Top 40 Best Romance Anime You Need to Watch (Updated)

Itazura na Kiss is a classic romance anime that shows the complete journey from a high school crush to married life. The story of Kotoko, a clumsy but persistent girl who confessed to the genius Naoki just to get rejected. The anime shows the years of their relationship with very realistic ups and downs as Naoki gradually comes to accept Kotoko’s faithfulness.

Watching their relationship evolve from a one-sided crush to a genuine partnership as both characters mature together is lovely. The anime shows the relationship’s realistic development, life milestones, and more than just the confession.

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37. Pseudo Harem

Pseudo Harem is, without a doubt, one of the most underrated romance anime series. It takes a unique approach to the good old childhood friends theme. Eiji and Rin are two members of the drama club. Eiji gets entertained by Rin’s acting as different character types, from tsundere to cool beauty.

What adds to the series’ charm is the fact that Rin’s various personas help not only her but also Eiji reveal their true emotions. The anime beautifully shows how the relationship goes from friendship to love through the couple’s shared moments and mutual understanding. Pseudo Harem is lighthearted, imaginative, and filled with endearing characters.

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36. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou

The Pet Girl of Sakurasou is one of the most relatable romance anime that explores talent, hard work, and finding your place in the world. It tells the story of Sorata, who lives in Sakura Hall, a dorm room for problem students, and ends up taking care of Mashiro, a talented girl who can’t even perform the simplest things in life, despite being a brilliant artist.

Their friendship grows naturally as they support each other in daily life. The anime is a perfect balance of comedy and real emotion about passion and self-worth. If you’re looking for an anime that’s heartfelt and explores creative passion, this is a perfect choice.

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One of the best romance anime for gaming fans who want a fresh love story. After Akane gets dumped by her boyfriend, she finds unexpected comfort in Yamada, who is a pro gamer at various games. They meet through an online multiplayer game and their relationship develops through that and meeting in real life.

It perfectly shows gaming culture and wholesome romance development. Yamada’s quiet kindness combined with Akane’s emotional journey of moving on from heartbreak is absolutely charming to watch. If you want an anime that shows perfect gaming while also offering a sweet relationship, this should be a must-watch romance anime for you!

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32. Darling in the Franxx

Darling in the Franxx blends mecha action with an emotional love story. Hiro and Zero Two, a strange girl with horns, pilot giant robots and battle strange creatures. This show has some of the best thrilling moments in the entire 24-episode series with a strong and deep love connection between Hiro and Zero Two that will keep you excited all the time.

Darling in the Franxx is a sci-fi action romance anime that features action battles with deeply personal moments that explore what it means to be human.

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31. Snow White with the Red Hair

It’s a charming fairy tale-inspired love story. Shirayuki is a skilled herbalist with beautiful red hair who escapes his kingdom and meets Prince Zen. Their couple shares similar interests and respect instead of the usual princess journey. Shirayuki is a very likeable character because of her personality, her independence, and her desire to make it on her own terms.

It’s a mature take on romance, showing a healthy relationship story where both the characters respect each other’s feelings, growth, and dreams. A mature romance anime with a strong female protagonist and satisfying storytelling.

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It’s a satisfying and entertaining romance that tells a story of childhood friends who later turn into lovers with a lot of comedy and funny moments. Tomo (a tomboy) wishes her childhood friend Junichiro to see her as a girl. It is seriously entertaining because of Tomo’s idea of becoming more feminine while staying true to her energetic personality.

Their relationship is full of hilarious and comedic misunderstandings, but there are also genuinely sweet moments as Junichiro slowly comes to realize how he feels about her. All the other characters also add a lot of humor to this love story, which is really fun to watch!

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27. Insomniacs After School

Insomnia After School is truly a calming anime that nicely shows the quiet intimacy of late-night connections. It is the story of two school students, Nakami and Magari. They both struggle with insomnia and find consolation in each other’s company. The anime uses their shared sleeplessness to create perfectly tender moments together.

Nakami and Magari’s relationship grows into something wholesome that you’ll love to see. The story beautifully shows how finding someone who can understand you and your struggles can be incredibly healing. It’s a kind of relaxing story that is gentle as well as realistic with emotional connections.

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26. My Dress-Up Darling

My Dress-Up Darling has become one of the most popular romance anime in just a few years. The romance is actually good in the anime if we exclude the fan service moments, which makes it a bit ecchi. A shy doll-making student, Gojo, helps the beautiful, charming, and popular girl Marin make cosplay of her favorite characters.

They both support each other in their hobbies without any negative judgment. Marin’s love for anime and gaming and Gojo’s crafting skills create a love story based on true appreciation. This anime includes a positive, uplifting romcom about otaku culture, while also showing pure joy and wholesome moments.

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ReLIFE is one of those anime that is extremely unique and deals with the second chance that life gives you and adult regrets in a different manner. Arata, a 27-year-old, is given an opportunity to relive his last year of high school through a mysterious age regression pill that makes him look younger. ReLIFE mixes the perspective of a mature adult with teenage romance dynamics in the story.

Arata’s relationship with one of his classmates, Chizuru, develops beautifully as both of them go through emotionally difficult situations. It explores the themes of self-improvement and moving on from previous mistakes while also maintaining genuine moments of romance. ReLIFE is the mature twist that is warm at heart and worth thinking over.

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22. Golden Time

Golden Time is a college romance with maturity that comes to life by following Banri’s complex journey with memory loss and broken relationships. When he befriends the dramatic Koko, who’s desperately chasing his friend Mitsuo, their bond slowly transforms into something unexpected.

It is pretty different from the typical high school romance that deals with first crushes and all. It’s about college students who deal with real emotions and consequences. Banri’s amnesia builds real tension, where each recovery of memory and shared moment plays an important role in the story. Golden Time shows complex emotions with honesty and is realistic about relationships and love, showing that love isn’t always simple and convenient.

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21. The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten

Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten is one of the most comforting and wholesome romance anime, it’s for fans who enjoy slow-burn relationships. The story begins when lazy Amane helps his neighbor Mahiru during a rainy day, and in return, Mahiru starts taking care of him, cooking meals for him and cleaning his apartment adorably.

The story perfectly shows that the relationship is built on small acts of day-to-day kindness rather than big drama. The sweet and heartwarming moments of Mahiru and her slow change from polite neighbor to someone who genuinely cares is really wholesome to witness. It’s perfect for fans who want a calming, relaxing, and gentle romance without any unnecessary drama.

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Tonikawa: Over the Moon For You is a wholesome romance that will warm your heart. As the story goes, Nasa is involved in numerous accidents while chasing the mysterious Tsukasa, including being hit by a truck. When he recovers, she agrees to marry him immediately, and watching their cute married life is heartwarming and enjoyable. Just two newlyweds trying to live and learn how to live as a couple, and this concept of the story makes this series different from the usual romance anime stories, and it will make you want to have a relationship like this.

Their everyday moments are really adorable, including going shopping or spending peaceful time at home together. Tsukasa has some mystery in her past that keeps the story interesting, but it doesn’t affect their happy and beautiful relationship. If you want a romance anime that feels comforting and shows how love can be beautifully simple, this one is perfect.

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16. Lovely Complex

If you are looking for a romantic comedy that is heartwarming and has a lot of laughs and a bit of fun chaos, Lovely Complex is for you! This series will have you laughing and crying at the same time. The story follows Rias, a tall girl, and Otani, a short guy, who begin as the perfect comedy duo, but they slowly realize that they’re falling in love with each other. The great chemistry between these two is what makes this romance so good!

The height difference between these two creates a lot of funny moments as well as cute moments. Their slow journey from not knowing they like each other to falling in love with a lot of comedy and heartfelt moments. It is about two people who complement each other no matter what others say. Lovely Complex perfectly balances comedy and romance that make this anime addictive to watch.

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15. Tsuki ga Kirei

Tsuki ga Kirei is definitely one of the most realistic romance anime you will ever watch! It has a beautiful and simple story of Kotaro and Akane, two middle schoolers who slowly fall for each other in the most genuine way possible. The story feels incredibly relatable from their first awkward conversations to nervously chatting with each other late at night. Everything about their relationship feels relatable, like watching actual teenagers going through their first love experience.

The anime perfectly shows those sweet and pure moments of young love without any extraordinary drama, and I am pretty sure that watching their shy glances, nervous smiles, and hesitant hand-holding will remind you of your own first crush. This anime tells a touching and wholesome story and makes every emotional moment hit just right. It’s a pure, simple, and heartwarming romance story and arguably one of the best of its genre.

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14. A Sign of Affection

A Sign of Affection came out during the Winter 2024 anime season and is one of those anime that will make your heart flutter in different ways! Yuki, a deaf college student, meets Itsuomi on a train and falls for his kind and gentle heart. This is where the anime shines—it shows how disability is treated with genuine care and respect while still delivering all the sweet and romantic moments.

The chemistry between Yuki and Itsuomi is really heartwarming and magical as their relationship grows through sign language, gentle touches, and quiet understanding. The animation is relaxing as well and captures those small emotional moments and makes this anime more beautiful to watch. It’s a romance anime with a meaningful story, real character development, and a must-watch romance series.

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13. My Love Story!!

One of the most refreshing romantic anime is My Love Story!! This series completely changes the ordinary romance story by featuring a tall and muscular guy who believes he is too scary-looking for love and sweet Rinko, who actually falls in love with him because of his kind heart. The pure and wholesome moments of their relationship make the story very delightful—no unnecessary drama or confusion, just two people who truly care about each other.

Takeo’s best friend, Suna, adds perfect comedy and support for him, making their friendship just as adorable as the main romance. This anime will have you smiling the entire time while watching it with its feel-good moments that remind you what a healthy relationship truly means. It’s basically a warm hug in anime form that proves sometimes the best romance stories are the simple ones.

Series Details:

• Release date: 2015
• MAL Rating: 7.89
• Episodes: 24
• Studio: Madhouse
• Based on: Manga by Kazune Kawahara & Aruko

12. Maid Sama!

Maid Sama is an iconic shoujo romance anime that will give you the perfect enemies-to-lovers story, and if you enjoy watching strong female characters with some great romance vibes, then it’s a must-watch for you. The anime follows Misaki living a double life as a strict student council president during the day and cute maid at night. When the most popular guy at school, Usui, gets to know about her secret night job, their unfriendly relationship changes into an adorable love story.

Misaki’s strong personality and Usui’s relaxed, calm confidence make them a perfect couple. Their arguments and banter will make you laugh and feel entertained, and it never feels fake or forced. The show does well with those classic romantic comedy moments, creating a perfect match that feels natural and real instead of made-up. It’s a perfect and predictable romcom anime that creates everything for fans who love watching two strong personalities slowly fall for each other.

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11. Kamisama Kiss

Kamisama Kiss takes the supernatural romance formula and makes it an absolutely wholesome love story through Nanami’s journey from homeless schoolgirl to land deity. A girl who accidentally becomes the land god and inherits Tomoe, a grumpy fox spirit familiar with a serious attitude problem who refuses to serve humans. It nicely balances comedy with genuine romantic feelings and watching their relationship develop from mutual annoyance to honestly caring about each other is delightful.

Tomoe’s tsundere personality (grumpy but caring) is perfectly paired with Nanami’s determination and kindness, which makes them a lovely couple. The supernatural setting adds even more fun to the story with plenty of magical adventures and mythical creatures. It is one of the best romance anime and a must-watch series. It’s a perfect shoujo romance anime for fans who want supernatural elements without overwhelming drama.

Series Details:

• Release date: 2015
• MAL Rating: 8.23
• Episodes: 25 +OVA (4episodes)
• Studio: TMS Entertainment
• Based on: Manga by Julietta Suzuki

Horimiya is undoubtedly one of the best romance anime in recent years, creating the most relaxing and refreshing look into high school life relationships with slice of life moments. Kyoko Hori, a popular girl who also takes care of her home, is very different from Izumi Miyamura, a quiet schoolboy who looks completely different outside of school with tattoos and piercings. Thus, after discovering each other’s secrets, they create an honest friendship that afterwards develops naturally into a romantic relationship. Which will make you dream of having a relationship like theirs.

It doesn’t show unnecessary drama but tells a charming story along with relaxing and heartfelt moments. The side characters are likeable and developed in significant ways with mature themes that prove sometimes the most beautiful stories are the simplest when two people feel the same towards each other and have mutual feelings.

Series Details:

• Release Date: 2021
• MAL Rating: 8.19
• Studio: CloverWorks
• Episodes: 26
• Creator: HERO (Web Manga), Daisuke Hagiwara (Adapted Manga)

6. Rascal Does Not Dream

The title might be misleading to you, but Bunny Girl Senpai is a romance anime with supernatural elements and deep character development and ranks among the top romance series. It tells the story of Sakuta and Mai’s ever-changing relationship. He is a high school student and she is an actress. Due to “Adolescence Syndrome,” Mai mysteriously starts to disappear from everyone’s memories around her, with Sakuta being the only one who remembers her throughout the whole series.

This anime explores real-life teenage problems such as social anxiety and family pressure by using supernatural events – this is what sets this show apart from most romance stories, including the mature relationship between Mai and Sakuta. Each arc focuses on different characters’ stories, struggles, and development as well. It’s a great watch for fans who want romance based on real connection rather than forced conflict.

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5. Your Lie In April

Your Lie in April blends the themes of romance with music to create a beautiful and unforgettable story about healing, youth, and love. A talented pianist, Arima, who unfortunately has lost his ability to hear his own after a painful past and trauma. But his life started to change after he met Kaori Miyazono, a brilliant violin player, who brought happiness and color to his despairing life.

By combining the lovely classical music, calming animation, and heartfelt storytelling that flows naturally with every musical note, this series will take you on an emotional and inspiring journey that you will not forget. You will experience how the most powerful love stories can help someone to overcome mental illness and bring back the light in their life during the darkest times. It is one of the saddest anime series along with a beautiful love story.

Series Details:

• Release Date:  2014
• MAL Rating: 8.64
• Episodes: 22
• Studio: A-1 Pictures
• Creator: Naoshi Arakawa

4. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

My Teen Romantic Comedy (Oregairu) is a pretty different type of anime from most of the shows; it’s not just funny, but it is one of the few romance anime that takes a deep psychological look at high school relationships with the most relatable protagonist, Hachiman Hikigaya. He is forced to join the Service Club with little choice. He is joined by the cold but brilliant student Yukino and Yuigahama, a kind and cheerful classmate. The story mainly revolves around them, exploring how anxiety and trauma can change the bond and relationship, unlike an ordinary romance series that mainly focuses on heartwarming stories.

Hachiman’s self-sacrificing decision to solve problems as well as the changing relationship between the main trio shows how difficult it can be to make honest connections. Each episode slowly reveals their emotional walls, proving that love is not just about romance; it is about self-improvement and learning to share your feelings. Oregairu is highly praised by the fans because of its excellent character writing, thoughtful themes, and realistic perspective on teenage relationships.

Series Details:

• Release Date: 2013
• MAL Rating: 8.35
• Episodes: 41
• Studio: Brain’s Base (Season 1), Feel (Seasons 2-3)
• Creator: Wataru Watari
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll (based on your location)

3. Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War

Talking about the top 3 best romance anime (according to the ratings), Kaguya-Sama is a fun watch for the fans, combining romance and top-tier comedy with the mind games. Kaguya and Shirogane, two top Shuchin Academy students, are stuck in a love-hate relationship. They do like each other but don’t want to confess their feelings first; instead, they have ridiculously hilarious mind battles.

The normal everyday day-to-day moments turn into strategic showdowns, and that makes them very entertaining to watch. The side characters are amazing as well; they take comedy and story to the next level, mainly Chika Fujiwara and Yu Ishigami. Kaguya-Sama does everything very well, from peak comedies to serious romantic moments, and undoubtedly it is one of the best romance stories.

Series Details:

• Release Date: 2019
• MAL Rating: 8.98
• Episodes: 38 + A Movie(4 eps)
• Studio: A-1 Pictures
• Creator: Aka Akasaka
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

2. Fruits Basket

One of the most beautiful and comforting anime ever is Fruits Basket. Watching this masterpiece will heal your heart while breaking it at some moments — that’s how deeply the story is told in this show. The story follows Tohru Honda, a kind-hearted orphan girl who meets the mysterious Sohma family and has to live with them. As she lives on with them, she gets to know an important secret about members of the Sohma family: hugging any of the members by a person of the opposite sex can transform them into the animals of the Chinese zodiac.

Tohru helps these members of the Sohma family and comforts them from their painful past, creating a beautiful story with its main theme of healing through love. Tohru’s selfless love and kindness help Kyo deal with his self-hate, creating an emotional and heartwarming relationship. An enjoyable blend of comedy, drama, and deep romance that explores family bonds and self-acceptance makes Fruits Basket absolutely one of the best romance anime of all time.

Series Details:

• Release Date: 2019
• MAL Rating: 8.96
• Episodes: 63
• Studio: TMS Entertainment
• Creator: Natsuki Takaya
• Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll (based on your location)

1. Clannad: After Story

Clannad is a masterpiece romance series. The story will truly touch your heart in many ways, and it will stay unforgettable with you forever. Unlike many romance stories, it goes beyond the usual school romance, which is pretty much rare to see in this genre. The story begins with Tomoya Okazaki, a depressed high school boy who meets the kind and caring lonely girl Nagisa Furukawa, who changed his life forever by bringing happiness and meaning to his life. Their journey also has an impact on people around them and friends they care for, not just on their lives.

Strong character development, touching life moments, and relatable life challenges make it pretty much different than most of the anime series. Clannad After Story is more than just an ordinary school romance and explores the family theme along with some of the deepest and most powerful storytelling in anime that will truly touch your heart. Clannad is a must-watch anime and has the ability to change your life and teach you important life lessons.

Series Details:

• Release Date: 2008
• MAL Rating: 8.93
• Episodes: 24 (23 episodes of Clannad)
• Studio: Kyoto Animation
• Creator: Jun Maeda (Visual Novel)
• Where to Watch: Prime Video, Apple Tv (based on your location)