Romance anime has a special place in the hearts of many fans. Whether it’s the heartwarming moments, the emotional rollercoasters, or the unforgettable characters, these shows have left a lasting impact. Here are the top 10 romance anime of all time that you should definitely check out!
1. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)
Summary: This anime follows Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy who loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother’s death. His world changes when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a spirited violinist who helps him rediscover his love for music. Their journey together is filled with beautiful music, emotional highs and lows, and a poignant love story that will leave you in tears. The anime beautifully portrays the healing power of music and love, making it a must-watch for any romance anime fan.
IMDb Rating: 8.6
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.7
2. Clannad: After Story
Summary: A continuation of the original Clannad series, this anime delves deeper into the life of Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa as they navigate adulthood. The story explores their relationship, the challenges they face, and the importance of family. It covers their journey from high school sweethearts to married life, dealing with real-life issues such as work, health, and parenthood. It’s a touching tale that will tug at your heartstrings and make you appreciate the bonds we share with our loved ones.
IMDb Rating: 8.6
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.9
3. Toradora!
Summary: Toradora! centers around Ryuuji Takasu, a high school student with an intimidating face but a kind heart, and Taiga Aisaka, a small but fierce girl. Despite their differences, they form an unlikely friendship to help each other with their respective crushes. As they spend more time together, they realize their feelings for each other run deeper than they initially thought. The anime is filled with humorous moments, heartfelt confessions, and the growth of both characters as they learn to understand and support each other.
IMDb Rating: 8.0
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.1
4. Fruits Basket
Summary: Tohru Honda, an orphaned high school girl, ends up living with the mysterious Sohma family. She discovers that they are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex. As Tohru gets to know the family members, she helps them confront their pasts and break the curse, all while developing a romantic relationship with Kyo Sohma. The anime beautifully blends romance, comedy, and drama, making it a timeless classic.
IMDb Rating: 8.6
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.2
5. Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You)
Summary: Sawako Kuronuma, often misunderstood due to her resemblance to a horror movie character, longs to make friends and be more social. Her life changes when the popular boy Shouta Kazehaya takes an interest in her. Their sweet and slow-building romance is a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The anime highlights the importance of kindness, understanding, and the courage to open up to others.
IMDb Rating: 7.8
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.0
6. My Love Story!! (Ore Monogatari!!)
Summary: Takeo Gouda, a large and intimidating high school student with a heart of gold, often scares people away. However, his life takes a turn when he saves Rinko Yamato from a harasser, and she falls in love with him. This anime is a refreshing take on romance, focusing on the pure and adorable relationship between Takeo and Rinko. It showcases the beauty of love that transcends appearances and societal expectations.
IMDb Rating: 7.8
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.9
7. Lovely★Complex
Summary: Risa Koizumi and Atsushi Ootani are known for their height differences, with Risa being unusually tall and Ootani being short. They form a comedic duo and decide to help each other find love. However, as they spend more time together, they start to develop feelings for each other, leading to a charming and funny love story. The anime is filled with hilarious moments, heartfelt confessions, and the growth of both characters as they learn to accept and love each other.
IMDb Rating: 8.0
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.1
8. Nana
Summary: Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu, two women with the same name but very different personalities, meet on a train to Tokyo and become roommates. The anime explores their lives, dreams, and relationships, with a strong focus on their romantic entanglements. It’s a mature and realistic portrayal of love and friendship, dealing with themes such as ambition, heartbreak, and the complexities of adult relationships.
IMDb Rating: 8.4
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.5
9. Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime)
Summary: Shirayuki, a herbalist with striking red hair, escapes from her home country to avoid being forced into marriage by a prince. She meets Prince Zen of a neighboring country, and they form a deep bond. The anime follows their adventures and the blossoming romance between Shirayuki and Zen, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal growth. The story is a beautiful blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure.
IMDb Rating: 7.7
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.8
10. Say “I Love You” (Sukitte Ii na yo.)
Summary: Mei Tachibana, a high school girl who has never had friends or a boyfriend, accidentally injures the popular Yamato Kurosawa. Surprisingly, Yamato takes an interest in her and helps her come out of her shell. Their relationship develops slowly, highlighting the challenges and joys of first love. The anime portrays the awkwardness, excitement, and emotional growth that comes with young love.
IMDb Rating: 7.4
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.6