The best sad anime girls are Homura Akemi, Violet Evergarden, Anohana Menma, Mikasa Ackerman, Naho Takamiya, and Mikasa Ackerman.
Some argue that an exceptional tale’s hallmark is found in its characters’ richness, and anime is certainly not exempt from this principle.
In this expansive cosmos of animation, we encounter some of the most compelling and evocative melancholic female characters who can effectively stir our emotions.
Sad Girl Anime Characters
Anime creators take great pleasure in eliciting tears from their audience, especially when portraying the emotions of a sad anime girl. With skillful craftsmanship, they craft stories that touch upon the fragile heartstrings of a sad anime girl, immersing viewers in tales of young love, unrequited feelings, and relationship struggles.
These narratives often tackle somber themes such as death, war, and illness.
For fans in search of heartrending stories that depict the inner turmoils of a sad anime girl and evoke those familiar teardrops, there’s a rich tapestry of outstanding anime titles.
Let’s look at some depressed anime girl characters from these stories.
24Homura Akemi
Ah, Homura Akemi – the stoic, glasses-wearing enigma from the revolutionary series “Puella Magi Madoka Magica.” This time-traveling warrior carries the weight of countless timelines on her shoulders as she ceaselessly endeavors to save her friend Madoka from a tragic fate.
Homura’s unwavering determination and vulnerability beneath her calm exterior create a beautifully complex sad character that keeps us on the edge of our seats. Moreover, her somber disposition enhances her appeal, making her one of the most memorable, cute, sad anime girls in recent history.
23Ursula Callistis from Little Witch Academia
Meet Ursula Callistis, a mentor figure with a tormented past from Little Witch Academia, representing the depth and emotion of a sad girl anime character. Once a shining star as a student, her trajectory took a tragic turn due to an unfortunate accident.
Ursula’s narrative beautifully captures the essence of a sad girl anime character, delving deep into feelings of guilt, regret, and the eventual path to redemption. Her story is a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s resilience, even in a magical world dominated by witches.
22Miuna Shiodome from Nagi no Asukara
In Nagi no Asukara, Miuna Shiodome, a sad anime character, vividly portrays the heartache of unrequited love and sacrifice. Being both half-human and half-sea-being, she actively navigates the challenges of existing in two worlds.
Her silent pain resonates in the ocean depths she often visits, presenting her story as a touching journey of melancholic longing and personal development.
21Yuki Takeya from School-Live!
Yuki Takeya of School-Live! presents a chilling exploration of trauma. Surrounded by a zombie apocalypse, Yuki retreats into a delusional world where everything is normal. Her heartbreaking struggle and denial beautifully depict the human mind’s desperate attempts to escape reality.
20Holo from Spice and Wolf
Holo the Wise Wolf from Spice and Wolf is a timeless entity grappling with her diminishing relevance in a changing world. Her melancholy stems from the loss of her home and the inevitable loneliness she faces. Holo’s tale is a stark reflection of time’s relentless march and the wistfulness it can inspire.
19C.C. from Code Geass
Throughout the series, C.C., a sad anime girl, consistently shows limited emotion or affection, often acting with apathy towards many. Her stubborn, selfish, and headstrong nature becomes evident quickly.
She holds high standards, a trait Lelouch observes and occasionally teases her about. Ironically, while she professes a disdain for stubbornness, she embodies it herself.
18Rem – Sad Anime Girl
Who could forget the blue-haired demon maid Rem from “Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World”? Rem’s fiercely loyal yet heartbreakingly tragic backstory wins her a special place in the hearts of anime fans.
As she navigates a world filled with suffering and loss, Rem teaches us the importance of persevering and finding strength in our connections with others. Her unrequited love for Subaru only adds to her charm, making us all want to reach out and give her a much-needed hug.
17Violet Evergarden – Sad Girls Anime
In the visually stunning series “Violet Evergarden,” we follow the journey of a former child soldier turned Auto Memories Doll, tasked with writing letters for those who can’t find the right words.
Violet confronts the painful loss of her commander and wrestles with the essence of love in a sad anime girl story that captivates viewers. Her stoic and hauntingly beautiful, emotional growth journey can bring even the most stone-hearted to tears, showcasing the profound impact that sad anime girl stories can have on us all.
16Tohru Honda – The Cursed Kindness
“Tohru Honda,” the selfless, resilient protagonist of “Fruits Basket,” is the epitome of compassion in adversity. Living under the same roof as the cursed Sohma family, Tohru experiences firsthand the devastating effects of their secrets.
Despite her tragic past, she radiates kindness and warmth to everyone around her. Tohru’s bittersweet journey of love, loss, and acceptance is a powerful reminder that even the saddest anime girls can bring hope and inspiration.
15Anohana’s Menma – Sad Animes
“Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day” tells the heartrending story of a group of friends, forever changed by the untimely death of their beloved companion, Meiko “Menma” Honma. Years later, Menma’s spirit returns to her friends, seeking help to fulfill her last wish.
Menma’s unwavering love for her friends shines through as the group struggles to mend their broken bonds. Her innocent, ghostly presence catalyzes healing, making her a poignant figure among sad anime girls.
14Mikasa Ackerman – Sad Girl Anime
Mikasa Ackerman, the fiercely skilled and protective soldier from “Attack on Titan,” carries an immense burden from her tragic past. Orphaned and adopted by the Yeager family, she dedicates her life to protecting Eren, her adopted brother and best friend, Armin.
Behind Mikasa’s relaxed, collected demeanor lies a vulnerable and caring heart that makes her character relatable and endearing. Her unwavering loyalty and determination to survive in a cruel world establish her as a memorable sad anime girl.
13Riko – The Abyss Explorer
“Made in Abyss” introduces us to Riko, a young orphan girl with an insatiable curiosity for exploring the mysterious Abyss. Driven by the desire to find her mother, Riko embarks on a perilous journey alongside her newfound robot friend, Reg.
As they delve deeper into the Abyss, Riko’s unwavering spirit and courage in the face of adversity make her an unforgettable character. Her deep sense of loss and yearning for connection creates a powerful and emotional narrative, cementing Riko’s place among the most captivating sad anime girls.
12Shouko Nishimiya – The Silent Survivor
In “A Silent Voice,” we meet Shouko Nishimiya, a young deaf girl who faces relentless bullying and isolation due to her disability. Despite her painful experiences, Shouko remains a beacon of kindness and forgiveness, teaching her former bully, Shoya, the true meaning of redemption.
Her quiet resilience and tender-hearted nature capture viewers’ hearts, making Shouko a prime example of a sad anime girl who triumphs over adversity.
11Kousei Arima’s Kaori Miyazono – The Melodic Muse
In “Your Lie in April,” the music world is forever altered for pianist prodigy Kousei Arima when he encounters the vivacious violinist, Kaori Miyazono. Despite her terminal illness, Kaori remains determined to embrace life and inspire those around her through the transformative power of music.
Her unyielding spirit and heartrending journey make her one of the most unforgettable sad girl anime. She teaches us the importance of living life to the fullest and leaving a lasting impact on those we cherish.
10Clannad’s Nagisa Furukawa – Sad Girl Anime
Nagisa Furukawa, the gentle and endearing protagonist of “Clannad,” captures our hearts with her unwavering determination to revive her school’s drama club. As she navigates the trials and tribulations of adolescence, Nagisa’s story is one of love, loss, and the power of human connection.
Her strength in the face of adversity and her ability to inspire those around her make her a quintessential sad anime girl whose story leaves an indelible impression on viewers long after the final credits roll.
9Neon Genesis Evangelion’s Rei Ayanami – The Enigmatic Evangelist
Few sad anime girls are as intriguing as Rei Ayanami, the enigmatic and seemingly emotionless pilot from “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” Rei grapples with her identity, purpose, and individuality as a mysterious, genetically engineered clone.
Her journey of self-discovery and gradual emotional awakening make Rei an unforgettable character whose quiet sadness and resilience resonate with viewers on a deep, visceral level.
8Angel Beats!’s Kanade Tachibana – The Afterlife Arbiter
In the afterlife setting of “Angel Beats!”, Kanade Tachibana (also known as Angel) is the stoic and composed student council president. As she helps her classmates find peace and move on, Kanade’s tragic past and longing for a connection with others are gradually revealed.
Her selflessness and determination to create a better afterlife for her friends make her a captivating sad anime girl whose story resonates with themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of friendship.
7March Comes in Like a Lion’s Hinata Kawamoto
In “March Comes in Like a Lion,” we are introduced to Hinata Kawamoto, the warm-hearted and empathetic middle sister in the Kawamoto family. Despite facing tremendous challenges, including her mother’s passing and the harsh reality of poverty, Hinata maintains her role as a loving sister and friend to the series’ protagonist, Rei Kiriyama.
Hinata’s unwavering compassion and desire to protect those around her, even at the cost of her happiness, solidify her place among the pantheon of sad anime girls. As Hinata’s story unfolds, we witness her struggle with bullying at school, an experience that threatens to break her spirit.
Hinata remains a beacon of hope and kindness, teaching Rei and viewers alike about the importance of empathy, understanding, and the power of human connection.
6Tokyo Ghoul’s Hinami Fueguchi – The Gentle Ghoul
In the dark and twisted world of “Tokyo Ghoul,” we find Hinami Fueguchi, a gentle and innocent ghoul girl caught in the crossfire between humans and ghouls. After losing her parents to the relentless pursuit of the CCG (Commission of Counter Ghoul), Hinami is left to navigate a world fraught with danger and violence. Her unwavering kindness and vulnerability make her a standout character among sad anime girls.
Hinami’s story is a powerful reminder that even in a world filled with brutality, compassion, and love can still thrive. As she bonds with the series’ protagonist, Ken Kaneki, Hinami’s strength and resilience in the face of unspeakable loss inspire those around her.
5Orange’s Naho Takamiya – Sad Girl Anime
The emotionally gripping series “Orange” introduces us to Naho Takamiya, a high school girl who receives a mysterious letter from her future self.
The letter urges her to take action and protect her new classmate, Kakeru Naruse, from a tragic fate. As Naho navigates the challenges of adolescence and the weight of her newfound responsibility, her vulnerability and determination make her a compelling sad girl anime.
Through Naho’s eyes, we explore themes of friendship, love, loss, and the power of choice. Her journey is a testament to the idea that small actions can profoundly impact the lives of those around us.
4Plastic Memories’ Isla – The Time-Limited Treasure
In the futuristic world of “Plastic Memories,” we meet Isla, a beautiful and enigmatic android known as a Giftia. Giftias, despite their human-like appearance and emotions, are destined to face a limited lifespan before their memories and personalities deteriorate. Isla’s vulnerability and impending expiration make her an endearing sad anime girl who captures our hearts.
As Isla forms a bond with her human partner, Tsukasa, their love story blossoms in the face of inevitable loss. Through their relationship, we explore themes of mortality, the fleeting nature of time, and the preciousness of the moments we share with those we love.
Isla’s grace and acceptance of her mortality are a powerful reminder that love can thrive even when faced with the most daunting circumstances.
3ef: A Tale of Memories’ Chihiro Shindou
In the romantic drama “ef: A Tale of Memories,” we encounter Chihiro Shindou, a young girl with a unique form of amnesia that causes her to lose her memories every 13 hours. Despite her debilitating condition, Chihiro’s unwavering determination to live a fulfilling life and her passion for writing make her an inspiring, sad anime girl.
As Chihiro’s story unfolds, we witness her struggle to maintain her relationships and create lasting memories in a world that threatens to erase her existence. Her love story with Renji, a boy determined to help her write a novel, is a testament to the power of love and perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity.
2Mysterious Girlfriend X’s Urabe Mikoto
In the unconventional romance “Mysterious Girlfriend X,” we meet Urabe Mikoto, a mysterious and aloof high school girl who uniquely bonds with her classmate, Tsubaki Akira. Urabe’s ability to convey her emotions through the unconventional method of sharing drool captivates viewers and makes her a beautiful, sad anime girl.
As we delve into Urabe’s past, we learn about the emotional trauma she experienced and her guarded demeanor. Her journey to open up to Tsubaki and embrace her vulnerability is heartwarming and bittersweet, making her a compelling and unforgettable character.