10 Heart-Touching Anime Like Your Lie in April
Few series capture love, grief, and the healing power of music as beautifully as Your Lie in April. If you’ve just finished Kousei and Kaori’s unforgettable story and need another emotional journey, these anime bring the same blend of romance, music, friendship, and personal growth. Below you’ll find detailed recommendations—each with a short synopsis, what makes it similar, and where you can legally stream it worldwide.
1. Orange
Why it’s similar: Regret, time travel, and a group of friends trying to save someone they care about.
Story: Naho receives letters from her future self, urging her to prevent the tragic fate of new transfer student Kakeru. The series balances gentle romance with themes of depression and second chances.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation (sub & dub), Netflix in select regions.
2. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Why it’s similar: Childhood friends coping with loss.
Story: A tight-knit group drifts apart after their friend Menma dies in an accident. Years later, her ghost appears to help them heal old wounds.
Where to watch: Netflix (global availability varies), Crunchyroll, HIDIVE.
3. Clannad & Clannad: After Story
Why it’s similar: Heartwarming romance that tackles adulthood and family tragedy.
Story: Tomoya, a delinquent high-schooler, meets shy Nagisa and slowly learns the value of friendship, love, and perseverance. After Story in particular is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling.
Where to watch: Hulu (U.S.), Funimation, and regional Netflix libraries.
4. March Comes in Like a Lion
Why it’s similar: A gifted young musician in Your Lie; a professional shogi player here—both fight inner depression.
Story: Rei Kiriyama, a teenage shogi prodigy, struggles with isolation until the warm Kawamoto sisters bring light back into his life.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix (Japan & select countries).
5. Kids on the Slope
Why it’s similar: Music as salvation and friendship.
Story: Set in 1960s Japan, introverted pianist Kaoru discovers jazz with the free-spirited drummer Sentarō. Their jam sessions and youthful love triangles are unforgettable.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray.
6. Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)
Why it’s similar: Makoto Shinkai’s signature mix of music, fate, and bittersweet romance.
Story: Two teens mysteriously swap bodies and must bridge time itself to meet. A global hit for its breathtaking animation and soundtrack.
Where to watch: Netflix (many regions), Amazon Prime Video.
7. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
Why it’s similar: Beautiful yet tragic romance centered on illness and living fully.
Story: A quiet boy discovers his classmate Sakura has a terminal disease. Their brief friendship transforms them both.
Where to watch: Netflix, HIDIVE, Blu-ray from Aniplex.
8. Tsurune
Why it’s similar: Healing through art—here, the Japanese sport of kyudo (archery).
Story: Minato joins his school’s archery club to overcome a traumatic past. Gorgeous animation from Kyoto Animation gives it a soothing atmosphere.
Where to watch: HIDIVE, Crunchyroll.
9. Given
Why it’s similar: Music, grief, and LGBTQ+ romance.
Story: After losing his boyfriend, guitarist Ritsuka finds new purpose when he hears Mafuyu’s haunting voice. Their band’s journey doubles as a story of healing.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll (sub & dub), Netflix in select regions.
10. Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song
Why it’s similar: A music-driven narrative about purpose and sacrifice—this time with a sci-fi twist.
Story: Vivy, an AI songstress, fights to prevent a future war while fulfilling her mission to make people happy through singing.
Where to watch: Funimation/Crunchyroll, Disney+ in some territories.
Why These Series Work for Your Lie in April Fans
-
Emotional resonance: Each explores grief, love, or second chances.
-
Music or art as therapy: From jazz to shogi to archery, the theme of expression runs deep.
-
Beautiful production: Expect stunning soundtracks and animation that heighten every feeling.
How to Stream Worldwide
-
Crunchyroll – Best global catalog for anime simulcasts and classics.
-
Netflix – Availability varies by region, but many of these titles rotate frequently.
-
HIDIVE & Funimation – Great for dubs and lesser-known gems.
-
Use a legal streaming platform to support the creators and ensure top video quality.
Final Thoughts
Finishing Your Lie in April leaves a unique ache, but anime is rich with stories that soothe the same part of your heart. Whether you crave music, bittersweet romance, or tales of overcoming trauma, these ten shows deliver unforgettable journeys. Grab some tissues, pick your platform, and let the next melody begin.
