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.
- Touching Anime Ballads That Make You Cry [Moving & Heart-Wrenching]
- Moving and iconic anime songs, popular tracks
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
- [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.
- Anime Love Song Special [Heart-Fluttering & Tearjerkers]
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- [Just the Lyrics Make Me Cry] Tear-Jerking Songs That Touch the Heart
- 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
[Tear-Jerking] The World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs (51–60)
The world that was transparentMotohiro Hata
This is a heartwarming song crafted by Motohiro Hata as the opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden.
Released in August 2010, its sweeping message—reflecting on what has been lost and the resolve to move forward after parting—ties in with the story.
The pop-rock melody, centered on acoustic guitar, is layered with powerful vocals that harmonize beautifully with the anime’s world.
This work is Hata’s 10th single, released in three editions: First Press Limited, Limited Period, and Regular, and it reached No.
13 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It’s a song that resonates deeply with those who have experienced parting from someone important or are trying to face events from their past.
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.
Liar MoonYorushika
It is a ballad marked by the quiet melody of the piano and Suis’s gentle vocals.
Through vivid depictions of scenes in the rain and the symbolic image of drinking down moonlight, it delicately portrays the protagonist’s emotions as they face loss and loneliness.
Produced in June 2020 as the ending song for the Netflix feature-length animated film A Whisker Away, the piece was composed by Yorushika’s n-buna to reflect the film’s worldview while capturing the atmosphere from spring to early summer.
It is a song that will deeply resonate with those who wish to relive a fragile yet beautiful page of youth, as well as those who have experienced parting with someone dear.
[Tearjerkers] The World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs (61–70)
Beautiful WorldHikaru Utada
This song sung by Hikaru Utada is deeply etched in people’s hearts alongside the Evangelion feature films.
Released in August 2007, it was used as the theme song for the movie Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone.
With a pop sound that incorporates mid-tempo house elements, it gives voice to poignant love and a profound prayer.
Utada herself is a fan of Evangelion and reportedly crafted the track with the world of the series in mind.
The lyrics, which reflect the emotions of the anime’s characters, are sure to resonate with listeners.
It’s a moving, tear-jerking song that fills you with a bittersweet feeling.
slashyama
Slash is a track distinguished by its striking use of strings.
Written by yama as the opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury Season 2, the song conveys the inner feelings of various characters, using key changes to express shifts in perspective.
Its structure also accelerates toward the end, building a palpable sense of climax.
Be sure to listen for how the lyrics in the first and second verses form a paired relationship, too.
Ash and PrayerGEMS COMPANY
It’s a moving number where deep sorrow and hope intersect.
It’s a song by GEMS COMPANY, released in July 2024.
It was also used as the ending theme for Cour 2 of the anime NieR:Automata Ver1.1a.
You’ll be drawn into the world woven by Taro Yoko’s lyrics and Keiichi Okabe’s composition.
The imagery of ash and prayer is striking, and the lyrics about humanity’s sins and atonement really pierce the heart.
The more you know about the NieR story, the more this work will hit you.
It’s great to listen to while watching the anime, of course, but also recommended when you want to sit quietly and face it alone.