In this article, we’ve put together a list of 27 of the best ones for you to check out. We’ve tried to include a variety of different love stories here, so there’s sure to be something to appeal to everyone. Whether you’re into school romances, forbidden love affairs, or cyborgs falling in love with humans, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Start scrolling through and see which ones catch your eye!
The Best Romance Anime You Must Watch
1. Kokoro Connect
Directors: Shin Oonuma, Shinya KawatsuraWriter: Fumihiko ShimoCast: Takahiro Mizushima, Aki Toyosaki, Miyuki Sawashiro, Hisako Kanemoto, Takuma Terashima, Monica Rial.IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
You’re in for a treat, because Kokoro Connect is one of the best romance anime out there. It’s about a group of high school kids who suddenly start swapping bodies with each other, and as you can imagine, things get pretty complicated. What’s great about this anime is that it doesn’t shy away from exploring complex emotions and relationships. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is full of heart. If you’re looking for an anime that will make you laugh and cry, Kokoro Connect is definitely worth checking out.
2. Romeo x Juliet
Director: Fumitoshi OizakiWriter: Reiko YoshidaCast: Fumie Mizusawa, Brina Palencia, Sean Hennigan, Chris Burnett, Takahiro Mizushima.IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Looking for a classic romance anime to watch? Then you can’t go wrong with Romeo x Juliet. It’s a timeless love story that’s set in the backdrop of a war-torn world. The story follows the young lovers Romeo and Juliet as they defy their families and fight for their love. It’s a beautiful anime with stunning visuals, and it’s sure to tug at your heartstrings. So if you’re looking for an emotional roller coaster ride, then Romeo x Juliet is definitely worth a watch.
3. Sword Art Online
Director: Tomohiko ItōWriters: Yukie Sugawara, Yukito Kizawa, Muneo Nakamoto.Cast: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Haruka Tomatsu, Bryce Papenbrook, Cherami Leigh, Ayana Taketatsu.IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Sword Art Online is one of the best romance anime that was released in the year 2012. The story is set in the future where new technology has been developed called “NerveGear”. It allows the users to enter virtual reality worlds that look exactly like the real world. Kirito, the protagonist, is one of the lucky few who get to try out this new game. He soon meets Asuna, a girl who he falls in love with. Together, they must fight their way through the dangers of the virtual world to be together.
4. Tamako Market
Director: Naoko YamadaWriter: Reiko YoshidaCast: Aya Suzaki, Yûki Kaneko, Juri Nagatsuma, Takumi Yamazaki, Yurie Yamashita.IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Tamako Market is a popular Japanese anime television series directed by Naoko Yamada and distributed by Kyoto Animation. The story follows Tamako Kitashirakawa, a high school girl who loves making mochi. Unbeknownst to her, Tamako is the heir to a prestigious mochi shop, and she’s the only one who can keep the tradition alive. Along the way, she meets Mochizou Ooji, a boy who’s just moved back to town. The two of them quickly fall in love, and their story is one you won’t want to miss.
5. Paradise Kiss
Director: Osamu KobayashiWriter: Osamu KobayashiCast: Johnny Yong Bosch, Vic Mignogna, Patrick Seitz, Barbara Goodson, Karen Strassman, Stephanie Sheh.IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
If you’re in the mood for a charming and emotional romance anime, then you should check out Paradise Kiss. It tells the story of Yukari, a high school student who is bored with her life, and George, a professional designer who mentors her. What starts as a casual friendship soon blossoms into something more, and the two of them must navigate the ups and downs of young love. With its beautiful artwork and moving story, Paradise Kiss is a must-watch for any romance fan.
6. Maid Sama!
Director: Hiroaki SakuraiWriter: Akio MatsudaCast: Monica Rial, David Matranga, Ayumi Fujimura, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Mitsuhiro Ichiki.IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Maid Sama! is one of the best romance anime of all time. It’s a story about Misaki Ayuzawa, who is the first-ever female student council president at a formerly all-boys school. She’s determined to show the boys that she’s not just a pretty face, and she’s got the skills to back it up. But when she meets Takumi Usui, a mysterious boy who works as a part of the school’s cleaning staff, she starts to fall for him. It’s a classic story of opposites attracting, and the romance is electric. If you’re looking for an anime that will make your heart race, Maid Sama! is definitely worth watching.
7. Bloom Into You
Director: Makoto KatōWriter: Jukki HanadaCast: Luci Christian, Amber Lee Connors, Brittney Karbowski, Tia Lynn Ballard, Marissa Lenti.IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Bloom Into You is a Japanese anime TV series written by Jukki Hanada and distributed by Troyca. The story follows Yū who has always loved reading love stories, but she never thought that she would experience love herself. That is until she met Akane. Akane is the school’s track star, and she’s completely different from anyone Yū has ever met. As they spend more time together, Yū realizes that she might be falling in love with him. Bloom Into You is an incredibly well-done anime that nails the feeling of young love. The characters are realistic and relatable, and the story is heartwarming and emotional. If you’re looking for an anime that will make you feel all the feels, then you need to check out Bloom Into You.
8. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Director: Shinichi OmataWriter: Yasuhiro NakanishiCast: Aoi Koga, Makoto Furukawa, Konomi Kohara, Yutaka Aoyama, Ryouta Suzuki, Yumiri Hanamori.IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Kaguya-sama: Love is War is one of the newer anime on this list, but it’s quickly become a fan favourite. The show is about two students at an elite school for the wealthy who fall in love. Problem is, that they both want to be the one who ends up confessing their love first. So they start playing mind games with each other, trying to outsmart the other person. It’s full of drama, humour, and of course, romance. If you’re looking for a good anime to watch this year, Kaguya-sama: Love is War is a great option.
9. Liz and the Blue Bird
Director: Naoko YamadaWriter: Reiko YoshidaCast: Atsumi Tanezaki, Nao Tôyama, Miyu Honda, Konomi Fujimura, Yuri Yamaoka, Shiori Sugiura.IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
The Liz and the Blue Bird anime is a beautiful story about two friends, Liz and Mizore, who are in a high school orchestra together. The two girls are very different, but they share a close bond. Liz is the class president and an honours student, while Mizore is more of a free spirit. The two of them rely on each other to get through the tough times, and their friendship is tested when they have to perform in a competition. This anime is special because it’s based on a true story. It’s an emotional roller coaster, and you’ll definitely fall in love with the characters.
10. The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl
Director: Masaaki YuasaWriter: Makoto UedaCast: Gen Hoshino, Kana Hanazawa, Hiroshi Kamiya, Kazuya Nakai, Yuhko Kaida.IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
You just can’t go wrong with a good romance anime, and The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl is one of the best. The story follows Senpai, a young man who’s desperately in love with his classmate, the beautiful and unattainable Girl. One night, he gets drunk and ends up following her around town as she adventures with her group of friends. It sounds like a typical love story, but what makes this anime so special is the unique and whimsical style that director Masaaki Yuasa brings to the table. If you’re looking for a sweet and funny love story to watch, then The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl is definitely worth checking out.
11. Vampire Knight
Director: Kiyoko SayamaWriter: Mari OkadaCast: Yui Horie, Mamoru Miyano, Daisuke Kishio, Jun Fukuyama, Hozumi Gôda, Bryce Papenbrook.IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
You should definitely check out Vampire Knight if you’re a fan of romance anime. It’s one of the best out there. The story follows Yuuki Cross and Zero Kiryu, two students who are part of the prestigious Cross Academy. Yuuki is a human who is a Zero vampire. They both have to keep their true identities hidden, but as they get to know each other, they find themselves drawn to one another. The plot is filled with suspense, and the characters are wonderfully developed. You’ll be rooting for them the whole way through. So if you’re looking for a great romance anime to watch, Vampire Knight is definitely worth checking out.
12. Whisper of the Heart
Director: Yoshifumi KondōWriter: Hayao MiyazakiCast: Yoko Honna, Issey Takahashi, Takashi Tachibana, Shigeru Muroi, Keiju Kobayashi.IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Of all the romance anime out there, Whisper of the Heart is one of the best. It tells the story of a young girl who’s just starting to come into her own and is trying to find her place in the world. She discovers that she has a talent for writing, and decides to use it to express her feelings. The story is told in a letters-to-the-editor format, and it’s really beautiful. If you’re looking for something heartfelt and romantic, Whisper of the Heart is definitely worth watching.
13. Adolescence of Utena
Director: Kunihiko IkuharaWriter: Yōji EnokidoCast: Tomoko Kawakami, Yuriko Fuchizaki, Leah Applebaum, Sharon Becker, James Carter Cathcart, Amanda Goodman.IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
One of the best romance anime of all time is Adolescence of Utena. Released in 1999, this anime tells the story of two teenagers who are trying to find their way in the world. It’s a beautiful and heart-wrenching story that will stay with you long after you finish watching it. The characters are well-developed and the animation is top-notch. If you’re looking for an anime that will make you feel all the emotions, then Adolescence of Utena is definitely worth watching.
14. The World God Only Knows
Director: Shigehito TakayanagiWriter: Hideyuki KurataCast: Chris Patton, Luci Christian, Hiro Shimono, Kanae Itô, Shelley Calene-Black, Hilary Haag.IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
The World God Only Knows is a great anime to watch if you’re looking for a bit of romance. The story follows Keima Katsuragi, a high school student and dating sim expert who is recruited by the Goddesses to help recapture runaway spirits that have taken up residence in teenage girls. At first, Keima is totally against the idea of love and relationships, but he eventually comes around, and you get to see all the ups and downs of his journey to finding love. The anime is funny, heartwarming, and romantic all at the same time, and it’s definitely a must-watch for any fans of romance anime.
15. Weathering With You
Director: Makoto ShinkaiWriter: Makoto ShinkaiCast: Kotaro Daigo, Nana Mori, Tsubasa Honda, Sakura Kiryu, Sei Hiraizumi.IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
If you’re looking for a touching, romantic anime to watch from now, Weathering With You is definitely a must-see. Released in 2019, the film has quickly become a fan favourite for its heartwarming story and beautiful animation. The plot follows high school student Hodaka Morishima, who moves to Tokyo to escape his family’s financial struggles. He soon meets Hina Amano, a young girl who can manipulate the weather using her emotions. The two of them soon fall in love but must face difficulties as they experience the ups and downs of life. Weathering With You is an emotional roller coaster that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you’re looking for a good romance anime to watch in 2023, don’t miss this one!
16. Highschool of the Dead
Director: Tetsurō ArakiWriter: Yōsuke KurodaCast: Jun’ichi Suwabe, Eri Kitamura, Nobuyuki Hiyama, Hitomi Harada, Maggie Flecknoe.IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
If you’re looking for a high-intensity romance anime, then you need to check out Highschool of the Dead. The story is set in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, and it follows the love story of two high school students. Shido and Rei are amazing characters, and their love story is something that you won’t forget anytime soon. The action is non-stop, and the scenes between Shido and Rei are always steamy. Plus, there’s a ton of zombie gore, so this anime is definitely not for the faint of heart.
17. Darling in the Franxx
Director: Atsushi NishigoriWriters: Atsushi Nishigori, Naotaka HayashiCast: Yûto Uemura, Kana Ichinose, Nanami Yamashita, Saori Hayami, Shizuka Ishigami.IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
If you’re looking for a great romance anime to watch in 2023, we recommend Darling in the Franxx. This anime is set in the future and revolves around the relationship between two young pilots, Hiro and Zero Two. The two of them are forced to fight against massive creatures known as Klaxosaurs, but they soon find themselves fighting for something much more important—their love for each other. Darling in the Franxx is a beautifully animated anime that will leave you wanting more. Don’t miss out on this one!
18. The Garden of Words
Director: Makoto ShinkaiWriter: Makoto ShinkaiCast: Miyu Irino, Kana Hanazawa, Fumi Hirano, Gou Maeda, Takeshi Maeda, Yuka Terasaki.IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
The Garden of Words is a beautiful and heartwarming story about two people who find love in the most unexpected of places. You’ll be taken on a journey with Takao, a young student who loves to sketch shoes, and Yukino, a reserved but talented young woman who loves fashion. When the two meet by chance one morning, they soon discover that they share a common passion. What follows is a beautiful tale of romance, heartbreak, and ultimately healing. The Garden of Words is a must-watch for all fans of romance anime.
19. From Up on Poppy Hill
Director: Gorō MiyazakiWriters: Hayao Miyazaki, Keiko NiwaCast: Masami Nagasawa, Junichi Okada, Keiko Takeshita, Yuriko Ishida, Jun Fubuki, Takashi Naito.IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Poppy Hill is a heartwarming tale of young love set against the backdrop of Yokohama in 1963. Umi is a high school student who helps her father run a boarding house. Shun is the son of a famous artist, and he’s new in town. The two meet one day when Umi is out catching pollock for dinner, and they soon fall in love. It’s a beautiful story about finding your place in the world and discovering the courage to follow your heart. And with its stunning animation and enchanting soundtrack, Poppy Hill is definitely worth watching.
20. A Whisker Away
Directors: Junichi Sato, Tomotaka ShibayamaWriter: Mari OkadaCast: Mirai Shida, Natsuki Hanae, Johnny Yong Bosch, Bob Buchholz, Kira Buckland.IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
A Whisker Away is a 2020 anime about a young man named Kaito who can transform into a cat. When he was younger, he was abandoned by his family and taken in by a kind-hearted old woman named Sanae. Kaito works hard to repay her kindness by taking care of her cat, Fuku. One day, Sanae falls ill and Kaito is desperate to find a way to make her better. He comes across a mysterious girl named Lily who tells him that she can help cure Sanae if he agrees to help her with a task. Kaito is hesitant at first, but he eventually agrees to help Lily. This anime is full of heartwarming moments and beautiful artwork. If you’re looking for a sweet and relaxing romance anime to watch, then A Whisker Away is definitely worth checking out.
21. Ouran High School Host Club
Director: Takuya IgarashiWriter: Yōji EnokidoCast: Maaya Sakamoto, Mamoru Miyano, Masaya Matsukaze, Kenichi Suzumura, Yoshinori Fujita.IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
You’re in for a treat, because Ouran High School Host Club is one of the best romance anime out there. It’s hilarious, charming, and will keep you entertained from beginning to end. The story revolves around a group of rich kids who are students at an elite high school. One day, a scholarship student named Haruhi accidentally breaks an expensive vase and is ordered to work off her debt as a host at the school club. What follows is a series of wacky events as Haruhi gets to know the host club members—and falls in love with some of them. If you’re looking for a good laugh and a heartwarming love story, then you need to check out Ouran High School Host Club.
22. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust
Director: Yoshiaki KawajiriWriter: Yoshiaki KawajiriCast: Pamela Segall, John DiMaggio, Dwight Schultz, Andy Philpot.IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Do you want a romance anime with a bit of a dark twist? Then check out Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. Set in the future, this anime follows the story of a vampire hunter who is asked to protect a girl from her vampire father. What makes this anime so special is the love story between the two leads. It’s bittersweet and tragic, but it will leave you with a feeling of hope. If you’re looking for a heartbreaking love story, then Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is definitely worth watching.
23. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Director: Mamoru HosodaWriter: Satoko OkuderaCast: Riisa Naka, Takuya Ishida, Mitsutaka Itakura, Sachie Hara.IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming and romantic anime, then The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a great option. The story follows Makoto, a high school student who finds herself jumping through time. She uses her power to try and fix her relationships with the people she loves and ends up learning a lot about herself in the process. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is an anime classic that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings. It’s well worth watching if you’re looking for a good love story.
24. Great Teacher Onizuka
Director: Noriyuki AbeWriter: Masashi SogoCast: Steve Blum, Kirk Thornton, Jun’ichi Suwabe, Wataru Takagi, Tom Fahn.IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
If you’re in the mood for a classic romance anime, Great Teacher Onizuka is a great option. The story follows the life of Onizuka, a former bike gang member who turns to teach to redeem himself. And while he’s not your average teacher, he soon finds himself winning over his students with his unconventional methods. What makes this show so great is the powerful chemistry between Onizuka and his students. And when it comes to romance, this anime doesn’t hold back. There are some heart-wrenching moments that will leave you reaching for the tissues, but it’s all worth it in the end.
25. Clannad: After Story
Director: Osamu DezakiWriters: Makoto Nakamura, Jun MaedaCast: Yûichi Nakamura, David Matranga, Luci Christian, Mai Nakahara, Kikuko Inoue, Kara Greenberg.IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
If you’re looking for a great romance anime to watch, then you can’t go wrong with Clannad: After Story. This 2008 classic is one of the best examples of the genre, and it’s sure to make you feel all the feels. The story follows Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa as they navigate the ups and downs of young love. There are plenty of heart-wrenching moments in this anime, but it’s also full of humour and hope. If you’re looking for something romantic that will make you cry your eyes out, then Clannad: After Story is definitely worth watching.
26. Domestic Girlfriend
Director: Shōta IhataWriter: Tatsuya TakahashiCast: Maaya Uchida, Yôko Hikasa, Taku Yashiro, Yurika Hino, Nobuo Tobita.IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
If you’re in the mood for a heart-wrenching romance anime, then Domestic Girlfriend is a great option. The show is set in the present day and follows the love story of Natsuo and Hina. Natsuo is in love with his teacher, but he’s too shy to tell her. One day, he ends up confessing to Hina instead, and they start dating. But things get complicated when Natsuo’s teacher ends up getting engaged to another man. Domestic Girlfriend is a must-watch for any romantic anime fan. It’s full of bittersweet moments and will leave you feeling all kinds of emotions.
27. Millennium Actress
Director: Satoshi KonWriters: Sadayuki Murai, Satoshi KonCast: Miyoko Shōji, Mami Koyama, Fumiko Orikasa, Shōzō Iizuka, Shōko Tsuda, Hirotaka Suzuoki.IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Millennium Actress is a classic anime film that was released all the way back in 2001. But even today, it’s still one of the best romance anime around. The story follows Chiyoko Fujiwara, a famous actress who’s been in the business for over fifty years. As she approaches the end of her life, she reflects on her past and all the love she’s experienced. If you’re looking for a heartwarming anime about love and loss, then Millennium Actress is definitely worth watching.
Conclusion
There are tons of great romance anime out there, and we’ve compiled a list of the 27 best ones for you to watch in 2023. Romance anime is one of the most popular genres in anime, and with good reason – they can be both sweet and emotional, telling stories of love and loss that can resonate with viewers. We’ve put together a list of some of the best Romance anime out there, ranging from classics like “Whisper of the Heart” to newer series like “Domestic Girlfriend”. So whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or you’re just getting started, we hope you find something that you love on this list. Thanks for reading, and we hope you enjoy these amazing Romance anime!
