Anime provides fans with many fantastic series that spread across a variety of genres, with the most popular being action/adventure and drama. Shows like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen may be the most watched, but anime also offers wonderful stories in other genres, like romance.
Romance anime stands out among all media, providing heartwarming and relatable stories. But the best aspect is that romance can be part of any series, as long as it has a couple in it. Whether they be true romance series or action shows with a sprinkle of romance, these couples shine brighter together and make anime better.
10
Naruto and Hinata
‘Naruto’ (2002–2007)
Battle shōnen aren’t known for their romance, and Naruto doesn’t exactly shine in that category either, but they do have some couples by the end of the series. Naruto was always chasing after Sakura, but Hinata, the shy girl, could never work up the courage to ask him out, until the end of the series, when they got together and would start a future that expands into Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
Fans don’t get a lot of time to see the buildup and progression of their relationship, but they are too iconic not to be on this list. Naruto has some of the best arcs in anime, but seeing Hinata finally work up the courage to confess to Naruto was a moment long overdue. They aren’t a fleshed-out couple, but they are arguably the most popular, since Naruto’s reach spreads around the globe.
Naruto
- Release Date
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2002 – 2007-00-00
- Showrunner
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Masashi Kishimoto
9
Holo and Lawrence
‘Spice and Wolf’ (2008–2009)
With romance, fantasy, economics, Spice and Wolf is one of the most unique anime on this list, but its romance proves to be a highlight of the series. Lawrence is a traveling salesman, and after a run-in with a local village, he saves Holo, the wolf spirit who helps the town. Together, on a grand journey to reconnect Holo to her clan, they make sure to make some money along the way.
The new series has proved to be one of the best anime remakes, bringing Holo and Lawrence’s relationship to modern audiences. This romance is a slow burn, leaving fans waiting for who will make the first move. While they technically aren’t a couple in the anime yet, there are so many signs and buildup that will make the reveal a perfect moment.
8
Hori and Miyamura
‘Horimiya’ (2021)
Surprisingly, Horimiya is the first anime on this list that is actually a romance series, but that proves its worth since it gives more time for the couple to grow. Hori and Miyamura are polar opposites, but one fateful encounter brings the two together, often hanging out at home and away from friends. However, as their relationship grows, they want to reveal their true selves to each other and the world.
The anime perfectly builds their relationship, with the first half focusing on them as friends and the second half establishing their romance. Horimiya is their ship name, which should speak to how important the romance is, since it is the show’s main point. As they learn to lean on and accept each other, their understanding and love only grow, providing a wholesome and realistic anime romance.
Horimiya
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Haruka Tomatsu
Kyoko Hori
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Koki Uchiyama
Izumi Miyamura
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Seiichiro Yamashita
Toru Ishhikawa
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Zeno Robinson
Toru Ishikawa
7
Yor and Loid
‘Spy x Family’ (2022–)
Spy x Family is one of the rare anime on this list where the couple aren’t the protagonists; instead, it falls on Anya, their adoptive daughter. Loid is a spy who must create a temporary family for a mission, and Yor is an assassin who must marry to avoid suspicion. Their de facto romance shouldn’t have much weight, but fans can’t help but ship these two lovebirds.
While they are married, Yor and Loid have not had many romantic relations so far, but everyone knows that will change. They are too iconic and cute together for the series not to move in that direction, and the moments fans have gotten so far prove love is brewing. Spy x Family is for all ages, and Yor and Loid’s relationship is for all fans, providing wholesome and funny chemistry.
Spy x Family
- Release Date
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April 9, 2022
- Directors
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Kazuhiro Furuhashi, Takahiro Harada
6
Kaguya and Shirogane
‘Kaguya-Sama: Love is War’ (2019–2023)
When two intelligent high schoolers love each other, one would think that would be an easy confession, but for Kaguya and Shirogane, it is a psychological battle. Kaguya-Sama: Love is War follows the two lovebirds and their private war, trying to use psychological games and mind tricks in order to force the other into confessing.
While the anime isn’t over yet, the movie took their relationship to the next level as they finally kiss and confess their love. With the mind games and battle over, fans can look back at their wacky developments. Kaguya-Sama is a must-watch anime because of its blend of comedy and romance, specifically the unique way it brings the romance out.
5
Misaki and Takumi
‘Maid Sama! (2010)
The opposites attract trope is heavily used in anime, but most don’t do it better than Maid Sama! Misaki worked hard to become the student council president in a male-dominated school, which is why she is tougher on the boy students. However, after Takumi discovers her secret of working at a maid café, he regularly comes to tease her, starting an unexpected romance.
Misaki and Takumi’s relationship is full of tropes, from teasing and disliking each other to slowly being drawn to one another after spending more time together. Maid Sama also excels at revealing the ugly truth of maid cafés, but the highlight is definitely the couple and their budding relationship. Maid Sama has a fantastic ending, which doesn’t conclude their story, but opens the door to their future romance.
Maid Sama!
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Ayumi Fujimura
Misaki Ayuzawa
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Nobuhiko Okamoto
Takumi Usui
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Shiibashi Kazuyoshi
Shouichirou Yukimura
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Kana Hanazawa
Sakura Hanazono
4
Araragi and Senjougahara
‘Monogatari Series’ (2009–2019)
Romance and sexual feelings are commonplace in the Monogatari Series, and while some can be problematic and awkward, there is only one true couple in the series: Araragi and Senjougahara. With vampiric powers, Araragi defeats the physical manifestations of the residents’ mental illnesses, most often female friends or colleagues of his, including Senjougahara.
While Araragi has had multiple relationships with Kiss-shot and Hanekawa and sexual impulses towards other characters, Senjougahara is always there to keep him in line. Monogatari’s editing and style work their way into their relationship, making them an awkward yet endearing couple. Monogatari is visually stunning, but their relationship is just as beautiful and weird.
Kizumonogatari -Koyomi Vamp-
- Release Date
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August 28, 2024
- Runtime
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145 Minutes
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Hiroshi Kamiya
Koyomi Araragi
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Maaya Sakamoto
Kiss-shot Acerola-orien Heart-under-blade
3
Sakuta and Mai
‘Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai’ (2018)
The Rascal Does Not Dream series started with Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai but has expanded with multiple titles and storylines that all build on Mai and Sakuta’s relationship. Mai is a high school student whom most students avoid, but after Sakuta interacts with her, he notices she has a “disease” he also had, prompting him to help her out.
Rascal Does Not Dream is one of the best romance anime, and it is all because of Sakuta and Mai. Their supportive and understanding relationship is healthy and realistic, with its fair share of ups and downs. This couple has shared ideals, struggles, effective communication, and growth, making it a breath of fresh air compared to most anime couples.
2
Okabe and Kurisu
‘Steins;Gate’ (2011)
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While most of the shows on this list are romance-centric or adjacent, Steins;Gate isn’t about romance; its couple is unexpectedly a fan-favorite. After Okabe creates a device that can send texts into the past, it destroys the current timeline and events, prompting him and his friends to rebuild their current timeline and save everyone.
Steins;Gate has many endings in the anime and novels, with some of them bringing Okabe and Kurisu together and others not. Either way, their growing relationship is always a staple, even if it doesn’t end romantically. The initial antagonism sparks into a partnership and then a bond, slowly building mutual feelings and interests. Okabe and Kurisu are bound together in every timeline in one way or another, proving that Steins;Gate is a masterpiece.
Steins;Gate
- Release Date
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2011 – 2011
- Network
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Sun TV, Teletama
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Asami Imai
Kurisu Makise (voice)
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Mamoru Miyano
Rintaro Okabe (voice)
1
Kyo and Tohru
‘Fruits Basket’ (2001, 2019–2021)
While the original anime left things unfinished, the Fruits Basket remake concluded the story and Kyo and Tohru’s relationship. Temporarily homeless, Tohru resides in a tent in the woods, but after it is destroyed, the Souma family lets her stay with them. However, when someone of the opposite gender hugs a family member, they become a zodiac creature, starting a weird and mystical romance.
Fruits Basket has countless couples for fans to fall in love with, but the best is unquestionably Kyo and Tohru. They share similar scars, and needing to be loved, they found comfort in each other, growing from friends to lovers. This wholesome couple is the highlight of the show, and their impeccable writing makes Fruits Basket a perfect anime.
Fruits Basket
- Release Date
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April 6, 2019
- Directors
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Yoshihide Ibata