Best Romance Anime (Updated 2021)

This anime utilizes a unique animation style in order to bring the ballroom to life. At the onset of your viewing experience you will find yourself thrown into an unknown new world. However much like protagonist Tatara Fujita you will soon relish in discovering the world of ballroom dancing. Welcome to the Ballroom’s greatest feature is its welcoming accessibility. An understanding or appreciation for ballroom dancing is certainly not necessary.

As a newcomer, following Tatara’s journey is truly insightful. After contemplating his lack of interest in common high school activities, Tatara stumbles upon a dance studio. Tatara quickly becomes enthralled with the sights and sounds of the dance floor. He decides to act upon his one and only interest by signing up for ballroom dancing lessons. As Tatara is introduced to the world of professional dancing, he meets interesting individuals and his personality changes for the better. Tatara’s character development is one of the show’s main attractions.

Ballroom dancing is all about channeling the passion between two people and expressing that feeling on the dance floor. The passion and romance on display is as fiery as the effortless range of motion. The animation simply does not miss a beat. A strong soundtrack steals the show. The music composition always leads the way and grabs the viewer’s attention. It doesn’t matter if Tatara is practicing choreography in the studio or performing at a competition the ballroom music is incredibly captivating.

Tatara’s personal romance does not flourish until the final act of the 24 episode run. If it weren’t for the intense chemistry on display between the secondary characters, the wait would feel prolonged.

Clannad: After Story is widely regarded as one of the most tear inducing anime ever made. The viewing sequence is unlike most of the titles on this list. Clannad: After Story is the sequel to Clannad. This can be viewed as a 24-episode second season follow up to the first season. This means that it is necessary to take in the first season in order to fully grasp the ongoing events. For some this may prove to be too hefty of a commitment however it is certainly worth the effort.

A masterpiece in storytelling, After Story follows Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa as they search for purpose and direction in life. No more can be said regarding the plot without divulging key elements. In short, this anime showcases a couple’s journey as they confront personal issues and strengthen their relationship in the process. The one issue regarding narrative fluidity is the inexplicable inclusion of supernatural elements. This anime is at its best when it examines human nature in a raw state.

Furthermore there are minor concerns regarding animation and sound. Aspects from the aforementioned departments are not going to blow your mind. This anime forgoes aesthetic investment in order to draw out an emotional investment from the audience via the relatable and heartbreaking story.

Character development is a key cog in the machine that is After Story. The benefits of having to work with a 24-episode season is that character arcs never feel rushed. The story and characters are given time to fully develop. Clannad: After Story is the perfect anime for those who enjoy an emphasis on meaningful storytelling.

If you’re prone to excessive crying, avoid this movie at all costs. Considering the fact that this movie released to the public in 2016, the animation is well ahead of its time. Fantastic animation is to be expected when it comes to anime movies. A larger budget means a greater attention towards animation. However nobody could have expected such flawless animation quality. Much of that credit must be given to Kyoto Animation studio.

At times this movie can be tough to watch. It does not shy away from sensitive topics such as bullying and suicide. Shoya Ishida recalls an impactful event from his past right before he attempts to commit suicide. Due to this unresolved issue he decides on a change of heart. The incident involves a middle school encounter in which Ishida ruthlessly bullies a deaf classmate. After she is forced to transfer school Ishida turns into a social outcast. This reputation follows him throughout high school as Ishida develops a social disorder in which he blocks out the faces of those around him. Ishida seeks out Shoko Nishiyama in order to make amends.

His journey seeking redemption is a harrowing one. He must face his demons and come to terms with his past if he wants any chance at leading a normal life. Things get complicated as Shoko develops feelings for Ishida. Before he can return the sentiment he must come to terms with his past by cherishing his present. This tale is wonderfully written and the way it was crafted with such care is impressive. Voice acting is superb as well as the original score. Ultimately the themes present are extremely hard-hitting and poignant. A Silent Voice succeeds as captivating cinema with a valid message.

Ouran High School Host Club is certainly one of the older series on this list. Though what it lacks in modern animation, it makes up for with sheer charm. This anime takes place at a prestigious school meant for elite members of Japanese society.

As a scholarship student protagonist Haruhi Fujioka does not fit the mould at Ouran academy. After mistakenly opening the door to the school’s host club, she is invited in as a member.

This club is compiled of charming men whose sole purpose is to entertain the women at the academy. Due to her masculine appearance she blends in with the club’s other members. Fujioka suddenly finds herself in a whirlwind of new experiences. Her social position creates a wonderful comparison between her attitude and that of the numerous entitled students. This show sets itself apart due to the strength of its large cast of characters.

In terms of plot, things tend to shift toward random events that do not lead toward a rising conflict of sorts. However this approach works well due to the anime’s ability to create so many interesting characters. The drama moves along swiftly and offers genuine moments of affection.

It is a shame that the music does little to enhance the romantic atmosphere. Ouran host club is not without its laughs. The show practically works as a satire in which each character displays a specific stereotype. The joy of watching this anime is observing how the characters develop and eventually grow out of their predictable personas.

Shortly following its release in 2016, Your Name took the world by storm. Your Name is a rare revolutionary work. It broke records commercially and saw critical success. Simply put, Your Name is the most successful anime movie of the past decade. This film holds the title of highest grossing anime film worldwide.

Director Makoto Shinkai has earned tremendous amounts of praise for his wonderfully crafted work of art. Shinkai has been called the next Miyazaki. That is high praise for an up and coming director. 

To begin, the beautiful animation is like nothing you’ve seen before. The vivid imagery pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible regarding Japanese animation. Every scene is sure to take your breath away. The emotionally charged narrative is also a positive attraction. Two teenagers are caught in a body-swapping loop. Forced to share their vastly different lives, these individuals go through a journey of introspection that leads to wonderful discoveries. The romance aspects develop between the two individuals as they desperately look to shorten the geographic distance between them.

Ultimately, the viewer is not meant to understand the supernatural forces at play. In fact, it is recommended not to fret over the science fiction aspects. It will only confuse you, distracting from the beautiful story being told. The dialogue is gut-wrenching and truly hits a nerve for anyone who ever wondered if the grass is greener on the other side. Credit to Your Name for creating a conversation surrounding gender roles and the antiquated nature of such ideas.

If you’re looking for a dose of action to go with that romance, Sword Oratoria: Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon has got you covered. Comically long name aside, this show is well worth a watch based on its success mixing several genres.

In a fantasy world name Orario adventurers are tasked with exploring mythical dungeons. As a child, protagonist Bell Cranel was often told stories of ancient heroes. The diminutive adventurer decides to set off on a journey to become one of those legendary heroes. The one problem that arises is his complete lack of experience in handling the dangers of the dungeon. Cranel nearly dies in the dungeon only to be saved by number one adventurer Ais Wallenstein. Immediately struck by her beauty Cranel vows to become strong enough to stand by her side.

This anime is particularly great for history enthusiasts. Each adventurer belongs to a mythical house. Mythological deities such as Apollo and Ares run these houses. Seeing these deities interact with their mortal “children” is immensely entertaining due to the fact that they stay true to their historic personalities. At first Cranel trains alone however the focus quickly shifts toward the quintessential friendship first narrative. This aspect tends to be predictable if not too cliché.

However, it is nice to see that Cranel’s development as an adventurer increases as he lets new people in. Cranel’s story is one of a true underdog. From zero to hero his powers quickly develop. As his popularity rises he must fend off the numerous women who seek his affection. Although Cranel only has eyes for Wallenstein, this does lead to unexpected moments of humor. Ultimately, aspects of action, fantasy, humor and romance come together to form a worthwhile watch.

Very few anime offer up as unique a premise as The Devil is a Part Timer! The isekai genre has been a popular medium over the years. For those new to anime and manga, an isekai series follows the travel or transportation of a human being from Earth into a fantasy world. The Devil is a Part Timer! cleverly subverts this popular storytelling device.

A demon king named Sadao Maou, his henchmen, and his nemesis Emilia are all transported to modern day Japan. Maou quickly discovers that he must adapt to life on Earth or succumb to his new surroundings. In order to lighten the financial burden of life on Earth, Maou earns a job at a fast food restaurant. The following events are packed with gut-wrenching moments of comedy. There are moments of action however do not expect to be blown away by the fight scenes. They are clearly not the main attraction.

Character development is at the forefront as we see that even demon kings are capable of gentleness. Although his nature as a demon king is ever-present, Maou proves time and again that he is a great guy. He constantly puts others first. These standup qualities lead to his coworker’s growing affection. Not only does she fall in love with him but the hero Emilia who knows Maou’s secret also falls for him creating an interesting dynamic between the three. Although events may seem repetitive at times it is truly interesting to see Maou develop into a decent person. It is also important to note that the opening and ending sequences are beautifully crafted.

My Teen Romantic Comedy follows the anti-social Hikigaya as he searches for quintessential high school experiences. Hikigaya’s self-awareness is the anime’s main attraction. The series treats romantic comedy tropes as narrative development tools. This forthcoming approach is incredibly refreshing. It also blends extremely well with the abundance of humor that mainly comes from seeing the world through Hikigaya’s cynical point-of-view.

As the series progresses, Hikigaya becomes less and less of a loner. He learns to open up to others and his perception of his classmates drastically changes. This character development is expertly drawn out. It is a joy to visually track how each new encounter slowly sets a change in motion for the stoic protagonist. My Teen Romantic Comedy utilizes a unique dry humor that often times leaves the viewer laughing out loud. The show practically plays as a satire, finding joy in dissecting the habits of typical romantic teen dramas.

However, it isn’t all fun and games. As one of three members of the service club, Hikigaya proves to be an expert problem solver. He frequently puts out fires across the school when it comes to interpersonal relationships. Speaking of relationships, Hikigaya gets caught up in a love triangle that involves the two other members of the service club. This presents a difficult situation that serves as the main conflict of the first season. The issue arises due to the friendship all three members share with each other. Navigating these complicated feelings can often lead to moments of heavy dialogue that tend to drag on.

For those unfamiliar with anime terms, an otaku is a young person who lets their love of pop culture limit their social skills. As Narumi Momose gets ready to start her new job, her goal is to keep her darkest secret hidden from her new colleagues. Unfortunately for her, she runs into an old friend who knows that she’s a secret otaku.

Narumi Momose is shocked when a coworker and fellow otaku suggests that they should start dating. They conclude that this is the best option for both as their lifestyles have gotten in the way of past relationships. The following 11 episodes are a charming insight into the lives of the new couple.

The colorful cast of characters is the most appealing aspect of this show. If you’re someone who enjoys widespread character development then you’ll be pleased with what this show has to offer. In terms of animation, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Romance anime are not known for their high-quality animation. However, this show manages to imbue its character design with a ton of color. Each character’s design is unique, as are their expressions and mannerisms.

Expect a ton of references to video games and other otaku-related culture throughout the episodes. The show is lighthearted and easy to watch. Eleven episodes are the ideal number to tell this unique story. The dialogue is impressive and a standout aspect of the show.

As far as romance elements are concerned the show is quite light in this regard. The show aims to showcase the day-to-day life of otakus, rather than focus on the romance between certain characters.

ReLife is a short albeit satisfying ride that offers insight into reliving the days of our youth. At 27-years-old, Arata Kaizaki is struggling to find meaning and motivation in his life. Luckily a fated encounter shifts the trajectory of his life. Kaizaki becomes a test subject for a research institute. After taking a strange pill, Kaizaki wakes up the next morning as a 17-year-old.

The research requires that Kaizaki returns to high school and experience a second lease on life. The hijinks ensue as Kaizaki attempts to cope with how high-school life has changed during the past ten years. Watching Kaizaki try to avoid his past mistakes and create a new path in life is a true joy.

The fact that Kaizaki is so relatable is ReLife’s main appeal. Whether you’re content with where you currently find yourself or you strive to forge a new path, Kaizaki’s desire to right his wrongs is a great underdog story.

There’s no doubt that the story is drama-heavy. Luckily, moments of humor offer a refreshing change of pace when things get too heavy. That’s not to say that the moments of drama are not welcome. They are executed perfectly and push the plot forward with very few holes.

The pacing can feel a little slow at times. However seeing as the season only consists of 13 episodes, this isn’t a dealbreaker. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for the animation quality which does appear to be outdated for an anime that was released in 2016.

The 2019 iteration of Fruits Basket is a reboot of the classic anime originally released in 2001. This extremely polished version has breathed new life into the franchise. The anime focuses on the relationship between orphan Tohru Honda and the mysterious Soma family. As it turns out animals of the Chinese Zodiac possess the twelve members of the Soma family. These members are cursed to revert to their animal forms if touched by a person of the opposite sex. This had lead to a lonely existence for many of the family members.

After hearing of their hardships Honda is moved to action as her caring spirit takes over. Several members of the Soma family start to fall for Honda. This series is filled with both humor and romance. The inevitable awkward moments of unwanted transformation are to be expected when things get intimate. It is incredibly interesting to witness each individual of the Soma family seeing as they are all unique in some way. Guessing which Zodiac animal possesses which member is a fun game to play based on their personality.

This is definitely a character driven show. Although the updated animation is a welcome addition, it is the strength of the relationships on display whether romantic or platonic that moves the show forward. Yet another wonderful change arrives via the updated voice acting cast. The voice acting is above average and the performances culminate toward a captivating viewing.

Credit must be given for the anime’s willingness to tackle sensitive topics such as child abuse, discrimination and abandonment. At first glance this may seem like a lighthearted anime however the tone can change at a moments notice by offering some thought provoking themes.

Toradora! debuted in 2008 and birthed many passionate fans in the process. Throughout the years, it has remained a fan favorite due to its relatable characters. At first this may seem like the quintessential high school teen romance anime however Toradora! is quick to dispel these comparisons. Although most of the events take place in a high school, Toradora! expertly navigates its way around tired clichés.

The characters feel dynamic in every possible way. This show does not turn its characters into one-dimensional personality traits. Instead the dynamism each characters displays leads to unexpected events. The unpredictable nature of the plot truly draws in the viewer. Each character exhibits a range of traits, which humanizes them. You’ll sometimes forget you are watching a scripted show. Toradora! follows the unlikely meeting of two students who are plagued by the societal perception of their outward appearance.

Ryuuji and Taiga share a common goal. Due to the fact that they each have a crush on the others best friend, they make a pact to assist one another. This delicate situation leads to many heartfelt moments, as their bond grows stronger. Toradora! expertly integrates moments of humor. These moments are primarily found at the start of the show and become scarce as the lighthearted atmosphere shifts towards heavier themes.

This shift is timed perfectly which leads to a smooth narrative flow. The soundtrack is yet another highlight that further enhances scenes of high tension. Don’t be surprised if some tears begin to trickle out. The soundtrack, dialogue and characters draw a feeling of emotional investment out of the viewer. The one issue that arises in regards to Toradora! is a lackluster conclusion. For many this anime failed to wrap up proceedings in satisfying fashion.