15 Best Anime With Great Love Stories

Chise and Elias embrace each other with passionate love.

Updated:

08 Jan 2021

15 Best Anime With Great Love Stories

15. Toradora!

Ryuji Takasu is frustrated at trying to look his best as he enters his second year of high school. Despite his gentle personality, his eyes give him the appearance of an intimidating delinquent. He is happy to be classmates with his best friend Yusaku Kitamura, as well as the girl he has a crush on, Minori Kushieda. However, he unexpectedly runs into "the school's most dangerous animal of the highest risk level"—Taiga Aisaka—who just happens to be Minori's best friend. Taiga has a negative attitude towards others and has a habit of snapping violently at people. She takes an instant dislike to Ryuji, and it turns out she is living in an apartment facing Ryuji's house. When Ryuji discovers that Taiga has a crush on Yusaku, and Taiga finds out about Ryuji's affections towards Minori, they make an arrangement to help set each other up with their crushes.

Over the course of the series, Ryuji and Taiga try to set up romantic situations to help each other get to know their friends, but many of the situations backfire. Their classmates observe that they are spending a lot of time with each other, leading to rumors that they might be a couple. Although Ryuji and Taiga try to dispel the rumors, they find that they do enjoy each other's company, with Taiga visiting Ryuji's house to share meals, and Ryuji checking up on Taiga to get her to school and cleaning for her. They meet Yusaku's childhood friend Ami Kawashima, a popular teen model who transfers into their school. She appears to be friendly and is a self-proclaimed ditz, but beneath her facade is a rather mean and spoiled brat, and she quickly finds herself at odds with Taiga. In spite of this, Taiga tries to put up with her antics as Yusaku wants them to all get along, and Ami begins to grow feelings for Ryuji. The series follows the lives of these friends and how love blossoms among them.

I like how this anime manages to be funny, but without being too annoying. The characters themselves don’t have the best personalities, but I believe that’s part of the show’s original charm. I find it funny, and really relatable. Those in high school struggling with relationship issues would appreciate this show as a sort of “story of their lives.” It’s easy to relate to, and the characters are normal to the point where they feel like you and me. As well, the romance is realistic and not overly contrived. In general, a great anime.

What Makes Toradora! Great

The humor in Toradora! feels authentic and relatable. It doesn’t come across as annoying, and it doesn’t deviate away from the original romance plot.
The characters may be slightly negative in terms of their outlook on life, but it doesn’t control the story or ruin their outlook on love. In fact, it only seems to drive them towards the romance we’ve been looking for between them.
The animation style is playful and fun. It fits for the high school realm the story is in, and it fits the character's personalities with the way they talk and live.

14. Date A Live

Thirty years ago, the Eurasian continent was devastated by a supermassive "spatial quake"—a phenomenon involving space vibrations of unknown origin—resulting in the deaths of over 150 million people. Since then, these quakes have been plaguing the world intermittently, albeit on a lighter scale.

Shidou Itsuka is a seemingly average high school student who lives with his younger sister, Kotori. When an imminent spatial quake threatens the safety of Tengu City, he rushes to save her, only to be caught in the resulting eruption. He discovers a mysterious girl at its source, who is revealed to be a "Spirit," an otherworldly entity whose appearance triggers a spatial quake. Soon after, he becomes embroiled in a skirmish between the girl and the Anti-Spirit Team, a ruthless strike force with the goal of annihilating Spirits.

However, there is a third party that believes in saving the spirits: "Ratatoskr," which surprisingly is commanded by Shidou's little sister! Kotori forcibly recruits Shidou after the clash, presenting to him an alternative method of dealing with the danger posed by the Spirits—make them fall in love with him. Now, the fate of the world rests on his dating prowess, as he seeks out Spirits in order to charm them.

My favorite part about this anime, despite it not being on the romantic side, is the relationship between Shidou and Kotori. It serves as an adorable slice of life interval in the chaos, and you have to appreciate their relationship even more once we find out the truth of Kotori’s profession. This anime is also really slow burn in terms of meaningful relationships, meaning that the chemistry is obviously there, but the characters are having a difficult time working their way around their feelings. This type of anime is one of my absolute favorites, as it truly shows the versatility of the writers and makes character interactions very entertaining. In my opinion, it’s definitely one to check out.

What Makes Date A Live Great

The animation is beautiful, no question. The character designs are creative and colorful and very nicely detailed. The battle sequences are also very tastefully done.
The idea of spirits invading Earth doesn’t distract from the fact that this is indeed a romance anime, and a very well written one. Just as well, the romance embraces the chaos, which is a testament to good writing.
The relationships between all of the characters are well developed and healthy. They aren’t contrived or toxic, just right. Which is honestly impressive among high school students.

13. Snow White With The Red Hair

Shirayuki is a normal herbalist in the kingdom of Tanbarun with one unique feature: her beautiful red hair. Due to her unusual hair color, Shirayuki was raised to always be careful of showing her hair in new surroundings and grew to be an independent young woman. However, her hair gets her noticed by Prince Raji, who orders her to become his concubine. Refusing his orders, she cuts her hair and leaves it behind as part of what he wanted and escapes to the neighboring kingdom of Clarines. On her way there, she meets and befriends Prince Zen Wistaria and his two aides Mitsuhide and Kiki. When Zen is poisoned by an apple meant for Shirayuki gifted by Raji, Shirayuki successfully obtains the antidote and decides to accompany the trio to Clarines. Shortly thereafter, Shirayuki passes an exam for a position to train in the palace as a herbalist. Shirayuki and her friends find a place in Clarines and carry out her duties as a court herbalist. Over the course of the story, Zen and Shirayuki begin to fall in love with each other and eventually begin a romantic relationship, in spite of opposition due to their difference in social status.

I think this is a great example of an anime rendered fairy tale. It truly sets the stage from the beginning, and I enjoy the relationship between Shirayuki and Zen. In terms of romance, I don’t feel as if it’s very contrived. It all feels very authentic, and the meeting between Shirayuki and Zen was rather endearing. The side characters are also comedic, yet developed in their own right. It might be a romantic anime, but the other characters don’t fall flat like I’ve seen before in other shows. Overall, it’s a great fantasy romance.

What Makes Snow White With The Red Hair Great

This show is an amazing variation on a classic fairy tale. In terms of clothing and technology, the show is very faithful to the period it was written in, despite being what some people would call “just” a romance anime.
Shirayuki isn’t a damsel in distress like the traditional tale. She can take care of herself without Zen, which she has proven. While their relationship is the biggest focus of this anime, Shirayuki can definitely hold her own in a dangerous situation.
Zen isn’t your typical “Prince Charming” character. While he is royalty, he isn’t stuck in his ways, and unlike his peers, looks past Shirayuki’s social standing for the beautiful and kind woman she really is. It’s hard to find a character like that.

12. White Album 2

Haruki Kitahara's light music club is on the verge of disbanding. At this rate, the third year's dream of performing at the school festival would never be realized. However, as his exhausted fingers drift through the chords of "White Album," the first song he would ever play, an angelic voice and mysterious piano begin harmonizing with his lonely guitar. It is a momentous performance that marks the beginning of everything for Haruki.

White Album 2 orchestrates Haruki's final semester with complex romance and exhilarating music, as the curtains of the stage he so desired begin to open.

Obviously, this anime also focuses on music, and music is one of the most beautiful aspects of it. The way it intertwines with the romance really makes the story, and it also serves to help Haruki realize his own destiny and feelings. It isn’t very complicated; it’s all sweet and straight to the point, which every romance anime needs sometimes. The characters all interact with each other in a way that tells an amazing story. I’d say definitely check it out.

What Makes White Album 2 Great

The music really drives home each and every emotion behind this show and is beautifully orchestrated. The characters don’t always have to talk to convey their emotions, the music does that. That’s a great thing for a show to have.
This is a good anime to focus on a soul searching, and how that can be done both with another person and alone. Not much romantic anime can successfully do both, but White Album 2 definitely succeeds in that aspect.
This is a sequel, and arguably better than the first. Things are cleaner, smoother, brighter, and more complex in terms of both story and visual aspects. White Album 2 really did a fantastic job.

11. Emma: A Victorian Romance

Emma has been a maid for most of her life. Working for a retired governess—the strict but compassionate Kelly Stownar—Emma has grown to love her work and has long since accepted her place in society. Beautiful, hardworking, and exceptionally kind, Emma has captured the hearts of many of London's working men—but their feelings always remain unrequited. Emma is waiting for love, and she finds it in the most unlikely of places.

William is the eldest son of the wealthy Jones household—a family that has only recently been accepted into the gentry, securing their position in high society. He is also the former ward of Mrs. Stownar, and on his first visit in years, he falls madly in love with her maid. His earnest attempts to win her affection, coupled with his good nature and warm personality, have captured Emma's heart.

But the polite society of 19th century England does not take kindly to the rejection of tradition. As a result, Emma and William's relationship could not face more opposition. In a world where the class lines are as strongly defended as the borders of nations, does their love have the strength to survive?

I think this is a really well done period piece anime. Its story is original, the characters aren’t stereotypical in any way, and the romance between Emma and William feels very genuine. The dialogue between them feels natural like they were meant to be together (which is the point of the story). I think the art style is rather unique for an anime, and I find it all absolutely beautiful. Overall, a great period piece anime for those interested in the genre.

What Makes Emma: A Victorian Romance Great

Everything is historically accurate. It’s incredibly easy to mess up any kind of period piece, anime aside, yet Emma managed to get it all right. Everything is reminiscent of the Victorian Era and is done perfectly.
I love the animation style here. Everything feels very warm, old, and romantic. You don’t see many anime’s out there with this style, and I think that’s one of the things that makes it most unique.
The dialogue. The dialogue manages to fit the time period, and still sound incredibly romantic to a modern audience. That’s something that can be considered a feat of greatness all on its own.

10. From Me To You

The story takes place in Hokkaido. 15-year-old high school freshman Sawako Kuronuma—dubbed Sadako by her classmates for her resemblance to the character from The Ring—has always been feared and misunderstood because of her appearance; rumors around school report that she can see ghosts and curse people. However, despite her ominous appearance, she is actually a sweet and unassuming girl who only longs to be helpful; she has been shunned for so long that the idea of making friends has become foreign to her. When a boy, the popular boy Kazehaya, begins talking with her, everything changes. She finds herself in a new world, making new friends and talking to different people, and she can't thank Kazehaya enough for giving her these opportunities. Slowly, but surely, a sweet love blossoms between the two as they overcome circumstances and obstacles that stand in their way.

Adding romance, necromancy, and curses together makes for an amazing story. Sawako is a kind character that can be well-liked by the audience, and her relationship with Kazehaya is beautiful. It’s quite an unconventional high school story, but one that stands apart from the norm, as it involves the supernatural versus the way others do. It made me laugh, cry, and smile the entire time. Definitely check it out!

What Makes From Me To You Great

The mixture of supernatural issues into everyday high school drama and romance make the show incredibly interesting. This isn’t a typical show, and the story definitely stands out as a great one.
The romance doesn’t feel contrived. Sometimes, with high school anime romances, that’s all you feel. Not here. Both characters are likable and actually have genuine thoughts and feelings.
It’s not incredibly long, for one thing. Sometimes romance anime’s feel too long or too short, and that the major points in the main relationship either come on too slow or too fast. That isn’t the case here; the show length is just perfect.

9. Spice And Wolf

Spice and Wolf's story revolves around Kraft Lawrence, a 25-year-old traveling merchant who peddles various goods from town to town to make a living in a stylized, fictional world, with a historical setting with European influences. His main goal in life is to gather enough money to start his own shop, and he already has been traveling for seven years while gaining experience in the trade. One night when stopped at the town of Pasloe, he finds in his wagon a wolf-deity named Holo who is over 600 years old. She takes the form of a 15-year-old girl, except for a wolf's tail and ears. She introduces herself as the town's goddess of the harvest, who has kept it blessed with good harvests of wheat for many years. Holo has experienced increasing isolation and disillusionment at the townpeople's move away from her protection towards their own methods of increasing the harvest. She is especially hurt at their forgetting of the promise made between her and a farmer when she arrived in the village and their criticism of her as a "fickle god" for needing to replenish the soil with smaller harvests. Because of these changes, she wants to go back to her homeland in the north called Yoitsu; she believes the people have already forsaken her and that she has kept her promise to maintain the good harvests. Holo also wants to travel to see how the world has changed while she has remained in one place for many years. She manages to bargain her way out of the village by making a deal with Lawrence to take her with him. As they travel, her wisdom helps increase his profits, but at the same time, her true nature draws unwanted attention from the Church.

One of my most favorite things about this anime is how clever it is in terms of story, character design, and dialogue. Holo is witty, and while Lawrence is smart, her wit irks him to no end, making them not only a comedic but romantic duo. Speaking of romance, it’s a very unconventional relationship between the two, which I also love. After all, a wolf god and a merchant? Not many people would see that coming. And Holo’s personality is hilarious and endearing. She behaves more like a stubborn teenager and less like a god on some days, which makes her character arc even more interesting. Overall, another great fantasy anime.

What Makes Spice And Wolf Great

Holo herself makes the anime. Her design, her personality, her attitude towards Lawrence, everything. Holo is an incredible character that is constantly driving the plot, and her relationship with Lawrence is the absolute best.
Speaking of their relationship, the chemistry they’ve had from day one defines fantasy romance. After all, a Wolf god and a merchant getting together is already pretty unconditionally itself and makes for the best story.
The setting is absolutely beautiful and makes for the best romantic ambiance. The natural landscapes were clearly drawn with passion and care, and it really defines the show for what it is in terms of creativity.

8. The Light of A Firefly Forest

The original Hotarubi no Mori e shōjo manga and subsequent film tell the story of a six-year-old girl named Hotaru Takegawa, who gets lost in a forest inhabited by a yamagami, or mountain spirit, as well as yōkai (strange apparitions from Japanese folklore). She is found by a mask-wearing, human-like entity named Gin, who informs Hotaru that he will disappear forever if he is touched by a human. Gin then leads Hotaru out of the forest. Hotaru returns to visit Gin in the forest over the next few days and they become friends despite the limitations on their interactions. Although at summer's end she must leave Gin to return to the city and her studies, Hotaru promises to return to visit him every summer holiday.

As the years go by, Gin hardly ages while Hotaru physically matures and grows closer to his apparent age. Upon reaching adolescence, Hotaru begins to struggle with their budding romance and their uncertain future together, while Gin wishes he could touch and hold the young woman that Hotaru has become. When Hotaru reaches high school, Gin takes her on a date to a festival in the forest hosted by the spirits. The night ends in tragedy when Gin mistakenly touches a young boy who snuck into the spirit festival, though before he disappears, he and Hotaru embrace and confess their love for one another. The story ends with Hotaru accepting her pain and moving on with her life.

This anime is absolutely heartbreaking, yet in all the right ways. It’s a very unique concept, and you can tell from the minute that Gin and Hotaru meet that their love is doomed to fail. Yet you continue on anyway because the characters are endearing, well written, and bounce off of each other rather well. The scenery is spot on in terms of detail, and I’ve always seen their relationship as well as thought out and planned by the writers. It all feels very authentic despite being in a mild fantasy world, which is all you need in a good romance. Definitely check this one out.

What Makes The Light of A Firefly Forest Great

The scenery paired with some beautiful music and graphics really make the show. The surroundings always reflect the passion the characters feel for each other. It’s wonderful to have a way beyond words to tell that these characters care.
It is really sad, but I appreciate how the show doesn’t primarily focus on how everything is bad all of the time. Sure, this is a rough existence for them, but the show leaves room for cute and lighthearted moments as well. This is something to be appreciated.
Hotaru is a wonderful character. She’s never overbearing or annoying and always tries to understand where Gin is coming from. Not many female leads are as level headed, and while Hotaru has her flaws, here she is strong.

7. Romeo x Juliet

On the floating island of Neo Verona, Leontes Montague and his men lead a bloody coup and murder all the members of the ruling House Capulet. Only Lord Capulet's young daughter, Juliet, is able to escape. Fourteen years later, Leontes rules the land with an iron fist and crushes anyone who opposes him. Juliet, now sixteen, fights against House Montague's oppression as the masked vigilante "The Red Whirlwind". While attending the Rose Ball hosted by the Montagues with a friend, Juliet meets Romeo, Prince Montague's son, and both of them fall deeply in love at first sight.

Romeo is a kind, caring, selfless, and humble man who is opposed to his father's cruelty and tyranny, and shares many ideals with Juliet. Unfortunately for them, Capulet loyalists are planning a rebellion to overthrow House Montague, while Leontes is obsessed with destroying the threat of the House of Capulet permanently. As these starcrossed lovers face many challenges and adventures together, which will strengthen and deepen their true unwavering romantic love even further, an ancient secret hidden deep within Neo Verona is slowly revealed.

This show definitely takes some creative liberties from the original play, especially when they made William Shakespeare his own character. But I think that’s what makes it most entertaining and enjoyable. Those of us who know the story are aware that things end tragically for the two, but I think that that feeling is well portrayed here, despite being in a much different realm. The lore and the fantasy aspects to it help drive the romance itself, and the idea that the Capulets were the ones driven to near extinction is such an interesting derivative away from the original work. Overall, a great romantic anime to suit your tastes.

What Makes Romeo x Juliet Great

The creative licensing taken on the original play is actually one of its greatest strengths. It’s such a unique perspective on a story hundreds of years old you can’t take your eyes away.
Juliet’s story. Juliet by far steals the show with her completely new persona versus her in the original play, and it’s interesting to see her in such a position. Also, the way the show plays with gender norms is great.
The way all of the original characters from the play are presented is absolute perfection. You can tell that Benvolio is Benvolio and that Mercutio is Mercutio. They fit their new forms while still sharing traits from the play, and that’s quite the accomplishment.

6. Fruits Basket

When high school student Tohru Honda's mother dies in a car accident, Tohru decides to live with her grandfather. Renovations on the house and unsupportive and unkind family members cause her to move out of her grandfather's house temporarily, and, since she has nowhere else to go, Tohru begins living in a tent and supporting herself.

However, after discovering a nearby home inhabited by her popular classmate Yuki Soma and his cousin Shigure, and following a landslide that destroys her tent, Tohru moves into the Soma house; on her first day living there, she meets Kyo, Yuki, and Shigure's orange-haired cousin, who crashes through the ceiling and challenges Yuki to a fight.

Tohru tries to stop him, and - accidentally falling into him - causes him to transform into a cat in front of her, discovering the Soma family curse; that twelve members of the family, excluding Kyo, are possessed by the spirits of the Chinese zodiac and turn into their zodiac animal when they are weak, under stress, embarrassed, or when hugged by someone of the opposite gender.

When Tohru discovers the Somas' secret, she promises not to tell anyone and is allowed to keep living with them. Although the Somas' curse stretches far deeper and darker than Tohru initially thinks, her presence and her acceptance of them soon becomes a large, positive influence on those possessed by the zodiac. She sets out to break the curse and, on the way, meets and discovers the Soma's vengeful zodiac spirits, including their leader, Akito, who occupies the position of "God" in the Chinese legend, and whom both keeps the family together and chains them to their spirits.

In my opinion, this is one of the most creative slice of life anime I've ever watched. I love the fact that some characters and the major love interest are zodiac creatures. It makes for a great plot point, and it adds a little zest. I think Fruit Baskets is really sweet, and while it clearly has its dark moments, they’re always rounded out so well by something lighthearted. Also, you can’t help but fall in love with Tohru yourself, her character is so endearing.

Why Fruits Basket Is Great

The story about the Zodiac animals, especially in personifying them, is one of the most creative choices in anime to date. Pairing this with the romantic aspect of one of the zodiac animals falling in love with a human makes the story even more interesting and engaging.
The romance feels very authentic and real as if the characters were written with true passion. The relationships themselves are generally very healthy, and those that aren’t being dealt with appropriately.
The 2019 rendition of Fruit Baskets is absolutely beautiful in terms of design, animation, and character movement. It’s a real masterpiece.

5. Clannad After Story

Clannad: After Story, the sequel to the critically acclaimed slice-of-life series Clannad, begins after Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa graduate from high school. Together, they experience the emotional rollercoaster of growing up. Unable to decide on a course for his future, Tomoya learns the value of a strong work ethic and discovers the strength of Nagisa's support. Through the couple's dedication and unity of purpose, they push forward to confront their personal problems, deepen their old relationships, and create new bonds.

Time also moves on in the Illusionary World. As the plains grow cold with the approach of winter, the Illusionary Girl and the Garbage Doll are presented with a difficult situation that reveals the World's true purpose.

The only reason this anime was put before Your Lie In April is that both Tomoya and Nagisa are alive. Yes, this anime is definitely an angst fest, but don’t let that distract you from its quality. I love the relationship between Tomoya and Nagisa. It feels organic, real, and it’s obviously stood the test of time, as this show is a sequel to the previous one. Also, the family dynamic between everyone is incredibly sweet, and nothing feels too forced. A great romantic anime to watch!

What Makes Clannad After Story Great

The family dynamic is adorable. Not many of these animes have their romantic relationships end up with children. This might be a sequel to a previous anime, but the family dynamic really solidifies that everlasting love.
The relationship between Tomoya and Nagisa only strengthened over time despite the hardships of life, and that’s really what all of us want to see in our favorite pairing. Not only that, but it was written very well so no part of it feels forced.
The character designs, even for an older anime, are still really well done and really reflect the mood of the show. The colors are really bright and vivid, and it’s a wonderful anime to look at.

4. Your Lie In April

Piano prodigy Kōsei Arima dominates various music competitions and becomes famous among child musicians, but also controversial. When his mother Saki dies suddenly, he has a mental breakdown while performing at a piano recital; this results in him no longer being able to hear the sound of his piano even though his hearing is otherwise perfectly fine.

Two years later, Kōsei has not touched the piano and views the world in monochrome, without any flair or color. He resigns himself to living out his life with his good friends, Tsubaki Sawabe and Watari Ryōta, until, one day, a girl changes everything. Kaori Miyazono, an audacious, free-spirited, fourteen-year-old violinist whose playing style reflects her manic personality, helps Kōsei return to the music world and shows him that it should be free and mold-breaking, unlike the structured and rigid style Kōsei was used to. As she continues to uplift him, he quickly realizes that he loves her, although she already likes Watari.

Later, while performing together, Kaori suddenly collapses after a moving performance and is hospitalized. At first, Kaori says that she is anemic and just needs some routine testing, but this is revealed to be a lie.

Kaori is discharged and back to her happy self, inviting Kōsei to play at a Gala with her. However, Kaori fails to show up on the day of the Gala, and as her health deteriorates, she becomes dejected. Kōsei plays a duet with Nagi Aiza, in the hope of motivating her. After listening to it, Kaori opts for a risky surgery that may kill her if it fails, just so that she can play with him one more time.

While playing in the finals of the Eastern Japan Piano Competition, Kōsei sees Kaori's spirit accompanying him and eventually realizes that she has died during the surgery.

After Kaori's death, her parents give a letter to Kōsei at her funeral. The letter reveals that she was aware that she was about to die, so she became more free-spirited, both as a person and in her music, in order to not take her regrets to Heaven. She also reveals that she had been in love with Kōsei since she was five, and was inspired to play the violin so that she could one day play with him. Her supposed feelings towards Watari was a lie, fabricated in order to get closer to Kōsei without hurting Tsubaki, who also has limerent feelings towards Kōsei. After finding this out, Tsubaki confronts Kōsei and tells him that she will be by his side for the rest of her life. Kaori also leaves behind a picture of her as a child coming back from the concert that inspired her, with Kōsei in the background walking back home. Kōsei later frames this picture.

Ah, Your Lie In April, the classic tearjerker anime. This anime is well known for being one of the most tragic anime romances, and that’s because it is. After all, Kaori dies at the very end. But I digress. The relationship between Kaori and Kōsei is beautiful, especially once you learn that it revolves around music, said music is one of this anime’s main high points. The setting is gorgeous, the character's interactions very authentic and emotional, and the plot never feels overdramatized or contrived. The same goes for romance. Overall, definitely worth a watch.

What Makes Your Lie In April Great

The music is beautifully written. Music is a huge part of this show, and every time it’s played the music showcases a character’s feelings or current issue. Music is often used as a tool to convey romantic feelings, and this music does it very well.
The story itself was made incredibly unique by Kosei’s unexpected disability. Both love interests sharing problems instead of just having an issue the other helped shoulder is key here, and it’s done very well.
The setting is beautifully done, despite being pretty much a slice of life anime. Every time music is played by a character, something visually different occurs each time, and it’s breathtaking.

3. His and Her Circumstances

Yukino Miyazawa is a Japanese high school first-year student who is the envy of classmates for her good grades and immaculate appearance. However, her "perfect" exterior is a façade, an egocentric charade she maintains to win praise. In the privacy of her own home, she is spoiled, stubborn, a slob, and studies relentlessly and obsessively to maintain her grades. On entering high school, she is knocked from her position at the top of the class by Soichiro Arima, a handsome young man whose very existence Yukino considers a threat to the praise on which she thrives, and she vows to destroy him. When Soichiro confesses that he has a crush on her, Yukino rejects him then boasts about it at home. Her observant little sister Kano points out that her rivalry with him comes from admiration, causing her to rethink her own feelings.

Before she can figure out if she hates or likes Soichiro, he visits her home and discovers her being herself. He uses the information to blackmail her into doing his student council work. At first, Yukino accepts it, coming to realize that he is also not the perfect student he pretends to be. Tired of being used, Yukino revolts and Soichiro apologizes and admits he still loves her and just wanted to spend time with her. Yukino realizes she loves him as well, and together they resolve to abandon their fake ways and be true to themselves, though she initially has trouble breaking her lifelong habit of pretend-perfection and her competitive ways.

As the series progresses, Yukino is able to open her true self to others and earns her first real friends beyond Soichiro. It is eventually revealed that Soichiro was striving to be perfect in order to avoid turning "bad" like the parents who abandoned him. Falling in love with Yukino, he is able to become more true to himself, but he also finds himself becoming increasingly jealous of Yukino's change bringing new friends and new activities into her life, and of her having parts of her life that don't involve him. When Yukino unknowingly hurts him, he becomes even more jealous and afraid and begins to wear another façade of the "perfect boyfriend" in an effort to protect her from his "ugly" self.

The return of both of his parents into his life sends Soichiro into a dark area but helps him finally break free to truly be himself as Yukino and their friends help him learn to lean on and trust others. The end of the series shows Yukino and Soichiro in their 30s, with their three children, and gives updates on the various friends they made along the way.

This anime is kind, sweet, a little basic, but overall a perfect romance. I love the genuine feeling and passion behind the story, and Yukino and Soichiro are obviously made for each other. This anime is very slice of life; no fantasy to be had. But I believe that that’s part of its charm, and the story it tells doesn’t fall flat just because there are no fantastical aspects. Overall, I definitely recommend this anime.

What Makes His and Her Circumstances Great

The emotional growth the characters of this anime go through is beautiful to watch, and it isn’t a true romantic anime without some character growth. The way they play off of each other is beautiful, and should definitely be recognized.
The character designs are adorable. The eyes are so expressive so that when no one is saying anything, you can still see the intense emotions deep inside. This is a sure sign of fantastic writing and a great team of animators.
The simplicity of it can be appreciated. A lot of romantic anime can be complicated or extremely angsty, and not everyone is totally excited about that. This particular anime is a perfect neutral ground to balance that feeling out.

2. Citrus

Yuzu Aihara, a fashionable, spontaneous, and fun-loving city girl, transfers to a new neighborhood and high school after her mother's remarriage to another man. More preoccupied with boys and shopping than studying, Yuzu struggles to fit in at the conservative all-girls school and frequently clashes with the student council, specifically Mei Aihara, the hard-working, beautiful but cold student council president. As it turns out, Mei happens to be Yuzu's new stepsister and Yuzu finds herself having to share a bedroom with a girl she absolutely can't stand. The series follows the evolution of the relationship between the two girls, with the animosity slowly lessening as the two begin to learn more about each other and confusion growing as Yuzu discovers that she is starting to develop romantic feelings for her new stepsister.

Citrus is what’s known as one of the classic Yuri anime, Yuri meaning an anime or manga with lesbian relationships. I’ve always liked this anime because Mei and Yuzu are polar opposites when it comes to their personalities, one of my favorite romantic tropes. I think their dynamic is really well written and defined, and the mild slow burn of the romance makes everything fall together perfectly. As well, from a technical standpoint, the character designs are all very unique and manage to speak volumes about a character’s personality without them saying a word. In my opinion, it’s a great romance anime.

What Makes Citrus Great

Citrus itself was always a bit controversial with its deviation from heterosexual romance, but that’s what makes it great. People in the LGBTQ + community who may have been searching for an anime they could better relate to having finally found one they might like.
Citrus is based on a manga, and the adaptation was done extremely well. Any fans of the manga itself are definitely recommended to check it out as an anime.
The relationship between Mei and Yuzu isn’t the healthiest, but that’s the point, and the anime acknowledges this instead of simply pretending like some of the things Mei does aren’t totally out of line. It acknowledges those issues, and that’s definitely key.

Top Romantic Anime: The Ancient Magus Bride

Chise Hatori, a 15-year-old Japanese girl, was sold for five million pounds at an auction to a tall masked gentleman. Abandoned at a young age and ridiculed by her peers for her unconventional behavior, she was ready to give herself to any buyer if it meant having a place to go home to. In chains and on her way to an unknown fate, she hears whispers from robed men along her path, gossiping and complaining that such a buyer got his hands on a rare "Sleigh Beggy."

Ignoring the murmurs, the mysterious man leads the girl to a study, where he reveals himself to be Elias Ainsworth—a magus. After a brief confrontation and a bit of teleportation magic, the two open their eyes to Elias' picturesque cottage in rural England. Greeted by fairies and surrounded by weird and wonderful beings upon her arrival, these events mark the beginning of Chise's story as the apprentice and supposed bride of the ancient magus.

This seems like an unconventional top pick, but it’s here for a reason. The Ancient Magus Bride manages to beautifully combine slice of life, growth, healing, and romance all into one. While Chise and Elias are certainly an unusual pair, and their romantic relationship is a bit awkward and rough at first, that’s what makes them beautiful. The Ancient Magus Bride itself is a show about growth; how we can grow from our ashes and how we can heal. Chise and Elias’ relationship is proof of this. I personally love this show, and that’s why it’s my number one.

What Makes The Ancient Magus Bride Great

The world and the world-building. Every part of it is beautiful and creative. From the lore, the creatures, and the stories within stories, this is one of the most original anime to date. The soundtrack is also amazing.
The romance between Chise and Elias is so unique compared to many of the romances on this list. If anything, The Ancient Magus Bride is less about falling in love and more about growing in love, which really helps it to stand out.
The animation is breathtaking. Everything is so well-drawn and so well detailed, you feel immersed in it all. You can tell that quite a lot of passion and thought went into this anime, and that remains one of the best parts about it.