There’s something uniquely captivating about a rainy day, isn’t there? The gentle patter against the window, the cozy feeling of being indoors, or even the melancholic beauty of a world washed clean. In anime, rain isn’t just precipitation; it’s a powerful narrative device, a mood-setter, and often, a character in itself.
From creating moments of quiet introspection to sparking romance or adding a layer of dramatic tension, rain in anime elevates the storytelling. So, as the skies open up, grab your coziest blanket, a warm drink, and dive into our curated list of anime where rain plays a starring role.
Movies: Where Every Droplet Tells a Story
1. The Garden of Words (Kotonoha no Niwa)
If you’re looking for the ultimate rainy day aesthetic, look no further. Makoto Shinkai’s The Garden of Words is a masterpiece of visual storytelling, where every rain shower is rendered with breathtaking, hyper-realistic detail. The film intimately follows two lonely souls who find solace and an unexpected connection by meeting only on rainy mornings in a beautiful Shinjuku park. The rain isn’t just background noise; it’s the very fabric of their burgeoning relationship, deeply influencing the mood and pace of their encounters.
2. Weathering with You (Tenki no Ko)
Another visual feast from Makoto Shinkai, Weathering with You takes the theme of rain to a grander, more fantastical scale. This film tells the story of Hodaka, a runaway boy in Tokyo, who meets Hina, a mysterious girl with the ability to control the weather. Here, rain is a central plot device, a pervasive visual motif, and a force that profoundly impacts the lives of everyone in the sprawling city. It’s a tale that explores hope, sacrifice, and the power of human connection amidst extraordinary circumstances.
3. My Neighbor Totoro (Tonari no Totoro)
While not exclusively about rain, this beloved Studio Ghibli classic features one of anime’s most iconic rainy scenes: Mei and Satsuki waiting at the bus stop, joined by the magnificent Totoro himself. Rain in My Neighbor Totoro often sets a peaceful, magical, and slightly wondrous tone, perfectly encapsulating the enchanting world of childhood discovery.
4. Wolf Children (Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki)
Rain holds significant symbolic weight in Wolf Children, especially with one of the main characters being named “Ame” (meaning rain). The weather often mirrors the emotional journey of the unique family at its heart. The film beautifully depicts their connection to nature and the elements, with rainy scenes often highlighting moments of growth, challenge, and quiet contemplation.
TV Series: Long-Form Showers of Emotion
1. After the Rain (Koi wa Ameagari no You ni)
The title itself gives it away! After the Rain uses precipitation as both a literal backdrop and a powerful metaphor in this unique romance. It follows Akira Tachibana, a high school track star who develops a crush on Masami Kondo, the much older, middle-aged manager of the family restaurant where she works part-time. Rainy moments often punctuate their quiet interactions, fostering a sense of intimacy and emotional development as they navigate their unconventional connection.
2. With You and the Rain (Ame to Kimi to)
For a heartwarming and cozy slice-of-life experience, look out for With You and the Rain. This newer series, which started airing in July 2025, centers around a woman who takes in a mysterious dog on a rainy day. The show promises to lean heavily into the comforting and gentle aspects of rainy weather, offering a perfect escape for those seeking warmth and quiet companionship.
3. Mushishi
While not solely focused on rain, Mushishi is an episodic masterpiece that frequently features natural phenomena, including rain, as an integral part of its mystical and atmospheric storytelling. Ginko, the protagonist, travels to help people affected by supernatural entities called Mushi, and the changing weather often plays a crucial role in the manifestation and resolution of these enigmatic encounters. It’s a series that immerses you in the subtle power of nature.
4. Psycho-Pass
For a dramatic shift in tone, Psycho-Pass masterfully uses heavy, persistent rain to create a bleak, oppressive, and utterly immersive atmosphere in its dystopian cyberpunk Tokyo. The constant downpour isn’t just a weather condition; it’s a visual metaphor for the dark and gritty world, contributing significantly to the series’ intense psychological tension and grim outlook.
5. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (specifically “Someday in the Rain” episode)
While The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya isn’t a rain-centric series, the standalone episode “Someday in the Rain” is a fan favorite for good reason. It stands out for its unique, almost mundane perspective on a continuous rainy day, creating a distinctive mood that perfectly captures the quiet eccentricities of the SOS Brigade without Haruhi’s usual dramatic flair. It’s a great example of how a single weather element can define an episode’s entire feel.
Find Your Perfect Rainy Day Watch
Whether you’re yearning for visually stunning animations where rain is a central character (like Makoto Shinkai’s films), a quiet and reflective atmosphere to match the pitter-patter outside, or a more dramatic backdrop for intense storytelling, this list has you covered.
So, next time the clouds gather, you’ll know exactly which anime to reach for. What’s your favorite anime to watch when it rains? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
Last Updated on July 22, 2025 by Yu Alexius
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