The 12 Saddest Anime Movies To Watch For A Good Cry

06.04.2024 - 13:53 / fortressofsolitude.co.za

Here is a compilation of the finest sad anime movies of all time. These cinematic gems promise to evoke a flood of emotions and leave you in a contemplative state, ideally suited for those venturing into the realm of anime for the first time or seeking poignant catharsis. Grab some tissues.

This sad anime movie is based on the manga written and illustrated by Fumiyo Kono. The film follows the story of eighteen-year-old Suzu, who has to begin a new life as a bride to Shusako Hojo, a civil official. The story takes place in Hiroshima and then Kure during World War II. It follows a classic slice-of-life formula but becomes gradually weighed down by sad moments as the film progresses. Suzu has to make do with whatever resources she can come by to feed herself and her family as supplies lessen. Finally, however, life becomes too challenging, and she must battle to find the will to live.

The film offers a heartbreaking but unique glimpse into a world history chapter. It beautifully portrays the struggles and aftermath of war outside the battlefield. Not only that, but the movie also offers beautiful animation that accurately details the landscapes and architecture of the time. Furthermore, they praised the film for its ability to portray the struggles of everyday life for a family living in times of war. This film will stay with its viewers long after the credits roll.

This award-winning film follows the story of a nameless soul who has just arrived at the train station to death and receives the news that he was gifted a second chance at life. As expected, the soul does not see this as a gift but enters the world of the living regardless. The soul must inhabit the body of a young boy, Makoto Kobayashi, who has just taken his own life. The goal is for the nameless soul to discover the great sin he has committed in his previous life and atone for it while also trying to figure out why the person whose body he is inhabiting ended his own life.

As the soul enters Kobayashi’s body, he struggles to find any connection and sense of self. He dislikes the new reality he has stepped into and quickly realizes just how bad Kobayashi’s life previously was. Introduced to multiple people in Kobayashi’s life (most of whom he dislikes or finds annoying), the soul eventually begins to understand what it means to enjoy being alive. The film offers a deep dive into societal issues within Japan. It deals with heavy subject matter such as bullying, underage prostitution, suicide, and finding one’s identity and sense of self.

The movie won the Mainichi Film Award for Animation, the audience prize, and a special award at Annecy and was nominated for the Japanese Academy Award for Animation.

Sad Anime Movies – The Most Heartbreaking

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