It’s time to share with you our picks for the best romance anime of all time.
We’ve created numerous lists for you in the past, focusing on specific sub-genres, but now it’s the moment to present our overall top picks.
Whether you’re looking for a sweet and simple vanilla romance or a complex psychological love story, our list has something for everyone.
From heartwarming slice-of-life tales to thought-provoking dramas, we’ve got what you’re looking for.
So get ready to dive into our list of the best romance anime ever made, continuously updated and according to our personal taste and experience.
Table of Contents
35. HoriMiya
HoriMiya is a good short romance anime that was released in recent years, specifically in 2021.
It consists of 13 episodes and is based on a yonkoma manga. For those who are not familiar, yonkoma manga are collections of humorous, short, and easy-to-follow comic strips.
At first glance, Hori seems like a normal sociable teenager, but in reality, she’s a girl who is focused on her studies and family, with little time for social life.
On the other hand, Miyamura appears to be a serious, studious, and reserved boy at school, but outside of school, he’s a sociable person with a lot of piercings.
When their contrasting personalities collide, what will happen? As the saying goes, opposites attract.
HoriMiya is a light and entertaining romance, perfect for those who want to follow a great love story with a good dose of comedy.
The characters are superb, and the main group of friends is realistic and tightly bonded. We highly recommend it to both newcomers and seasoned fans of the genre.
34. Toradora!
Toradora! is a popular romantic anime released in the late 2000s, a time when anime was beginning to gain even more popularity and become the media phenomenon they are today.
In fact, Toradora! was one of the first anime in the romance genre to become mainstream, so it has quite a great importance.
The story follows Ryuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka, two high school students with opposite personalities who team up to help each other win over their crushes.
But as they spend more time together, who knows if they will develop unexpected feelings for each other.
Toradora! is an excellent love story in many ways. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a romance with a school setting, a slice of life romance, or even if you want to enjoy an anime with a realistic group of friends.
If you haven’t watched it yet, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t, trust us.
33. Your Name.
Love it or hate it, Your Name. is undeniably one of the most important and iconic romance movies of recent years, and it would be unfair not to include it in this list.
Directed by Makoto Shinkai, this movie was released in the summer of 2016 and runs for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Mitsuha is a young girl living in a rural area of Japan, in the middle of the mountains with her family, dreaming of life in the city of Tokyo. In contrast, Taki is a boy fully immersed in the hustle and bustle of the city who works part-time in an Italian restaurant.
But what happens when the two mysteriously switch bodies?
The undeniable strength of Your Name. is its stunning technical component. The animation is simply breathtaking, with an amazing setting and an excellent soundtrack.
On the other hand, some may find the plot and love story a bit ordinary, but that may not matter if you’re not looking for anything too complex.
32. ReLIFE
ReLIFE is a hidden gem in the romance genre that was released in 2016. It combines a Sci-Fi plot with an excellent romance subplot that is truly worth mentioning.
Arata Kaizaki is a 27-year-old unemployed man whose life is slowly falling apart.
However, one day, he encounters Ryou Yoake, a researcher who offers him a special developing drug that can turn back time to when he was 17 years old. This opportunity changes Arata’s life instantly.
Arata relives the best years of his life and rediscovers the joy of love, mostly thanks to Chizuru Hishiro, his high school crush.
ReLIFE is a deep and intricate story that delivers a clear message: it’s never too late to take control of your life and start anew.
The story revolves around Miki, a normal high school girl who loves spending time with her friends and playing tennis.
One day, her parents shock her by announcing that they want to divorce because they fell in love with a couple they met on vacation in Hawaii.
And to make matters worse, the couple has a son named Yuu, who Miki can’t get along with. This leads the girl to give him the nickname Marmalade Boy: sweet on the outside but bitter on the inside.
As time passes, Miki and Yuu develop a closer relationship, but when the boy Miki was in love with in the past appears, it throws a wrench into their developing romance.
If you enjoy vintage anime and are looking for an engaging and perfectly written romance, Marmalade Boy is the anime for you.
30. Maid Sama!
Maid Sama! is a delightful love story that spans 26 episodes based on a successful shojo manga.
Misaki Ayuzawa is the first female president of her school, responsible for protecting girls from the clutches of boys.
But she hides a secret: she works at a maid café in her spare time.
And when Takumi Usai, a boy from her school with an overbearing temper, discovers her secret, their relationship takes an unexpected turn.
Maid Sama! is a perfect romance for those who want to indulge in a cute, vanilla romantic anime with a moe atmosphere and design, without any special twists or heavy scenes.
It’s a beautiful embodiment of the soul of a love story and a great pick for all fans of the genre.
Narumi appears to be a typical hard-working office lady, beautiful and level-headed. But no one knows that she hides an extremely otaku side, which she brings out in her spare time.
Hirotaka, on the other hand, is also a huge nerd who works in the same office as Narumi, but he doesn’t feel the need to hide his passions.
What will happen between these two?
Wotakoi is an exceptional romance that boasts excellent animation, well-written characters, and a mature romance between individuals who have grown up but still let their passions flourish.
28. Welcome to the NHK
Welcome to the NHK is an anime that, although it can still be considered niche, has recently slowly gained the popularity it deserves.
Satou Tatsuhiro is a 22-year-old hikikomori who has withdrawn from society due to past traumas. He never leaves his apartment, and even the thought of doing so creates anxiety and paranoia in him.
However, his life is disrupted when he meets Misaki, a mysterious girl who claims she can help him.
Welcome to the NHK delivers a beautiful message that will stay with you long after you finish the series: with the right person by your side, nothing is impossible to overcome.
This anime masterfully blends comedy and profound psychological themes, with a love story that perfectly aligns with the show’s plot and message.
27. His and Her Circumstances
His and Her Circumstances is one of the best vintage romance anime you can find and a true benchmark for the enemies-to-lovers trope. It was released in the late 1990s and spans 26 episodes.
Yukino Miyazawa is a model student who excels at everything she does. She’s popular and is an ace in every sport.
But when Souichiro Arima, who is just as skilled as she is, enrolls in her high school, Yukino’s primacy is threatened.
This sparks a heated rivalry between the two that gradually evolves into something more.
If you enjoy the romance where two enemies end up falling in love trope, then this is definitely the anime for you.
His and Her Circumstance is fun, light-hearted, and has some adorable vintage vibes that will capture your heart.
26. Nana
Nana is an anime based on an iconic shojo manga that made history in the medium due to its unique qualities. The anime was released in 47 episodes in 2006.
The story follows two girls who share the same name, Nana, but have almost opposite personalities.
They find themselves sharing an apartment, with one being a rock/punk star with a troubled life, and the other being a shy girl stuck in a toxic relationship that is ruining her life.
From that moment on, their fates will be intertwined forever.
Nana is an exceptional work that stands out with its stunning character designs that are reminiscent of the rock/punk stars of the 2000s.
The plot is intriguing and runs smoothly, with comic moments balanced by sad and psychological ones, which takes the viewer on a real emotional rollercoaster.
The romantic aspect isn’t that important compared to the other ones but still presents some love entanglements and a great love triangle between Nana Komatsu, Takumi Ichinose, and Nobuo Terashima.
25. Mobile Battleship Nadesico
Mobile Battleship Nadesico is one of the coolest niche animes out there. It was released back in 1996, consists of 26 episodes, andfocuses on mecha, Sci-Fi, comedy, and romance genres.
The story takes place in the year 2196 when Earth is under attack by the Jupiter Lizards, an alien race.
To fight back against the invaders, the planet turns to Nergal Heavy Industries, a private company that has created a powerful armed spaceship called the ND-001 Nadesico.
However, because the ship’s technology is incredibly advanced, finding people to pilot it is not an easy task.
This is how Akito Tenkawa, a talented young man who hates fighting and would rather stay at home watching anime, is hired for this duty. And here he’ll meet Yurika, Nadesico’s captain, his future love interest.
It’s important to note that Mobile Battleship Nadesico is not for everyone. You must appreciate the mecha genre and vintage anime too. Otherwise, it might not capture your interest fully.
But if you fall into this small category, rest assured that you’ll absolutely adore it.
24. Your Lie in April
Your Lie in April is one of the most appreciated romance anime in recent years, released in 2014 with a total of 22 episodes. Its primary genres are music, drama, psychological, and romance.
Kousei Arima was once a prodigious pianist who was revered by all, until the death of his mother, which left him unable to hear his own music and feeling deeply depressed.
However, his life changes when he meets Kawori Miyazono, a cheerful and vivacious blond violinist who helps him rediscover his passion for music.
As they grow closer, their love for each other blossoms, but there’s a secret about Kawori that Kousei doesn’t know yet.
Your Lie in April is an outstanding romance anime that has rightfully earned its popularity with its well-crafted story, compelling characters, and excellent technical aspects.
Just one little piece of advice: be sure to have some tissues ready if you decide to watch it.
23. Revolutionary Girl Utena
Revolutionary Girl Utena is an anime from the late 1990s that we believe is super underrated and deserves more recognition for its top-notch quality.
It combines an excellent school atmosphere with action-packed fighting scenes and romantic moments across its 39 episodes.
The story is set at Ohtori Academy, where selected students battle for the heart of the beautiful and silent Anthy Himemiya, known as the charming rose bride.
However, the plot takes a mysterious turn when the protagonist, Utena, who has a mysterious past and refuses to wear the female uniform, decides to participate in the duels.
This anime is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
The fights are well choreographed, the character designs are charming, and the romance that slowly blossoms between Utena and Anthy is unique and unlike anything you’ve seen before.
22. Howl’s Moving Castle
No introductions are necessary for Howl’s Moving Castle, one of the most iconic and beloved anime movies ever, born from another miracle made by the legendary Studio Ghibli.
This production continues to amaze audiences almost 20 years later with its breathtaking animation, captivating plot, and perfectly-developed characters.
Sophie is an ordinary young girl working at a hat store until her life is turned upside down by a chance encounter with a strange man being pursued by bizarre creatures.
After being saved from danger, and returning to her hat store, Sophie is cursed by the Witch of the Andes and must embark on a journey to seek out the wizard Howl, the man she just encountered, to set things right.
And the two will develop a tender relationship later in the story.
We could list countless reasons why you should watch this masterpiece if you haven’t already, but it’s unnecessary.
Watch it for yourself and you’ll see why it’s considered a timeless classic.
21. Urusei Yatsura
Urusei Yatsura is a great classic in the romance genre, based on the immortal manga by Rumiko Takahashi, the legendary queen of manga.
The story takes place in the quiet town of Tomoboki, which is suddenly disrupted by the arrival of an alien spaceship filled with Oni with a very specific intention: to conquer the planet.
However, there’s a way for humanity to save itself: if one person, chosen at random by a computer, can touch the horns of the Oni princess Lum, the planet will be spared. And this task falls to our protagonist, Ataru.
Urusei Yatsura is a perfect mix of romance and Sci-Fi elements, and one of the best harem romance anime ever made, being one of the predecessors of the genre.
And also, if you prefer a more modern version of the series, there’s an ongoing remake with updated animation that’s very faithful to the original story.
20. Inuyasha
Inuyasha is one of the most iconic anime series from the early 2000s. It consists of 167 episodes, adapted from the shonen manga written by Rumiko Takahashi, a name that you’ll find often on this list.
Kagome, an ordinary eighth-grade student, falls down a well in her home’s garden and suddenly finds herself transported 500 years into the past, to the Sengoku era.
There, she discovers that she’s the reincarnation of Kikyo, a powerful priestess who was responsible for protecting the four-spirit orb, a dangerous object that villains are eager to obtain.
Together with Inuyasha, a canine-like half-demon, Kagome embarks on a journey to protect the sacred relic from the hands of the villains.
Inuyasha is a classic anime due to its unique blend of action, adventure, and romance.
While the romance between Kagome and Inuyasha isn’t the primary focus of the story, it’s complex and excellently executed, keeping the audience in suspense throughout the series.
19. Nodame Cantabile
Nodame Cantabile is a sentimental comedy with psychological traits released in 2007 in 23 episodes.
Shinichi Chiaki is a piano genius who lived in Europe as a child, but following his parent’s divorce was forced to go back to Japan.
Shinichi would like to return to Europe to pursue his dream, but he’s terrified of flying.
That is why meeting Megumi Noda, another pianist with an easygoing attitude, will change his life forever.
Trust us and discover this excellent romance. It’s a mature, trauma-solving love story with well-written characters and excellent comedy, with some great animations typical of the 2000s.
18. Tatami Galaxy
The Tatami Galaxy is a great anime that came out in 2010, animated by the incredible master Yuasa, who always delivers top-notch animation.
It’s primarily a comedy with strong psychological elements, but it also has a sentimental side that shouldn’t be overlooked. We also believe it’s the best anime about college life out there.
The story follows Watashi, a boy who just started college, believing that he’s about to experience the best years of his life, filled with love, happiness, and fun. However, reality hits him hard, and he quickly realizes that it’s not going to be easy.
The Tatami Galaxy is a little masterpiece and a unique anime. Its narrative structure is unparalleled, focusing on Watashi’s inner monologues and streams of consciousness, which he often finds himself caught up in.
But even in these tough moments, there’s always a glimmer of hope, and for Watashi, that comes in the form of Akashi, his fellow adventurer.
They share their doubts, and as often happens, feelings start to emerge.
17. From Me to You
From Me to You is another underrated gem in the romance genre that was released in 2010 in 25 episodes.
Sawako is a high school student who is bullied by her classmates for her resemblance toSadako, the protagonist of the horror film Ring.
But despite her perceived intimidating appearance, Sawako is a sweet and shy girl, and that’s why she catches the attention of Shota, the most popular boy in school.
From Me to You is a beautiful and profound trauma-solving romance.
Watching Sawako and Shota’s relationship gradually develops into something tender and beautiful as Sawako learns to trust others and open up to the world is a cute experience that we highly recommend.
16. In This Corner of the World
In This Corner of the World is a gem of Japanese animation that was released in 2016 as amovie. It’s animated by the renowned studio MAPPA, known for producing some of the best series in recent years.
The film explores highly dramatic themes, primarily the devastating consequences of war, but the romantic element is also central to the story.
The story follows the life of Suzu Urano, a cheerful and honest young woman living in the post-nuclear disaster of Hiroshima in 1945, who marries Hojo, a Japanese naval officer.
You’ll witness their love story unfold amidst the harsh reality of WWII, as they get to know their sweet sides, face challenges, and open their hearts to each other.
In This Corner of the World is a great historical romance anime, with a poignant story filled with pathos and a tender yet powerful love story.
Not to mention that the animations and soundtrack are of exceptionally high quality.
15. Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden is a stunning little masterpiece that was released in 2018, consisting of 13 episodes and a movie, arguably featuring some of the best animations in recent years.
The story takes place in the continent of Telesis, which has been plagued by years of continuous conflict. And finally, it seems that peace has been achieved.
The protagonist, Violet, was born and raised in the midst of this conflict, working as a soldier. However, with the war now over, she finds herself without a sense of purpose.
Fortunately, Violet is adopted by the Evergarden family and hired as a postmistress. And it’s during her time here that she becomes fascinated by the Auto Memories Dolls, who are responsible for writing letters for those who are unable to read or write.
Through this journey of letter-writing, Violet embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns many valuable lessons, including love.
Violet Evergarden is a great anime that you shouldn’t miss. Witnessing Violet’s journey of self-discovery and her exploration of the world around her as she learns about love is an unforgettable experience.
Spice and Wolf is one of the best underrated romance anime, that deserves more recognition than it has received. It was released in 2008 with just 13 episodes based on a hit light novel.
The story follows Lawrence, a merchant who comes to the village of Pasroe during the harvest festival. On the same night, he encounters Holo, the wolf goddess, who is in need of his help to return to her homeland.
That’s the beginning of their unique love story that transcends race and lineage.
What makes Spice and Wolf stand out is its incredible world-building.
It manages to create an innovative fantasy world based on commerce, in a genre that has already explored many, if not all, possibilities. And the love story between Lawrence and Holo is slow, but mature and incredibly sweet.
If you’re a fan of romance or fantasy, Spice and Wolf is an excellent anime that we’ll never get tired of recommending.
13. A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice is one of the most beloved romantic movies of recent times, featuring strong psychological and dramatic themes.
The plot revolves around Shouya Ishida, a lively boy, and Shouko Nishimiya, a completely deaf girl.
Shouya used to bully Shouko as a child because of her disability. However, as he grows up and unexpectedly meets her again, he becomes deeply regretful of his past behavior.
The two of them try to establish a relationship, but their traumatic pasts make it challenging.
A Silent Voice is an excellent romance movie with a touching and intricate plot that tackles issues that are not always easy to talk about.
All this with some great animations, a captivating soundtrack, and an inspiring ending.
12. Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon is one of the most iconic series in the medium that has been a part of pop culture for many years now.
It is based on Naoko Takeuchi‘s legendary shojo manga, which has been adapted into multiple series, remakes, and spin-offs.
Usagi Tsukino is an ordinary eighth-grade student who encounters a talking cat named Luna during her daily routine.
To her surprise, Luna reveals that Usagi is a Sailor warrior, who must team up with other allies like her to protect the earth from the imminent arrival of evil.
Sailor Moon is the quintessential majokko anime, with vibrant and colorful transformations taking center stage in a lighthearted, engaging story with a fantastic vintage/lo-fi vibe.
The romantic aspect is also a significant part of the series, with the iconic love story between Usagi and Tuxedo Mask, a vigilante who will join the Sailor warriors’ cause.
11. Super Dimension Fortress Macross
Super Dimension Fortress Macross is a vintage anime from the early 1980s that we easily consider to be one of the most innovative and creative anime of all time.
It combines mecha and Sci-Fi elements with a significant romantic and even musical aspect.
The plot starts when a massive alien ship crashes on Earth. In fear of an alien invasion, the ship is quickly dismantled and used to construct a powerful spacecraft called Macross, just in case of a future war.
However, confirming the suspects, on the day of Macross’ unveiling, the alien race known as Zentradi attacks Earth, sparking a thrilling space battle.
But don’t let the premise fool you; this anime is everything but your typical Sci-Fi mecha series. Romance takes center stage, with the iconic love triangle between pilot Hikaru Ichijo, Macross officer Misa Hayase, and idol singer Lynn Minmay, who plays a significant role in the war effort.
If you want to watch one of the most unique and iconic anime ever made, don’t miss Macross.
10. OreGairu
OreGairu is a true gem of the romance genre, and if you haven’t watched it yet, you definitely should. The anime has been released in multiple seasons, starting in 2013.
The story follows Hachiman Hikigaya, an antisocial boy who believes that life is a boring farce. And that’s why his teacher forces him to join the school’s volunteer club, where he meets the most beautiful girl in the school, Yukino Yukinoshita.
But the arrival of Yui Yuigahama, another troubled girl, leads to the development of a unique and interesting love triangle.
All this while having an excellent and believable romance that will keep you engaged with one of the best love triangles ever made.
9. Monogatari Series
The Monogatari Series is one of the best products in recent years across multiple categories, not just romance. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that it deserves even more success than it currently has, despite its not bad popularity.
The series follows Koyomi Araragi as its protagonist, whose life is forever changed after he meets Kiss-Shot Acerola-Orion Heart-Under-Blade, a dying vampire.
With the help of Meme Oshino, a shaman, he becomes almost human again but finds himself in the midst of many paranormal events, where he also meets his love interest, Hitagi Senjogahara.
We believe that the Monogatari Series is an incredibly well-rounded anime and undoubtedly a must-watch. However, don’t be fooled by its premise, which may make it seem like an action/exorcism anime.
This anime takes a unique approach to the genre, combining elements of psychology, romance, and a mind-blowing plot.
8. Kaguya-Sama: Love is War
Kaguya-Sama: Love is War is an incredible, must watch romance anime that has become one of the most popular in recent years.
Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya are the most popular students at Shuichin Academy, as well as its president and vice president.
They’re both in love with each other, but their stubborn and proud personalities prevent them from confessing, seeing it as a sign of defeat.
Because, as we all know, love is war, and so begins their psychological game!
Kaguya-Sama: Love is War is an anime that you absolutely can’t miss, not just for the romance. It excels in comedy, high-level psychological moments, and heartwarming scenes, making it an incredibly well-rounded show.
If you love romantic stories that tug at your heartstrings and make you feel all the emotions, then you absolutely have to watch Clannad. It’s one of the best romance anime from the 2000s and consists of two interconnected series.
The main characters are Tomoya Okazaki, a rebellious boy who likes to keep to himself, and Nagisa Furukawa, a sweet girl who has to repeat a year of school due to health issues and struggles to make friends.
Their meeting leads to a beautiful love story, but there are always obstacles in the way.
Clannad has a unique character design and captures the essence of the 2000s era, and it’s an amazing romance anime that you’ll never forget.
The sequel, Clannad After Story, continues the story with the same masterful storytelling and leaves you with an unforgettable sad ending that will emotionally destroy you.
6. Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light
Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light is a medium-length anime movie that was released in 2011.
It’s only 45 minutes long, which is like watching two episodes of an anime, but it holds enormous meaning and has a wonderful ending.
The story follows Hotaro, a little girl who gets lost in the woods behind her grandfather’s house. There she meets Gin, a humanoid spirit who is cursed and would disappear if touched by a human.
Despite this seemingly insurmountable limitation, the two manage to form a beautiful relationship of mutual love. But, as with all things in life, the inevitable can’t be postponed forever.
If you’re a fan of romance with supernatural and fantasy vibes, Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light is an excellent pick.
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is a romance anime that we can’t stop talking about. Without beating around the bush, we believe it’s one of the best romance anime in recent years.
Sakuta Azusagawa is a high schooler who keeps to himself and tries to avoid socializing as much as possible. But one day, he meets a senpai dressed as a bunny in the library, and no one seems to notice her but him.
These strange circumstances set the stage for one of the best couples ever made in the medium.
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is a classic yet unique romance anime, with a strong supernatural twist.
Puberty syndrome is one of the main focuses of the story, and the way it’s dealt with is truly one-of-a-kind.
We highly recommend this anime to everyone, whether you’re a fan of the genre or not. If you haven’t watched it yet, you should definitely catch up on it.
4. Kimagure Orange Road
Kimagure Orange Road is a vintage masterpiece of the romance genre that brought significant changes to the genre and mainly to the love triangle trope. It aired in the late 1980s, consisting of 48 episodes.
Kyosuke Kasuga is not an average 16-year-old boy, as he possesses unique ESP powers inherited from his family, which he has promised never to use in public.
However, upon moving to a new town, he meets the beautiful Madoka Ayukawa, with whom he develops a special relationship.
But this relationship soon becomes complicated when Hikaru, Madoka’s best friend, falls in love with Kyosuke too.
Kimagure Orange Road is a must-watch for anyone curious about one of the romance anime that shaped the genre.
Its story is intricate and complex, and its romantic moments are of the highest quality, with unexpected twists and turns awaiting you.
3. The Wind Rises
The Wind Rises, released in 2013, is arguably the masterpiece of Studio Ghibli and perhaps the greatest romance movie ever made, running just over 2 hours that you won’t even notice has passed.
The story follows Jiro Horikoshi, a boy who dreams of flying warplanes. However, being severely nearsighted, he can’t achieve this goal.
But that’s how he realizes his purpose in life is to build airplanes instead of flying them, inspired by his idol Giovanni Battista Caproni.
Throughout the movie, you’ll see Jiro’s ups and downs as he achieves his dreams and faces great joys, but also bitter disappointments.
You’ll also witness him discovering love with his beloved companion Naoko Satomi, leading to an unexpected ending of great impact.
The Wind Rises is a timeless tale of following your dreams and finding love, leaving you both inspired and heartbroken.
2. Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket is a timeless classic in the romance genre, with an excellent manga that received an animated remake in 2019.
And of course, we highly recommend watching the new adaptation with its modern animation.
Toru Honda is a sweet girl who is forced to live with her grandfather after the tragic death of her parents. But due to certain circumstances, she’s soon forced to leave that home as well and ends up living alone in the woods in a tent.
It’s here that she meets Yuki Soma, who invites her to stay at his family’s home, which holds a strange secret.
Fruits Basket is an excellent romance anime that also features one of the best love triangles in the genre. Not to mention that is perhaps the best fantasy romance you can find right now.
If you haven’t watched this timeless classic yet, now is the time to do so.
1. Maison Ikkoku
Maison Ikkoku is a must for any fan of the romance genre. It continues to inspire to this day in the romantic genre and is undoubtedly one the fathers of the harem romance genre, with Urusei Yatsura.
The story follows Yusaku Godai, a young man who is intensely studying for his college entrance exam. Yusaku lives in the Maison Ikkoku, a boarding house, and the constant hustle makes it difficult for him to concentrate on his studies.
That’s why he decides to leave, but the arrival of the new administrator, Kyoko Otonashi, convinces him to stay, and he immediately falls in love with her.
Maison Ikkoku is a 96-episode series adapted from Rumiko Takahashi’s legendary seinen manga. It tells a mature and psychological story that manages to be unique and innovative even today, almost 30 years after its release.
While the animation is dated, trust us and look beyond that detail because you are in for one of the best romance series you will watch in your lifetime.
Passionate about Japanese culture for years, serial devourer of manga, anime, and videogames that have now become part of my routine.
My favorite series? Goodnight Punpun and One Piece.
2 thoughts on “The Top 35 Romance Anime To Watch Before You Die”
Good list. Filled with a good variety of shows. I didn’t expect to Macross or nisdisko on it. Color me impressed.
Good list. Filled with a good variety of shows. I didn’t expect to Macross or nisdisko on it. Color me impressed.
Hey, thank you very much, we are happy you enjoyed it!
We always try to diversify our lists to improve the discoverability of some series that unfortunately don’t get the same attention.
Since you love retro shows, I bet you will love our Discord server too:
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