The 5 Most Heart-Wrenching Anime Moments Guaranteed to Make You Cry

April/Lyric
Anime
Anime

The mark of a good anime is one that makes you feel — it sucks you in and makes you feel what the characters are feeling and makes you feel what the creator is trying to portray. When those moments are so overwhelmingly heartbreaking — as they often are in anime — there’s nothing more you can do but watch and let the tears flow. So, here are five of the most emotional moments in anime that will make you cry.

Warning: Spoilers

Nabari No Ou

Nabari No Ou is about the world of the ninja hiding in plain sight. But it’s not all fun and games. It tells the story of Miharu Rokujou and Yoite who team up to protect the mysterious entity known as Shinra Banshou that Miharu holds inside of him.

This anime has scenes aplenty that bring on the waterworks. What particularly does it for me is the second ending theme. It’s set to the tune of “Aru Ga Mama” by Anamu and Maki and the visuals are of Yoite and Miharu traveling together. The song, along with the visuals, brings a sense of melancholy and peacefulness. I can’t help but get a little teary eyed watching it.

Naruto

Sasuke puts his life on the line to protect Naruto during their fight with Haku.

One of the most well known and beloved anime, Naruto, is funny, serious, and full of heart. It’s about a young ninja in training named Naruto Uzumaki who works to earn the respect of his village while meeting his goal of becoming the village leader.

The first scene that did it for me was when Sasuke sacrificed himself to protect Naruto. It was the first time we really saw how much they valued each other as best friends despite their rivalry.

Persona 4: The Animation

Nanako and Dojima finally make amends

Persona 4: The Animation is a great adaption of the game Persona 4. It tells the story of a young man who transfers from his school in the city to the country town of Yasoinaba. There he’s faced with a murder investigation, new friends trying to overcome their insecurities, and a hostile TV world. It perfectly portrays the heart, humor, and fun of the video game.

Although this originally takes place in the game, it hits much harder in the anime adaption. The moment when Nanako talks about how she feels like her father doesn’t really love her because he’s always working is absolutely heartbreaking. It’s a look into how a lack of communication can lead to a break in a child-parent bond. he scenes of Nanako in the hospital where it appears she succumbs to her illness are incredibly heart wrenching as well. To see a small little girl scared and in pain is like a kick to the chest.

Another heart-wrenching moment from the anime is when Nanako is in the hospital where it appears she succumbs to her illness. To see a little girl so scared and in pain is like a kick to the chest.

Clannad/Clannad After Story

Tomoya wouldn't trade knowing Nagisa for anything.

Clannad is one of my favorite animes and I wholeheartedly recommend people watch it. It tells the story of a young delinquent named Tomoya Okazaki and how he navigates life and builds bonds with the people around him, most notably Nagisa Furukawa and her parents.

At the end of Clannad After Story, Tomoya makes a wish that sends him back to the first moment he met Nagisa. He could let her walk away, meaning they never meet. But instead, he calls out to her, rushing to hug her. It’s an acknowledgment that the hardships they face were worth it because he knows what it’s like to be in love and have a family with her.

Fruits Basket

Momiji makes a decision.

Fruits Basket is about a young girl named Tohru Honda who is living in the woods after the death of her mother. On the way to school, she meets a man named Shigure Sohma who is the older cousin of her classmate Yuki Sohma. After a mudslide wipes out the tent she lives in, Tohru starts living with the family, including hot head Kyo.

Momiji’s speech about carrying his memories with him no matter how hard they may hurt him stands out. It’s even more touching when you know that he’s talking about his mother having her memories of him erased. To go through that and have the courage to still be optimistic is inspiring and touching, and will always make you cry.

FANDOM is the ultimate destination for celebrating your love of anime. Visit the link below for all of FANDOM's anime coverage!

April/Lyric
All forms of geekdom are my passion. I can geek out with the best of em'