July 9th is “Crying Day”.
This day is said to be a memorial day based on the wordplay “Naku” (7) “Ku” (9), meaning “cry”.
Anime boasts numerous masterpieces that move us to tears. Whether it’s a deeply emotional finale, the poignant farewells of characters that shake our hearts, or the warmth we feel from small moments of happiness depicted in everyday life… The reasons for tears vary from person to person, but each one leaves a profound impression.
With that in mind, Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey titled “Which anime makes you cry the most?”. We received 113 responses during the survey period from June 23rd to June 30th.
The gender ratio was approximately 40 percent male and 60 percent female, with slightly more female respondents. Regarding age, around 40 percent were under 19, while those in their 20s and 30s each accounted for about 15 percent.
Table of Contents
Reference Article：https://animeanime.jp/article/2024/07/09/85333.html
■Tears Won’t Stop… Masterpieces of Farewells and Bonds Gather!
1st Place
Taking the top spot is 『Violet Evergarden』. Supported by approximately 6 percent of the votes.
This series tells the story of Violet, a girl who lost her arms in the war and learns about human emotions through her work as a letter writer. Readers commented, “I was moved by the story of a girl who only knew how to fight, meeting various people and connecting with their hearts in order to understand the meaning of the words ‘I love you’ that her superior, Major Gilbert, conveyed to her. The lives and feelings of each client are also depicted carefully, and I couldn’t watch it without crying every time,” and “The TV series, the Gaiden (side story), and the movie – all these works meticulously portray human relationships, making it an anime where a handkerchief is essential. Kyoto Animation’s overwhelming visual beauty is also superb, lending immense realism to the fictional world.” Both the story and the visuals received high praise.
2nd Place
Securing 2nd place is 『Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai.』. Supported by approximately 7 percent of the votes.
Known affectionately as 『Ano Hana』, this is a coming-of-age ensemble drama that begins when Menma, a childhood friend from elementary school, appears before the reclusive protagonist Jintan, looking just as she did back then. Comments included, “Seeing friends who had drifted apart reunite in high school and confront their individual pains and resentments, triggered by Menma’s wish, brought tears to my eyes naturally,” and “Not everyone gets to become an adult. I gained a lot of courage from watching these high schoolers, who are neither children nor adults, struggle and discover something precious they must never forget.” The series resonated deeply with many.
3rd Place
In 3rd place is 『Toradora!』. The difference from 2nd place was very small.
『Toradora!』 is a romantic comedy where high school students Takasu Ryuuji and the heroine Aisaka Taiga, initially cooperating to help each other achieve their own crushes, gradually fall for one another. Comments included, “In the Christmas party episode, when Taiga finally realizes her feelings and cries, I couldn’t help but cry along. It’s a work full of my memories.” The series is celebrated for its careful depiction of romance. Notably, 『Toradora!』 shares many main staff members, including the director, series composition, and character designer, with 『Ano Hana』 (2nd place), making them often discussed together by fans.
■Introducing Other Comments!
For 『Jiisan Baasan Wakagaeru』, a reader said, “It’s a heartwarming story about a loving elderly couple who suddenly become young again and enjoy their second youth. Watching it made me happy too. In the final episode, I couldn’t stop crying for the two who cherished each other.”
Regarding 『Gotoubun no Hanayome』, a comment shared, “It’s heartwarming to see Fuutarou and the five sisters grow, sometimes clashing along the way. Re-watching it after seeing the story conclude brings new emotions because you know the characters’ feelings. Now, just hearing the church bells at the beginning of the story is enough to make my tear ducts loosen.”
For 『Sayonara no Asa ni Yakusoku no Hana o Kazaro』, a reader commented, “The story of Maquia, a girl from a lineage of immortal beings, and Ariel, the human child she found, powerfully conveyed the transience of life and the strength of love. I cried at the final scene depicting the unavoidable separation caused by the difference in lifespan.”
And for 『Hotaru no Haka』, a vote came with the comment, “I chose this because this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. There were times I avoided it because the content is so painful, but I feel it’s important to confront it properly now. I encourage everyone to watch the film and reflect on many things.” This film is scheduled to air on the anniversary of the end of the war this year.
In this survey, a variety of genres ranked among the top titles. Among them, titles focusing on encounters and partings were particularly prominent, making us want to revisit these classic works once more. Don’t miss the top 20 list on the next page!
■Ranking Top 10
[Which anime makes you cry the most?]
1st 『Violet Evergarden』
2nd 『Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai.』
3rd 『Toradora!』
4th 『Ansatsu Kyoushitsu』
4th 『Kimetsu no Yaiba』
4th 『Gintama』
4th 『Shingeki no Kyojin』
4th 『Bungou Stray Dogs』
4th 『Love Live!』
10th 『CLANNAD』
10th 『Uchuu yori mo Tooi Basho』
10th 『BANANA FISH』
10th 『Fruits Basket』
(Response period: June 23, 2025 – June 30, 2025)
Next Page: Ranking up to 20th place released
- Other ongoing survey themes here! Tell us your thoughts.＞＞https://animeanime.jp/special/1898/recent/
《Takahashi Katsunori》
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