Get ready to dive into a world of heart-fluttering emotions with our ultimate ranking of the best anime romantic series and movies. From trending films to popular manga-inspired series, we’ve curated a list of the most beloved romance-themed anime. Our selections resonate with anime fans worldwide, showcasing the unique ability of anime to depict love in all its complexity. Whether you prefer light-hearted rom-coms or profound, moving love stories, there’s something for everyone. Let’s embark on this journey of love and emotion!
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41.CLANNAD
- Production Company: Kyoto Animation
- Year of Release: 2007
- Recommendation: This anime sets a high standard for the romantic genre, delivering a powerful narrative centered around love, redemption, and personal growth. It follows the story of a young delinquent, Tomoya Okazaki, whose life changes dramatically after meeting a mysterious girl, Nagisa Furukawa. “CLANNAD” is a testament to the depth of emotional resonance anime romance can achieve.
40. Wolf Girl and Black Prince (Ōkami Shōjo to Kuro Ōji)
- Production Company: TYO Animations
- Year of Release: 2014
- Recommendation: This series provides a fresh perspective on high school romance, centering on a girl named Erika Shinohara, who gets caught up in a lie involving the handsome but curt boy, Kyouya Sata. The engaging combination of romance, humor, and life lessons in “Wolf Girl and Black Prince” significantly contributes to its standing among the best romance anime.
39.After the Rain (Koi wa Ameagari no Yō ni)
- Production Company: Wit Studio
- Year of Release: 2018
- Recommendation: “After the Rain” is a beautifully-crafted narrative that portrays an unusual love story between a high school girl and a middle-aged man. Its exploration of unrequited love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of dreams is handled with great sensitivity and nuance, making it a standout choice for fans of romance anime.
38. A Lull in the Sea (Nagi no Asu kara)
- Production Company: P.A.Works
- Year of Release: 2013
- Recommendation: This anime takes viewers to an intriguing underwater world where a group of sea-dwelling children must adapt to life on land. With its imaginative setting, engaging plot, and deep character development, “A Lull in the Sea” is a remarkable addition to the list of best romance anime series.
37. Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It (Rikei ga Koi ni Ochita no de Shōmei Shite Mita)
- Production Company: Zero-G
- Year of Release: 2020
- Recommendation: A unique blend of scientific principles and romantic elements, this anime follows the quirky journey of two scientists attempting to quantify their feelings of love through scientific methods. Its unique approach to love, coupled with a cast of endearing characters, sets it apart in the realm of romance anime.
36. Orange
- Production Company: Telecom Animation Film
- Year of Release: 2016
- Recommendation: “Orange” tackles themes of regret, depression, and time travel in a compelling and sensitive manner. The plot revolves around a group of friends who receive letters from their future selves urging them to save their new friend from a grim fate. The series’ exploration of mental health issues intertwined with a touching love story makes it an essential entry in any list of best romance anime.
36. Itazura na Kiss
- Production Company: TMS Entertainment
- Year of Release: 2008
- Recommendation: “Itazura na Kiss” is a romantic comedy anime that charmingly showcases the unwavering love of a high school girl towards a boy who seems far out of her league. Its comedic yet heartfelt portrayal of perseverance and love makes it a strong contender in the best anime romantic category.
35. Toradora!
- Production Company: J.C.Staff
- Year of Release: 2008
- Recommendation: This is a staple in the romance anime genre, featuring a unique love story between two high school students with contrasting personalities. The journey from mutual dislike to understanding and affection makes “Toradora!” an unforgettable entry in the best romance anime rankings.
35. My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru)
- Production Company: Feel
- Year of Release: 2013
- Recommendation: An intelligent blend of humor, cynicism, and romance, this anime offers a unique perspective on high school relationships and youth life. Its in-depth character analysis and unconventional romantic plot secure its place among the best anime romantic series.
34. My Love Story!! (Ore Monogatari!!)
- Production Company: Madhouse
- Year of Release: 2015
- Recommendation: This anime breaks away from traditional romantic clichés, featuring a unique protagonist who, despite his intimidating size and strength, is kind-hearted and naive. The story’s humor, warmth, and lovable characters firmly cement its status among the best romance anime.
33. Love and Lies (Koi to Uso)
- Production Company: Liden Films
- Year of Release: 2017
- Recommendation: Set in a dystopian future where marriages are government-arranged, “Love and Lies” compellingly explores themes of love and societal constraints. Its thought-provoking narrative and engaging romantic plot place it among the best anime romantic series.
32. Komi Can’t Communicate (Komi-san wa, Comyushou desu)
- Production Company: OLM
- Year of Release: 2021
- Recommendation: This charming anime follows Komi, a girl with a communication disorder, and her journey to make 100 friends. Its heartwarming, humorous narrative, and slowly blossoming romance make it a must-watch in the best anime romantic category.
31. Teasing Master Takagi-san (Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san)
- Production Company: Shin-Ei Animation
- Year of Release: 2018
- Recommendation: This light-hearted romantic comedy, centered on the playful teasing and budding romance between two schoolmates, captures the innocence of first love. Its delightful storytelling and fun character interactions make it a standout entry in the best romance anime list.
30. Blue Spring Ride (Ao Haru Ride)
- Production Company: Production I.G
- Year of Release: 2014
- Recommendation: This touching series explores the complexities of first love and personal growth. With its realistic portrayal of adolescent emotions and relationships, “Blue Spring Ride” is undoubtedly a top pick for the best anime romantic series.
29. Nisekoi
- Production Company: Shaft
- Year of Release: 2014
- Recommendation: “Nisekoi” is a romantic comedy anime, notable for its amusing love triangle between characters from rival families. The mixture of humor, charming characters, and intricate relationships positions it well within the best anime romantic series.
28. Date A Live
- Production Company: J.C.Staff
- Year of Release: 2013
- Recommendation: This anime ingeniously combines romantic comedy with elements of the harem and sci-fi genres. The storyline of a high school boy romantically engaging with Spirits to prevent global disasters makes “Date A Live” a unique and exciting entrant in the best anime romantic category.
27. TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You (Tonikaku Kawaii)
- Production Company: Seven Arcs
- Year of Release: 2020
- Recommendation: This charming anime presents a heartwarming tale of marriage and life after “happily ever after.” Its enchanting story of love and domestic life sets it apart in the ranking of the best romance anime.
26. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)
- Production Company: A-1 Pictures
- Year of Release: 2014
- Recommendation: This anime delivers a poignant love story enveloped in music and art. Its narrative, filled with deep emotional journeys and the magic of classical music, makes “Your Lie in April” an undeniable choice for the best anime romantic series.
25. Aharen is Indecipherable (Aharen-san wa Hakarenai)
- Production Company: Felix Film
- Year of Release: 2022
- Recommendation: This anime, spotlighting an endearing relationship between two schoolmates with different communication styles, masterfully blends comedy and romance. The unique dynamic of the main characters adds a fresh perspective to the best romance anime catalog.
24. Scum’s Wish (Kuzu no Honkai)
- Production Company: Lerche
- Year of Release: 2017
- Recommendation: “Scum’s Wish” delves into the darker side of love and unrequited feelings, offering a raw and realistic portrayal of adolescent romance. The series’ exploration of complex emotions and relationships solidifies its place among the best anime romantic series.
23. Horimiya
- Production Company: CloverWorks
- Year of Release: 2021
- Recommendation: This anime brilliantly explores the complexities of adolescent love and identity through the lens of its main characters, Hori and Miyamura. The sincere depiction of their relationship and personal growth makes “Horimiya” a must-watch in the best anime romantic category.
22. The Garden of Words (Kotonoha no Niwa)
- Production Company: CoMix Wave Films
- Year of Release: 2013
- Recommendation: This beautifully animated film by Makoto Shinkai tells a tender story of loneliness and unlikely connections, making it a stellar entry in the list of best romance anime.
21. A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi)
- Production Company: Kyoto Animation
- Year of Release: 2016
- Recommendation: This critically acclaimed movie explores themes of bullying, redemption, and friendship. Its portrayal of the evolving relationship between a former bully and his deaf victim, layered with emotional depth, earns “A Silent Voice” a spot among the best anime romantic works.
20. Nodame Cantabile
- Production Company: J.C.Staff
- Year of Release: 2007
- Recommendation: This anime skillfully blends classical music with a comedic yet touching love story between two contrasting musicians. Its appealing characters and musical theme make “Nodame Cantabile” a distinctive choice for the best anime romantic series.
19. To Love Ru
- Production Company: Xebec
- Year of Release: 2008
- Recommendation: This anime merges sci-fi elements with a captivating love polygon, offering plenty of comedic and heartfelt moments. The unique mix of otherworldly romance and humor makes “To Love Ru” a delightful choice in the list of the best anime filled with love and affection.
18. Kimi ni Todoke
- Production Company: Production I.G
- Year of Release: 2009
- Recommendation: “Kimi ni Todoke” narrates an emotionally fulfilling tale of an introverted girl blossoming through friendship and first love. Its touching narrative about overcoming social barriers and finding love make it an exemplary title in the romance anime category.
17. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo)
- Production Company: Madhouse
- Year of Release: 2006
- Recommendation: This heart-stirring anime movie blends romance and time travel beautifully. The protagonist’s journey through time, friendship, and love makes this film a remarkable contender for the best romance anime.
16. Princess Arete (Arite Hime)
- Production Company: Studio 4°C
- Year of Release: 2001
- Recommendation: This enchanting fairy-tale-like anime offers a compelling narrative about a princess seeking true freedom and love. Its distinctive story and feminist undertones add to its appeal as a top romance anime.
15. Love Flops (Renai Flops)
- Production Company: Doga Kobo
- Year of Release: 2022
- Recommendation: “Love Flops” cleverly uses the backdrop of manga creation to unfold a comedic love story. Its unique premise and relatable characters solidify its place in the romance anime ranking.
14. Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! (Uzaki-chan wa Asobitai!)
- Production Company: ENGI
- Year of Release: 2020
- Recommendation: This anime delivers a light-hearted, fun-filled story about the evolving relationship between a teasing college girl and her introverted senior. Its comedic tone and endearing romance place “Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!” among the best heartwarming romance anime series.
13. The Duke of Death and His Maid (Shinigami Bocchan to Kuro Maid)
- Production Company: J.C.Staff
- Year of Release: 2021
- Recommendation: This unique anime explores a forbidden love story between a cursed duke and his teasing maid. The blend of dark fantasy, comedy, and tender romance makes it an irresistible entry in the best romance anime category.
12. More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers (Fufu Ijou, Koibito Miman.)
- Production Company: SynergySP
- Year of Release: 2022
- Recommendation: This anime spotlights a complicated relationship between two childhood friends pretending to be a married couple. The unfolding emotions and romantic tension make this a strong contender for the best anime illustrating love.
11. Gamers!
- Production Company: Pine Jam
- Year of Release: 2017
- Recommendation: “Gamers!” is a romantic comedy that revolves around the misunderstandings and comedic chaos among a group of high school gamers. Its fun premise and engaging love plot make it an entertaining addition to the best anime with a romantic theme.
10. The Cuckoo’s Fiancee (Kakkou no Iinazuke)
- Production Company: Shin-Ei Animation
- Year of Release: 2022
- Recommendation: This anime introduces a captivating love square entwined with childhood promises and unexpected feelings. The intriguing romantic dilemmas and vibrant characters ensure its spot in the best anime romantic series.
9. Fruits Basket
- Production Company: TMS Entertainment
- Year of Release: 2019 (remake)
- Recommendation: This touching anime, filled with supernatural elements, reveals an emotional tale of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Its deep narrative and moving relationships make “Fruits Basket” a classic in the best romance anime collection.
8. “ReLIFE”
- Production Company: TMS Entertainment
- Year of Release: 2016
- Recommendation: As an anime that I’ve watched and adored five times over, I can say without hesitation that ReLIFE is a unique romantic story that leaves a lasting impression. It presents a poignant narrative about adulthood, second chances, and personal growth, all wrapped up in a beautifully executed romantic subplot. The relatable themes and sincere characters make it a deeply engaging experience that I return to time and again.
7. Weathering With You (Tenki no Ko)
- Production Company: CoMix Wave Films
- Year of Release: 2019
- Recommendation: From acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai, this visually stunning anime film presents a poignant tale of young love set against a backdrop of climatic anomalies. Its mesmerizing narrative and memorable characters make “Weathering With You” a top pick in the list of best anime romantic films.
6. Rent-a-Girlfriend (Kanojo, Okarishimasu)
- Production Company: TMS Entertainment
- Year of Release: 2020
- Recommendation: This anime explores the modern concept of rental girlfriends, offering a unique perspective on love and relationships. The comedic and heartfelt moments intertwined in the unconventional love story make “Rent-a-Girlfriend” a notable selection among the best romance anime.
5. Your Name. (Kimi no Na wa.)
- Production Company: CoMix Wave Films
- Year of Release: 2016
- Recommendation: This critically acclaimed film from Makoto Shinkai delivers a breathtaking tale of star-crossed love that transcends time and space. Its moving narrative and stunning visuals make “Your Name” an iconic entrant in the best anime romantic category.
4. My Dress-Up Darling (Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru)
- Production Company: CloverWorks
- Year of Release: 2022
- Recommendation: This anime beautifully captures the blossoming love between a high school boy passionate about traditional dolls and a girl who loves cosplay. Its charming characters and sweet romantic development make “My Dress-Up Darling” a delightful addition to the best romance anime series.
3. Kaguya-sama: Love is War (Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen)
- Production Company: A-1 Pictures
- Year of Release: 2019
- Recommendation: This romance anime stands out with its unique premise – a love war between two high school student council members, each scheming to make the other confess their feelings first. The intellectual battles are full of wit, humor, and surprising depth, revealing more about the characters’ personalities and backstories, while slowly developing their relationship. This cleverly constructed romantic narrative, peppered with hilarious situations and emotional moments, makes “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” a must-watch for any lover of romance anime. With each episode, viewers will find themselves rooting for both characters, eager to see who will make the first move in this endearing love war.
2. Urusei Yatsura
- Production Company: Studio Pierrot, Studio Deen
- Year of Release: 1981
- Recommendation: “Urusei Yatsura” is a seminal work in the realm of romance anime, mixing elements of sci-fi, comedy, and romance in a captivating blend. It tells the story of Ataru Moroboshi, a luckless human boy, and Lum, a beautiful alien princess, in a chaotic and comedic series of events. While the series might seem like a comedy at first, the way it showcases the growing feelings and relationship between the central characters is quite poignant and touching. Beyond the laughs, “Urusei Yatsura” provides an insightful exploration of love, relationships, and human nature, making it not just a classic romantic comedy but also a timeless tale of love. Its influence can be felt in many subsequent anime, attesting to its enduring appeal and status as one of the best romance anime.
1. The Quintessential Quintuplets (5-toubun no Hanayome)
- Production Company: Tezuka Productions, Bibury Animation Studios
- Year of Release: 2019
- Recommendation: Claiming the top spot on our list is “The Quintessential Quintuplets,” an anime that masterfully weaves romance, comedy, and drama into a compelling narrative centered around a hardworking tutor and his five quirky, identical quintuplet students. The quintuplets, while identical in appearance, have distinct personalities and interests, which contribute to the complexity and depth of the story. Viewers are taken on a delightful journey as the relationship between the tutor and his students gradually shifts from academic to romantic. The series skillfully maintains suspense by revealing early on that the tutor will marry one of the quintuplets, but keeping her identity hidden. This intriguing premise, coupled with heartfelt moments, relatable characters, and a touch of humor, makes “The Quintessential Quintuplets” a standout romance anime. Its balanced mix of love, humor, and slice-of-life elements, alongside its charming character dynamics, makes this anime a quintessential romantic series that warms the viewers’ hearts and keeps them hooked until the end.
RELATED: 35 Best Japanese Romance Anime Movies Everyone Should Watch
After our comprehensive ranking, we would like to share a special bonus section. As a passionate anime enthusiast myself, there are several series and films that may not have made it onto our official ranking but hold a special place in my heart. These are shows that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking to explore the diverse world of romance anime. Let’s take a look at these hidden gems that deserve your attention!
Maison Ikkoku
- Production Company: Studio Deen
- Year of Release: 1986
- Why it’s recommended: Maison Ikkoku is often referred to as the “pinnacle of romantic comedy” in Japan. This anime showcases a heartfelt, comedic, and at times dramatic narrative set within a quirky apartment complex. The unique mix of memorable characters, their complex relationships, and a beautifully evolving love story makes Maison Ikkoku an absolute must-watch. It has greatly influenced countless other romantic comedies and holds a special place in the hearts of many Japanese fans of the genre.
Strawberry 100% (Ichigo 100%)
- Production Company: Madhouse
- Year of Release: 2005
- Why it’s recommended: For many Japanese men in their 30s, Strawberry 100% is a memorable part of their youth. A slightly risqué school romantic comedy serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump, it sparked weekly discussions about “Who do you like the most?” among its readers. The series’ fun-filled story, endearing characters, and light-hearted ecchi elements are still fondly remembered, making it a nostalgic recommendation.
And here are more romance anime titles that may not have made the ranking but are still highly recommended:
- “Masamune-kun’s Revenge (Masamune-kun no Revenge)” (2017 – Silver Link)
- “Tada Never Falls in Love (Tada-kun wa Koi wo Shinai)” (2018 – Doga Kobo)
- “My Senpai is Annoying (Senpai ga Uzai Kouhai no Hanashi)” (2021 – Doga Kobo)
- “The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten (Tonari no Tenshi-sama ni Itsunomanika Dame Ningen ni Sareteita Ken)” (2022 – J.C.Staff)
- “My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru)” (2013 – Feel)
- “School Rumble” (2004 – Studio Comet)
- “Oresuki: Are You the Only One Who Loves Me? (Ore wo Suki nano wa Omae dake ka yo)” (2019 – Connect)
- “Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai (Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai)” (2018 – CloverWorks)
- “How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend (Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata)” (2015 – A-1 Pictures)
- “Amagami SS” (2010 – AIC)
- “My Little Monster (Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun)” (2012 – Brain’s Base)
That concludes our extensive journey through the realm of the best anime romantic series and films. Each of these carefully selected masterpieces offers its unique take on love and relationships, providing a wide array of emotions for viewers. Whether you’re a seasoned anime enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore, there’s no shortage of heart-fluttering moments and captivating stories in this lineup. Happy watching, and may these anime inspire your own romantic narratives in the grand story of life!
