Top 10 Rom-Com Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]

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Who doesn’t love a good romantic comedy? For many of us, rom-coms have been the genre that introduced us to anime. The tried and tested formula of opposites attract, the strangers-to-lovers trope, there are so many scenarios to pick from!

It’s spring, love is in the air, and here at Honey’s Anime, we decided to update our Top 10 Rom-Com Anime list with recent releases. We picked these rom-com anime for their hilarious situations, pretty female leads, hot moments, and abundant romance. What’s more to ask for? Let’s dig in!


10.Uzaki-chan wa Asobitai! (Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: July 2020 - September 2020

Meet Uzaki-chan, the rambunctious and busty girl who chases after her introverted senpai.
The senpai in question, Sakurai, is just minding his own business when Uzaki takes it upon herself to “keep him company”. This takes many forms, from tagging him, demanding they watch an action movie together, even getting into questionable situations with him thanks to her Sugoi Dekai (extra large) oppai... At the same time, Ami Asai and Itsuhito Asaki, each for their own reasons, decide that Uzaki-chan and Sakurai belong together, and play matchmakers. Will straight-laced Sakurai and annoying Uzaki-chan end up together?

A popular rom-com with an ecchi flair, Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! is a fun anime with one of the most memorable female leads, thanks to her toothy grin, cute looks, and oppai. Many love to hate Uzaki-chan but who are we to judge? Uzaki-chan is a comedic character who grows on you, so you might as well give her a chance.


9. Rikei ga Koi ni Ochita no de Shoumei shitemita. (Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: January 2020

What happens when two scientists fall in love with each other? They rely too much on empirical evidence and data to deny as long as possible their feelings, what else? Ayame confesses to her colleague Shinya, only to be instantly questioned about the validity of her feelings. Together they conduct experiments according to the formula they created, which determines what love is. Their project is titled “Preconditions for believing you are in love with someone” and includes kabedon experiments, measuring one’s heart rate when close and types of dating effectiveness.

Science Fell in Love, So I tried to Prove It deserves a spot in our list because it includes all the elements that make up a romantic comedy: attractive leads, especially scientist Ayame who combines brains and looks, trials and tribulations the destined couple has to go through, and a lot of denials. We know these two are going to end up together, but we’re watching to find out how! This is the beauty of anime rom-coms!


8. Tsurezure Children (Tsuredure Children)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: July 2017 - September 2017

In Tsuredure Children, we get several different scenarios of young love. Akagi Masafumi, the student council president, goes after delinquent Ryouko Kaji. Yuki Minagawa, a red-haired cutie, loves teasing the timid class rep Jun Furuya while harboring a crush on him. Kazuko Hosogawa looks for love for herself, after getting tired of helping everyone else out with her poignant advice. These are just a few of the characters we meet in Tsuredure Children, a rom-com anime that delivers all sorts of romantic and funny situations in every episode.

The episodes are short and sweet, perfect to watch for a little comedy and romance on a busy day. We picked Tsuredure Children because they manage to introduce more than one couple, so there’s something for everyone! Tsundere boyfriends crushing on sweet yet teasing girlfriends crushing on hot nerds crushing on clumsy sports aces crushing on astronomy geeks, Tsuredure Children serves love and romance indiscriminately.


7. Kanojo, Okarishimasu (Rent-a-Girlfriend)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: July 2020 - September 2020

Kazuya Kinoshita gets dumped by his girlfriend Mami-chan in just the first seconds of Rent-a-Girlfriend. He gets home only to see that she has blocked him on social media and has moved on right away. Kazuya gets angry and depressed, and reaching his lowest point, he decides to use an online service that allows you to rent a girlfriend for an hourly rate. This is how he meets Chizuru, a serene beauty who instantly captivates him. Soon Kazuya realizes that Chizuru wears a professional mark and her real character is much more rude and feisty. An unexpected family emergency forces Kazuya to present Chizuru as his real girlfriend, so now they are stuck with each other, pretending they are a real couple. What could go wrong?

Rent-a-Girlfriend brings an interesting twist to the classic rom-com plot. Kazuya for most of the anime has feelings for his ex, Mami-chan, believing he lost a perfect partner. However, Chizuru, Ruka, and Sumi, all go after him for their own reasons. We all love to see a loser suddenly getting a chance at love, and an unlikely pair developing along with the series. Watch Rent-a-Girlfriend for a generous dose of rom-com goodness!


6. 5-toubun no Hanayome (The Quintessential Quintuplets)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: January 2019 - March 2019

Fuutarou Uesugi, a high school student with excellent scores, wants to help his financially struggling family. When he lands a job as a tutor with good pay, he readily accepts. However, the girls he has to tutor are Itsuki Nakano, his sassy classmate, and her four sisters, Nino, Miku, Yotsuba, and Ichika. Together they are quintuplets, who absolutely hate studying! Will Uesugi manage to resist the sisters’ charms?

The Quintessential Quintuplets is a harem rom-com that has a delightful cast, great animation quality, and reminds us of older harem classics like Love Hina. Fuutarou as the classic stand-offish rom-com protagonist having to deal with temperamental female leads is priceless. It’s fun to see a nerdy MC who only cares about studying and doing his job right, while the quintuplets try to derail his course to avoid studying and maybe… win his heart. This is one for the classic harem lovers and the red-head enthusiasts.



5. Tonikaku Kawaii (TONIKAWA: Over the Moon For You)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: October 2020 - December 2020

Nasa Yuzaki has a fateful encounter with the girl of his dreams, Tsukasa. A hard-working student, Nasa sees Tsukasa across a busy highway and it’s love at first sight. However, when he tries to cross the road he gets hit by a truck. No, this is not an isekai situation where he gets transported to another world. Instead, he ends up in Tsukasa’s arms, who saves him from a near-fatal accident. Nasa runs after Tsukasa, still injured, and asks her on a date, to which Tsukasa accepts, under one condition: they should get married first! Nasa agrees, then passes out. Fast forward a few years, with Nasa having turned 18, and living by himself. This is when Tsukasa appears on his doorstep and their married life begins...

TONIKAWA is for the otaku who believe in the power of love. Straight out of a fairy tale, Nasa and Tsukasa’s relationship doesn’t follow the classic rom-com timeline. Nobody chases an aloof lover, it doesn’t take a whole season for our protagonists to confess, we just see them getting together in the first episode, and the rest is all about their life as a married couple. TONIKAWA serves love without the drama, the cutest character designs of this list, soft colors, and an adorable pastel romance. The newlyweds get into funny situations, getting to know each other, caring for each other, and dreaming together. Honestly, we want some of that, too!


4. Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai (Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai)

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: October 2018 - December 2018

Puberty Syndrome is a mysterious illness that targets teenagers with underlying inner conflicts. One day, high schooler Sakuta sees popular teenage actress Mai in a bunny girl suit, walking around the library, without anyone else noticing her. The truth is, Mai is also affected by Puberty Syndrome, which makes her invisible. Sakuta decides to help her out, and along the way, meets more girls who have been affected by Puberty Syndrome.

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is not another ecchi anime, like many of us thought after seeing the promo art. Presenting us with an unconventional plot, this is a rom-com that subverts the conventions of its genre. Blending scientific theories, mystery, and possibly a metaphor for the uncertainty of teenage years, we follow the main pair that shares undeniable chemistry. Mai’s confidence and dark side complement Sakuta’s dry humor and cold demeanor. If you’ve enjoyed anime like Bakemonogatari, this is a strong contender, with unexpected twists and surprising dialogues!


3. Horimiya

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: January 2021 - April 2021

Meet Hori Kyouko and Miyamura Izumi, classmates and, at first glance, total opposites. Hori is beautiful, sociable, and smart, Miyamura appears withdrawn and aloof. The truth is, Hori outside of school is not the popular girl everyone thinks she is, going on dates here and there, since she has to take care of housekeeping and her little brother. Miyamura on the other hand wears long sleeves and hides his face to conceal his many tattoos and piercings, and is actually a total hottie. After a chance encounter outside of school, Hori and Miyamura get a glimpse of their true selves and end up hanging out together, which develops into more. The romance between the two is one of the best we’ve seen in the last few years.

Another rom-com hit from CloverWorks! Horimiya was one of the most long-awaited adaptations of 2021. An exemplary rom-com with the softest boy Miyamura as half of the main couple, it follows the stories of several couples. Hori and Miyamura are the leads, but we also get to see their classmates’ love lives. An ensemble rom-com, this is for those of us who aren’t satisfied with just one cute couple getting together, and don’t want to wait a whole season to get to a kiss between the leads!


2. Fruits Basket 1st Season

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: April 2019 - September 2019

Fruits Basket is a classic hit that finally got the remake it deserves. The 2019 version, which is still going on strong in 2021 with its final season, is one of the most memorable rom-coms of the last decades with a generous side of drama. We meet Tooru Honda, a sweet high school girl, who has to survive on her own after her mother passes away. Tooru gets entangled in the Souma family, a wealthy clan that hides a dark secret since the Soumas bear the curse of the Zodiac. When hugged by a member of the opposite sex, the cursed Souma family members turn into their respective anime of the Chinese zodiac.

A lot of the tension comes from the interaction between Tooru and the hot Souma rivals, Kyo, the Cat, and Yuki, the Rat. Even with the later developments showing clearly who’s Tooru’s beloved, the funny banter between Kyo and Yuki, the overly polite Tooru, the sweet younger Souma clan members, all set a sweet and heartwarming tone. We cannot reveal too much but be prepared for great comedy, generous sides of romance, and some serious dramatic twists. Fruits Basket deserves a spot on this list, as it has one of the most compelling plots and character growth stemming from opening up to the healing power of love.


1. Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen (Kaguya-sama: Love is War)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: January 2019 - March 2019

Back to the rom-com basics! However, nothing basic is going on for this top-tier anime. Kaguya-sama: Love is War tells the story of genius students and student council members Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya. Both attend the prestigious Shuchiin Academy and spend their days plotting against each other because “the person who falls in love loses!” Their mind games come straight out of Sun Tzu or Art of the War, it’s almost like a rom-com Death Note.

Kaguya-sama: Love is War deserves the first spot on this list thanks to its absurd trademark humor, hilarious off-screen narrator, and ridiculously proud leads. Talk about taking the “I like you but I’m not going to confess” trope to the extremes. Kaguya and Miyuki’s chemistry is clear as day but with stubbornness and insecurity amped to the extreme, our leads won’t confess any time soon. This is one for die-hard fans of the genre and for those who enjoy quick-witted comedy and surreal pacing.


Final Thoughts

And there you have them, 10 rom-com anime that stole our hearts! From scientists falling in love to time and space defying bunny girls, and from happy newlyweds to ruthless rivals-turned-lovers, we’ve got recommendations for everyone.

Did your favorite rom-com make it to this list? If not, which rom-com anime do you think might be missing from our Updated Top 10 Rom-Com Anime list? Let us know in the comments below and thanks for reading!

Horimiya-Wallpaper-700x356 Top 10 Rom-Com Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]

Writer

Author: Andromache Kokkinou

This is Andromache, nice to meet you! I am a writer, editor, and zinester. I have a knack for research and making connections between anime, so I love writing anime recommendations and top 10 lists! Yes, I do look like my avatar and yes, I base my style off Ami Mizuno aka Sailor Mercury. An Evangelion and Utena fanatic, talk to me about depressed teen heroes and handsome princesses. Avatar by @crazyspacecats

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Top 5 Anime by Andromache Kokkinou



Original Article Below

The romantic comedy is one of the oldest genres out there with a formula that’s been perfectly crafted and honed over decades. Two individuals fall in love, but not before a series of hilarious obstacles get in the way of their fated relationship. It’s unsurprising that anime would improve upon and accentuate the best elements of rom-coms. The unique character archetypes found in the medium, the unlimited possibilities of animation, and the willingness to have it in varied settings all make for stories that differ from the norm while maintaining the spirit of the rom-com.

Honey’s Anime has come up with a Top 10 list filled with rom-coms you wouldn’t be able to find in any other medium. Thanks to the unique quirks of anime and the Japanese culture these stories are derived from, all these rom-coms will be a refreshing take on the genre you’re unlikely to have seen elsewhere.

10. Yoru wa Mijikashi Arukeyo Otome (Night Is Short, Walk on Girl)

  • Episodes: 1
  • Aired: April 2017

A college student simply known as Senpai has orchestrated a plan to make the girl of his dreams, an underclassman in the same college, fall in love with him by ‘coincidentally’ running into her every single day. Unfortunately, Senpai’s plans have yet to work out, but he won’t give up. The underclassman, simply known as the black-haired girl, allows fate to guide her on an eventful, everlasting night in Kyoto. When she hears of a book she had as a child being sold in a second-hand store, she hopes to recover it and Senpai sees this as his own opportunity to finally have his defining encounter with the black-haired girl by getting it before she does.

Ironically, the night in Night Is Short, Walk on Girl seems to last forever. If you’re familiar with director Masaaki Yuasa, then you’ll recognize his distinct art style, the ultra-fast dialogue, and a surrealism that would be hard to find in any other medium. Senpai and the black-haired girl are terrific leads; between Senpai’s endless misadventures while attempting to win the black-haired girl’s heart, and the black-haired girl’s willingness to try new things and let fate guide her, this rom-com goes at a hectic pace and is jam-packed with romance and comedy in equal measure.


9. Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii (Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku)

  • Episodes: 11
  • Aired: April 2018 – June 2018

Narumi Momose quit her last job because her boyfriend, who also worked there, discovered that she was a fujoshi and dumped her. She starts a new office job where she finds out that her childhood friend, and one of the only people aware that she is a fujoshi, also works. Hirotaka Nifuji, Narumi’s childhood friend, is an otaku in his own right and a videogame addict. Narumi and Hirotaka rekindle their friendship and explore the possibility that there could be more to their relationship.

Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku may be the perfect rom-com for anime viewers. Narumi and Hirotaka have interests that aren’t glamorized and that has made building relationships a troubling task in the past, but in each other, they find the perfect significant other. There’s also a relationship between two side characters at the office, Hanako Koyanagi and Tarou Kabakura, that is already established at the start of the show. Wotakoi ends up being a slice of life centered around these four individuals at their office job with quirky hobbies, and a heavy dose of romance and comedy.


8. Hajimete no Gal (My First Girlfriend is a Gal)

  • Episodes: 10
  • Aired: July 2017 – September 2017

Junichi Hashiba and his friends are some of the only people in school that aren’t in a relationship. Fortunately for Junichi, his friends change his fate when they force him into confessing to the gal Yukana Yama. While it initially doesn’t work out, Yukana starts to see that Junichi may be a nice guy after all and decides to date him. It’s Junichi’s first relationship, and it won’t be without its challenges.

My First Girlfriend is a Gal somewhat subverts viewers initial expectations. Junichi Hashiba thinks that Yukana will be an easy girl to lose his virginity with but comes to discover that that’s far from the truth. He’ll have to work towards acknowledging Yukana as an individual and treating her properly, although the show never goes too long without delivering an ecchi moment.


7. School Rumble

  • Episodes: 26
  • Aired: October 2004 – March 2005

They’re in high school and love is in the air. Tenma Tsukamoto, a completely clueless girl, wants to confess her love to classmate Ooji Karasuma, while delinquent Kenji Harima wants to confess his love for Tenma. With other classmates further entangling this web of love, confessing will be a much harder task than either Tenma or Kenji expected.

School Rumble’s love triangle between Tenma, Ooji, and Kenji is never that simple. There are a ton of classmates who find rivals in this trio of characters, love that isn’t reciprocated, misunderstandings, misdirected confessions, and so much more. School Rumble promises romance but goes all out with the comedy and will suit those looking to laugh more than those looking for a sweet love story.


6. Net-juu no Susume (Recovery of an MMO Junkie)

  • Episodes: 10
  • Aired: October 2017 – December 2017

Moriko Morioka is an unemployed 30-year-old after she quit her tiring office job of eleven years. Now that she has a lot of free time, Moriko starts playing a new MMO called Fruits de Mer as a male hero called Hayashi. After an initial struggle, she gets some help from a healer called Lily, and the two become partners and eventual guildmates. Moriko completely gives herself over to the life of a NEET, but in one of her rare ventures outside to a convenience store, she runs into a man called Yuuta Sakurai, who just so happens to also be a Fruits de Mer player.

Recovery of an MMO Junkie is a rom-com for anyone who had trouble interacting in person but was able to be themselves through online mediums like MMOs. Moriko is also unique compared to most rom-com leads in not having a glamorized appearance. Recovery of an MMO Junkie is filled with coincidences but still provides a cute relationship that isn’t often depicted in rom-coms but remains very relatable.


5. Bokura wa Minna Kawai-sou (The Kawai Complex Guide to Manors and Hostel Behavior)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: April 2014 – June 2014

The Kawai Complex is filled with eccentric tenants, the last thing Kazunari Usa wanted when he began living independently from his parents. Kazunori’s a high school freshman, and upon discovering the eccentricities of the residents of the Kawai Complex, including his masochistic perverted roommate, he’s quite eager to leave it. When he runs into another one of the tenants, a senior student called Ritsu Kawai, love at first sight convinces him to stay in the Kawai Complex. Kazunari will attempt to break through Ritsu’s quiet and antisocial demeanor, while also discovering that the residents of Kawai Complex aren’t as bad as they first seem.

The Kawai Complex’s Kazunari Usa finds himself in Ritsu’s friend zone and has a tall task ahead of him to try and get Ritsu to fall in love with him. She isn’t talkative and isn’t really looking for a relationship. Kazunari will do his best to impress Ritsu and to look out for her even if the odds breaking through to her are slim. The comedy in Kawai Complex comes from the many tenants and their eccentric personalities, while the romance comes from seeing if Kazunari will succeed in his pursuits.


4. Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun (Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: July 2014 – September 2014

Chiyo Sakura, a high school girl, confesses her love to classmate Umetarou Nozaki and gets an autograph as a response. It turns out that Nozaki is a shoujo mangaka, and instead of becoming the couple Sakura hopes they’ll become, she ends up becoming his manga assistant. Sakura will strive to support Nozaki, get to know the many classmates who will affect Nozaki’s manga, and hope that Nozaki will come to recognize her true feelings for him.

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun is a series built on misunderstandings, from the very first misunderstanding that sets up Sakura as Nozaki’s assistant. When Sakura becomes Nozaki’s assistant, she also starts to meet a ton of her quirky schoolmates, and those misunderstandings are only exacerbated. Nozaki’s obliviousness is responsible for a lot of the hilarious moments in this series, but that same obliviousness keeps the romance from every truly shining through the comedy.


3. Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo (The Pet Girl of Sakurasou)

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: October 2012 – March 2012

Sorata Kanda has a bad habit of saving and taking care of stray cats, a bad habit that gets him kicked out of the regular dorms of Suimei High School. He ends up living in Sakura Hall, a house filled with Suimei’s most eccentric and talented students. Nanami, Sorata’s friend, attempts to get him to find owners for his cats so he can move back to the regular dorms, but he decides otherwise when he meets Mashiro Shiina, a transferring student. Mashiro is a world-class artist hoping to become a mangaka, but she lacks basic life and social skills. Sorata starts to create a bond with Mashiro and takes care of her in the same way that he had been taking care of the stray cats.

The Pet Girl of Sakurasou benefits from having 24 episodes and letting all its characters and relationships grow and develop. We get to see the progress of Kanda and Shiina as individuals who have their own flaws, Kanda in his pursuits of becoming a game maker, and Shiina having to develop her life skills. Of course, the comedy is inherent in Kanda having to take care of Shiina, but the romance is also present because not only does Kanda like Shiina, but Kanda’s friend Nanami, likes him.


2. Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! (Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: October 2012 – December 2012

Yuuta Togashi spent his middle school years having a “disease” called “chuunibyou”, that is having a manufactured supernatural persona that he called “Dark Flame Master” which defined his life. To move on from this period of his life, he entered a high school where none of his middle school classmates would be. Unfortunately for him, a girl named Rikka Takanashi has “chuunibyou” and overheard Yuuta’s last moments as the “Dark Flame Master,” and the matter is made worse when he discovers that they are now classmates.

It’s hard to describe the relationship between Yuuta and Rikka as anything but cute. As much as Yuuta wants to do away with his embarrassing past, he can’t help but interact with Rikka and to try to cheer up when she’s feeling down, often meaning he must don his “Dark Flame Master” persona. The show’s first half is on the lighter side, but the second-half turns up the romance and the drama. This show also stands out for the terrific animation on the part of studio Kyoto Animation, something rom-coms aren’t typically noted for.


1. Toradora!

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: October 2008 – March 2009

Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka are high school students whose personalities differ from their physical appearances. Ryuuji is kind-hearted but has the face of a delinquent, and Taiga is aggressive but has a petite physique. One day, Ryuuji discovers that Taiga’s crush is Ryuuji’s best friend, Yuusaku Kitamura, while Taiga discovers that Ryuuji’s crush is Taiga’s best friend, Minori Kushieda. They decide to make an alliance to help each other fulfill their romantic ambitions.

Toradora! doesn’t revolutionize the rom-com genre, but it does perfect the classic story. It delivers in equal dose the comedy that comes from Ryuuji and Taiga’s attempts to help each other’s relationships, and the romance that will inevitably bloom between Ryuuji and Taiga as they start to develop feelings for each other. The 25 episodes help make the progression of their relationship slow, steady, and believable. If you’re looking for the timeless traditional rom-com, then Toradora! is it.


Final Thoughts

Rom-coms come in many shapes in anime, often exploring niches that aren’t possible in other mediums like NEET, otaku, chuunibyou, fujoshi, and countless others. For many, they provide stories that are relatable but aren’t often told, and at other times, they offer the traditional rom-coms we’ve all come to enjoy. This list provides a mix of both the unique and the traditional to show the breadth of the genre in anime.

There’s always a handful of new rom-coms coming out every season, both dealing with topics we haven’t seen before and stories much like the ones above. Is there any new rom-com you think should make this list or any classic ones we missed out on? Let us know in the comments below.

Horimiya-Wallpaper-700x356 Top 10 Rom-Com Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]

Writer

Author: Jonathan Tshinanu

Graduated from Carleton University in the capital of Canada with a degree in Film Studies and English, which basically sums me up real nice. I’m a sucker for a good story – written or visual – wherever I can find it, whether it’s in anime, video games, movies, books, albums or whatever else you can think of. If I’m not consuming, then I’m probably trying to make them myself.

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Top 5 Anime by Jonathan Tshinanu


Original Article Below

If I were to watch a Romantic Comedy, it would definitely be in anime form. I can safely say I’ve watched more anime Rom-Coms than films of that genre. They are just so much better! You laugh, you cry, you cringe and sigh, but with tsundere and more high school life. There are tons of new anime each season and the most recent ones have brought us quite a few hilarious Romance anime. So, we’re bringing to you an updated Top 10 list of what we consider are must-watch Rom-Com anime!

The basis of this list is not only the ability of the girls in the stories to stand on their own as it was in the previous list. This time, we are also adding anime which have a different twist on relationships, personalities and generally don’t follow the typical Rom-Com mold you’d see in Hollywood movies or in most anime of the genre. (i.e. Handsome clumsy guy meets gorgeous shy girl, they’re super awkward and then they’re happy… *yawn*).

From unusual pairings and supernatural creatures to high school love and love at the office, here’s is our updated list of Top 10 Rom-Com Anime! Oh and they are ranked by how different they are from the usual Rom-Com stories.

10. Kaichou wa Maid-sama! (Maid Sama!)

  • Episodes: 26
  • Aired: Apr. 2010 – Sep 2010

Mizaki Ayusawa is the student council president. That wouldn’t be such a big deal, except this school was just recently an all-boys school, so she must keep the male student body under control. She is so strict, they call her the “Demon President”. But Mizaki has a secret; she works part-time at a maid café to help her family. When popular boy Takumi Usui shows up at the café, Mizaki is sure her perfect reputation will be destroyed and her life ruined. However, Takumi chooses to keep her secret and use it to get close to this unique girl.

Here we have another strong, smart and powerful tsundere who nobody messes with. Mizaki is a hard worker and worries about her family enough to put her school-life in jeopardy. Takumi is no fool and becomes very interested in Mizaki once he sees her true face. Among jokes and awkward situations, we get to learn about Takumi and Misaki’s past and watch them open up to each other in a way they never thought they would. Much like Toradora, Maid-sama! is another anime Rom-Com on the fast lane to becoming a classic.


9. Toradora!

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: Oct. 2008 – Mar. 2009

Ryuuji Takasu is a high school student with the face of a troublemaking delinquent but who is a hard worker and as gentle as a bunny. Taiga Aisaka is a cute, tiny fragile-looking girl who is anything but. She is aggressive, violent and feared by all as “The Palmtop Tiger”. After Ryuuji finds out Taiga has a crush on his best friend, they team up to help each other with their crushes and after a rough start, their friendship becomes a closer one.

There was no way Toradora! would not keep its place in our list. It does a beautiful job of showing typical high school emotions and crushes, albeit with a tsundere anime twist. It’s wonderful to watch Taiga and Ryuuji grow and change, along with their friends. They get to know themselves better and struggle to understand their emotions all without Comedy taking a back seat. Every episode will make you laugh and feel closer to the characters. It’s too soon to call it a classic, but I’m sure Toradora will be a timeless Rom-Com we’ll want to re-watch and recommend for years to come.


8. Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun (My Little Monster)

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: Oct. 2012 – Dec. 2012

Shizuku Mizutani has no friends. She is more interested in studying and getting good grades than dealing with other people. One day her teacher asks her to deliver an assignment to Haru Yoshida who sits next to her in class but has been absent for most of the school year since he got in a fight. Haru doesn’t have any friends either and like Shizuku, doesn’t really understand human feelings or interactions. But this doesn’t stop Haru from declaring that Shizuku will be his friend as soon as they meet. Together they learn about human nature, themselves and each other in this Comedy Slice of Life.

While this seems like an opposites-attract story, the reality is that Shizuku and Haru are more alike than they realize at first. They’re both odd in their own ways and this is part of where the Comedy comes from. Like other characters in this list, these two must work through not only the already difficult reality of high school life but also figuring themselves out as people and making sense of the emotions they feel. Is it love? Is it friendship? Neither!? Ah, the hilarious and heartwarming angst of a high school romance…


7. Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU)

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: Apr. 2013 - Jun. 2013

Hachiman Higaya is an antisocial and apathetic high school student who hates people and writes an essay about it. As punishment for his cynicism, he is forced by his teacher to join the Volunteer Service Club which exists only to help students with anything they may need. This is the last thing Hachiman wants to do, but along with the club’s only other member, the gorgeous “Ice Queen” Yukino Yukinoshita, they work on helping others and fixing their attitudes to become more sociable and grow closer.

With another pair or antisocial high schoolers, Oregairu shows us a few things; among them is that just because a girl is beautiful, smart and rich it doesn’t make her popular or desirable or happy, in fact, being too perfect can scare some away. Just the same, it shows us that even when your view on life and other people is dark, the world and people around you can change that. This huge contrast between Hachiman, Yukino and later the peppy Yui Yuigahama, leads to hilarious, almost dark comedy that happens when the rejects get their time to shine and experience romance. Also, there’s a second season!


6. Nijiiro Days (Rainbow Days)

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: Jan. 2016 – Currently airing

High school friends Natsuki, Tomoya Keiichi and Tsuyoshi are just what you’d expect. They worry about studying, participating in the school festival, hanging out and of course... girls! After being dumped on Christmas, Natsuki meets Anna, a beautiful girl who cheers him up, and he is smitten. After realizing she goes to their school too, Natsuki decides to go after her and his friends – and Anna’s - have a lot of meddling to do!

This one sounds like a stereotypical Rom-Com anime, but stay with me, it has some twists. First off, I feel like it’s an anime version of Friends but more focused on the romantic relationships between the characters. Oh and one of them is into S&M. And Tsuyoshi and his girlfriend are the cutest otaku couple you’ve ever seen! Also, there’s awkwardness, but things actually move along between the characters which is always nice to see in anime. My only complaint is that the episodes are only 7 minutes long…


5. Jitsu wa Watashi wa (Actually, I Am)

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: Jul. 2015 – Sep. 2015

Like many high school boys, Asahi Kuramine has a crush on one of his classmates, Youko Shiragami. One day after classes are over, Asahi walks in on Youko in an empty classroom as she’s spreading her wings. Literally! Youko is a vampire and she’d been keeping it a secret. Unfortunately, Asahi happens to be terrible at keeping secrets… But for her, he’d do anything! Except he also finds an alien… and a demon… What kind of school is this!? And will Asahi survive keeping all these secrets while winning Youko’s oblivious heart at the same time?

Honestly, the art in Jitsu wa Watashi wa almost turned me off at first. But don’t worry, I’m not in the majority. Apparently I’m picky. But by the second episode, I was totally into it! “Leaky basket” Asahi is an adorable bundle of awkward when it comes to his crush. And Youko is seen as this mysterious beautiful girl but in reality, she’s clumsy, has a Kansai accent and is kind of an airhead. Her obliviousness, Asahi’s inability to keep secrets and his affinity for attracting supernatural creatures will keep you smiling and rooting for him every step of the way.


4. Kamisama Hajimemashita (Kamisama Kiss)

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: Oct. 2012 – Dec 2012

Nanami Momozono is a high school girl with a difficult life. After her gambling father leaves her with all his debt, she’s left homeless. One day, she’s tricked by a god into taking on his responsibilities. Shocked and with no choice but to assume this responsibility, Nanami meets Tomoe, a fox demon who was the familiar of the previous god. After being abandoned once, Tomoe doesn’t trust her, but she does her best to win his trust and be as good a goddess as she can. Slowly, the demon and the new god develop feelings they must face and deal with.

Another Supernatural Rom-Com! Kamisama Hajimemashita has bishounen, youkai and of course, Romance and Comedy. The bickering between Tomoe and Nanami is cute and funny and a bit reminiscent of Inuyasha and Kagome’s relationship. Nanami’s kindheartedness also gets her into complicated and funny situations that will definitely keep you smiling. It’s also great to see her stay positive even when life has not been good to her so far, and it’s heartwarming to watch Tomoe go from feeling betrayed and distrustful to developing feelings for the goddess he now serves. And Tomoe is a hot fox demon! if I only needed one reason to watch this show, that would be enough!


3. Ore Monogatari!! (My Love Story!!)

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: Apr. 2015 – Sep. 2015

Takeo Gouda is a high school freshman. Unfortunately, he is also built like a house and has very strong, grown-up features – he often gets confused for an adult! All the boys idolize him for his manliness but the girls aren’t into him at all. How will he ever experience love!? Especially since his BFF Sunakawa is the most handsome boy in school and every girl – including Takeo’s crushes – want a piece of him. One day, however, Takeo saves the super cute Rinko Yamato from a groper on the train and falls in love with her instantly. But, of course, she’s into Sunakawa… right?

Ore Monogatari!! had my heart from the first episode. Rinko is ridiculously adorable, Takeo’s reactions and mannerisms are hilarious and I love the fact that the leading man is a big, burly, awkward guy and not the handsome popular boy. Takeo’s inner thoughts melt your heart while you chuckle and make you want to yell “just say it out loud!”. And it’s so adorable and refreshing to see beautiful little Rinko admire and get all giddy over her sweet gorilla.


2. Ojisan to Marshmallow (Ojisan and Marshmallow)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: Jan. 2016 – Mar. 2016

Iori Wakabayashi and Habahiro Hige are office co-workers. Wakabayashi is very attracted to Hige, nothing strange there, office romances happen all the time. The thing people don’t understand is, how is a beautiful 24-year-old woman attracted to an overweight, middle-aged man!? Well, she is. And lucky for her, she knows his weakness. Hige loves marshmallows and Wakabayashi won’t waste any opportunity to use them to lure Hige into starting a relationship with her.

Ojisan to Marshmallow is adorable, hilarious, and once again, breaks the mold when it comes to love interests. Hige is not your typical Rom-Com male lead, but Wakabayashi is head-over-heels for him! She loves his personality and the fact that he is fluffy. Unfortunately, Hige seems to have no clue, even if she literally baits him with marshmallows and gets into very compromising situations with him. Hige is an innocent and super sweet guy and Wakabayashi’s serious expression as she sets her ingenious marshmallow traps will have you marathoning this short series right off-the-bat.


1. I Can’t Understand What My Husband Is Saying (Danna ga Nani wo Itteiru ka Wakaranai Ken)

  • Episodes: 26 (2 seasons)
  • Aired: Oct. 2014 – Jun. 2015

Hajime Tsunashi is a hardcore otaku shut-in who attends conventions and works from home as a blogger. Kaoru Tsunashi is his new wife and she’s an office lady with a typical office job, including drinking parties and the like. One would wonder how they even ended up together, much less married! Well, they are and they are crazy about each other. Even though Kaoru has no idea what Hajime is talking about half the time – luckily he has his doujinshi artist younger brother -, and he just can’t do regular socializing, they develop and grow thanks to each other and their friends.

Here’s another Rom-Com that defies the usual formula. Here we have an attractive professional woman – who used to be a tough delinquent as a youth – and a socially awkward anime and manga otaku. And unlike in the rest of the anime on the list, they’re not flirty school kids, they’re already married! Being so different, but trying hard to understand each other, their interactions will make you laugh and their story will make you feel all warm and fuzzy too. Besides their romance, we also get to see Hajime’s younger brother – who is a cross-dressing doujinshi artist – pursue his love interest as well! Laughter and cuteness ensue.


Final Thoughts

Love can be difficult, especially in high school, or when one of you is a supernatural creature or an otaku! Luckily, these series bring us life lessons and sweet romantic moments along with some laughs and ridiculousness.

I hope you’ve enjoyed our update to the Top 10 Rom-Com Anime list! Have you seen all of these shows? Which one’s your favorite? Will you check a new one out? What would your Top Rom-Coms list look like?

Let us know in the comments below!

See ya next time!

Nya~!

Horimiya-Wallpaper-700x356 Top 10 Rom-Com Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]

Editor/Writer

Author: Lizzy Nyanko

An otaku as far as I can remember. I grew up playing video games, watching anime in Spanish in Mexico where I grew up, and then was a member of both anime clubs at UTEP for my entire university life when I moved to Texas. I love going to cons, I used to cosplay (always hoping to get back into it), and I got to live in Japan for 2 years and be an otaku there! It was literally a dream come true! Now back in the US, I love being a writer and editor for Honey’s. It’s a great chance to keep up with all the latest anime each season and up to date with all otaku news. And without our readers, that wouldn’t be possible so, thank you for being a part of our hive!!

Previous Articles

Top 5 Anime by Lizzy Nyanko


Original Article Below

In a nutshell this is not a typical Romance Comedy Top 10 list. First, these 10 Romance Comedy anime were all selected and ranked by their leading ladies ability to stand on her own, grow and develop, and overall just kick ass. On top of being equal to, or stronger than the male lead, or developing significantly throughout the story to become a better person. Then the male lead was also evaluated by his level of influence as well as his personal growth and development. Lastly, humor and comedy was taken into account.

There are a few anime on this list that also fall into other genres as well, however the focus of the relationships, aka drama and romance, between the characters was carefully taken into consideration to bring our readers a Rom-Com list of the best blend of martial arts, comedy, romance, and slice of life.

10. Ookami-san To Shichinin No Nakama-tachi

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: Jul 1, 2010 - Sep 16, 2010

This anime really takes teenage life, adds some anime aspects, stirs it up with a little romance, and gives you a quite enjoyable rom-com with the main character, Ryouko (Ookami), reinventing herself after a traumatizing event. Once again, this anime touched on an a few problems with dating and insane exs, but it didn’t go very deep and kept the overall anime very light-hearted. The best part of this anime is watching the complicated and comedic interaction between Ookami and Ryoushi.

The story centers around Otogi Bank, a group that helps solve other people’s problems. Due to the dangerous nature of their work, they need one more male member and decided to take in Morino Ryoushi, who has a strong case of scopophobia (the fear of being looked at). Ryoushi manages to build up the courage to confess his love to Ookami right after he joins the group.


9. Inu X Boku Secret Service

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: January 13, 2012 - March 30, 2012

This is a super eccentric romance comedy targeted for guys with Ririchiyo Shirakiin as the leading lady, who's shy and timid nature is skillfully hidden behind her sharp tongue. At times, her actions are so relatable that gals can easily enjoy watching her grow and develop as she overcomes her personal issues together with Soushi, an overly kinky pretty boy, who is loyal to the point of being obsessive/stalker-ish when it comes to serving Ririchiyo.

As the story progresses Ririchiyo shows that she is capable of taking someone down on her own and that along with the playful tone and easy to watch nature of this anime landed this anime on the Top 10 list. If you are looking for a good laugh, then Inu X Boku SS is right up your alley!


8. Shijou Saikyou no Deshi Kenichi (Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple)

  • Episodes: 50
  • Aired: Oct 7, 2006 - Sep 30, 2007

For most of his life, Kenichi Shirahama was a below average high school boy and everybody’s floormate as his daily life centered on being bullied. Until he meets Miu Furinji, the granddaughter of a master martial artist who embodies the very type of person Kenichi dreamed of becoming. So, in awe of Miyu’s beauty, martial art skills, and ability to protect people, Kenichi begins rigorously training at the dojo she lives at, Ryouzanpaku, in order to able to protect Miu and become someone worthy of her love.

This anime starts of like a relationship and slowly makes the viewer fall in love with the characters for their unique attitudes, struggles, unrequited love, and epic fighting abilities. While delivering some serious moral lessons and amazing character development, the overall use of comedy keeps this anime upbeat and extremely exciting to watch. It's a must watch for martial arts and romance comedy. Plus, Miu is awesome, and there are tons of other ladies in this that also pack some killer moves, and would make great cosplays! ;D


7. Toradora!

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

Toradora is not like many other romantic series out there as the main characters, Ryuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka, are highly relatable in their own motives and actions as they team up in order to support each other’s love interest. In what starts off as dynamic delinquent duo, slowly develops into a friendship that pulls the audience into the story as other characters come into play. The supporting characters also display their moments of insecurity behind the walls they built up to function in life. It really gives of the sensation of being in high school.

The smooth animation style, relatable motives, and comedic scenarios will cause you to develop emotional interest in each character. So watching them fall in or out of love, grow, and develop is quite enjoyable and highly entertaining!


6. Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun (My Little Monster)

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: Oct 1, 2012 - Dec 24, 2012

As for love stories go, this was one of the most off the wall stories that is great for laughs but also covers some issues that we typically face in life as teens. Such as dealing with peer-pressure, learning to value one’s self, and opening up to another person. Watching the characters struggle to find their place in life and deal with the added stress of balancing school mixed with the complex nature of being in love, sounds like it would be rather cruel. But don’t worry, this is a feel good story! From start to finish the lessons that each character brings to the story and teaches is why this anime had to be on here!

Shizuku Mizutani, is career focused to the point that she cuts off all emotions and feelings towards anything other than studying. Until a teacher made her take some assignments to a boy in her class who is assigned to sit next to her, Haru Yoshida, a troublesome boy who rarely comes to school. From that day on, Haru treats Shizuku as a friend and her life will never be the same.


5. Golden Time

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: Oct 23, 2013 - Mar 27, 2014

This anime is by the same creator of Toradora! but your experiences in life and being in relationships will greatly affect your enjoyment of this show, so that locked this one in the number 5 position. This anime does a great job covering the ups and downs of a real relationship in college, as well as young adulthood.

Banri is a freshman at a private law school in Tokyo who’s trying to start his life over. After the opening ceremony, he ended up getting completely lost, and bumped into another lost freshman, Yanagisawa Mitsuo, and they hit it off. Together they finally manage to make it to their destination just in the nick of time. When out of nowhere, Mitsu is attacked with a bouquet of roses by a beautiful woman, Kaga Kuko, Mitsuo’s childhood friend that he promised to marry, but now is desperate to get away from. However, Kōko’s grand entrance not only made a statement, but left a lasting impression on Banri.


4. Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: Apr 5, 2013 – Jun 28, 2013

Let’s face it, sometimes high school is not so great and some people may certainly be or feel like outcast and have some bitter opinions about their peers, life, and romance. Even for those with so called “friends,” the relationship can be nothing more than fluff on the inside, but from the outside appears to be what dreams are made of. Thus this anime owns no apologies for showing the bitter side of rom-com. It's entertaining, funny, and bluntly realistic with some of the most accurately portrayed self-defense and self-reliance mechanisms being used by anime characters who frankly have decided to reject the system that rejected them and live by their own rules.

The story focuses on an antisocial high school student named Hikigaya Hachiman and his distorted view on life.. Who gets forced into the “volunteer club” after telling his teacher "Not working." is his life’s goal. The volunteer club is headed by the schools prettiest girl, Yukinoshita Yukino, who has her own peculiar views on life.

Trying not to give too much away, this anime is well written and each other character has their own inner demons, struggles, as well as hopes and teenage hormones. So it covers many dark aspects of high school romance, but uses comedy to make it fun to watch. If you really like it, please check out the 2nd season, it won’t disappoint you!


3. Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You)

  • Episodes: 38
  • Aired: Oct 6, 2009 – Mar 30, 2011

Not everyone is extremely outgoing or has the greatest self-esteem, in fact, most people can be hurt by words. That’s just one of the great themes that we see play out in Kimi ni Todoke as Kuronuma Sawako, nickname “Sadako” by her classmates, who really haven’t tried to get to know her. Like any high school student, Sawako wants to fit in and get along with others like her classmate, Kazehaya Shouta, the most popular boy in her class. Shouta was able to see the beauty in her that others didn’t and the story takes off following the steps they make to become friends, and a little more than just friends.

This story is so adorable and manages to avoid many cliche plots that so many romance comedies fall into. While the leading lady Sawako is able to learn and grow from her relationship with Shouto, he in turn also becomes a better person because of her. That right there is golden for any relationship, and for an anime to teach that type of life lesson is incredible. So is had to go on my Top 10 list.


2. Skip Beat!

  • Episodes: 15
  • Aired: Dec 18, 2011 –Apr 1, 2012

The story revolves around Kyouko who literally gave up her own life and dreams to support her childhood friend, Shou’s dream of becoming an idol. Despite all she did for him, Shou kicks her to the curb as he dismisses her as simply a tool he used. Kyouko didn’t take getting her heart broken lightly and vowed to get her revenge by surpassing him in the entertainment world.

Sometimes the people we love the most, hurt us the most, and not all relationship are as good as they are crack up to be. Lies are told and hearts are broken at times. Skip Beat! does an amazing job at showing how a horrible relationship and hate filled motivation can be transformed into something so much more! Leaving you stronger, better, and in this case, famous with a career in entertainment. In summary, the best revenge is success.

Also, for anyone that wants to work in the entertainment industry, this is a great anime to watch. It shows the darker and more glamorous side of the industry. And be sure to read the manga its fantastic!


1. Kaichou wa Maid-sama! (Class President is a Maid!)

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

Misaki Ayuzawa is the first female student council president at a former all boys high school that is now coed. She is highly admired by the female student body, but the male students see her as a strict disciplinary ruler, but nonetheless, they still respect her authority. But she has a secret: she works at a maid cafe in order to support her family. One day, Takumi Usui, the schools #1 bishounen and whose good looks have broken more than a few hearts, discovers her secret and makes a deal with her to keep it secret in exchange for keeping him amused.

The characters in Kaichou wa Maid-sama! break stereotypical molds and that’s what makes it so great! Misaki comes off as a very strong feminist that slightly hates men who is not only strong but highly intelligent, hard working, and above all, a good friend. She’s the type of person you would want in your click. Even though she can handle herself, the anime shows her weakness in a way that doesn’t rob her of her sense of independence, but rather shows how a power couple is created.

She reluctantly works with Usi who always keeps an eye on her so he can back up her when needed. It’s so sweet! On one hand, there’s a great connection, while on the other hand, there’s a great deal of resistance to falling in love.

That’s very realistic. Sometimes people don’t want to fall in love with someone and this anime does a good job showing a strong independent woman who didn’t want to fall in love. Watching her fight and resist Usi’s advances is what makes this anime so endearing. I highly recommend this anime, and the manga. They are one of my all time favorites for romance comedies.


Rom-Coms are very difficult to rank as they can be a hit or miss depending on the relationships one has gone through in life. In all honesty, relationships should build us up, cause us to grow, and ultimately teach us lessons about life. So this Top 10 list of romantic comedies focuses on series that do just that and provide us with relatable strong female characters, as well as male characters that have many merits of their own who we can also relate to in one aspect or another.

Even though all 10 of these anime cover some deep or unusual topics, they still manage to keep us laughing, and that’s a beautiful thing.

by Fenix D’Joan