Over the past decade, anime has evolved from a well-loved niche to an internationally popular sensation. Its ability to tell unique and intricate storylines paired with stellar animation often leaves a powerful impression on its audience. Eventually, every anime fan comes to find a story that deeply touches them in some way, as anime has arguably given us some of the best tearjerkers in modern times.
However, while anime shows have multiple episodes to get viewers invested and fully flesh out the characters and story, films have only an hour and a half to two hours to achieve these same things -- and many have done so brilliantly. Here are five of the saddest anime films and where you can watch them.
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
An odd title with a heartfelt meaning behind it, I Want To Eat Your Pancreas is a drama-romance that has become a cult favorite since its debut in 2018. The film follows Haruki Shiga, an aloof high school student detached from the world around him. One day, he discovers the diary of a popular and outgoing classmate, Sakura Yamauchi, who shares with him that she suffers from a fatal pancreatic illness. Haruki is the only one besides her family aware of her terminal illness, and is at first, unfazed by this revelation. However, the two eventually form an unlikely connection as Haruki concedes to accompanying Sakura for her remaining time left on Earth.
Unfortunately, this heartrending movie is harder to watch than the other films on this list. Although not currently available to stream anywhere online, both the DVD and Blu-ray are available to purchase on Amazon.
Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms
This fantasy drama is criminally underrated, but Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms perfectly captures the theme of maternal love through the years. The story is about Maquia, a member of an immortal race called the Iorph -- mystical beings who live separately from humans. When the Iorph village is attacked by their neighbors, many Irophs are killed and Maquia gets caught up in the chaos. She awakens in a forest in the human world, where she stumbles upon an orphaned baby boy. Unable to leave the baby behind, Maquia decides to raise the child as her own.
Maquia is available to stream on Prime Video as well as to rent or buy on Google Play, YouTube, iTunes and the Microsoft Store. The DVD and Blu-ray can also be purchased on Amazon.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a sci-fi-romance that gained several awards throughout 2006 and 2007. It follows Makoto Konno, a bright and nonchalant high schooler stuck between deciding her future and spending time with her best friends. After nearly getting hit by an oncoming train, she suddenly gains the power to literally leap through time. With this newfound power, Makoto quickly realizes that she can avoid mishaps, get perfect grades and relive her most joyous hours, using her time leaping ability for her own desires. However, her joy doesn't last long as it's revealed that every choice she makes comes at a price.
The movie is available to rent and buy from iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, Amazon Video and the Microsoft Store. For viewers looking for physical copies, the DVD and Blu-ray can also be purchased on Amazon.
A Silent Voice
A shonen drama that's as much heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, A Silent Voice has become one of the most popular anime films to date, and for good reason. When a deaf girl, Shoko Nishimiya, transfers to a new elementary school, Shoya Ishida and many of his classmates bully her relentlessly. When Shoko transfers out of the school, Shoya is singled out and blamed, becoming a victim of bullying himself. Now in high school, Shoya suffers from mental illness and is plagued by the deep regrets he harbors over his past actions. His goal is now to make amends for all of his wrongdoings in a journey of redemption.
A Silent Voice is available to stream on Netflix and to buy from Google Play, YouTube, iTunes and the Microsoft Store. The DVD and Blu-ray can be purchased on Amazon.
Grave of the Fireflies
One of the most notable tear-inducing anime films is the historical drama Grave of the Fireflies. Set during the final few months of WWII, the film follows 14-year-old Seita, who is in charge of taking care of his 4-year-old sister Setsuko, after American firebombing destroys their town and home. Orphaned and homeless, Seita and Setsuko can only rely on each other as they try to stay together in these unforgiving circumstances. This story depicts the realistic struggles of two siblings attempting to survive the devastations of war in a hauntingly emotional way.
Grave of the Fireflies is available to rent and buy on iTunes and Vudu. The DVD and Blu-ray can be purchased on Amazon.
