25 Best Romance Anime You Should Watch Right Now

Jan. 20, 2023, 12:10 a.m.

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25 Best Romance Anime You Should Watch Right Now

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Summary Love stories are foundational to anime, resulting in the best romance anime also being some of the best anime overall.

Romance anime focus on character connection and development, distinguishing them from other genres.

Consider trying romance anime for compelling and solid series, even if you typically prefer action shonen series.

Love stories are foundational to anime, which is why it's no surprise that the best romance anime are also some of the best anime period. Whether it be understated and adult or loud and juvenile, romance anime are endlessly compelling and have a massive fan base for good reason. Even fans of straight-up action shonen series might want to give romance anime a try given how many solid series there are.

One advantage romance anime have over their more action-oriented counterparts is that a focus on characters is an absolute requirement. While a sci-fi or fantasy series might be able to get away with a forgettable cast of characters, a love story needs to pay extra attention to its characters or else the story will fall apart. It's this focus on characters connecting and growing together that end up defining the very best romance anime series.

25 Insomniacs After School

Based on the Manga Created By Makoto Ojiro

This recent hit based on the manga by Makoto Ojiro follows two high school students, the reclusive Ganta Nakami and the outgoing Isaki Magari who bond over their mutual insomnia. Together, the sleepless duo reform their school's Astronomy club despite their conflicting personalities. Far from a typical romance anime, Insomniacs goes for a far more muted and understated romance than anything big or grand. There's a real sense of introspection that gives viewers an intimate sense of who the two leads really are. Insomniacs After School might be recent, but it's already one of the best anime romances.

24 My Happy Marriage

Based on the Light Novel Series Created By Akumi Agitogi

My Happy Marriage Where to Watch stream

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My Happy Marriage follows a young woman named Miyo who is forced by societal pressure into marrying a man from a well-respected family named Kiyoka. Though Kiyoka has a reputation for scaring off many potential fiances, Miyo quickly learns that her future husband isn't quite what he seems on the surface. This hybrid of romance and fantasy is one of 2023's biggest romance anime, and much of that is because of the likable characters. Miyo and Kiyoka's romance is the definition of sweet, making the series a truly memorable romance.

23 Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku

Based on the Manga Created By Fujita

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for an Otaku (2018) Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for an Otaku is a romantic comedy series that explores the romantic relationships of otaku, or passionate fans of anime and gaming, in the workplace. The show centers around childhood friends Narumi and Hirotaka, who navigate the complexities of love and friendship while embracing their geeky interests. The series delves into the challenges and delights of finding romance as an adult with otaku hobbies. Cast Arisa Date , Kento Ito , Miyuki Sawashiro , Tomokazu Sugita , Yûki Kaji , Aoi Yuki Release Date April 12, 2018 Seasons 1 Streaming Service(s) Prime Video Franchise(s) Wotakoi: Love is Hard for an Otaku Writers Fujita Directors Yoshimasa Hiraike Main Genre Comedy Creator(s) Fujita Expand

As the name suggests, Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku is all about the unique challenges and perks of dating as an otaku, someone obsessed with things like games and anime, and it gives the viewer a good idea of what to expect from the start. In the first episode, Narumi's nerdy nature is exposed on her first day at a new job after running into her old friend Hirotaka. Later that day, after she complains about her romantic troubles, the two otakus decide to try dating each other. Whilst their otaku obsessions cause unique issues and awkward moments, it's almost always a source of cute and gentle comedy rather than any real drama. Good characters and an unusual premise make Wotakoi worth a try.

22 My Little Monster

Based on the Manga Created By Robico

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An odd-couple shoujo anime with plenty of great comedic moments, My Little Monster is ideal for anyone looking for lighthearted romance and fun characters. Centered on Shizuku Mizutani, a studious girl who lacks any friends, and Haru Yoshida, a delinquent student with a reputation for violence, My Little Monster is all about how people can make unexpected connections. The two connect thanks to neither having any friends in the class and, though Shizuku's lack of social skills means she struggles at first, they soon develop feelings for each other. Whilst My Little Monster is a little light on romantic moments, that's also what makes it such easy viewing.

Related 10 Shoujo Anime that Deserved a Second Season These shoujo anime have fluttered many hearts over the years. Their beautiful stories and charming romances are most deserving of a second season.

21 Komi Can't Communicate

Based on the Manga Created By Tomohito Oda

Komi Can't Communicate (2016) Komi Can't Communicate is an animated series focusing on Shoko Komi, a high school student with severe communication anxiety. Despite her social challenges, she becomes the school's most admired figure. Aided by a classmate, Hitohito Tadano, Komi embarks on a journey to overcome her fears and make 100 friends. The series blends humor and heartfelt moments while addressing themes of social anxiety and friendship. Cast Amber Lee Connors , Kyle McCarley , Skyler Davenport , Sarah Williams , Cristina Vee , Cherami Leigh Release Date October 7, 2021 Seasons 2 Streaming Service(s) Netflix Franchise(s) Komi Can't Communicate Writers Deko Akao Directors Kazuki Kawagoe , Ayumu Watanabe Main Genre Comedy Creator(s) Tomohito Oda Expand

An adaptation of one of the most popular manga in recent years, Komi Can't Communicate is all about the titular Komi and her problems making friends at school. Though she's immensely popular as a mysterious figure, Komi doesn't actually have any friends because of her struggle with talking to others.

Hitohito Tadano discovers her problem and decides to help her make friends, resulting in a sweet comedy with some genuinely memorable moments. The only downside for romance fans is that the relationship between the two is often sidelined during Komi's quest to make friends and connect with her fellow students.

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20 My Love Story!!

Based on the Manga Created By Kazune Kawahara & Aruko

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With his huge, intimidating stature, Takeo Gouda stands out a lot among his fellow high-school freshmen, and it's bad news for the kind boy's love life in My Love Story!!. Compounded by his best friend being the school heartthrob, it's not until he meets the cute Rinko Yamato that his fortunes finally begin to change.

The manga that the animated series was based on won the Kodansha Manga Award for Best Shoujo Manga in 2013, which shows just how popular and well-reviewed it was at the time.

Though he's resigned to playing matchmaker for the girl, the two are the perfect pair for each other despite looking like total opposites. For anime fans that love cute moments, comedy, and odd-couple romances, My Love Story!! is one of the quintessential cozy romance anime series.

19 TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You

Based on the Manga Created By Kenjiro Hata

Fly Me To the Moon (2018) Writers Kenjiro Hata Penciler(s) Kenjiro Hata Inker(s) Kenjiro Hata Colorist(s) Kenjiro Hata Publisher(s) Viz Media

Tonikaku Kawaii, or TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You as the first season is titled in English, certainly starts with some drama, with protagonist Nasa Yuzaki narrowly avoiding death in a truck accident only to chase after the mysterious girl that saved him, injured, to ask her out.

Luckily, after she accepts his confession on the odd condition that the two of them get married, it gives way to a show with little drama and tons of sweet romantic moments. Plenty of anime leave shocking twists for the very end but Tonikawa leaves the high stakes behind after the opening and each episode is a wholesome treat guaranteed to leave the viewer with a smile.

18 Maid Sama!

Based on the Manga Created By Hiro Fujiwara

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Whilst shoujo anime has produced some great dramatic endings, it's also responsible for a ton of incredibly fun and laid back romances. Maid Sama! is arguably one of the best to come out of shoujo anime, centered on Seika High School's strict new school council president and the one secret she doesn't want to get out. Of course, when a popular boy named Takumi Usui discovers that she works at a maid cafe and starts to tease her about it, a romance begins to blossom between the two. Along with cute romantic moments, Maid Sama! has plenty of slice-of-life fun for a relaxed good time.

17 Your Lie in April

Based on the Manga Created By Naoshi Arakawa

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Your Lie in April follows Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy who loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother's death. His life changes when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a spirited violinist who helps him rediscover his passion for music. The series explores themes of loss, recovery, and the power of music in healing. The show stars Natsuki Hanae as Kousei and Risa Taneda as Kaori. Cast Max Mittelman , Erica Lindbeck , Erica Mendez , Kyle McCarley , Erik Scott Kimerer , Erika Harlacher , Stephanie Sheh , Wendee Lee , Carrie Keranen , Christina Vee Release Date October 9, 2014 Seasons 1 Streaming Service(s) Crunchyroll , Hulu Franchise(s) Your Lie in April Writers Takao Yoshioka Directors Kyohei Ishiguro Main Genre Drama Creator(s) Naoshi Arakawa Expand

Few romance anime are as touching as Your Lie in April, and that's no small achievement. The series follows a young piano prodigy named Kōsei Arima who becomes so traumatized by the death of his mother that he quits his passion for his music. Kōsei's life turns around though when he meets a violinist named Kaori Miyazono.

With Kaori's bright spirit and undying optimism, Kōsei slowly comes out of his shell and rediscovers his love of music. The series is filled with heartbreaking twists that still have an impact on fans years after the series concluded. If a fan of romance anime is looking for a tearjerker, then they can't do much better than Your Lie in April.

16 Monthly Girls' Nozaki-Kun

Based on the Manga Created By Izumi Tsubaki

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun is a humorous anime series following high school student Chiyo Sakura, who confesses her love to her classmate Umetarou Nozaki, only to discover he is a shoujo manga artist. Instead of reciprocating her feelings, Nozaki enlists Chiyo as his assistant, leading to a series of comical and heartwarming events as they navigate the challenges of high school and manga creation. Cast Yuichi Nakamura , Ari Ozawa , Masumi Tazawa , Sawako Hata , Christina Marie Kelly , Juliet Simmons , Ty Mahany , Tiffany Terrell Release Date June 1, 2014 Seasons 1 Main Genre Anime

The downside of low-stakes romcoms is that they often focus a lot more on the comedy aspect rather than developing the central relationships. Whilst Monthly Girls' Nozaki-Kun arguably suffers from this, the show's unique humor and charming characters more than make up for it.

The show is centered on Chiyo Sakura, a girl with a massive crush on the deadpan, oblivious shoujo romance author Umetarou Nozaki, and her attempts to get her feelings across to him form the heart of the show. They aren't its only charming pair, however, as the side characters all get their own romantic subplots that are just as much lighthearted fun.

15 Horimiya

Based on the Manga Created By Hero & Daisuke Hagiwara

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Proof that low-stakes romance doesn't have to mean generic characters, Horimiya boasts one of the most distinctive central couples in anime in the form of the apparently very different Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura. Though she appears to be popular and sociable, and he appears timid and withdrawn, Horimiya sees them discovering the surprising things they have in common.

Related 10 Most Confusing Relationships In Anime Anime is a fantastic medium for romance, but quite a lot of anime get really strange about their romances, making anime fans scratch their head.

How much a viewer enjoys the series is dependent on how well they get along with Horimiya's cast of side characters and their stories, as the show dedicates plenty of time to developing them as well. There are some emotional moments too, but the show stays very much in the realm of lighthearted romcom, making it perfect as sweet low-stakes entertainment.

14 Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai Is Surprisingly Wholesome

Anime series by CloverWorks; Based on the light novel by Hajime Kamoshida

To escape the pressure of her actress work, Mai Sakurajima decides to take a hiatus but suddenly realizes people can't see or perceive her, due to something called Adolescence Syndrome. The only one who sees her is Sakuta Azusagawa, whose sister suffered from the same condition, and decides to help Mai in solving this mystery.

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is far more wholesome than one might think. Sakuta and Mai become a couple very early on, and from then on, Sakuta and Mai's relationship always has a lot of maturity and heart to it; their relationship isn't always the focus, but every moment where they're just a regular couple always makes for some of the best material in the story.

13 Given Is an Excellent Drama in Addition to a Sweet Romance

Anime Series by Lerche; Based on the Manga by Natsuki Kizu

Given (2019) Given (2019) is an anime series that follows the journey of four musicians navigating their personal struggles and relationships while forming a rock band. The story centers on high school student Ritsuka Uenoyama and his introduction to the world of music and romance through his bandmate, Mafuyu Sato. Directed by Hikaru Yamaguchi, the series explores themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of music. Cast Shogo Yano , Yuma Uchida , Masatomo Nakazawa , Takuya Eguchi , Fumiya Imai Release Date July 12, 2019 Seasons 1

Given is an excellent anime recommendation not just because of its prominent romance plot, which follows two couples in the show as well as a third in the original manga, but because of its deep, heart-wrenching drama. It makes poignant use of music and the creation of it, as the show's titular band forms around their newest member, Mafuyu, and his innate singing and songwriting talents. The result is a reminder of the power music can have on the heart. It stands as the most stellar BL offering, which is an essential experience for anybody looking to explore the genre.

12 Toradora! Remains an Excellent Choice for New Romance Anime Fans

Anime Series by J.C.Staff; Based on the Light Novel by Yuyuko Takemiya

Toradora! (2008) Toradora! is an anime series that revolves around the unique friendship between Ryuuji Takasu, a kind-hearted high school student with an intimidating face, and Taiga Aisaka, a diminutive yet fierce girl. Together, they navigate their respective love interests, forming an unexpected bond while helping each other pursue their romantic goals. The series blends comedy, drama, and romance in a high school setting, offering a heartwarming and nuanced narrative. Cast Erik Scott Kimerer , Cassandra Lee Morris , Christine Marie Cabanos , Johnny Yong Bosch , Erika Harlacher Release Date October 2, 2008 Seasons 1 Streaming Service(s) Crunchyroll , HBO Max Franchise(s) Toradora! Writers Mari Okada Directors Tatsuyuki Nagai Main Genre Animation Creator(s) Yuyuko Takemiya Expand

Atop many recommendation lists for people looking to get into romance anime, Toradora! ages particularly well and breaks genre traditions. Its scenarios are relatable and stand the test of time, presenting a romance between its two leads while crafting a believable and hilarious set of potential connections for viewers to follow. Still, the adorable lead characters, Ryuji Takasu, who is written in the anime as dense regarding girls' affection toward him, and Taiga Aisaka, a clumsy and feisty quasi-Tsundere whose vulnerable side shows within the first episode, will win viewers over instantly.

11 The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You Is A Romance Anime Unlike Any Other

Anime series by Bibury Animation Studios; Based on the manga by Rikito Nakamura & Yukiko Nozawa

The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You (2023) The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You is a romantic comedy series that follows high school student Rentarou Aijo, who, after being rejected 100 times, meets 100 girls destined to be his true loves. Each girl falls deeply in love with him, creating humorous and complicated scenarios. Adapted from the manga by Rikito Nakamura and Yukiko Nozawa, the series explores themes of love, destiny, and teenage relationships. Cast Wataru Katoh , Kaede Hondo , Miyu Tomita , Maria Naganawa , Asami Seto Release Date October 8, 2023 Seasons 1

Harem anime might have a divisive reputation, but The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You deserves none of that criticism. The genuine love Rentaro and his harem have for each other makes 100 Girlfriends' story surprisingly heartwarming, far more than the average harem story that never truly justifies its premise.

After adding in the usual comedy and shenanigans that a harem series thrives on, 100 Girlfriends stands out by giving fans a romance anime that caters to all tastes and manages to stand out even against strong competition.

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10 My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 Is Perfect for Gamers Who Love Romance

Anime Series by Madhouse; Based on the Manga by Mashiro

Fans of the original manga were quick to flock to this series due to its depiction of relatable romances and how differently young adults can react to relationships, as college student Akane Kinoshita meets third-year high school student Akito Yamada. Akane meets Yamada on a popular MMORPG, Forest of Savior, where, despite their vastly different personalities, a strong connection forms. Readers particularly love the adorable, occasionally dense male lead, Yamada. With only thirteen episodes so far, fans craving more have flocked to Mangamo, one of the best manga reader apps around, for more of the latest chapters.

9 Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me To You Is a Shojo Classic

Anime Series by Production I.G; Based on the Manga by Karuho Shiina

With its premise of a female lead trying to make friends, on the surface, it can be easy to compare Kimi ni Todoke to other romance anime like Komi Can't Communicate, but doing so would be reductive. Kimi ni Todoke: From Me To You features Sawako Kuronuma, whose passing resemblance to Sadako Yamamura from The Ring limits her prospects for friends until she meets Shōta Kazehaya, a popular classmate and love interest. Kimi ni Todoke stands as an excellent slice of life anime with its first seasons on Crunchyroll, as well as a new season alongside a Netflix live-action adaptation.

8 Fruits Basket

Based on the Manga Created By Natsuki Takaya

Fruits Basket (2019) Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Cast Laura Bailey , Eric Vale , Jerry Jewell , John Burgmeier , Elizabeth Maxwell , Mikaela Krantz , Colleen Clinkenbeard Release Date April 6, 2019 Seasons 3 Streaming Service(s) Crunchyroll Franchise(s) Fruits Basket Writers Natsuki Takaya Directors Yoshihide Ibata Main Genre Drama Creator(s) Yûichirô Kido , Natsuki Takaya Expand

Fruits Basket is commonly regarded as one of the most important shojo series of all time, and for good reason. The series follows a teenage girl named Tohru who moves in with the enigmatic Sohma family after her mother dies in a tragic car crash. Despite the tragedy, Tohru quickly becomes wrapped up in the interpersonal drama of the Sohma family, whose members are all cursed to turn into members of the Chinese Zodiac when under duress.

As Tohru gains the family's trust, she works with them to break the curse that's held them back for so long. More than a novel premise, Fruits Basket is an endlessly endearing romance series that earned two anime adaptations. Both adaptations have their merits, but only the most recent anime series starting in 2019 actually concluded the manga's story.

7 Clannad Is One Of Anime's Most Iconic Romance Stories For A Reason

Anime series by Kyoto Animation; Based on the visual novel by Key

Clannad is often regarded as one of the best romance anime of all time, and it's easy to see why. Clannad strikes an almost perfect balance between comedy, romance, and drama, and overall, it flawlessly distills the original visual novel into a single narrative.

Following the story of Tomoya Oyazaki first through high school and then in his adult life, this anime is all about the relationship he builds with the love of life, Nagisa Furukawa. The ending might be hard to follow, but even that doesn't take away from the incredible writing found in every episode from start to finish.

6 Kamisama Kiss Is the Perfect Supernatural Romantic Comedy

Anime Series by TMS Entertainment; Based on the Manga by Julietta Suzuki

The beauty of the romance anime genre is that it can cross into many genres with exceptional success, with fans looking fondly back on Kamisama Kiss for wholesome and entertaining supernatural shojo shenanigans. New viewers will be immediately enthralled by Tomoe, a fox yokai and deuteragonist whose contract as familiar is formed with Nanami Momozono, sealed by an incredible kiss scene in the first episode. The series is awash with an ethereal ghostly color filter as Nanami learns her responsibilities at Mikage shrine and starts a beautiful love story with Tomoe in one of the best shojo anime ever.