These 10 Anime Have the Most Heartbreaking Plots

10. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2011)

In this stunning supernatural drama, grief and childhood trauma take center stage. Years after witnessing the tragic death of a small girl named Menma in an accident, Menma's childhood best friend circle has grown apart, all haunted by feelings of intense guilt. Suddenly appearing to the former circle leader as a ghost, Menma compels them to rebuild their relationship and reconcile their pain in order to fulfill her dying wish. Gradually mending their relationships results in the most tear-jerking hide and seek scene ever written.

9. Banana Fish (2018)

'Banana Fish' is a gritty thriller, set against a dark and violent background of the dangerous criminal underground in New York City. Following an incredibly tortured, brilliant young gang leader named Ash Lynx, who forms a uniquely gentle and caring relationship with a kindhearted Japanese photographer, Eiji. This unlikely connection is portrayed in contrast to the corruption of the human traffickers, political intrigue, and deadly criminals that dominate this story. The tragedy is that no matter how desperately the two fight for a peaceful tomorrow, they can feel the universe working against them.

8. Plastic Memories (2015)

In a futuristic sci-fi romantic environment, 'Plastic Memories' introduces a cruel concept: a lifespan limit of nine years. With the plot revolving around a retrieval agent tasked with destroying Giftias—human-like robots with built-in memories. However, he forms a deep romantic relationship with his partner, Isla, who already knows what awaits her. With the time counter inescapably ticking away, watching the happy relationship of these two characters only emphasizes its inevitable end, resulting in the heart-wrenching last Ferris wheel ride.

7. Angel Beats! (2010)

A high school located in a peculiar afterlife is where the main characters reside after leading tragically and unjustly shortened lives. In an attempt to fight against the injustice imposed by God, they refuse to go beyond to become eternal beings until their peace is achieved. Despite starting the series on a rather lighthearted and funny note, the audience quickly discovers that each character has a deep tragedy behind them. Inevitably accepting their fate and the protagonists vanish to the next world as they finally achieve peace.

6. To Your Eternity (2021)

This fantastic epic revolves around the theme of humanity, with the main character taking the form of an alien spirit. Moving freely across the earth, the spirit can learn the basics of being human, including feeling, talking, and falling in love, only to take over the physical body of a person when they die. Thus, this plot can be called a constant cycle of death, which teaches you that immortality is nothing other than a curse, since anyone you care about would eventually disappear.

5. Violet Evergarden (2018)

A visually breathtaking work revolving around themes of recovery and healing after war. Violet, an ex-child soldier regarded solely as a combat tool, suffers a devastating loss in her last battle, where she is deprived of both limbs and her dear commander. Living in the peaceful post-war world, she works as an "Auto Memoir Doll," writing letters for those who ask her to help in expressing their true feelings. Every story she writes based on client requests is deeply emotional and tear-jerking, especially when it comes to deciphering her commander's message.

4. Clannad: After Story (2008)

Following up on the first season's typical high school rom-com setting, 'Clannad: After Story' is a sequel that shows the harsh reality of growing up and entering the adult world. The story is about a married couple, Tomoya and Nagisa, fighting against the challenges of life, including economic hardship and a delicate illness which threatens to ruin their harmonious relationship. Parental sacrifice, as well as deep depression, is conveyed with utmost clarity. The most touching part is the unforgettable sunflower scene during graduation.

3. Your Lie in April (2014)

In this vivid and beautiful musical story, a colorful palette helps to camouflage the slow-motion disaster which breaks your heart. Losing the ability to play and compose music after the tragic death of his mother, a young man falls prey to a spirited young woman named Kaori. Dragging him out of his comfort zone, she changed his life until an incurable disease started robbing her of her talent and the ability to play the violin. In the end, her farewell concert and reading of her last letter will make your heart bleed.

2. A Silent Voice (2016)

One of the deepest and truly profound movies that skips past traditional fantasy tragedy to show the ugly side of childhood bullying, self-hate, and social exclusion. Regretting tormented childhood and wishing to repent his deeds, Shoya contemplates committing suicide until he decides to find Shoko, the deaf student he used to torment, and ask for forgiveness. In a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of disabilities, mental illnesses, and the hardship of overcoming prejudice, the movie reveals the importance of self-forgiveness and the willingness to perceive the world as it is.

1. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

'Grave of the Fireflies' is undoubtedly the apex of historical tragedy and anti-war movies. Through the innocent eyes of children living in Japan during WWII, this movie depicts the horrors of a terrible war in an unsentimental yet poetic way. After a merciless attack kills their parents and burns their home to the ground, two orphaned siblings are left to fend for themselves in the rural areas. The heart-breaking struggle to survive in such terrible conditions makes this movie an unsurpassed tragedy you only want to watch once.