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.

Updated May 6, 2024 by Mark Sammut: Spring 2024 is a few weeks into its run so far, and it has been pretty good. Which romance anime stand out as the season’s best entries in the genre?

Best Spring 2024 Romance Anime

Winter 2024 had such a strong selection of romance anime that its successor needs to pull off an all-time great lineup to measure up. Naturally, setting such high expectations will also result in disappointment, and it is better to just let the new shows stand on their own without comparing them to The Dangers in My Heart or A Sign of Affection. And, by most metrics, the Spring 2024 anime season is also filled with love stories.

So far, the current season seems to be a step down from its predecessor, at least when it comes to pure romance anime. While featuring a few good shows, Spring 2024 lacks great ones (outside of one exception). A few series are also polarizing, with A Condition Called Love being the best example. Saki and Hotaru’s relationship is built on obsession as much as love, which undermines the anime’s wholesome overall tone. Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included is passable, while Astro Note is bizarre rather than constantly funny. Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again is cute, and the same can be said for Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers.

What are Spring 2024’s best romance anime?

Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf

Spring 2024’s exception.

2008’s Spice and Wolf is great, as is Isuna Hasekura’s light novel. Consequently, the announcement of a new adaptation garnered excitement and trepidation in equal measure. Passione would need to knock the anime out of the park to justify its existence; while still way too early to describe the 2024 version as a triumph, Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf has certainly hit the ground running.

This classic tale revolves around Kraft Lawrence, a wandering merchant, and Holo, a migrating wolf goddess, as they travel across a beautiful fantasy world. Holo wants to go to her home in the North, while Lawrence is trying to earn enough money to open a shop. Even though their initial encounter is not exactly positive, these two characters have instant chemistry in every incarnation (including the Spring 2024 adaptation), making a romance easy to buy into. More importantly, Holo and Lawrence are both well-defined individuals with clear motives, flaws, and insecurities.

The star of the show is Holo, and she has enough personality and charm to carry the story on her own. Fortunately, she does not have to, as Spice and Wolf also fleshes out Lawrence to ensure he is not just a self-insert who is along for the ride.

An Archdemon’s Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride

Considering An Archdemon’s Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride‘s love story starts with Zagan buying his elf bride, Nephy, a viewer would be forgiven for dropping this series within a single episode. Yet, despite its uncomfortable premise, An Archdemon’s Dilemma is oddly endearing, largely thanks to Zagan’s adorable awkwardness and Nephy’s allowed competence.

A powerful magician who prefers seclusion due to trauma from his childhood, the male lead struggles to connect with other people and process his own emotions; consequently, he does not know how to speak with Nephy. For her part, the female elf’s history of suffering defines her stiff early encounters with Zagan, although she warms up to the magician when she realizes he is not like her previous abusive masters and genuinely seeks to free her from her binds.

An Archdemon’s Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride is not only surprisingly funny but also features decent world-building that stems naturally from Zagan and Nephy’s pasts and roles in overall society. The anime takes both characters’ traumas seriously and uses their supportive relationship as a means for them to heal.

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

29 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.

28 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.

27 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.

26 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.

25 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.

24 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.

23 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.

22 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.

21 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.

20 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.

19 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.

18 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.

17 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.

16 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.

15 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.

14 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.

13 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.

12 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.

11 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.

10 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.