But with so many fantastic series released each year, where do you even begin? Fear not, fellow otaku, for this list dives into the Best Romantic Anime Series that graced our screens, offering something for every type of love story craving.
Anime romance! A realm of blushing confessions, epic misunderstandings that would rival Shakespearean tragedies, and enough heart-eyed moments to power a shonen protagonist’s ultimate attack.
Violet Evergarden: A Blooming Heart Learns the Language of Love
In a world recovering from a devastating war, Violet Evergarden, a stoic former child soldier, embarks on a new mission – to become an Auto Memories Doll, a person who transcribes people’s thoughts and feelings into letters.
Through her interactions with her eccentric co-workers and the stories she helps write, Violet starts to understand the complexities of human emotions, including the mysterious concept of love.
Violet Evergarden is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant story about self-discovery, the healing power of words, and the blossoming of love amidst the scars of war.
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
Looking for a rom-com with a touch of the supernatural? Then look no further than Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai! Sakuta Azusagawa, a sarcastic high school student, encounters a series of girls experiencing a bizarre phenomenon known as “Puberty Syndrome,” manifesting as fantastical situations.
One such girl is Mai Sakurajima, a former actress who has become invisible to everyone except Sakuta. Together, they navigate these quirky situations, uncovering the personal struggles behind each “syndrome” and forming a heartwarming bond in the process.
Kaguya-sama: Love is War: The Hilarious High School Battlefield of Love
Get ready for a laugh riot with Kaguya-sama: Love is War! This ongoing rom-com takes a hilarious look at the power struggle between two brilliant student council presidents, Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane. Too prideful to admit their feelings, they
engage in elaborate schemes and mind games to try and force the other to confess their love first. Their battle royale of love, fueled by witty dialogue, outrageous misunderstandings, and a supporting cast of equally quirky characters, guarantees a side-splitting viewing experience.
Fruits Basket: (A Timeless Tale, Reimagined)
Tohru Honda, a kind and optimistic high school girl, finds herself living with the mysterious Sohma family. The Sohmas harbor a secret – they transform into the animals of the Chinese zodiac under emotional stress.
As Tohru navigates the complexities of family dynamics and supernatural curses, she forms heartwarming bonds with the Sohma men, each with their own emotional baggage.
Fruits Basket offers a beautiful portrayal of love, friendship, and the importance of self-acceptance, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a heartwarming romance.
Given: Melodies of the Heart
For some, love blossoms through shared passions. Given follows the story of Mafuyu Sato, a high school student who struggles to play his guitar after a personal tragedy. He encounters Ritsuka Uenoyama, a talented guitarist with a blunt personality.
Ritsuka, impressed by Mafuyu’s raw talent, agrees to help him improve. As they spend time together practicing music, their bond deepens, leading to a heartwarming and emotional exploration of love, self-discovery, and the healing power of music.
Kase-san and Yamada: A Slice-of-Life Love Story with a Touch of Yuri (Girls’ Love)
This charming slice-of-life anime follows the blossoming relationship between Kase-san, a stoic and athletic high school student, and Yamada, a shy and bookish girl. Their connection begins with a simple act of kindness – Kase-san lending Yamada her umbrella on a rainy day.
Kase-san and Yamada portrays the awkwardness and sweetness of young love in a realistic and relatable way. With its beautiful watercolor aesthetic and focus on everyday moments, this anime offers a refreshing and heartwarming portrayal of yuri romance.
Horimiya: Opposites Attract (and Maybe Fall in Love)
This delightful rom-com features a classic trope with a delightful twist. Kyoko Hori, the popular and seemingly perfect student council vice president, hides a secret – she’s a responsible homebody who takes care of her younger brother.
Miyamura Izumi, on the other hand, appears quiet and unassuming, but by day, he sports a punk rock look and multiple piercings. When their paths cross unexpectedly outside of school, they strike up an
unlikely friendship based on their shared desire for normalcy. Horimiya offers a sweet and realistic portrayal of young love, with relatable characters and a healthy dose of humor.
Love After World Domination
This unique rom-com takes a hilarious look at the unlikely relationship between superheroes and supervillains. Fudo Aikawa, also known as the hero Red Gelato, and Desumi Magahara, the villainous leader of the Gecko Kaito organization, are forced to live together as part of a peace treaty.
Forced proximity and a shared love for video games create sparks between the sworn enemies, leading to a comedic exploration of love, rivalry, and the challenges of maintaining a relationship between good and evil.
Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie: Beyond the Adorable Facade Lies a Badass Girlfriend
This adorable rom-com subverts the expectations of the “moe” (cute) aesthetic. Izumi Miyamura, a high school student prone to misfortune, finds his life constantly disrupted by embarrassing accidents.
Enter Shikimori Michchri, his seemingly clumsy and cute classmate. However, whenever danger approaches Miyamura, Shikimori transforms into a cool and athletic heroine, effortlessly saving him from sticky situations.
Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie offers a delightful twist on the classic damsel-in-distress trope, showcasing a strong and supportive girlfriend and the sweetness of a blossoming high school romance.
Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It : Love Through the Lens of Lab experiment
For some, love is a scientific phenomenon waiting to be analyzed. Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It follows the story of Ayame Himuro, a stoic and logical science prodigy, and Shinya Yukimura, a cheerful and equally brilliant science enthusiast.
Unconvinced by the concept of love, Ayame attempts to prove its scientific basis through a series of experiments involving Shinya. This hilarious rom-com explores the complexities of human emotions through a scientific lens, offering a unique and humorous take on the power of love.
Kanojo, Okarishimasu (Rent-a-Girlfriend)
This ongoing rom-com takes a lighthearted look at the world of rental girlfriends. Kinoshita Kazuya, a heartbroken college student, rents a girlfriend through a special service. Chizuru Mizuhara, the beautiful and charming rental girlfriend, quickly captivates Kazuya.
However, their fake relationship gets complicated when their families and friends become involved. Kanojo, Okarishimasu offers a fun and entertaining take on modern dating culture, exploring the evolving dynamic between a fake couple with genuine feelings simmering beneath the surface.
Yuri Is My Job!: A Hilarious Idol Debut Fueled by Yuri Love
This comedic anime takes the concept of “idol anime” to a whole new level. Himedari Agency is a talent agency specializing in a unique brand of idol entertainment – yuri (girls’ love) idols.
Ayuzu Ai and Miyashita Yui, two aspiring actresses with a genuine dislike for each other, are forced to become idols. Despite their initial animosity, they must overcome their differences and create a convincing on-stage persona to succeed in the competitive world of idol entertainment.
Yuri Is My Job! is a hilarious and heartwarming satire of the idol industry, offering a side-splitting exploration of fake relationships, the power of friendship, and the unexpected ways love can blossom.
So, there you have it! Our top 12 picks for anime romances. This list offers a diverse range of stories, from classic high school rom-coms to unique takes on love and relationships.
Whether you crave laughter, tears, or a healthy dose of both, there’s an anime romance on this list waiting to steal your otaku heart. So, grab your favorite snacks, settle in for a viewing marathon, and prepare to be swept away by the magic of anime love!
