Fans of romance may have a hard time sifting through the thousands of choices to try and pick the perfect show to watch. Fortunately, there are a few great romance anime that do stand out among the rest.
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Updated January 18, 2023 by Mark Sammut: Winter 2023 has gotten off to a solid start, and that is especially the case when it comes to romance shows.
Best Winter 2023 Romance Anime
Winter 2023 might not be able to match Fall 2022 in terms of high-profile releases, but the season is shaping up to be decent in its own right. Although overstocked with fantasy shows, Winter still covers most of the popular genres, and that includes love stories. What are the best romance anime of the current season?
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The Ice Guy And His Cool Female Colleague
A charming series based on a web manga, The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague focuses on two people who start a new office job, and they quickly hit it off. While reasonably grounded for the most part, the anime adds a hint of supernatural flair since some of its characters are ancestors of spirits; for instance, Himuro-kun can trigger a snowstorm when his emotions get the better of him. So far, this element has served as a visual clue for the male lead’s infatuation with Fuyutsuki-san, his workmate.
Romance anime revolving around adults are so rare that they automatically stand out from the crowd whenever they make an appearance. The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague is shaping up to be a fine addition to the genre.
The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten
The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten makes a great first impression thanks to a few factors. For one, Project No.9’s animation is clean and detailed, particularly the character models. Secondly and more importantly, the main characters have instant chemistry; the moment Amane extends his umbrella to a soaked Mahiru, sparks fly.
Even though most of the series has the leads together on screen, The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten has done an admirable job of exploring them as individuals while simultaneously establishing their friendship and, presumably, setting the stage for a future romance. Saeki-san’s light novel is highly regarded, and so far the anime appears to be a good adaptation of the source material.
Tomo-chan Is A Girl!
Based on a popular and completed manga by Fumita Yanagida, Tomo-chan Is a Girl! has all the ingredients to be among Winter 2023’s funniest rom-coms. Tomo and Jun are very close friends, so much so that the latter can only see the former as a buddy. As Tomo is very much interested in taking their relationship to the next level, Jun’s inability to see her as a potential romantic partner is an issue.
Although romance drives its characters, Tomo-chan is a Girl! is primarily a comedy. The likable Tomo and Jun bounce off each other well, and they are complemented by hilarious characters like Misuzu and Carol.
Now, on to the best non-airing romance anime.
22 Shikimori’s Not Just A Cutie
This might be a controversial pick as Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie garnered a mixed response when it debuted during the Spring 2022 season. Signaled out as the “new” My Dress-Up Darling, Doga Kobo’s series was hyped up to be a show that it never pretended to be; this is a slice of life anime that happens to center around a couple, and Shikimori and Yuu Izumi are quite adorable together.
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There are not all that many anime that start with the main couple already together, so Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie stands out as something unique right out of the gate. While not much happens in the individual episodes, they do combine to create a wholesome look into a young romance featuring two likable characters who are still inexperienced in love.
21 Bakemonogatari
It is a bit of a stretch to describe Bakemonogatari as a romance, but this season of Monogatari establishes and spotlights Koyomi Araragi and Hitagi Senjougahara’s relationship. These two come together under “unusual” circumstances, and while their initial meetings involve a staple to the face, they eventually hit it off thanks to Araragi relentless drive to help Senjougahara deal with a curse.
For all the weirdness that defines Monogatari, this romance is strangely healthy. Araragi and Senjougahara are made for each other, and despite the story introducing plenty of other girls for a potential harem, this relationship does not falter.
20 Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku
Teen romances tend to hog the limelight when it comes to anime, but there are a couple of exceptions. Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku is a workplace comedy following mainly around two couples: the newly formed Hirotaka Nifuji and Narumi Momose and the established Tarou Kabakura and Hanako Koyanagi. The former duo take center stage for the most part, and while the series focuses more on humor than romance, the latter is depicted quite realistically.
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While they are childhood friends, Narumi never saw Hirotaka as a potential romantic partner, and this uncertainty remains a constant throughout the show’s run. Unfortunately, the anime’s short length means that it only scratches the surface of these relationships, but Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku is an entertaining ride while it lasts.
19 Kokoro Connect
Kokoro Connect takes a tried and true love triangle scenario and adds a supernatural twist to it. The story follows students, Taichi, Iori, Yui, Yoshifumi, and Himeko who are all part of their school’s Student Cultural Research Club. The group lead a fairly normal life until a mysterious being named Heartseed gifts them with supernatural abilities.
From then on they experience various sensory phenomena, testing their relationships and bringing to light various aspects of their personalities they’d have rather kept hidden. The anime has tons of great character development, making for an interesting experience throughout.
18 Maid Sama!
Maid Sama! has many tropes that would sink lesser romance anime: the male lead is too flawless, the “strong” female protagonist is repeatedly reduced to a damsel, and a love triangle is introduced for no reason. These elements are not executed particularly well by Maid Sama!, but the anime makes up for its shortcomings through sheer personality.
Maid Sama! is all about the relationship between the heartthrob Takumi Usui and the man-hating student council president Misaki Ayuzawa. While Takumi takes most things in his stride, Ayuzawa is far more disciplined as she has to balance her busy school, home, and work lives. Once Takumi learns that Ayuzawa works in a maid cafe, he takes the opportunity to see a different side of the student council president.
17 Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai
In the case of Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai, romance takes a backseat while simultaneously being the best part of the series. The anime revolves around Sakuta Azusagawa, a high school student who just has a way of finding girls who are suffering from Adolescence Syndrome, an affliction that manifests from their insecurities.
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While the series is split into multiple arcs featuring different girls, the highlight is the first saga revolving around Mai Sakurajima, an actress who strikes a close relationship with Sakuta. Sakuta and Mai’s dynamic sizzles with romantic tension, warmth, and wit. Although not often the focus, their relationship builds nicely throughout the remaining arcs, culminating in a satisfying feature film sequel.
16 My Dress-Up Darling
Wakana Gojou and Marin Kitagawa live in totally different worlds. Totally isolated and reserved, Gojou has no friends and keeps himself separated from everyone else out of a fear that he would be mocked for his interest in hina dolls. Conversely, Kitagawa is popular, outgoing, and confident.
While these two would usually never meet, Kitagawa is interested in cosplay and learns that Gojou might be the perfect person to make outfits for her. Wholesome, funny, and brilliantly animated, My Dress-Up Darlingis a relatively conventional romance anime that does the genre’s tropes extremely well.
15 Toradora!
Toradora! is a classic slice-of-life rom-com and one that serves as a great introduction to the genre. The story follows Ryuji Yusaku and Taiga Aisaka, two students with crushes on the other’s best friend.
The two are treated as outcasts, Ryuji due to his intimidating appearance and Taiga for her explosive temper, and so both band together to help the other with their love life. The series explores the dynamic between the two leads and the various mishaps that occur throughout their efforts to help each other.
14 The Pet Girl Of Sakurasou
The Pet Girl of Sakurasou follows an eccentric group of characters through a journey of growth and self-discovery. After Sorata Kanda is kicked out of his school’s main dorms, he’s forced to move into the disesteemed Sakura House.
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There, Sorata gets to know a number of talented but troublesome students. When a peculiar young artist moves into the dorms, Sorata is tasked with helping her adjust to her new life. The series explores the dynamic between the dorm mates, their individual goals, and how their relationships intertwine.
13 Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club is a reverse harem that is full of lighthearted and impactful moments. After breaking an antique vase belonging to her school’s Host Club, Haruhi Fujioka is forced to pay off her debt by posing as a boy and working as a host herself.
The series does a great job of not only expanding upon Haruhi’s character and motivations but on those of her fellow hosts as well. This is a great show for Shojo fans, with a memorable cast of characters carrying it throughout its run.
12 Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!
Kyoto Animation has helmed a number of beloved anime, with Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! standing as one of many. The series revolves around a condition called Chunibyo. The term is used to describe adolescents with grandiose, unrealistic delusions.
Having grown out of his delusional phase, Yuta Togashi looks to have a normal high school life. Things are thrown out of whack when a classmate of his, Rikka Takanashi, reminds him of his past and tries to drag him back into the world of Chunibyo through her own delusions. The series explores the relationship between the two as Yuta discovers what triggered Rikka’s delusions.
11 Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me To You
Opposites attract is so overused a gimmick that it has become a cliche, but there is no denying that the concept can produce gold when executed intelligently in a romantic comedy. Kimi ni Todoke is about the sweet friendship between the painfully shy Sawako Kuronuma and the popular Shouta Kazehaya. Mocked for looking like Sadako from The Ring, Sawako is an isolated figure at school, and it takes a lot for the girl to come out of her shell. Luckily, Kazehaya is the perfect person for the job.
Kimi ni Todoke is funny, heartwarming, and packed with well-written characters that grow as the story develops. Like many romance anime, Kimi ni Todoke does delay the confusion scene a bit too long, but the journey is still an engrossing one.
10 Sing “Yesterday” For Me
Sing “Yesterday” for Me portrays romance in such a realistic way it’s incredibly refreshing when compared to other anime. It also takes the classic love triangle and runs with it in an unexpected direction at the end of the show. We won’t spoil it, but the ending is incredibly satisfying and shows how failed romances sometimes can still end in strong friendships.
It’s even directed by Yoshiyuki Fujiwara, the director of famous anime like Attack on Titan and Sword Art Online. It’s amazing to see him so masterfully move to a show that presents itself drastically different than his other work.
9 My Love Story!!
This romantic anime is wonderful due to its main character — Takeo Gouda. This tall, broad, and downright intimidating high schooler falling head-over-heels for the dainty Rinko is heartwarming. Then seeing him try to play cupid for her with his best friend despite his feelings shows that Takeo has a heart of gold.
Everyone who watches will be rooting for Takeo and Rinko’s sweet relationship. My Love Story!! also does not hold back on the good stuff since the leads are dating for the majority of the episodes, so it is not a slow build to a confession.
8 Horimiya
Horimiya made an instant splash when it debuted. It was one of the best anime in the Winter 2021 season and will undeniably hold a place in modern anime discussions for some time.
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This show is the definition of opposites attract and not judging books by their covers. Izumi and Kyouko look like they’d be a horrible fit, but they slowly come out of their shells and find just how perfect they are for each other. It has just as many heartwarming moments as it does hilarious ones, making it a perfect watch.
7 Welcome To The N.H.K.
There is a term that originated in Japan to describe those incredibly adverse to any social contact: hikikomori. This anime follows a hikikomori named Tatsuhiro who believes in a conspiracy theory that the Nihon Hikikomori Kyokai (NHK) is behind his current isolation.
Upon meeting the mysterious Misaki he begins to slightly come out of his shell, struggling with the issues of self-induced isolation, trying to find a job, and opening up to this new person he’s interested in. With many people having to isolate themselves due to COVID-19, it may hit home with fans now more than ever.
6 Given
This romance is perfect for gay anime viewers that want to see themselves represented on screen while still being so well-written that everyone can enjoy it. The romance that buds between Mafuyu and Ritsuka as the former learns how to play guitar and sing in the latter’s band is incredibly heartwarming.
Seeing Mafuyu’s confidence grow alongside the romantic tension makes for a fantastic series that is difficult to put down. The movie is also brilliant and a must-watch extension of the series.
5 Nana
One of the most famous and popular shoujo of all time, Nana is an anime that everyone should watch, romance fan or not. It follows two women named Nana, who seem incredibly different on the surface but find themselves in curiously similar situations that end in separate outcomes.
This won’t spoil how everything intertwines, but suffice it to say that things don’t end as viewers might expect. Lasting 47 episodes, Nana explores both protagonists’ views on love through a string of different relationships. The anime is grounded in reality, and while the characters might occasionally delve into extremes, they are held accountable for their actions.
4 Your Lie In April
One of the most famous romance anime, Your Lie in April follows two music prodigies in Kousei Arima and Kaori Miyazono. Suffering from depression following the passing of his mother, Kousei has lost his passion for the piano, forcing him to step away from the performance arts. One day, the boy hears Kaori playing her violin with such a sense of freedom that it reignites his interest in music. Kousei also becomes enamored with the girl.
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Your Lie in April is about grief, life, love, and music. Kousei’s journey toward self-healing is arduous, long, and filled with heartbreak. However, along the way, he also experiences beauty, tenderness, and joy.
3 Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
All is fair in love and war and this anime proves it! Instead of a typical romance, Miyuki and Kaguya use their intense intellect and skills to attempt to force the other one to confess their love first. Neither wants to lose and be considered lesser next to the other.
Their adventures running the student council at an elite school with their friends are beyond hilarious while still providing moments that will make viewers yell, “AWWWWWW” out loud. Season 3 of Kaguya-sama: Love is War aired in Spring 2022, and while the new episodes were largely comedic in nature, the anime steadily increased the time devoted to furthering the relationship between Miyuki and Kaguya, all the while touching upon some other romances.
