The Tear-Jerking World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs
Do you have an anime that you got so hooked on it moved you to tears?
When you encounter a work like that, sometimes just hearing a single line of the theme song out of the blue can make you cry.
Maybe the song didn’t hit you at first, but the closer the finale gets, the more heartbreakingly it starts to feel…
In this article, we’ve gathered anime songs that will make you cry and cry and cry.
We’ve included both old and new anime, so it should resonate with a wide range of generations.
By all means, enjoy the works themselves along with the songs.
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- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
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- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
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- Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Heart-wrenching masterpiece songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- [Collection of Epic Songs] A compilation of cool anime songs chosen by anime fans
- [Today's Tearjerker Song] Tear ducts destroyed! Timeless and trending tracks that will make you cry no matter what
- Tears won’t stop with these sentimental lyrics! Heisei-era tearjerker songs
[Tearjerkers] The World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs (61–70)
Capsuleaiko
A number by aiko where gentleness and heartbreak resonate together.
Written specifically for the TV anime “Apocalypse Hotel,” it opens with delicate piano melodies, then builds as the band and strings come in, beautifully expressing a swell of emotion.
The lyrics carry a wish to lock away memories with a precious person in one’s heart, along with the sorrow of their absence—piercingly poignant.
It might be just the thing to listen to when you want to have a good cry.
reverse dreamKing Gnu
This song captured the hearts of many as a soul-stirring, grand ballad.
It features a beautiful piano melody and sweeping string arrangements, with lyrics that poignantly intertwine sorrow and hope.
Released in December 2021, it was selected as the ending theme for the popular anime film Jujutsu Kaisen 0.
The delicate sound design characteristic of King Gnu and the lyrics that align with the film’s worldview are a perfect match.
It’s a recommended track for those who’ve experienced heartbreak or farewells, or for anyone who wants to feel the bond with someone dear.
The heart-penetrating vocals are moving and will warmly envelop your heart.
Get OverDream
This gem of a song by Dream, released in November 2001, is filled with a strong will and determination to overcome life’s doubts and setbacks.
Its powerful message—walking toward the future even when the road is difficult, while believing in and supporting each other—leaves a lasting impression.
Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Hikaru no Go, it garnered wide support from listeners, reaching No.
12 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s music that stays by your side when you’re feeling lost or anxious, when you want to feel the bond with someone important, or when you’re about to take a new step forward.
With its melodious sound, this work resonates as a heartfelt anthem of encouragement—be sure to give it a listen.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.naniwa danshi
A heartwarming mid-tempo number sung by Naniwa Danshi as the theme song for the theatrical film of Ninja Boy Rantaro, which follows the adventures and growth of young ninjas.
Its gentle melody and lyrics filled with gratitude perfectly match the film’s worldview.
Released as a digital single in November 2024, it will build excitement for the movie’s December premiere.
Celebrating the irreplaceable moments of everyday life and the bonds between friends, this song is perfect for times when you want to express thanks to someone important or simply feel warm and comforted.
Be sure to give it a listen—it’s a track packed with the charm of Naniwa Danshi.
Life is Like a BoatRie fu
The gentle piano melody and warm acoustic guitar tones seem to softly nestle up to the listener’s heart.
This work by Rie fu is a song that richly expresses the journey of pressing forward with hope alongside someone precious, even as we face rough waves on the voyage called life.
The interplay of English and Japanese in the lyrics is truly beautiful.
Released as a single in September 2004, it captured the hearts of many fans as the very first ending theme for the anime BLEACH.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling a touch nostalgic or when you need the courage to take a new step forward.
Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu
The song created by Macaroni Enpitsu as the opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering” is a track that sings of a fleeting yet beautiful story, like fireworks coloring a summer night sky.
From the protagonist’s perspective, it portrays resolve, the grief of losing someone precious, and memories growing distant, all carried by an exhilarating rock sound.
Included on their major-label 2nd EP “Tama-shii no Ibasho” (A Place for the Soul), the song was released digitally in April 2022 and was crafted with the image of summer’s restlessness and a fate that fades like scattered sparks.
Seamlessly harmonizing with the anime’s worldview, it’s a perfect choice for those who want to delve deeper into the story or feel the bittersweet ache of summer.
Beyond a thousand nightsAqua Timez
This is “Sen no Yoru wo Koete” by the band Aqua Timez, who shocked many by suddenly announcing their disbandment in 2018.
It was used as the theme song for the Bleach theatrical anime and achieved million-selling status.
In addition to this track, the band released numerous beloved hits that anyone can hum along to, such as Niji, the theme song for the hugely popular drama Gokusen, and the classic Toushindai no Love Song.
