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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- [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)
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.
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.
The world that was transparentHata Motohiro
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.
[Tearjerkers] The World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs (61–70)
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.
sea colorAKINO from bless4
A song used as the opening theme for the anime adaptation of the hugely popular game Kantai Collection.
With its driving piano tones, intense band sound, and AKINO’s powerful vocals, this track radiates tremendous energy.
The phrase “so beautiful it makes you want to cry” fits it perfectly.
Ho-n-to-u-soMe
This is the opening theme for the OVA Tales of Symphonia The Animation: United World Arc, sung by Me.
Set to an intense sound, it captures the complex human emotions portrayed in the story of Tales of Symphonia.
You can feel the difficulties of human relationships and the powerful feelings that arise in such situations as you listen.
I also recommend belting it out and singing along yourself.