20 Saddest Anime Movies Ever, Ranked (2026)

People often disregard anime as mere cartoons, but it's in these movies that some of the greatest stories take place. When the studio isn’t concerned about casting issues, creating realistic-looking CGI, directing actors, and all the other aspects involved in producing a live-action film, all the effort goes towards creating the best animation, stories, and characters.

Some anime movies fall within the universe of their anime TV shows, essentially acting as an extension of their plots, or are a feature-length condensation of a multi-episode arc. But there are plenty of standalone movies that go straight towards the audience's heartstrings, touching them in ways few other shows and films could with their sad stories. So, let's just go through some supremely sad anime movies that will leave you in tears.

March 2026 Update Notes:

• Added a Quick Picks section
• Added Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc
• Added 100 Meters
• Changed the order of the rankings

Quick Picks: Choose Your Cry

If you need a cry right this very second, just check out one of these movies.

Spoiler warningWhile we will minimize spoilers, some of these films cannot be discussed without revealing crucial plot details. If an anime comes up that you are planning to see, I recommend scrolling down and skipping the text.

20 Violet Evergarden: The Movie

An Emotional Conclusion To A Powerful Journey

Netflix has had more than its share of anime successes over the years, but Violet Evergarden was arguably the first exclusive to present the streaming service as a viable alternative for Japanese animation. Considering the show delivers multiple gut punches throughout its run, it is hardly surprising that the subsequent movie takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, although that does not make it any less effective.

Now, admittedly, you need to come into the movie already engaged in Violet's struggle to find her voice as a human and to experience love, especially since she carries most of the story's emotional weight rather than sharing it with episode-specific characters like in the series. Fortunately, she is a complex and sympathetic character who is just trying to experience life's small joys, rather than anything particularly ambitious.

The movie predominantly revolves around Violet's search for Gilbert, along with her desire to see if their relationship still has the potential to create love and joy. To be honest, Violet and Gilbert's dynamic is the most divisive aspect of the whole show, and it will make or break the movie for you. I prefer the show's standalone stories that do not focus on this relationship, but that is a matter of personal taste.

19 Your Name

A Romance That Transcends Time and Space

Your Name is arguably the most popular modern anime film to date. It showcases the beautiful story of two high school students, Mitsuha and Taki. Mitsuha Miyamizu, a high school girl, yearns to live the life of a boy in the bustling city of Tokyo. Meanwhile, in the city, Taki Tachibana lives a busy life as a high school student while juggling his part-time job and hopes for a future in architecture.

One day, Mitsuha awakens to find herself living her dream life in Tokyo, but in Taki's body. Elsewhere, Taki finds himself living Mitsuha's life in the humble countryside. In pursuit of an answer to this strange phenomenon, they begin to search for one another. Things only get more complicated from there, as the two make dramatic impacts on each other's lives through their choices, and the phenomenon ends up going beyond body-swapping.

Your Name isn't that sad of an anime, but rather one with sad moments. It is so good that it warrants a mention, but don't watch it if you are specifically craving a good cry.

18 100 Meters

An Almost Dream

The most memorable "sad" movies have those big scenes that drill themselves into the audience's brain. It doesn't have to be a shocking death, but these moments tend to be defined by finality. The realization that something you crave, something you want, something you love, is gone or was never yours in the first place. 100 Meters is a prime example of this type of tearjerker, even though it isn't as overtly sad as some other movies.

This Netflix film was released toward the end of 2025, so it is new but accessible. If you haven't watched it, I suggest checking it out (and not reading the rest of this entry).

Covering a large span of time, 100 Meters follows two runners who have fairly different personalities but are connected through their drive to get better and succeed. That sort of character goal is the cornerstone of sports anime, but this film provides a more realistic look at the thrill and heartbreak of chasing a dream. Togashi and Komiya are rivals, and they cannot both be the best. 100 Meters tells a relatable story while using distorted animation to capture the high-stress panic of competing in races.

17 Barefoot Gen

The Echoes Of History

Sometimes, a movie's heartbreaking nature reveals itself without warning, like a gut punch that leaves you reeling on the floor and wondering why you put yourself through this. Other times, the tragedy looms large, and there is no escaping the pending tears. Barefoot Gen takes place in Hiroshima in 1945, which should be enough information to grasp what the story is about. Yes, this anime is about the atomic bomb, and it is exactly as devastating as it should be. The movie does not have much of a story beyond that, instead opting to introduce a bunch of characters and then putting them through history.

Generally regarded as a companion piece to Grave of the Fireflies, Barefoot Gen does not quite reach that film's extremely high standards, but it is nevertheless a powerful experience that is worth watching at least once. Personally, I will never, ever watch Barefoot Gen again; however, I will also never forget it.

16 Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc

For Denji, Reality Is Cruel

Chainsaw Man might not be the first anime to pop into somebody's mind when they think "sad," but the series and movie have their share of melancholy moments. Over-the-top as he can be at times, Denji is a tragic figure who had his childhood and, really, life ripped away from him. Even as a Devil Hunter, he is a tool to be used by the Public Safety department and, in particular, Makima.

The movie covers the Reze arc, which sees Denji start a cute little romance with the eponymous character. Obviously, things go awry eventually, but Chainsaw Man wisely lets the protagonist experience a "normal" teenage romance for a while, giving him a taste of a life that he will never know. When the inevitable twist comes, Denji is dragged away from a sweet dream and back into his brutal, inescapable reality. The universe doesn't want him to be happy.

Good news! Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc is coming to Crunchyroll in Spring 2026.

15 Madoka Movies

A Dark Type Of Anime Magic

OK, this might seem like cheating, as two of the Puella Magi Madoka Magica movies, Beginnings and Eternal, are just retellings of the TV series, which is rightfully regarded as one of the greatest magical girl anime of all time. It is also one of the saddest and darkest, and I'm sure that anybody remotely interested in the genre or anime in general has sought out the show.

However, they also need to make sure to watch 2013's Rebellion, the sequel movie that retains and amplifies the story's sense of dread, sacrifice, tragedy, obsession, and manipulation, all the while sprinkling in a touch of hope. Madoka is not for the faint of heart, as its various action sequences tend to be emphasized by over-the-top and shocking gore that comes out of nowhere. Innocence has no place in this universe, and it is routinely and systematically destroyed.

14 The Dog of Flanders

A Devastating Movie Based On An Anime Series And A Classic Novel

If a dog is involved, and they are not named Beethoven, the movie will probably be a tearjerker. The Dog of Flanders is based on one of the most famously sad novels involving humanity's best friend, and the adaptation pretty much lives up to the source material's reputation. Technically, the 1997 flick is also a remake of a 1975 anime series, but that is really not that important, and you can jump into this release without consuming any other media associated with the story.

Set in Denmark, the story follows Nello and his trusty canine companion, Patrasche, as they basically go from one awful tragedy to the next. At times, The Dog of Flanders can be a bit too relentless in its misery, but the (many) emotional moments still manage to land. If you consider yourself to be a dog person, prepare yourself.

13 Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul

Sad And Horrifying In Equal Measure

Made in Abyss is the most beautiful nightmare in anime history, and a recommendation must come with a strong warning that the content is upsetting in a way that very few stories even attempt to match. There is child abuse. Gruesome torture. Existential dread. An endlessly suffocating environment. Human experimentation. It is all bad, but presented in such a captivating way that it is impossible to look away.

Dawn of the Deep Soul is Made in Abyss's horrifying masterpiece, a testament to the cold depravity that can arise from the pursuit of endless growth. To get the full experience, you need to first watch season 1, which is by far the least traumatizing part of the story (and it is still very traumatizing). If you survive, then watch Dawn of the Deep Soul, followed by season 2.

12 Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms

Love, Time, & War

A fantasy war epic, Maquia has a lot going for it. The animation is fantastic, as is Mari Okada's direction. The story delivers an impressive sense of scale and touches upon mature themes like discrimination and power. In this universe, Iorphs are beings who resemble humans but live for centuries, all the while looking like teenagers. They are attacked by a human kingdom, with Maquia just about escaping with her life. After leaving her home, she ends up finding and adopting a human baby, starting a mother-son relationship that feels doomed from the start.

The second half of the narrative revolves around an all-around war, but the movie's heart is Maquia and Ariel's relationship. Their family bond is complicated, touching, and frequently devastating. While not constantly sad, Maquia has plenty of powerful moments, along with a constant sense of foreboding.

11 Wolf Children

A Single Mother And Her Two Lovable Children

Mamoru Hosoda's crowning achievement, Wolf Children is one of the definitive anime stories dealing with parenthood. Hana falls in love with a Wolfman, and they have two kids. However, when her partner passes away, Hana is left to raise Yuki and Ame alone, a responsibility that threatens to overwhelm her.

The story follows the family over several years, showing not only Hana's attempts to adapt to a seemingly impossible situation but also Yuki and Ame's efforts to find their place in the world. Wolf Children does not tell a constantly devastating story, but rather captures both the simple beauty and sporadic struggles that define life.