One common theme is unrequited love. For example, in many anime, a character may love someone deeply but that person doesn't feel the same way, which leads to a lot of heartache.
Sacrifice is a theme that shows up quite a bit. A character may sacrifice their own happiness, dreams, or even their life for the sake of their loved one. This self - less act is often very sad as it shows the depth of their love but also the pain they are willing to endure. Also, the theme of past traumas affecting present relationships is common. Characters may have had bad experiences in the past, like being bullied or abandoned, which then make it difficult for them to fully open up and love in the present. This can lead to a lot of heartache and sad situations in the anime romance.
Another theme is unrequited love. Characters may fall in love with someone who doesn't feel the same way, and this can create a lot of emotional turmoil. For example, they might watch the person they love from afar while feeling hopeless. In anime short stories, this can be portrayed in a very poignant way.
Here are some recommended sad anime and novels:
1. " Unheard of Flower Name ": This anime used sadness as its theme, telling a story about loss and growth. The characters in the story have experienced many sorrows and difficulties, but they try their best to find hope and reunite.
2. Clannad: This was an anime that was recognized as a tear-jerker. The story was about the emotional development of a young man and a girl who talked to herself after meeting each other, as well as the sadness and growth they experienced together.
3. April Is Your Lie: This is a healing anime, but it also has a sad plot. The story tells the story of a piano genius and a violinist. They found resonance with each other through music, but they also faced sadness and separation.
4. [When the Cicadas Cry in Cold]: This was a tragic anime that told the story of a tragic event that happened in a small village. The protagonist and the people around him were in danger, and the truth of the story was gradually revealed.
5. Nausica of the Valley of the Wind, a manga by Hayao Miyazaki, ended in tragedy. The story takes place in a destroyed world. The protagonist and a mysterious girl begin an adventure, but in the end, they face sadness and sacrifice.
These recommended animes and novels all had sad plots and endings, which could bring a deep emotional experience to the audience and readers.
A great sad anime story often has strong character development. For example, in 'A Silent Voice', Shoya's journey from a bully to someone seeking redemption is really moving. His relationship with Shoko, a deaf girl he once bullied, is full of complex emotions. When you see how they both grow and the pain they go through, it makes the story very sad and also very powerful.
Another great one is 'Clannad: After Story'. It shows the life of Tomoya Okazaki after high school. He has to face many difficulties in life, including the loss of his wife Nagisa during childbirth. The story is extremely sad as it portrays the harshness of life and the importance of family. It really tugs at your heartstrings.
One of the main themes is sacrifice. In some anime short films, a character might sacrifice their own happiness or even their life for the sake of their loved one. This selfless act, while noble, often leads to a sad ending. Another common theme is the power of memories. The characters are haunted by their memories of the past love, and these memories can either be a source of comfort or pain. For instance, in 'She and Her Cat - Everything Flows', the woman's past love is always in her thoughts, and it affects her present life.
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day' is also a sad anime. Menma has died, but her spirit lingers. Her friends are haunted by her death and their past actions. They gradually come to terms with their feelings of guilt and grief as they try to help Menma move on.
There were many animes that had been adapted from sad novels, such as Sword God's Domain, About My Reincarnation as a Slime, Index of Forbidden Magic Books, Gate to the Stone of Destiny, and so on. These anime works were all adapted from sad novels. By adapting the anime, the plot and characters in the novel were presented more vividly and attractive. These anime works not only had a breakthrough in the storyline, but also made a lot of efforts in character creation and emotional expression, which was deeply loved by the audience.
Another is 'Clannad'. Tomoya Okazaki meets Nagisa Furukawa, and as their relationship develops, we see the story of her family, including her relationship with her parents and her sister. There are many sad elements, especially when dealing with family hardships and the challenges of sibling relationships in the face of illness and difficult family dynamics.