When it comes to anime, some of the best series are those that masterfully combine romance with exciting action. These are the shows that keep viewers on edge with intense battles, but also touch the heart with deep romances between characters.
Whether through epic sword fights, magical duels, or futuristic mech battles, the added layer of romance to an action anime raises the stakes, making it an even better watch. Ranging from classic love stories with fierce action to modern anime that push genre boundaries, there are many shows that combine action and romance with incredible results.
10
Chivalry of a failed knight
The story of the school’s “worst” knight gaining strength and love
Chivalry of a failed knight follows the story of Ikki Kurogane, who is a “failed” knight at an academy where students fight using their magical abilities. Despite being ranked the worst in his school, Ikki's determination and swordsmanship catch the attention of Stella Vermillion, a powerful princess who is also his roommate.
The anime combines action-packed battles with the slowly developing romance between Ikki and Stella, where they go from friends to lovers. As the stakes rise with each tournament, the bond between them grows strongeradding depth and emotional intensity to each fight.
9
Maoyu: archenemy and hero
A strategic and political fantasy-action novel
Maoyu is a Japanese anime series that explores the complex relationship between a hero and a demon king in a war-torn fantasy world. By joining forces to carry out social and economic reforms, they aim to end the cyclical conflict between humans and demons. The series delves into themes of diplomacy, economics and trade, presenting a unique approach to peace and conflict resolution in a war-torn world.
- Release date
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January 5, 2013
- Seasons
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1
- Creator(s)
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Takao Yoshioka
Mayou: Archenemy and Hero is a fantasy story with a twist, focused on the strategic and political consequences of the war. The story begins when the Hero confronts the Demon Queen, only to discover that she desires an alliance to bring true peace to her world.
Their partnership blossoms into a deep and intelligent romance as the two work together to better the world. The action comes from your strategic battles and moves in the face of resistance from human and demonic factions. But what really defines Mayou Set apart as one of the best action romance anime is the growing affection between the two main characters and their philosophical discussions.
8
Romeo x Juliet
A fantastic retelling of one of Shakespeare's most classic tales
Romeo vs. Juliet is a 2007 Japanese anime series that offers a reinvented take on William Shakespeare's classic tragedy. Set on the floating island of Neo Verona, it follows Juliet's quest for justice against the ruling Montague family. Voiced by Fumie Mizusawa and Takahiro Mizushima, the series delves into themes of love, loyalty and rebellion. Directed by Fumitoshi Oizaki, this adaptation mixes romance and fantasy in a richly detailed world.
- Release date
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April 7, 2007
- Seasons
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1
- Streaming Services
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Funimation, Hulu
Romeo x Juliet is a fantastical retelling of Shakespeare's classic tale, set in a world where political turmoil and rebellion are out of control. The anime revolves around the love story of Juliet, the last surviving member of the Capulet family, and Romeo, the son of the tyrant who destroyed his family.
As Juliet fights for justice and the freedom of Neo Verona, the romance between her and Romeo is tender and moving. Action-packed sword fights and revolutionary battles make every moment of their love even more intense, as the couple faces insurmountable odds in their fight for a better world.
7
Re:ZERO
A brutal action and romance full of death and despair
In RE:Zero, Subaru Natsuki is an ordinary teenager transported to a fantasy world where he quickly discovers a cruel ability: every time he dies, he returns to a set point in the past, retaining his memories. Forced to relive his failures, Subaru embarks on a journey of self-improvement and resilience to protect his new friends and solve the mystery behind his power.
- Release date
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April 4, 2016
- Franchise(s)
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Re: Zero
- Creator(s)
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Tappei Nagatsuki
This anime combines brutal action with an emotional rollercoaster of romance and despair. Subaru Natsuki, the main character, is thrown into a fantasy world where he has the ability to return to a specific point in time after dying. As he faces horrific challenges and increasingly brutal deaths, his feelings for Emilia, a half-elf girl, keep him sane.
Their romance develops amid dangerous battles, but the series isn't afraid to show the darker sides of Subaru's devotionmaking this anime a mix of intense action, psychological tension and tender romantic moments. As one of the most successful isekai anime out there, Re: Zero It earned its reputation thanks to its mix of heavy themes and light-hearted moments.
6
The Ancient Wizard's Bride
The love story between an ancient wizard and his new wife
The Ancient Magus' Bride is an animated series that follows Chise Hatori, a teenage girl sold into slavery who is purchased by Elias Ainsworth, a mysterious wizard. Set in a world where magical and mythological creatures exist, the show explores themes of self-discovery and transformation as Chise becomes the wizard's apprentice and learns to harness her own latent abilities.
- Release date
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October 7, 2017
- Seasons
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2
The Ancient Wizard's Bride is about Chise Hatori, a young woman sold into slavery, and Elias Ainsworth, an ancient and powerful wizard who buys her with the intention of making her his apprentice and future wife. The anime combines fantasy action with an unconventional, burgeoning romance.
Chise's journey is filled with magical battles and supernatural creatures, but the main story is the bond between her and Elijah. Their relationship, although slow to develop, is deeply emotional and intertwined with Chise's path of self-discovery. While the setting, based on slavery, is understandably controversial, the series quickly develops in a more sincere and respectful direction.
5
Destination/Overnight
An iconic anime full of intense fights and incredible romance
Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works is an anime series directed by Takahiro Miura. It follows high school student Shirou Emiya, who is thrown into a deadly tournament known as the Holy Grail War. With the help of his servant, Saber, Shirou must navigate complex alliances and face formidable adversaries. The series explores themes of heroism, sacrifice and the nature of power.
- Release date
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October 4, 2014
- Seasons
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2
- Franchise(s)
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Destination/Overnight
Destination/Overnight is an iconic anime known for its mix of epic battles and romance. The story revolves around the Holy Grail War, where wizards summon heroic spirits to fight for the ultimate prize. At the center of this conflict is Shirou Emiya, a young mage, and Saber, his summoned servant.
Although their relationship begins as a traditional master-servant dynamic, it soon evolves into something deeper over the course of their battles side by side. The romance between Shirou and Saber is tragic and beautiful, raising the emotional stakes of each battle as the two fight to protect each other.
4
Yona do Amanhecer
A classic princess and her bodyguard romance full of action-packed adventures
Yona of the Dawn follows the story of Yona, a sheltered princess whose kingdom is overthrown by a childhood friend. Forced to flee, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and survival, seeking to reclaim her lost throne with the help of her loyal bodyguard and new allies. The series mixes elements of fantasy, adventure and romance, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal growth.
Yona do Amanhecer tells the story of Princess Yona, who was forced to flee her kingdom after a coup led by her childhood friend and crush, Su-Won. With the help of her loyal bodyguard, Hak, Yona sets out on a journey to reclaim the throne. The anime combines Yona's personal growth as she transforms from a sheltered princess into a fierce warrior with the slow-burn romance between her and Hak.
The action sequences are breathtaking, but it's the emotions and magical moments in Yona's evolving relationship with Hak that really set this fantasy romance anime apart.
3
Darling in the Franxx
A dystopian Mech-Romance that will keep viewers on edge
Darling in the Franxx is set in a dystopian future where children are trained to pilot giant mechs in a war against monstrous creatures. The story focuses on Hiro and Zero Two two pilots with a complicated and intense relationship. As they fight together in the Franxx unit, their bond deepens and their romantic connection becomes a central part of the story.
The action scenes are fast and full of risks, but it's the emotional tension between Hiro and Zero Two that makes each battle even more meaningful.
2
InuYasha
A classic fantasy, action and romance story full of laughs and heartwarming moments
Inuyasha, commonly referred to as Inuyasha: A Feudal Fairy Tale, revolves around a Japanese teenager who travels through time to help a half-demon collect all the shards of the sacred jewel. The anime is based on the manga of the same name and ran for a total of 167 episodes between 2000 and 2004.
- Seasons
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7
- Creator(s)
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Rumiko Takahashi
InuYasha is a beloved classic by Rumiko Takahashi that mixes romance, historical fantasy and action. Kagome, a modern-day high school student, is transported to feudal Japan, where she meets InuYasha, a half-demon. Together, they go on a quest to recover the fragments of a powerful jewel, fighting demons and other threats along the way.
The slow-burn romance between Kagome and InuYasha has become iconic among anime fans, creating one of the most heartwarming dynamics in the medium. Their journey is filled with funny moments, tension, and emotion, and their growing relationship adds layers of complexity to the series' many action-packed battles.
1
Sword Art Online
A virtual reality world where real people are trapped and must fight to survive
Sword Art Online is an anime series that follows protagonist Kirito as he and thousands of others become trapped in a virtual reality MMORPG where death in the game means death in real life. Kirito must navigate this dangerous and immersive world to find a way to escape, facing numerous challenges and building alliances along the way. The series explores themes of survival, friendship and the fine line between reality and fantasy.
- Release date
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July 8, 2012
- Seasons
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4
- Creator(s)
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Reki Kawahara
Sword Art Online is an anime set in a virtual reality MMORPG video game where players are trapped, and death in the game means death in real life. Kirito, a skilled solo player, forms a romantic bond with Asuna as they struggle to survive. Their love story unfolds amid dangerous boss battles and high-stakes combat, giving each fight emotional weight.
As Kirito and Asuna grow closer, their relationship becomes the driving force behind his determination to escape the gamemixing thrilling action with heartfelt romance. Even after the setting changes to another virtual reality game, the bond between Kirito and Asuna remains the glue that holds the story together, making this a great example of how to mix romance and action in an anime.