A Silent Voice is a profoundly moving Japanese animated film released in 2017. It delves into the complexities of human emotions, redemption, and personal growth. In a world where empathy and understanding are often overshadowed, we meet Shoya Ishida, our troubled protagonist. The movie opens with a glimpse of teenager Ishida contemplating suicide, his life marked by guilt and regret. But the heart of the story lies in his relationships with those around him.

When a friendly deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya joins Ishida’s class, the theme of bullying takes centre stage. Ishida, initially the perpetrator, mocks Nishimiya’s voice, and others follow suit. Ueno, seemingly kind but also a bully, excludes Nishimiya from her circle. The adversity faced by Nishimiya—dirt thrown at her, fashion ridicule, and isolation—paints a stark picture of the challenges she endures.

As Ishida’s journey unfolds, he seeks redemption. His path intertwines with Nishimiya’s, and he learns sign language to bridge the gap between them. The film beautifully portrays the struggles of adolescence, the power of forgiveness, and the concept of second chances. Along the way, Ishida encounters other friends, each contributing to his growth. A Silent Voice is about the battles within ourselves—the ones fought silently, the wounds that heal through connection. As Ishida navigates this emotional labyrinth, he uncovers the truth about his past actions and the shadowy undertones of human nature.

The main themes of A Silent Voice include:

• Bullying
• Redemption
• Disability
• Friendship
• Communication and Empathy

If you enjoyed A Silent Voice, you might enjoy the below five anime:

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

In the heartwarming anime “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas,” a chance encounter leads an introverted high school student to discover a diary in a hospital, belonging to his vibrant classmate, Sakura Yamauchi. The diary unveils Sakura’s secret battle with a terminal pancreatic disease, with only months to live. As the sole confidant outside her family, the protagonist vows to safeguard her secret. In a tale of contrasting personalities and unexpected companionship, he chooses to support Sakura in her final months, weaving a poignant narrative of friendship and the preciousness of time.

Similarities between A Silent Voice and I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

Regret and Redemption: Both anime feature protagonists who carry the weight of past mistakes. In “A Silent Voice,” Shoya grapples with the guilt of his childhood bullying, seeking redemption through his connection with Shoko. Similarly, in “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas,” the unnamed protagonist regrets not being more open and supportive of Sakura earlier in their friendship and tries to make amends in the time they have left. These journeys towards redemption are emotionally resonant, highlighting the human capacity for change and growth.

The Power of Human Connection: Both stories beautifully illustrate the transformative power of genuine human connection. Shoya and Shoko’s bond transcends their communication barriers, teaching them about acceptance and forgiveness. Likewise, the unlikely friendship between the protagonist and Sakura in “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas” brings joy and meaning to their lives, proving that even fleeting connections can leave a lasting impact.

Coming-of-Age Stories: Both anime portray the complexities of adolescence with sensitivity and honesty. The protagonists in both stories undergo significant personal growth as they navigate their relationships and confront their inner demons. They capture the bittersweet nature of youth, showcasing the beauty of fleeting moments and the pain of missed opportunities. They serve as a reminder to appreciate the present and embrace the challenges and joys of growing up.

Focus on Empathy and Understanding: Both stories emphasise the importance of seeing the world from another person’s perspective. Empathy acts as a catalyst for change in both anime. It enables the protagonists to break down barriers, heal past wounds, and forge meaningful connections. By understanding and sharing the emotions of others, they experience personal growth and find a sense of belonging. Both stories challenge viewers to look beyond surface judgments and connect with others on a deeper level. They celebrate the power of empathy to bridge divides, whether they be caused by disability, illness, or simply a lack of understanding.

Your lie in April

Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy, loses his ability to hear the music after his mother’s passing. Two years later, he meets the free-spirited violinist, Kaori Miyazono, who reignites his passion for music and life. “Your Lie in April” is an emotionally charged journey of healing, love, and rediscovering one’s purpose, with music as its backdrop.

Similarities between A Silent Voice and Your Lie in April

Overcoming Trauma and Guilt: Both anime delve into the profound impact of past trauma on their protagonists. These deep-rooted scars shape their personalities and hinder their ability to connect with others. Both protagonists must confront their pasts in order to move forward. This process of confronting the past is often painful but ultimately leads to healing and growth. Both characters carry a heavy burden of guilt. This guilt manifests in different ways, but both characters must learn to forgive themselves in order to find peace.

Emotional Rollercoaster: Both anime are masters in evoking a wide range of emotions. They seamlessly blend moments of joy, laughter, and heartwarming connection with scenes of profound sadness, loss, and heartbreak. This emotional rollercoaster keeps viewers engaged and invested in the characters’ journeys. Both celebrate the beauty of imperfection and the messiness of human emotions. They don’t shy away from depicting the characters’ vulnerabilities and struggles, making their triumphs and moments of happiness all the more impactful. These anime are not easily forgotten. Their emotional depth and powerful storytelling stay with viewers long after the final credits roll, prompting reflection on their own lives and relationships. They serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy, forgiveness, and the enduring power of human connection.

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Jinta Yadomi, a recluse haunted by the death of his childhood friend, Menma, is suddenly visited by her ghost. Menma’s reappearance forces Jinta and his estranged group of friends to confront their unresolved feelings and the lingering guilt surrounding her tragic passing. “Anohana” is a touching exploration of grief, friendship, and the bittersweet process of moving on.

Similarities between A Silent Voice and Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Dealing with Loss and Grief: Both anime delve deeply into the themes of loss and grief, showcasing the profound impact the death of a loved one can have on individuals and their relationships. Their inability to cope and communicate leads to emotional isolation and strained friendships.

Healing and Reconciliation: The journey toward healing and reconciliation is central to both narratives. Characters must confront their past mistakes, learn forgiveness, and find ways to mend broken bonds. Through the renewed connection that the characters make, they both begin to heal and find acceptance. 

Wolf Children

After falling in love with a werewolf, Hana gives birth to two children, Ame and Yuki, who inherit their father’s shapeshifting abilities. Following her lover’s untimely death, Hana raises her children in the countryside, navigating the challenges of single motherhood and helping them choose their own paths in life. “Wolf Children” is a heartwarming tale of love, family, and embracing one’s true nature.

Similarities between A Silent Voice and Wolf Children

Themes of Acceptance and Belonging: A Silent Voice explores themes of acceptance and finding one’s place in the world, particularly for those who feel different or ostracised. “Wolf Children” delves into the complexities of identity and belonging, as Ame and Yuki grapple with their dual human and wolf natures. Both anime explore how past experiences and actions shape the present and influence character development. They emphasise the importance of compassion and empathy in understanding and accepting others, even when their circumstances are different.

Single Motherhood and Sacrifice: Both anime showcase the strength and sacrifices of single mothers raising children in challenging circumstances.

Coming-of-Age: They follow characters as they grow and mature, facing difficult choices and learning important life lessons. Both stories are known for their emotional depth and powerful storytelling, drawing viewers into the characters’ struggles and triumphs. They evoke a range of emotions, from sadness and regret to joy and hope.

Both anime are heartfelt and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. They address universal themes of love, acceptance, and finding one’s place in the world, making them relatable and impactful. Overall they share a common thread of exploring human connection, acceptance, and overcoming challenges in the face of adversity.

A Sign of Affection

Yuki, a deaf college student, encounters Itsuomi, a popular classmate who speaks multiple languages. Despite their communication barriers, a connection blossoms between them, leading to a tender exploration of love, understanding, and breaking down barriers. A Sign of Affection is a heartwarming portrayal of a unique love story and the power of connection.

Similarities between A Silent Voice and A Sign of Affection

Communication Challenges: Both anime centres around characters who face challenges in communication and connection due to a disability. Both anime address the prejudices and misconceptions that people with disabilities face. Both stories highlight the importance of empathy and understanding in building meaningful relationships, especially when overcoming differences.

Themes of Love and Understanding: Both stories beautifully depict the blossoming of love and the importance of patience, understanding, and acceptance in overcoming communication hurdles. Both stories portray significant character growth as the main characters confront their own insecurities, prejudices, and past mistakes.

Slice-of-Life Romance: Both anime are known for their sensitive and heartfelt portrayal of characters dealing with disability and the complexities of human connection. They offer touching stories of love, forgiveness, and personal growth that resonate with audiences.

A Silent Voice showcases the struggles of communicating with someone who is deaf, while “A Sign of Affection” celebrates the beauty of nonverbal communication and finding connection despite language barriers.

Have you seen any of these anime? Which one resonates with you the most?

Or perhaps there’s another anime similar to “A Silent Voice” that you think deserves a spot on this list?

I hope this list of anime like A Silent Voice has given you some great recommendations and sparked your interest in checking out these anime series.