The 20 Best Romance Anime for Beginners [Start Here]
Joan Jacques Ceriola
Tops & Rankings
You’re a beginner looking to explore the world of romance anime but are overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices out there?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Our list of the best romance anime series for beginners offers a unique and entertaining way to explore themes of love, heartbreak, and relationships, making up for the best entry point in the genre.
Get ready to immerse yourself in captivating stories and vibrant characters, from innocent crushes to mature commitments.
Table of Contents
20. Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!
Follow the journey of Yuuta Togashi, a high school student trying to forget his middle school past. He is a chuunibyou, a condition where one believes themselves to have special powers.
As he tries to move on from his past, he meets Rikka Takanashi, who also is a chuunibyou and believes she’s a vessel for the Wicked Eye.
Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, navigating their feelings for each other while confronting their past traumas and chuunibyou tendencies.
Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! offers a relatable portrayal of first love, making it one of the best romance anime for beginners.
Its unique characters and captivating plot will stick with you long after the show is over.
Additionally, the series features one of the best love triangles in romance anime, keeping you emotionally invested in the characters’ journey.
19. Kokoro Connect
Experience the unexpected phenomenon of body swapping with the 5 members of Yamahoshi Academy’s cultural club in Kokoro Connect.
This anime stands out with its fresh and unique take on the classic love triangle trope, keeping you engaged with surprising reactions and emotions.
Get ready for an exciting and captivating love triangle between Himeko, Taichi, and Iori that you don’t want to miss.
Kokoro Connect is a must-watch for beginners looking to explore romance anime, offering a supernatural twist that will keep you hooked from the very beginning.
18. Ao Haru Hide (Blue Spring Ride)
This 12-episode is a great option for romance anime beginners looking for a show with a strong psychological focus.
The story follows the journey of Futaba Yoshioka, a relatable and lovable character who is struggling to find her place in high school after being rejected by the only boy she ever liked.
But when fate brings her face to face with Ko Tanaka, the boy who broke her heart, she finds herself embarking on a bittersweet journey of rediscovery and romance.
Blue Spring Ride has one of the most realistic portrayals of high school romance in anime, capturing the awkwardness, excitement, and confusion of young love perfectly.
The relationship between Futaba and Ko is portrayed with nuance and depth, making it easy to root for them as they navigate the ups and downs of their feelings for each other.
17. Your Name.
A global media sensation that has captivated audiences worldwide, Your Name is an unforgettable romance anime movie.
In this heartwarming tale, Mitsuha, a small-town girl with big-city dreams, and Taki, a city boy longing for adventure, inexplicably find themselves swapping bodies.
But as they navigate their new reality, they begin to develop a bond that transcends time and space.
At its core, Your Name is a nice love story that sacrifices its common sense for the visuals. The movie showcases the stunning Japanese landscape, taking you on a visual journey that is both breathtaking and mesmerizing.
And don’t let the romantic themes fool you, this anime also features a touch of supernatural, but again, the plot is full of holes and not as consistent as you think.
16. Toradora!
Released during a time when anime was starting to gain a wider global audience, Toradora! is a classic that still holds up today.
This charming anime follows the unlikely pairing of Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka, who come together to help each other with their respective love interests.
But as they spend more time together, they start to develop unexpected feelings that add an extra layer of complexity to their relationship.
One of the best parts of Toradora! is its humor, as it strikes a perfect balance between funny and touching, leaving you with plenty of laughs and warm fuzzy feelings.
Toradora! is one of the first mainstream romance series, being released in 2009, and we’re sure it’s one of the best entry points in the genre you can pick.
15. Lovely Complex
This 24-episode series follows the story of Risa Koizumi and Atsushi Otani, 2 high school students who are quite unique.
Risa is taller than most girls in Japan, standing at 170 centimeters, while Otani is shorter than most guys, at only 156 centimeters.
Their height difference earned them the nickname All Hanshin Kyojin at school, after a famous Japanese comedy duo. But despite their differences, they find themselves drawn to each other, and as their friendship blossoms, so does their love.
Lovely Complex is a perfect choice for newbs in romance anime looking for a strong focus on comedy and heartfelt storytelling.
The relatable main characters are both hilarious and sincere, making for an enjoyable and unforgettable viewing experience.
14. Nisekoi
Follow the story of Raku Ichijou, the heir to a powerful Yakuza family who is on a mission to find the girl who holds the key to his pendant to fulfill a promise.
Along the way, he discovers his childhood friend Kosaki Onodera and a beautiful girl named Chitoge Kirisaki.
But there’s a catch: Raku is forced to pair up with Chitoge, the daughter of his family’s rival gang. What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming tale of enemies turned lovers.
As a beginner looking to explore the harem romance genre, Nisekoi is the perfect starting point. This anime offers a delightful mix of comedy and romance that will keep you engaged throughout the series.
Moreover, Nisekoi does an excellent job of striking a balance between the romantic plotlines and the comedic moments. The characters are lovable and relatable, making it easy to get invested in their story.
13. 5 Cm Per Second
Directed by the renowned Makoto Shinkai, this anime follows the story of Akari and Takaki, childhood friends who are separated by distance and the passage of time.
Divided into 3 parallel stories, each one focusing on a different moment in their lives, you’ll be taken on a journey that spans childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
As you watch their relationship evolve, you’ll feel their pain, their regret, and their unfulfilled longing.
With its short length and powerful message about the transience of life, 5 Centimeters per Second is a must-watch for newbies looking for a poignant and emotionally charged romance movie.
Follow the story of Akari and Takaki as they navigate the ups and downs of love and learn the importance of seizing the moment before it’s too late.
12. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou
This anime follows Sorata Kanda, a high schooler who finds himself living in the infamous Sakura-sou dorm with some of the school’s most notorious delinquents.
But his life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes the caretaker of Mashiro Shiina, a foreign exchange student with an otherworldly appearance and an autistic savant.
As their relationship evolves, Sorata finds himself falling for Mashiro, but he’s not the only one with love interests. The show features a charming playboy writer and an aspiring voice actress, both with their own romantic pursuits.
Pet Girl of Sakurasou is an excellent recommendation for beginners in the romance anime genre with its unique and lovable characters, coupled with its easy-to-follow plot, make it an entertaining watch.
With relatable themes and charming characters, Pet Girl of Sakurasou is a must-watch for any romance anime enthusiast.
11. Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku
This delightful 11-episode series follows the lives of 4 friends who are all proud otakus and the love that blossoms between the 2 of them.
Narumi Momose is a hard-working employee who loves video games and anime but hides her hobbies from her colleagues.
However, when she reunites with her old friend and fellow otaku Hirotaka Nifuji, she finds that they have more in common than she realized.
Wotakoi is a delightful romance anime that celebrates otaku culture with its charming and relatable characters, lighthearted humor, and heartwarming interactions.
This is undoubtedly the best romance anime with otaku characters, so it has to be your choice if you are looking for an excellent romance with nerdy and fun characters as an entry point.
10. Maid Sama!
Set in the predominantly male Seika High School, Misaki Ayuzawa is the first-ever female student council president, and her primary goal is to protect the girls from the boys.
But when she meets Takumi Usui, things take an unexpected turn. Their relationship starts off on the wrong foot, but as they get to know each other, sparks begin to fly.
However, Misaki is hiding a secret: she works at a maid cafe outside of school hours. And when Usui finds out, he must keep her secret to save her school career.
Maid Sama is a classic romance anime that offers an easygoing love story, perfect for beginners.
It’s also one of the best romance anime you can find on Hulu, so if you’re already subscribed, you’re in luck.
9. Clannad
Embark on a journey of deep and complex storytelling with Clannad.
Follow the story of Tomoya Okazaki, a troubled high school student, and Nagisa Furukawa, a kind and compassionate girl who struggles to connect with others.
As Tomoya helps each girl in his life, he grows closer to Nagisa, and their relationship blossoms into a heartfelt and authentic romance.
But Clannad is not just a romance anime. It also tackles themes of friendship, family, and finding one’s purpose in life.
With a well-written plot, a beautiful soundtrack, and an emotional investment in the characters’ struggles, Clannad is a standout show in the world of romance anime.
And its focus on feelings and a sad ending makes it a perfect entry point for those looking for a more dramatic and emotional experience.
8. Spice and Wolf
This criminally underrated anime is based on Isuna Hasekura’s novels and is difficult to pigeonhole into a single category.
The anime features a great fantasy world-building and economics and trade instead of magic and the struggle between good and evil.
The story revolves around a merchant named Lawrence Kraft who agrees to help return a wolf-god called Holo to her native place and in return, receives her divine help and several privileges.
However, as time passes, their feelings for each other begin to grow, and we witness a beautiful romance between the 2.
While the plot may seem unusual, the relationship between Lawrence and Holo is well-researched, perfectly working, and mature.
Get ready to experience a spellbinding romance between 2 vastly different characters in one of the best anime shows of its genre.
Spice and Wolf’s grown-up love story is an absolute must-watch for beginners in the world of romance anime looking for a fantasy-oriented show, offering a breathtaking showcase of the beauty of love.
7. Howl’s Moving Castle
This Studio Ghibli masterpiece is a perfect blend of magic, technology, and romance that’ll transport you to a world of wonder.
Join Sophie, a young hatmaker, on a thrilling adventure to break the curse cast by the jealous Witch of the Waste, turning her into an old woman.
Alongside the infamous wizard Howl, Sophie fights for freedom and family with a strong anti-war sentiment.
The electric chemistry between Sophie and Howl is both touching and exciting, leaving you rooting for them.
This anime is a perfect example of how a well-written and well-executed story can create a lasting impact on the viewers.
It follows the story of Shinichi Chiaki, a talented musician whose fear of flying keeps him from pursuing his dream of attending a music college in Europe.
Enter Megumi Noda, a gifted pianist who convinces Shinichi to confront his fears and chase after his dreams.
But Nodame Cantabile is more than just a story of pursuing dreams. It’s also a tale of trauma-solving love, as Shinichi and Nodame navigate their relationship and support each other through their respective struggles.
The anime’s unique blend of romance, drama, and comedy makes it stand out from other romance anime. The characters’ personalities are well-developed, and their interactions are both humorous and heartwarming.
Nodame Cantabile is a great anime for beginners because it doesn’t rely on any overused tropes or cliches. Instead, it tells a unique mature story that is sure to leave a lasting impression, with strong musical themes.
5. Your Lie in April
After the death of his mother, Kousei Arima, the former piano prodigy, lost his ability to hear the music he plays. However, when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a passionate violinist, Kousei’s life takes an unexpected turn.
Kaori’s love for music and vibrant personality reignites Kousei’s passion for playing the piano. Together they embark on a journey of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Your Lie in April is a feast for the senses, with stunning visuals and enchanting classical music pieces that will take your breath away. But what sets this anime apart is its ability to touch your heart and soul.
As Kousei and Kaori navigate their relationship and face the challenges of life, the show reminds us of the power of love and the beauty of human connection.
Your Lie in April is a perfect choice for anyone looking to explore the world of romance anime or the unrequited love trope if you’re a fan of the genre. With its perfect blend of music, feelings, and a sweet love story, it’s a show you won’t want to miss.
4. From Me To You
This heartwarming series follows the story of Sawako Kuronuma, a sweet girl who is misunderstood by her classmates due to her resemblance to a horror movie character.
Bullied and alone, Sawako’s life changes when she meets the popular and kind-hearted Shouta Kazehaya.
From Me to You captures the intricacies of high school life, portraying the awkwardness, uncertainties, and joys of teenage relationships.
With its sweet romance, relatable characters, and realistic portrayal of high school life, From Me to You is a must-watch for beginners seeking a heartwarming and uplifting love story.
And, as a bonus, the show also deals with the theme of overcoming trauma, making it an all-around great experience.
3. OreGairu
Get ready to be both entertained and enlightened by OreGairu, a romance anime that will make you laugh and think.
Meet Hachiman Hikigaya, a high school student who believes that society is nothing but a lie, and Yukino Yukinoshita, a brilliant girl with high standards for herself and others.
When they join their school’s service club, their lives take an unexpected turn.
OreGairu stands out from other romance anime with its unique approach to love and relationships. It tackles heavy topics like depression and anxiety while also exploring the complexities of human connections.
The characters are not your typical high school stereotypes. They are relatable and multifaceted, making their growth and development all the more satisfying to watch.
If you’re new to romance anime, OreGairu is an excellent starting point. It offers a compelling storyline, relatable characters, and a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.
2. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is one of the best romantic anime series in recent years, released in 2018 with 13 episodes to date.
The story follows Sakuta, a young boy who tends to avoid social relationships due to past traumas. One day in the library, he meets Mai, one of his senpai, dressed up as a bunny.
But what’s absurd is that only Sakuta seems to be able to see her.
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is a must-watch romantic anime that manages to be unique thanks to its innovative approach to the genre.
This anime has a strong supernatural aspect and focuses on puberty syndrome, dealing with the issues that plague young people in an almost sci-fi way.
If you’re looking for a romantic anime with a strong supernatural focus and one of the best couples ever seen in the genre as your entry point, then Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is the perfect choice for you.
1. Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light
For an entrancing introduction to romance anime, Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light is a must-watch movie.
Follow the story of Hotarou, a little girl who gets lost in a forest and meets Gin, a humanoid spirit cursed to disappear if touched by any human.
And despite this major limitation, the two manage to develop a tender love for each other. But the inevitable can’t be postponed forever.
This movie expertly blends elements of the supernatural with a heartwarming love story, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for a great fantasy romance as starting point.
And whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned viewer, this movie’s message of love and loss will stay with you long after the credits roll.
