35 best romance anime you should watch right now

Love stories are central to anime, which is why it's no surprise that the best romance anime they are also some of the best periods of anime. Whether low-key and adult or loud and juvenile, romance anime are endlessly appealing and have a huge fan base for good reason. Even fans of straight-action shonen series might want to give romance anime a try, given how many solid series there are.

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

35

The 100 girlfriends who really love you

Bibury Animation Studios anime series; Based on the manga by Rikito Nakamura and Yukiko Nozawa

The Harem anime may have a controversial reputation, but The 100 girlfriends who really love you It doesn't deserve any of this criticism. The genuine love that Rentaro and his harem have for each other he does 100 girlfriends' surprisingly moving story, much more than the average harem story that never truly justifies its premise.

After adding the usual comedy and antics that a harem series thrives on, 100 girlfriends stands out for giving fans a romance that caters to all tastes and manages to stand out even in the face of strong competition.

34

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 reforms the school's astronomy club despite their conflicting personalities.

Far from being a typical romance anime, Insomniacs seeks a romance that is much more discreet and understated than anything big or grand. There's a real sense of introspection that gives viewers an intimate sense of who the two protagonists really are. Insomniacs after school It may be recent, but it's already one of the best anime romances.

33

Wotakoi: Love is hard for Otaku

Based on the manga created by Fujita

As the name suggests, Wotakoi: Love is hard for Otaku is about the unique challenges and perks of dating an otaku, someone obsessed with things like gaming 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 meeting her old friend Hirotaka. Later that day, after she complains about her romantic problems, the two otakus decide to try dating.

Although his otaku obsessions cause unique problems and awkward moments, it's almost always a source of cute, gentle comedy. instead of any real drama. Good characters and an unusual premise make Wotakoi it's worth a try.

32

My little monster

Based on the manga created by Robico

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.

31

Yona of the Dawn

Anime Series by Studio Pierrot; Based on the Manga by Mizuho Kusanagi

In Yona of the Dawn, the golden bubble where Yona lived secluded in the palace ends up being broken by a tragic event, betrayed by who she believed to be the love of her life, so she finds herself in the need to escape with her childhood friend and bodyguard, Hak. This way, both embark on a journey where they experience the cruel reality of many people while Yona searches for her destiny and life mission and Hak is dedicated to protecting her with his life.

Since Yona surrounds herself with men in her search for the legendary dragons, the anime might seem like a harem at first glance. However, Hak is the one in charge of adding a touch of romance to the plot, creating some of the sweetest situations, while Yona, little by little, starts to develop feelings and heal from her broken heart.

30

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion

Anime Series by Studio Typhoon Graphics; Based on the Manhwa by Milcha

Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion is an isekai anime following a protagonist who is killed and reincarnates as Raeliana McMillan, a secondary character from a novel she had read. Raeliana, knowing the fate of her character, makes a deal with Noah Wynknight, the protagonist of the novel, whom she ends up putting between a rock and a hard place in her fight to survive.

Despite his angelic face, Noah is a calculating and cold-hearted man, so it’s not easy for Raeliana to gain his trust. Because of this, their relationship is a continuous tug-of-war, but their dynamics and their little disagreements are what make the story more enjoyable. The anime has all the elements of a period drama, with politics and palace intrigues and where romance is born steadily between the two protagonists.

29

Love Hina

Anime Series by Xebec; Based on the Manga by Ken Akamatsu

Love Hina pushed the envelope for shonen anime thanks to abundant fan service and harem tropes that would become increasingly industry-standard as the decades passed. For 1990s kids, it was a well-marketed series, with ads appearing in Shōnen Jump magazine promoting these hilarious, occasionally risqué glimpses at the story of Keitaro Urashima and the girls staying at Hinata Inn.

Keitaro’s main stake in this charming series is to find the girl with whom he promised to go to Tokyo University in this shōnen romance classic.

28

Komi Can’t Communicate

Based on the Manga Created By Tomohito Oda

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.

27

Skip Beat!

Anime Series by studio Hal Film Maker; Based on the Manga by Yoshiki Nakamura

Skip Beat! is a classic shojo that tells the story of Kyoko Mogami, a teenager blinded by her love, who has been used by her boyfriend Shotaro and doesn’t realize it until he no longer needs her. However, far from losing herself in sadness, she looks for a way to get revenge on the man who degraded and humiliated her by entering the world of entertainment.

In this environment, Kyoko meets Ren Tsuruga, a young and handsome actor who is Sho’s biggest rival, with whom she establishes an adorable friendship that slowly builds into something more. Additionally, Kyoko is a hilarious character with unique reactions and occurrences, so her interactions with Ren, in addition to being incredibly funny, are also very sweet, since they are characters with little experience in love, which makes the anime the perfect option for fans of romantic comedies.

26

My Love Story!!

Based on the Manga Created By Kazune Kawahara & Aruko

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.

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.

25

Lovely Complex

Anime Series by Toei Animation; Based on the Manga by Aya Nakahara

Lovely Complex is an anime where a tall girl meets a short boy that doesn’t skimp on humor and sweet developments. While Atsushi Otani and Koizumi Risa seem like a polar opposite couple at first glance, both due to their height difference and their constant fights, they end up being much more compatible than they appear. Though they have the same energy and vibrant personalities, they don’t start on the best terms, but after they decide to help each other find a partner, their perception of each other begins to change, starting a friendship that later blooms into something more.

In Lovely Complex, in addition to hilariously charming characters, troubles, and misunderstandings, the anime answers whether height affects love and also addresses the prejudices, complexities, and insecurities of the protagonists regarding their height and how they overcome it together.

24

TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You

Based on the Manga Created By Kenjiro Hata

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.

23

Maid Sama!

Based on the Manga Created By Hiro Fujiwara

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.

22

Tomo-chan Is a Girl!

Anime Series by Lay-duce; Based on the Manga by Fumita Yanagida

Tomo-chan Is a Girl! follows a familiar enough premise, with the protagonist, Tomo Aizawa, hopelessly in love with her childhood friend, Junichiro Kubota, while he remains relentlessly dense. Tomo’s perceived flaws are her tomboyish tendencies, including being a talented fighter, but her attempts to garner attention by appearing more feminine often produce more awkward moments than progress in love and life.

The hijinks resulted in this constant miscommunication between the pair results in a hilarious romantic comedy anime, and more than a few close calls in this concise thirteen-episode anime.

21

Your Lie in April

Based on the Manga Created By Naoshi Arakawa

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.

20

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun

Based on the Manga Created By Izumi Tsubaki

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.

19

Tsuki ga Kirei

Original Anime Series by Studio Feel

Far away from absurd comedies, fantasy worlds, and the typical tsundere characters, Tsuki ga Kirei is an anime that transmits the pure essence of teenage romance through a deep and realistic look at the emotions of first love and its evolution. Likewise, what makes this anime romance unique is its simplicity and grounded plot, showing the first steps in a relationship and the doubts and problems that often arise in a couple.

The anime showcases the story of a pair of middle schoolers, Kotaro Azumi, an avid novel reader, and Akane Mizuno, an athlete, who begin to have a mutual interest after meeting in class, which develops into a pure and innocent love that awakens in them an infinite number of emotions, from anxiety and jealousy to fear, represented beautifully, as the adaptation expresses even without dialogue the feelings of the protagonists through their gestures and actions, becoming a must-watch for fans of slow-paced romances.

18

Horimiya

Based on the Manga Created By Hero & Daisuke Hagiwara

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.

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.

17

Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai

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.

16

Romantic Killer

Anime Series by DOMERICA; Based on the Manga by Wataru Momose

Anzu Hoshino loves precisely three things in life: video games, cats, and chocolate. However, in an appeal to her video game fixation, a wizard named simultaneously Riri and Rio contrives otome dating sim-style romantic situations for Anzu, primarily with male candidates Tsukasa Kazuki and Junta Hayami.

The twist is that they develop genuine feelings for her. Romantic Killer is a concise series, wrapping up these misadventures with a surprising and wonderfully wholesome conclusion where Anzu outplays the wizards trying to control her life and seizes agency for herself.