Like any storytelling medium, anime can tell stories so heart-wrenching they're all but guaranteed to leave the audience in tears. It could be a tale of childhood tragedy (Anohana), inspiration mixed with love and loss (Your Lie in April), deal in strikingly current issues like bullying and mental health (A Silent Voice), or the harsh realities of life inspired by historical real-world events (Grave of the Fireflies). In some cases, the mere mention of an episode (Violet Evergarden Episode 10 anyone?) can trigger those who have experienced it.

 Angel Beats! is another that often ranks highly on "most heartbreaking anime" lists, with good reason. When a show's very setting takes place in purgatory, it's a good bet that things will get emotional and all hearts should proceed with caution. But there are multiple factors that make it stand out even among its tear-inducing peers. Could Angel Beats! possibly be the saddest of all anime?

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The story is one of death, regret and the hard realization of mortality, but also a level of satisfaction and acceptance by the end. Protagonist Yuzuru Otonashi wakes up in a purgatory high school, where some "students" are fighting an Angel who they believe to be God's assassin trying to force them to ascend to the next life. In reality, they are unable to move on from purgatory due to deep-seated regrets from their lives on earth. Because they all died at such a young age, there are so many quintessential life experiences they never had the chance to enjoy. Whether it's a loving relationship, pursuing one's passions or overcoming a disability, each character's individual story hits hard as the fragilities behind their colorful personalities are laid bare.

Characters from Angel Beats!

Where Angel Beats! differs from many similarly heavy anime is that it starts off comedically, almost to the point of nonsensical. Most sad anime also provide various points of joy and/or laughter for the audience. This is important to avoid a purely depressing viewing experience. Angel Beats!, however, is a bit misleading as it's easy to mistake for an action-based comedy early on. But as the cast begins to understand the true path out of purgatory, it turns quickly and hammers home the heartache each character feels for their far-too-short and unfulfilled lives. There's also the shock that comes later when viewers realize the full meaning behind the show's title. These sharp emotional turns set it apart from many others that make it clear from the start that you're in for a heavy experience.

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When reflecting on an anime, the finale inevitably has a major influence on one's experience and opinion of the series as a whole. Excluding the ongoing story of Violet Evergarden, the aforementioned anime all deliver a firm -- if not always complete -- sense of closure for the audience to reflect upon. The Angel Beats! finale, however, not only leaves many viewers desperately seeking Kleenex, but is also hugely ambiguous, with several unanswered questions about past, present and future events. It remains debated on the likes of Reddit, YouTube and Twitter 10 years after its initial airing.

angel beats confession scene

Ironically, despite its entire premise being about finality and finding the acceptance to move on, Angel Beats! does not provide a full sense of closure -- either for viewers or its protagonist. Just a few discussion-worthy questions: If Otonashi died before Kanade, how did she arrive in purgatory before him? How is the final scene, where two young characters strongly resembling Otonashi and Kanade are just about to meet in real life, meant to be interpreted? In the alternate ending, where Otonashi continues his work helping lost souls depart for the afterlife, does he himself ever ascend past purgatory? And for all the cast who did move on, what actually becomes of them?

Theories range all over the spectrum, from heaven to reincarnation to in-depth explanations of a time paradox to the classic acceptance that is "because anime." But because so much remains open and unanswered, Angel Beats! can leave viewers with a lingering hollowness and a desire for more story on top of the heartache that grows with each episode. This effect helps it differ from its poignant peers while driving home its similarly strong memorability.

Regardless of genre or subject matter, what affects one person deeply and emotionally may not affect the next person at all. That's the beauty of individual experiences and anime is no different in that respect. Angel Beats! stands out even among the most heart-wrenching series with its initial focus on action, bombastic humor and violence. Combined with such an ambiguous ending that leaves many scouring the web for answers and closure while drying the tears, it leaves a lasting mark on viewers' hearts that may just make it the saddest anime of all.

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