Saddest Anime Movies On Netflix That Makes You Cry

What makes an excellent emotional anime?

Characters in an excellent emotional anime are compelling, well-rounded, and sympathetic. A well-written story should tackle complex subjects and feelings in a way that connects with the audience. 

An excellent emotional anime should balance happy and sad moments. Maximizing the story’s emotional impact requires a captivating soundtrack and stunning visuals. Emotional anime should leave a lasting impression.

So we have created a list of what we found the saddest anime movies on Netflix of all time so our viewers can sit back and go through an emotional rollercoaster at their ease.

Howl’s Moving Castle (Hauru no Ugoku Shiro)

A young hatmaker named Sophie meets the formidable wizard Howl, who believes in eating young girls’ hearts by coincidence. Sophie seeks sanctuary in Howl’s moving castle, where she serves as the reclusive wizard’s cook and housekeeper after being subsequently cursed by the Witch of the Waste and turned into an elderly woman. Sophie becomes involved in Howl’s concerns as she spends more time there, including his lengthy conflict with the Witch of the Waste and his participation in the ongoing conflict between two nearby nations.

Sophie soon learns that Howl’s heart has been stolen and is being used to cast a potent spell. Sophie sets out to break the curse on Howl and end the terrible magic that threatens both Howl and the entire kingdom with the aid of Howl’s apprentice, Michael, and a scarecrow named Turnip Head. She gains confidence in herself and her magical skills along the way. She also starts to view Howl differently after discovering he is not the ruthless antagonist he has been painted as.

Main characters:

1. Wizard Howl
2. Sophie Hatter
3. Calcifer 

Also Read: Best Anime On Netflix

The Wind Rises (Kaze Tachinu)

A young child named Jiro Horikoshi is passionate about aviation and aspires to create stunning aircraft. Despite having impaired vision, Jiro is adamant about achieving his ambitions and becoming an aircraft engineer. He meets a young woman named Naoko, who ends up being the love of his life as he matures and chases his aspirations.

Jiro’s professional career takes off during World War Two as he creates a fighter plane for the Japanese military. Jiro struggles with the moral ramifications of his inventions as the battle goes on and the catastrophic effects of his work become clear. When Naoko’s health deteriorates, Jiro is forced to acknowledge the impermanence of life and the repercussions of his choices. Jiro is dedicated to his love of aviation and the pursuit of beauty despite the difficulties he encounters.

Main Characters:

1. Nahoko Satomi
2. Jirô Horikoshi

Garden Of Words (Kotonoha no Niwa)

A high school student named Takao, who aspires to work as a shoemaker, and a young woman named Yukino, who faces loneliness and disillusionment in adulthood, are the subjects of the coming-of-age tale Garden of Words. They stumble upon one another at a peaceful park on rainy mornings, where they both value the magnificence of nature and the therapeutic value of human interaction.

As their bond grows, Takao and Yukino open out to one another about their experiences with isolation and loneliness. Despite their age disparity, they develop a relationship that aids them in overcoming their difficulties. However, the hard reality of their lives and societal expectations finally jeopardize their relationship. Ultimately, they must face their limitations and muster, even if it means parting ways. In a world that can sometimes appear chilly and uncaring, the novel addresses themes of youth, loneliness, and the joy of brief moments of connection.

Main Characters:

1. Yukino 
2. Takao 
3. Aizawa 

Also Read: Cute Anime Cats

Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru no Haka)

Isao Takahata is the director of the 1988 Studio Ghibli film Grave of the Fireflies. The plot centers on the journey of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, as they attempt to endure the fallout from the bombing of their hometown in World War II-era Japan. The siblings are forced to leave their house and seek safety with relatives after their mother passes away from burns she received during the attack. Nevertheless, they quickly discover that they are rejected and abandoned, left to fend for themselves in a society where necessities like food and shelter are in short supply.

As the war continues, Seita and Setsuko struggle to survive, battling hunger, illness, and the harsh realities of war. Despite their resilience and courage, the siblings’ fate is tragically sealed, making this film a poignant meditation on the horrors of war and the human cost of conflict. With breathtaking animation and a hauntingly beautiful score by composer Michio Mamiya, Grave of the Fireflies is a powerful and emotional film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Main characters:

1. Setsuko
2. Seita 

Violet Evergarden

In the beautifully crafted world of “Violet Evergarden,” created by Kyoto Animation, we are introduced to the enigmatic character of Violet, an auto memory doll whose purpose is to write heartfelt letters for those unable to express their emotions. Set in a post-war era, the series explores Violet’s journey of self-discovery, grappling with the concept of emotions and seeking to understand the complexities of human connection.

As Violet undertakes her work as an auto memory doll, she encounters various individuals with their own unique stories and struggles. Through these encounters, she gradually learns about the depth of human experiences and the power of written words to convey emotions and bridge the gaps between hearts.

While fulfilling her duties, Violet carries a longing within her heart—to hear from the man who once confessed his love to her. This unfulfilled desire serves as a catalyst for her personal growth and fuels her determination to explore the depths of her own humanity.

Main characters:

1. Violet Evergarden
2. Gilbert Bougainvillea
3. Cattleya Baudelaire
4. Benedict Blue

Also Read: Best Isekai Anime of all time

A Silent Voice

In the emotionally charged film, “A Silent Voice,” directed by Kyoto Animation, we witness the profound impact of bullying and the power of redemption and friendship. The story revolves around Shoya Ishida and his classmates, whose relentless bullying of the new deaf girl, Shoko Nishimiya, creates a deep rift in their lives.

Shoya and his classmates torment Shoko by snatching her hearing aids and breaking them, subjecting her to constant humiliation and isolation. When their actions are brought to the attention of the teachers, Shoya decides to take full responsibility for the bullying, shouldering the blame alone. This selfless act results in his own ostracization and leads him down a path of guilt and regret.

Haunted by his past actions, Shoya finds himself in a state of despair and loneliness. However, a chance encounter with Shoko years later serves as a catalyst for his journey of redemption. Determined to make amends and seek forgiveness, Shoya embarks on a path of self-discovery and personal growth.

“A Silent Voice” beautifully portrays the complexities of human emotions, exploring themes of remorse, forgiveness, and the potential for change. Through the heart-wrenching tale of Shoya’s transformation, the film highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and acceptance.

Main Characters:

1. Shouko Nishimiya
2. Shoya Ishida
3. Yuzuru Nishimiya
4. Naoka Ueno
5. Tomohiro Nagatsuka

I Want To Eat Your Pancreas (Kimi no Suizō o Tabetai)

A moving coming-of-age anime film, “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas,” examines the concepts of love, friendship, and mortality. The novel’s main character is Sakura, a high school girl with a terminal pancreatic disease. She confides in a student called Haruki as they spend more time together. The two start a journey of self-discovery and companionship.

As Haruki and Sakura grow closer, they learn to appreciate the preciousness of life and the value of human connections. However, as Sakura’s condition worsens, the two must confront the painful reality of mortality and the fleeting nature of existence. “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas” is a touching and emotional exploration of the human experience and the beauty of life.

Main Characters:

1. Sakura Yamauchi
2. Haruki Shiga
3. Kyoko
4. Takahiro
5. Gum-kun.

5 Centimeters per Second (Byōsoku Go Senchimētoru)

The romance anime film “5 Centimeters per Second.” is directed by Makoto Shinkai. The plot is about Takaki and Akari, two childhood friends who become estranged when Akari’s family relocates. The film is separated into three parts, each depicting how their friendship has developed over time and how distance and the passage of time have affected their bond.

Takaki and Akari are both dealing with their unique problems as they attempt to keep their relationship strong while being separated by physical distance. The film examines issues including love, loss, and the complex realities of maturing and moving on. “5 Centimeters per Second” is a touching and melancholy reflection on the nature of interpersonal connections and time itself.

Main characters:

1. Takaki Tohno
2. Akari Shinohara
3. Kanae Sumida

Hotarubi no Mori e:

Takahiro Omori is the director of the endearing yet depressing anime film “Hotarubi no Mori e.” The plot centers on a young child named Hotaru who gets lost in the jungle while spending the summer at her uncle’s house. She meets Gin, a powerful ghost trapped by a curse and afraid to touch anyone for fear of vanishing forever. Despite the curse, Hotaru and Gin grow close and spend every summer in the forest together.

Hotaru must face the heartbreaking truth that their relationship is impossible as she gets older and her feelings for Gin become stronger. Love, loss, and the fleeting essence of life are among the themes explored in the film. The movie “Hotarubi no Mori e” will make viewers cry since it is heartbreaking and emotionally stirring.

Main characters:

1. Gin
2. Hotaru TAKEGAWA

Also Read: Best Ecchi anime

Your name (Kimi no Na wa)

Makoto Shinkai is the director of the renowned anime film “Your Name.” The plot centers on Taki and Mitsuha, two teenagers who mysteriously find themselves in each other’s bodies and living different lifestyles. They form a strong bond and a profound connection that transcends time and space as they navigate this strange occurrence and attempt to solve its mysteries.

As Taki and Mitsuha try to unravel the secrets of their strange connection, they must also confront the harsh realities of their lives and the challenges of growing up. The movie is a stunning visual masterpiece that explores themes of love, fate, and the importance of human connection. “Your Name” is a must-see film for anime fans and those seeking a unique and compelling cinematic experience.

Main Characters:

1. Taki Tachibana
2. Mitsuha Miyamizu.

Frequently Asked Questions?