Anime series over the years have taken over the world in exceptional genres like shounen, fantasy, and isekai. While these themes remain prevalent worldwide, there are a whole lot of fans and lovers of the romance genre.
Japan creators are experts in creating one of the most heartwarming and heart-fluttering romance scenes and arcs which fans cannot resist, especially when the main leads are cute and are absolute green flags.
We also see cases where the main lead may be a walking, living red flag, but with unwavering love and attention from the other lead, the chemistry and friendship between the two only keep growing. There are several popular tropes in anime series that involve romance.
One of them is the enemies-to-lovers trope, which is the most heart-wrenching trope you’ll ever come across. But the cutest romance series are usually the ones with an absent-minded lead and their cheerful and energetic partner.
Some might find romance anime series boring and too predictable, but the tension and the build-up to confessions or the infamous beach scenes are what make the romance series enjoyable to watch.
Here are some of the best and cutest romance anime to watch over your summer break.
My Little Monster
Also known as Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun, the anime series is one of our favorites when it comes to cute high school romance anime series with a cliche plot but immense and intense chemistry between the couple.
The story goes like this: the top student Shizuku Mizutani likes to avoid trouble at school and is only set on studies but has unfortunately crossed paths with Haru Yoshida.
Shizuku is a bright student at her high school and she tries to achieve the top rank consistently throughout her school life to get into the best university of her choice.
She does her work diligently, but unfortunately, her teachers asked her to hand over some documents and ask the whereabouts of a young classmate of hers who seems to be missing a lot of classes.
The classmate unexpectedly turns out to be a young delinquent named Haru Yoshida, who also used to be one of the most consistent top rankers of their school.
They have strange encounters from the very first episode, as Haru confesses his feelings of love at first sight to an astonished Shizuku.
The two go on to have more encounters, and they slowly develop feelings for each other in a way that makes them become best friends-turned-lovers.
Their chemistry is beyond adorable, and the cutest thing you may notice is that they are both introverts. They also happen to be the smartest kids in their batch.
They become hostile at first sight, but it takes them slowly to bring out their inner selves. With many more similarities, the two are one of the most adorable anime couples.
- Directed by: Hiro Kaburaki
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, School, Shoujo
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Release Date: October 2, 2012
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Kimi ni Todoke
Also known as From Me to You, the romance anime series has garnered quite a lot of buzz among fans worldwide. This series also doesn’t have much to do with fancy romantic scenes.
The series focuses on subtle chemistry and romance between the two main characters, Sawako Kuronuma and Shouta Kazehaya. The plot follows a strangers-turned-lovers trope which may be one of the most heartwarming tropes to ever exist.
Sawako is portrayed as a mysterious, rude, and unfriendly introverted high school student among her schoolmates. This is because they refer to her as Sadako, a scary and mysterious fictional character.
They do not show Sawako as her true self, which is a sweet and benevolent young teenage girl who wants nothing but to be friends with you.
Similarly, Shouta is also an introverted character, loved and admired by most. The two are similar in many ways, and again, they are awkward around each other at the beginning of the series. But as the series progresses, we can see them falling in love with each other bit by bit.
Isn’t this the most wholesome series you’ve come across? It’s because the characters are shown as naive at first and somewhat relatable to most. They get shy to approach each other but eventually muster up the courage to even confess later.
The trope is simple and loved by all. The anime gives off a very nostalgic vibe about the romance and the interaction between the two.
Most fans would agree that the series has given them an iconic confession line to remember for ages and perhaps use in real life: “You brought color to my life.”
- Directed by: Hiro Kaburaki
- Genre: Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Studio: Production I.G
- Release Date: October 7, 2009
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Tsurezure Children
The series is perhaps the best romance anime series to explicitly highlight the blossoms and fruits of young love.
The series focuses on high school students whose lives seem to be entangled with one another, and they develop romantic relationships that may initially seem complicated and awkward to the viewers.
But these act as comedic elements throughout the series which also helps us to understand that young love is fragile and must be treated with care.
There seem to be four romantic pairs who seem to have complex and different love stories and histories. The series portrays various ways of getting into love and relationships at a young age and how it gradually or abruptly develops into something more in the long run.
Adolescents are eager to learn physical love, but at the same time, some young teenagers have had no experience with a love interest before.
The show has hilariously put across various scenarios where one may find themselves in a tight spot or perhaps the best spot.
The series is short, precise, and to the point. There is no depth besides the underlying themes of adolescence and young love.
The characters are relatable to most teenagers, and the scenarios are well executed. It’s an awesome and enjoyable watch. The cute romantic scenes are filled with funny situations and silly misunderstandings.
- Directed by: Hiraku Kaneko
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, School
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Studio: Studio Gokumi
- Release Date: July 4, 2017
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Ao Haru Ride
Commonly known as Blue Spring Ride, the anime series is another wholesome romance anime that makes your icy heart melt. The series follows the heart-fluttering love story between childhood friends Kou Manbuchi and Futaba Yoshioka. The male protagonist Kou is an introverted student and supposedly self-centered.
He seems like the cold-hearted guy you see in the Twilight series. And we have our beautiful female protagonist Futaba who is a clumsy and cheerful young student.
The story is too cute and melts your heart. Futaba used to have a massive crush on Kou Tanaka during her childhood days which she still fondly remembers.
But the little boy Kou Tanaka had to shift to another city and left Futaba alone. But as high school begins, Futaba meets a similar guy who goes by the name Kou Mabuchi.
She guesses right that this guy must be the same Kou Tanaka from her childhood days. She tries her best to make him notice her. She befriends her, and they also go on trips and share some intimate moments.
He remembers her and grows fond of her again. And this time, they indeed confess their feelings towards each other.
The best part of the series is the subtle intimacy that Kou and Futaba show. It makes you quench your heart and cry out tears since you’re probably single and miserable.
Just kidding! The show is indeed an enjoyable watch and it makes you wish for a relationship as wholesome and delightful as Kou and Futaba’s.
- Directed by: Ai Yoshimura
- Genre: Romance, School, Shoujo
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Studio: Production I.G
- Release Date: July 8, 2014
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Lovely Complex
Also known as Love Com, the series is another wholesome and light-hearted romance tale between two great and kind individuals who happen to suffer from an embarrassing situation; their heights are unconventional for their gender.
The two fight such odds, and they accept each other despite their supposed flaws. The series acts as a reminder that “if they wanted to, they would”, and puts stress on how gender and societal norms should not make anyone feel less.
Otani is a smart high school student who is pretty short for an average male high school student. He is a bit embarrassed because of his short height and thinks he will never find a girl who would accept him for his height.
He thinks that all the girls in the world would never choose him, even if they like his personality or if he’s rich. He thinks girls will be forever ashamed to have him as their romantic partner.
Risa has a similar situation. Unlike others, she is a tall female high school student who also feels insecure about her height at most times. She’s too tall for someone to be interested in her.
She thinks that any sane guy would not want a tall girl like her since boys like to be the taller person in a relationship.
The two have a series of misunderstandings which is what makes this show great and enjoyable to watch from the start. Their chemistry is indeed satisfying to watch on screen because we know it takes massive guts to confess to each other despite insecurities and flaws.
The show has done a fantastic job at portraying such relatable young characters with often overlooked issues, which could lead to many teenagers losing their self-esteem.
- Directed by: Konosuke Uda
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, School, Shoujo
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Release Date: April 7, 2007
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Horimiya
A bit similar to My Little Monster, Horimiya follows the story of an enchanted interaction between two high school students who seem to be on the extreme ends of the school hierarchy.
Kyouko Hori is the perfect IT girl for her high school; she has the beauty and the brains and is top-ranked and admired by all. On the other hand, we have our beloved Izumi Miyamura, who is seen as the bottom of the class with little to no social interaction and seems to have a dark secret.
Hori is a bright student indeed, but she struggles to maintain good social relationships with others. Miyamura struggles with his academics and needs help.
The two help each other out in some ways, and they eventually grow fond of one another. It’s a cute thing to watch how opposites somehow find a way to bond with each other.
It is indeed the perfect rom-com to exist. It has the perfect balance of romance and comedy throughout the series, which makes it an unforgettable watch for viewers across the globe.
Miyamura’s troubled past and his path to reforming himself are some of the biggest character developments we see throughout, which makes it a wholesome rom-com anime to watch.
Hori and Miyamura are the least expected duo, but they make a great friendship, and it works out well for the both of them in the end. The series is a fun watch that talks about finding true friends in times of need by overcoming and accepting one another’s flaws and differences.
- Directed by: Masashi Ishihama
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, School, Shounen
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Studio: CloverWorks
- Release Date: January 10, 2021
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Tamako Market
The series is yet another fantastic romance anime series centered on childhood-bestfriends-turned-lovers. Set mostly in the Usagiyama Shopping District, the family business owners are friendly, and it is considered the sweetest neighborhood.
Both Tamako and Mochizou belong to two families of mochi makers who are friendly rivals in the market.
Having known each other from childhood, the two have grown fond of each other and are considered to be inseparable. They are an enjoyable duo who seem to know a lot about each other.
They enjoy each other’s company and have grown up together. The duo has a great friendship, and could there be more than just platonic feelings towards each other?
Mochizou shows clear signs of affection and, perhaps, romantic feelings towards Tamako. But unfortunately, Tamako is a bit too dense to catch on to these subtle signs. Mochizou is shy and afraid to confess his feelings. He doesn’t want to ruin their friendship.
The interaction between Tamako and Mochizou, when they get flustered, is the cutest you’ll ever see. As it’s a slice-of-life anime, the series also focuses on Tamako and her friendships with other classmates and some odd rivalries and struggles that she has to face.
The series sheds light on the importance of friends and family while also giving us the cutest and most wholesome intimate moments between Tamako and Mochizou.
- Directed by: Naoko Yamada
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Slice-of-life
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Release Date: January 10, 2013
- Where to Watch: HIDIVE
Tsuki ga Kirei
One of the most entertaining and heart-fluttering romance anime series that has us hooked to it since time immemorial, Tsuki ga Kirei is a lovely story about two beautiful and amazing middle school students who are new to love and relationships.
They find a way to overcome such struggles together. It is an enjoyable watch that has given us an iconic line to remember for ages.
The line that has been engraved in most fans’ hearts is the one that refers to “The moon is beautiful tonight” as “I love you.”
This is, perhaps, the most beautiful and poetic way of confessing one’s feelings to the other. This particular scene had us gasping for breath and shrieking and crying.
The plot follows the story of two young middle school students who happen to meet by chance at various places and on odd days.
They gradually develop some feelings toward each other. Although they are too shy to interact, fate has them tied together.
In scenes like when Akane has to move to another city, Kotarou feels he’ll miss the chance to confess his feelings to her. That’s when the story gets interesting, and the characters are so adorable. The characters are not too realistic but are also relatable.
Parts, where Akane and Kotarou are shown as shy students with a good social circle, show that they are introverts but not entirely anti-social.
What makes this show relatable and gives hope to hopeless romantics like myself is how the two keep running into one another in unexpected but realistic ways.
- Directed by: Seiji Kishi
- Genre: School, Romance
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Studio: feel.
- Release Date: April 7, 2017
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club, a fan favorite, is a fantastic story about a reverse harem that has been carried out well. There is a bit of comedy, romance, and drama involved in the lives of some high school students who are members of the Ouran High School Host Club.
The plot is simple: gender-fluid character Haruhi Fujioka is met with several adversaries, as shown at the beginning of the series. Her dad is a crossdresser.
She is a poor student with remarkably high academic records. She is unexpectedly made to be a new member of the Host Club. Initially, the other members were under the impression that Haruhi was a boy.
As the series progresses, you see that the initial stereotypes that were associated with each character have slowly developed, and a clear picture can be portrayed. These characters and their insecurities are valid and relevant. The main characters, Tamaki and Haruhi, are an extremely well-written romantic duo.
We see a lot of red flag characters being praised these days, but for those of you looking for green flags, Tamaki Suoh is the standard.
He is a walking, living, talking green flag. His admiration for Haruhi is immeasurable and has stolen the hearts of a billion other girls.
- Directed by: Takuya Igarashi
- Genre: School, Romance, Comedy, Shoujo, Reverse Harem
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Studio: Bones
- Release Date: April 5, 2006
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Your Lie in April
You may watch the series for hours on end and still cry. Even though the overall story is heartbreaking, it features the sweetest interactions and friendships between two exceptional musicians who just so happen to meet paths.
They are now together by chance to create the greatest music the world has ever heard.
Kousei and Kaori are exceptional musicians in their niche. With so many years of experience and so many more to come, the youngsters are determined to put on the most perfect show to ever exist.
Kousei, a piano prodigy, suffers from trauma after losing her mother, who was also his trainer and guide.
Kaori, on the other hand, is a mysterious, talented violinist. Through a little lie, Kaori helps Kousei regain his abilities and powers, and together, they bring out the best musical show.
The series strongly puts forth a message on the importance of being kind to one another and the impact one can have on the other’s lives.
- Directed by: Kyohei Ishiguro
- Genre: School, Shounen, Music, Romance, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Release Date: October 10, 2014
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix
Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai
Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai is an amazing series written by Masahiro Yokotani.
The series focuses on Puberty Syndrome, which is known to be a rare disease widely spread among growing teenagers, and it is seen as a myth, although many high school students suffer from this.
The female protagonist Mai Sakurajami happens to have this syndrome and is invisible to all except her classmate Sakuta Azusagawa.
Sakuta came across her by chance when she wore a bunny girl costume in their school library, and because of her syndrome, no one but Sakuta noticed her odd appearance.
The two began to interact frequently as she sought comfort and assurance in him, while he wanted to help her overcome the syndrome and be known to the world again as the popular and renowned child actress she once used to be.
They begin to develop romantic feelings for each other as they confide in each other, and their minute and subtle intimacy is enough to make you squeal and gasp for air!
- Directed by: Soichi Masui
- Genre: School, Romance, Drama, Supernatural
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Studio: CloverWorks
- Release Date: October 4, 2018
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix
Honorable Mention
Chained Soldier
This anime is from the incapacitated meme.
In different regions of Japan, mystical zones called “spirit towns” have emerged, where special fruits known as “nectarines” grow.
These nectarines grant extraordinary powers, but only to females. Yuuki Wagura, a disheartened high school boy, inadvertently finds himself at the gateway of one such spirit town.
It is here he encounters Kyoka Uzen, the striking commander of the “Enchanted Protection Unit,” composed of seven divisions. Kyoka demands that Yuuki become her servant, marking the beginning of an unexpected journey.
Ane Chijo Max Heart
