The 15 Satisfying Romance Anime Where Childhood Friend Wins

Discover the magic of childhood friends falling in love with our curated selection of romance anime where the childhood friend wins.

Based on our personal experiences and tastes, these stories are built on a solid foundation of friendship and trust.

The childhood friend plays a crucial role, providing unwavering support and advice to the protagonist.

Watch as their relationship evolves into a passionate romance, with a relatable and satisfying storyline that will leave you craving for more.

15. Osamake: Romcom Where The Childhood Friend Won’t Lose

Follow Suehara Maru and his childhood best friend, Kuroha Shida, as they navigate the ups and downs of high school romance.

Kuroha has been in love with Suehara for years, but he only has eyes for school idol Shirokusa Kachi.

But when Suehara’s hopes of being with Kachi are crushed, Kuroha steps in to help him get revenge.

Now, it’s possible that you’re under the impression that Osamake is a typical harem/romantic comedy anime with a misleading title, and you’re not entirely wrong.

But don’t let that discourage you from giving this show a chance.

It’s still a great way to spend some free time and indulge in a little bit of trashy fun.

14. Love, Election and Chocolate

Follow the journey of Yuuki and Chisato, 2 childhood friends who are part of a snack-loving high school club.

When their club is threatened by the upcoming student election, they must work together to save it.

But as they fight for their club, they also start to discover their true feelings for each other.

Sure, the plot may be a little rushed and some characters come off as boring stereotypes, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the love story at the core of the anime.

The romance between Yuuki and Chisato is simply adorable, and it will definitely make you smile.

13. Myself; Yourself

Myself; Yourself is a good dark romance anime released in 2007 in 13 episodes, adapted from the light novel of the same name.

The story follows the journey of Sana Hidaka as he returns to his hometown after 5 years away and reconnects with his old friends.

But amidst the secrets and burdens that they are carrying, Sana’s relationship with his childhood friend Nanaka Yatsushiro takes center stage.

Despite the challenges they face, their friendship blossoms into a beautiful romance that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Don’t miss out on this must-watch anime that will tug at your heartstrings and remind you of the power of connection, which we’re 101% sure you’ll love.

12. Love Hina

Follow Keitaro Urashima, a boy who made a promise to attend the University of Tokyo with a girl he can’t remember.

As he becomes the manager of Hinata House, a girls’ dorm, and reunites with his childhood friend Naru Narusegawa, who helps him study for the exams.

Love Hina stands out for the heartwarming and satisfying love story of Keitaro and Naru, as they overcome challenges and end slowly falling for each other.

Although Love Hina isn’t perfect, with its generic and occasionally annoying characters, and filler episodes that don’t add much to the plot, it still has a lot going for it.

The art and sound are solid, and the overall story is enjoyable so give it a chance.

11. Amagami SS

Based on a popular Japanese dating game, this series follows the journey of high schooler Junichi Tachibana as he tries to find true love.

From sweet and innocent to bold and daring, each character has their own unique personality and story.

But the real star of the show is Kaoru Tanamachi, Junichi’s childhood friend who secretly harbors feelings for him.

But as Christmas Eve approaches, Junichi must make a decision: should he pursue Kaoru, the girl who has always been by his side, or take a chance on one of the other girls he’s met along the way?

With unexpected twists, turns, and a lot of delusions, Amagami SS keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering which path Junichi will take.

10. True Tears

True Tears is a 2008 school romance anime released with 13 episodes. Join Shinichiro Nakagami as he faces the difficult decision of choosing between his childhood friend Hiromi Yuasa and unpredictable classmate Noe Isurugi.

True Tears delves into the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of growing up.

And it’s not just about the love triangle, but also about the characters’ personal growth and the challenges they face along the way.

Despite the show’s flaws, such as the disappointing ending and nonsensical plot in later episodes, the emotional journey is worth experiencing and we recommend it.

9. I’ve Always Liked You

Follow the journey of Natsuki Enomoto, who finally gathers the courage to confess to her childhood friend, Yuu Setoguchi.

But a case of nerves leads her to pass it off as a practice confession, leaving Yuu clueless about her true feelings.

As Natsuki struggles to overcome her shyness and express her love, fellow classmate Koyuki Ayase also vies for her affection.

But this anime isn’t just about love triangles and unrequited crushes.

It’s a touching portrayal of the challenges and joys of young love, and the importance of true friendship in navigating those emotions.

With charming characters and a heartwarming story, I’ve Always Liked You is a great pick for any romance anime fan.

8. KimiKiss: Pure Rouge

This series follows the journey of 3 childhood friends, Kouichi, Kazuki, and Mao, as they navigate high school romance and the ups and downs of growing up.

When Mao returns from France, Kouichi is overjoyed to have her back in his life. But as their feelings for each other grow stronger, they must navigate the complex and sometimes messy world of teenage love.

With the help of their friend Kazuki, the trio learns about friendship, jealousy, and heartbreak along the way.

Get ready to be captivated by the realistic portrayal of love and relationships that’s unlike any other romance anime out there.

The characters are raw and genuine, with relatable struggles that will have you rooting for them from the very beginning.

Whether it’s the excitement of first love or the pain of heartbreak, you’ll feel every emotion right alongside them.

7. Special A

Prepare to fall in love with the captivating tale of Hikari Hanazono and Kei Takishima, childhood friends turned fierce competitors.

This anime will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions as you follow their journey through the prestigious Special A school, that classifies the students based on their results.

And as Hikari and Kei vie for the top spot in their class, they soon realize that there might be more than just friendly competition between them.

While Hikari sees Kei as her biggest rival, little does she know that he has been harboring secret feelings for her all along.

With gripping storylines, relatable characters, and an endearing romance, Special A is a great pick for fans of the genre.

6. Boarding School Juliet

Set in the prestigious Dahlia Academy, the anime follows the story of Romio Inuzuka and Juliet Persia, leaders of rival dorms and bitter enemies on the surface.

But beneath the facade, Romio and Juliet are deeply in love, with a bond that has lasted since childhood.

The catch? Their relationship must remain a secret to avoid the wrath of their comrades.

The tension is palpable as Romio and Juliet struggle to keep their love under wraps, all while missing out on the joys of being a couple. And as they grow closer, the pressure mounts, leading to a heart-wrenching climax.

Boarding School Juliet features relatable characters and an intriguing plot filled with twists and turns that will keep you engaged until the end.

5. Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride)

Blue Spring Ride is an anime that will grab your attention right from the start and refuse to let go.

The story revolves around Futaba Yoshioka, a girl who was well-liked by boys in middle school but kept at arm’s length by the girls.

The only boy she was interested in was Ko Tanaka, who eventually moved away, leaving Futaba heartbroken.

Blue Spring Ride is a must-watch for anyone looking for a romance anime that goes beyond the typical tropes and truly delves into the intricacies of human relationships, with a strong psychological focus.

In addition, its duration of 12 episodes makes it one of the best short anime to watch.

Get ready to experience heartbreak, joy, and everything in between as you witness their rollercoaster ride of emotions.

4. Kanon

This anime combines the supernatural genre with a slice of life and an amnesia plot, creating an engaging viewing experience.

The story follows Aizawa Yuuichi, who returns to his wintry hometown after 7 years, only to realize that he has lost all memories of his past.

But as he begins to make new friends, he slowly starts to recall his childhood memories, and things get even more interesting when he realizes that all of his new friends are connected to his past.

This twist adds an element of unpredictability, keeping you on the edge of your seats, wondering which childhood friend will ultimately end up with Aizawa.

3. Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku

Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku is a heartwarming workplace romance anime about childhood friends Narumi and Hirotaka, who rediscover their love for gaming and anime as colleagues.

This relatable and endearing friends-to-lovers story offers an authentic portrayal of otaku culture that sets it apart from other romance anime.

You’ll be rooting for Hirotaka, who openly embraces his otaku side, and Narumi, who tries to keep her fandom a secret, every step of the way.

Although the pacing may be slow for some, the satisfying payoff at the end makes it worth the watch and we absolutely recommend it.

2. Cross Game

Cross Game is one of the best sports romance anime. It follows the story of Kou Kitamura and Aoba Tsukishima, 2 childhood friends who are constantly at odds.

Despite this, they share a deep connection through Wakaba Tsukishima, Aoba’s older sister and Kou’s destined sweetheart.

The game of baseball becomes a way for them to overcome personal struggles and maybe even realize their true feelings for each other.

The storytelling is a rollercoaster of emotions with perfectly timed jokes, gradual romance, intriguing love triangles, and significant flashbacks that won’t bore you.

It’s a great blend of comedy, romance, drama, and sport that’s sure to keep you hooked.

1. Tamako Love Story

Fall in love with Tamako Love Story, a charming and heartwarming romance anime movie about childhood friends Mochizo Ooji and Tamako.

As Mochizo Ooji prepares to leave his hometown and head to Tokyo to attend university, he’s faced with the difficult task of confessing his feelings to his childhood crush, Tamako.

However, unexpected events keep getting in the way, making the anticipation of his confession even more exciting.

This special movie has a soothing feel with beautiful moments that will warm your heart. From the small shopping area to the mochi shop and Tamako’s friendly neighborhood, every detail adds to the enjoyment.

And despite being only 90 minutes long, the character development is spot on, and you’ll love their adorable personalities and cute love story.

This movie will leave you with a lasting impression, and for that, we’re confident in calling this anime the best romance where childhood friend wins you can find right now.