Hello everyone, it’s the season of love, and what better way to keep you or both of you warm during these cold, cold nights than romance anime?
I mean why not indulge in romance anime? It’s all about love, romance, and all the lovey-dovey stuff that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, letting you really appreciate the little things and the bitter-sweet experience that brings love. Moreover, with all the drama, awkwardness, and comedy that comes with it, I mean what’s not to love in the romance anime genre?
Below, you will find 30 anime series that represent the best in the genre, at least according to us at myanime2go. And like love, ready or not, here they are!
Editor’s Note (Updated on 24/9/2023): We’ve revisited our list of the best romance anime to bring you the latest and freshest additions. Anime in the romance genre continues to evolve, and we’re excited to introduce you to some new gems that have captured our hearts in the past years. So, whether you’re a longtime fan of romance anime or just dipping your toes into the genre, we hope you enjoy these recent additions to our curated list. Happy watching!
30. Tonikaku Kawaii
Episodes 13 | Aired Fall 2020 | Produced by Seven Arcs
Tonikaku Kawaii is simply too cute and heartwarming to skip. Balancing cuteness with humor and sincerity, this series explores the beauty of love and the warmth of human connections.
The story follows Nasa Yuzaki, a studious high school student, who has a chance encounter with Tsukasa Tsukuyomi, a mysterious girl, on a fateful night. They quickly fall in love and decide to get married, setting the stage for their unique and heartwarming journey as a newlywed couple.
As they navigate the joys and challenges of married life, Tonikaku Kawaii captures the essence of a sweet and endearing romance. With its lighthearted humor, genuine character interactions, and a touch of the fantastical, it’s a feel-good series that appeals to fans of heartwarming romance anime.
The story of Nasa and Tsukasa’s whirlwind romance and their adventures as newlyweds is incredibly sweet and uplifting. Plus, the humor and genuine moments between the characters make it an absolute joy to watch.
29. Fruits Basket (2019)
Episodes 25 | Aired Spring 2019 | Produced by TMS Entertainment
Fruits Basket (2019) is a touching romantic anime that’ll have you laughing, crying, and rooting for these characters every step of the way. What’s especially impressive about this reboot is how it captures the essence of the original manga so faithfully.
Tohru Honda is a highschooler who’s down on her luck. She ends up living in a tent in the woods after her mom’s passing. But here’s where it gets interesting – she stumbles upon the Sohma family, who just so happen to have a pretty unusual curse. Whenever they’re hugged by someone of the opposite sex, they turn into animals from the Chinese zodiac!
So, Tohru ends up living with the Sohmas and gets tangled up in their family secrets and, of course, some sweet and complicated romance.
This anime is an emotional rollercoaster, and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s got heart, humor, and a touch of the supernatural. Tohru is a genuinely lovable protagonist, and watching her impact on the Sohma family is heartwarming. You’ll quickly become invested in the lives of these cursed zodiac members, each with their unique struggles and quirks.
28. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Episodes 12 | Aired Winter 2019 | Produced by A-1 Pictures
In a world filled with run-of-the-mill rom-coms, Kaguya-sama: Love is War is a breath of fresh air. It’s like a clever twist on the whole “will they, won’t they” trope, and it’s an absolute blast to watch.
Kaguya-sama: Love is War is a romantic comedy anime that revolves around the eccentric and highly intelligent student council president, Kaguya Shinomiya, and her equally brilliant vice president, Miyuki Shirogane. Both are deeply in love with each other, but their pride prevents them from confessing their feelings. Instead, they engage in a series of strategic mind games and elaborate schemes to get the other to confess their love first. The result is a hilarious battle of wits filled with humor, romance, and absurd situations.
Okay, this anime is an absolute riot. Kaguya and Miyuki’s antics are incredibly funny. You’ve got these two geniuses trying to outsmart each other in the name of love, and it’s a recipe for comedy gold. But here’s the thing, beneath all the scheming and silliness, there’s genuine character growth. You watch these two go from prideful rivals to, well, something more. Not to mention the hilarious side characters who also add even more humor and depth to the story.
27. My Dress-up Darling
Episodes 12 | Aired Winter 2022 | Produced by CloverWorks
My Dress-up Darling took the world by storm when it first aired in Winter 2022. Fans were instantly hooked and celebrated the popular gyaru, Marin, as their new waifu.
Gojo Wakana is a shy and reserved high school student who discovers a hidden talent for creating intricate cosplay costumes. His life takes an unexpected turn when he gets to know Marin Kitagawa, an outgoing and extroverted classmate with a passion for dressing up in cosplay outfits.
While watching this series, you won’t be able to help but root for the protagonists. The chemistry between Gojo and Marin is off the charts and you will hope for their friendship to evolve into something more.
While My Dress-up Darling may follow some familiar rom-com tropes, it manages to bring a fresh and enjoyable take to the genre. The series also celebrates the art of cosplay, adding an extra layer of fun for fans of the hobby.
26. Horimiya
Episodes 13 | Aired Winter 2021 | Produced by CloverWorks
Horimiya is a heartwarming gem in the realm of high school romance anime. At first glance, it may appear like your typical schoolyard love story, but it’s the depth of its characters and the authenticity of their relationships that truly sets it apart.
Horimiya is a delightful blend of high school romance and heartwarming character exploration. It introduces us to Kyoko Hori, a popular and responsible high school girl, and Izumi Miyamura, her quiet and unassuming classmate. They lead seemingly ordinary lives until a chance encounter reveals their hidden personas: Kyoko’s a homebody caring for her younger brother, and Miyamura boasts a striking appearance hidden under a web of piercings and tattoos.
As they share their true selves with each other, their worlds open up, leading to genuine friendship and a budding romance.
I was instantly drawn to the well-developed characters of this anime, particularly Kyoko Hori and Izumi Miyamura (the main couple of the story). They break away from the typical high school anime archetypes. Their complexities, insecurities, and personal growth make them feel like real people dealing with the ups and downs of adolescence.
25. Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun (My Little Monster)
Episodes 13 + OVA| Aired Fall 2012 | Produced by Brain’s Base
Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun is a unique, sweet, very cute, and very wholesome series. That tugs away on your heartstrings, which is in rare supply these days.
Shizuku Mizutani is apathetic towards her classmates, only caring about her grades. However, her cold view of life begins to change when she meets Haru Yoshida, a violent troublemaker who stopped attending class after getting into a fight early in the school year. He is not much different from her, though—he too understands little about human nature and does not have any friends. Much to Shizuku’s surprise, he proclaims that she will be his friend and immediately confesses his feelings towards her upon meeting her.
Because of her lack of friends and social interaction, Shizuku has a hard time understanding her relationship with Haru. But slowly, their friendship begins to progress, and she discovers that there is more to Haru than violence. She begins to develop feelings for him but is unsure what kind of emotions she is experiencing. Together, Shizuku and Haru explore the true nature of their relationship and emotions.
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It earns a spot on my list for the weirdness and awkwardness that happens when the self-proclaimed bad boy and ice queen, two previously unsocial beings, learn from each other how to care for one another and become close with their friends and family.
And even if the romance disappoints the comedy is sure to deliver you with a lot to laugh about.
24. Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso (Your Lie in April)
Episodes 22 + OVA| Aired Fall 2014 | Produced by A-1 Pictures
It’s a very touching story of love and music healing wounds.
Music accompanies the path of the human metronome, the prodigious pianist Kousei Arima. But after the passing of his mother, Saki Arima, Kousei falls into a downward spiral, rendering him unable to hear the sound of his own piano.
Two years later, Kousei still avoids the piano, leaving behind his admirers and rivals, and lives a colourless life alongside his friends Tsubaki Sawabe and Ryouta Watari. However, everything changes when he meets a beautiful violinist, Kaori Miyazono, who stirs up his world and sets him on a journey to face music again.
Based on the manga series of the same name, Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso approaches the story of Kousei’s recovery as he discovers that music is more than playing each note perfectly, and a single melody can bring in the fresh spring air of April.
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Your Lies in April is a colorful story that is more than it appears, that teaches us how to heal, learn to move on, and learn to accept the parts of ourselves that we’d rather pretend aren’t there.
23. Bokura Wa Minna Kawai-sō (The Kawai Complex Guide to Manors and Hostel Behavior)
Episodes 12 + OVA| Aired Spring 2014 | Produced by Brain’s Base
It’s innocence and pure love.
Kazunari Usa is a high school freshman who will start living alone due to his parents now working in a different area. Excited for his new independent life, he hopes to go about his teenage days without the worry of dealing with any strange people, but as he soon discovers, his new boarding house Kawai Complex is far from ordinary.
The various tenants at Kawai Complex are all quite eccentric characters. Shirosaki, Kazunari’s roommate, is a pervert and masochist; Mayumi Nishikino, a borderline alcoholic office lady, hates couples because of her unfortunate luck with men; and Sayaka Watanabe, a seemingly innocent college student, enjoys leading men on. Shocked with the lack of decent individuals at his new residence, Kazunari is about to leave when he runs into shy senior student Ritsu Kawai and finds himself slowly falling in love with her.
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The Kawai Complex Guide to Manors and Hostel Behavior is a shoujo that’s not rushed and will leave you wanting more when you reach the end. It was an enjoyable watch with a lot of humor and laughs, exploring first love through the eyes of two loveable characters.
22. Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You)
Episodes 38| Aired Fall 2009 | Produced by Production I.G
From Me to You is a love story that delivers more than face value and goes beyond what you would expect, setting itself apart from others in the romance genre. Taking all the usual norms and stereotypes and completely changing the rules.
Kuronuma Sawako is completely misunderstood by her classmates. Her timid and sweet demeanour is often mistaken for malicious behaviour. This is due to her resemblance to the ghost girl from “The Ring,” which has led her peers to give her the nickname Sadako. Longing to make friends and live a normal life, she is naturally drawn to Kazehaya Shouta, the most popular guy in class, whose “100% refreshing” personality earns him great admiration from Sawako. So when Kazehaya starts talking to her, maybe there is hope for the friendships Sawako has always longed for. Maybe… there is even a little hope for some romance in her future.
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It truly is a rare gem that is definitely worth your time.
21. Golden Times
Episodes 24| Aired Fall 2013 | Produced by J.C.Staff
Golden Times is a realistic story, with no fairytale happily ever after, but shows two people who love each other trying to make it work.
Due to a tragic accident, Banri Tada is struck with amnesia, dissolving the memories of his hometown and past. However, after befriending Mitsuo Yanagisawa, he decides to move on and begin a new life at law school in Tokyo. But just as he is beginning to adjust to his college life, the beautiful Kouko Kaga dramatically barges into Banri’s life, and their chance meeting marks the beginning of an unforgettable year.
After having a glimpse of college life, Banri learns that he is in a new place and a new world – a place where he can be reborn, to have new friends, fall in love, makes mistakes and grow. And as he begins to discover who he was, the path he has chosen leads him towards a blindingly bright life that he will never want to forget.
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Yes, the series was a bit wonky with the whole amnesia plotline, but there is still a lot to love if you can go into it with patience and an open mind.
20. Clannad: After Story
Episodes 24| Aired Fall 2008 | Produced by Kyoto Animation
I laughed, cried, and experienced something that made me think deeply.
Clannad: After Story, the sequel to the critically acclaimed slice-of-life series Clannad, begins after Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa graduate from high school. Together, they experience the emotional rollercoaster of growing up. Unable to decide on a course for his future, Tomoya learns the value of a strong work ethic and discovers the strength of Nagisa’s support. Through the couple’s dedication and unity of purpose, they push forward to confront their personal problems, deepen their old relationships, and create new bonds.
Time also moves on in the Illusionary World. As the plains grow cold with the approach of winter, the Illusionary Girl and the Garbage Doll are presented with a difficult situation that reveals the World’s true purpose.
Based on the visual novel by Key and produced by Kyoto Animation, Clannad: After Story is an impactful drama highlighting the importance of family and the struggles of adulthood.
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I think MAL described it perfectly, so have nothing more to say. But definitely watch Clannad before this one.
19. Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride)
Episodes 12| Aired Summer 2014 | Produced by Production I.G
Ao Haru Ride is a refreshing visit to a familiar kind of story type, adding unique elements to make it different.
Futaba Yoshioka used to be an attractive and popular middle-schooler—well-liked by the opposite sex, but ostracized by the girls. Nevertheless, she was able to brush all that off, because the only opinion that truly mattered to her was that of Kou Tanaka, a classmate with whom she shared a shelter from rain once, followed by quite a few other precious and significant memories. She even succeeded at making plans to meet with the quiet and innocent boy at the summer festival, but a simple misunderstanding, and Tanaka’s subsequent disappearance, left her walking the halls of her school friendless.
Now in high school, Futaba is not your typical adolescent girl. Determined to become a class favourite this time, she avoids all unwanted attention and, instead of acting cute and feminine, only stands out through her tomboyish behaviour and dishevelled look. But still, her world is soon turned upside down when the only boy she ever liked unexpectedly comes into her life once again—except he goes by the name of Kou Mabuchi now, and it is not his name alone that has gone through a sea change.
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It’s great when once every full moon an anime like this comes around. Reminding us to try something, we think is the same but ends up being really amazing.
18. Sakurasou no Pet no Kanojo (The Pet Girl of Sakurasou)
Episodes 24| Aired Fall 2012 | Produced by J.C.Staff
Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo is a light in the dark. It plays off as a slice of life drama anime but there is romance at the surface of this series.
When abandoned kittens and his good conscience force second-year Sorata Kanda to move into Suimei High School’s infamous Sakura Hall, the satellite dorm and its eccentric, misfit residents turn his life upside down. The decidedly average Sorata finds it difficult to fit in with the bizarre collection of dorm residents like Misaki, an energetic animator; Jin, a playwright playboy; Ryuunosuke, a reclusive programmer; and Chihiro, the dorm manager, art teacher, and party girl.
Sorata’s friend Nanami, a second-year student and aspiring voice actress, pushes him to find new owners for the many cats so that he can quickly move back into the regular dorms. However, his desire to escape Sakura Hall wavers when the pet-like and infantile second year Mashiro Shiina, a world-class artistic savant looking to become a mangaka, transfers in during the spring trimester and quickly latches onto him.
Supported by each other’s quirks, Sorata and Mashiro come out of their shells and trigger change in the lives of those around them. Based on the light novel series of the same name, Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo explores the fine threads connecting talent, hard work, romance, and friendship with its ensemble cast.
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The series has not once caused me to feel bored, lost, or feel any negative emotions but quite the opposite. And the whole love thing didn’t feel forced.
17. Akagami no Shirayuki-hime (Snow White with the Red Hair)
Episodes 24 + OVA| Aired Summer 2015| Produced by Bones
Akagami no Shirayuki-hime is a fantasy world unique and vibrantly colored. It has two wonderful things brought together shoujo and fantasy.
Although her name means “snow white,” Shirayuki is a cheerful, red-haired girl living in the country of Tanbarun who works diligently as an apothecary at her herbal shop. Her life changes drastically when she is noticed by the silly prince of Tanbarun, Prince Raji, who then tries to force her to become his concubine. Unwilling to give up her freedom, Shirayuki cuts her long red hair and escapes into the forest, where she is rescued from Raji by Zen Wistalia, the second prince of a neighbouring country, and his two aides. Hoping to repay her debt to the trio someday, Shirayuki sets her sights on pursuing a career as the court herbalist in Zen’s country, Clarines.
Akagami no Shirayuki-hime depicts Shirayuki’s journey toward a new life at the royal palace of Clarines, as well as Zen’s endeavour to become a prince worthy of his title. As loyal friendships are forged and deadly enemies formed, Shirayuki and Zen slowly learn to support each other as they walk their own paths.
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It’s more than just another Snow White story, our heroine is definitely not a damsel in distress that needs saving. You will get attached to the characters, and get lost in the beautiful world that is Akagami no Shirayuki-hime. You will really feel like you are in the story if you give it a chance.
16. Ore Monogatari!! (My Love Story!!)
Episodes 24 | Aired Spring 2015| Produced by Madhouse
Ore Monogatari!! takes romance from a different angle than “how did a guy like him get a girl like that…..”
With his muscular build and tall stature, Takeo Gouda is not exactly your average high school freshman. However, behind his intimidating appearance hides a heart of gold, and he is considered a hero by the boys for his courage and chivalry. Unfortunately, these traits do not help much with his love life. As if his looks are not enough to scare the opposite sex away, Takeo’s cool and handsome best friend and constant companion Makoto Sunakawa easily steal the hearts of the female students—including every girl Takeo has ever liked.
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When Takeo gallantly saves cute and angelic Rinko Yamato from being molested, he falls in love with her instantly but suspects that she might be interested in Sunakawa. With his own love for Yamato continuing to bloom, Takeo unselfishly decides to act as her cupid, even as he yearns for his own love story.
And I think it forms an angle most of us can relate with and the whole thing feels more down to earth.
Markus Zusak words can describe our unusual male lead the best;
“Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are”.
Everything just intertwines so well in the story, it’s hilarious and the story’s progression is perfect and doesn’t feel rushed at all.
15. Kaichou wa Maid-sama! (Maid Sama!)
Episodes 26 + OVA| Aired Spring 2010| Produced by J.C.Staff
Kaichou wa Maid-sama! is a simple story without all the usual complexity that sometimes comes with this genre.
Being the first female student council president isn’t easy, especially when your school just transitioned from an all-boys high school to a co-ed one. Aptly nicknamed “Demon President” by the boys for her strict disciplinary style, Misaki Ayuzawa is not afraid to use her mastery of Aikido techniques to cast judgment onto the hordes of misbehaving boys and defend the girls at Seika High School.
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Yet even the perfect Ayuzawa has an embarrassing secret—she works part-time as a maid at a maid café to help her struggling family pay the bills. She has managed to keep her job hidden from her fellow students and maintained her flawless image as a stellar student until one day, Takumi Usui, the most popular boy in school, walks into the maid café. He could destroy her reputation with her secret… or he could twist the student council president around his little finger and use her secret as an opportunity to get closer to her.
It was relatable, likable, quirky, with a lot of comedic moments and just a completely heart-warming romance that leaves you warm and fuzzy inside.
14. Lovely★Complex
Episodes 24 | Aired Spring 2007| Produced by Toei Animation
An adorably cute and sweet romantic comedy.
Love is unusual for Koizumi Risa and Ootani Atsushi, who are both striving to find their ideal partner in high school—172 cm tall Koizumi is much taller than the average girl, and Ootani is much shorter than the average guy at 156 cm. To add to their plights, their crushes fall in love with each other, leaving Koizumi and Ootani comically flustered and heartbroken. To make matters worse, they’re even labelled as a comedy duo by their homeroom teacher due to their personalities and the stark difference in their heights, and their classmates even think of their arguments as sketches.
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Lovely★Complex follows Koizumi and Ootani as they encourage each other in finding love and become close friends. Apart from their ridiculous antics, they soon find out an unexpected similarity in their music and fashion tastes. Maybe they possess chemistry yet unknown, but could love ever bloom between the mismatched pair?
This romance anime deals with really sensitive issues such as physical differences like height or weight. And really just learning to love yourself or more accurately accepting yourself and letting people love you for you.
13. Sukitte Ii na yo. (Say “I Love You”)
Episodes 13 + OVA | Aired Fall 2002 | Produced by Zexcs
An anime that really proves that opposites can attract.
Friends will only let you down—that is the sad truth Mei Tachibana lives with, ever since she was wrongfully blamed for the death of a class pet by her so-called friends in grade school. Since then, she stays away from people in order to avoid ever being hurt again. However, Mei’s life begins to change drastically when a misunderstanding in high school causes her to encounter popular student Yamato Kurosawa.
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Yamato finds her intriguing and insists on being her friend, even though Mei wants nothing to do with him. But when a dangerous situation ends with Yamato kissing Mei to save her from the unwanted attention of a stalker, Mei begins to develop feelings for him. On the heels of her discovery that their feelings are mutual, they start dating and she gains not only a boyfriend but friends as well. Mei, however, finds it very hard to adapt to this new lifestyle, especially in expressing her true feelings towards Yamato.
Throughout misunderstandings of their new relationship, each other, and the attentions of other girls, Mei and Yamato slowly grow closer and learn the true meaning of those three little words: “I love you.”
It isn’t a new never-before-seen shoujo but it is a classical one that sticks to its roots, just with a new look but the same classical soul of a shoujo, like a new car just with the same trusted old and reliable engine we know and love. And it’s not an anime that trying to be more than it is. It was warm, sweet, and a story of discovering one’s self.
12. Nana
Episodes 47 | Aired Spring 2006 | Produced by Madhouse
A tale of heartbreak, love, lust, and punishing the mistakes made by characters. Nana might be the anime for you if you want a realistic story of finding love and maybe some life lessons.
Nana Komatsu is a helpless, naïve 20-year-old who easily falls in love and becomes dependent and clingy to those around her. Even though she nurses ambitious dreams of removing herself from her provincial roots and finding her true calling, she ends up travelling to Tokyo with the humble reason of chasing her current boyfriend Shouji Endo.
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Nana Osaki, on the other hand, is a proud, enigmatic punk rock vocalist from a similarly rural background, who nurtures the desire to become a professional singer. Putting her career with a fairly popular band (and her passionate romance with one of its former members) firmly behind her, she boards the same train to Tokyo as Nana Komatsu.
Through a fateful encounter in their journey toward the metropolis, the young women with the same given name are brought together, sparking a chain of events which eventually result in them sharing an apartment. As their friendship deepens, the two attempt to support each other through thick and thin, their deeply intertwined lives filled with romance, music, challenges, and heartbreaks that will ultimately test their seemingly unbreakable bond.
You will instantly fall in love with the characters, seeing a bit of you in them. It has plenty of laughs, and tear-jerking moments, and all events seem realistic.
Telling us a lot about life, and it’s hardships and teaching us some important lessons about the mistakes, that we shouldn’t make.
11. Kokoro Connect
Episodes 17 | Aired Summer 2012 | Produced by Silver Link.
Kokoro Connect is one of Japan’s versions of Freaky Friday. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, awkward situations and all the while making us reflect on having a deeper understanding of each other, like not just judging a person on how they look on the outside.
When five students at Yamaboshi Academy realize that there are no clubs where they fit in, they band together to form the Student Cultural Society or “StuCS” for short. The club consists of Taichi Yaegashi, a hardcore wrestling fan; Iori Nagase, an indecisive optimist; Himeko Inaba, a calm computer genius; Yui Kiriyama, a petite karate practitioner; and Yoshifumi Aoki, the class clown.
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One day, Aoki and Yui experience a strange incident when, without warning, they switch bodies for a short period of time. As this supernatural phenomenon continues to occur randomly amongst the five friends, they begin to realize that it is not just fun and games. Now forced to become closer than ever, they soon discover each other’s hidden secrets and emotional scars, which could end up tearing the StuCS and their friendship apart.
Even though this plot has been done many many many times before, it breathes new life into this plot, making it fun, refreshing and giving us a 360 degree of our characters.
10. Toradora!
Episodes 25 + OVA| Aired Fall 2008 | Produced by J.C.Staff
Toradora! is truly one of my favorite series and that is something coming from a guy who prefers action, fantasy, and adventure, this show has a special place in my mind.
Ryuuji Takasu is a gentle high school student with a love for housework; but in contrast to his kind nature, he has an intimidating face that often gets him labelled as a delinquent. On the other hand is Taiga Aisaka, a small, doll-like student, who is anything but a cute and fragile girl. Equipped with a wooden katana and feisty personality, Taiga is known throughout the school as the “Palmtop Tiger.”
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One day, an embarrassing mistake causes the two students to cross paths. Ryuuji discovers that Taiga actually has a sweet side: she has a crush on the popular vice president, Yuusaku Kitamura, who happens to be his best friend. But things only get crazier when Ryuuji reveals that he has a crush on Minori Kushieda—Taiga’s best friend!
Toradora! is a romantic comedy that follows this odd duo as they embark on a quest to help each other with their respective crushes, forming an unlikely alliance in the process.
I really enjoyed Toradora!. There is chemistry about our characters you just can’t help but fall in love with. The show is a bit addictive and you might find yourself watching the whole season in one sit-down. It’s a romance anime for everyone even if you are not a romantic.
9. Romeo × Juliet
Episodes 24 | Aired Spring 2007 | Produced by Gonzo
A loosely retelling of William Shakespeare’s play of the same name.
On the floating continent of Neo Verona, the Montague family slaughters the entire Capulet family and seizes control of the kingdom. The true heir to the throne, Juliet Fiammata Asto Capulet, manages to escape the onslaught and is hidden away by loyalists for 14 years with the hope that she may one day overthrow the cruel Montague regime.
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Despite having forgotten the murder of her entire family, Juliet now secretly protects the oppressed citizens of Neo Verona as a vigilante called the Red Whirlwind. During one of her escapades, she meets Romeo Candorebanto Montague, the kind and selfless son of the tyrannical Prince Laertes Montague, and without knowledge of each other’s background, they both fall in love at first sight.
Unfortunately, however, their destiny is a cursed one: not only does each of the two families wish to obliterate the other, but an ancient secret is hidden beneath Neo Verona also threatens their undying love for each other. Will they be able to defy the stars, or is this truly a love that can never be?
It’s a wonderful adaptation of a classical work. But don’t expect a cheesy and draggy remade version of the original story, Romeo × Juliet is definitely more than what it seems.
8. Bokura ga Ita (We Were There)
Episodes 26 | Aired Summer 2006 | Produced by Artland
I honestly thought of reading the manga after watching Bokura ga Ita. Why? you ask cause it was that good. It’s a love story of a shy and naive girl falling for the most popular and arrogant boy of the school.
Going into her first year of high school, Nanami Takahashi is filled with the hope of making many new friends. After meeting the shy Yuri Yamamoto, she hears about a popular boy in their class: Yano Motoharu. Yuri cares little for Yano because of his past relationship with her older sister Nana, and at first, Nanami doesn’t like his attitude either. However, Nanami soon begins to warm up to Yano and takes a liking to him. The two spend more of their time together and eventually decide to start dating. But their love is not without challenges; Yano has trouble opening up to Nanami, since his first girlfriend, Nana, died in a car accident the year before, and she had been with one of her ex-boyfriends at the time.
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Finding themselves living in the shadow of Yano’s relationship with Nana, Nanami and Yano struggle to keep their relationship afloat amid misunderstandings and heartache with the certainty of their love for each other.
Bokura ga Ita is a definite must-watch for shoujo lovers and is guaranteed to leave you with overwhelming emotions but in a good way.
7. Byousoku 5 Centimeter (5 Centimeters Per Second)
Episodes 3 | Aired Winter 2007 | Produced by CoMix Wave Films
Byousoku 5 Centimeter is a tale of growing up, letting go of an unreachable past, and taking control of one’s own life.
Takaki Toono and Akari Shinohara, two very close friends and classmates, are torn apart when Akari’s family is transferred to another region of Japan due to her family’s job. Despite the separation, they continue to keep in touch through mail. When Takaki finds out that his family is also moving, he decides to meet with Akari one last time.
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As years pass by, they continue down their own paths, their distance slowly growing wider and their contact with one another fades. Yet, they keep remembering one another and the times they have shared together, wondering if they will have the chance to meet once again.
You will fall in love with the characters, laugh with them, cry with them, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself wishing them to live happily.
6. Hotarubi no Mori e (The Light of a Firefly Forest)
Episodes 1 | Premiered Sep 17, 2011 | Produced by Brain’s Base
Showing that love is a beautiful fragile thing, here and gone again and it alone is of great value.
Intrigued by the tale of a mountain god, six-year-old Hotaru Takegawa loses her way in the ancient forest while visiting her uncle. Exhausted and desperate for help, Hotaru is thrilled to find a masked forest spirit named Gin. She learns the hard way that she should not touch the boy, or he would disappear. In spite of this, Gin leads Hotaru out of the forest and warns her never to return when she promises to come again with a gift.
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Paying no heed to his cautionary words, and despite being separated by both distance and planes of existence, Hotaru and Gin become close friends as she visits him every summer. However, their relationship and resolve are put to the test, when romantic feelings conflict with the one and only rule.
Based on Yuki Midorikawa’s manga of the same name, Hotarubi no Mori e is a tale of friendship and compromise of two people who should never have crossed paths, as their lives become hopelessly intertwined.
It’s a simple, effective, well-thought-out story. Which leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling. Like love, it was slow-paced in both the story and how it crept into our hearts and made us love it, showing love in its truest platonic form.
5. Ookami to Koushinryou (Spice and Wolf)
Episodes 25 + OVA | Aired Winter 2008 | Produced by Imagin
Two characters with a lot of chemistry and beautiful artwork, all with a medieval theme. The real question is why wasn’t Ookami to Koushinryou on my list earlier up.
Holo is a powerful wolf deity who is celebrated and revered in the small town of Pasloe for blessing the annual harvest. Yet as years go by and the villagers become more self-sufficient, Holo, who stylizes herself as the “Wise Wolf of Yoitsu,” has been reduced to a mere folk tale.
When a travelling merchant named Kraft Lawrence stops at Pasloe, Holo offers to become his business partner if he eventually takes her to her northern home of Yoitsu. The savvy trader recognizes Holo’s unusual ability to evaluate a person’s character and accepts her proposition. Now in the possession of both sharp business skills and a charismatic negotiator, Lawrence inches closer to his goal of opening his own shop. However, as Lawrence travels the countryside with Holo in search of economic opportunities, he begins to realize that his aspirations are slowly morphing into something unexpected.Based on the popular light novel of the same name, Ookami to Koushinryou, also known as Spice and Wolf, fuses the two polar genres of economics and romance to create an enthralling story abundant with elaborate schemes, sharp humour, and witty dialogue. Ookami to Koushinryou is more than just a story of bartering; it turns into a journey of searching for a lost identity in an ever-changing world.
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It’s a very intelligent, beautiful, sweet, intriguing, and mature romance anime show. Definitely worth your time but fair warning it’s a heavy dialogue show.
4. Nodame Cantabile
Episodes 45 + OVA | Aired Winter 2007 | Produced by J.C.Staff
As I have seen in Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso music is a powerful thing like love or maybe love is also music. In this shoujo, music will also connect, heal, and deepen the bonds between two people.
Shinichi Chiaki is a first-class musician whose dream is to play among the elites in Europe. Coming from a distinguished family, he is an infamous perfectionist—not only is he highly critical of himself, but of others as well. The only thing stopping Shinichi from leaving for Europe is his fear of flying. As a result, he’s grounded in Japan.
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During his fourth year at Japan’s top music university, Shinichi happens to meet Megumi Noda or, as she refers to herself, Nodame. On the surface, she seems to be an unkempt girl with no direction in life. However, when Shinichi hears Nodame play the piano for the first time, he is in awe of the kind of music she creates. Nevertheless, Shinichi is dismayed to discover that Nodame is his neighbour, and worse, she ends up falling head over heels in love with him.
Nodame Cantabile is a little bit special because it’s one of those rare times when the adaptation ends up as good as or in this case better than, the original. So this anime is definitely worth your time.
3. Hachimitsu to Clover (Honey and Clover)
Episodes 36 | Aired Spring 2005 | Produced by J.C.Staff and Nomad
A coming of age love story of three guys and two girls.
Yuuta, Takumi, and Shinobu share a six-tatami room apartment with no bath. The rent is low and it’s perfect for poor college students such as themselves. Shinobu is a mysterious, quirky person, who does things on a whim. Takumi is passionate both in work and love, and Yuuta is a simple person with simple dreams and desires. That is until he meets Hagumi, a petite girl with an enormous amount of talent. Hagumi is fondly called Hagu by Shuuji, who serves as Hagu’s guardian. Hagu meets Ayumi, nicknamed Ayu, and they become close friends almost instantly. Meanwhile, Ayu falls for one of the boys…
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The joys of falling in love, the pain of letting go, discovering one’s self, and finding the courage to move on—these are some of the things that the characters in Hachimitsu to Clover experience as they take part in the play staged by fate.
It really makes you feel the nostalgia of your college days and maybe that is why you understand the characters more, feel for them, and get where they are coming from. All in all Hachimitsu to Clover (Honey and Clover) is a beautiful, realistic slice of college life with excellent music and some fairly good seiyuu.
2. Koe no Katachi (A Silent Voice)
Episodes 1 | Aired Sep 17, 2016 | Produced by Kyoto Animation
Be prepared to go on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Showing how love can find you no matter where or what situation you are in life.
As a wild youth, elementary school student Shouya Ishida sought to beat boredom in the cruellest ways. When the deaf Shouko Nishimiya transfers into his class, Shouya and the rest of his class thoughtlessly bully her for fun. However, when her mother notifies the school, he is singled out and blamed for everything done to her. With Shouko transferring out of the school, Shouya is left at the mercy of his classmates. He is heartlessly ostracized all throughout elementary and middle school, while teachers turn a blind eye.
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Now in his third year of high school, Shouya is still plagued by his wrongdoings as a young boy. Sincerely regretting his past actions, he sets out on a journey of redemption: to meet Shouko once more and make amends.
Koe no Katachi tells the heartwarming tale of Shouya’s reunion with Shouko and his honest attempts to redeem himself, all while being continually haunted by the shadows of his past.
A Silent Voice is a great film that also falls into the romance anime genre. It leaves you reflecting like all good films should do, questioning your interactions with people both past and present, making us all try to be better people.
1. Kotonoha no Niwa (The Garden of Words)
Episodes 1 | Aired May 31, 2013 | Produced by CoMix Wave Films
The Garden of Words is an emotional story showing the bittersweetness of love or is it actually more, showing the loneliness and solitude that comes with trying to achieve your dreams. Either way, it’s an anime that really resonates well with me.
On a rainy morning in Tokyo, Takao Akizuki, an aspiring shoemaker, decides to skip class to sketch designs in a beautiful garden. This is where he meets Yukari Yukino, a beautiful yet mysterious woman, for the very first time. Offering to make her new shoes, Takao continues to meet with Yukari throughout the rainy season, and without even realizing it, the two are able to alleviate the worries hidden in their hearts just by being with each other. However, their personal struggles have not disappeared completely, and as the end of the rainy season approaches, their relationship will be put to the test.
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It may not be for all and some might say it’s not that good but I really think it’s a story that looks simple but it is way more complex and requires your full attention to see more than what is on the surface.
And if you are more of an action-packed adrenaline-pumping action fan than a heartwarming romance lover, check out our Top 25 Best Action Anime Of All Time For Action Fans.
If you’re here thanks for reading to the end and I hope you enjoyed my ramblings.
And sorry this took me longer than I expected to finish and if you love it, I still have a few more I can turn into a list.
And till next time keep trying to love everyone.
