Top 5 Best Couples in Anime [Update]

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Whatever genre of anime you watch, an aspect that everyone looks forward to is the ships or the couples. Watching our beloved characters show their vulnerable side to the one they love or strive to be worthy of the overflowing love they receive from someone shows their growth and raw emotion making them relatable. Love, or the lack of it, inevitably adds depth to any character in any story. Watching two people overcome all odds together and for each other is heartwarming and rewarding to watch.

We chose five couples who have stood out among others from the kind of relationship they pursue with each other to the other elements that make room for growing together. Here is our updated list of best couples in anime!


5. Zero Two and Hiro from Darling in the FranXX

Zero Two and Hiro are two people who fill in each other’s shortcomings. Their first encounter in the anime hinted that they complete each other. Throughout the show, we learn that every partner of Zero Two and Hiro is not compatible enough with any of his partners. Together, they bring out the best of each other. When Hiro regains composure because of his love for Zero Two, he promises her that they would always be together, that neither of them can survive without the other. Zero Two can pilot a FranXX successfully only with Hiro who brings out her humanity and Hiro’s inadequacies are filled in by Zero Two which makes them one of the best couples.


4. Tohru and Kyo from Fruits Basket

Tooru and Kyo have a heartwarming relationship. From a young age, Tohru was fascinated with the Cat spirit of the Chinese Zodiac which gave Kyo an edge. While Kyo is a tsundere who is prone to anger, Tohru pacifies him effortlessly with her words changing him for the better. In return, Kyou is always pushing Tooru to be honest about her feelings. Their dynamic is such that the two always try to help each other whenever they can. Tohru tells Kyo that she wants to understand him so she can be there for him like he is for her. This genuine love and acceptance is all Kyo needed which prompts him to hug her and call her by name for the first time. That sweet moment ensured that they remained each other’s priority and primary confidant through everything they went through.



3. Kaguya and Miyuki from Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen (Kaguya-sama: Love is War)

Kaguya-sama: Love is War is the story of Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane who are pitted against each other on the battlefield of love. Kaguya and Miyuki are prideful people who hate losing. They are under the assumption that whoever falls in love first, loses. As the two engage in mind games to make the other confess, they realize the depth of their own feelings. Miyuki is shown to be the first to fall in love with Kaguya and in his attempt to bridge the gap between their status’, Miyuki participates in the mind games. Kaguya adores the selflessness and compassion of Miyuki, something she lacks and wishes to trust him completely. The two are very similar to each other and this is why they truly understand one another. They’re both geniuses in different fields who fit perfectly like pieces of a puzzle with each other from their varied interests to their love for each other.


2. Tsukasa and Nasa from Tonikaku Kawaii (TONIKAWA: Over the Moon For You)

Nasa and Tsukasa are the most adorable couple on this list. The two got married before getting to know each other. However, both of them take responsibility and the effort to understand each other. Though Tsukasa came to Nasa one night, he immediately does everything he can to accommodate her in his small house yet Tsukasa doesn’t take advantage of Nasa’s kindness. They both show love for each other in different ways, Tsukasa with her bold affection and Nasa with his shy affection yet they understand each other’s love languages. When Tsukasa is slightly jealous, she doesn’t impose it on Nasa and tries to deal with it herself. When Nasa misunderstands that as her wishing they had a romantic wedding, it showed that they always try to make each other as comfortable as possible. Throughout the anime, we see the two always being there for each other showing that they’re mature individuals who take responsibility to truly try and make their significant other happy.


1. Yukino and Hachiman from Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU)

Oregairu revolutionized the slice-of-life genre with its thought-provoking perspectives. A theme explored in the anime is the definition of “the genuine”. Hikigaya and Yukino’s relationship becomes the very definition of the genuine. Hikigaya and Yukino are different from each other but they do not strive to change each other. Instead, they accept each other the way they are, trusting each other enough to be their truest selves around each other. They have faith that the other person will not leave over the differences or struggles that their relationship goes through. Both of them are together solely because they cherish each other’s company with no ulterior motives. They have mutual respect and love for each other, constantly pushing the other to be their best selves. This makes them the imperfectly perfect couple that deserves to take the top of this list!


Final Thoughts

There you have it! From perfectly balancing each other out to striving toward a good relationship together, here are five anime couples who bring something unique in their relationships. Love is hard but very rewarding with the right person and these couples are a testament to that.

Who is your favorite couple from this list? Do you think we missed out on a couple that should belong in the top 5? Let us know in the comments below!

DARLING-in-the-FRANXX-Wallpaper-700x497 Top 5 Best Couples in Anime [Update]

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Original Article Below

It’s time for another updated Top 10 list!

This time, we are going back to our favorite bittersweet love stories and the touching couples that come with them. Anime couples overcome hardships together, stick through thick and thin and fight all the odds. But there are simply too many amazing relationships out there for us to put into just one Top 10 list. That is why we want to give you ten more memorable anime couples today, for all of you that are looking for some butterflies in their stomachs.

We have decided to not include any couples we have already mentioned in the first list, so head on over there now to see our first line-up. This being said, enjoy our updated version of Top 10 Anime Couples!

10. Asuna and Kirito from Sword Art Online

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: July 2012 - December 2012

First up on our list is a couple that is not afraid to beat some enemies. We are talking about Asuna and Kirito from Sword Art Online, of course.

Sword Art Online tells the story of Kirito, short for Kazuto Kirigaya, who gets a completely new gaming experience with the launch of a massive multiplayer online game called - you guessed it - Sword Art Online. Unfortunately, Kirito soon has to realize that he cannot log off and the only way for him to escape virtual reality is to beat the game. Time to get to work, Kirito!

Asuna and Kirito meet early on in Sword Art Online and at first don’t have anything on their minds other than getting out of the game. But you never know where love falls, as they say, and soon enough the two gamers start developing feelings for each other. Asuna and Kirito are the first couple on our list since they show a dynamic relationship that revolves around respecting and protecting each other while leaving enough space for both of them to do their own thing. Our first recommendation!


9. Mei and Yamato from Sukitte Ii na yo. (Say “I Love You”.)

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: October 2012 - December 2012

Next up is a couple that all fans of romance stories should be familiar with: shy Mei and good-looking Yamato from Sukitte Ii na yo.

Mei Tachibana was back-stabbed by her own friends and from that day on she distanced herself from everyone in order to never get hurt again. Then again, she is still a normal high school girl and also thinks of friendship and the experiences of first love. That’s exactly where popular Yamato steps in. He turns Mei’s world upside down and soon enough an extraordinary love story begins. Will Mei be able to change?

Even though Mei and Yamato have a rather innocent high school love story, some aspects of their relationship are also relevant for more mature couples. Their relationship shows the hardships of being together and how difficult it is to change for someone while also staying true to yourself. Sukitte Ii na yo makes you think about how hard it is to say the words “I love you” and that is why Mei and Yamato are the second recommendations on our list.


8. Usami and Misaki from Junjou Romantica

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: April 2008 - June 2008

Moving back in time, now it is time for one of our favorite couples of the year 2008.

Junjou Romantica shows three couples in their everyday struggles of making their relationships work. Stars of the show are Usami and Misaki who come together after a chain of fateful events. Misaki’s life is occupied by his entrance exam preparations and he just wants to find someone to help him with his studies. Author and best friend of his older brother Usami is supposed to offer him just that, but he is also about to teach Misaki something the boy definitely didn’t see coming.

Misaki’s feelings are just too innocent to not include on this list. The young boy has had no experience in love whatsoever and realizing that he’s developing feelings for a guy definitely takes him on an emotional rollercoaster. Misaki and Usami are an odd pair that couldn’t be more different from each other, but that is exactly the charm of this couple. All fans of romance anime should definitely give Junjou Romantica a try!


7. Erika and Kyouya from Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji (Wolf Girl and Black Prince)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: October 2014 - December 2014

Wolf Girl and Black prince has hit Japanese television in fall 2014 and pretty soon made it to the ranks of must-watch Shoujo/Romance shows. Keep reading to find out why!

Erika Shinohara just wants to fit in, but unfortunately, she has no romantic experiences to show off in front of her friends. That’s why she decides to simply take a picture of a good-looking stranger and pretend he’s her boyfriend. Turns out that the “stranger” is in fact high school superstar Kyouya and now Erika has to ask him to help keep up her lie. Kyouya agrees - but only if Erika, in turn, becomes his pet dog. Get ready for a love story of a different kind.

This relationship definitely has its ups and downs. Kyouya might be good-looking, but he enjoys torturing Erika and having her as his personal pet. Erika is kind-hearted, but she cares too much about what others think of her. The two of them make an unlikely team, but that is exactly why we love their relationship so much. Erika and Kyouya show that sometimes others can bring out the best in you, so go and watch their story if we’ve caught your interest.


6. Senjougahara and Araragi from Bakemonogatari

  • Episodes: 15
  • Aired: July 2009 - June 2010

The Monogatari series has a big fanbase for a couple of reasons - the relationship of Senjougahara and Araragi is definitely one of them.

Araragi wants to have a normal high school life, but there are a couple of obstacles standing in his way. First of all, there is the fact that he is the survivor of a vampire attack. Then again, the boy also has some superhuman abilities. Lastly, he runs across Senjougahara, a girl who is seemingly weightless, and after this fateful encounter, nothing is like it was before.

The story of Bakemonogatari is already entertaining enough, but it’s really the characters that bring this show to life. Both Senjougahara and Araragi are multi-layered characters with different traits and backstories and that’s exactly what makes their relationship so interesting. Araragi might have a savior complex and tries to help Senjougahara whenever he can, but there are also a lot of things that she has to teach Araragi. The two weirdos from Bakemonogatari are our sixth recommendation.


5. Yamato and Takeo from Ore Monogatari!! (My Love Story)

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: April 2015 - September 2015

Part of the reason why we are giving you an updated list is the fact that there are so many new and noteworthy couples coming out every season. Yamato and Takeo from Ore Monogatari!! are a great example.

We’ve already covered a lot of high school love stories on this list, but we can definitely say that this one is unique. Takeo is a giant with a big heart and despite his kind nature, people choose to avoid him because of his intimidating looks. Too bad that Takeo had to fall in love with beautiful Yamato who, to top everything off, might, in fact, have feelings for Takeo’s best friend Makoto. Who will Yamato choose and could this be the beginning of Takeo’s own love story?

Our hero Takeo is just too charming to dislike. I mean, who wouldn’t root for the big man with a heart of gold after seeing him try so hard to convey his feelings to Yamato? There is no ill intent inside of him and it’s heartbreaking and entertaining at the same time to see him fight for his love. Yamato and Takeo give all of us hope for our own romantic endeavors and that is why we included them on this list.


4. Risa and Otani from Lovely★Complex

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: April 2007 - September 2007

It’s time for one of the most well-known anime couples out there that somehow didn’t make an appearance on our first list: Risa and Otani from Lovely★Complex!

After Ore Monogatari!!, this is another anime that shows an unlikely relationship that beats the odds. In this case, we have an extraordinary tall girl develop feelings for an extraordinary short guy. Sounds like a great source for funny scenes? You’re right, the story of Risa and Otani will warm your heart as much as it will make you laugh.

This relationship is as cute as it is funny. It plays around with the common misconception that guys should always be taller than their girlfriends and shows that this doesn’t have to be the case. More importantly, Lovely★Complex proves that couples don’t have to be lovey-dovey all the time, but can joke around and make fun of each other like best friends. A definite must-watch!


3. Shirayuki and Zen from Akagami no Shirayuki-hime (Snow White with the Red Hair)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: July 2015 - September 2015

We’ve already reached our Top 3 and no other show would be more suitable to start with than recent hit Snow White with the Red Hair.

This anime introduces you to a fantastic world filled with kingdoms, princes and great adventures. Shirayuki is a cheerful girl who wants nothing more in life than just to help out as an apothecary at her local herbal shop. But she needs to flee the country when Prince Raji grows a little bit too fond of the innocent girl. On her adventure, Shirayuki meets Zen, the prince of the neighboring country, and the two of them team up to fight for what they believe in.

This love story has everything that any girl would dream of - a beautiful setting, a charming prince, a girl in need. But what makes this story so special is the fact that Shirayuki is a passionate girl who stands eye-to-eye with Zen and is not afraid to speak her mind. Zen and Shirayuki meet each other at the right point in their lives and what started as a good friendship soon grows into something more. What a beautiful love story!


2. Usagi and Mamoru from Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon (Sailor Moon)

  • Episodes: 46
  • Aired: March 1992 - February 1993

An oldie but still a goldie - the story of power girl Sailor Moon never goes out of age.

For all of you that don’t know, Sailor Moon tells the story of 14-year-old girl Tsukino Usagi. She is bad at studying, likes to complain and cannot seem to figure her life out, but in the end, she has a big heart. That is exactly what she needs when she encounters a mysterious black cat that gives her the power to turn into Sailor Moon, a fighter who has to protect the world against the Dark Kingdom.

Let’s jump right into the relationship of this anime; what makes Usagi and Mamoru such a noticeable couple in our eyes? Of course, there is a little bit of nostalgia attached to the two of them (which little girl didn’t dream of marrying Tuxedo Mask one day?). But more than that, the anime makes sure to show us that Usagi and Mamoru are simply made for each other and there is no one else out there either of them could be with. The couple from Sailor Moon is one of the most popular romances in anime history, that’s why we simply had to include them.


1. Naruto and Hinata from Naruto

  • Episodes: 220
  • Aired: October 2002 - February 2007

Last, but definitely not least, we have a final couple on this list that makes us believe that anything is possible in love.

Naruto has the demon of the nine-tailed fox trapped inside of him while Hinata comes from a respectable household of powerful fighters. Naruto is outgoing and Hinata is shy. When the boy gives his last to win in a fight, Hinata would rather give up and throw in the towel. How could the two of them ever become a couple?

True, Naruto and Hinata might not have been the perfect couple out there at the beginning of the show; however, they grow up, become stronger and overcome their weaknesses. In each other, they can find something that each one of them is lacking and that is what makes their relationship so memorable. Only a few would have believed in the deep devotion of shy Hinata, but she proved many of you wrong, didn’t she? Hinata and Naruto deserve to be the final couple on this list.


Final Thoughts

This concludes the updated version of our favorite anime couples. There are many more couples that we wanted to include on this list and even more anime duos that we want to call a couple, but who were never officially dating (but a fan can dream, right?). See this list as a starting point for some of the most memorable relationships in the anime universe. Of course, there are many more out there and we are eager to hear your recommendations.

Which couple is your favorite on this list and who did we miss out on? Let us know in the comment section down below!

DARLING-in-the-FRANXX-Wallpaper-700x497 Top 5 Best Couples in Anime [Update]

Writer

Author: Cornelia Wagner

Coffee enthusiast, world traveler and writer at heart. Left Europe to live and study in the insanity called Tokyo.

Previous Articles

Top 5 Anime by Cornelia Wagner


Original Article Below

Spring is finally around the corner and love is in the air. What better time to watch some Romance anime than now? No matter if it's the main focus of the show or just a relationship developing on the side, watching a new love grow never gets old.

We present to you our personal Top 10 list of best couples in anime. Whether it's the story behind their first encounter or their unique personalities, these are the love stories we couldn't forget. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and take a look at our favorite couples. Enjoy!

10. Soushi and Ririchiyo from Inu x Boku SS

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: Jan 13, 2012 - Mar 30, 2012

First up is a love that transcends boundaries. Not only are Soushi and Ririchiyo from different social circles, but their age difference is also noticeable. And still, the feelings they develop for each other couldn't be more pure. Soushi starts out as being Ririchiyo's personal assistant and bodyguard despite her initial dislike. But soon enough, she starts seeing something more in him as well.

There are so many other Shoujo anime couples out there, but the story of Soushi and Ririchiyo somehow stayed with me. I think it's because of the main heroine who struggled throughout the whole show to finally accept her feelings. Having Soushi by her side helps to break the tough and emotionless appearance she has created for herself. Soushi's only wish is to always stay by her side so in the end it's a happy ending for both of them.


9. Haru and Shizuku from Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: Oct 2, 2012 - Dec 25, 2012

This story is as funny as it is touching. Ace student Shizuku and delinquent Haru would never have guessed that they develop feelings for each other. But life is unpredictable and soon enough they have to ask themselves what it is that they really want from each other.

What makes this couple special is the fact that they don't have a run-of-the-mill relationship. Their feelings never feel forced and the anime lets them develop naturally. There are moments when Haru and Shizuku start questioning their emotions, only to fall heads over heels for each other once more. Their relationship is dynamic and until the very last episode you can still not be sure whether Haru and Shizuku will really get together.


8. Mashiro and Azuki from Bakuman

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: Oct 2, 2010 - Apr 2, 2011

It's seldom to see a couple having so much respect for each other. Despite their young age Mashiro and Azuki both follow their dreams. They cheer each other on without getting into each other's ways. While Mashiro works hard to become a great mangaka, Azuki aspires to be a voice actress.

Their promise of marrying each other once they both reach their goals is just touching. It shows that love can be distracting and that it shouldn't be the only thing you want to obtain in your life. They know how much they care for each other and that they can wait to finally be together. This level of respect and unconditional love makes Mashiro and Azuki stand out from other couples.


7. Ryuuji and Taiga from Toradora!

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: Oct 2, 2008 - Mar 26, 2009

The next couple is as funny as it is charming. At first glance Ryuuji looks like a tough delinquent and Taiga like a cute princess. Who would have guessed that Ryuuji is in fact a calm person that gets good grades and excels at household chores while Taiga has short temper and easily snaps at others.

Ryuuji and Taiga show what relationships are all about: to open up to each other and to show each other your flaws while helping each other to improve yourself. The two of them also have to realize that sometimes love just happens. Without realizing it they have gotten closer and closer to each other until they just had to accept the fact that they have feelings for each other.


6. Kou and Nino from Arakawa under the Bridge

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: Apr 5, 2010 - Jun 28, 2010

You either hate or love Arakawa under the Bridge and the same goes for this couple. I'm not even sure if I could call the relationship between Kou and Nino a love story, but it certainly is special. It all starts with Nino's request for Kou to "experience love" with her. Kou, unable to say no, moves in under the bridge and together they try to find out how to make this relationship work.

But why did we include Kou and Nino on our list? Because their story shows that not all couples are the same and not every love story begins the same way. They both don't try to be someone else and they always stay true to each other. Kou actually starts feeling something more for Nino and in the end he finds the perfect life for him under the bridge. Their story might be a little bit weird, but in the end Kou and Nino are happy together and that's everything that counts, isn't it?


5. Shu and Inori from Guilty Crown

  • Episodes: 22
  • Aired: Oct 14, 2011 - Mar 23, 2012

Moving on to another couple that's at least as special as the show itself. The story of Guilty Crown, set in the near future, shows how Shu's normal life is bound to change once he meets Inori. The beautiful idol and singer drags Shu into her life and puts him right between the two fronts of a nationwide war.

It's hard to put into words what exactly Shu and Inori feel for each other. The chemistry between the two of them is real, but they are too caught up in the war they're fighting to come to terms with their feelings. Yet, Shu and Inori make a perfect team that's able to fight until the very last minute. That's why they are one of our Top 10 anime couples.


4. Usui and Misaki from Kaichou wa maid-sama

  • Episodes: 26
  • Aired: Apr 2, 2010 - Sep 24, 2010

Let's be honest, you all knew that the two of them would be on this list. There's a reason why this couple stands out from all the other Shoujo anime. Misaki tries to have a cold and sophisticated aura, but ultimately she needs Usui as much as he needs her. Together they are able to tackle any problem and also to face any hardships.

Being able to show each other their true selves shows how much Usui and Misaki care for each other. Only Usui is allowed to see Misaki's weak side and only she knows how lonely he is deep down. They complement each other in every single way. The whole anime isn't only extremely funny, but also feels unique and really shows the development of the main characters’ feelings.


3. Ashitaka and San from Princess Mononoke

  • Episodes: 1
  • Aired: Jul 12, 1997

Ghibli movies were always able to touch the hearts of their audiences and Princess Mononoke is no exception. The story of Ashitaka who sets out to get rid of a curse that has befallen him shows the everlasting fight between humans and nature. It's only until he meets San that he's able to create peace between the two worlds.

Ashitaka's and San's emotions stand for more than a simple relationship. It's basically a love beyond boundaries – between humans and nature. Ashitaka is the prince of a small village while San was raised by wolves. They look like an unlikely couple, but together they were able to save the Deer God and calm the spirits of the woods. The ultimate sign of their strength is the fact that they know they cannot live together and have to separate in order to stay true to themselves. A really touching story.


2. Otonashi and Kanade from Angel Beats!

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: Apr 3, 2010 - Jun 26, 2010

My heart still hurts whenever I think about Angel Beats. It's not only the love of Otonashi and Kanade, but the whole show itself that gets a hold of you only to crush your heart with its ending. The main idea of the show is genius and the backstories of the characters will move you to tears. Is there a better place to meet your soulmate than the afterlife?

I have to admit that the two of them technically never had the chance to become a couple, but people that have watched the show will get me when I say that Otonashi and Kanade are truly destined for each other. It's hard to describe their relationship without giving away too much for those of you that haven't watched Angel Beats yet, so let me just say that Otonashi and Kanade will always remain one of the best couples I have seen on screen.


1. Tomoya and Nagisa from Clannad

  • Episodes: 23
  • Aired: Oct 5, 2007 - Mar 28, 2008

No one should be shocked that we put Clannad at first place. The tears that have been shed while watching this anime are uncountable. The love of Tomoya and Nagisa stayed with us even a long time after the last episode was over. Tomoya who's tired of his dull daily life and Nagisa who tries to stay optimistic despite her weak body are like a match made in heaven.

We included Tomoya and Nagisa not necessarily because we enjoy sad love stories, but because they show the ups and downs of every relationship. Sometimes love hurts and sometimes you cannot get a happy ending with the person you love. Still, Clannad holds a special place in our hearts and is a must-watch for everyone that wants to see a truly special love story.


This concludes our Top 10 List of Best Anime Couples. The couples above show every possible aspect of a relationship, from a simple high school love story to the destined encounter of two soulmates. We laughed with them and we cried with them - each of these couples took us on an emotional rollercoaster we will never forget.

Which one is your favorite couple and who did we forget? Let us know in the comment section down below!

DARLING-in-the-FRANXX-Wallpaper-700x497 Top 5 Best Couples in Anime [Update]

Writer

Author: Cornelia Wagner

Coffee enthusiast, world traveler and writer at heart. Left Europe to live and study in the insanity called Tokyo.

Previous Articles

Top 5 Anime by Cornelia Wagner

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