Anime has a unique way of touching our hearts and evoking deep emotions. In 2023, several sad anime movies have left audiences reaching for tissues and contemplating the human experience. These films are masterfully crafted, each delivering a poignant story that explores themes of love, loss, and resilience. In this article, we’ll delve into the top 5 sad anime movies of 2023 that have left a lasting impact on viewers worldwide.
Top 5 Sad Anime Movies of 2023
5. The Boy and the Heron
The Boy and the Heron aka How Do You Live? is a 2023 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film is said to be Miyazaki’s final feature film, and it was released in Japan on July 14, 2023.
The film follows the story of a young boy named Mahito who is struggling to cope with the death of his father. He moves to a rural area with his mother and stepmother, and he soon befriends a talking heron. The heron takes Mahito on a fantastical journey through an alternate world, where he learns about the importance of nature and the power of the human spirit. It is one of the greatest sad anime movies you will watch this year.
4. Blue Giant
Blue Giant is a 2023 Japanese animated music film directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa. It is based on the manga of the same name by Shinichi Ishizuka. The film follows the story of Dai Miyamoto, a high school student who becomes obsessed with jazz after hearing a live performance. He quickly becomes a skilled saxophonist, but he soon realizes that the road to becoming a professional musician is not easy.
He must overcome challenges such as financial hardship, lack of support from his family and friends, and the pressure to conform to the expectations of others.
3. Hirano to Kagiura
Hirano to Kagiura is a 2023 Japanese animated short film based on the BL manga of the same name by Shungiku Nakamura. The film follows the story of Akira Kagiura, a high school freshman who is nervous about moving into the school dorms. He is assigned to share a room with Taiga Hirano, a seemingly bad-boy upperclassman.
However, Hirano is actually a kind and caring person, and he quickly becomes Kagiura’s friend and confidant. As they spend more time together, Kagiura begins to develop feelings for Hirano, but he is hesitant to act on them because of Hirano’s reputation.
2. 30,000 Miles From Chang’an
30,000 Miles From Chang’an is a 2023 Chinese animated historical fantasy film directed by Xie Junwei and Zou Jing. The film follows the story of Gao Shi, a young poet who is sent to a remote frontier town after being framed for a crime he did not commit. He meets Li Bai, a famous poet who is also exiled to the town, and the two become friends. They embark on a journey across the vast Chinese landscape, where they encounter danger, adventure, and romance.
1. Art College 1994
Art College 1994 is a 2023 Chinese animated drama film directed by Liu Jian. Set on the campus of the Chinese Southern Academy of Arts in the early 1990s, it features a group of art students caught between tradition and modernity, as love and friendships are intertwined with their artistic pursuits, ideals, and ambitions.
The film follows the story of Xiaojun, a freshman who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is drawn to the art school, but he is also intimidated by its rigorous standards. He meets a group of other students who are also struggling to find their way, and they form a close bond. Together, they explore the city of Guangzhou and the art world, and they learn about themselves and each other. Art College 1994 is one of the most underrated sad anime movies from China.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the year 2023 has gifted us with a collection of profoundly sad anime movies that have touched the hearts of audiences worldwide. Each film has its unique narrative and emotional depth, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. From the tender bonds between a boy and a heron to the echoes of regret that reverberate through history, these movies invite us to contemplate the beauty and complexity of life.