazono, whose passionate style reignites his world.
Fans highlighted the show's incredible ability to express rich emotions through music. Kosei's piano performances, filled with memories of his mother and his feelings for Kaori, become a language of their own. The concert scenes in episode 13 and the finale were specifically mentioned as moments that made it impossible not to cry, all elevated by gorgeous animation and a moving score.
▼ #1 - Violet Evergarden
Taking the top spot is Kyoto Animation's breathtakingly beautiful masterpiece, adapted from the only light novel to ever win the grand prize at the Kyoto Animation Awards. The story follows Violet, a former child soldier with prosthetic arms, as she takes a job as an "Auto Memory Doll"—a ghostwriter who pens letters for others—to understand the meaning of the last words her guardian, Gilbert, said to her: "I love you."
Voters overwhelmingly praised Kyoto Animation's stunning production quality. The story of Violet learning about human emotions and the meaning of love by conveying the feelings of others resonated deeply. In an age dominated by digital communication, the warmth of handwritten letters gave the series an extra layer of emotional impact. From the TV series to the side story Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll and the final Violet Evergarden: The Movie, every part of Violet's journey is a beautifully crafted, emotional gut-punch.
So, what do you think of the ranking? Did your favorite tearjerker make the list, or is there a glaring omission that left you heartbroken? Let us know what anime always gets the waterworks going for you!
( Click here to see the full ranking )
via： みんなのランキング