While some anime are fun and lighthearted throughout the entirety of the series, others have heartbreaking moments that tug at the heartstrings of the viewers. Most of these sad moments are centered around the tragic loss of one or more characters. However, some moments don't deal with the death of a character but still leave fans heartbroken.
Whether it be an episode focused on unfolding an unfortunate backstory or revealing an unexpected outcome in the plot, there are certain points in a series that make viewers just as --if not more-- emotional than the characters. Although episodes in anime that involve death seem to be the most heart-wrenching, episodes where the characters feel helpless, unworthy, or unwanted are just as painful to watch.
10 Killua Confesses To Palm That He Feels Helpless In Saving Gon (Hunter X Hunter)
There are many despairing events that occur through the series Hunter X Hunter, especially when certain characters meet their tragic end. A particularly sad moment occurs in episode 124, "Breakdown X And X Awakening," when Killua Zoldyck shed tears as he came to terms with the dangerous mental state of his best friend, Gon Freecss.
As Killua spoke with Palm, he confessed his feelings of helplessness. Killua desperately wanted to protect Gon and put an end to his rage, but unfortunately, Gon was too far gone.
9 Satoru Wakes Up To See Kayo & Hiromi Are Married With A Child (Erased)
As Satoru Fujinuma, the main protagonist of the series Erased, awoke from his 15-year-long coma in the 11th episode titled "Future," he realized he lost a majority of his memories. During his rehabilitation, Satoru was visited by childhood friend Hiromi Sugita, who was now married to his first love, Kayo Hinazuki.
Kayo later paid a visit to Satoru and revealed that she was not only a housewife to Satoru's best friend, but she and Hiromi also had a child together. This unfortunate revelation was heartbreaking to both Satoru and the viewers.
8 Migi Goes Into An Indefinitely Long Hibernation (Parasyte)
Although Migi was a nuisance to Shinichi at times throughout the Parasyte series, Shinichi had come to love and appreciate Migi. Shinichi had become accustomed to the symbiotic relationship he had with Migi, so it was especially heart-rending when Migi suddenly said his goodbyes to Shinchi before going into an indefinitely-long hibernation during the final episode, "Parasyte."
After a year without Migi, Shinichi ran into trouble when his girlfriend, Satomi Murano, was abducted. He was pleasantly surprised when Migi unexpectedly awoke and helped him rescue Satori after she was thrown off a building by her captor.
7 Yukine Grieves Over Not Having Friends & Nearly Kills Yato (Noragami)
In search of a new Regalia, Yato, an obscure, lesser-known god in the series Noragami, stumbled upon Yukine's spirit and retrieved it. Once in his human form, Yukine learned of his death and his new status as the Yato's tool. Yukine and Yato's strained relationship was shown in episode 8, "Over The Line," when Yukine began to see glimpses of his past life.
As he observed the other children his age who were alive and happy, he became enraged with envy. Despite Yato's warning, Yukine threw a violent and destructive tantrum, which left Yato with severe physical damage due to his spiritual connection to Yukine's emotional state.
6 Kaeda Loses Memory Of Her Past Life & Leaves Sakuta Devastated (Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai)
Sakuta and his little sister, Kaeda, shared a special bond in the series Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai. However, Kaeda's close relationship with Sakuta formed while she was amnesiac. In the 13th episode, "A Dawn After An Endless Night," Kaeda was freed from the dissociative amnesia she experienced as a result of her Adolescence Syndrome.
As she regained memories of her past life, the memories of the time she spent bonding with Sakuta as an amnesiac began to fade. That sent Sakuta spiraling, and he ran aimlessly in the rain, sobbing as his physical wounds from trauma reopened.
5 Kakeru Decides To Live For His Friends (Orange)
Naho Takamiya and her friends gave their all to alter the timeline to save Kakeru Naruse in the series Orange, but during the final episode, "Last Letter," they worried that their efforts weren't enough. Kakeru was dealing with grief and depression due to the loss of his mother, and his feelings of regret weighed heavily on him.
Despite mending his relationship with his Naho and receiving gifts from his friends, the guilt he felt after finding and looking through his late mother's cellphone pushed him over the edge. However, just before taking his own life, he decided against it and chose to live for his friends who showed up shortly after to love and comfort him.
4 Bakugo Gets Kidnapped By The League Of Villains (My Hero Academia)
The love-hate relationship between Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo has always tugged at the heartstrings of My Hero Academia fans. Although those two always seemed to be at odds, during the 45th episode, "What a Twist," the level of true compassion they had for one another was revealed.
As the League of Villains unleashed their attack on the students of Class 1-A, Midoriya and his peers rushed to save Bakugo. However, they arrived too late, and the villains retreated and took Bakugo along with them. Despite being rivals, Midoriya and Bakugo became emotional as they forcibly separated from each other.
3 Karasuno Eat & Cry Over Their Loss To Aoba Johsai (Haikyuu!!)
As the underdogs, Karasuno worked extra hard to reach the Interhigh Preliminaries in the series Haikyuu!!. With Aoba Johsai as their biggest rivals, playing against them in the third round was the most important volleyball game to Karasuno. In the 24th episode, "Removing The Lonely King," Tobio Kageyama struggled to outperform his former teammate-turned-rival, Toru Oikawa.
With a little help and encouragement from Shoyo Hinata, Kageyama shifted his focus to being a team player. However, Aoba Johsai blocked Hinata's spike, and Karasuno lost the game, leaving them all in tears as they ate and realized their journey to the Interhigh Tournament had come to an end.
2 Ichiro Feels Unwanted By His Family & Gets Diagnosed With Cancer (Inuyashiki)
The life of Ichiro Inuyashiki was a mundane one until a series of complicated and extraordinary events unfolded in the Inuyashiki series. Despite living a decent life with his wife and two children, Ichiro was an unhappy older man. In the first episode, "Ichiro Inyashiki," he surprised his family by purchasing a home, but his children were unimpressed by its modesty.
Ichiro later paid a visit to the doctor, where he was diagnosed with cancer that would end his life in roughly three months. His family's lack of gratitude and his fatal diagnosis caused Ichiro to break down, causing sympathetic viewers to be nearly as emotional as him.
1 Yukio & Rin Have A Heartfelt Conversation (Blue Exorcist)
Rin and Yukio Okumura shared a special connection as twin brothers whose father was Satan in Blue Exorcist. However, they never seemed to get along because they differed in personality, values, priorities, and more. During the final episode of season 2 titled "Open And Candid," Yukio repeatedly stated his disapproval of Rin's desire to become an exorcist.
Regardless of his brother's hypocritical thinking, Rin agreed to disagree on the matter because he understood Yukio was coming from a place of compassion. Confused by Rin's positive attitude, Yukio became emotional as he realized Rin valued family over all else.
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