10 Japanese Animated Movies That Will Make You Cry
Explore 10 heart-wrenching Japanese animated movies that will stir your emotions and leave you reaching for the tissues.
Japanese animated films, often known as anime movies, have a unique ability to connect deeply with audiences. From tear-jerking love stories to heartbreaking tales of friendship and loss, these movies offer powerful emotional journeys that linger long after the credits roll.
Whether you’re an anime enthusiast or new to the genre, here are 10 Japanese animated movies guaranteed to make you cry.
1. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Arguably one of the saddest films ever made, Grave of the Fireflies by Studio Ghibli is a harrowing story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, struggling to survive during the final days of World War II.
The film’s portrayal of the brutal realities of war from a child’s perspective is heart-wrenching and leaves a lasting emotional impact.
With its themes of loss, desperation, and the innocence of childhood shattered by the horrors of war, Grave of the Fireflies is a film that few can watch without shedding tears.
2. Your Name (2016)
Your Name (Kimi no Na wa), directed by Makoto Shinkai, tells the story of two high school students, Taki and Mitsuha, who mysteriously swap bodies and form a deep emotional bond despite never meeting in person.
The film weaves together romance, longing, and the powerful connection between the two characters, all while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its surprising plot twists.
The final act of the movie is filled with emotional highs and lows, leading to a deeply moving conclusion that will leave you teary-eyed.
3. A Silent Voice (2016)
Directed by Naoko Yamada, A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi) is a deeply emotional exploration of bullying, redemption, and mental health. The film follows Shoya Ishida, a young man who, as a child, cruelly bullied his deaf classmate, Shoko Nishimiya.
Years later, haunted by guilt and regret, he seeks to make amends. A Silent Voice doesn’t shy away from difficult topics such as isolation, depression, and forgiveness, and its raw, emotional storytelling will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find redemption or self-worth.
4. The Wind Rises (2013)
The Wind Rises (Kaze Tachinu), directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is a fictionalized biographical film about Jiro Horikoshi, the engineer behind Japan’s WWII fighter planes.
The movie captures the beauty of Jiro’s dreams and ambitions, set against the backdrop of impending war and personal tragedy. The film is a bittersweet meditation on the pursuit of passion in a world that can’t always accommodate such dreams.
Jiro’s relationship with his terminally ill wife adds another layer of emotional weight, making this film a truly moving experience.
5. Wolf Children (2012)
Wolf Children (Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki), directed by Mamoru Hosoda, is a poignant story about a young mother, Hana, raising two children who are part human, part wolf.
The film beautifully captures the challenges and joys of motherhood, as well as the struggles of raising children with extraordinary abilities.
At its heart, Wolf Children is about love, sacrifice, and the difficult choices parents must make for their children’s future. The emotional resonance of Hana’s journey and the growth of her children will leave you deeply moved.
6. Clannad: After Story (2009)
Based on a visual novel, Clannad: After Story is a continuation of the Clannad series and delves deeper into the life of protagonist Tomoya Okazaki and his relationship with Nagisa Furukawa. What starts as a touching romance turns into a deeply emotional story about family, loss, and the endurance of love.
The film’s portrayal of life’s unpredictable and often heartbreaking twists is devastating, and it tackles themes of grief and resilience in a way that feels both honest and deeply personal. Clannad: After Story is a tear-jerker that stays with you long after it’s over.
7. 5 Centimeters per Second (2007)
Another masterpiece by Makoto Shinkai, 5 Centimeters per Second is a film about distance, both physical and emotional, and how time can erode even the strongest bonds.
The film is divided into three parts, following the lives of Takaki and Akari, two childhood friends who drift apart as they grow older. The movie’s slow, melancholic pacing, combined with its beautiful animation, perfectly captures the sense of longing and unfulfilled love.
It’s a subtle but deeply affecting film that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of drifting apart from someone they once cherished.
8. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
Mamoru Hosoda’s The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo) follows Makoto, a high school girl who discovers she has the ability to travel through time.
While the film starts with light-hearted moments as Makoto uses her powers for trivial reasons, it gradually shifts to more serious themes of fate, regret, and the consequences of trying to alter time.
These KatellKeineg.com film’s emotional core lies in its exploration of the importance of living in the present and accepting life’s inevitable changes, making it a touching and, at times, heart-wrenching experience.
9. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (2018)
Despite its unusual title, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (Kimi no Suizou wo Tabetai) is a deeply emotional film about life, death, and the impact we leave on others.
The story revolves around a high school boy who befriends a terminally ill girl, Sakura, and their bittersweet relationship as she faces her inevitable fate.
The film’s focus on living life to the fullest, despite knowing that time is limited, makes for a profoundly moving narrative. Its heart-wrenching conclusion is guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes.
10. Weathering With You (2019)
Makoto Shinkai’s Weathering With You (Tenki no Ko) tells the story of Hodaka, a runaway teen who meets Hina, a girl with the ability to control the weather.
While the film explores the fantastical elements of controlling nature, its emotional weight comes from the sacrifices the characters must make for love and survival.
The beautifully animated sequences and the poignant relationship between the two leads build up to an emotional climax that will leave viewers in tears.
These 10 Japanese animated movies offer more than just stunning visuals and engaging stories—they provide an emotional experience that will resonate deeply with audiences.
Whether exploring themes of love, loss, or personal growth, these films have the power to move you to tears and remind you of the beauty and fragility of life.