Best Romance Anime

A good romance is enough to make anyone’s heart soar, and anime can bring these stories to life better than most mediums. There have been countless romantic tales told through Japanese animation throughout the years from comedic stories to those that are deep and heartbreaking.

Fans of romance may have a hard time sifting through the thousands of choices to try and pick the perfect show to watch. Fortunately, there are a few great romance anime that do stand out among the rest.

Best New Winter 2024 Romance Anime

Fall 2023 was fun, and its successor has been pretty great as well. Firstly, many of the previous season’s strongest shows have continued to air new episodes, and they are showing little signs of slowing down. In terms of debuting series, Winter 2024 offers a robust selection of genres, newcomers, and sequels. Naturally, not every anime can be a masterpiece, but they do not need to be either. They just have to be entertaining enough to warrant dedicating 20 minutes to them per week.

The quarter’s biggest and (arguably) best romance anime of Winter 2024 is The Dangers in My Heart Season 2. While a slow burner, the first cour steadily picked up steam en route to a stellar final stretch of episodes that cemented the show’s place among 2023’s best romance anime.

However, Winter 2024 also has a few new romance anime that are worth checking out.

A Sign Of Affection

A Sign of Affection is a wholesome romantic comedy about college-age love and communication. While not the story’s only pairing, Yuki and Itsuomi are its main duo, and they are irresistible right out of the gate. Yuki is hearing-impaired, so she communicates through sign language, text, and by reading lips; meanwhile, Itsuomi loves to travel the world and learn languages. When they meet on a train, they feel an instant connection, something they decide to build on during their next encounter.

A Sign of Affection has done an impressive job of capturing the intense emotion synonymous with falling in love, culminating in a beautiful moment toward the end of the opening episode. The older cast is also not just for show, as the series has a more mature tone than most romance anime. As the season has progressed, Yuki and Itsuomi have steadily grown more comfortable around each other, and their interactions are nearly always cute.

7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys A Carefree Life Married To Her Worst Enemy!

Reincarnation and villainess tales are both in vogue at the moment, which stems from them growing very popular in the light novel sphere. That said, 7th Time Loop barely qualifies as a villainess anime since the story has so far done little to showcase why Rishe fits the role, except for what seems to be a vague made-up accusation by her ex-fiance. This series is also not an isekai – Rishe is stuck in a time loop that causes her to reincarnate as her 15-year-old self just as she is about to be dumped. Also, she always dies during her 20th year courtesy of a war started by Prince Arnold. On her 7th loop, she winds up engaged to that very same person.

7th Time Loop has a fantastic protagonist. Rishe has made the most of every loop, using these runs to develop abilities across a wide spectrum of fields. She is intelligent, proactive, and level-headed. While perhaps a bit too perfect at times, Rishe’s proficiency is backed by the narrative. Her relationship with Arnold is also interesting, and the latter is presented as a three-dimensional figure with an air of mystery and intrigue. They have great chemistry that jumps off the screen.

Cherry Magic! Thirty Years Of Virginity Can Make You A Wizard?!

Do not be put off by its title as this show is shaping up to be one of the best recent boys’ love anime. Cherry Magic follows Kiyoshi Adachi, a 30-year-old office worker who gains touch telepathy, an ability that causes him to learn that Yuuichi Kurosawa, his coworker, has a crush on him.

As Adachi has never considered dating a guy, he is taken aback by this reveal, causing him to want to get closer to Kurosawa while also wishing to keep his distance to avoid giving him the wrong idea. Conversely, Kurosawa is constantly struggling with his own emotions, along with having to keep up appearances as one of his office’s superstars. While not lacking in romantic gestures and moments, Cherry Magic is surprisingly introspective and character-driven. BL anime tends to lean heavily into risque and nonconsensual content, which can be cliche and frustrating; fortunately, Cherry Magic is relatively wholesome.

Now, on to the best non-airing romance anime.

28 Shikimori’s Not Just A Cutie

MyAnimeList: 6.92

This might be a controversial pick as Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie garnered a mixed response when it debuted during the Spring 2022 season. Signaled out as the “new” My Dress-Up Darling, Doga Kobo’s series was hyped up to be a show that it never pretended to be; this is a slice of life anime that happens to center around a couple, and Shikimori and Yuu Izumi are quite adorable together.

There are not all that many anime that start with the main couple already together, so Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie stands out as something unique right out of the gate. While not much happens in the individual episodes, they do combine to create a wholesome look into a young romance featuring two likable characters who are still inexperienced in love.

27 Bakemonogatari

MyAnimeList: 8.33

It is a bit of a stretch to describe Bakemonogatari as a romance, but this season of Monogatari establishes and spotlights Koyomi Araragi and Hitagi Senjougahara’s relationship. These two come together under “unusual” circumstances, and while their initial meetings involve a staple to the face, they eventually hit it off thanks to Araragi’s relentless drive to help Senjougahara deal with a curse.

For all the weirdness that defines Monogatari, this romance is strangely healthy. Araragi and Senjougahara are made for each other, and despite the story introducing plenty of other girls for a potential harem, this relationship does not falter.

26 Sing “Yesterday” For Me

MyAnimeList: 6.88

Sing “Yesterday” for Me portrays romance in such a realistic way it’s incredibly refreshing when compared to other anime. It also takes the classic love triangle and runs with it in an unexpected direction at the end of the show. We won’t spoil it, but the ending is incredibly satisfying and shows how failed romances sometimes can still end in strong friendships.

It’s even directed by Yoshiyuki Fujiwara, the director of famous anime like Attack on Titan and Sword Art Online. It’s amazing to see him so masterfully move to a show that presents itself drastically differently from his other works.

25 My Happy Marriage

MyAnimeList: 7.85

My Happy Marriage was quite comfortably Summer 2023’s best romance anime. Based on Akumi Agitogi’s novel series, the story takes place during an alternative version of the Meiji Restoration era that incorporates supernatural elements. While coming from a reasonably well-off family, Miyo has lived a hellish life under the thumbs of her awful stepmother, stepsister, and biological father. Looking to get rid of her for good, her family packages Miyo as a potential wife for an infamous military figure known for pushing women away within days, and a rejection would spell the end for the protagonist. However, Kiyoka not only takes a liking to Miyo but becomes fascinated (and enraged) by her family’s treatment.

My Happy Marriage does not shy away from showing the long-lasting effect of Miyo’s abuse at the hands of her family. Robbed of her sense of self-worth, the protagonist needs time to recover, even within the safety of Kiyoka’s presence. In the latter’s case, he is a fascinating figure who has some ulterior motives for his initial interest in Miyo, although his feelings for her seem genuine.

When focusing on Miyo and Kiyoka’s relationship, My Happy Marriage is sweet and heartwarming; however, the anime does not knock everything else out of the park. The supernatural elements can feel out of place, and the villains are hatable but also one-dimensional.

24 Tomo-chan Is A Girl!

MyAnimeList: 7.82

Based on a popular and completed manga by Fumita Yanagida, Tomo-chan Is a Girl! was one of Winter 2023’s funniest rom-coms. Tomo and Jun are very close friends, so much so that the latter can only see the former as a buddy. As Tomo is very much interested in taking their relationship to the next level, Jun’s inability to see her as a potential romantic partner is an issue.

Although romance drives its characters, Tomo-chan is a Girl! is primarily a comedy. The likable Tomo and Jun bounce off each other well, and they are complemented by hilarious characters like Misuzu and Carol. Still, Tomo and Jun have pretty good chemistry that builds convincingly throughout the season. There are plenty of romance anime that struggle to sell why their leads are made for each other, but Tomo-chan does not have that issue.

23 Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku

MyAnimeList: 7.94

Teen romances tend to hog the limelight when it comes to anime, but there are a couple of exceptions. Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku is a workplace comedy mainly about two couples: the newly formed Hirotaka Nifuji and Narumi Momose and the established Tarou Kabakura and Hanako Koyanagi. The former duo take center stage for the most part, and while the series focuses more on humor than romance, the latter is depicted quite realistically.

While they are childhood friends, Narumi did not see Hirotaka as a potential romantic partner, and this uncertainty remains a constant throughout the show’s run. Unfortunately, the anime’s short length means that it only scratches the surface of these relationships, but Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku is an entertaining ride while it lasts.

22 Romantic Killer

MyAnimeList: 8.04

Romantic Killer parodies romance and harem anime, all the while still respecting the strengths of both genres. Anzu has no interest in boys and spends all her time playing games and eating chocolate; one day, a magical being appears and turns the girl’s life on its head, taking away the things she loves and forcing her into the role of a reverse harem lead. Unsurprisingly, Anzu is less than amused, particularly when she learns that she suddenly has romance-leaning friendships with guys she basically does not know.

Domerica’s anime is, first and foremost, a comedy. The goal of most scenes is to inspire audiences to laugh, something Romantic Killer achieves quite often. That said, the style of humor reflects the anime’s origin as a shonen manga, so expect a lot of exaggerated facial expressions.

While not always striving to pull at heartstrings, the story takes its characters and their relationships seriously. Anzu is a fantastic lead, and the guys introduced as her potential partners are well-developed. Romantic Killer is for anyone who wants to both laugh at and enjoy a love story.

21 The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten

MyAnimeList: 7.81

The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten makes a great first impression thanks to a few factors. For one, Project No.9’s animation is clean and detailed, particularly the character models. Secondly and more importantly, the main characters have instant chemistry; the moment Amane extends his umbrella to a soaked Mahiru, sparks fly.

Even though most of the series has the leads together on screen, The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten does an admirable job of exploring them as individuals while simultaneously strengthening their friendship.

20 Maison Ikkoku

MyAnimeList: 8.19

Rumiko Takahashi is rightfully hailed as an all-time great mangaka. Responsible for classics like Inuyasha, Ranma 1/2, and Urusei Yatsura, Takahashi’s masterpieces tend to fall within the shonen sphere; however, she has a few seinen stories under her belt. Maison Ikkoku is probably the author’s most mature work, especially when it comes to romance. While Takahashi’s three big shonen properties touch upon the theme in many ways, they generally prioritize other genres, be it comedy or action. Maison Ikkoku is, first and foremost, a romance, albeit one that comes with its share of drama, character development, and humor.

The main pairing is Kyouko and Yuusaku, both of whom are interested in each other but are held back by their circumstances. The former has only recently lost her husband, and she is not quite ready to move on just yet. While obviously in love with Kyouko, Yuusaku does not feel deserving of her, at least not while he is still a student. The anime follows both of their journeys as they mature, heal, and misunderstand each other. The secondary characters are also great in their own right.

19 Insomniacs After School

MyAnimeList: 8.08

When it comes to pure, unfiltered romance, Insomniacs After School was Spring 2023’s magnum opus. Based on Makoto Ojiro’s respected seinen manga, the anime follows two students who cannot fall asleep, a curse they carried alone until they met each other at their school’s observatory. Isaki and Ganta strike an instant connection, one that gradually intensifies as they work to revitalize the Astronomy Club, an endeavor fueled by their desire to retain access to their new hideout.

Insomniacs After School has pitch-perfect pacing, and the anime does a splendid job of showcasing not only the leads’ alienation due to their insomnia but also the subtle comforts they find in each other. Although ripe with romantic tension, the show prioritizes establishing Ganta and Isaki’s friendship before taking the next step, demonstrating there is more to their connection than just a shared plight.

18 Kokoro Connect

MyAnimeList: 7.74

Kokoro Connect takes a tried and true love triangle scenario and adds a supernatural twist to it. The story follows students, Taichi, Iori, Yui, Yoshifumi, and Himeko who are all part of their school’s Student Cultural Research Club. The group lead a normal life until a mysterious being named Heartseed gifts them with supernatural abilities.

From then on they experience various sensory phenomena, testing their relationships and bringing to light various aspects of their personalities they’d have rather kept hidden. The anime has tons of great character development, making for an interesting experience throughout.

17 Maid Sama!

MyAnimeList: 8.01

Maid Sama! has many tropes that would sink lesser romance anime: the male lead is too flawless, the “strong” female protagonist is repeatedly reduced to a damsel, and a love triangle is introduced for no reason. These elements are not executed particularly well by Maid Sama!, but the anime makes up for its shortcomings through sheer personality.

Maid Sama! is all about the relationship between the heartthrob Takumi Usui and the man-hating student council president Misaki Ayuzawa. While Takumi takes most things in his stride, Ayuzawa is far more disciplined as she has to balance her busy school, home, and work lives. Once Takumi learns that Ayuzawa works in a maid cafe, he takes the opportunity to see a different side of the student council president.

16 Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai

MyAnimeList: 8.24

In the case of Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai, romance takes a backseat while simultaneously being the best part of the series. The anime revolves around Sakuta Azusagawa, a high school student who just has a way of finding girls who are suffering from Adolescence Syndrome, an affliction that manifests from their insecurities.

While the series is split into multiple arcs featuring different girls, the highlight is the first saga revolving around Mai Sakurajima, an actress who strikes a close relationship with Sakuta. Sakuta and Mai’s dynamic sizzles with romantic tension, warmth, and wit. Although not often the focus, their relationship builds nicely throughout the remaining arcs, culminating in a satisfying feature film sequel.

15 My Dress-Up Darling

MyAnimeList: 8.22

Wakana Gojou and Marin Kitagawa live in totally different worlds. Totally isolated and reserved, Gojou has no friends and keeps himself separated from everyone else out of fear that he would be mocked for his interest in hina dolls. Conversely, Kitagawa is popular, outgoing, and confident.

While these two would usually never meet, Kitagawa is interested in cosplay and learns that Gojou might be the perfect person to make outfits for her. Wholesome, funny, and brilliantly animated, My Dress-Up Darling is a relatively conventional romance anime that does the genre’s tropes extremely well.

14 Toradora!

MyAnimeList: 8.07

Toradora! is a classic slice-of-life rom-com and one that serves as a great introduction to the genre. The story follows Ryuji Yusaku and Taiga Aisaka, two students with crushes on the other’s best friend.

The two are treated as outcasts, Ryuji due to his intimidating appearance and Taiga for her explosive temper, and so both band together to help the other with their love life. The series explores the dynamic between the two leads and the various mishaps that occur throughout their efforts to help each other.

13 The Pet Girl Of Sakurasou

MyAnimeList: 8.08

The Pet Girl of Sakurasou follows an eccentric group of characters through a journey of growth and self-discovery. After Sorata Kanda is kicked out of his school’s main dorms, he’s forced to move into the disesteemed Sakura House.

There, Sorata gets to know a number of talented but troublesome students. When a peculiar young artist moves into the dorms, Sorata is tasked with helping her adjust to her new life. The series explores the dynamic between the dorm mates, their individual goals, and how their relationships intertwine.

12 Ouran High School Host Club

MyAnimeList: 8.16

Ouran High School Host Club is a reverse harem that is full of lighthearted and impactful moments. After breaking an antique vase belonging to her school’s Host Club, Haruhi Fujioka is forced to pay off her debt by posing as a boy and working as a host herself.

The series does a great job of not only expanding upon Haruhi’s character and motivations but on those of her fellow hosts as well. This is a great show for Shojo fans, with a memorable cast of characters carrying it throughout its run.

11 Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!

MyAnimeList: 7.71 (Season 1)

Kyoto Animation has helmed a number of beloved anime, with Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! standing as one of many. The series revolves around a condition called Chunibyo. The term is used to describe adolescents with grandiose, unrealistic delusions.

Having grown out of his delusional phase, Yuta Togashi looks to have a normal high school life. Things are thrown out of whack when a classmate of his, Rikka Takanashi, reminds him of his past and tries to drag him back into the world of Chunibyo through her own delusions. The series explores the relationship between the two as Yuta discovers what triggered Rikka’s delusions.

10 Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me To You

MyAnimeList: 8 (Season 1)

Opposites attract is so overused a gimmick that it has become a cliche, but there is no denying that the concept can produce gold when executed intelligently in a romantic comedy. Kimi ni Todoke is about the sweet friendship between the painfully shy Sawako Kuronuma and the popular Shouta Kazehaya. Mocked for looking like Sadako from The Ring, Sawako is an isolated figure at school, and it takes a lot for the girl to come out of her shell. Luckily, Kazehaya is the perfect person for the job.

Kimi ni Todoke is funny, heartwarming, and packed with well-written characters that grow as the story develops. Like many romance anime, Kimi ni Todoke does delay the confusion scene a bit too long, but the journey is still an engrossing one.

9 Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You

MyAnimeList: 7.88 (Season 1)

Most romance stories are about two people who are in the process of falling in love; meanwhile, Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You is about a married couple who have already reached that point. As such, the anime largely feels like a slice of life, with episodes dealing with Nasa and Tsukasa’s daily antics rather than a traditional journey. Tonikawa lacks the dramatic highs associated with romance, opting for pleasantness instead.

While perhaps not to everyone’s tastes, this anime serves as a great palate cleanser to the genre’s more melodramatic shows. Even if the mere suggestion of physical contact can trigger endless blushing in both of them, Nasa and Tsukasa are refreshingly direct in expressing their feelings. They are also both witty and likable.