Hey there, anime fans! Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of romance anime? Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or just looking for a heartwarming story to enjoy, we’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the anime landscape and compiled a list of the 24 best romance anime of all time.
From classic tales of young love to more mature stories exploring the complexities of relationships, this list has something for everyone. So grab some tissues, cuddle up with your favorite plush, and let’s count down the most swoon-worthy romance anime out there!
24. Maid Sama!
Starting off our list is the delightful Maid Sama!. This charming series follows Misaki Ayuzawa, the strict student council president of a formerly all-boys school. To support her family, Misaki secretly works part-time at a maid café. When the popular boy Takumi Usui discovers her secret, an unlikely romance begins to blossom between them.
With its blend of comedy, drama, and romance, Maid Sama! is a fun and entertaining watch. Misaki is a strong and determined heroine, while Takumi’s cool demeanor hides a caring heart. Their dynamic is a joy to watch as they navigate their feelings for each other.
23. Kamisama Kiss
Next up is Kamisama Kiss, a supernatural romance with a unique premise. When homeless high school student Nanami Momozono saves a mysterious man from a dog, she finds herself becoming the new land god of a local shrine. She also ends up with the handsome fox spirit Tomoe as her familiar.
As Nanami learns the ropes of being a deity, she can’t help but fall for the initially cold Tomoe. Kamisama Kiss does a great job developing their relationship over the course of the series, with plenty of cute and funny moments along the way. The supernatural elements add an interesting twist to the typical school romance story.
22. My Little Monster
My Little Monster proves that opposites really do attract. Shizuku Mizutani is a studious girl who only cares about her grades, while Haru Yoshida is a violent and unpredictable boy. When Shizuku delivers school printouts to Haru’s home, the two start an unlikely friendship that eventually turns into something more.
Watching Shizuku and Haru change and grow as they spend more time together is really heartwarming. My Little Monster portrays a realistic high school romance, complete with misunderstandings, jealousy, and the struggle to express one’s feelings. You can’t help but root for this mismatched couple.
21. Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You is a pure and innocent romance that will give you all the feels. Sawako Kuronuma is a sweet and timid girl who is often mistaken for the ghost from The Ring due to her long black hair and pale skin. When the popular Shota Kazehaya starts talking to her, Sawako begins to come out of her shell and make friends for the first time.
Sawako and Shota’s slow-burn romance is the heart of Kimi ni Todoke. Misunderstandings and missed connections abound as they awkwardly navigate their growing feelings for each other. The supporting cast of quirky classmates adds humor and depth to the story. Keep some tissues handy, because this one might make you shed a few tears.
20. My Love Story!!
Who says romance is only for pretty boys? My Love Story!! features a refreshingly different male lead in Takeo Goda, a huge and intimidating guy with a heart of gold. Takeo falls in love with the cute Rinko Yamato, but he believes that she must be interested in his handsome best friend Makoto instead.
My Love Story!! is a wonderfully sweet and funny anime that will make you smile from start to finish. Takeo and Rinko’s pure and wholesome relationship is a delight to watch, and Makoto is a great supportive friend to them both. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance, give this one a try.
19. Waiting in the Summer
A sci-fi twist on the classic summer romance story, Waiting in the Summer follows Kaito Kirishima, an aspiring filmmaker spending his vacation on a small island. He meets a mysterious girl named Ichika Takatsuki who is fascinated by his movie project. But Ichika is hiding a big secret – she’s actually an alien!
As Kaito and his friends work together to make a movie, he grows closer to Ichika and the two fall in love. But with Ichika’s time on Earth limited, their romance is bittersweet. Waiting in the Summer has a nice balance of sci-fi elements, summer fun, and poignant romantic moments. The ending will linger with you long after the credits roll.
18. Tsukigakirei
Tsukigakirei is a simple but realistic portrayal of young love. Middle school students Akane Mizuno and Kotaro Azumi are assigned to the same class and begin to develop feelings for each other. But being at such an awkward age, they struggle to understand and express their emotions.
What makes Tsukigakirei so endearing is how relatable it is. The hesitation, the nerves, the joy of falling in love for the first time – it’s all captured perfectly here. Akane and Kotaro’s relationship develops gradually and naturally over the course of the series. It really takes you back to your own middle school days and first crush.
17. Ao Haru Ride
Ao Haru Ride, or Blue Spring Ride, is a bittersweet romance with a love triangle at its center. In middle school, Futaba Yoshioka liked Kou Tanaka, but he moved away before she could confess. Now in high school, Kou has returned, but his name and personality have changed. Futaba becomes determined to get to know Kou again, but things get complicated when she starts to fall for Toma Kikuchi, the school’s popular guy.
The story of a girl caught between two potential loves is nothing new, but Ao Haru Ride tells it with a lot of heart and sincerity. Futaba’s journey to discover what she truly wants is compelling, and her relationships with Kou and Toma are both given time to develop. The ending is emotional and satisfying.
16. Kimi no Na wa. (Your Name.)
One of the most beloved anime films in recent years, Your Name. is a beautifully crafted story of love and fate. High school students Mitsuha and Taki find themselves inexplicably swapping bodies. As they navigate each other’s lives, they begin to form a deep bond, but they are ultimately separated by time and space.
Your Name. is a visual feast, with gorgeous animation and a stunning soundtrack. But it’s the romance between Mitsuha and Taki that really makes the film soar. Despite the body-swapping gimmick, their relationship feels genuine and earned. The ending is both heartbreaking and hopeful, leaving a lasting impact.
15. Snow White with the Red Hair
A fantastic take on the classic fairy tale, Snow White with the Red Hair follows Shirayuki, a young herbalist with rare red hair. When the prince of her kingdom tries to force her to become his concubine, Shirayuki cuts her hair and escapes to the neighboring kingdom. There, she befriends the dashing Prince Zen and becomes a palace herbalist.
The romance between Shirayuki and Zen develops slowly but surely over the course of the series. What’s refreshing is that Shirayuki is no damsel in distress – she’s a strong and capable woman who stands on equal footing with Zen. The medieval fantasy setting adds an extra layer of charm to their relationship.
14. Nodame Cantabile
For a more mature romance, check out Nodame Cantabile. This josei anime follows the unlikely relationship between uptight music student Shinichi Chiaki and eccentric piano prodigy Megumi “Nodame” Noda. As they pursue their classical music dreams together, they can’t help but be drawn to each other.
Nodame Cantabile is a unique romance that eschews a lot of the typical anime tropes. Shinichi and Nodame are adults with adult problems and desires. Their relationship is messy and complicated, but that only makes it feel more real and relatable. The classical music element is also a nice touch that sets this series apart.
13. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
A hilarious and clever take on the romantic comedy genre, Kaguya-sama: Love is War centers on the battle of wits between student council president Miyuki Shirogane and vice president Kaguya Shinomiya. The two are clearly in love, but both are too proud to confess, so they scheme to get the other to admit their feelings first.
Kaguya-sama is a non-stop laugh riot, with Miyuki and Kaguya’s over-the-top mind games and misunderstandings. But beneath the comedy is a genuinely sweet romance between two people who are perfect for each other, even if they’re too stubborn to admit it. The supporting cast of quirky characters adds to the fun.
12. Fruits Basket
A true classic of the shojo genre, Fruits Basket follows orphaned high school student Tohru Honda, who ends up living with the mysterious Soma family. She soon discovers that the Somas are cursed to turn into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex.
As Tohru gets to know the various members of the Soma clan, she touches each of their lives in different ways. The romance is more of a subplot in Fruits Basket, but it’s handled with a lot of sensitivity and maturity. Tohru’s relationships with Yuki and Kyo Soma are particularly moving. This is a heartwarming story about the bonds between people.
11. Ouran High School Host Club
One of the funniest and most iconic romance anime out there, Ouran High School Host Club is a reverse harem with a twist. When poor scholarship student Haruhi Fujioka accidentally breaks an expensive vase, she is forced to join the school’s host club – a group of handsome boys who entertain female clients. The catch? Everyone thinks Haruhi is a boy!
The comedy of errors that ensues is hilarious, but Ouran also has a lot of heart. Haruhi’s relationships with each of the host club members are distinct and memorable, especially her bond with the club’s princely leader, Tamaki. The ending is surprisingly emotional and satisfying.
10. Akagami no Shirayuki-hime (Snow White with the Red Hair)
A more recent entry in the romance genre, Snow White with the Red Hair is a charming fantasy series with a strong female lead. Shirayuki is a skilled herbalist with rare red hair that catches the eye of a sleazy prince. When he tries to make her his concubine, Shirayuki cuts her hair and escapes to a neighboring kingdom, where she befriends the dashing Prince Zen.
The relationship between Shirayuki and Zen is a delight to watch unfold. They have a natural chemistry and mutual respect that blossoms into love over the course of the series. Shirayuki is no damsel in distress – she’s a capable and determined woman who stands on equal footing with Zen. The fantasy setting adds an extra layer of magic to their romance.
9. Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You)
A pure and innocent love story, Kimi ni Todoke follows the blossoming romance between shy and misunderstood Sawako Kuronuma and popular boy Shota Kazehaya. Sawako has always been an outcast due to her resemblance to the ghost girl from The Ring, but Kazehaya’s kindness helps bring her out of her shell.
Watching Sawako gradually open up and make friends is heartwarming, but it’s her awkward and adorable relationship with Kazehaya that will really give you butterflies. The two have a slow-burn romance full of misunderstandings, missed connections, and unspoken feelings that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Keep some tissues handy for this one.
8. Lovely★Complex
Lovely★Complex puts a fun spin on the classic romantic comedy setup. Risa Koizumi is a tall girl who falls for a shorter boy named Atsushi Otani. The two bicker constantly, but their height difference makes them the perfect comedy duo. As they grow closer, they must navigate their feelings for each other while dealing with the social stigma of a tall girl/short boy relationship.
This anime is a riot of laughs, with Risa and Otani’s height-based hijinks and slapstick humor. But it’s also a sweet and relatable story about two oddballs finding love and acceptance with each other. Risa and Otani’s journey from friends to lovers is full of heart, with plenty of ups and downs along the way.
7. Ore Monogatari!! (My Love Story!!)
In a refreshing change of pace, My Love Story!! features a gentle giant named Takeo Goda as its protagonist. Takeo looks intimidating, but he’s a big softy with a heart of gold. When he falls for the cute and tiny Rinko Yamato, he assumes she must be interested in his handsome best friend Suna. But Takeo soon discovers that Rinko likes him for who he is.
My Love Story!! is like a warm hug in anime form. Takeo and Rinko’s pure and wholesome relationship will make you smile from ear to ear, while Suna is the ultimate wingman who supports their love. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance that will lift your spirits, this is the anime for you.
6. Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun (Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun)
A hilarious send-up of shojo manga tropes, Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun follows high school student Chiyo Sakura as she tries to confess her love to classmate Umetarou Nozaki. When Nozaki mistakes her confession for a request for an autograph, Chiyo discovers that he is secretly a popular shojo manga artist. She ends up becoming his assistant and gets pulled into his zany world of art and romance.
The colorful cast of characters really makes this anime shine, from the oblivious Nozaki to the princely Mikoto Mikoshiba. Chiyo’s crush on Nozaki is adorable, but the real focus is on the ensemble’s wacky antics and satirical takes on romance manga clichés. You’ll be laughing from start to finish.
5. Spice and Wolf
Spice and Wolf offers a unique take on romance by pairing a traveling merchant with a wolf deity in a medieval setting. As Kraft Lawrence journeys to different towns to trade goods, he encounters Holo, a wolf harvest deity who joins him in human form. Their relationship develops as they face various challenges and uncover economic schemes.
The romance in Spice and Wolf is a slow burn, with witty banter and growing trust between Lawrence and Holo. The focus on economics and trade also sets it apart from typical romance anime. With a historical European aesthetic and an unconventional couple, Spice and Wolf is a smart, refreshing romance.
4. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
Don’t let the title fool you – Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is a poignant supernatural romance with surprising depth. High school student Sakuta Azusagawa notices his upperclassman Mai Sakurajima wandering around the library in a bunny girl costume, seemingly invisible to everyone else. As Sakuta helps Mai deal with her condition, he encounters other girls afflicted by similar supernatural “puberty syndrome” phenomena.
Beneath the snarky dialogue and surreal situations is a touching story about the challenges of growing up and the connections we form with others. The romance between Sakuta and Mai feels genuine, grounded by strong writing and emotional maturity rarely seen in high school anime couples. A must-watch for fans of supernatural romance with heart.
3. Bloom Into You
Bloom Into You is a standout yuri romance that explores the complexity of teenage love and identity. When Yuu Koito sees student council president Touko Nanami turn down a confession, she asks Touko for help understanding her own lack of romantic feelings. To her surprise, Touko confesses to Yuu, beginning a complicated relationship as both girls grapple with what love means to them.
What makes Bloom Into You so compelling is its grounded, realistic approach to romance and sexuality. Yuu’s uncertainty about her feelings is relatable, while Touko puts on a facade to hide her own vulnerabilities. The anime handles their developing relationship with sensitivity and nuance, making for a beautiful and impactful yuri romance.
2. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
On the surface, Kaguya-sama: Love is War is a hilarious romantic comedy about two prideful geniuses locked in a battle of wits, each trying to make the other confess their love first. But beyond the mind games and absurd humor lies a genuinely sweet romance between Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya.
As the two navigate their feelings, insecurities, and misunderstandings, it becomes clear that they bring out the best in each other. The supporting cast adds to the humor and heart, with their own romantic subplots. With its clever writing, stylish direction, and perfect comedic timing, Kaguya-sama is a rom-com firing on all cylinders.
1. Oregairu (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU)
Oregairu subverts the typical high school rom-com by focusing on a cynical loner forced to join the school’s service club. Hachiman Hikigaya’s pessimistic worldview clashes with the ideals of fellow club members Yukino Yukinoshita and Yui Yuigahama, leading to biting social commentary and a messy web of relationships.
What starts as a deconstruction of high school romance tropes gradually becomes a poignant story of growth, friendship, and love. Hachiman’s slow but steady development and the shifting dynamics between the three leads make for a compelling and emotionally resonant romance. Oregairu is a smart, subversive take on the genre that doesn’t shy away from the pain and beauty of teenage relationships.
