The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)

Ranker Anime
Updated May 2, 2024 3.1M views 182 items
Ranked By
1.3M votes
185.0K voters
76 reranks
Latest additions: Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again, Vampire Dormitory, The Duke of Death and His Maid
Most divisive: Kids on the Slope
Over 185.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)

It's time to get in touch with your emotional side, as we're ranking the top romance anime that has ever been made. These shows typically depict two people falling in love; it starts with a crush and the audience watches it blossom from there. Good romance anime highlights all kinds of relationships, from schoolyard crushes and first kisses to crossdressing anime about adults developing a relationship at work. They also feature some of the sexiest anime characters and anime girls ever created. Sometimes referred to as love anime, these shows can be a little more slow-paced than your typical shoujo anime, but that isn't to say they're boring. In fact some of the best romance anime isn't strictly about love, but rather a combination of multiple genres.

In the hit series Inuyasha, the love between Inuyasha and Kagome is strong throughout the series, but it takes a back seat to the fighting and action scenes that really drive the show. The same goes for the popular Eureka 7, where Renton and Eureka fall in love while piloting mechs and fighting the evil United Federation. Now, if anime romance is your kind of thing, be sure to vote up the best series below.

Don't forget, if one of your favorite romantic anime shows is missing from the poll, you can add it so that others can vote for it too. Add as many series as you like, as long as they tell a love story with intense feelings and emotions.

  • Your Name
    1

    Your Name

    2016
    26,559 votes

    If you haven't seen Your Name yet, what are you even doing with your life? This award winning film explores the enigmatic connection that can form between two seemingly distant souls, transcending time and space. Mitsuha Miyamizu, a small-town high school girl, and Taki Tachibana, a city boy from Tokyo, find themselves inexplicably swapping bodies a few times a week, causing both confusion and adjustment in their daily lives.

    As they try to navigate this bizarre phenomenon and learn more about each other through their experiences in each other's lives, Mitsuha and Taki develop a deep bond that transcends the boundaries of their physical existence. 

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  • Horimiya
    2

    Horimiya

    2021
    20,399 votes

    Kyouko Hori is your typical popular high school girl, excelling in academics and social life. On the other hand, Izumi Miyamura is a quiet, introverted boy who hides his true colorful appearance behind glasses and a plain demeanor. Both have secrets they wish to keep hidden from their classmates, but when they unexpectedly run into each other outside of school, they learn that appearances can be deceiving.

    If you're in the mood for a heartwarming, slice-of-life romance with a touch of humor, you'll definitely want to give Horimiya a try. It's ultimately an affirmation that love and acceptance can be found in the unlikeliest of places!

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  • A Silent Voice
    3

    A Silent Voice

    2016
    17,789 votes

    Bullying is an all-too-common problem among young people, and in the world of A Silent Voice, Shoya Ishida is no exception. As a middle schooler, he tormented deaf classmate Shoko Nishimiya to the point where she had to transfer schools, but karma catches up to Shoya as he finds himself shunned by his classmates in return.

    Now in high school and ostracized from his peers, Shoya aims to make amends for his past actions. He learns sign language and seeks out Shoko, both as a personal quest for redemption and to help her reconnect with their former classmates. Along the way, they develop a deep bond that may just heal the scars left by their shared history.

  • Maid Sama!
    4

    Maid Sama!

    2010
    60,006 votes

    Working in a maid café sounds fun - that is, if you're into cute outfits and taking orders. However the protagonist of Maid Sama!, Misaki Ayuzawa, works in one out of necessity, as the student council president of a once all-boys school trying to keep her job a secret. Misaki's mission is to maintain her tough exterior at school while also keeping her part-time job under wraps.

    Everything changes when the popular and enigmatic Usui Takumi discovers her secret, leading her on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and events. As Misaki tries to balance her authority at school and her identity as a maid, she finds herself unexpectedly growing closer to Usui, who seems to always be there to help her out. The only problem is that she's completely clueless about his true feelings for her!

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  • Kamisama Kiss
    5

    Kamisama Kiss

    2012
    36,478 votes

    Becoming the deity of a dilapidated shrine might not have been your dream job, but for protagonist Nanami Momozono, it was her only option when she suddenly found herself homeless. After a fateful encounter with a mysterious stranger, the now-divine Nanami is tasked with fulfilling the duties of the land god, Mikage.

    Nanami's journey towards becoming a competent deity is not an easy one, but she soon discovers that her newfound powers come with some unexpected perks: like being able to see and interact with a myriad of supernatural creatures, including her handsome fox familiar, Tomoe. As she grows into her new role, Nanami finds herself at the center of a complicated web of love, duty, and friendship – all while learning that being a god isn't as straightforward as she thought.

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  • Snow White With the Red Hair
    6

    The heroine of Snow White with the Red Hair, Shirayuki, is a commoner born with a rare and striking feature: her vibrant red hair. This unique trait catches the eye of the selfish and narcissistic Prince Raj, who demands Shirayuki become his concubine due to her rare beauty.

    Shirayuki decides to take her fate into her own hands by escaping her kingdom and cutting her red hair as an act of defiance. Along her journey, she meets the charming and chivalrous Prince Zen of the neighboring kingdom. With his help and the support of new friends, Shirayuki tries to forge her own path in life as an herbalist, defying expectations and societal norms. As expected, her newfound independence and relationships attract danger and drama.

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  • Yona of the Dawn
    7

    Yona of the Dawn

    2014
    23,232 votes

    Yona of the Dawn is a great option for those of us who aren't necessarily strict romance anime fans, but enjoy a good romance if there is fantasy and adventure surrounding it. Princess Yona leads a sheltered life in the Kouka Kingdom, but she's about to get a quick and harsh lesson in life's not-so-fair side. Following her father's assassination, Yona is forced to flee her palace alongside her bodyguard, Hak. This tumultuous event serves as the catalyst for her transformation from a pampered princess to a fierce warrior with a mission to reclaim her kingdom.

    As she delves deeper into the political intricacies of her kingdom, she discovers that her emotions are entangled with her fellow warriors - especially Hak, who's been her loyal protector since childhood.

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  • Blue Spring Ride
    8

    Blue Spring Ride

    2014
    27,992 votes

    Rekindling an old love from middle school sounds like a bittersweet experience - that is, if both parties are on the same page. But the protagonist of Blue Spring Ride, Futaba Yoshioka, discovers that overcoming the past is not as simple as it seems.

    Futaba's chance encounter with her former crush, Kou Mabuchi, leads her to realize that he has changed significantly since their middle school days. Now distant and less friendly, Kou presents a challenge for Futaba who decides to break through the barriers he has erected around himself. To do this, she attempts to reconnect with him by understanding his past and present struggles. In the process, Futaba and Kou develop an emotional bond that goes beyond their initial infatuation. The only problem is that overcoming their personal obstacles might take more than just rekindling an old flame,

  • Your Lie in April
    9

    Your Lie in April

    2014
    24,190 votes

    Kousei Arima has been a piano prodigy since childhood, but his life comes crashing down when his mother passes away, resulting in a mental breakdown that renders him unable to hear the sound of his own music. Kousei resigns himself to living a life devoid of his passion for music and the piano.

    However, his monotonous life takes a turn when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a free-spirited violinist who reignites Kousei's love for music. As they begin to perform together, Kousei starts to realize that there is more to music than just perfectly hitting each note. With Kaori's help, he embarks on a journey not only to find his own unique sound and style but also to mend the broken pieces of his heart.

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  • Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You
    10

    Navigating the treacherous waters of high school can be difficult, but when you're constantly being mistaken for a villain from a popular horror movie, it's even worse. That's precisely the scenario protagonist Sawako faces, as her classmates mock her relentlessly by comparing her to Sadako from The Ring.

    Determined to change her fate, Sawako decides to reach out and be kinder to her classmates, hoping her true self will shine through her intimidating looks. Miraculously, her sweet nature starts winning over the hearts of her classmates, including the popular and handsome Shota Kazehaya. With friendships and budding romance on the horizon, Sawako's life takes a dramatic turn, but she still struggles with her own insecurities and fears. Will her newfound connections help her overcome her past, or will she remain trapped in her own self-doubt?

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  • Fruits Basket (2019)
    11

    Fruits Basket (2019)

    2019
    10,029 votes

    Fans of the original Fruits Basket eagerly awaited this 2019 reboot, and it didn't disappoint. Orphan Tohru Honda stumbles upon the Sohma family secret when she starts living with them after a series of unfortunate events. It turns out that certain Sohma family members are cursed by the spirits of the Chinese Zodiac animals, transforming into their respective zodiac animal whenever they are weak or hugged by someone of the opposite sex. As Tohru begins to unravel the mysteries behind this peculiar curse, she also finds herself drawn closer to the members of the Sohma family, particularly Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure.

    As she becomes a part of their daily lives, Tohru not only helps the Sohmas to confront their emotional burdens and past traumas, but also learns valuable life lessons from them. Alongside her new friends, Tohru navigates through various challenges and, in the process, discovers hidden strengths within herself. Unbeknownst to her, the warmth and kindness she brings into their lives begins to break the ancient curse binding the Sohma family, immersing them all in a journey of healing and self-discovery.

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  • Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
    12
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  • My Little Monster
    13

    My Little Monster

    2012
    30,181 votes

    Shizuku Mizutani' priorities lie in maintaining top grades, devouring books, and keeping her distance from others...basically anything but romance. However, everything takes a topsy-turvy turn when Haru Yoshida, an enigmatic and impulsive classmate known as the "monster," suddenly leaps onto the scene. Through a peculiar set of circumstances, this so-called beast becomes entwined in her life, dismantling any notion of normalcy that Shizuku once clung onto.

    Haru's unpredictable antics force Shizuku into a whirlwind of bewildering experiences, including outlandish pranks, impromptu confessions, and unexpected friendships. Despite her initial resistance, Shizuku finds herself gradually drawn towards the complexity of Haru's character. She begins to contemplate whether her perception of love and relationships was too limited all along.

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  • Toradora!
    14

    Toradora!

    2008
    41,166 votes

    As a gentle and caring high school student, Ryuji Takasu wants nothing more than to live a normal life and make friends, but his intimidating looks inherited from his Yakuza father make it difficult.

    His quiet life takes a turn when he crosses paths with Taiga Aisaka, a petite but fierce girl known as the "Palmtop Tiger" who has a reputation for her fiery temper. Despite their contrasting personalities, they unexpectedly form an alliance when they discover that they each have crushes on each other's best friend.

    Ryuji agrees to help Taiga in her pursuit of love, while she assists him in overcoming the stigma attached to his appearance. As they work together, they start to see each other in a new light, and the possibility of romance begins to bloom between them.

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  • Kaguya-sama: Love is War
    15

    Kaguya-sama: Love is War

    2019
    11,661 votes

    When it comes to love, even the smartest of individuals can become absolute fools, and Kaguya-sama: Love is War is a testament to this truth. The prestigious Shuchiin Academy is where two brilliant student council members, Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, find themselves engaged in a battle of wits to make the other confess their love first.

    As prideful and intelligent as they are, Kaguya and Miyuki believe that the one who confesses first would be considered the weaker party, thus commencing their mind games and strategic attempts at winning each other's hearts. Little do they know, their feelings for one another are already obvious to those around them, making their efforts all the more comical and endearing.

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  • Ouran High School Host Club
    16

    If you're intrigued by a romantic comedy set in an elite high school, look no further than Ouran High School Host Club. Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at the prestigious Ouran Academy, stumbles upon the school's Host Club while searching for a quiet place to study. After accidentally breaking a valuable vase, she's forced to join the club in order to pay off her debt.

    At first, Haruhi's relationship with the eccentric members of the Host Club is purely business. But, as she spends more time with them, friendships begin to form and romantic feelings start to stir. 

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  • Say "I Love You".
    17

    Say "I Love You".

    2012
    31,558 votes
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  • Fruits Basket
    18

    Fruits Basket

    2001
    24,668 votes

    Tohru Honda is a kind-hearted high school girl who has recently lost her mother in a tragic accident. Homeless and without any family to rely on, she stumbles across the mysterious Sohma family's residence and immediately finds herself wrapped up in their secret curse - when embraced by someone of the opposite sex, the Sohma family members transform into animals from the Chinese Zodiac.

    Throughout the series, Tohru forms strong bonds with the various Sohma family members, including the brooding Yuki, the short-tempered Kyo, and the charismatic Shigure—all while helping them overcome personal difficulties related to their cursed existence.

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  • Howl's Moving Castle
    19

    Howl's Moving Castle

    2004
    5,913 votes
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  • Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku
    20

    Navigating the world of love can be a challenge, especially for those who proudly wear the title of "otaku." In Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, closeted fujoshi Narumi Momose starts a new office job where she's reunited with an old childhood friend, Hirotaka Nifuji, an avid gamer.

    As they catch up and reminisce about the past, Narumi confesses her struggles in finding a man who accepts her otaku lifestyle. Hirotaka proposes a solution: why not try dating each other? And so begins their exploration of romance amidst the world of anime, manga, and video games. Meanwhile, their colleagues Hanako Koyanagi and Taro Kabakura, secretly in love with each other despite their constant bickering, serve as prime examples of the complexities that come with dating fellow otakus. 

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  • Hotarubi no Mori e
    21

    Hotarubi no Mori e

    2011
    6,019 votes

    Hotarubi no Mori e proves the purest form of love can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places. When young Hotaru Takegawa gets lost in the enchanted forest near her grandfather's house, she meets a mysterious spirit called Gin, who promises to help her find her way home.

    Despite Gin's warning that he will disappear forever if touched by a human, their friendship blossoms over the years as Hotaru returns each summer to spend time with him. The two navigate the complexities of their forbidden bond, discovering the depths of their feelings for each other while knowing that one touch could end it all.

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  • I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
    22

    It's a silly title, but I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is a critically acclaimed 2018 film that is the epitome of a tearjerker. When a somber high school student named Haruki Shiga finds a diary titled "Living with Dying" in a hospital waiting room, he is instantly intrigued. Upon reading it, he quickly learns that it chronicles the life of Sakura Yamauchi, his cheerful and extroverted classmate who is secretly living with a terminal pancreatic illness.

    Sakura entrusts Haruki to keep her secret, and in exchange, they form a bond unlike any other. While living life on borrowed time, Sakura teaches Haruki the importance of embracing every moment and cherishing the little things. Haruki, in turn, provides unwavering support and companionship to Sakura as she faces the reality of her impending death.

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  • Weathering with You
    23

    Weathering with You

    2019
    3,450 votes
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  • Violet Evergarden
    24

    Violet Evergarden

    2018
    4,500 votes
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  • Tonikawa: Over the Moon for You
    25

    If you're a fan of sweet romance with a touch of the supernatural, be sure to watch Tonikawa: Over the Moon for You.

    Nasa Yuzaki, a highly intelligent 18-year-old, has aspirations to become an astronaut when his life takes an unexpected turn. As he gazes at a beautiful girl across the street, he is struck by a truck, and she saves him. The girl introduces herself as Tsukasa Tsukuyomi, and Nasa instantly falls in love. On the verge of losing consciousness, Nasa decides to confess his feelings to her. Tsukasa agrees to go out with him but only if they get married.

    Years later they begin their newly married life together, navigating both everyday challenges and unusual situations brought on by Tsukasa's mysterious past.

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  • My Dress-Up Darling
    26

    My Dress-Up Darling

    2022
    3,985 votes
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  • My Happy Marriage
    27

    My Happy Marriage

    2023
    1,990 votes
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  • Loving Yamada at Lv999!
    28

    Loving Yamada at Lv999! (2023) is one of the newest popular romance anime. It follows gamer Akane as she attempts to rebound from being dumped by her boyfriend for a girl he met in Forest of Savior, the MMORPG they had played together. Akane meets and begins to form a relationship with Yamada, a fellow player with an unfriendly demeanor who we later learn is actually a professional gamer.

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  • The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten
    29
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  • Orange
    30

    Orange

    2016
    7,686 votes
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