15 Heartbreaking Romance Anime That Will Make You Cry
Romance anime can hit you right in the heart, weaving love stories that range from tender to tragic. For beginners or seasoned fans, these series stand out for their ability to make you feel every high and low, often leaving you in tears.
This list ranks the 15 most heartbreaking romance anime, chosen for their emotional depth, compelling characters, and unforgettable love stories. From quiet moments to gut-wrenching losses, these shows will move you. Let’s dive into the tears, starting with the 15th spot.
15. ‘My Teen Romantic Comedy Yahari’ (2013-2020)
Hachiman, a cynical teen, joins a club that solves students’ problems, sparking unexpected bonds with Yukino and Yui. This slice-of-life romance across three seasons mixes sharp humor with raw emotional moments. Its focus on unspoken feelings and personal growth tugs at the heart. The slow-burn love triangle feels painfully real.
‘My Teen Romantic Comedy Yahari’ balances wit with heartache, making its quiet confessions hit hard. Its relatable characters and bittersweet endings leave you teary-eyed and reflective.
14. ‘Nana’ (2006-2007)
Two women named Nana meet by chance and form a deep bond while navigating love and dreams in Tokyo. This 47-episode series blends romance with raw drama, as their relationships face heartbreak and betrayal. The realistic portrayal of love’s highs and lows stings deeply. Its rock music backdrop adds soul.
‘Nana’ captures the messy beauty of love and friendship, leaving you emotional with its unresolved pain. Its grounded storytelling and vivid characters make it a tearjerker for any viewer.
13. ‘Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai’ (2018)
Sakuta helps Mai, a girl who becomes invisible to others, while uncovering emotional struggles tied to their feelings. This 13-episode series blends supernatural elements with tender romance. Its focus on trauma and love’s healing power hits hard. The quiet moments between leads feel intimate.
‘Rascal Does Not Dream’ delivers heartfelt confessions and bittersweet resolutions, perfect for emotional fans. Its mix of mystery and romance ensures tears by the final episode.
12. ‘Orange’ (2016)
Naho receives letters from her future self, urging her to save a classmate, Kakeru, from a tragic fate. This 13-episode series weaves time travel with a poignant love story. The weight of regret and unspoken love between Naho and Kakeru brings tears. Its soft visuals amplify the emotion.
‘Orange’ captures the pain of missed chances and the hope of second ones, leaving you misty-eyed. Its compact story and heartfelt characters make it a moving starter for romance fans.
11. ‘Toradora!’ (2008-2009)
Ryuuji and Taiga, two teens with opposite personalities, help each other pursue crushes but grow closer themselves. This 25-episode romantic comedy shifts from lighthearted to deeply emotional. The slow realization of their feelings and sacrifices hits hard. Its iconic ending is a tearful payoff.
‘Toradora!’ blends humor with raw heartache, making every confession feel earned. Its lovable leads and emotional depth ensure beginners will cry by the final moments.
10. ‘Horimiya’ (2021)
Kyoko, a popular girl, and Miyamura, a quiet boy with a secret wild side, form an unexpected romance. This 13-episode series mixes sweet high school love with moments of vulnerability. The way their relationship faces subtle insecurities stings. Its warm animation enhances the emotional pull.
‘Horimiya’ delivers tender moments and quiet heartbreak, perfect for newcomers. Its focus on everyday love and personal growth leaves you teary yet hopeful.
9. ‘Kimi ni Todoke’ (2009-2011)
Sawako, a shy girl mistaken for a ghost, slowly opens up to Kazehaya, a kind classmate, in this gentle romance. Over two seasons, their slow-burn love faces misunderstandings and self-doubt. The purity of their feelings and small gestures make every moment ache. Its soft visuals feel soothing yet sad.
‘Kimi ni Todoke’ captures the fragile beauty of first love, leaving you emotional with its tender climax. Its relatable characters make it a perfect tearjerker for beginners.
8. ‘Plastic Memories’ (2015)
Tsukasa falls for Isla, a robot with a limited lifespan, in a futuristic world. This 13-episode series blends sci-fi with a tragic love story. The inevitability of Isla’s “expiration” creates a constant ache, amplified by their growing bond. Every smile they share feels bittersweet.
‘Plastic Memories’ delivers gut-punching moments with its focus on love and loss. Its compact story and emotional weight ensure tears, making it ideal for new anime fans.
7. ‘A Silent Voice’ (2016)
Though a film, this adaptation of the manga follows Shoya, a former bully, seeking redemption with Shoko, a deaf girl he once hurt. Their complex bond blends guilt, forgiveness, and unspoken love. The 130-minute runtime dives deep into their pain, making every scene heavy.
‘A Silent Voice’ hits with its raw portrayal of regret and healing, leaving you sobbing. Its universal themes and stunning visuals make it a must-watch for beginners.
6. ‘Violet Evergarden’ (2018)
Violet, a former soldier, becomes a letter writer to understand emotions, uncovering love and loss. This 13-episode series blends gorgeous animation with stories of heartbreak. Violet’s journey to grasp love, tied to her past, feels crushing. Each episode delivers emotional punches.
‘Violet Evergarden’ shines with its poetic visuals and tearful tales, perfect for new viewers. Its focus on human connection and grief ensures a deeply moving experience.
5. ‘Fruits Basket’ (2019-2021)
Tohru lives with a family cursed to turn into zodiac animals, forming a bond with Kyo amid their pain. This three-season series weaves romance with trauma and healing. The slow unraveling of Kyo and Tohru’s love amid family secrets breaks your heart. Its warm art amplifies the emotion.
‘Fruits Basket’ delivers devastating yet hopeful moments, ideal for beginners. Its rich characters and emotional depth make it a tearjerker that lingers long after.
4. ‘I Want to Eat Your Pancreas’ (2018)
This film follows a reserved boy and Sakura, a term，开始于inally ill girl, as they form an unexpected bond. The 108-minute story blends lighthearted moments with crushing tragedy. Their growing connection, shadowed by Sakura’s fate, hits like a tidal wave. Its vibrant visuals deepen the impact.
‘I Want to Eat Your Pancreas’ captures love’s fleeting beauty, leaving you in tears. Its compact yet powerful story makes it a perfect entry for romance anime fans.
3. ‘Your Lie in April’ (2014-2015)
Kosei, a piano prodigy who lost his spark, meets Kaori, a vibrant violinist with a secret. This 22-episode series blends music and romance with devastating emotional weight. Their love, tied to Kaori’s hidden truth, builds to a heart-shattering climax. The vivid animation and music amplify every tear.
‘Your Lie in April’ delivers raw emotion through its beautiful story, perfect for newcomers. Its mix of love, loss, and art ensures you’ll cry by the end.
2. ‘Clannad: After Story’ (2008-2009)
Following ‘Clannad,’ this 24-episode sequel follows Tomoya and Nagisa as they face adulthood, love, and tragedy. The series shifts from high school romance to gut-wrenching family drama. Their bond, tested by loss, delivers some of anime’s most tearful moments. Its grounded art makes the pain feel real.
‘Clannad: After Story’ is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, ideal for beginners seeking depth. Its heartbreaking yet hopeful narrative leaves you sobbing and uplifted.
1. ‘Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day’ (2011)
Jinta and his childhood friends reunite to help Menma, a ghost, fulfill her final wish. This 11-episode series weaves grief, guilt, and unspoken love into a devastating story. The group’s struggle to move on while cherishing their bond breaks your heart. Its soft visuals enhance the emotional weight.
‘Anohana’ delivers raw, cathartic tears with its tight narrative, perfect for new fans. Its focus on love and loss makes it the ultimate romance anime tearjerker.
Which romance anime broke your heart, or did I miss a tearful gem? Share your thoughts in the comments!