The 30 Best Romance Anime of All Time, Ranked (2024)

Romance films and series focus on passion, emotion, and the many challenges facing two (or more) individuals as they fall in love. Fans of the romantic genre are missing out on some of the best storylines if they avoid romance anime. Most anime films and series offer romance in some way, whether it be a shonen anime, where a few characters spend a great deal of time with romantic tension between them, or a supernatural dark fantasy, where one character saves the other, and they begin a relationship.

While these anime movies and series may only use romantic relationships as a subplot, there are plenty of great ones that focus entirely on the developing relationships between their characters. People appreciate a good love story that pushes them on an emotional rollercoaster of happiness, sadness, anger, betrayal, and several other emotions. Whether you are looking for complicated harems, angsty plotlines, or the classic will-they-won’t-they trope, here are the 20 best romance anime to watch next.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2024, by Soniya Hinduja: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

30 Kamisama Kiss (2012)

Kamisama Kiss

TV-PG

Release Date

October 1, 2012

Main Genre

Romance

Cast

Tia Ballard , J. Michael Tatum , Joel McDonald , Sean O'Connor , Micah Solusod , Jad Saxton , Jessie Grelle , Monica Rial , Robert McCollum , Anastasia Munoz , Brandon Potter

Seasons

1

Creator(s)

Julietta Suzuki

Nanami Momozono leads a normal life as a teenager until things take a sudden turn and her absent father’s mounting debts leave her homeless. She runs into a man and saves him from a dog attack, and much to her surprise, he offers her a place to stay. Little does she know, Nanami is taking over the duties of a deity. As she navigates the complex duties of being a local land god, she also forms an unconventional bond with a fox familiar named Tomoe.

An Enchanting Romance

Featuring a captivating love story at its center, Kamisama Kiss masterfully crafts a tale that transports you to the realm of the supernatural. The series features stunning animation and a beautifully evolving relationship between the characters. There is action and intrigue blended into touching moments and a dash of lighthearted humor, which makes the anime a must-watch for fans of the romance genre. Currently unavailable to stream.

29 Blue Spring Ride (2014)

Adapted from a manga series written and illustrated by Io Sakisaka, Blue Spring Ride follows Futaba Yoshioka, a once outgoing girl who withdrew herself from all sorts of teenage experiences like flirting and having a boyfriend after going through a traumatic experience in middle school. But when Kou Tanaka, her former crush, re-enters her life, Futaba is forced to confront the scars from her past and embrace the new romance that blossoms between the two.

Love Can Be Transformative

Blue Spring Ride is all about growing up, learning how to overcome personal demons, and second chances. It dives into the complexities of being human by flawlessly combining a romantic narrative with the coming of age of its two protagonists, who used to be childhood friends. But what makes the anime stand out is that the characters go through several ebbs and flows in their lives before actually getting together, which is both realistic and bittersweet to watch. Currently unavailable to stream.

28 Yona of the Dawn (2014)

Set against the backdrop of the kingdom of Kouka, Yona of the Dawn follows the titular princess, whose childlike innocence is shattered when her father, the King, is murdered at the hands of the man she loves, and she’s forced to flee her kingdom. Her only companion is Hak, Yona’s loyal bodyguard. Yona then trains herself to be strong enough to fight her oppressors and reclaim her rightful place on the throne.

A Tale of Empowerment, Adventure, and Romance

Apart from being a truly enchanting romance, Yona of the Dawn also serves as a feminist tale about a naive princess on her quest for justice and redemption. Yona’s journey of transforming from a sheltered princess to a confident warrior is stunning, subversive, and emotionally captivating at the same time. The breathtaking action sequences, the political intrigue, and the compelling love story between Yona and Hak makes for an outstanding viewing experience. Stream on Hulu.

27 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023)

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End follows a group of adventurers, including the priest Heiter, Himmel, a dwarf warrior named Eisen, and the elven mage Frieren, who have won over great evil in their time together. But after the group disbands, Frieren, cursed with the weight of immortality, finds herself going solo and reminiscing the time she spent with her former companions, making sure to keep tabs on them and putting the lessons she learned to good use.

About Eternal Love and Mortality

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is one of the more recent romance anime series on the list. Unlike other light-hearted titles mentioned below, this one weaves together a distinct tale about mortality, the passage of time, and the enduring nature of human connections. A love story may not make up the Nexus of this series, but it features deeply nuanced characters who eventually understand that love is what makes their journey more poignant and unforgettable. Stream on Crunchyroll.

26 Angel Beats! (2013)

Is there an afterlife? If yes, what happens in the afterlife? These are questions that have plagued humanity for as long as one can remember. Angel Beats! answers them, but with a twist. When 17-year-old Yuzuru Otonashi dies and wakes up in an alternate dimension, he finds himself in a peculiar high school setting, with no memory of his former life, forced to team up with Yuri Nakamura as they confront the god-like student council president, Angel, and regain control of their life.

Unique and Impactful

Angel Beats! is set in an unassuming high school, but despite its plot, the series hides deeper themes of getting over past traumas in order to be clean enough to be incarnated. The series’ stunning visual style coupled with its richly developed characters and their intricate dynamics is what hooks the audiences from start to finish. There is also a romantic narrative that unfolds between Otonashi and Kanade. Stream on Crunchyroll.

25 Monogatari Series: Second Season (2009-2016)

Monogatari Series: Second Season is an astounding anime that follows Koyomi Araragi and his team of close-knit friends as they encounter spirits, apparitions, and gods. With graduation looming overhead and time running out, he must choose between unraveling mysteries and personal demons. When Koyomi suddenly disappears and a new manifestation settles in to threaten teenage girls, it is up to Tsubasa Hanekawa, the group’s leader, to test friendships and foes.

A Stylish Supernatural Series

The anime tells a multi-layered story through its stylish direction and amazing dialogue. The season builds on its complex characters, whose absurd goals parallel real emotional growth. Although not branded as just romance, the anime features a lot of witty banter and subtle charms that lead audiences into a wonderland. With vivid colors and pop culture influences, it leaves a lasting impact. Currently unavailable to stream.

24 Clannad: After Story (2007-2008)

Continuing the beautiful and heartwarming story of the beloved delinquent, Tomoya Okazaki, and his quirky muse, Nagisa Furukawa, Clannad: After Story now sees the pair in the second semester. They face challenges, meet new people, and have a more emotional and mature approach towards each other as they enter another phase of their relationship. But is staying in a small town where high school friends find purpose and support each other their only goal?

An Uplifting and Layered Approach to Relationships

Filled with grounded human drama and a lot of love, this supernatural fantasy romance delights fans of the original series by being even more beautiful. The characters are now fully realized. Though scarred by life, they are overjoyed as well. Years later, their subtle growth after facing so many triumphs and losses resonates with fans on an entirely different level. Moreover, its enduring message is that dark days don’t last long. Currently unavailable to stream.

23 The Tatami Galaxy (2010)

What’s not romantic about going back in time to win a girl’s heart? The Tatami Galaxy follows a lonely, regretful third-year student at Kyoto University who realizes that he may have wasted his precious years trying to break couples off on campus and following different clubs and paths that didn’t exactly interest him. Through philosophizing with his friend Ozu, he comes across an idea, but before he can act on it, he is hurtled three years back in time.

Otherworldly Aesthetics and Introspection

The psychedelic visuals and thrilling narrative make this one way different from other college-centered anime. The Tatami Galaxy captures the confusion of youth and its knack for experimentation in a way that hasn’t been done before – through time travel. Even though the show’s purpose is self-reflection, the protagonist's journey of asking out the girl he has loved and fancied after getting a second shot at college makes up for imaginative storytelling. Currently unavailable to stream.

22 Weathering with You (2019)

Weathering With You

PG

Animation

Documentary

Fantasy

Romance

Release Date

June 19, 2019

Director

Makoto Shinkai

Cast

Kotaro Daigo , Nana Mori , Shun Oguri , Sei Hiraizumi , Yûki Kaji , Riz Ahmed

Written and directed by Makoto Shinkai, Weathering with You is a popular anime that centers around high school runaway Hodaka, who moves to Tokyo and immediately finds a job at a small-time occult magazine. There, he meets a beautiful and mysterious girl who can call out the sun. After Hodaka discovers that she can control the weather, he swears to protect her secret. Thus begins a romance that blooms against the backdrop of extreme climate chaos.

Weathering With You Balances Fantasy and Reality

Shinkai commits fully to his vision and perfects the gorgeous animation of Weathering with You. Its bittersweet love story and fantastical elements only heighten the intrigue. Moreover, by setting it in a contemporary Tokyo, the director also adds elements of society and resistance that hinder a relationship from working out realistically. Both the characters are highly emotional and layered, so any change in each other’s lives as the weather shifts is shown with exquisite detail. Stream on Max.

21 Golden Time (2013)

Golden Time

TV-14

Comedy

Drama

Anime

Romance

Release Date

October 3, 2013

Cast

Yui Horie , Jun'ichi Yanagita , Kanehira Yamamoto , Makoto Furukawa , Taishi Murata , Ai Kayano , Kaito Ishikawa , Ibuki Kido , Takahiro Hikami , Saori Goto , Shizuka Itoh , Harumi Sakurai , Shino Shimoji , Risa Taneda , Kouji Takahashi , Mari Shiraishi , Atsushi Kosaka , Daiki Yamashita , Satomi Sato , Takayuki Kondo , Takako Honda , Maina Shimagata , Hironori Saitoh , Meiko Kawasaki , Kengo Kawanishi

Directors

Chiaki Kon , Yoshitaka Koyama , Makoto Sokuza , Hiromichi Matano , Shu Honma , Tomohiro Matsukawa , Hideaki Nakano , Yoshikata Nitta , Masako Sato , Riki Fukushima

After a sudden accident, Banri Tada enrolls as a law student and starts living in the university dorms in Tokyo. With his memory completely erased, he struggles to adjust to his sense of self but soon learns that he must start over. With only one friend, Mitsuo Yanagisawa, in tow, he’s ready to tackle the world. But meeting spirited student Kouko Kaga leads to new discoveries, like the fact that Mistuo and Kouko were supposed to get married at some point.

A Sweet and Gentle Romance

Golden Time has a quirky premise and flawed but lovable leads. But its heart lies in creating an unforgettable year for the protagonists and the anime does that with grace and authenticity. As the complex relationships mature and the past and present problems reconcile, the series swiftly shifts between comedy, drama, romance, and fantasy. It also features themes of self-discovery, moving forward, forgiveness, and embracing change. Stream on Hidive.

20 My Dress-Up Darling (2022)

A truly heartwarming anime that combines harem and cosplay to weave a beautiful story, My Dress-Up Darling centers around high school student Wakana Gojou who harbors a secret within him – he loves making dresses for dolls. Inheriting the skill from his grandfather, Wakana works hard to perfect the art but never lets it known to his peers for fear of being ridiculed. When he befriends popular and breathtaking Marin Kitagawa, she notices something different about him and soon discovers his hobby. Turns out, Marin also has a hobby of her own: cosplay. As Marin takes sewing lessons from Wakana and coaches him on becoming a master cosplayer, the two develop a tender romance.

The Power of Being Known

The anime stands out for its stunning animation and attention to detail. The character details are very vibrant. Bringing the cosplay world to life through the eyes of its interesting characters is perhaps its greatest win. Moreover, the series also explores subjects of acceptance because the characters undergo personal growth throughout the story. Overall, My Dress-Up Darling is a must-watch for fans of romance. Stream on Crunchyroll.

19 Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai (2018)

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

TV-14

Animation

Comedy

Mystery

Drama

Release Date

October 4, 2018

Cast

Kaito Ishikawa , Asami Seto , Nao Tôyama , Atsumi Tanezaki , Maaya Uchida , Yurika Kubo , Inori Minase , Yuma Uchida , Kento Shiraishi , Takaaki Uchino , Sayuki Iizaka , Kazuya Saji , Fumiko Uchimura , Hisako Tōjō

Set in a world where teenagers suffer from “Puberty Syndrome,” which indicates the presence of paranormal quirks, we follow a shy and aloof guy named Sakuta Azusagawa, who, unlike his other classmates, believes that the myth is true. More so when he encounters Mia, a former actress who retired for unknown reasons. She now roams the corridors of the high school in a bunny costume and is visible only to Sakuta. The two form a friendship and Sakuta vows to get to the bottom of her condition. Eventually, Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai sees them developing an adorable, adolescent romance.

A Delightfully Unexpected Romantic Adventure

Quite surprising in its premise, this 2018 anime subverts its scandalous title by being poignant and whimsical. Few romance anime emerge as wildly clever in its writing. Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai excels at that and also graces us with memorable characters. The series combines two genres that have proven successful in Hollywood – supernatural and romance – and offers a unique twist on high school romance. The most engaging aspect of the anime is its pacing, though, which is so flawless and right that you cannot help but feel invested. Stream on Hulu or Crunchyroll.

18 Maid-Sama! (2010)

Maid Sama!

TV-14

Animation

Comedy

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

April 2, 2010

Cast

Ayumi Fujimura , Nobuhiko Okamoto , Shiibashi Kazuyoshi , Kana Hanazawa , Yu Kobayashi , Kenichi Suzumura , Riyama Takuya , Kaori Ishihara , Mariya Ise , Kana Asumi , Aki Toyosaki , Kohsuke Toriumi , Yoshimasa Hosoya , Takuma Terashima , Atsushi Abe , Mitsuhiro Ichiki

Maid-Sama! is as breezy as it is bold. The series is inarguably the best romantic comedy, and it features a delightful push-and-pull between two very opposite characters. On one hand, we have Misaki, who has created a formidable reputation in high school as “Demon President” by being the first-ever female student council president in a male-dominated school. On the other hand, we have the cool heartthrob Usui, who often rejects proposals from girls for the sake of it. When Usui finds out that Misali secretly works at a maid café, there is an enormous clash between the two. The mutually charmed rivals go from being in each other's thoughts to hand-holding in his humorous little series.

The Ultimate Romantic Comedy

Maid-Sama! follows the ideal rom-com formula by balancing out its comedy and tenderness. It charms its audience with its animation style, which is unique and groundbreaking. The dark comedy blended seamlessly with romance results in a lighthearted and entertaining watch, which is perfect for unwinding after a long day at work. The chemistry between the two main characters is also a major highlight because their interactions are always hilarious and the comedic timing is on point.

17 Given (2019)

Given

Not Rated

Release Date

July 12, 2019

Cast

Shogo Yano , Yuma Uchida , Masatomo Nakazawa , Takuya Eguchi , Fumiya Imai

Seasons

1

Based on the manga illustrated by Natsuki Kizu, Given explores love and loss among its four crucial characters. The series is known for being one of the swoon-worthy BL anime. It follows Ritsuka, Mafuyu, Akihiko, and Haruki, four bandmates brought together through music and sticking together to heal each other’s hidden wounds. A Gibson-clutching Mafuyu Satou meets a mysterious Ritsuka Uenoyama and what begins is a lyrical exchange of the souls. Slowly, we learn about their pasts and how they share traumas. Akihiko and Haruki form the secondary couple in the series but are just as passionate about one another.

Romance at Its Peak

As far as touching romance anime goes, Given has the most realistic portrayal of love and relationships. Watching the feelings of these two pairs gracefully blossom is the sweetest thing ever. Along with telling a beautiful story, it also navigates themes of loss, grief, and growing out of it with a focus on the psychological journeys of its characters. The music is exceptionally good, and it adds depth and resonance to the overall narrative. Stream on Crunchyroll.

16 I Want To Eat Your Pancreas

I Want To Eat Your Pancreas

Animation

Drama

Romance

Release Date

September 1, 2018

Director

Shinichiro Ushijima

Cast

Mahiro Takasugi , Lynn , Yukiyo Fujii , Yuma Uchida , Jun Fukushima , Atsuko Tanaka , Shin-ichiro Miki , Emi Wakui , Nanami Atsugi , Kazuya Saji , Narumi Kaho , Nene Hieda , Tomoe Tanii , Reiou Tsuchida , Hayato Kimura , Anju Nitta , Emiko Takeuchi , Takaaki Uchino , Kenta Kataoka , Tomoyuki Arai

An exquisite anime that not only breaks your heart but also shakes you to the core, I Want To Eat Your Pancreas centers around the introverted bookworm Haruki who is so involved in his own little world that he never registers anything else. One day, he stumbles upon a journal, titled Living with Dying, and begins reading it and learns that his aloof classmate Sakura is secretly battling a terminal illness. At first, he’s unbothered, but the more he learns about Sakura, the more enchanted he is by her spirit and buoyancy. They form a tender bond that shifts Haruki’s worldview.

A Romance that Will Change Your Perspective on Life

An anime romance that is beloved among a wide audience, I Want To Eat Your Pancreas tells a poignant story with unbelievable ease. The art style, the animation, the unusual premise, and the stunning characterization, all these elements work together to enhance the heartfelt moments between the main leads. The film also received massive critical acclaim for its mature storytelling and its ability to make the viewers feel things. Be warned though, the anime will leave you utterly shattered by the depth of their relationship and how inevitable it is for their love to end. Currently unavailable to stream.

15 Your Lie in April (2014)

Your Lie in April

TV-PG

Drama

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

October 9, 2014

Cast

Max Mittelman , Erica Lindbeck , Erica Mendez , Kyle McCarley , Erik Scott Kimerer , Erika Harlacher , Stephanie Sheh , Wendee Lee , Carrie Keranen , Christina Vee

Seasons

1

Your Lie in April is a romantic drama anime series adapted from Naoshi Arakawa’s manga series of the same name. The series follows Kosei Arima, a 14-year-old piano prodigy who becomes famous after winning several music competitions. However, after his mother dies, Kosei has a mental breakdown at a piano recital, resulting in him becoming unable to hear his piano, despite his hearing being unaffected otherwise. Two years later, Kosei has not touched the piano and views the world in monochrome. When Kosei meets the audacious, free-spirited, 14-year-old violinist Kaori Miyazono, his life turns upside down. Kaori helps Kosei get back into playing and shows him that his playing style can be free. As the two get closer, he realizes he’s falling in love, though she seems to only be interested in his friend Ryota.

Falling in Love With Music and Romance

There’s an unspoken tradition among real anime fans to re-watch Your Lie in April every year. The reason fans commit to the tradition is because the series presents its romance in an unparalleled way. The beautiful rendition of emotions and the performances of the characters during their individual musical journeys never lose their charm. Also, that breathtaking finale is so riveting that it is hard not to fall for the anime over and over again.

14 Inuyasha (2000-2004)

Inuyasha (2000)

TV-14

Animation

Action

Adventure

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

August 31, 2002

Cast

Kappei Yamaguchi , Richard Ian Cox , Sarah Hauser , Darren Pleavin , Satsuki Yukino , Moneca Stori , Kumiko Watanabe , Jillian Michaels

Seasons

7

Originally running from 2000 to 2004, with four feature films and a sequel spin-off, Inuyasha is a fantasy adventure romance shonen anime series. It follows Kagome Higurashi, a 15-year-old middle school girl from modern-day Tokyo who falls into a well in her family shrine, transporting her to the Sengoku period. There, she meets the half-dog demon half-human Inuyasha. The sacred Shikon jewel reemerges from Kagome’s body, and it shatters into dozens of fragments that scatter across Japan. So, Kagome and Inuyasha, joined by the monk Miroku, demon slayer Sango, and fox demon Shippo, journey to restore the jewel before it falls into the hands of the evil half-demon Naraku.

An Epic Tale of Romance and Adventure

Inuyasha is a classic romance anime that guides viewers to its fantasy world and does not let them go. The series is a combination of several genres like action, adventure, drama, and romance, which anchors its narrative. The result is an impeccable series that spans across time and dimensions. Staying true to the manga illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi, the seven-season-long anime retains both the depth and dynamics of its source material.

13 Snow White with the Red Hair (2015-2016)

Snow White with the Red Hair is a fantasy romance anime that aired from 2015 to 2016 in Japan. The series follows the titular Shirayuki, a herbalist in the Tanbarun kingdom with unique red hair that attracts a lot of attention. Due to this, she was raised to always be careful of showing her hair in public, tying it up with a red ribbon. The first prince, Raj, learns of her unusual hair and orders her to become his concubine, which Shirayuki refuses. She flees to the neighboring kingdom of Clarines, where she meets and befriends Prince Zen and his two aides, Mitsuhide and Kiki. She ends up working as a royal court herbalist in Clarines. However, Prince Raj develops feelings for Shirayuki and tries to become a leader she can be proud of. In Clarines, Zen and Shirayuki begin to fall in love.

Anime that Puts a Pep in Your Step

This cheery and exciting two-season anime from 2015 is particularly renowned among fans for its ability to enchant the viewers with its stunning visuals and charming characters. The series features vivid animation and colorful, stylized backdrops to bring its fairy tale world to glorious life. Moreover, the chemistry between the lead protagonists, Shirayuki and Raj, makes the heart of the show. Their sweet and genuine romance creates a delightful vibe and makes the series stand out. Stream on Hulu or Crunchyroll.

12 Your Name (2016)

Your Name

PG

Animation

Romance

Drama

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

August 26, 2016

Director

Makoto Shinkai

Cast

Ryunosuke Kamiki (Taki Tachibana voice) , Mone Kamishiraishi (Mitsuha Miyamizu voice) , Ryo Narita (Katsuhiko Teshigawara voice) , Aoi Yuki (Sayaka Natori voice) , Nobunaga Shimazaki (Tsukasa Fujii voice) , Kaito Ishikawa (Shinta Takagi voice) , Kanon Tani (Yotsuha Miyamizu voice) , Masaki Terasoma (Toshiki Miyamizu voice) , Sayaka Ohara (Futaha Miyamizu voice)

The film tells the story of two high school students, Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu, who begin swapping bodies despite never having met. They unleash chaos in each other’s lives, though they try to set up ground rules for each other by leaving notes on paper, their phones, and their skin. Taki realizes that he’s falling for Mitsuha and attempts to call her, though she does not answer. Then, the body-switching stops. So, Taki goes searching for her. Tip: have tissues nearby.

One of the Most Heart-Wrenching Stories Out There

Inspired by Japan’s frequency of natural disasters, Your Name is a romantic fantasy film that was released in 2016. Fantasy, time travel, body swap, and romance – these are the elements that bind Your Name together. Despite being devastatingly sad in its ending, this breathtaking anime dives into the intricate details, routines, and psyches of its characters and makes you one with them. The film's narrative unfolds at a beautiful pace as well. Your Name also garnered a lot of praise for its jaw-dropping landscapes, masterful storytelling, and mesmerizing final act.

11 Fruits Basket (2019-2021)

Fruits Basket

TV-14

Drama

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

April 6, 2019

Cast

Laura Bailey , Eric Vale , Jerry Jewell , John Burgmeier , Elizabeth Maxwell , Mikaela Krantz , Colleen Clinkenbeard

Seasons

3

Fruits Basket is a supernatural romantic comedy, slice-of-life anime series that tells the story of an orphan girl who learns that 13 members of the Sohma family are possessed by the animals of the Chinese zodiac. These members are cursed to turn into their animal forms at literally the worst times — when they are weak, stressed, or embraced by someone of the opposite gender who is not possessed by the spirit of the zodiac.

A Delightful Slice of Life

The anime series is bound to make you cry as much as it makes you laugh with its sharp writing and bittersweet storytelling. It explores themes of friendship, family, growth, and self-love. There have been complaints from fans about the main characters not ending up together, but that does not diminish the fact that the relationship is so well-developed and emotionally nuanced and filled with heartwarming moments, resulting in a very strong connection formed simply through the screen.

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