Kris Loyola
- Jan 3
- 5 min read

9 Anime Movies That Will Make You Cry | Review and Pictures

Are you an anime fan who is looking for something new to watch? Are you someone who just needs to cope with something by watching a sad or heart warming story? Anime isn't just cartoons for kids or motion pictures about mecha fighting or superheroes.

These slice of life animation film masterpieces are sure to break your heart and get the tears flowing, whether you're 7, 17, or 70!

Table of Contents

Anime Movies

Frequently Asked Questions

9 Anime Movies that will make you cry

Where to Watch Anime Movies

Anime Movies

Anime is a magical thing that makes a person who watches it addicted. Especially when the storyline and the characters are similar to the audience's experiences and dilemmas.

Anime can make you feel a mixture of emotions. It can make you laugh, cry, sad, angry, happy, and a whole lot of feelings you don't expect to experience.

To avid fans of anime, watching a series or anime movies is not just because they're bored or have nothing to do. It has become part of their lives and most of the time, they can relate to the events and the feelings of the characters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Top 1 Anime Movie?

A: Demon Slayer Mugen Train with $503 Million in Box Office. Followed by #2 Spirited Away with $395 Million In Box Office Sales.

Q: What was the First Anime Movie?

A: Momotaro in 1945.

Q: What is the most popular Anime?

A: Full Metal Alchemist is liked by the most people worldwide and receives high praise among Anime Culture groups.

Anime isn't JUST anime

For people who have never had the privilege to watch an anime series or movies, they can never understand why anime fans act the way they do when it comes to the subject.

Animes can inspire people, motivate them and touch their emotions. They are not just made to be someone's entertainment. They are made to teach watchers lessons, morals and give inspirations.

To further lure you to the world of anime, we have collected a list of anime movies that will surely touch not just your heart but your soul as well.

These popular anime movies are guaranteed to send you bursting into tears so if you plan on watching them, you might as well prepare tons of tissues or handkerchiefs because you'll be crying river over them. Are you ready? Read on!

9 Anime Movies That Will Make You Cry

These 9 anime movies we've prepared for you have been personally picked (and watched) so we can guarantee that these will all make you cry your hearts out.

your name is such a sad anime

1. YOUR NAME | Kimi no Na wa (2016)

This is TOP on our list of anime movies that you should watch if you want something that would stir your emotions. The movie revolves around two characters, a girl and a boy who live in different timeframes. For some reason, after the girl wished to become a Tokyo boy in her next life, their lives became entangled with each other when they started swapping bodies. The movie has a great plot, animation and emotional weight. Not to mention the music, too. It claimed the seat of 3rd highest-grossing anime film of all time. The film also won numerous awards such as the 2016 Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, and many more. We highly recommend that you watch this movie. Guaranteed tear-jerker!

gin from hotarubi no Mori e will make you cry

2. Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light | Hotarubi no Mori e (2011)

Another movie that could break or make your heart is Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light or 'Hotarubi no Mori e' which was aired in 2011 based on the manga of the same title. It was also about two characters, one mortal and one, a mountain spirit forbidden to make physical contact with humans. Their story started with friendship when the young female protagonist met the mountain spirit. Soon after, their feelings for each other developed. And the rest is for you to find out. We wouldn't wanna spoil anything.

3. A Silent Voice | Koe no Katachi (2016)

A Silent Voice is a movie based from a manga of the same title. It tackles about depression, suicide, bullying and family. You can learn a lot from this movie especially about how one's actions can impact the life of another. Of course, no spoiler alerts but this is the kind of anime movie that you should watch at least once! And again, just prepare some tissues or handkerchiefs because this will surely make you cry. Guaranteed!

4. Grave of the Fireflies | Hotaru no Haka (1988)

Here is another heart-breaking movie or film for you to watch. The film is based on a true story which tackles about the aftermath of war. It is an adaptation of the life of Akiyuki Nosaka and the hardship he and his little sister encountered after an American firebombing during World War II. Although the movie was aired a long long time, many anime fans still watch and rewatch it because of its heavy emotional weight and the morals and lessons that can be gained from it.

5. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

A science fiction anime movie about a girl who can leap through time. The story is funny but you won't be able to stop yourself from crying every once in a while. Just watch the movie if you want to find out what happened. Don't wanna talk about any spoilers, right?

6. Wolf Children (2012)

If you haven't watched this yet, then you're really missing out on something great. This is particularly heartbreaking. Especially during the part when they had to live in the countryside because of one unfortunate event which will not be mentioned here because it might spoil your fun watching it. The movie is great and really makes people watching it cry. So definitely make this a MUST to watch this movie! It will be worth your time and your tissues.

7. Clannad: After Story (2009)

This one, there's nothing really too disheartening about it but it's sad. The movie is exceptionally made and perhaps that's what makes it too touching for the viewers. Or not. Just watch it to see if it will make you cry or not. Definitely made me.

8. Hal (2013)

You know it's a good movie if you can feel the emotions of the characters. Even an android. Hal is a good movie directed by Ryōtarō Makihara and was aired in 2013. How would you feel if your special someone died? Find out what really happened with the characters and you'll be surprised about the twist.

9. 5 Centimeters per Second (2007)

This is the last on our list but definitely not the least. The title of the movie comes from the speed at which cherry blossom petals fall. It represents people and how fast they can drift away from each other after being together for some time. The movie is heartbreaking especially because they were able to capture the emotions of lovers (it's a love story, spoiler!). But it's sad and makes you wanna cry (or you will cry).

Bonus

10. Japan Sinks (2020)

This Anime is so sad, it's about a natural disaster that causes Japan to explode and sink. The main characters watch each other sacrifice themselves to save the survivors and there are 3 times in the film that I personally screamed out loud. It's definitely one you HAVE to see!

Where to Watch Anime Movies

There are tons of resources online depending on where you live on how to watch anime online. There's free and paid options, I would stay away from piracy sites if possible as it hurts the creators. Here's a list of some good options!