1. Violet Evergarden

While every anime in this list is equally heartbreaking, nothing beats the story of Violet Evergarden. It’s a show about self-exploration and understanding human emotions like love.

The story revolves around Violet Evergarden – an ex-soldier raised to become a superweapon meant to dominate the battlefield and bring victory to Leidenschaftlich. When peace is soon brought to the world, she has to find a new purpose in life.

Post-war, Violet finds herself working at the CH Postal Company, where she works as an Auto Memory Doll. Think of it as someone who helps clients understand their thoughts.

What to Expect / What Makes it Great: We’re no strangers to the concept of self-love and value. But because of our personal life circumstances, we fail to introduce it to the heart and mind. Being devoid of those feelings isn’t the end of it. What’s worse is the people who care for us leave them confused.

What would you do if someone said I Love You, but you’re at a loss of words afterward?

2. Grave of the Fireflies

Grave of the Fireflies takes on another level with the author (Akiyuki Nosaka) attaching her life experience to this anime film. While watching this hour-long animation, don’t forget your tissues.

Japan is in the middle of the Second World War when Grave of the Fireflies takes place. It’s a story of hardship between Seita and Setsuko Yokokawa – two siblings who found themselves in an unlucky place. Together, they’re racing against time to make the most out of it in a Fallout-like world where humanity is almost gone.

What to Expect / What Makes it Great: This Studio Ghibli masterpiece is something pulled straight from the history books. In war, there are no losers or winners, only people with broken spirits, especially those in Japan. Grave of the Fireflies will teach you the harsh reality of the world we’re living in under the facade of smiles and happy faces.

If there’s one thing that this sad anime will ultimately leave aside from trauma and a lot of tears, it’s strength. The next best lesson is being kind in this cruel world.

3. Oshi No Ko

The first episode of Oshi No Ko may alert the cringe police in your system but bear with us. This sad anime is more than pop idols, virtual reality, and money. It’s the story of an esteemed Ai Hoshino, meant to dominate the music industry with her talents. However, a “superfan” murdered her, leaving her two children.

Currently, Aqua and Ruby Hoshino set out to find out the real perpetrator of the murder, with evident details that both followed their mother’s career choice.

While Oshi No Ko is yet to conclude, many fans expect more. Well, it seems like you’ll bring less tissue this time.

What to Expect / What Makes it Great: If there’s one thing that Oshi No Ko is successful at, it’s deceiving first-time viewers. Under the flashy animation and YOASOBI’s catchy song lies a deep, dark secret waiting to be discovered. 

4. Tokyo Revengers

Tokyo Revengers isn’t as sad as most anime on this list, but it’s still a good pick (mid-tier).

The story centers around a super unlucky guy named Takemichi Hanagaki, who finds himself able to go back in time. The catch, however, is it’s the time when his ex-girlfriend is killed. 

There’s a little complication to Takemichi’s time-travel powers, but we’ll spare you the details. For now, his goal is to try to change the past to get the result he wanted. We recommend watching it if you want to know what happens to his grand plan. Still, bring some tissues, as this anime has some depressing episodes.

What to Expect / What Makes it Great: Again, Tokyo Revengers isn’t precisely a sad anime like Grave of the Fireflies and Violet Evergarden. It’s understandable if it’s not your cup of tea – we experienced the same. But you’ll learn a thing or two about camaraderie in Takemichi’s gang life.

5. Your Name

Makoto Shinkai’s works have reached global popularity, and you’ll find no consistency in rankings, whether Kimi no Nawa is on the top or not. So, put it however you like. We respect if Suzume or Weathering With You is in your first place. However, it’s undeniable that Your Name / Kimi no Nawa will make you tear up a lot.

This sad anime revolves around Taki and Mitsuha living a simple life until both of them wish to switch bodies. Coincidentally, they did and found themselves experiencing a unique life perspective.

Ultimately, they’re tasked with a mission that only the two can fully understand and accomplish. This sad anime will make you cry, with an unexpected ending to top it off!

What to Expect / What Makes it Great: Your Name is reminiscent of the game Life is Strange, although another anime adapted the concept better. Instead, this title focuses on the destiny and what happens to those we meet. It may sound corny, but such a thing exists, determined by your life choices.

Also, Kimi no Nawa tackles the element of longing for something missing in your life with a sense of deja vu (the good way). Overall, this relatable anime is a must-watch, as we’re confident in its quality.

6. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is another sad anime that will leave you crying and thinking for days. It may have an unconventional title, but the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” applies here.

The plot talks about Sakura and Haruki, who became special friends throughout the film upon the latter discovering that she’s suffering from a life-threatening disease. Haruki, the kind guy he is, spends the time accompanying Sakura and the long list of things she always wanted to do. On top of that is an unexpected conclusion that shocked even us.

What to Expect / What Makes it Great: We often take things for granted. A friend sends you an email, and you reply a week later, only to find out he’s gone forever. While there’s a subtle hint of that characteristic to Haruki, you’ll discover why as you watch the sad anime. After all, many viewers can relate to him.

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas also tackles philosophical elements like Memento Mori and Amor Fati. Instead of dreading too much, Sakura chose to spend her last moments doing the things she wanted to do (unapologetically). Moreover, she further reinforced the idea of accepting whatever happens to us and a reminder we’re mortals.

Tears and tissues-aside, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas has tidbits of valuable life lessons, but we recommend a first-hand experience by watching it.

7. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Dying is a subject most people will push away when having conversations. Of course, it’s even more painful with a pang of burdensome guilt on the shoulder, like the ex-members of a childhood friend gang.

Enter Jinta – the former leader of a group of friends. After Meiko Honma died in a gruesome accident, this guy started to grow apart from the crew (and all members). While there’s no one at fault, one situation leading to another ended up losing their friend.

Sometime later, Jinta reported Meiko haunting her, but for good reasons. Watch the tear-inducing anime to find out the rest of the details.

What to Expect / What Makes it Great: Grief is a heavy feeling to bear. But Meiko taught the gang why going forward with life is important. It’s even gloomier once you see Meiko smiling while being aware of her death. But in the end, you have to learn why you have to do the same.

8. Your Lie in April

Kousei Arima gets all the spotlight in Your Lie in April – an anime with an unconventional theme.

Kousei Arima is a child prodigy, thanks to his supportive mother. Unfortunately, he’s devastated beyond imagination after his mother passed away. If that’s not bad enough, the young protagonist lost grip on his well-honed talent.

In all the twists and turns, there are more to come upon meeting a fellow musician, Kaori Miyazono, who plays the Violin. From this point, get ready for a lot of gut punches.

What to Expect / What Makes it Great: Your Lie in April has some interesting, relatable elements. For instance, character development, which is very well-written. Overall, this sad anime presents new knowledge for coping with loss and life-changing tips for handling trauma and depression.

9. Weathering With You

Weathering With You is another masterpiece made by Makoto Shinkai. As the title implies, elements of weather are involved in this sad anime.

The story starts after Hodaka runs away from an abusive household to Tokyo City. His hopes of finding a self-sustaining job fail after spending the last dime, with his failure accounting more due to his age. It’s obviously an undesirable start, but things turn good when he encounters a young lady named Hina Amano.

Hina Amano is a mysterious girl with the unique power to manipulate weather on will. However, overusing has complications, leading her to decide Tokyo’s fate. Because of Weathering With You’s well-written characters and plot, you’ll shed a lot of tears as soon as you start approaching the anime’s climax.

What to Expect / What Makes it Great: Like the Grave of the Fireflies, Weathering With You has a similar message it intends to deliver to the audience. The difference is intensity, whereas Hodaka’s world is slightly more forgiving.

Selfishness is what makes a villain in any anime. But while Hodaka is viewed as such by some viewers, we beg to differ. The young boy has every right to be one. A good question to ask is the reason for acting good if the world is cruel to you. But we digress.

From Hina’s perspective, Weathering With You is also reminiscent of Dontnod Entertainment’s Life is Strange. The game is about Max and Chloe in a similar situation where the former is challenged to save their city or loved ones. In real life, we stick to a choice we regret the least, and that’s what matters.

10. A Silent Voice

Shoya Ishida’s story in A Silent Voice is the classic main protagonist redemption arc in anime. As a young boy, he’s battled his boredom at the expense of a girl trying to befriend her named Shoko Nishimiya. The ordeal resulted in Shoko transferring to school multiple times, with Shoya getting the hate until his teenage years even becoming bullied himself.

With a supposed “final mission”, he goes to seek out the person he wronged. However, Shoya’s story is long, with countless realizations and discoveries for him to uncover.

What to Expect / What Makes it Great: A Silent Voice may have a mellow theme in the first few episodes, but the conflict resolution in the end is satisfying. Of course, expect to shed tears as the anime has themes relating to depression.

Shoya Ishida and Shoko Nishimiya’s story delivers a valuable message about empathy that you can pick up.

11. Angel Beats!

Angel Beats! is the first isekai anime in this list where Yuzuru Otonashi finds himself dead with no memories save for his name. While it isn’t particularly a sad anime, the ending can be a little gut-wrenching.

The place Yuzuru is trapped in can be best described as a ‘purgatory’. He later meets several others like Kanade Tachibana, who helps others move on and be reincarnated. On the other side of the faction are SSS (Shinda Senkai Sensen) members who rebel against the Angel, who ultimately wants to confront ‘God’.

Throughout Angel Beats!, anyone can die multiple times and get respawned. However, when Yui never returns (and is later revealed to be reincarnated in the real world), they begin teaming up to do the same. The few final episodes show a simple ending, yet speculative to branch to two further interpretations:

• Yuzuru moved on.
• Yuzuru stays in the place and waits for Kanade to come back.

What to Expect / What Makes it Great: From our remarks earlier, expect Angel Beats! to have a lot of comedy elements in them. There are some moments that left us crying like Kanade leaving Yuzuru behind. When the anime included gratitude and moving from past actions (things get serious), this is how we know it deserves to be on this list.

12. Fruits Basket

Considering its slice-of-life theme, the main Fruits Basket arc has a good balance of wholesome and sad anime moments. However, we recommend watching the prologue, where a young Tohru had to experience loss and grief. The scenes get pretty dark as well, so prepare for that.

Tohru stumbled upon the Sohma family, shrouded in mystery after the events of her mother’s passing. She slowly learns about a curse with her getting accustomed to the clan. A normal person hugging any members (as long as they’re opposite sex) will temporarily morph a Sohma into their respective Zodiac animal.

In the end, Tohru managed to break the curse. Don’t worry. There’s no violence here. Everyone gets their happy ending, even the main antagonist herself, who is forced to do all the inconvenience.

What to Expect / What Makes it Great: Fruits Basket touched on the topic of battling depression against all odds. This is particularly evident when Tohru breaks down as she remembers her traumatic childhood and mother’s passing. Aside from that, it also showcases a wholesome trait most women lack or refuse to show – their nurturing side.

1. Detective Conan

Detective Conan may not be in the “big three”, but for the majority of Southeast Asian viewers, it’s a classic. This 90s anime is one of the longest-running series, boasting 1000 episodes—props to the mangaka Aoyama Gosho for creating this masterpiece.

Detective Conan is the main protagonist of the series. He initially goes by the name of Shinichi Kudo, helping the Japanese police close case after case. But one day, a member of the Black Organization (the bad guys) drugged him with the APTX 4869. It’s a one-way trip to death, but the young detective finds himself in a child’s body instead.

While it sounds unfortunate, Shinichi still has his S+ problem-solving skills. In the process, though, he adapted the pseudonym Conan Edogawa. As for his circumstance, the writer is yet to reveal. Since the Black Organization has the poison, they must have the cure, too (theoretically).

Detective Conan is less exciting than Baki (if you love action, fighting, and a lot of blood getting spilled altogether). But we recommend watching this 90s anime as you’ll learn a lot, especially in making sound decisions.

2. Pokemon

Pokemon is a 90s anime that has shown massive success and impact on the world. For example, Pokemon GO made people touch grass (and on top of that, perhaps take cardio exercise to the next level). Don’t forget the game itself. Catching creatures with unique powers? We’re in!

Achievements-aside, if you have yet to watch Pokemon (or only heard of it), now’s the best time to do so. The anime centers around Ash Ketchum (Satoshi) with a grand dream of becoming a Pokemon Monster. For context, he has to win every league tournament, be updated with the lore, and catch as many Pokemons as possible.

Ash Ketchum is well-known for his bond with Pikachu, albeit a rough start. Sometime later, Satoshi crossed roads with Kasumi (Misty) and Takeshi (Brock) – water and rock-type Pokemon trainers, respectively. Their journey isn’t easy and full of hurdles. It’s more than just a linear goal, as they have to deal with the likings of Team Rocket.

3. Princess Mononoke

Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke is one the best 90s masterpieces we’re including in this list. To clarify, it’s a two-hour-long film. Still, the story and character writing are both wonderful.

Princess Mononoke revolves around the life of Prince Ashitaka in 14th-century Japan. 

One day, the Emishi village is raided by a boar-like demon threatening bloodshed and destruction. Prince Ashitaka responded and risked his life to protect the tribe. Upon victory, the young protagonist received arguably a blessing and a curse. Prince Ashitaka shall win every battle with his superhuman strength at the expense of his life draining away slowly.

Upon consulting with fellow tribe members, Prince Ashitaka sets foot in Tatara and requests a cure from the deer god (Shishigami). The western area is currently facing a conflict between San (Princess Mononoke Hime) and Lady Eboshi. The former aims to preserve the forest and help the spirits residing within, while the latter is pro-deforestation. Prince Ashitaka steps in to help.

This film is already enough in itself, albeit demanding more episodes, as the world of Princess Mononoke is vast. It’s a classic theme you’ll find in most 90s entertainment, featuring themes of environmentalism and Shinto.

4. Sailor Moon

Naoko Takeuchi’s Sailor Moon is more than just girls in cute Japanese uniforms. That may be the case from the surface, but it’s inclined towards the “we have to protect the galaxy” niche.

Usagi Tsukino – the main protagonist of this 90s anime – starts her adventure upon stumbling across Luna. The talking feline gave Usagi a brooch, granting her the powers of the Sailor Moon. Note that there are also Sailor Guardians present that Usagi will meet throughout the journey.

We’re leaving out other points here (even though you should know it by reading). However, we believe Sailor Moon is best watched without a single spoiler, as you’ll be shocked by several plot twists! If there’s a shojo anime queen, Naoko and this work of hers should take the crown!

5. Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion – one of the best 90s anime that aged like a fine wine. If you love pain or want to add more mental health problems, this series has you covered! No, there’s no kidding aside. Neon Genesis Evangelion has a highly depressing story.

The anime takes place in a futuristic Tokyo city, where Angels with varying powers wreaked havoc. Shinji Ikari is the main protagonist, tasked to neutralize Angels’ threats. Humanity’s best weapon at that time was the Evangelions or EVAs – a biomechanical humanoid mecha.

Unlike some 90s animes in this list, you can expect more plot twists and discoveries in Neon Genesis. One instance is that EVAs aren’t merely mindless machines but have human souls inside them. While those souls are necessary to make the Evangelions operational, it’s a pretty disturbing fact.

6. Berserk

Berserk is the work of the late Kentaro Miura. Although his latest work was released in September 2021, some fans speculate it’ll be the last, with no solid ending.

Berserk revolves around Guts – a member of the Band of the Hawks. Before joining the group, he was alone in his journey, eventually losing to the Hawks’ founder and leader, Griffith. The group has encountered countless hurdles but managed to conquer them with each passing time. However, expect twists and turns as you dive deeper into the story.

Although Berserk is a seinen anime, it can compete against various shonen titles, even to this day. We recommend watching the 1997 series with 25 episodes. But if you want a more detailed experience, the manga is your go-to place.

7. Cowboy Bebop

Excluding Cowboy Bebop in the best 90s animes list would be a crime. The title has been mentioned all over the internet, but there are many reasons why. One of them is excellent character writing. Be it Spike, Jet, or Ein, you’ll learn about their backstories we’re sure you can relate to.

It’s also worth mentioning that Cowboy Bebop takes place in 2071 when humans started colonizing other planets. The reason for this isn’t too far-fetched from this article’s writing, as Global Warming and other causes will come to bite us back.

Spike Spiegel – the series’ protagonist – comes into play when contacted for help by the Inter Solar System Police. The organization is a government-acknowledged peace-keeping organization with an extensive jurisdiction. Since cops can’t watch every sector, Spiegel is hired.

Spiegel is originally partnered with Jet Black – both are bounty hunters. With each episode passing, the Cowboys grew in numbers.

Although Cowboy Bebop has just 26 episodes, we consider it one of the best ones that stood the test of time.

8. One Piece

One Piece is a Shonen anime that started airing in 1999. Eiichiro Oda – the creator – is yet to conclude the fate of Luffy and the Strawhat Pirates in their voyage to obtain the treasure.

The protagonist takes on a unique name of Monkey D. Luffy. After Gol D. Roger’s death at the hands of the government, he joined many aspiring pirates to cash out the One Piece. However, it isn’t easy, considering many skilled and highly experienced competitors have the same goal.

One Piece’s plot is a bit confusing at this point, as it has over 1,000 episodes now. But one thing to remember is the unending plot twists, creative character writing, and comical reliefs.

9. Yu-Gi-Oh!

The concept of card-based battle may not be exclusive to the Yu-Gi-Oh! series, but it’s definitely one of the best in the 90s. You must anticipate multiple storylines here, including the fleshless deuteragonist living inside the protagonist’s body.

The series’ lore starts with Yugi Muto – a young boy who solved an ancient Egyptian artifact called the Millenium Puzzle. By doing so, the King of Games merged with Yugi, taking by the alter ego of Yami Yugi. The latter has a lot of deep history, and the main protagonist accompanies him to unearth every secret.

Yugi Muto encounters several duels throughout the series. It’s inevitable to lose, but once in a life-threatening situation, the alter ego rises to protect the whole crew. For example, cheating or losing opponents will suffer high-stake consequences like death. Of course, Yami Yugi isn’t the only one in the modern-day realm.

10. Mobile Suit Gundam Wing

In the 90s anime industry, there’s no shortage of sci-fi genres, including Mobile Suit Gundam Wing. Unfortunately, Japan isn’t fond of the series, but it still gained popularity in America – as if robots and guns aren’t unheard of in the region.

Kidding aside, we understand why it’s been a great show in the 90s and even still at this age. Note that Mobile Suit Gundam Wing is in the series’ After-Colony timeline, so expect many rebel elements here.

To recap, this world achieved a civilization where space colonies already exist. However, Treize Khushrenada manipulated the United Earth Sphere Alliance to be ruthless, hence the rise of rebels. One of them – Heero Yuy – is the main protagonist, accompanied by other members to free colonies using smuggled Mobile Suits made from Gundanium alloy.

In the heat of things, Heero’s mecha is shot down in the heart of enemy territory, forcing him to blend in. Now, he has more things to deal with besides defeating the corrupt government.

11. Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter’s main storyline is simple. A father has a son, goes back to hunting, then his son becomes aware. Instead of developing resentment toward his dad, who left for milk, he follows in his footsteps in the hopes of meeting him again.

So, what exactly is the deal with hunters? You get to do almost anything. This ranges from legally entering restricted zones to capturing rare creatures, treasures, and even humans. That’s what Gon Freecss and his friends are into, although others have goals beyond our comprehension.

No worries about spoilers. We’ve only given you what to expect while you watch this 90s anime. If you have an existential crisis like this list’s author and always question the point of something, hopefully, we’re helpful.

12. Great Teacher Onizuka

If a 22-year-old delinquent can commit crimes, he also shall be excellent at teaching. It’s an uncommon case, but enter Onizuka Eikichi – the main character of this 90s anime.

Not all readers will appreciate Great Teacher Onizuka (considering his ulterior motives), but give it a try. Come back to us once you’ve finished all the episodes, and let us know how it goes. It’s a pretty old anime, and you might not like the humor, so proceed at your discretion.

13. Dragon Ball Z

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z is the continuation of the first installment of the titular series. As Goku reaches adulthood, new friends and foes come along, with unexpected storyline twists.

We can’t emphasize enough that DBZ is one of the best 90s anime on this list. Not to mention, it belongs to the “Big Four” titles, alongside Bleach, Naruto, and One Piece. Regardless, we’re crowning Dragon Ball Z as the king of Shonen anime.

A new threat has arrived in this installment, announcing their plans to take over Goku’s world. Unbeknownst to him, his half-brother, Raditz, is working with the bad guys. Later on, it’s revealed that Goku is meant to obliterate the planet’s inhabitants for the Saiyans – his race – to move in.

Bloodshed -aside, Dragon Ball Z has some fair share of wholesome moments. For example, two former villains have good character development. Even better, they joined forces to defeat the final boss of the series.

14. Trigun

This 90s anime isn’t what you’d expect. Despite having the “I need to be stronger and defend people” cliche from the get-go, Yasuhiro Nightow had other plans.

Trigun is a story of Vash the Stampede on a fictional planet of No Man’s Land. Vash – the main character – is a renowned gunslinger on the constant run from bounty hunters.

Serial murders, theft, and destruction of properties are what Vash is facing – at least in the eyes of the July City Military Police. Imagine putting 60 billion double dollars on your head!

If you’re looking for a unique anime perspective, we recommend Trigun. There’s also a 2023 reboot you can watch by the title Trigun Stampede.

15. Digimon

Digimon sounds like a weird sibling of the Pokemon and Tamagotchi, but hear us out. This title has to be one of many watch-worthy 90s anime because of the character writing and main storyline.

Like most anime, Digimon takes the approach of the “I see evil, I go kill”. But this one has a twist – seven kids are transported inside the Digital World, and you have friendly (and not-so-friendly) talking creatures everywhere!

16. The Magnificent Zorro

Sukehiro Tomita’s Kaiketsu Zorro is among the few straightforward 90s anime to watch. The story revolves around Don Diego Vega, who returns to his home soil that a tyrant now rules. That’s when he has to dress up as Zorro and fight the ruler.

17. Slam Dunk

Notice how most animes and mangas reaching the top ranks have fantasy elements? That’s because the sports genre isn’t as fascinating as series like Dragon Ball and Naruto. However you put it, Slam Dunk begs to differ, and there are good reasons why.

Slam Dunk centers around an aspiring basketball player named Sakuragi who wants to bring home an attractive girl. But kidding aside, imagine Takehiko Inoue (the mangaka) plays the main character and levels up his stats. That aspect in this 90s anime is the selling point as to why Slam Dunk is popular and has withstood the test of time.

18. Rurouni Kenshin

If Sakuragi’s basketball journey is about going from zero to hero, Himura Kenshin is slightly different. Kenshin is a legendary swordsman feared by many in the opposition. However, he decided to get out of the glory game and help people in need instead of refusing to murder.

Himura Kenshin’s journey starts upon encountering a troubled lady in the martial arts dojo and what journey awaits beyond.