Your Lie in April is more than a story about music—it’s a poignant exploration of grief, healing, and the transformative power of art. With its emotionally rich character development, breathtaking animation, and soul-stirring narrative, it struck a deep chord with audiences. Themes like emotional trauma, rediscovering passion, and the bittersweetness of youth made it unforgettable.
For fans seeking anime with similarly heartfelt stories, emotional complexity, and artistic flair, here are 15 underrated titles that echo the spirit of Your Lie in April—but haven’t gotten nearly enough love.
1. Piano no Mori (The Piano Forest) – 2007 & 2018
- Streaming: Netflix (2018 TV version), unavailable for 2007 movie
- Plot: A gifted pianist from a troubled background befriends a classically trained prodigy, leading to a shared musical journey of growth and self-discovery.
- Why It’s Similar: Focuses on classical music, contrasting personal struggles, and rediscovery through art.
- Episodes: 24 (TV)
- Rating: 7.3 (MAL, TV)
- Studio: Fukushima Gainax (Movie), Gaina (TV)
- Notable Staff: Gaku Nakatani (Director)
- Awards: Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize (2007)
2. A Lull in the Sea (Nagi no Asukara) – 2013
- Streaming: HIDIVE, Crunchyroll
- Plot: A group of underwater-dwelling teens must integrate into a surface high school, facing emotional rifts and social tension.
- Why It’s Similar: Emotionally intense storytelling with themes of change, loss, and rekindled connections.
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: 8.0 (MAL)
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Notable Staff: Mari Okada (Writer)
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award Nominee
3. Colorful – 2010 (Movie)
- Streaming: HiDive, Blu-ray
- Plot: A soul gets a second chance at life, inhabiting the body of a boy who recently committed suicide.
- Why It’s Similar: Deep emotional introspection, youth trauma, and redemption through subtle, intimate storytelling.
- Episodes: Movie (126 mins)
- Rating: 8.0 (MAL)
- Studio: Sunrise
- Notable Staff: Keiichi Hara (Director)
- Awards: Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year (2011)
4. Tari Tari – 2012
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Five high school students navigate life, loss, and their passion for music by forming a choir club.
- Why It’s Similar: Music as emotional expression, understated drama, and strong character growth.
- Episodes: 13
- Rating: 7.3 (MAL)
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Notable Staff: Masakazu Hashimoto (Director, Writer)
5. March Comes in Like a Lion (3-gatsu no Lion) – 2016
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Plot: A teenage shogi prodigy struggles with depression, grief, and finding meaning beyond the game board.
- Why It’s Similar: Profound internal conflict, healing through community, and elegant symbolism.
- Episodes: 44 (2 seasons)
- Rating: 8.7 (MAL)
- Studio: Shaft
- Notable Staff: Akiyuki Shinbo (Director)
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award (2017, 2018)
6. Given – 2019
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Plot: When a high school student joins a band, his hidden grief is awakened through music and newfound connections.
- Why It’s Similar: Music as a channel for processing trauma and emotional healing, with sensitive character arcs.
- Episodes: 11 + Movie
- Rating: 8.2 (MAL)
- Studio: Lerche
- Notable Staff: Hikaru Yamaguchi (Director)
7. Kids on the Slope (Sakamichi no Apollon) – 2012
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: A shy classical pianist discovers jazz and friendship during a life-changing high school summer.
- Why It’s Similar: Musical bonding, emotional growth, and coming-of-age in a tender, nostalgic setting.
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: 8.3 (MAL)
- Studio: MAPPA
- Notable Staff: Shinichiro Watanabe (Director), Yoko Kanno (Music)
8. The Place Promised in Our Early Days – 2004 (Movie)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: Set in an alternate Japan, childhood friends drift apart while holding onto a promise made in youth.
- Why It’s Similar: Melancholy tone, emotional maturity, and narrative pacing reminiscent of Your Lie in April.
- Episodes: Movie (90 mins)
- Rating: 7.5 (MAL)
- Studio: CoMix Wave Films
- Notable Staff: Makoto Shinkai (Director)
9. Orange – 2016
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Plot: A girl receives letters from her future self urging her to save a classmate from a tragic fate.
- Why It’s Similar: Emphasis on youth mental health, regret, and emotional restoration.
- Episodes: 13 + Movie
- Rating: 7.6 (MAL)
- Studio: Telecom Animation Film
- Notable Staff: Hiroshi Hamasaki (Director)
10. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day – 2011
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Plot: A group of estranged friends reunite to help the ghost of their childhood friend move on.
- Why It’s Similar: Themes of unresolved trauma, emotional catharsis, and youthful innocence lost.
- Episodes: 11
- Rating: 8.3 (MAL)
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Notable Staff: Tatsuyuki Nagai (Director), Mari Okada (Writer)
- Awards: Animation Kobe Award (2011)
11. Iroduku: The World in Colors – 2018
- Streaming: Prime Video, HIDIVE
- Plot: A colorblind girl travels back in time and rediscovers the emotional palette of life through magic and art.
- Why It’s Similar: Visual storytelling, themes of perception, emotional awakening, and artistic metaphor.
- Episodes: 13
- Rating: 7.5 (MAL)
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Notable Staff: Toshiya Shinohara (Director)
12. Hoshiai no Sora (Stars Align) – 2019
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: A middle school soft tennis team comes together while grappling with personal and family struggles.
- Why It’s Similar: Understated emotional complexity and personal growth through group connection.
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: 7.6 (MAL)
- Studio: Eight Bit
- Notable Staff: Kazuki Akane (Director, Writer)
13. ReLIFE – 2016
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A 27-year-old man gets a chance to relive high school to fix past regrets and rediscover purpose.
- Why It’s Similar: Emotional second chances and healing through youthful rediscovery.
- Episodes: 13 + 4 OVAs
- Rating: 7.9 (MAL)
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Notable Staff: Satoru Kosaka (Director)
14. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou – 2012
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A student in a dorm full of eccentrics meets a brilliant but socially awkward artist.
- Why It’s Similar: Exploration of talent, pressure, and youthful relationships filled with bittersweet moments.
- Episodes: 24
- Rating: 8.1 (MAL)
- Studio: J.C.Staff
- Notable Staff: Atsuko Ishizuka (Director)
15. A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi) – 2016 (Movie)
- Streaming: Netflix, Prime Video
- Plot: A boy seeks redemption for bullying a deaf girl in elementary school, reigniting a connection years later.
- Why It’s Similar: Emotional redemption, isolation, and character-driven healing arcs with stunning animation.
- Episodes: Movie (130 mins)
- Rating: 8.9 (MAL)
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Notable Staff: Naoko Yamada (Director)
- Awards: Japan Academy Prize for Excellent Animation of the Year (2017)
Why These Anime Work for Your Lie in April Fans
Each of these series carries emotional weight, masterful character writing, and narrative sensitivity that mirror the strengths of Your Lie in April. Whether through music, art, memory, or introspection, they explore themes of grief, identity, and hope with tenderness and authenticity. If you’re drawn to stories that linger in the heart and mind long after the final credits, these hidden gems are your next must-watch list.
