5 Best Dramatic Anime That Will Take You on an Emotional Roller Coaster, Ranked by IMDb

Anime is a unique art form capable of evoking a wide range of emotions. If you're looking for a deeply immersive experience that will make you laugh, cry, and freeze with excitement, then this list is for you.

We've compiled a list of the five best dramatic series and movies that promise to deliver an emotional thrill.

5. 'Ride Your Wave', 2019

IMDb Score: 6.8/10

Hinako is enjoying the perks of youth – a magical time free from the all-consuming fear of the future and the burden of responsibility.

She moves to a coastal town where she plans to devote herself to her favorite hobby, surfing. There, she meets a charming and determined firefighter. The two young people fall in love, but their plans for a long and happy life together are not meant to be.

4. 'Chrono Crusade', 2003-2004

IMDb Score: 7.0/10

New York, 1920s. Following World War I, America was experiencing economic growth, and people wanted to have fun and enjoy life. The jaded wealthy crave something unusual and dangerous – and nothing is more thrilling than contact with otherworldly forces.

Thus, demons began to infiltrate the human world. The Order of Magdalene, a group that specializes in exorcisms, takes on the task of capturing these evil spirits. Rosette searches elite homes and abandoned buildings, hoping to exterminate all the demons and find her younger brother, who disappeared several years ago.

One of the demons, Chrono, finds himself in Rosette's employ. He tries to deny his diabolical origins and help a girl with whom he has made a deadly pact.

3. '5 Centimeters per Second', 2007

IMDb Score: 7.4/10

Tono became close friends with Akari in elementary school. They spent a lot of time together, but in middle school, they faced the threat of separation when the Tono family moved frequently.

Fearing that one day they would be too far apart, the friends vowed to write each other letters. Years of correspondence cemented their bond, but one day, Tono did move too far away. Meetings ceased, and letters stopped arriving.

Akari and Tono lost touch for a long time. But a chance encounter or a surprisingly discovered letter years later was enough to bring everything back. Or will it be too late?

2. 'A Silent Voice: The Movie', 2016

IMDb Score: 8.2/10

Ishida was one of the students who bullied their classmates. The newest student, Shoko, who was deaf and mute, was particularly hard hit and subjected to a barrage of cruel and inhumane insults. Shoko endured the bullying, but such cruelty inevitably leaves its mark.

As an adult, Ishida felt remorse and decided to apologize to Shoko. The more he got to know her, the more love blossomed in his heart, though he didn't know how to express it.

1. 'Erased', 2016

IMDb Score: 8.4/10

Satoru is 29 years old and has the ability to travel back in time for a few minutes. If necessary, he can prevent dramatic outcomes. Most often, he encounters minor traffic accidents and fights.

One day, however, his mother is murdered, and Satoru becomes the prime suspect. He realizes this murder is connected to the disappearances of children that occurred during his childhood many years ago.

The culprit was caught, but perhaps there was a mistake. Satoru travels back in time 18 years and finds himself in his own 10-year-old body.