Top 10 Romantic Anime Series Of All Time

8 months ago By AI Smith

Romance, it’s a genre that truly tugs at our heartstrings, breaking through language and culture barriers to deliver heartwarming tales of love. In the vast world of romantic anime series, some gems shine as timeless classics that continue to captivate audiences. Today, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 romantic anime series of all time, each offering a unique take on the theme of love.

10. Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me To You

Japanese Title: Kimi ni Todoke
Studio: Production I.G
Number of Episodes: 37
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Tubi

Picture this: the classic “opposites attract” scenario, brought to life in “Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me To You.” This heartwarming tale revolves around the sweet friendship between the painfully shy Sawako Kuronuma and the popular Shouta Kazehaya. Sawako, often mistaken for Sadako from “The Ring,” struggles to break out of her shell, but Kazehaya is just the right person to help her. It’s a heartwarming and humorous journey filled with well-developed characters, even if the long-awaited confession takes its sweet time.

9. Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You

Japanese Title: Tonikaku Kawaii
Studio: Seven Arcs
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

Now, let’s shift gears a bit with “Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You.” This anime takes a unique angle on romance, focusing on a married couple, Nasa and Tsukasa, who have already reached the depths of love. It has that slice-of-life feel, offering a peek into their daily lives and antics. While it might not have the dramatic highs of other romantic tales, it’s a pleasant and direct exploration of their feelings.

8. Sing “Yesterday” For Me

Japanese Title: Yesterday wo Utatte
Studio: Doga Kobo
Number of Episodes: 12
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

“Sing ‘Yesterday’ for Me” stands out for its realistic take on romance. It takes a classic love triangle and steers it in an unexpected direction. The ending is incredibly satisfying, highlighting how even failed romances can lead to strong friendships. The fact that it’s directed by Yoshiyuki Fujiwara, known for works like “Attack on Titan” and “Sword Art Online,” adds an extra layer of intrigue.

7. My Love Story!!

Japanese Title: Ore Monogatari!!
Studio: Madhouse
Number of Episodes: 24
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Hulu

“My Love Story!!” is a standout thanks to its main character, Takeo Gouda. He’s a tall, imposing high schooler who falls head over heels for the dainty Rinko. What’s heartwarming is seeing Takeo’s efforts to play cupid for her despite his own feelings. Unlike many other series, this one doesn’t hold back on the romance, as the main characters are dating for most of the episodes, providing a refreshing change from the typical slow build to a confession.

6. Given

Japanese Title: Given
Studio: Lerche
Number of Episodes: 11 + Movie
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

“Given” offers a perfect blend of representation and well-crafted storytelling. The romance that blossoms between Mafuyu and Ritsuka as Mafuyu learns to play guitar and sing in Ritsuka’s band is truly heartwarming. Watching Mafuyu’s confidence grow alongside the romantic tension makes for a fantastic series. The movie is a brilliant extension of the story, making it a must-watch.

5. Nana

Japanese Title: Nana
Studio: Madhouse
Number of Episodes: 47
Where to Stream: HIDIVE, Hulu

“Nana” is one of the most famous and popular shoujo anime of all time. It follows two women, both named Nana, who seem different on the surface but find themselves in curiously similar situations with distinct outcomes. The series spans 47 episodes and delves into their views on love through a series of different relationships. It’s grounded in reality, even if the characters occasionally veer into extremes. What’s unique is that they’re held accountable for their actions.

4. Your Lie In April

Japanese Title: Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Number of Episodes: 22
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Hulu

“Your Lie in April” tells the story of two music prodigies, Kousei Arima and Kaori Miyazono. Kousei, grappling with depression after his mother’s passing, loses his passion for the piano. However, Kaori’s enchanting violin performance reignites his interest and sparks a profound connection. The series explores themes of grief, life, love, and music, offering a journey of self-healing and emotional depth.

3. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War

Japanese Title: Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Number of Episodes: 39
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Hulu

“Kaguya-sama: Love Is War” takes a unique twist on romance, showcasing the battle of wits between Miyuki and Kaguya. They use their intellect to make the other confess their love first, leading to hilarious adventures in running the student council at an elite school. These moments are complemented by heartwarming scenes that keep viewers engaged. Season 3, which aired in Spring 2022, delves further into the relationship between Miyuki and Kaguya while exploring other romances.

2. Clannad

Japanese Title: Clannad
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Number of Episodes: 47
Where to Stream: HIDIVE

“Clannad” is a tale of two halves: “Clannad” and “After Story.” The latter, in particular, stands out as a powerful and emotional narrative. It lays the foundation for the impactful storytelling in “After Story.” The anime focuses on Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa’s story, taking place after high school. It explores their growth as individuals and as a couple, addressing common struggles realistically.

1. Fruits Basket

Japanese Title: Fruits Basket
Studio: Studio Deen (2001), TMS/8PAN (2019)
Number of Episodes: 26 (Deen), 63 (TMS/8PAN)
Where to Stream: Hulu (Deen) / Crunchyroll, Hulu (TMS/8PAN)

And finally, at the top of our list, we have the masterpiece of romance anime, “Fruits Basket.” This series expertly combines drama and comedy, following the life of Tooru Honda as she moves in with the enigmatic Souma family. While the Soumas are treated as idols at school, they harbor a life-altering secret. “Fruits Basket” presents an unforgettable love triangle with well-developed characters, providing an extraordinary journey through three seasons.

In conclusion, these romantic anime series offer diverse approaches to love and relationships, making sure there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming stories, realistic portrayals of romance, or intense battles of love and wit, these series have got you covered.