Get ready to reach for the tissues as we take you on an emotional journey through the 30 best sad animated movies. These heart-wrenching tales are more than just cartoons, they are powerful and moving stories that will leave you feeling touched, inspired and maybe even a little bit teary-eyed. From tales of loss and grief, to touching stories of friendship and love, these movies will pull at your heartstrings and remind you of the beauty and fragility of life. So grab some popcorn, snuggle up on the couch, and get ready to immerse yourself in some of the saddest and most powerful animated movies of all time.
Here’s the list of 30 sad animated movies:
1. A Silent Voice (2016)
Experience the Power of Emotion with the Must-See Sad Anime Movie of 2016! A grade school student with impaired hearing faces bullying, but finds a chance for redemption years later with the help of a former bully. Starring the talented voice cast of Saori Hayami, Lexie Marman, Robbie Daymond, and more. Available now on Netflix in English, Spanish, and Japanese.
2. Finding Nemo (2003)
Relive the Magic of Father-Son Love with the Award-Winning Movie of 2003! Join a daring clownfish dad and his forgetful friend on their quest to rescue his son, Nemo, from abduction. Starring Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, and Alexander Gould as the lead voice cast. One of the best sad animated movies to watch on Disney+ Hotstar in English, Hindi, Tamil, & Telugu.
3. Anomalisa (2015)
Step into the Mind of a Grumpy Genius with this Adult Psychological Movie! Follow Michael Stone, a customer service expert and motivational speaker, as he navigates the monotony of life and meets Lisa. Starring David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Tom Noonan as the voice cast. Premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in 2015, now definitely among the saddest animated movies of all time to watch on Disney+ Hotstar.
4. Wall-E (2008)
Travel through Time and Space with the Heartwarming Animated Sci-Fi Movie Wall-E! Set 700 years in the future, join a lonely waste-collecting robot, Wall-E, on his intergalactic journey of love that could change the fate of humankind. Featuring an all-star voice cast, including Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, and Jeff Garlin. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster ride with this sad animated movie, available now on Disney+ Hotstar in English and Hindi.
5. Waking Life (2001)
Embark on a Journey Through the Dream World with “Waking Life”! This sad animated movie, released in 2001, explores deep philosophical questions and the line between reality and dreams. Follow the protagonist, played by Wiley Wiggins, as he quest to wake up. Featuring an impressive voice cast including Eamonn Healy, Timothy “Speed” Levitch, Adam Goldberg, and more. Available now on YouTube.
6. Up (2009)
Experience the Adventure of a Lifetime with Up! This Pixar classic tells the heartwarming tale of 70-year-old Carl Fredrickson and his journey to fulfill his lifelong dream, accompanied by eight-year-old Russell. Starring Ed Asner, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, and Christopher Plummer, this sad animated movie will leave you inspired and moved. Available in Hindi and English on Disney+ Hotstar.
7. Inside Out (2015)
Experience the emotional rollercoaster of 11-year-old Riley as she navigates a new city with the help of her five core emotions – Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust. Starring Kaitlyn Dias, Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling, Richard Kind, Bill Hader and more, this 2015′ Pixar sad animated movie can be streamed in English on Disney+ Hotstar.
8. Toy Story 4 (2019)
Unleash the Adventure with Woody and the Gang in Toy Story 4! The fourth movie in the beloved Pixar franchise released in 2019. As Andy gifts his old toys to Bonnie, join the toys on their rollercoaster journey filled with emotions and new friends. Starring the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, and Tony Hale. Don’t miss a beat of one of the best sad animated movies of all time on Disney+ Hotstar in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
9. Coco (2017)
Experience the magic of Coco, the Pixar movie released by Walt Disney Pictures in 2017; this heartwarming tale follows young Miguel’s dream of becoming a musician, despite his family’s ban on music. Join Miguel on an epic adventure in the Land of the Dead, as he uncovers secrets from the past with the help of a trickster named Hector. Featuring a talented voice cast including Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, and Jaime Camil, this emotionally sad animated movie can be enjoyed on Disney+ Hotstar in English and Hindi.
10. Spirited Away (2001)
Dive into a heart-wrenching journey with 2001’s Japanese Animated movie, Spirited Away! Follow Chihiro as she gets lost in a supernatural world, where her parents are transformed into pigs. With a talented voice cast including Rumi Hiiragi, Daveigh Chase, Miyu Irino and Mari Natsuki, this anime classic is sure to leave a lasting impact. Experience the sadness and wonder for yourself on Netflix in English, Hindi, Japanese, Arabic and 22 other languages. Spirited Away is often called one of the best sad animated movies of all time to originate from Japan.
11. Tangled (2010)
Unleash the magic with Tangled, the fairytale adventure of Princess Rapunzel. Trapped in a tower by a greedy hag, Rapunzel sets out on a daring escapade with a charming thief by her side. Join the voices of Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy and more on a journey of discovery and adventure. Available now on Disney+ Hotstar in English and Hindi!
12. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Unleash the adventure with two best friends at the heart of the biggest scare factory in the monster world! Get ready to meet Boo, the tiny human girl who will turn their world upside down. Starring the talented voices of Billy Crystal, Marry Gibbs, and John Goodman, this 2001 animated gem is a must-watch. Available now on Disney+ Hotstar in Hindi, English, Tamil, and Telugu. Don’t miss out on the excitement with this sad animated movie!
13. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Get ready for an enchanting adventure with “The Princess and the Frog!” This delightful animated musical fantasy movie from 2009 is sure to make you smile and tap your feet along with its catchy tunes. Join the journey of Tiana, a hardworking waitress with big dreams of opening her own restaurant. But her life takes a magical twist when she meets Prince Naveen, who has been transformed into a frog. With a star-studded voice cast of Anika Noni Rose, John Musker, Bruno Campos, and Jennifer Cody, this sad animated movie is a must-watch for all ages! And the best part? You can enjoy it in both English and Hindi on Disney+ Hotstar. So, sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the world of Tiana and Prince Naveen!
14. Mary and Max (2009)
Travel back in time to the groovy 70s with the heartwarming friendship that blossomed between two unlikely pen pals, young Mary and grown-up Max. This 2009 movie showcases the power of connection, despite the distance, with voice talents from Philip Seymour Hoffman, Toni Collette, and Eric Bana. Don’t miss this hidden gem when it comes to sad animated movies on Netflix.
15. The Little Mermaid (1989)
Dive into a magical underwater adventure with The Little Mermaid, the beloved 1989 animated musical movie by Walt Disney Pictures. Experience the captivating story of a young mermaid who risks everything for her human love. Featuring the voice talents of Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, and Pat Carroll, you can watch this timeless classic sad animated movie on Disney+ Hotstar in English, Hindi, and Tamil.
16. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
Join the melodic rebellion with this 1996 sad animated masterpiece, brought to life by the vocal talents of Tom Hulce, Demi Moore, Tony Jay, Kevin Kline, and more! Watch as a deformed bell ringer rises up against a dictator to save his friend. Experience this musical drama, proudly produced by Walt Disney Pictures, now available on Disney+ Hotstar in English.
17. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Discover the magic of the forest with My Neighbor Totoro, a 1988 anime gem that follows two sisters on their journey to a new home. Satsuki and Mei encounter whimsical spirits, including a giant rabbit, as they await their mother’s recovery. With an all-star voice cast of Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, and others, this charming film will capture your heart. Available on Netflix in a variety of languages, including English, Japanese, Hindi, and Spanish, this is one of the best sad animated movies to watch.
18. Soul (2020)
Embark on a soulful journey with the 2020 Pixar hit Soul! Follow the story of a talented pianist as he discovers a whole new world beyond his imagination. With an all-star voice cast including Richard Ayoade, Daveed Diggs, Tina Fey, and Jamie Foxx, this movie will have you tapping your feet and laughing out loud. Despite the pandemic, Soul still shined with a theatrical release in countries like China, Singapore, and Taiwan. This sad animated movie is available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in English for an experience like no other.
19. Frankenweenie (2012)
Bring life to the undead with Frankenweenie! This 2012 animated sci-fi parody of the classic Frankenstein (1931) tells the story of Victor and his beloved pet. With a spark of electricity, Victor revives his furry friend and sets off a chain reaction in the neighborhood. Starring the vocal talents of Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, and more, this movie is a must-watch for fans of Mary Shelly’s original tale. Get ready for this hard-hitting sad animated movie on Disney+ Hotstar in English.
20. The Plague Dogs (1982)
Uncover the thrilling journey of Rowf and Snitter, two canines who escape from their lab in this 1982 animated adventure movie. Join them as they navigate the wild and make friends with a clever fox, voiced by the talented John Hurt, Christopher Benjamin, and James Bolam. Watch it now for free in English on MX Player.
21. When Marnie Was There (2014)
An enigmatic tale of friendship and mystery awaits in When Marnie Was There. Follow the journey of Anna Sasaki as she discovers a hauntingly beautiful friendship with a mysterious blonde girl from an abandoned villa. With a powerful voice cast including Sara Takatsuki, Kasumi Arimura, and Hana Sugisaki, this touching anime movie is not to be missed. It’s one of the most highly-rated sad animated movies to watch on Netflix in over 13 languages.
22. Big Hero 6 (2014)
Join 14-year-old robotics prodigy, Hiro, on an epic adventure in the futuristic city of San Fransokyo. When he finds himself at the center of a dangerous plot, he enlists the help of a robot and a team of unlikely nerdy friends. With top-notch voice acting by Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, Daniel Henney, T. J. Miller and more, Big Hero 6 is a must-watch for all sad animated movie fans. The highest-grossing animated film of 2014 is now available on Disney+ Hotstar in both English and Hindi.
23. Frozen (2013)
Experience the magic of sisterhood and adventure with Disney’s animated musical fantasy, Frozen. Join Princess Anna on her quest to find her sister Elsa, who has the power to turn anything to ice, in this heartwarming tale. With an all-star voice cast including Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, and Josh Gad, this film is perfect for both kids and adults. Get ready to be transported to the world of Arendelle as Frozen premiers on Disney+ Hotstar in English and Hindi.
24. The Wind Rises (2013)
Plane-lover Jiro dreams of designing the skies. From his passion to the skies, we soar with Jiro through historical events that shape his story. Featuring the voices of Hideaki Anno, Miori Takimoto, Hidetoshi Nishijima and more, this heartwarming tale can be streamed in multiple languages including English and Japanese on Netflix. It’s one of those sad animated movies that will surely make you cry.
25. Monster House (2006)
Get ready to be spooked with the 2006 animated hit, Monster House! Three fearless teens uncover the shocking truth about their seemingly normal neighbor’s abode – it’s a monster in disguise. With an all-star voice cast featuring Mitchel Musso, Sam Lerner, Spencer Locke, and Steve Buscemi, this hauntingly hilarious adventure is available to stream on Netflix in Hindi, English, and Spanish.
26. All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)
Join Charlie B. Barkin on his afterlife journey in this musical fantasy film. After a bitter farewell to Earth, Charlie returns from heaven to seek revenge and reunite with his best friend. With an all-star voice cast of Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Judith Barsi and Vic Tayback, this movie is a soulful adventure not to be missed. If you love sad animated movies then this film should be on your watchlist.
27. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship, The Fox and the Hound will melt your heart! Follow the story of a fox and a hound who, despite their natural instincts, become the closest of friends. But as they grow older, their masters keep them apart. Will their friendship stand the test of time? With voice talents like Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, and Pearl Bailey, this timeless sad animated movie can be enjoyed on Disney+ Hotstar in Hindi and English.
28. The Jungle Book (1967)
Get ready to embark on an adventure in the heart of the jungle with The Jungle Book! This timeless sad animated movie, based on Rudyard Kipling’s book, is a musical comedy film by Walt Disney Productions that tells the story of Mowgli, who was raised by wolves. When a man-eating tiger threatens his life, Mowgli must leave the jungle and embrace his human side. With an all-star voice cast featuring Bruce Reitherman, Sebastian Cabot, Phil Harris, and Sterling Holloway, this animated film will have you tapping your toes and cheering for Mowgli on his journey. Watch it now on Disney+ Hotstar in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
29. Charlotte’s Web (1973)
E.B. White’s beloved classic comes to life in the charming, sad animated film, Charlotte’s Web. Meet Wilbur, a plucky pig who finds a loyal friend in the form of a spider named Charlotte. With a talented voice cast, including Henry Gibson, Debbie Reynolds, and Paul Lynde, follow Wilbur’s journey as he strives to save himself from the slaughterhouse and the unwavering support of his arachnid ally.
30. Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Get ready for a blast from another planet with Lilo & Stitch! This 2002 Walt Disney production takes you on a journey to Hawaii with a little girl named Lilo and her adopted dog Stitch, who is actually an extraterrestrial experiment. Featuring voices from the likes of Daveigh Chase, Chris Sanders, Tia Carrere and more, this sci-fi tale will have you cheering for the unlikely duo. Catch one of the greatest sad animated movies of all time on Disney+ Hotstar.
This wraps up our list of the best sad animated movies of all time to watch right now. Please share with us the sad animated movies you like on social media platforms.