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Toradora!Simply put: The Best *Romance* Anime. Ever. If you (for some reason) do not know this one you need to check it out. Characters are interesting and believable and so is the romance arc. The whole story is both fun and realistic. Nothing feels forced in terms of character development and - since its a romance anime - their feelings for one another. Including our main heroes AND all other characters. There's a good balance between comedy and drama too. Also: if you like tsundere characters Taiga is your girl. What's fun is that she's a realistic tsundere character which is a rare sight. Warning: It may spoil you. I have not found any romance anime that I like as much as this one and I always judge any title by Toradora! standard. |
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GosickThis is basically Toradora! with Taiga being SherlockHolmes. The whole thing is set in between World War I and World War II in a fictional European country. I will not lie I had my doubts at first since It did feel to me as a Toradora! clone with a loli-detective gimmick. I grew to love Gosick despite that. One of the strengths of the series are the main protagonists and development of their relationship. Side-characters are pretty boring and generic (except the phony detective-guy) but that doesn't really matter since the story is centered so much around two main heroes. Sweet, fun and pretty clever both in terms of the cases the characters need to solve and the themes of each chapter. Check it out. |
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My Little MonsterIf I were to choose a perfect *romance* anime that isnt Toradora! (or Toradora! with Taiga as Sherlock Holmes which is Gosick) its this. Story is interesting and fun and so are two main characters. Whats more important - like in Toradora! - they do feel like actual people. Character arcs are believable and everyone has a motivation for whatever he or she is doing. Characters are weird (in a good way) and feelings between them dont feel forced at all. Also: I have to admit that while I find Toradora! a better romance anime this one is an overall a greater quality of anime. Story is great and so is the animation. No character is one-dimentional. Check it out. |
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Kaguya-sama: Love Is WarThis has to be one of my favorite romance anime ever. I might be biased in my opinion, since both main protagonists resemble how I used to approach romance when I was (much) younger, but still - it's a great series. The show is very episodic, so You don't have to binge everything at once or even watch story arcs spanning several episodes. It's just a great comedy about young people learning how to approach a problem of falling for someone and that being in love won't work unless You make yourself vulnerable (at least enough to ask the other person out instead of using convoluted plots to make the other person confess to You. God I was weird when I was younger). Since the show took a simple premise that's easy to understand and connect emotionally and added great and memorable characters, lots of great humor and one of the best OP I've seen I can recommend it to anyone. |
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Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl SenpaiA decent romance story sprinkled with a little drama and supernatural elements. Like Spice and Wolf, the series offers strong female characters that aren't tsundere or any other generic trope and relationships between them that feel realistic and moving. The story is divided into several segments that focus on a single character and his/her problem with a few plotlines like the romance parts that are included in each story arc. It's a good show - check it out. |
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Wotakoi: Love is Hard for OtakuA very good series with adult protagonists. No love triangles, no will-they-wont-they tropes ... it's just great. Also: the series depicts both the beginning of the relationship (with the protagonists) and the already established relationship (with shows main supporting characters) so there's something for everybody in this area. If you haven't checked it out - do so. |
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Shouwa Genroku Rakugo ShinjuuThis is one of the best *anime* ever made. Period. Romance isn't its main theme but its a very important part of the story - for most if not for all of the characters. I cannot recommend this anime enough. Its story is compelling, the characters are interesting and well fleshed out and the animation and camerawork are beautiful. If You're interested in a little more 'grown-up' romance story You probably won't be able to find a better one than this one. Go watch it! Multiple times. |
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Descending Stories: Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu |
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Nodame CantabileThis is both one of the best anime series about art ever made and a soft romcom with likable characters set in a world of classical music. This series has everything I love in a story: a pretentious self-assured protagonist who organically changes and learns not to be a douchebag, a weird love interest that clashes with him which in turn forces both of them to grow and change, set of likable characters and a story revolving around ambition and constant challenges (without getting cheesy - which is hard to do). Check out this series - I have a hard time imagining anyone who could dislike it. |
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Nodame Cantabile: Paris |
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Nodame Cantabile: Finale |
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The Ancient Magus' BrideThis is a very slow-moving, very character-heavy anime. The romance subplot is moving very slowly (and rightfully so if you consider the motivation of each character). I don't want to spoil anything but just like with Nodame Cantabile I really have a hard time imagining people who would not like this one. If you're not A)under 12, B)dead inside or C)have an attention span of a water fly - you'll like it. |
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The Ancient Magus' Bride: Those Awaiting a Star |
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A Silent VoiceThe romantic subplot is heavily implied and it's an important part of the story. The movie is beautiful, the characters are well developed and the story can be both heartwarming and heartbreaking (often at the same time). Since it's a movie, not a series it needs much less time to complete, so I recommend watching it immediately. After you do, check out the manga - it's even better. |
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FLCLThis has to be one of the weirdest anime I've seen. The fact it's also about a (very) strange romance between a VERY young boy and an insane alien girl is gonna antagonize many people. The story is quite good and the romance subplot is handled very maturely for such a weird, weird story. Its kind of amazing to tell the truth. I mean seriously - one of the more important plot devices is hitting people on the head with electric guitars. Putting in a decent romance plotline in which interactions don't feel forced or (sic) unrealistic is unbelievable. Anyway, if you haven't already - check it out. |
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Arakawa Under the BridgeMost people might hate this one. Its weird, surreal and .... well its REALLY weird ok? If youre ok with that youll get one of your favorite romance anime ever. I highly recommend it. |
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Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge |
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ReLIFEQuite decent anime with a very interesting premise: a broken jobless guy is taken to high school to act as a student as a subject of a social experiment to rehabilitate NEETs. I recommend the series wholeheartedly. |
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ReLIFE: Kanketsu-hen |
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Spice and WolfEconomy and romance storyline with Wolf God/Spirit and a cunning merchant. What's not to love? The story moves pretty slow and there are no battles so if that's your thing ... well, you might get bored. I loved it though - mostly because the interactions between the two main characters feel great and are really interesting. Also, the series offers a true rarity: an actual strong female character. Not a tsundere or whatever - just a girl that feels like she knows what she wants (without making her stupidly over-the-top). |
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Spice and Wolf II |
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Hi Score GirlOh, is this a good, yet underrated series ... and also a proof that with a good story and great, likable and relatable characters series can overcome even *very* clunky animation. If you remember the '90s, especially if You played games back then - this is a rom-com for you. The story takes place over quite a long time (it spans from elementary school to high school just in the first season) and is well-paced. The plot has its twists and feels fresh and a little unpredictable. Characters have a depth to them and feel like real people. Just check it out - by the end of episode 4, You'll be hooked. Also: recommend the series to people. It deserves to be better known. |
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Hi Score Girl: Extra Stage |
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We Never LearnTo tell the truth this is your typical, by the book comedy harem anime ... and I have no idea why I liked it as much as I did. It may be that the series does not go overboard with the ecchi parts. It may be the really good comedy elements which did not make me laugh out loud but consistently made me smile. It may be really likable characters. Whatever it is - I can wholeheartedly recommend the show to any rom-com anime fan. |
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We Never Learn OVA |
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We Never Learn! |
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Gamers!A decent romcom about people who love gaming. There's really not much more to say about it except I liked it quite a bit and it has really good animation. |
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Maid-sama!This is a pretty beloved series that, for some reason, did not work for me that well. The target audience is young/adolescent women so that might be it. Having said that the series is pretty good on a storytelling level. We have a realistic, relatable tsundere main protagonist and her crush that is (as far as a heterosexual guy can tell) both sexy, cool and human (as in: not perfect). The romance isn't forced and feels realistic and the series focuses on comedy and slice of life with an underlining romantic theme, which makes some of the best romantic anime in my book. Anyway: check it out and do not drop it until 4-6th episode, so You'll get the gist of the characters and the story and make an informed decision about whether You like the series or not. |
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My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!Really fun comedy series. It's virtually impossible not to love the protagonist (both plot-wise and as an audience member). Romantic subplots are very lighthearted and fun, comedy is on point and the characters are interesting. The series is targeted towards women I think but the lightheartedness of the plot and the quality of the comedy makes it an enjoyable view for anyone. |
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My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! X |
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Bottom-tier Character TomozakiA nice rom-com with an interesting concept. I may be biased since I've done a similar 'remodeling' of myself that the protagonist does (in college though) but I think the hook of the story is quite interesting to watch. Characters are likable, the plot is good, and You're interested in where the story will go. Worth checking out. |
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Dusk Maiden of AmnesiaThis is a little flawed but still great romance series. I can recommend it to anyone - it has a little bit of everything: romance, comedy, horror and a mystery. The side characters are bland as hell (they usually are in this type of series) but our two main protagonists make up for this. Not to mention: the main story is very interesting - especially when compared to other romance anime. Check it out! |
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Dusk Maiden of Amnesia: Ghost Girl |
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PlanetesOk, while the romance is just a small, albeit important part of the plot (if it was a bigger one it would be way higher on my list) I still recommend this series to anyone. The worldbuilding is great, the characters are both wacky and realistic, the story is deep without being pretentious ... just treat the romance part as an icing on a very tasty cake and give this show a try. You won't regret it. |
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Natsuyuki RendezvousVery good show about love, death, moving on and difficult relationships between people. What I really like about the series is that it does not paint its characters in black and white - they are very realistic. What's more, the show has beautiful animation that would not look bad in a feature movie which is very hard to do in a tv series with a much smaller budget. |
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Kids on the SlopeVery good, very realistic series set in the period in Japan's history after World War II but before the economic boom went in a full swing. I loved this series. The atmosphere is great, the characters are interesting and well developed, the plot is realistic, mature and well-thought out... I just can't recommend it enough. Check it out. |
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Kokoro ConnectGood series with a supernatural twist to them. Characters could be a little more fleshed out but It's still a great watch. |
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My Love Story!!I actually had a very hard time finding a place on the list for this one. It's not groundbreaking or anything like that. The premise is very simple: the ugly guy gets the girl and he gets her very quickly so there's no 'will they won't they' vibe except for the first two episodes. The rest of the anime explores the characters and the relationships between them. Which is kind of refreshing, to tell the truth. What's more its kind of hard not to like the main character when you get to know him (which is also mentioned by other characters in the show) which makes you invested in his story. To put it simply: I'm very surprised how much I liked this one. I think many people would too. |
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Midori DaysThis is definitely the sweetest, most heartfelt and hilarious romance story about a delinquent whos right hand turns into a girl I've ever seen. Period. Seriously though the show is great, funny and has a very good romance plot despite its bonkers premise. Check it out. |
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Mysterious Girlfriend Xif Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai! were realistic this would be it: a sweet anime depicting a beginning of a relationship between two high schoolers. The series is a little weird but its also pretty great. Check it out You won't regret it. |
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Mysterious Girlfriend X OVA |
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Teasing Master Takagi-sanVery sweet series about young people finding out they like each other. I've chosen to put it quite high on my list because I have a distinct feeling that the main characters are based on real people - they feel very natural. |
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Teasing Master Takagi-san OVA |
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Teasing Master Takagi-san 2 |
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Time of EveThis series is not much in terms of romance which is sprinkled sporadically in a great story. I really recommend it for the philosophical subplot though. Even with all the robots/ai take-over-the-world movies/series/comics etc. these series feel like a fresh and positive take on the subject. Check it out. Even if the romantic subplot is just characters hinting to the viewer that they might like each other I'll still wager You'll like it more in terms of romance than most generic harem anime out there. I sure did. |
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GenshikenOk, so this isn't a romance or romcom anime, but the romantic subplots (there are several) are quite an important part of the story and character development. The later season (Nidaime) takes some ... weird turns, but is still worth checking out. Also: if you want to see how a real otaku would deal with a harem situation check out Harunobu MADARAMEs story in the manga. It was one of the most hilarious romance arcs I've ever seen. |
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Genshiken 2 |
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Genshiken OVA |
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Genshiken: Second Generation |
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Genshiken: Second Generation OVA |
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No Horimiya
wholeheartedly agree that Toradora! is number one.
I hope this is not ordered because if it is ordered i question so many choice
You'll probably add Clannad once you finish After Story.
Have you watched "marmalade boy" it's my all time favorite romance anime so so beautiful 😍