10 Anime Like More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers

More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers is a compelling romance anime released in 2022 with intriguing and quite fresh premises.

The narrative follows the trope of an arranged couple who begins as strangers with no feelings, possibly even harboring some dislike, but gradually develops a loving relationship.

If you’ve watched and found it convincing, it’s entirely understandable, and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best anime like More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers for you.

10. My First Girlfriend is a Gal

We start with My First Girlfriend is a Gal, an anime we recommend primarily for its aesthetic appeal. The specific reason being: both of the girls featured in these two anime are Gyaru.

The story follows Junichi Hashiba, a high school student who dreams of finally losing his virginity, but unfortunately, he’s not that popular and quite a loser.

But one day he loses a bet and is forced to confess to Yukana Yame, one of the most beautiful girls in school, who surprisingly accepts him.

The plots and premises may differ significantly, but if you’re looking for another romance anime where the girl is a gyaru after More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers, My First Girlfriend is a Gal is a great choice.

9. Spy x Family

Spy x Family is another series that differs significantly from More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers in terms of themes, premise, and plot, but it shares the trope of the “preset” couple with it.

Twilight, one of the world’s top spies, has spent her life taking on undercover missions to make the world a better place.

One day he receives a particularly difficult assignment, and to succeed in his new mission he will have to form a temporary family and start a new life.

Joining him will be the beautiful and mysterious Yor, and Anya, a little girl with mysterious powers they will have to care for.

Spy x Family is undeniably a completely different anime than More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers in numerous aspects, but that doesn’t have to be a negative.

On the contrary, view it as a viable choice if you’re in search of an anime with the same romance trope but that can offer you a distinct experience at the same time.

8. Domestic Girlfriend

Domestic Girlfriend, on the other hand, delivers an experience similar to that of More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers but in a much more mature tone.

The story follows Natsuo, a boy who has his first sexual encounter with Rui, a girl he has just met, only to be subsequently dumped by her, as Rui admits to being solely interested in the physical aspect of their relationship.

Natsuo is consumed by regret for what transpired and feels as though he has betrayed his feelings for his teacher, Hina.

But things take an unexpected turn when Natsuo discovers that both Rui and Hina have become his stepsisters due to their parents’ marriage, forcing them to live together under the same roof.

Domestic Girlfriend shares similarities with More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers in its theme of cohabitation romance and the initially unfriendly relationship between the main characters.

So if you’re seeking a more mature and psychological version of More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers, it might be the right fit for you.

7. Love and Lies

Love and Lies is an intriguing addition to this list of anime similar to More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers, and we’ll explain why further after you’ve read the plot.

The story takes place in the near future when 16-year-old boys are assigned lifelong partners to marry.

Yukari Nejima, the protagonist, is on the brink of turning 16 and anticipates being assigned his partner.But everything changes when he falls in love with another girl just before this momentous event.

Love and Lies takes the arranged couple trope, as seen in More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers and other similar anime and deconstructs it, as you may have noticed.

So if this aspect piques your interest, then it may be a perfect fit for you.

6. My Wife is the Student Council President!

My Wife is the Student Council President! is another good romance anime that incorporates the concept of a arranged couple cohabiting and comedy, aligning well with More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers.

Izumi Hayato is an ambitious boy who decides he wants to become the student body president of his school. He seems to have succeeded when a beautiful girl comes along and steals his seat at the last.

Later, the girl will invite herself to Izumi’s house, and reveal to him that she will become his wife due to an agreement made by their parents when the two were only 3 years old.

That’s how begins the strange and forced cohabitation between the two as their relationship grows stronger.

On the note of differences, My Wife is the Student Council President! is decidedly more ecchi and less serious compared to More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers, which on occasion delves into mature moments.

5. A Couple of Cuckoos

A Couple of Cuckoos is another anime that joins the ranks of excellent romances that shares similar tropes and premises with More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers.

Nagi Umino, a high school student, makes a startling discovery one day when he realizes that he was raised in a family that is not his own due to a crib swap that occurred in the hospital where he was born.

Determined to find his real family, Nagi’s journey takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Erika Amano, a girl who is distraught after learning about her arranged engagement to a stranger.

Their worlds collide when they uncover the shocking truth that they are at the same time the children who were switched at birth and also betrothed to each other.

A Couple of Cuckoos, much like More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers, kicks off with the premise of an arranged couple where those involved initially harbor no feelings for each other.

And this approach makes it another anime worthy of consideration and a valuable addition to your watchlist.

4. My Dress-Up Darling

My Dress-Up Darling is an interesting choice in romance anime that gained traction thanks to its wholesome plot and its female lead.

The bonus is that it also shares certain similarities with More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers, making it an even better pick for you.

The story revolves around Wakana Gojo, an introverted high school boy with unique passions, whose life changes significantly when he meets his classmate, Marin Kitagawa.

After she catches him sewing clothes for dolls, Marin asks for his help in creating custom-made clothes for her cosplay hobby. This not only pushes Wakana out of his comfort zone but also opens him up to new ways of thinking.

These 2 series share the presence of an outgoing and cute female lead paired with an introverted male MC who undergoes personal growth through his relationship with the girl, so don’t miss it.

3. The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten

The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten may start from a slightly different premise than More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers, but its huge similarities make it a must-watch for fans of the latter.

The story follows Amane Fujimiya, a typical high school boy who happens to live near Mahiru Shiina, the most popular and beautiful girl in their school.

Despite their proximity, the 2 have never spoken, although Amane secretly wishes they would. But everything changes when they coincidentally meet on a rainy day, and their peculiar cohabitation starts.

Both anime share the coexistence of a boy and a girl initially without romantic feelings, with emotions that gradually emerge as they spend more time together.

Additionally, you’ll encounter plenty of cute moments, so if you’re a fan of More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers, this is simply great for you.

2. Nisekoi

Nisekoi instead takes the premise of the arranged couple and constructs an entire series around it, expanding to create one of the best harem romances you can find.

The main character Raku Ichijo, the son of a powerful Yakuza family, is obliged to be in a relationship with Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of a rival Yakuza faction.

As a typical teenager, he made a promise many years ago to a girl who gave him a pendant, vowing to marry her once they became adults.

Raku embarks on a desperate search to find the girl with the key that will unlock his pendant. Meanwhile, he harbors strong feelings for his childhood friend, Kosaki Onodera.

Nisekoi is undoubtedly one of the top choices on this list. Comedy? Check. Romance? Big check. The trope of the arranged couple further expanded? Yes, a big check too.

1. Toradora!

And taking the top spot on this list is none other than Toradora! for numerous reasons.

To begin, if you appreciated the concept of More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers, featuring a couple that begins by hating each other and evolves into deep feelings, Toradora! has very few competitors in this realm.

It’s also worth noting that Toradora! is simply one of the best romance anime in recent years, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre regardless.

The story revolves around Ryuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka, two high school students who possess contrasting personalities but find themselves forming an unlikely alliance to navigate their respective romantic endeavors.

But as their time together unfolds, who knows if unexpected emotions may blossom between them.

If you’re a fan of More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers and similar anime and haven’t watched Toradora yet, what are you waiting for?