Best Romantic Anime For You To Fall In Love With

Fruits Basket (2019)

Tohru Honda is left temporarily homeless and living in a tent after her mother’s death. She is discovered by two members of the Soma family – her classmate, Yuki and his older cousin, Shigure – who invite her to live with them. Yuki’s other cousin, Kyo, moves in as well. After accidentally falling into Kyo, Tohru finds out that the Soma family are hiding a secret: they’re possessed by the spirits of Chinese Zodiac and they turn into their respective animal under certain conditions.

Tohru swears to keep it a secret, but the curse is far deeper and darker than she could ever imagine. She sets out to break the curse to free the Somas from their binding to the physically and emotionally abusive family head, Akito. Along the way, she meets more of the Soma family and falls in love.

With season three of this anime currently streaming, now is the best time to binge!

Where to watch: Amazon | Crunchyroll | Funimation

Orange (2016)

Naho Takamiya receives a letter from herself 10 years into the future. She asks herself to prevent one of her biggest regrets, related to a new transfer student. Naho is sceptical at first. But then Kakeru Naruse appears at school, exactly as the letter said. The letter said to not invite Kakeru out on his first day, but she and her friends do it anyway. And then Kakeru doesn’t return to school for two weeks.

Naho now realises that she needs to do what the letter tells her to, such as encouraging him to join the football club and volunteering at a softball round. The letters reveal that Kakeru from the future is dead, having committed suicide around Valentine’s Day. Naho follows the letters and ends up falling in love with him.

Where to watch: Amazon | Crunchyroll | Funimation

Kaguya-sama: Love is War (2019)

In the prestigious Shuchiin Academy’s student council, Kaguya Shinomiya, the vice president, and Miyuki Shirogane, the president, are in an unspoken war. Although they both have feelings for each other, they are too proud to admit it and confess their love. So, what else is there to do except coming up with schemes to make the other person confess?

Along with the other student council members – Chika Fujiwara, Yu Ishigami and Mika Iino – Kaguya and Shirogane need to balance their feelings and doing work for student council.

Where to watch: Hulu | Funimation

Plastic Memories (2019)

Humans and androids with human-like appearances live side by side. SAI Corp, the leading android production company, introduce Giftia – the most human-like androids. But they have a lifespan of roughly nine years and four months. Once the lifespan expires, their personality distorts and makes them violent. This requires the Terminal Service to retrieve Giftias before the end of their life spans.

Tsukasa Mizugaki is the newest member of Terminal Service One. His partner is Isla, a Giftia. Tsukasa and Isla are tasked with collecting the Giftia’s near the end of their lives and separating them from the humans they have developed a connection with. But Tsukasa realises that the more time they spend together, the more he’s falling in love with Isla.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Violet Evergarden (2018)

Caught up in the Great War and raised for the sole purpose of decriminating enemy lines, Violet Evergarden finds herself maimed and injured in a hospital left with only words from the person she held dearest, but no understanding of the true meaning.

Recovering from her wounds, Violet begins working at a postal services, becoming an ‘Auto Memory Doll’, transcribing people’s thoughts and feelings into words, in the hope that she can one day understand what it means when someone says ‘I love you’.

Prepare for the emotional journey of Violet in this anime as she travels down a road of self-discovery whilst reshaping the lives of her clients.

Where to watch: Netflix

Yuri!!! On Ice (2016)

After a crushing defeat in the Grand Prix Final, Yuri Katsuki decides to put his figure skating career on hold and return to his home town. Whilst at home, he meets an old friend at an ice skating rink. Yuri perfectly mimics an advanced routine by his idol, the Russian figure skater, Victor Nikiforov. The performance is secretly recorded and upload online, where it catches the attention of Victor.

Victor travels to Japan to offer to coach Yuri and reignite his figure skating career. But Yuri is hesitant. Despite being named Japan’s best skater and the unconditional support off his family and friends, he still lacks confidence. As Victor begins coaching him, Yuri begins to change and the two grow increasingly closer.

Where to watch: Amazon | Crunchyroll | Funimation

Ouran High School Host Club (2006)

Haruhi gains a scholarship at the prestigous Ouran Academy, but when looking for a quiet place to study Haruhi finds herself in the Third Music Room, the location of the Ouran High School Host Club, where six attractive male students entertain the female students with sweets and tea. After accidentally destorying an expensive vase, Haruhi finds herself a member of the club as an errand runner.

Her short hair, masculine attire and gender-ambiguous face cause her to initially be mistaken as a male student. Although the club soon discover her real gender, she becomes a host as she is a natural when it comes to entertaining the girls.

Where to watch: Amazon | Funimation

Your Lie in April (2014-2015)

Arima Kousei used to be a skilled pianist, but he hasn’t been able to play since the traumatic death of his mother. Then he meets a beautiful violinist, Kaori Miyazono, in the park and she tries to guide him back into the world of music. She hides a secret of her own, but she helps Kousei to reignite his passion for piano playing.

As she continues to encourage him, Kousei finds himself falling in love with Kaori. But she’s in love with one of his friends, Watari. And, to make things even more complicated, Kousei’s childhood friend, Tsubaki, is in denial about her feelings for Kousei.

Watch the sweet and emotional anime now!

Where to watch: Hulu | Crunchyroll

Horimiya (2021)

At school, Kyoko Hori is bright and cheerful. At home, Hori is a homebody, who dresses down and takes care of her younger brother, which is something that she wants to hide from the rest of her classmates.

One day, her younger brother is helped home after a nosebleed by someone with a punk-style. He introduces himself as Izumi Miyamura – one of Hori’s classmates. But he’s also hiding this side of himself. Hori never would have been able to guess that the gloomy, glasses-wearing boy was someone with tattoos and piercings. So, they agree to keep their identities a secret and begin to spend more time together.

Where to watch: Hulu | Funimation

Snow White with the Red Hair (2015)

Shirayuki is a normal herbalist in the kingdom of Tanbarun. Her beautiful red hair attracts a lot of attention, meaning that she had to be careful when visiting new places growing up. Prince Raj notices Shirayuki and orders her to become his concubine. Refusing him, she cuts off her hair and leaves it with him because she knew that he only wanted her for her hair.

Escaping to the neighbouring kingdom of Clarines, she meets Prince Zen Wistaria and his two aides, Mitsuhide and Kiki. However, Prince Raj isn’t pleased that Shirayuki rejected him. As she tries to stay out of danger, she begins to develop feelings for Prince Zen.

Where to watch: Amazon | Funimation

Adachi and Shimamura (2020)

Sakura Adachi is not good at socializing. She skips her classes to sit upstairs in the school gym. Normally, no one else is around. But Hougetsu Shimamura, who is also skipping her classes, has started turning up. They play ping-pong in the gym when they skip and spend time together after school.

Although Shimamura thinks socializing is troublesome, she’s a natural at taking care of others. And the more time that Adachi spends with Shimamura, the more her feelings begin to change. Shimamura only sees her as a friend, but Adachi is falling in love, she’s just not very good at expressing how she feels.

Where to watch: Funimation

Future Diary (2011-2012)

Yukiteru Amano is a shy and daydreaming loner, who observes life and makes notes on his cell phone. Suddenly, his cell phone notes are transformed into a diary that predicts the future and he, along with eleven others, are a part of a game of survival. The aim is to kill the other diary users and the winner will become a god.

Yuki finds himself protected by a psychopathic girl who is borderline obsessed with him and won’t hesitate to kill to protect him. And despite her obsession, he finds himself falling in love with her and he’s willing to do anything to stay with her.

Where to watch: Amazon | Funimation

Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku (2018)

Narumi Momose is an otaku, who likes otome games and idols. She blames being an otaku for all the difficulties in her life and attempts to keep it a secret – especially at work. Hirotaka Nifuji has been in love with her since childhood. Unlike Narumi, he doesn’t care if anyone knows that he’s an otaku.

When Narumi complains about her disappointing dating life, Hirotaka suggests that she dates someone who is also an otaku – specifically himself. The two seem perfect for each, but love is difficult for an otaku.

Where to watch: Amazon

Cowboy Bebop (1998)

Spike was in love with Julia, who is the girlfriend of Vicious – Spike’s partner and friend. When Spike and Julia engage in an affair and plan to escape together, Vicious blackmails Julia into killing Spike. Unable to do it, Julia goes into hiding and fakes Spike’s death. Now in search of Julia and his enemy Vicious, Spike works on the spaceship Bebop to catch criminals.

Spike works with Jet, a former ISSP (Inter Solar System Police) officer, work for the spaceship Bebop. They are later joined by Ed, an eccentric young girl skilled in hacking; Ein, a genetically modified Welsh Corgi; and Faye Valentine, an amnesiac con artist.  All of which embody the three things that Spike hates: kids, animals and women with attitudes.

This anime is known for its incredible blues and jazz music, making it an anime you don’t want to miss out on!

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai (2018)

Mai Sakurajima is an actress, who decides to take a break from the pressures of her work. Suddenly she realises that people no longer acknowledge her existence at all. She’s practically invisible to everyone. Until she meets Sakuta Azusagawa at the library, whilst wearing a bunny girl outfit to test if people would notice her.

As time passes, more and more people start to forget about Mai’s existence until Sakuta is the only person who remembers her. He loves her, but he’s worried about forgetting her. And he’s the only one who can help Mai be remembered again.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2011)

A group of six children begin to drift apart when one of them, Meiko ‘Menma’ Homna, dies in an accident. Five years after the incident, Jinta Yadomi is a recluse, he doesn’t attend high school and has withdrawn from society. Then one day, the ghost of Menma appears before him.

She asks for him to grant a wish so she can move on to the afterlife, but she can’t remember what it is. Jinta thinks that she’s just a hallucination and goes along with her anyway by gathering up their old friends.

Where to watch: Amazon | Crunchyroll

Given (2019)

Mafuyu Sato has been suppressing his emotions since the death of his childhood best friend and boyfriend, Yuki. He was given Yuki’s guitar, but the strings are broken and he doesn’t know how to fix them. Then he meets Ritsuka Uenoyama, who repairs the strings.

Mafuyu wants Ritsuka to teach him how to play it and although he initially refuses, Ritsuka realises that Mafuyu has a talent for singing and agrees to tutor him. This leads to Mafuyu joining Ritsuka’s band. As Mafuyu improves as a member of the band, Ritsuka soon realises his feelings for him.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Toradora! (2008-2009)

Ryuji Takasu is glad to be in the same class as his best friend, Yusaku, and his crush, Minori. But Minori’s best friend, Taiga Aisaka, is also in that class and she takes an instant dislike to Ryuji. And to make things worse for Ryuji, she lives in the apartment facing his house.

When Ryuji finds out that Taiga has a crush on Yusaku, things start looking up as they make an alliance to start helping each other get close to their crushes. But things keep backfiring and now people are starting to suspect that Ryuji and Taiga are in a relationship.

Where to watch: Amazon | Crunchyroll | Funimation

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun (2014)

High school student Chiyo Sakura has a crush on Umetarou Nozaki. When she confesses to him, he misunderstands and thinks that she’s asking for his autograph. When she says she wants to be with him, he invites her to his house and gets her to help on drawings. Sakura discovers that Nozaki is actually a renowned manga artist for Monthly Girls’ Romance magazine, writing under a pen name.

Together they begin to work on his manga Let’s Fall in Love. But despite making a romance manga, he has no experience in love and seems unromantic in real life. So they encounter other students and listen to their stories, which serves as inspiration for the manga.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro (2021)

Naoto Hachioji is a second year student. He’s a timid introvert who prefers to avoid social interaction and draws manga in his free time. One day he meets first year student, Hayase Nagatoro, in the library. She discovers his manga and teases him about it until he cries. But he admits that he doesn’t mind talking to her and the pair begin a strange friendship.

Nagatoro continues to tease Naoto about his meekness and otaku lifestyle. And although she likes to tease him, she gets quite hostile if anyone else bullies Naoto. Her antics are her own way of expressing her attraction to him and he returns this attraction by becoming more open around her.

This anime is currently streaming, so catch up now!

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Maid-Sama! (2010)

Once an all-boys high school, Saika High, infamous for rowdy students has become a co-ed school. However, the female population is still a minority. Misaki Ayuzawa is working hard to make the place a better school for girls. She puts in a lot of effort and it pays off – she’s the first female school council president.

Misaki works part-time in a maid cafe to support her ill mother and sister by returning the huge dept left by their father. Unfortunately, this is discovered by Takumi Usui, a popular student at Seika High. Instead of revealing her secret, Takumi becomes a regular there and they begin to fall in love with each other.

Where to watch: Amazon | Hulu

Say ‘I Love You’ (2012)

Mei Tachibana was bullied as a child and blamed for an accident she never did, so she decided that she didn’t need anyone else and all she needed to survive was herself. She meets Yamato Kurosawa and ends up pushing him down a set of stairs after a misunderstanding.

As she spends more time with Yamato, she begins to realise that maybe not everyone is selfish and a bully. And despite Yamato being really popular, they begin to fall in love with each other.

Where to watch: Amazon | Crunchyroll

Your Name (2016)

Mitsuha Miyamizu lives in a rural countryside town, but she longs to live in the city. Inexplicably she begins to switch bodies intermittently with Taki Tachibana, who is living in the city.

At first, they both think that its just vivid dreams, but they soon realise that they can communicate with each other. They leave messages on paper, phones and sometimes even on their skin. But why is the body switching happening? And what will happen if it stops?

Where to watch: Amazon

Weathering with You (2019)

Running away from home, Hodaka Morishima escape to Tokyo. But from the start nothing is going his way. His ferry gets caught in a rainstorm, the rain never stops pouring, he has no money and can’t seem to find a job anywhere.

Finally, he gets a job at an occult publishing company and learns about the existence of sunshine girls, who have the ability to control the weather. He meets and befriends Hina Amano, who is a real-life sunshine girl. And for once, things seem to be going well for Hodaka.

Where to watch: Amazon

A Silent Voice (2016)

Shoko Nishimiya is a new student in Shoya Ishida’s sixth-grade class. She tries to integrate with the rest of the class, but she becomes an easy target for Shoya and his friends’ bullying because she is deaf. When word of the bullying reaches the principal, Shoya is singled out and the bullying falls onto him. Shoya blamed Shoko and after a physical altercation, Shoko is transferred and Shoya finds and keeps her old notebook.

Years later, Shoya is depressed and becomes determined to set things right with Shoko. He goes to return the notebook to her at the sign language centre and asks to be her friend. Shoko accepts and Shoya works to make up for what he did to her in the past.

Where to watch: Amazon