These Romance Anime Series Will Give You Butterflies

Japanese animated series, or anime, have steadily gained popularity over the years and now encompass a wide and varied library of content that has something for everyone.

These animated shows, often based on manga or web comics, feature complex plots, incredible world-building, and stunning art.

Most of us have limited experience with anime, mostly restricted to Studio Ghibli movies and after-school Pokémon reruns on Cartoon Network. More recently, anime like Demon Slayer and Netflix’s live-action One Piece series have popularised the medium once again.

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But if you’re a new entrant who is looking to explore these works, the sheer number of series might seem daunting. On top of that, the cultural differences and unique quirks of these series can intimidate a non-anime fan at the start. However, there are many series that can be your gateway to the world of anime without requiring a lot of insider knowledge about the medium.

Broadly, anime series are divided into two categories: Shoujo and Shonen. Shoujo anime primarily focuses on romance, relationships and slice-of-life themes, while shonen is more about adventure, action, and horror.

While action-packed shonen anime series like Jujutsu Kaisen or One Piece have gained popularity worldwide, many sweet and heartwarming shoujo series deserve a place on your watchlist if you love a good rom-com.

From supernatural romances that will melt your heart to slice-of-life stories about relationships, these anime series can be your next binge-watch option…

Best Romantic Anime Series To Watch On Netflix, Crunchyroll & More

My Happy Marriage (2023)

Based on Akumi Agitogi’s novel, the series features a heartwarming romance that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon at the same time! The story follows tormented Miyo, who gets shipped off by her abusive stepmother to marry a cold and distant military leader. But to her surprise, she discovers a warm and sweet side to her new husband that helps her turn her life around.

Watch it here

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Tomo-Chan Is A Girl! (2023)

This hilarious rom-com series is based on a manga by Fumita Yanagida. It follows Tomo and Jun, who have been best friends since they were little kids. Now Tomo wants to be more than friends, but Jun only sees her as one of the guys. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai vibes, anyone?

Watch it here

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku (2018)

If you’re a fan of workplace romances, give this one a go. Narumi and Hirotaka were childhood friends who reunited after years when they began working in the same office. Their awkward, yet sweet, romance is worth a watch.

Watch it here

The Tatami Galaxy (2010)

A story of second chances, this anime series is based on the 2004 novel by Tomihiko Morimi. After a fateful encounter with a mysterious creature who claimed to be a demigod, a lonely third-year college student gets a chance to relive his college years and pursue the woman he loved all over again.

Watch it here

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Fruits Basket (2019)

While it’s not a traditional romance, this one is beloved by anime fans and is fun to watch. It follows an orphan girl who encounters the cursed Sohma family, who are possessed by the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. These members turn into their animal forms whenever they feel weak, or stressed out, or if they come in physical contact with a member of the opposite sex! 

Watch it here

Sasaki and Miyano (2022)

If you love BL dramas like Semantic Error or My Beautiful Man, you cannot give this one a miss. It follows shy and reserved Miyano, who’d much rather live behind the fictional worlds of his teen romance manga. His life turns upside down when he meets brash high school delinquent Sasaki, who brings all his manga fantasies to life.

Watch it here

From Me To You: Kimi ni Todoke (2009)

Sawako’s uncanny (and unfortunate) resemblance to the ghost from The Ring results in her being an outcast at her school. All she longs for is friendship and acceptance. Things change for good when she meets Kazehaya, their school’s most popular student, who opens her life up to new relationships and experiences.

Watch it here

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Blue Box (2024)

Based on Kouji Muira’s award-winning manga, this sports romance features well-etched out characters and storylines. It follows Taki, a rookie badminton player, who meets Chinatsu, the star player of the basketball team, during rehearsals. It’s crush-at-first-sight for Taki, and he leaves no stone unturned to reach Nationals so that he can impress her.

Watch it here

A Sign Of Affection (2024)

This wholesome rom-com series focuses on the love story of Yuki and Itsuomi. Yuki is a hearing-impaired college student who is dealing with the pressures of college. She meets Itsuomi, a well-travelled senior at her university who loves to learn new languages. The instant connection the two feel when they meet develops into a heartwarming bond.

Watch it here

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Your Lie In April (2014)

One of the most famous romance anime series of all time, this one is sure to tug on your heartstrings. The drama follows two musical prodigies, Kousei and Kaori. Kousei lost his passion for playing the piano after a tragic loss, but when he stumbles upon Kaori playing the violin, the old flame starts flickering again. The story is about grief, love and life. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a bit of drama with their romance.

Watch it here