Saddest anime OSTs that played during a character’s death?

Smudy2026-01-27 18:48

Snowfield.

People who know ;_;

OniVajira2026-01-27 19:18

what people know i dont jjjk

Used-Theory62562026-01-28 03:33

Brutal

Ashteron2026-01-27 19:02

[Evangelion 2.0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBNzVbWlr_Q)

Interesting_Self50712026-01-27 19:05

When Macha in .hack//SIGN dies

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YsgTG1K7PNE&list=PLZksDjucpnZstqXmFMwlFI7DsHmPu4XEt&index=39&pp=iAQB8AUB0gcJCXwKAYcqIYzv

Skaven132026-01-27 19:49

Banger Soundtrack No bad track still hearing it sometimes till today.

UltiMikee2026-01-27 21:41

This OST has no right being as good as it is, fell in love with it a long time ago

porpoiseoflife2026-01-27 19:06

[Space Lion](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DybCZvW1mBo), Cowboy Bebop Session 14

You're gonna carry that weight.

MrCuntman2026-01-27 21:14

bang

bkendig2026-01-27 21:56

[Bang.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8XQV889b3U)

bkendig2026-01-27 21:53

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOn3gQv\_FHM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOn3gQv_FHM)

7GrenciaMars2026-01-28 15:19

Yeah, well, you see my username, right?

Top_Advantage_44712026-01-27 19:07

[Aria of the Three from Saint Seiya](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A034XUajkt8)

PerplexedAsian2026-01-27 19:17

[removed]

Shimmering-Sky2026-01-27 20:31

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Alt22212026-01-27 19:23

gundam seed but i cannot tell you which character or which ost. cuz that would ruin the moment

Moshimoshi-Megumin2026-01-27 19:23

I’ve got 3:

Cyberpunk Edgerunners (I really want to stay at your house)

Oshi No Ko S1-E1 (mother and children)

Summer pockets E26 (Shiroha’s cradle song)

SurealGod2026-01-27 22:16

It's crazy that before edge runners, I would listen to "I want to stay at your house" as it was a nice relaxing song but now I can't hear it anymore without getting sad or depressed.

Moshimoshi-Megumin2026-01-28 01:07

Same, I played the game extensively, like 300 hours, many playthrough, and tend to only listen to Body Heat radio in it, so was familiar with the song. It definitely hits different afterwards lol

CriminalCrime12026-01-28 00:01

>Oshi No Ko S1-E1 (mother and children)

I can still hear the chrods playing as I remember back the song

Moshimoshi-Megumin2026-01-28 01:06

Haha yes, the first few notes of piano still make me instantly tear up

Dee-chan2026-01-27 19:27

I'll never forget [this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk8COybCLuU) soundtrack from Made in Abyss, it's so sad but beautiful.

The other one I can think of is the Anohana [ending song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJywJjwqIK8), it will always remind me of how painful that show is. Same with this song from [Angel Beats](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm7Xf9818FM).

Also, not anime, but [this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my-z6URjvy4) OST from Genshin Impact is another great example of what you're asking to me. [This](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eBEix_Ltrw) song from Honkai Impact 3rd too.

Skaven132026-01-27 19:48

Cyberpunk Edgerunners for me
https://youtu.be/JfMZBwN0tm4?si=Epf22zTBkT4k5bx0

onzichtbaard2026-01-27 19:49

the most memorable moment in all of anime for me is the moment where mugen "dies" and obokuri eumi plays in the background

justadudeyouknow2026-01-27 19:52

Unravel by TK from Tokyo Ghoul

7GrenciaMars2026-01-27 19:52

I wouldn't say it made me cry, but such a poignant scene in Cowboy Bebop when "Call Me Call Me" is played. I have seen it described on Reddit as "The saddest scene involving two old men eating eggs." (PS the characters aren't actually old) It's from the "Hard Luck Woman" ep. The song is on the Bebop soundtrack *Blue*.

It's a really moving and sad (and also very pivotal) scene. And I am very attached to this song now. It will stay with me forever.

bkendig2026-01-27 21:42

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj5zvVwAmQI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj5zvVwAmQI)

JulianDestroya082026-01-27 21:45

"Space Lion" is up there for me, as well as the alt version of "Real Folk Blues" when Spike is storming the syndicate HQ.

UncleKarlito2026-01-28 01:13

Those are both great but surprised that 'Blue' was not mentioned first, let alone at all in either comment since it's actually the death song. It's like the 'Now We Free' of Cowboy Bebop. When 'Blue' starts playing the eyes get a little watery, everytime.

AdmirHiddleston2026-01-28 01:33

I saw the title of this topic and thought "never seen a bluer sky"

JulianDestroya082026-01-28 01:58

Omg! How did I forget about that?! Maybe this is my sign to re-watch Cowboy Bebop (the anime).

Farmaceut72026-01-27 19:55

Isabella's Lullaby from The Promised Neverland - the scene where Ema finally crosses the wall and escapes with others while Isabella remains alone on the wall.

According-Pea-95412026-01-27 20:01

Requiem of silence from rezero made ep15 one of the most memorable experiences watching an anime for me

AdjustDeezNutz2026-01-28 02:57

Came here to post this

Dadarian2026-01-28 05:16

To me there is just no question. All the others are absolutely heart wrenching, and all deserve praise. There is only one right answer though.

The only argument you can make is, nobody really “dies” (ignoring the alternate realities that can excist from every reset after the fact). Take the back half of the episode from basically the time Subaru enters the cave to the end of the episode, through all the credits, that whole sequence is just absolutely gut wrenching.

Just thinking about Requiem of Silence just makes my eyes start to water up let alone hearing it.

SouekiSennoSTM2026-01-27 20:04

In Inuyasha, [Inuyasha] >!Kikyo's death song in episode 175, or alternatively, episode 8 of the last season, The Final Act!<

Not just my favorite for a character's death, but one of my favorites from the OST and anime OSTs as a whole. From a series which already has the best music in anime and some of the best music in life, period.

moichispa2026-01-27 21:22

For the first one it is an insert song from the same group that did one of the openings. The one in the series was arranged by the composer probably but there is another version if I remember correctly (it has been 20 years)

[deleted]2026-01-27 20:06

[removed]

DroxXodia2026-01-27 20:24

Naruto only correct answer

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Machupino2026-01-27 20:12

Orb on the movements of the earth, Episode 3 ending.
Then transitioning into the series ending from Yorushika - really hit hard.

moichispa2026-01-27 21:23

As a manga reader it was fun sitting on a corner seeing people reaction to the first episodes

TermEnvironmental8122026-01-28 01:40

Too bad the full soundtrack album still doesn't release

TallGuy05252026-01-27 20:30

Secret Base from Anohana

Blales2026-01-27 21:36

This made me sob when I finished the show for the first time. Also when I finished Angel Beats.

Shimmering-Sky2026-01-27 20:31

Please remember to tag your spoilers. On /r/anime, this is done like so: `[anime name here]>!spoilers here!<`

Gullible_Bat_54082026-01-27 20:37

>Not just “sad music,” but the kind that locks the scene into your memory forever — where the OST and the moment are inseparable.

Requiem from Tasogare Otome x Amnesia

langjie2026-01-27 20:48

I just watched Love Flops

[https://aniplaylist.com/play/love-flops-insert-ep-12?source=web](https://aniplaylist.com/play/love-flops-insert-ep-12?source=web)

Goofie-Matt2026-01-27 20:49

Hokage’s Funeral (Naruto)

I want this played on piano when at my wake/funeral hahah

Lock3down2212026-01-27 21:29

Trust you by Yuna Into on Gundam 00

21October162026-01-27 21:31

[Madder Sky](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH1TVnW--XU) & [Continued Story](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9wsRRlTL3s)

These aren't exactly sad, but Code Geass finale is powerful

RelativeMundane90452026-01-27 21:46

Dango Daikazoku (Great Dango Family)

You know why. Now don't mind me I'm off to go cry alone in a dark room.

NearlyCanuck2026-01-27 21:53

Go to Rakuen from Wolf's Rain. Man that show fucked me up as a kid.

Quiddity1312026-01-28 01:06

Yep, this is the all timer for me.

KitKat17212026-01-28 05:46

If you want to talk about moments and music that's "locked into your memory forever" like OP said, yep this is the one.

7GrenciaMars2026-01-28 15:22

OMG Wolf's Rain...I think my brain kind of blocks it out. Yeah, that anime is heavy.

bkendig2026-01-27 22:06

[Dango.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PkbqdAFIRU)

If you know, you know. (the comments on that video say it all)

uhmuhmuhmmmm2026-01-27 22:11

whatever from made in abyss since the full ost ost is incredible. Kevin Pekin is really a goat

Purplic_2026-01-27 22:20

[removed]

Shimmering-Sky2026-01-28 01:39

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ripbabysneed2026-01-27 22:45

[Pathway](https://youtu.be/Mc53HpO685k) from Made in Abyss. Captured the moment perfectly. That scene wouldn't be the same without it.

jadedashi2026-01-27 23:16

I think Naruto’s sadness and sorrow ost always so sad every time it plays whether someone dies or someone explains a sad backstory.

PM_ME_YOUR_SPUDS2026-01-27 23:24

I have no idea how to properly spoiler tag this without showing series names...

[Re:Zero] >![Requiem of Silence](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-LQqnyNYiQ), beautiful piece!<

[PMMM] >!So many to pick, but [Decretum](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeMVu1OYYps) ("I was so stupid..."), [Numquam Vincar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qDVLNKqvpk) should count. Throw in [And I'm Home](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIlMPJNk-pU) for a very different vibe, it stuck VERY strongly for me.!<

I think Hunter x Hunter has some good options, but I think the singular best OST choice was cutting all music and background sounds for one particular scene. Great directorial choice, even if it doesn't answer your question.

OniVajira2026-01-28 19:00

requim wait its pretty bizzare so traitors requim

OkThought72632026-01-28 00:11

Tokyo Ghoul when Kaneki carried Hide at the end...

I cry everytime..

youngadvocate252026-01-28 00:36

Kodoku/solitude by deathnote makes me feel goosebumps sadness and makes my eyes water just off sheer sound. Nevermind when I think about L or light or the innocent people.

Hdude3212026-01-28 01:02

Clannad After Story, I won't say the scene but the song is Yuki Nohara.

Quiddity1312026-01-28 01:09

[Go to Paradise](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf0QiaXCac0&list=RDqf0QiaXCac0&start_radio=1) from Wolf's Rain is the all timer for me. It's a full length version of a song used several times in the show and plays in the final episode. during a sequence that I have never gotten through without sobbing.

I can't remember if it actually plays during a death scene (perhaps shortly before or shortly afterwards) but [Oasis](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eHvYG0wMFA&list=RD7eHvYG0wMFA&start_radio=1) From Mobile Suit Gundam Iron Blooded Orphans would be my runner up.

Shimmering-Sky2026-01-28 01:42

> I can't remember if it actually plays during a death scene (perhaps shortly before or shortly afterwards)

IIRC it doesn't play during any deaths, but it does play *before* several of them.

Affectionate-Can-2312026-01-28 01:15

Whatever they played at the 3rd Hokage funeral 💔

[deleted]2026-01-28 01:19

[removed]

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Green_General_91112026-01-28 01:28

all songs from clannad, anhohna, twinspica, music in princess sarah, remi nobody's girl, some of anime ost which sticks with me.

TermEnvironmental8122026-01-28 01:38

"From Here To Eternity" (Devilman Crybaby)

CaffeineDeprivation2026-01-28 01:38

[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Part 3 - Message to my friends](https://youtu.be/l8_sNctRBQM?si=QPqGTE7zVsYDh80r)

gorambrowncoat2026-01-28 02:16

I wouldnt necessarily say its "the saddest anime" but specifically in terms of being associated with a certain tune then Cyberpunk Edgerunners is the obvious goto.

Shot-Broccoli-33142026-01-28 02:36

rezero episode 16

Shot-Broccoli-33142026-01-28 02:37

season 1

argyldude2026-01-28 02:46

Liquescimus from land of the lustrous always comes to my mind

SubmissiveDinosaur2026-01-28 03:01

[I don't even have to name the anime](https://youtu.be/mxx_WcjV5U8)

Tadpole0182026-01-28 03:25

Diamond Crevasse-Macross Frontier

Ichiban no Takaramono-Angel Beats!

april_3402026-01-28 04:11

Stories from Code Geass

Avid from 86 is the ending theme but also usually plays when a character dies also Voices of the Chord (also basically the whole soundtrack)

Homura at the end of Demon Slayer Mugen Train

Understanding from Hunter x Hunter (I can't listen to this without tearing up)

anythingfits04732026-01-28 04:49

Assasination classroom [Tabidachi no uta]

aliasalt2026-01-28 04:57

[This one](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb-fJmbL2hM) from Jojo Season 4. If you know, you know

AriaoftheSol2026-01-28 06:04

An example of one theme being played during a character's [death](https://youtu.be/m3JHimmNVjw?si=wQ0J2i1pVzrQUbl8) and another for when they properly [pass on](https://youtu.be/nRqeqUjhgAk?si=CViK144F-d9HzGSt). I cried the entire time.

And also, who could [forget](https://youtu.be/mcLjmxout-A?si=QkyfiOUZ7221y2y6)?

Sad_Leather_66912026-01-28 06:20

[Black Lagoon] >!When the twin dies.!< It's not a OST though.

Reez3772026-01-28 07:11

Death of rolo in code Geass, we go from hating this boy hope he slimed then he's dead I got tears on lol

Dustkun2026-01-28 07:27

Does Scarborough Fair count?

I feel it should count. Damnit WorldEnd why you gotta be so sad.

https://youtu.be/LfLINJEMk-Q?si=DJ2gGVVIOiSAJpdO

Brilliant_Still_96052026-01-28 09:00

Le chant de Roma from Akame ga Kill will be forever in my heart

Maximilian_Sinigr2026-01-28 09:03

Since Re:Zero's Requiem of Silence was already mentioned, my personal instant tears moment is [Pathway](https://youtu.be/YHouWxu2I-A?si=l4t1fapqX1Vl6ZF-) from Made in Abyss S1.

As for the scene... well... [Made in Abyss S1] >![here you go](https://youtu.be/5mCgPKEG_TI?si=W04M1WH5Ud3xZP5C)!<. Warning: you WILL cry, even without context. It's 1000× sadder with it.

Spiritual-Brush53002026-01-28 11:34

the end of evangelion - thanatos

sweetpatoot2026-01-28 15:59

Dandadan s1 e7 To a Kinder World

Achingly beautiful. I haven’t been able to rewatch the ep, too traumatic

Saddest anime OSTs that played during a character’s death?

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