Source: Kyoto Animation
Sometimes we just want to spend our free time watching a show that can bring us to tears.
And that’s totally okay! Life can get tough sometimes, so a good cry is a welcome way to simply let it all out. There’s nothing wrong with being in your feelings.
There are tons of great anime that can bring you to tears, but unlike the ones that just leave you feeling hopeless or unsettled, the titles we’re recommending will feel more like a gentle hug - as you’re crying your heart out.
Clannad
Number of seasons: 2
Number of episodes: 48
Clannad is a heartwarming and emotional anime that centres around the themes of family, love, and personal growth. Following the story of delinquent highschooler Tomoya Okazaki, Clannad explores the complexities of trauma, illness, and loneliness, all while putting emphasis on the importance of connection, love, and forgiveness. Although Clannad does have some funny gags, many of its episodes can (and will) bring you to tears!
Angel Beats!
Number of episodes: 12
Angel Beats! is a supernatural slice-of-life story that explores regret, grief, and hope through the eyes of Yuzuru Otonashi, who finds himself within a mysterious limbo before reincarnation. Angel Beats has some comedic elements to it, but it also doesn’t hold back in highlighting the importance of living a fulfilling life, something that we tend to forget when we’re caught up in the complexities of the world.
Plastic Memories
Number of episodes: 13
Plastic Memories is a poignant sci-fi romance set in a world where androids possess memories and emotions, but have a limited 9-year lifespan. The story focuses on the doomed romance between Tsukasa Mizukagi, a young recruit at a special company that retrieves androids at the end of their lives called Terminal Service, and his partner Isla, a veteran android who’s nearing her end.
The show deals with the fleeting nature of life, and how people come to terms with grief and loss, painting a bittersweet tale that will have you sobbing into your hands.
A Place Further than the Universe
Number of episodes: 13
A Place Further than the Universe is an inspirational slice-of-life adventure anime following four high school girls on an ambitious journey to Antarctica. Each of these girls have their own reasons in undergoing this daring and dangerous journey; one wants to gather courage to step outside of her comfort zone, one is seeking adventure, one is yearning for genuine friendship, and the other is in search of her mother, who went missing during an expedition to Antarctica. The journey they all take is full of emotional highs and lows, and is sure to bring a tear or two (or more!) to your eyes.
Orange
Number of episodes: 13
If you were given the chance to change the past, would you? Orange tells the story of Naho Takamiya, who receives a mysterious letter from her future self detailing her deepest regret: not being able to save her fellow classmate Kakeru Naruse. Armed with the information needed to turn the tide, Naho does whatever it takes to prevent the tragic outcome waiting for Naruse. This show highlights the importance of mental health and how support, companionship, and love are important factors in helping someone who might be struggling with issues like trauma and depression.
