Anime About Time, Loss, and Pain Like Re:Zero!

Re:Zero is a story about Subaru, who dies and rewinds time, forced to face pain and loss over and over. It explores how time can be a curse and a chance to change fate. The mix of fantasy and raw emotion makes it stand out.

If you want anime that explore similar themes — time loops, heartbreak, tough choices, and deep struggles — this list is for you. These 12 shows dive into pain, loss, and hope in unique ways. They all balance dark moments with strong characters fighting against fate.

1. Steins;Gate (2011) — Sci-fi, Thriller, Drama

A group of friends discovers how to send messages to the past. As they change time, they face serious consequences. It’s full of suspense and emotional pain, showing how every choice has a cost.

2. Erased (2016) — Mystery, Drama, Supernatural

A man is sent back to his childhood to stop tragedies. The story is about regret and second chances. It’s touching, with tense moments as he tries to fix the past.

3. Your Lie in April (2014) — Drama, Romance, Music

This isn’t about time travel but tells a sad story of love and loss. The music scenes are beautiful and heartbreaking. It’s about facing pain and learning to move forward.

4. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) — Romance, Sci-fi, Drama

A girl gains the power to jump through time but soon learns actions have consequences. It’s a bittersweet story about youth, regret, and making choices.

5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011) — Dark Fantasy, Drama, Magical Girl

Young girls make magical contracts, but the cost is high. It’s a dark tale of sacrifice and fate. The show dives into pain, loss, and how time affects their lives.

6. Orange (2016) — Drama, Romance, Supernatural

A girl receives letters from her future self warning her to prevent tragedies. It’s hopeful yet sad, showing how small changes can affect fate and ease pain.

7. Clannad: After Story (2008) — Drama, Romance, Slice of Life

This sequel explores love, family, and heartbreak. It’s raw and emotional, showing how loss shapes life and the strength needed to keep going.

8. Violet Evergarden (2018) — Drama, Fantasy, Slice of Life

A former soldier learns about emotions while healing from deep wounds. The animation is stunning, and the story is about pain, loss, and hope.

9. Garden of Words (2013) — Romance, Drama, Slice of Life

A quiet story of loneliness and connection. It explores loss subtly and beautifully, with deep emotions and healing.

10. The Endless Eight Arc in Haruhi Suzumiya (2009) — Comedy, Sci-fi, Slice of Life

This arc shows the same summer days repeating endlessly. It captures the frustration and despair of being stuck in a loop, highlighting pain through repetition.

11. From the New World (2012) — Sci-fi, Drama, Mystery

Set in a future world, it reveals dark secrets and painful truths. The story is emotional, haunting, and shows how loss changes people over time.

12. 91 Days (2016) — Drama, Crime, Thriller

Set during Prohibition, it’s about revenge and loss. The story shows how pain shapes choices and how the past can control the future.

Why These Anime?

Each of these shows shares Re:Zero’s focus on time, pain, and loss. They explore how characters face harsh realities and try to change their fate or cope with heartbreak. The stories mix dark moments with hope and growth.

They use time travel, loops, memories, or just deep emotions to show how loss shapes us and how hard it is to keep moving forward.