You have finally reached the grand finale of the romance series you have been following and loved so much.
You are expecting a wonderful ending that can warm your heart, but fate takes a twist: the ending is terrible and leaves you unsatisfied.
It’s a terrible feeling, isn’t it?
But fear not, for we are here on a mission to ensure it never happens again. So here are the best romance anime with well-written and satisfying happy endings, all without spoilers.
Table of Contents
20. Say I Love You
Say I Love You is a romance anime that often flies under the radar, but offers a great story that should not be underestimated.
Mei Tachibana has spent 16 years without having a boyfriend or friends. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she gets into a fight with Yamato Kurosawa, a popular boy who starts to take an interest in her.
Their unexpected romance begins when, one night, Yamato kisses Mei to pretend to be her boyfriend and protect her from a stalker.
Say I Love You is a romance anime with a slow and tender love story that unfolds as the characters get to know each other better.
And fortunately, their relationship is meant to endure, so you can expect a satisfying and happy ending.
19. Itazura na Kiss (ItaKiss)
Itazura na Kiss is an iconic shojo manga, which was adapted into an animated series consisting of 25 episodes released in 2008.
The story revolves around Kotoko, a beautiful yet awkward and sincere girl, and Naoki, a seemingly perfect boy with a cold personality. Kotoko is deeply in love with Naoki, but he cannot stand her.
However, when circumstances force them to live together under the same roof, their relationship takes an unexpected turn.
Itazura na Kiss is a wonderful romance anime with little drama that instead focuses on the tender love story, filled with comedy and heartwarming moments, with a satisfying happy ending that perfectly aligns with the story’s tone.
So if you enjoy genuine love stories with a touch of comedy and adorable moments, Itazura na Kiss is a must-watch for you.
18. Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club is one of the best reverse harem romances you can find and one that every fan of this subgenre should watch.
Haruhi Fujioka is a girl who after much effort has managed to enroll in Ouran Academy, one of the most prestigious academies in Japan.
After finishing classes, to find a quiet place where she can study, Haruhi enters a seemingly empty room, only to stumble upon the headquarters of the renowned Host Club.
Haruhi however surprise drops a valuable vase, and to repay the debt she is forced to start working as an employee at the host club by disguising herself as a boy.
Ouran High School Host Club is a fun, light-hearted romance anime that doesn’t take itself seriously.
Consequently, a sad or dramatic ending would only be out of context, so go safe with this choice.
17. Snow White with the Red Hair
Snow White with the Red Hair is a great fantasy romance anime that was released in 2015.
The story follows Shirayuki, a young herbalist living a peaceful life in the kingdom of Tambarun. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when Prince Raji forces her into an unwanted arranged marriage. Determined to escape this fate, Shirayuki flees.
During her escape, she encounters Prince Zen, who welcomes her into his court as a herbalist and offers his assistance in resolving her predicament.
And as they spend more time together, a heartwarming love story unfolds between them.
Snow White with the Red Hair is a fantastic romance anime that deserves greater recognition.
It combines a captivating fairytale setting with a mature and endearing love story, all leading to a satisfying and delightful happy ending.
The anime features several nods and references to the original Snow White fairytale, making it an even more enchanting experience.
So if you are a fan of the fairytale or simply enjoy great romance stories, Snow White with the Red Hair is worth a chance.
16. Emma: A Victorian Romance
Emma: A Victorian Romance is one of the best historical romance anime you can find at the moment, and it was released in 2002 in 12 episodes.
The story is set in London in the late 18th century, and the protagonist is Emma, a young maid who works at Mrs. Stowner’s household.
William Jones, on the other hand, is a former pupil of Mrs. Stowner, and during a visit to his old teacher, William meets Emma and falls madly in love with her.
This is the beginning of their love story that will enrapture you.
Emma: A Victorian Romance is a mature and complex romance with strong scenes and themes, which is why we recommend it in our list of the best romance anime from Seinen manga.
But despite this, its romance component is incredibly polished and ever-present, with even a resolution that makes it rightfully on this list.
15. Cross Game
Cross Game is undoubtedly one of the best sports romance anime series available right now. It centers around the lives of childhood friends Kou Kitamura and Aoba Tsukishima, who often find themselves at odds with each other.
This heartwarming series follows the story of 2 unlikely friends, Kou and Aoba, who share a deep love for baseball and a special connection to Wakaba, Aoba’s older sister, and Kou’s crush.
One of the things that makes Cross Game stand out is the unique dynamic between these 3 characters.
Cross Game is an excellent anime that goes beyond the sports theme on which it is based.
It explores themes of friendship, love, personal growth and overcoming challenges, all while delivering a happy ending not only in terms of the romantic aspects but also in the characters’ personal lives.
If you appreciate a series that combines sports, psychological elements, and slice-of-life storytelling, this anime is an absolute must-watch.
14. ReLIFE
ReLIFE is a great romance anime released in 2016 that combines a Sci-Fi plot with an excellent romance subplot.
Arata Kaizaki is a 27-year-old unemployed man whose life is slowly falling apart.
But one day he encounters Ryou Yoake, a researcher who offers him a special experimental drug that can turn back time to when he was 17 years old. This opportunity instantly changes Arata’s life.
Arata relives the best years of his life and rediscovers the joy of love, largely thanks to Chizuru Hishiro, his high school crush.
ReLIFE is a story that alternates between psychological and lighter moments, creating an excellent blend of moods that will keep you entertained.
And since the story revolves around redemption and second chances, you can also expect a satisfying and happy ending.
13. Kokoro Connect
Kokoro Connect is a good and quite underrated romance anime from 2012 that seamlessly blends romance, supernatural elements, and a well-crafted slice-of-life storytelling.
Set in Yamahoshi Academy’s cultural club, a group of five students find themselves entangled in an extraordinary phenomenon where they experience body-swapping.
This phenomenon leads to unexpected reactions and emotions among the characters, particularly within the intricate love triangle involving Himeko, Taichi, and Iori.
Kokoro Connect is an intriguing romance anime that explores various themes and delivers surprising twists in its storytelling, while it manages to resolve its plot in a satisfying and good ending, leaving no loose ends.
So if you’re looking for an anime that combines romance, supernatural elements, and a well-crafted narrative, Kokoro Connect is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint.
12. Your Name.
Your Name. is one of the most popular and debated romance movies ever made, directed by the renowned Makoto Shinkai.
Mitsuha is a young girl living in a rural area of Japan, dreaming of life in the bustling city of Tokyo. On the other hand, Taki is a boy fully immersed in city life, working part-time in an Italian restaurant.
But what happens when the two inexplicably start switching bodies?
Your Name. is not a bad movie. It boasts excellent animation, a captivating setting, and a somewhat cliché story, but still not terrible.
So, if you are seeking a good love story with supernatural elements and a good and satisfying ending, it’s worth watching.
11. Tamako Love Story
Tamako Love Story is a fantastic blend of sentimentality, slice-of-life, comedy, and adrenaline, released in 2014.
Embark on the journey of Mochizou and Tamako, two long-time friends who are on the verge of a shift in their relationship.
As Mochizou prepares to leave for Tokyo, he realizes that his feelings for Tamako go beyond mere friendship. But will he find the courage to confess his love before it’s too late?
Tamako Love Story is a delightful and captivating movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating the outcome and wondering if they will finally discover their love for each other or face not.
And while we must stop here to avoid spoilers, rest assured that you won’t be disappointed, trust us.
10. Maid-sama!
Maid-Sama! is a romance anime based on a famous shojo manga, perfect for those who are seeking a tender, simple, and comedy-filled love story.
Misaki Ayuzawa is the first female president of her school, responsible for protecting girls from the clutches of boys.
However, 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! maintains its tender and serene atmosphere from beginning to end, including the finale, without falling into excessive drama or sad moments.
9. Clannad
Oh yes, we have indeed included Clannad, and we understand if some of you might think we’re crazy to include it in a compilation about happy endings. However, let us get to the point.
The story centers around Tomoya Okazaki, a rebellious young man who prefers solitude, and Nagisa Furukawa, a kind-hearted girl who faces academic setbacks due to health issues and struggles to form meaningful connections.
Their encounter sets the stage for a beautiful love story, albeit one filled with numerous obstacles and challenges.
It is undeniable that Clannad features one of the most emotionally intense endings in all of anime, not only of the romance genre, and those who have seen it understand the depth of our statement.
But the true essence of Clannad lies in its profound message about living life without regrets, about persevering and refusing to be defeated in the face of adversity.
So while it may have a quite strong ending amidst the tragedies that unfold, Clannad unquestionably deserves a place on this list. But that, ultimately, is indeed the beauty of this series.
8. Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is a heartwarming and underrated romance movie released in 2020 that blends psychological elements with a tender and sweet love story that is sure to touch your heart.
The movie revolves around Tsuneo, a college student, who crosses paths with Kimiko, a girl with cerebral palsy that affects her ability to use her legs.
But as their encounters become more frequent, and Kimiko gradually opens herself up to the world, their feelings for each other begin to blossom.
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is a cute and touching love story that will melt your heart in its nearly 2 hours.
While its plot may not be particularly groundbreaking, it still manages to function perfectly and captivate viewers, due to the impressive animations that this series can boast.
And all of this leads to a heartwarming conclusion that, without any spoilers, is highly likely to bring tears of joy to your eyes.
7. Nodame Cantabile
Nodame Cantabile is a fantastic romance anime from 2007 that skillfully intertwines a love story and psychological elements with its music-centered plot.
The narrative revolves around Shinichi Chiaki, a gifted pianist who spent his formative years in Europe but was forced to return to Japan following his parents’ divorce.
Shinichi harbors a deep-seated desire to go back to Europe and pursue his musical dreams, but his intense fear of flying holds him back.
However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Megumi Noda, a fellow pianist with a carefree and laid-back personality.
Their encounter sets off a series of events that will profoundly transform their lives.
Nodame Cantabile expertly blends romance, comedy, and psychological elements as it explores themes of trauma and the power of love.
This anime also delivers a satisfying and happy ending that perfectly aligns with the overarching themes of the series. So rest assured, you won’t have to worry about feeling unsatisfied or disappointed with the conclusion of this anime.
6. My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, as I Expected (OreGairu)
OreGairu is undeniably a hidden gem within the romance genre and one of the best series in its category. It has been released in 3 seasons, with the first season premiering in 2013.
The story revolves around Hachiman Hikigaya, a socially isolated boy with a cynical view of life.
To change his perspective, his teacher compels him to join the school’s volunteer club, where he encounters Yukino Yukinoshita, the most beautiful girl in school.
But the introduction of Yui Yuigahama, another troubled girl, creates an intriguing love triangle.
OreGairu is a complex and intricate romance anime that seamlessly blends a chill slice-of-life atmosphere with psychological themes, delving even into deep topics such as anxiety, depression, and apathy.
However, despite the challenging themes, the story culminates in a happy ending during its final season with a conclusion that perfectly ties up all the loose ends and resolves the various subplots.
Although, being the story based on a love triangle, one of the characters will experience a bad case of unrequited love.
5. Toradora!
Toradora!, a renowned romance anime released in 2009, undoubtedly stands as one of the finest entries in the genre from the 2000s. It’s also included in the Amazon Prime Video catalog, making it easy to watch if you are a subscriber.
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.
Toradora! presents an intricate and flawlessly executed love story, which culminates in a finale that leaves no loose ends and delivers a perfect, satisfying, and happy resolution.
Also, every subplot is thoughtfully closed, ensuring that no detail is left to chance. Chapeau.
4. Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You
From Me to You, released in 2009 and spanning 25 episodes, stands as one of the best examples of a great vanilla romance anime.
It’s also one of the best romance anime for beginners, as well as being featured on Netflix if you are getting into the genre
Sawako, our high school protagonist, endures bullying from her classmates due to her uncanny resemblance to Sadako, the renowned character from the horror movie Ring.
Nevertheless, Sawako possesses a gentle and reserved nature that captures the attention of Shota, the most popular boy in school.
From Me to You unfolds as a heartwarming and gradually intensifying love story, carrying its charm from the initial episode through to the final moments.
And its good and satisfying ending perfectly aligns with the series’ premise, leaving a lasting impact.
So if you yearn to immerse yourself in an endearing and lighthearted tale of love that will resonate with you long after it concludes, hesitate no more and embark on this delightful journey.
3. Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket is a timeless classic in the romance genre, celebrated for its exceptional manga that received an animated remake in 2019, surpassing the 2000s version in every aspect.
We highly recommend watching the new adaptation, which showcases modern animation and a more faithful adaptation.
The story follows the kind-hearted Toru Honda, who, following the tragic death of her parents, finds herself living with her grandfather. However, due to certain circumstances, she is forced to leave that home as well and ends up living alone in a tent in the woods.
It is there that she encounters Yuki Soma, who offers her an invitation to stay at his family’s home, a place harboring a peculiar secret.
Fruits Basket delves into a more complex narrative than one might anticipate, incorporating supernatural elements, intricate love entanglements, and one of the most captivating love triangles ever portrayed.
But despite these intrigues, the ending manages to resolve itself satisfyingly and compellingly, delivering one of the most memorable happy endings we can recall.
2. Tsukigakirei – as the moon, so beautiful
Tsukigakirei is an incredibly underrated short romance anime, boasting stunning animation, a fantastic cast of characters, and a great plot. It was released in 2017, consisting of 12 episodes.
The anime beautifully captures the challenges and joys of growing up, from the exhilaration of falling in love to the complexities of forging new friendships and navigating an uncertain future.
With its well-developed and relatable characters, Tsukigakirei immerses you in its world, making you feel like an integral part of the narrative.
However, what truly sets Tsukigakirei apart is its beautifully crafted love story. The genuine and realistic emotions shared between the main characters, Akane and Kotaro, will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings.
Tsukigakirei is truly a hidden gem in the romance genre, perfectly chronicling the lives and, more importantly, the love of its central characters with a level of quality that fortunately persists until the very end.
Rest assured that you can savor every moment from the first episode to the last, as the series delivers an incredibly satisfying and happy ending that aligns perfectly with the rest of the story.
1. Whisper of The Heart
Whisper of the Heart is a 1995 Studio Ghibli movie and one of the best examples of slice-of-life romance. Set in the suburban town of Tama, near Tokyo, it beautifully captures the essence of its time.
The story follows Shizuku, a 14-year-old girl with a deep passion for reading and aspirations of becoming a writer.
During a summer visit to the library, Shizuku discovers that the books she borrows were previously checked out by a boy named Seiji Amasawa. Intrigued by this connection, she embarks on a quest to find Seiji, often getting lost in her daydreams about him.
Whisper of the Heart is a timeless classic in the romance genre that should not be overlooked.
It weaves a captivating love story filled with suspense and anticipation, which ultimately culminates in a masterfully executed and satisfying happy ending.
And additionally, it provides an authentic portrayal of life in 1990s Japan, adding another layer of depth to the movie.
Golden Time’s ending was absolutely abysmal. And the female lead was incredibly unlikable. So it dead leave someone disappointed. Me. And Oregairu is quite possibly the most boring anime I’ve ever had the displeasure of forcing myself through.
Hey Warp, I agree on Golden Time and that’s why I told the writer to drop it in favor of something different.
The article is more about happy endings as a whole but it’s kind of ambiguous and yes, Golden Time’s ending is disappointing.
I am not so sure about OreGairu though, there’s much worse but if you don’t like it, definitely go for something else as I understand your sentiment.
The ending of Toradora! does NOT have an entirely happy ending. It leaves you feeling cheated just when you think you get the story to end with everything tied up with a bow, it changes and throws you for a loop. Great anime, but without a season 2 to wrap up the story, it leaves you sad, hanging, and wanting more.