Emotional scenes are anime’s signature storytelling weapons. The medium thrives on characters and events that are emotionally resonant and hard to forget. Evenaction-packed animelikeDemon Slayerhave several moments that are more painful than thrilling. Sometimes emotional stories are a given, like in romance and slice-of-life genres; other times, they serve as an underlayer to an overarching plotline.
In either lens, certain emotional scenes make these stories more effective and memorable. ForDemon Slayeraudiences, moments like Rengoku’s death will come to mind. Similarly,fans who appreciate moving tearjerker animecan relate to those tough moments, connecting to the spirit-breaking circumstances or finding camaraderie in a heart-wrenching sequence.
10Pokémon – Butterfree’s Release
Pokémonis generally lighthearted; consequently, making emotional moments all the more resonant. Ash and Butterfree’s relationship first began when Butterfree was only a Caterpie. Throughout the many battles they fought together, the Caterpie evolved into Metapod and, eventually, into Butterfree. With every struggle, their bond only deepened.
However, Butterfree’s development came with a downside. Ash discovered the annual Butterfree mating season and knew he would have to let go of Butterfree so he could find a mate. In a display of maturity, Ash released Butterfree despite his desire to continue their adventure. In a moment coloured with Ash’s reluctance, the two say their goodbyes and move on.
9Naruto – Minato’s Farewell to Naruto
Narutoblends action and relational bonds so well that the story is full of many emotional moments. The eponymous protagonist grew up as an orphan, igniting his yearning for acknowledgment, which is a major driver of the story. During the war, Naruto meets his father, Minato, in spirit form.
Their interaction is one that Naruto has craved all his life. Minato tells Naruto how proud he’s made him, giving him the parental approval he needs. Sadly, the moment doesn’t last long. Minato’s spirit eventually fades, and Naruto is left alone again. In typical Naruto fashion, he promises to keep going, despite the pain he feels.
8Your Lie in April – Kaori’s Letter
Your Lie in Aprilis emotionally heavyfrom start to finish. After Arima’s mother dies, he’s traumatized and remains silent as a result. It takes Miyazono’s intervention to bring him back to his former state. Their relationship is affectionate and pure, and it enables Arima’s healing.
While Arima’s pain and trauma lie at the forefront of their relationship, Miyazono has health problems she keeps relatively hidden. Her health keeps worsening, and she dies during surgery. Kousei is left to handle her absence, discovering the letter she left behind. The letter reveals her feelings for him, adding the pain of regret to the pain of loss he already feels.
7Attack on Titan – Sasha’s Death
Attack on Titan’s tragic setting intensified the impact of Sasha’s death. Her liveliness and love for food made it easier to cope with the sadness and seriousness of the anime. When she wasn’t up to her usual antics, she was training and growing into a capable soldier, skilled at slaying titans. However, during the Marley raid, she was killed by Gabi.
Her death was so sudden that no one saw it coming. As she dies, she whispers the word “meat,” giving fans a bittersweet reminder of her playfulness.Sasha’s deathis an event that depicts the brutality of the world ofAttack on Titan;even though the characters mourn her loss, they must “move forward.”
6Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day – Menma’s Goodbye
After Menma’s death, her friend group drifts apart. Menma’s ghost then visits them years later, helping them deal with the guilt and unresolved feelings they have regarding her death. What follows is a bittersweet ending where the friends are back together again and healing, but still living with the aftereffects of Menma’s second departure.
Menma leaves each friend a goodbye letter, filled with heartfelt declarations.Anohana’s portrayal of loss is so visceral, thanks to the authenticity of the voice acting andA-1 Pictures' portrayalof a bright and colorful world. Despite the grief and pain, the anime masterfully highlights the beauty and weightiness of genuine friendship.
5Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song – Vivy’s Sacrifice
Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Songportrays a world with humans and AI. The titular character, Vivy, is a singing AI whose aim is to prevent humans and AI from warring against one another. Even though she’s an AI, she develops humane emotions, allowing her to bond with humans and AIs alike.
In the final moments of her mission to prevent war, Vivy has to sacrifice herself. Her farewell is a song she sings as her consciousness fades. Vivy’s emotions and sacrifice are real and painful because she fulfilled her mission to prevent a war while reclaiming her life and giving it meaning.
In Kyoto Animation’sClannad: After Story, Tomoya raises his daughter, Ushio, after the death of his wife, Nagisa. Tomoya has come a long way from his initial delinquency and now lives his life devoted to his daughter. They grow closer over time, and their relationship blossoms with tenderness and joy.
Unfortunately, the condition that killed his wife turns out to be genetic, and Ushio falls ill as well.The heartbreaking momentoccurs when Ushio dies in Tomoya’s arms, and he’s forced to relive his grief. His wife and daughter are now gone, taken by the same mysterious disease, compounding Tomoya’s sense of loss.
3One Piece – Ace’s Death in Marineford
One Pieceintroduces Ace as Luffy’s brother whose loyalty knows no bounds. In the Marineford arc, Ace becomes central to a war between the Marines and Whitebeard Pirates. Luffy tries desperately to save Ace after a battle, eventually freeing him. For a moment, it looks as though all is well.
Sadly, Admiral Akainu’s attempt on Luffy’s life leads to the death of Ace.Ace dies in Luffy’s armsand gives Luffy his final, heart-wrenching words, thanking him for his love despite his stigmatized bloodline. Ace’s death stunned fans, and it’s this combination of surprise and heartbreak that makes the scene so memorable.
2Grave of the Fireflies – Setsuko’s Final Days
Studio Ghibli doesn’t shy away from deep emotion, andGrave of the Firefliesis no exception. When Seita and Setsuko, the anime’s central characters, lose their mother to a World War II bombing raid, they struggle for survival in the countryside.
At the start of their survival journey, living is tough but endurable. However, food continues to grow scarce, and they have no one to help them. This starvation leads to Setsuko’s health growing worse.
The moment of heartbreak comes when Setsuko hallucinates food and tries to share it with her brother before dying quietly.Grave of the Firefliesportrays the effects of a catastrophic war on everyday people.
1Made in Abyss – Mitty’s Mercy Killing
Mitty goes from being a young girl with red eyes and hair to an immortal creature cursed by the 6th Layer. Even though she no longer has her old appearance, she retains her essence and is still taken care of by her friend Nanachi.
After watching Mitty suffer with this new body, Nanachi decides to end Mitty’s suffering by ending her life. Nanachi asks Reg, a robot with a human appearance, to use his incinerator on Mitty. What follows is a moment heavy with bitterness, as Reg fires his Incinerator on Mitty, killing her and finally freeing her from her suffering.
Made in Abyss
Cast
Made in Abyss is an adventurous fantasy series set on a remote island with the Abyss, a deep, mysterious chasm filled with relics and creatures. Riko, an aspiring explorer, discovers a peculiar robotic boy in the upper levels, and together they embark on a perilous journey into the Abyss.
