These are some of the saddest anime movies that are heart-wrenching to watch.
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.
Updated on November 15, 2025, by Mark Sammut: Who does not enjoy a good cry every once in a while? Well, if you are looking to experience that very thing, these devastating anime movies should get you there. Along with updating the images, we have added Violet Evergarden: The Movie. 18
Violet Evergarden: The Movie
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. 17
Barefoot Gen
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.
