Not all inspiring quotes are equal⁠—some motivate you with their cheery attitude, others with wisdom. Still, some administer that brutal kick to your behind. A much-needed one, but not that pleasant until you truly understand it. Thus, a motivational quote doesn’t have to be thoroughly nice to make a change in your thinking; it can also be quite bitter.

So, for your consideration and hoping for a positive effect, we’ve gathered a list of sad anime quotes about love, life, pain, and loneliness, including lines from some of the saddest anime of all time like ClannadYour Lie in April, and Anohana.

Why Anime Quotes Hit Different

Remember, these inherently sad quotes aren’t here to drag you down⁠—they’re one of those things that should, in fact, show you the way of solving life with determination and grit. And where else would you find the most suitable words if not in the deeply traditional, exceptionally wise world of anime quotes? So don’t be fooled by its cartoonish outside, but rather trust the depth of its substance. 

These deep anime quotes could be very well from ancient scribes with their thoughtful exploration of the human condition and the universal feelings we all feel. Yes, we all feel sadness, anger, fear, and loneliness, and this understanding of togetherness in darkness should help us live through all of it. Especially when put in the most beautifully worded sentences and spoken by the wisest characters.

Shall we skip straight to the sad anime quotes below? These wise words, however sad, can be used as your personal armor for tricks that life throws at you⁠—remember them in your time of need, and they will surely help you overcome all. Don’t forget to vote for the quotes from anime that have impacted you the most, and share this article with anyone in need of inspiration and motivation!

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    #2

    Anime character in a straw hat clutching the brim while surrounded by a dramatic red aura, symbolizing love and loss. “Forgetting is like a wound. The wound may heal, but it has already left a scar.” – Monkey D. Luffy, 'One Piece'

    RELATED: 162 One Piece Quotes That Should Make You Rewatch It

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    Sean Wickham
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's such a great quote to ponder when you look at the number of characters who have scars.

    #3

    Anime character with silver hair expressing a melancholic emotion, symbolizing themes of love, life, and loss. “Living is anxiety and pain. It's continuing to think, continuing to choose.” – Alcor, 'Devil Survivor'

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    What Are the Best Sad Anime Released Recently?

    If you’re on the hunt for some new sad anime recommendations that’ll tug at your heartstrings, you’ve got to check out these recent gems.

    • Cyberpunk Edgerunners. This isn't your regular neon-lit adventure. Straight out of the universe of Cyberpunk 2077, Edgerunners mixes high-tech action with deep emotional beats. It’s a wild ride that’ll make you feel for its characters as they navigate a world of high stakes and cybernetics.
    • Oshi no Ko. Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of the entertainment world? This series peels back the curtain, showing the emotional rollercoaster of those in the limelight. It’s a unique mix of dreams, drama, and the real emotional challenges of those chasing fame.
    • Kotaro Lives Alone. This one’s a real heart-warmer and heartbreaker. It follows the life of a little boy, Kotaro, living by himself. It’s adorable, sure, but it also goes deep into themes of loneliness, growing up, and finding your place in the world. It’s sweet, sad, and everything in between.
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    If you’re into sad anime quotes, these are gonna be right up your alley. Get ready to add some new lines to your collection!

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    RELATED: 123 Saddest Anime That Should Make You Cry

    #4

    Anime character with a somber expression, reflecting themes of love and loss. “You were always there for me, and that’s all I needed. Just you. For some reason, I didn’t feel sad or broken up, it just didn’t seem real. But slowly I realized it was real — that you were gone. And little by little, I slowly felt something inside me go numb.” — Jet Black, 'Cowboy Bebop'

    RELATED: Old School Anime That Made Our Childhood Amazing

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    #5

    Anime character holding a tissue, eyes closed, depicting emotion about love and loss. “The scariest and the most painful thing is to be hated by someone you truly love.” - Tohru Honda, 'Fruits Basket'

    RELATED: Fall In Love With The Best Romance Anime Of All Time

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    #6

    Anime character wearing a hat, smiling broadly under a bright blue sky; captures themes of love, life, and loss. "Even if I'm worthless, and carry demon blood... thank you, for loving me!" - Portgas D. Ace in 'One Piece'

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    #7

    Elderly anime character with large earrings and colorful rings, in a room with window panes, symbolizing themes of love and loss. “Once you’ve met someone you never really forget them. It just takes a while for your memories to return.” - Zeniba, 'Spirited Away'

    RELATED: 150 Must-See Anime Movies To Add To Your List

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    #8

    Anime character with blond hair smiling in a dimly lit room, linked to themes of love, life, and loss. “How can you move forward when you keep regretting the past?” – Edward Elric, 'Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood'

    RELATED: The Best Shounen Anime That Every Otaku Should Watch

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    #10

    Anime character wearing a black and white hat, sitting in a library, looking sad. “I bet dead people are easier to get along with.” – Crona, 'Soul Eater'

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    What even is this
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Especially when they don't fight back or say "STRANGER DANGER" when you try to hug them

    #11

    Anime character with long black hair, displaying determination, extends a fist forward against a dimly lit background, embodying themes of love and loss. “That's right. This world is cruel. It hit me that living was like a miracle.” – Mikasa Ackerman, 'Attack On Titan'

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    #12

    Anime character standing outdoors, wearing a black uniform, with a thoughtful expression. “The scariest thing about killing people is getting used to it! When you kill someone and realize you won’t be punished… That’s when people forget all about punishment.” – Rentaro Satomi, 'Black Bullet'

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    #13

    Anime character with dark hair and white shirt, smiling in a room. “No matter how gifted you are… You, alone, cannot change the world.” – L Lawliet, 'Death Note'

    RELATED: Time to Figure Out Who’s the Coolest Anime Character of All Time

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    #14

    Anime character in uniform, looking up with tears, capturing themes of sad quotes about love, life, and loss. "I'm fine, except... It's a terrible day for rain." - Roy Mustang blames his tears on imaginary rain, 'Fullmetal Alchemist'

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    #15

    Anime character with blue hair wearing a hooded cloak, evoking themes of sadness and loss. “The loneliest people are the kindest. The saddest people smile the brightest. The most damaged people are the wisest. All because they don’t wish to see anyone else suffer the way they did.” – Jellal Fernandes, 'Fairy Tail'

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    #16

    Gaara from anime showing sadness, with red hair and cracked skin, representing themes of love, life, and loss. “Perhaps the companionship of an evil person is preferable to loneliness.” – Gaara, 'Naruto'

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    #17

    Skull wearing a golden crown with a dark and purple background, symbolizing themes of anime love, life, and loss. “Humans die. Animals die. Plants die. Even soul reapers die. It’s the arch of the universe. Everything that comes to life eventually ceases to exist.” – Baraggan Louisenbairn, 'Bleach'

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    #18

    Anime character with long gray hair stands before cherry blossoms, conveying love and loss with a thoughtful expression. “So how about we become monsters together? And turn this world upside down? So that… nothing bad… or sad… would remain.” – Homura Akemi, 'Madoka Magica'

    RELATED: 50 Dark Anime Series That Will Mess With Your Mind

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    #19

    Anime character with red hair and unique eye markings, expressing a soft smile. “It doesn’t bleed, but I have been having a lot of pain around here.” – Gaara, 'Naruto'

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    #20

    Anime character with blonde hair and glasses in a confident pose, wearing a blue jacket, symbolizing themes of love and loss. “Love is like a mirror that reflects your wrong side. Especially when it is unrequited, you get envious, jealous, prejudiced, and resentful. You have to face all sorts of emotions, but there is no reason to find that shameful.” – Margery Daw, 'Shakugan no Shana'

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