What to Watch on Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th, is all about love. It’s not just a day, but a week-long celebration starting from February 7th, filled with romance and heartfelt moments.
It’s a time for being with someone special, going on dates, and enjoying great food.
Valentine’s Anime Recommendations
Valentine’s Day is about showing love, remembering Saint Valentine who was known for his loving nature.
This Valentine’s, enjoy some romantic and feel-good anime, whether you’re with someone or on your own. Grab some snacks and settle in for some heartwarming anime this love-filled day.
The Garden of Words
For those inclined towards a grown-up romantic tale, “The Garden of Words” is a perfect pick. This anime captivates with its soulful storytelling. It unfolds the story of Takao Akizuki, a 15-year-old boy, and Yukari Yukino, a 27-year-old woman, whose paths cross in a park on a rainy morning.
While Takao was dodging his morning class, Yukari was taking a break from her work due to personal issues. Takao shares his dream of becoming a shoemaker, while Yukari remains an enigma to him.
Their relationship takes a turn when Takao discovers Yukari is a teacher at his school. Despite this, he harbors feelings for her, which Yukari acknowledges with respect.
Their connection, however, faces a pause as Yukari decides to return to her hometown for a new teaching position. Takao, meanwhile, dedicates himself to mastering shoemaking, vowing to craft a special pair of shoes just for Yukari.
This animated film elegantly conveys the idea that age isn’t always an indicator of maturity. It presents an adult grappling with career and life uncertainties in a way that’s reminiscent of adolescent struggles.
Conversely, it depicts a teenager with a clear vision for his future and a deep empathy for the feelings of others. Crafted by Makoto Shinkai, this film is also accompanied by a manga and a serialized novel bearing the same title. This captivating 43-minute romance is available for streaming on Netflix.
Toradora
If typical love-at-first-sight stories aren’t your thing, then brace yourself for a refreshing twist where love blossoms with the most unexpected person. The narrative centers around Yuji Takasu, who, despite his daunting and troublemaker appearance, is actually a gentle soul at heart.
He’s thrilled to share his second year of high school with his best pal, Yusaku Kitamura, and his crush, Minori Kushieda. His life takes an interesting turn when he encounters Taiga Isaka, Minori’s friend and Yuji’s neighbor, known throughout the school for her fiery temperament.
As fate would have it, both Yuji and Taiga find themselves pining for their best friends. They strike a pact to assist each other in winning over their respective crushes, Kitamura and Minori. However, as their scheme unfolds, an unexpected bond forms between them, leading to unforeseen emotions.
Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster with this anime, as it masterfully blends humor, romance, and poignant moments. It first aired on October 2, 2008, and wrapped up its 25-episode run on March 26, 2009.
Adapted from Yuyuko Takemiya’s manga of the same title, this captivating shonen is a perfect pick for Valentine’s Day viewing. Dive into the world of “Toradora” on Netflix for a heartwarming experience.
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
For a high school romance fix this Valentine’s Day, “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War” is another excellent choice. It revolves around student council president Miyuki Shirogane and vice-president Kaguya Shinomiya, who are caught in a romantic yet competitive standoff. Despite their mutual attraction, their pride prevents them from confessing their feelings, leading to a series of strategic maneuvers aimed at getting the other to declare their love first. This engaging battle of wits not only entertains but also evokes the excitement of young love.
The series also introduces us to other memorable characters like Chika Fujiwara, whose “Chika Dance” has become a cultural phenomenon among anime fans.
Aka Akasaka is the mastermind behind this manga series, which made its debut on June 14, 2018, and continues to captivate with its high school romance narrative. The anime adaptation first hit screens on January 12, 2019, followed by a much-anticipated second season on April 11, 2020.
In 2021, A-1 Pictures studio excited fans with the announcement of a third season in the works. The series’ success has not only been confined to manga and anime; it has also inspired adaptations into live-action TV dramas and films. For those eager to dive into this engaging high school anime, it’s available for streaming on Netflix.
Fruits Basket
The story centers on Tohru Honda, who, following her parents’ passing, resides in a tent atop a mountain. Unfortunately, her shelter is destroyed in a landslide, leading her to encounter Yuki Sohma, her attractive classmate, who resides with his cousins, Shigure and Kyo.
The Sohmas graciously offer Tohru a place to stay, but she soon uncovers a secretive aspect of their family. Yuki and his relatives bear a curse where twelve members of their lineage transform into animals from the Chinese Zodiac when fatigued, stressed, or embraced by someone of the opposite gender.
\Tohru keeps this curse concealed from the outside world and gradually becomes an integral part of the Sohma family.
As she delves deeper into the curse’s shadows, she develops romantic feelings for Kyo Sohma. Determined to break the curse and liberate her beloved and his companions, Tohru embarks on a quest for a solution.
This shojo and slice-of-life anime is sure to stir up feelings of romance, even if you’re currently unattached. It’s an ideal choice for Valentine’s Day viewing with your special someone. The Fruits Basket series first aired in 2001.
However, the original version didn’t cover the entire story. In contrast, the new anime adaptation, released in 2015, faithfully adapted the entire manga series. The final episode aired on June 29, 2021.
The manga itself was serialized from 1998 to 2006. Additionally, a sequel manga titled Fruits Basket Another was serialized from late 2015 to May 2020. You can catch the anime on Netflix.
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku
What better anime to watch on Valentine’s Day than the tale of love between two fellow otakus? Wotakoi’s storyline follows Narumi, a working woman who keeps her otaku interests a secret.
While at work, she reconnects with an old otaku friend, the charming Hirotaka. Narumi’s past relationships have suffered due to her otaku lifestyle.
Hirotaka proposes that she date someone who shares her interests. Eventually, Hirotaka and Narumi begin dating, encountering their colleagues, Koyanagi and Kabakura, who are also an otaku couple. However, their journey reveals the challenges of relationships for otakus.
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for OtakuThe show highlights the importance of being true to oneself in a relationship, suggesting that concealing one’s true identity can lead to toxicity and strife.
Airing its first episode on April 13, 2018, this anime series comprises one season with 11 episodes, along with three special episodes for additional enjoyment.
“Joshei” is an adaptation of Fujita’s manga series of the same name, offering viewers a captivating experience available on Crunchyroll or Amazon Prime Video.
Your Name
For those seeking a captivating movie experience, “Your Name” is a must-watch. The story follows Mitsuha, a girl from a small town discontent with her life, yearning for the hustle and bustle of city living. One day, she inexplicably switches bodies with Taki, a boy residing in Tokyo and working at a restaurant.
As Mitsuha and Taki continue to swap bodies and experience each other’s lives, they find themselves falling in love. However, their budding romance faces unexpected obstacles, challenging them to defy fate and be together.
The movie offers an immersive journey through captivating storytelling and endearing characters. Anime music enthusiasts will especially appreciate the beautiful songs contributed by the band Radwimps.
Another masterpiece from the talented artist Makoto Shinkai, “Your Name” garnered significant success, grossing approximately $387.9 million US dollars in 2016. For a memorable Valentine’s Day experience, consider watching this enchanting anime with your loved ones on Amazon Prime Video.
Your Lie In April
No list of romantic anime for Valentine’s Day would be complete without mentioning “Your Lie in April.” The story follows Kousei Arima, a former child prodigy pianist who ceased playing after his mother’s passing left him unable to hear his own music. Living a muted existence, he only occasionally spends time with friends.
However, his life takes a colorful turn when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a spirited violinist whose chaotic yet beautiful playing style reignites Arima’s passion for the piano. As their story unfolds, it becomes evident that Kaori may not have long to live, perhaps only until spring.
Despite the impending tragedy, Arima falls deeply in love with her, finding solace in the music he thought he had lost forever. Brace yourself for an emotional journey, as this show’s poignant conclusion may bring tears to your eyes.
The anime beautifully illustrates the transformative power of love, showing how it can dispel darkness from the heart and breathe life into a stagnant career.
Accompanied by glorious music that uplifts both the ears and the soul, this anime first aired on October 9, 2014, spanning over 22 episodes.
Based on Naoshi Arakawa’s manga of the same name, “Your Lie in April” is the perfect choice for Valentine’s Day viewing. You can catch this exquisite anime on Hulu or Netflix.
Honorable Mention: “Classroom of the Elite”
Set in the Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing School, established by the Japanese government to cultivate the future pillars of society, this anime grants students a high degree of freedom to simulate real-life scenarios.
