If you are looking for romance anime series, romance anime shows, or romance anime movies to watch, then you’re in the perfect place. In this article, you will find the best romance anime series and movies you can watch, and this list has the best of the best romance anime out there.
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10. Horimiya (2021 ‧ 1 season)
At first glance, Kyoko Hori seems like your quintessential popular high school girl, while Izumi Miyamura appears to be the stereotypical reserved and gloomy student. However, appearances can be deceiving. Beneath her polished exterior, Hori is a grounded and family-oriented individual. Meanwhile, Miyamura hides a handsome face adorned with piercings and tattoos, revealing a rebellious streak.
An unexpected encounter outside the classroom brings these two seemingly opposite worlds together. Their surprising similarities ignite a heartwarming story of burgeoning friendship and eventual love, all set against the backdrop of everyday school life.
This good romance anime beautifully explores themes of identity, the complexities of teenage years, and the evolving relationship between Kyoko and Izumi as they navigate the trials and tribulations of adolescence together.
09. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War (2019 ‧ 4 seasons)
Shuchiin Academy is an institution that gathers Japan’s brightest and most elite students. Among them are the formidable Student Council President Miyuki Shirogane and the equally brilliant Vice President Kaguya Shinomiya. Despite their undeniable compatibility, their overwhelming pride becomes an insurmountable barrier to romance. Both intellectual titans engage in elaborate and hilarious schemes, transforming the pursuit of love into a highly competitive game.
As their rivalry intensifies, viewers are treated to a delightful blend of amusing and genuinely heartwarming moments. The series delves into the intricacies of ambition and the often-confusing nature of love amidst intense academic pressures. Reluctant to be the first to confess their true feelings, Miyuki and Kaguya embark on increasingly comical and exaggerated tactics to outwit each other, expertly exploring themes of vulnerability, friendship, and, of course, love.
Celebrated for its sharp humor, intricate wordplay, and over-the-top scenarios, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War follows Miyuki and Kaguya as they navigate their complex emotions while diligently fulfilling their Student Council duties and interacting with a vibrant cast of supporting characters. This is a must-watch romance anime series for those who enjoy clever comedy intertwined with genuine romantic development.
08. Violet Evergarden (2018 ‧ 1 season)
The Great War has finally concluded after four long years of devastating conflict. Caught in its tumultuous wake is Violet Evergarden, a young girl who was ruthlessly trained as a weapon. Physically and emotionally scarred by the war, she struggles to comprehend the meaning of cherished words spoken to her.
Seeking a fresh start, she begins working at CH Postal Services, where she encounters “Auto Memory Dolls”—individuals who transcribe people’s emotions into heartfelt letters. Inspired by their work, Violet decides to become an Auto Memory Doll herself, embarking on a profound journey of transformation and touching the lives of countless others as she strives to understand the true meaning of those important words.
Following the war’s end, Violet grapples with her past and the lingering impact of violence. Haunted by the last words of someone she deeply cared for, she embarks on a path of healing and self-discovery. Joining CH Postal Services, she finds purpose in the role of an Auto Memory Doll, meticulously translating the complex emotions of her clients into written form.
Through her diverse experiences, Violet gradually learns the nuances of empathy and compassion, slowly unraveling the mysteries of her own identity. Violet Evergarden stands as a deeply moving story of resilience, growth, and the power of human connection in a world trying to rebuild after immense loss. This good romance anime beautifully blends elements of fantasy with a strong emotional core.
07. Rent-a-Girlfriend (2020 ‧ 3 seasons)
Kazuya Kinoshita, a seemingly ordinary 20-year-old college student, experiences a painful heartbreak when his girlfriend, Mami Nanami, abruptly ends their relationship. Seeking temporary solace and perhaps a way to make Mami jealous, he impulsively hires a rental girlfriend, Chizuru Mizuhara.
He is immediately captivated by her charm and seemingly perfect demeanor. However, Kazuya’s initial suspicion that Chizuru’s affection is insincere leads to a heated confrontation, revealing her unexpectedly spirited and genuine nature. Their argument is abruptly interrupted by the news of Kazuya’s grandmother’s sudden collapse.
In a moment of panic and a desire to comfort his grandmother, Kazuya spontaneously introduces Chizuru as his real girlfriend, setting in motion a complicated charade. As they navigate this pretense, Kazuya’s lingering feelings for his ex-girlfriend, Mami, further complicate their already intricate dynamic, raising fundamental questions about the authenticity of their evolving relationship. This romance anime show offers a unique premise with plenty of comedic and dramatic twists.
06. The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You (2023 ‧ 1 season)
Rentarou Aijou appears to have it all: good looks, intelligence, athletic prowess, and undeniable popularity. Yet, when it comes to the realm of romance, he is consistently unlucky. On his middle school graduation day, he suffers his one-hundredth consecutive rejection. Feeling utterly dejected, he visits a matchmaking shrine, earnestly wishing for a girlfriend in high school.
Suddenly, the shrine’s god materializes, making an unbelievable promise: Rentarou will meet one hundred soulmates during his high school years. Initially skeptical, Rentarou’s disbelief quickly fades when he encounters two of these destined soulmates, Hakari Hanazono and Karane Inda, on his very first day of school.
With a series of unexpected and passionate love confessions, Rentarou’s life is about to become significantly more chaotic and undeniably more interesting. This romance anime series offers a hilarious and over-the-top take on the harem genre.
05. Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie (2022 ‧ 1 season)
Yuu Izumi’s high school life is characterized by an almost comical level of misfortune, with unfortunate events seemingly trailing him wherever he goes. Despite his constant bad luck, he enters his second year with a simple yet heartfelt wish: to spend more quality time with his incredibly affectionate girlfriend, Micchon Shikimori.
Shikimori is the epitome of charm and popularity at their school—she’s cute, athletic, and genuinely caring. However, Izumi soon discovers a surprising and incredibly cool side to her personality. When the situation demands it, Shikimori transforms into a remarkably capable and protective figure, effortlessly shielding him from his frequent mishaps with a determined and captivating look.
Charming and undeniably captivating, she never fails to make his heart race. Despite his unlucky streak, Izumi remains confident that with Shikimori by his side, his days of misfortune are numbered. This good romance anime offers a refreshing dynamic with a strong and endearing female lead.
04. Tomo-chan Is a Girl! (2023 ‧ 1 season)
Childhood best friends Tomo Aizawa and Junichirou “Jun” Kubota have an inseparable bond, sharing countless moments together, whether it’s rigorous training or leisurely activities. However, their seemingly unbreakable connection has a unique twist: Tomo, a self-proclaimed tomboy, harbors deep romantic feelings for Jun, who, unfortunately, still perceives her as one of the guys—a brother in arms.
As they navigate the unfamiliar territory of high school, Tomo bravely decides to confess her long-held love to Jun. However, her somewhat rough demeanor and her readiness to throw a punch don’t exactly align with Jun’s image of a romantic partner, leaving him oblivious to her true feelings.
Realizing that Jun won’t acknowledge her romantic intentions unless she makes a significant change, Tomo embarks on a mission to shake him out of his obliviousness and make him finally see her for the girl she is. This romance anime show provides a humorous and heartwarming exploration of breaking down gender stereotypes in romance.
03. The Garden of Words (2013 ‧ 46 mins)
On a quiet and rain-soaked Tokyo morning, Takao Akizuki, a young aspiring shoemaker, decides to skip his classes to seek refuge and inspiration in the serene beauty of a lush garden. There, amidst the tranquil greenery, he hopes to sketch his intricate shoe designs undisturbed. It is in this peaceful setting that he unexpectedly encounters Yukari Yukino, a woman of captivating allure yet shrouded in an air of mystery.
Drawn to her enigmatic presence, Takao impulsively offers to craft a pair of shoes specifically for Yukari, sparking a series of chance encounters throughout the rainy season. As they spend more time together in the garden, they find solace and a sense of understanding in each other’s company, unknowingly easing the burdens that weigh heavily on their hearts.
However, beneath the surface of their budding relationship, both Takao and Yukari grapple with personal struggles and hidden challenges that refuse to fade away. As the end of the rainy season ominously approaches, they find themselves at a critical crossroads, their unique bond tested by the difficult truths they must confront about themselves and each other. This beautifully animated movie romance anime explores themes of loneliness, connection, and the quiet beauty of unexpected encounters.
02. 5 Centimeters per Second (2007 ‧ 1h 3m)
When two hearts yearn deeply for each other, yet fate seems determined to keep them apart, what unfolds is a poignant and unforgettable tale of enduring love and persistent longing. Childhood friends Takaki Toono and Akari Shinohara find their lives irrevocably altered as they are separated by circumstances beyond their control. Despite the growing physical distance between them, they promise to maintain their strong bond.
Byousoku 5 Centimeter, also known as 5 Centimeters per Second, is a tender yet profoundly heart-wrenching romance anime film that delicately explores the painful complexities of long-distance relationships and the passage of time. As the years drift by, Takaki and Akari find themselves trapped in a bittersweet cycle of nostalgia, unable to create new shared memories while desperately clinging to the fading hope of a future reunion.
Their unresolved longing casts a persistent shadow over their everyday lives, deeply affecting not only themselves but also those around them. Through their emotionally resonant journey, 5 Centimeters per Second poignantly illustrates the enduring pain of love that remains unfulfilled and the profound impact of yearning for a connection that may ultimately never be rekindled. This is a classic romance anime movie known for its stunning visuals and melancholic atmosphere.
01. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (2018 ‧ 1h 48m)
The story begins with an aloof and introspective bookworm protagonist, a young man who remains detached from his surroundings and harbors a deep-seated belief in his own insignificance. His carefully constructed world is unexpectedly shaken when he stumbles upon a handwritten personal journal titled “Living with Dying.” The journal belongs to his seemingly polar opposite classmate, Sakura Yamauchi, a popular and vibrant girl. Sakura confides in him her devastating secret: she is living with a terminal pancreatic illness.
Initially unmoved by Sakura’s dire situation, the protagonist reluctantly agrees to keep her secret and accompany her through her remaining days. Despite their vastly different personalities and outlooks on life, Sakura’s unwavering optimism and infectious zest for living slowly begin to chip away at his hardened indifference.
As they navigate the complexities of life and mortality together, their unique bond deepens, profoundly influencing the protagonist’s perspective. Through Sakura’s resilience and her passionate embrace of each fleeting moment, he learns to truly appreciate the preciousness of existence, discovering a newfound appreciation for the simple beauty of life. This impactful romance anime movie explores themes of mortality, friendship, and finding meaning in life.
Conclusion
All these anime movies and romance anime series are widely considered to be among the best romance anime. Each romance anime film and show on this list offers a unique and unforgettable experience. If you believe that all romance anime stories are the same, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
We encourage you to share your favorite romance anime in the comments below! This list was compiled based on numerous polls and extensive fan ratings, solidifying these romance anime movies and series as some of the most beloved in the genre.
Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming romance anime 2024 release or a timeless classic, this list provides a fantastic starting point for your next emotional journey into the world of romance anime.
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