Watching animes has been a great bonding time among relatives or friends. But, whether you admit it or not, animes are not created equal. There are anime shows that are nah, or not really good, while there are those that really captivate the hearts of audiences.
There are also several genres of animes out there. You’ve got comedy, action, drama, and mystery animes, to name a few, then you’ve got romance animes. Romance animes are among the most-watched genres anywhere in the world. Many people watch romance animes because the two, romance and anime, are a timeless combination. They touch viewers’ lives and transport them into the characters’ sweet moments.
What are the best romance animes of all time? Let’s find out on this list.
1. ‘Fruits Basket’
The first of the best romance animes of all time on this list is “Fruits Basket,” a title that has also made it to other lists apart from this. It should be because it is a really excellent romance anime to watch.
This show’s story revolves around Tohru Honda, an orphan girl who, after gaining the chance to meet Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure Sohma, learns that 13 members of the family are possessed by the Chinese zodiac animals and are cursed to turn back into their animal forms when they are stressed, weak, or embraced by anybody of the opposite gender not possessed by a zodiac spirit.
Tohru then learns of the hardships and pain faced by the Sohma family. She helps heal their emotional wounds through her generous and loving nature. The anime is quite old, released in 2001, but even until today, many viewers love watching it repeatedly.
Let’s check out the rest of the greatest romance animes of all time on this list.
2. ‘Nana’
If you are a fan of same-gender romantic stories, you should know that various animes portray them, such as “Nana.”
The story of “Nana” is about two girls, Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu, who have contrasting traits. They first met on a train to Tokyo, coincidentally bearing the same name and heading to the same destination.
As soon as they get off the train, they begin hanging out with each other, developing a deep bond that words cannot explain.
3. ‘Kimi Ne Todoke’
Meanwhile, “Kimi Ne Todoke” follows a high school girl, Kuronuma Sawakoi, a shy and misunderstood girl often compared to the ghost in the movie “The Ring” because of the resemblance and her struggles to make friends in school.
Her life changes when she becomes friends with Shouta Kazehaya, a popular boy in their school, who helps Kuronuma break her shell and realize that she is more than just the film’s ghost. Their friend then develops into a relationship.
4. ‘Orange’
Another great anime to watch if you are looking for the romance genre is “Orange.” This series tells the story of Naho Takamiya, who receives a letter from her future self. This future self of her tells her about the significant things coming to her life, as well as the decisions she needs to make to change her future.
“Orange” also revolves around the relationship between her and Kakeru Naruse, a new transferee to their school, who actually holds a secret.
5. ‘My Little Monster’
Shown in 2012, “My Little Monster” revolves around Shizuku Mizutani, a high school pupil who is only concerned about getting high grades until she meets Haru Yoshida, also her classmate.
As they become more familiar with each other’s differences and interests, their relationship deepens into something neither saw coming.
6. ‘Kare Kano’
Meanwhile, “Kare Kano” is an anime that follows the story of a girl named Yukino Miyazawa, who is also a popular student in her school and an achiever. Her life changes when she chances upon the handsome and also intelligent classmate, Soichiro Arima, who finds out something about her real nature that nobody knows.
This anime aired in the 90s but is still popular among fans today.
7. ‘Ore Monogatari!!’
If you are looking for romance animes and those that will give you a good laugh at the same time, you should watch “Ore Monogatari!!”
Translated in English as “My Love Story!!,” the anime centers around Takeo Gouda, a muscular high school pupil who is often misunderstood but is shown to have an open and helping heart, which is underestimated because of his appearance.
The story begins to unfold when he saves a kind-hearted girl, Rinko Yamato, from somebody who harassed her and later falls in love with her. This is a rom-com at its finest.
8. ‘Sakurasou No Pet Na Kanojo’
Aired in 2012, “Sakurasou No Pet Na Kanojo” is an anime whose story follows a second-year high school student, Sorata Kanda, who resides in the Sakurasou Dormitory. The story shows that students living in this dormitory cause nothing but trouble because of their peculiar talents.
The story’s conflict starts when another talented character named Mashiro Shiina moves into Sakurasou Dormitory. Sorata becomes in charge of being her caretaker until they develop feelings for each other.
9. ‘The Rose Of Versailles’
If you want a romance anime that will transport you to the genre’s popularity during the 1970s, “The Rose of Versailles” is a must-watch. In fact, many consider this the most influential romance anime of all time, impacting other animes of this kind that came after it.
The story’s setting is also fascinating, set during the golden age of the French Revolution, or before and during the French Revolution. It follows Oscar François de Jarjayes, who was raised as a son by her father as she was his only kid.
Oscar is met by her servant and childhood buddy, André Grandier, who used to master the art of fencing and horsemanship with the former. The complex relationship between the two becomes the focus of the story.
“The Rose of Versailles” also touches a lot on Marie Antoinette, the controversial and last queen of France before the French Revolution.
10. ‘Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku’
This anime is also exciting, as it focuses on rather more mature characters in a workplace setting, rather than most of the animes on this list that deal with students and school.
This series follows the stories of two couples. The first consists of Narumi Momose, an office worker who is a secret otaku or a person obsessed with manga and other forms of Japanese culture, and Hirotaka Nifuji, Narumi’s old friend from her middle school who also is secretly an otaku and likes playing games for fun.
The second couple are Hanako Koyanagi, a stage theatre geek who loves reading manga and watching anime, and Tarou Kabakura, who is also fond of animes and games, and famous for his excellent taste in almost every media.
11. ‘Touch’
This romance anime is also a bit old, aired during the 80s, but it is still popular among fans today.
“Touch” follows the story of two twin brothers, Tatsuya Uesugi and Kazuya Uesugi, together with their teenage friend, Minami Asakura. The story also interestingly revolves around baseball since Kazuya, one of the twins, is an ace pitcher.
However, Tatsuya is a slacker who has lived all his life giving the spotlight to his twin brother, though he may be more talented than Kazuya. Minami is their neighbor and childhood friend, who also dates one of those brothers in school.
12. ‘Shigatsu Wa Kimi No Uso’
Next on the list of the best romance animes of all time is “Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso,” translated in English as “You Lie in April.”
Its story follows Arima Kousei, a piano prodigy. However, he has not played since he played for his mother, who died a few years ago. One day, Arima chances upon a violin prodigy at the pack, who guides him back into the world of music.
13. ‘Akagami No Shirayuki-Hime’
Aired from 2015 to 2016, this anime depicts the journey of Shirayuki toward a new life at the royal palace of Clarines. It also tells the story of Zen’s goal to become a prince worthy of the title. As loyal friendships are ignited, and deadly enemies formed, Shirayuki and Zen gradually learn to support each other and their respective goals.
14. ‘Clannad: After Story’
If you are a fan of love stories like “A Walk to Remember” and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” you will also love “Clannad: After Story.”
The anime focuses on Tomoya and Nagisa, who, after their graduation, marry and begin their life as a couple. Shortly after, she becomes pregnant. As Nagisa’s pregnancy develops, she becomes increasingly bedridden, changing the lives of the other characters in the story as they deal with Nagisa’s worsening illness.
It may not be Valentine’s Day yet, but we’re swooning over these greatest romance animes of all time! We hope you do, too. There are certainly more on this list, but if you need a good reference on romance animes, feel free to revisit this article. Have fun watching!
