When it comes to romance anime, the anime community never has to worry about running out of options.
The popular genre is filled to the brim with amazing titles that we all know and love, but it's also ever-flowing with new releases that are just waiting to be binge-watched by us hopeless romantics and lovesick individuals. After all, it's love that makes the world go round, and if we can see beautiful relationships on screen, then we can have faith that things may work well in our love lives, too.
With all this talk about romance anime, you're probably wondering which ones you should watch (or rewatch) to feel those butterflies. Thankfully, you've come to the right place because we're here to give you ten romance titles that are the perfect place to rekindle your love for this genre. Here are our favorites!
10. A Sign of Affection
Where to stream: Crunchyroll
A Sign of Affection reminds us that love comes in all shapes and sizes, as we get to witness first-hand a relationship between a hard-of-hearing girl and a patient, understanding man who would do anything to ensure that he sees life through her lens.
This 2024 anime will remind you of all the times you may have found your flaws unlovable or times you felt too difficult to understand. However, it will provide some healing since it will show that some go above and beyond to love you the way you are.
With the romance in this anime, it's easy to see how this anime was one of the most popular of its season. Hopefully, it's even easier to see why this anime deserves a second season as soon as possible.
9. Violet Evergarden
Where to stream: Netflix
Violet Evergarden is a tear-jerker that will never fail to impress you with the lengths it goes to capture the highs and lows that come with everlasting love.
In this anime, the love is somewhat one-sided since the person our protagonist, Violet, is in love with passed away in war. Like anyone would, she has a difficult time accepting this loss and clings to whatever helps her forget about the tragedy. But slowly but surely, she finds her purpose.
Violet Evergarden not only changes your perspective on grief but it also forces you to come to terms with whatever it is about yourself that may need a little more loving and affection. Just like others, we need patience and care, too.
8. Blue Spring Ride
Where to stream: Crunchyroll
If you love childhood friends to lovers dynamics, then we know for a fact that you will adore Blue Spring Ride.
Two childhood friends reconnect after years of not seeing one another. One of them is still the upbeat, bubbly, and goofy person that they always were, while the other has definitely gone through some serious character development changes, some of which made them a far more moody individual. Even so, the two still find themselves very connected to each other, proving that distance doesn't (and cannot) stand in the way of true love.
Although it's been years since we received a new season of this anime, it still remains a classic favorite amongst anime fans. Perhaps the popularity will aid us in receiving another season much sooner rather than later. (Fingers crossed!)
7. My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999
Where to stream: Crunchyroll
After being dumped by her long-term boyfriend whom she loved so much that she learned how to play a game for, our My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 protagonist loses a big chunk of her self-worth. So much so that she would rather lie to her ex-boyfriend about her relationship status than admit that she is super depressed after the breakup.
Amid the fake relationship, however, she finds that her fake boyfriend is actually a good friend she made in her favorite online game. Although he's more aloof and cold in person, she eventually falls in love with his good and bad sides, as he is very patient with her in all her mistakes.
More often than not, you'll find this anime is filled with tons of comedic moments. Still, when this anime rears its romantic head, best believe you'll find yourself blushing nonstop.
6. Kiss Him Not Me
Where to stream: Crunchyroll
Kiss Him Not Me doesn't seem like a romance anime at first glance, especially since it tells the story of Yaoi (or Boys Love)-lover who lets her fantasies run wild to the point where she can barely hide her obsession. But when one of her favorite characters dies in her favorite Yaoi show, she undergoes a depression so deep it causes her to lose a lot of weight.
With her new look, she becomes a girl fawned after by all the boys, but since she's inexperienced with love due to her Yaoi obsession, rather than try to take this as an opportunity to get her very first boyfriend, she prefers to ship the boys with each other to bring her fantasy to life.
Despite her dedication to seeing a Boys Love relationship unfold before her very eyes, love finds her anyway, forcing her to experience the love she imagines for others.
5. Kimi No Todoke
Where to stream: Netflix
Kimi Ni Todoke is the perfect anime to teach you why it's important to never judge a book by its cover, as it follows a young girl who looks very similar to the monster in The Grudge. Because of her looks and her awkwardness, people don't really speak to her or are very frightened of her. Nevertheless, she meets a boy who sees past her appearance and gets to know her.
Outside of the main relationship, you'll find other relationships blossoming, too. This only further exemplifies the anime's way of introducing different types of love to its audience since it's often that we only witness the main couple's romance and never really anyone else's.
Fortunately for everyone, we're receiving a brand-new season 13 years later, which is just all the more reason for you to catch it as soon as possible!
4. Horimiya
Where to stream: Crunchyroll
Horimiya takes on a slightly more mature perspective when it comes to high school relationships since the anime doesn't take its time to develop the relationship between the two main lovers. Granted, the two don't exactly jump into the relationship upon first meeting. But if you're someone who doesn't really like slow-burn relationships, this anime is right up your alley.
In addition to the main couple falling deeply in love with each other, we also see other pairings, including a long-term couple, a budding couple, and a couple who have little to nothing in common but still are drawn to one another more times than not. There's something for everyone!
Once you watch Horimiya, it'll be undeniably apparent why fans swoon whenever they see this anime and wish to be in a relationship as cute as this one. Perhaps you'll feel the same, too!
3. Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
Whenever anime fans need a reminder that someone out there will love them even while knowing all about their obscure obsessions or funny hobbies, they watch Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku!
Although romance is included in this anime, as we get to see many different pairings come to fall in love with one another, comedy is absolutely at the heart of this anime. We get to laugh at so many different nods to the anime community such as our fondness of shipping characters who have little to no romance between them knows no bounds. What's more, you'll find yourself laughing at how adorable the couples are despite being so different from each other on the surface.
Above all, our favorite part about Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku is that it's a title that even older audiences can watch, securing this anime as a timeless classic.
2. Sasaki and Miyano
Where to stream: Crunchyroll
There are only a handful of anime shows that make us believe in soulmates the way Sasaki and Miyano does.
The love depicted in this anime is very patient and calm as opposed to something rushed like we usually see in Boys' Love anime. Also, you don't have to worry about ridiculous or unnecessary problems rising up just for the sake of dividing the lovers. Rather, the love is just as natural and easy-going as it comes, making it one that you should watch if you're just looking for something wholesome without a whole of tension.
And, as we mentioned earlier, Sasaki and Miyano is a great representation of LGBTQIA+ relationships. There is no discrimination or oddness toward any same-sex relationship, which may be a breath of fresh air to those who are used to constant depictions of struggle within the LGBTQIA+ community. Truly, this anime is a great way to unwind from the norm and give you hope for a kinder future for all types of love.
1. Fruits Basket
Where to stream: Crunchyroll
Simply put, there's a reason why Fruits Basket goes down in history as one of the best romance anime titles of all time. Sure, there's romance and different relationship dynamics that shape this anime into the popular title that it is today. However, we believe that Fruits Basket's depiction of heartbreak truly cements this anime as one that is the best for romance anime lovers to watch from start to finish
Granted, heartbreak isn't fun to watch, especially if you want to get away from the sad part that can come with some relationships. But this anime does it in a way where it shows that a setback is really a setup for more love and more life in your life. The anime doesn't dwell on heartbreak too much in a way that depresses you. Instead, it does it to show all the authentic ways love can come and, unfortunately, go.
Thankfully, despite everything, Fruits Basket gives us a happy ending, so you can look forward to falling in love in all seasons of your life!
Now that you know of some of the best romance anime shows that have graced this world, it's the best time to head over to any of these streaming services to catch every second of these titles!
See you there!