“Newcomer Keiichi uncovers Hinamizawa's dark secrets as friends hide murders tied to a cursed festival.”
Higurashi: When They Cry
ひぐらしのなく頃に
Would You Love or Hate This?
AI-powered analysis tailored to your taste
Based on your preference for character-driven stories with layered emotional arcs, this title's exploration of identity and belonging would deeply resonate. The pacing mirrors series you've rated highly, and its thematic depth aligns with your appreciation for nuanced storytelling...
However, the slow initial episodes might test your patience given your history of dropping shows that don't hook you early. The art style shift in the middle arc could also be a concern...
Synopsis
Newcomer Keiichi uncovers Hinamizawa's dark secrets as friends hide murders tied to a cursed festival.
Keiichi Maebara has just moved to the quiet little village of Hinamizawa in the summer of 1983, and quickly becomes inseparable friends with schoolmates Rena Ryuuguu, Mion Sonozaki, Satoko Houjou, and Rika Furude. However, darkness lurks underneath the seemingly idyllic life they lead. As the village prepares for its annual festival, Keiichi learns about the local legends surrounding it. To his horror, he discovers that there have been several murders and disappearances in the village in the recent years, and that they all seem to be connected to the festival and the village's patron god, Oyashiro. Keiichi tries to ask his new friends about these incidents, but they are suspiciously silent and refuse to give him the answers he needs. As more and more bizarre events occur, he wonders just what else his friends might be keeping from him, and if he can even trust them at all. When madness and paranoia begin taking root in Keiichi's heart, he will stumble straight into the mysteries at work in Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, a story that is told across multiple arcs.
What people say
Community consensus
Derived from 313 sampled reviews
What 313 viewers settled on.
Polarized
σ 1.90 · split reception
6.3 pts
Recommenders 9.0 · others 2.7
↓ 1.58
Running avg · Jul 2007 → Jul 2025
- 10 “This is an awesome anime, you have to focus though, since it full of mystery. I can't help but wonder though, what is the 3rd when they cry? Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni, Umineko No Naku Koro Ni and ???”
- 9 “Do not let the innocent kid-stuff characters fool you!! Characters have their different twisted story behind them. The story plot line is great, keeps you figuring out WTF! just happened!? Gore and...”
- 10 “Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni was one of the first Anime's I just simply, well loved. For any show/Anime/movie, no matter how much we loved/liked/or hated; we always have that lingering question, what...”
Watch Order & Related
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See all credits →Production slate
- Format 26 × 24′ eps × min
- Total runtime 10h 24m all episodes
- Aired Apr 2006 – Sep 2006 Spring 2006
- Source Tv media type
- Rated R 17+ (violence & profanity)
- Ref. BS-0847 catalog
Produced by
- Frontier Works Producer
- Sotsu Producer
- DAX Production Producer
Licensed by
- Sentai Filmworks Licensor
- Discotek Media Licensor
- Geneon Entertainment USA Licensor