Published on April 15th, 2023

Romcom or Romantic-Comedy is the genre of media which features the correct blend of comedy and romance. The characters in the romcom genre are sometimes super relatable, and the stories just suck you in. It’s a great way to unwind and escape from real life for a bit.

Check out these top 20 must-watch romcom anime series! We’re focusing solely on shows that nail the “romcom” vibe without getting too caught up in other genres. So let’s jump right in and explore the best of the best!

20. Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki

Number of Episodes	12 episodes + 2 Special Episodes
Number of Seasons	1 Season
Animation Studio	Project no. 9
Sequel Announced?	Yes

“Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki” is a somewhat older, yet seriously underrated romcom anime. It’s got your typical rom-com plot, but the female lead has this unique twist to her personality that makes the whole show pretty captivating. We’re still waiting on a release date for the sequel, so fingers crossed the studio takes their time to keep the animation quality on point.

It follows the story of Fumiya Tomozaki, a high school student considered a “bottom-tier character” in the real world but excelled at the video game “Tackfam.” Tomozaki is an introverted teenager with a negative outlook on life and struggles to make friends. However, his life changes when he meets Aoi Hinami, the most popular girl in his school. She introduces him to “real life levelling,” where she coaches him on improving his social skills and becoming more popular. Will he be able to level up in real life after this?

19. Toradora!

Number of Episodes	25 Episodes + 1 Special Episode
Number of Seasons	1 Season
Animation Studio	J.C.Staff
Sequel Announced?	No (Story Completed)

“Toradora” is a classic 2000s anime that made waves when it first came out. Ask any long-time anime fan about their fave rom-com, and this show’s bound to come up. The lead character, Taiga, was voiced by Kugimiya Rie, who’s known as the queen of tsundere roles. In fact, Taiga was one of her early standout performances.

“Toradora” follows the story of “Ryuuji,” a hardworking high school boy who is mainly discriminated against because of his scary face. On his first days at school, he meets the ferocious tomboy “Taiga,” and they become enemies instantly. Coincidentally, Taiga has a crush on “Kitamura,” Ryuuji’s best friend, and Ryuji has a crush on “Minori,” Taiga’s best friend. So, they become friends with benefits, but things don’t go as planned, and they start to develop feelings for each other.

18. TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You

Number of Episodes	12 Episodes + 1 OVA
Number of Seasons	1 Season
Animation Studio	Seven Arcs
Sequel Announced?	Yes

“TONIKAWA” is hands down one of the most adorable rom-com anime series in today’s otaku scene. Tsukasa, the female lead, is voiced by the talented newcomer Akari Kitou, who’s known for voicing roles from babies to grandmas. The second season of TONIKAWA is airing right now in Spring 2023, and trust me, the couple in this show is cuter than ever.

“TONIKAWA” follows the story of “Nasa,” an extraordinary genius boy who one day comes in front of a truck but is saved by a beautiful girl, Tsukasa. Even though his head is still bleeding, he follows Tsukasa and confesses his love at first sight. He asks her out, but she says they can only date if they are married. So, without making sense of the situation, they both get married and start living together.

17. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

Number of Episodes	13 Episodes + 1 Movie
Number of Seasons	1 Season
Animation Studio	CloverWorks
Sequel Announced?	Yes

“Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai” is probably the quirkiest romcom anime you’ll ever see. It’s got this wild plot about “Adolescence Syndrome,” which only affects teens, and our main characters are right in the thick of it. The romance takes its time, but you’ll be totally hooked.

“Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai” begins with Sakuta (the main protagonist) encountering a girl dressed in a bunny costume in a library. The girl, Mai Sakurajima, is a famous actress who has taken a break from her career and is currently on a hiatus.

However, Sakuta is the only person who can see Mai, as she has become an “Adolescence Syndrome” victim. The syndrome causes people’s experiences and emotions to become physical manifestations, which specific individuals can only see. How will Sakuta counter such strange happenings around him?

16. Saekano: How To Raise A Boring Girlfriend

Number of Episodes	23 Episodes + 1 Special Episodes + 1 Movie
Number of Seasons	2 Seasons + 1 Movie
Animation Studio	A-1 Pictures (2 Seasons) and CloverWorks (Movie)
Sequel Announced?	No (Story Completed)

“Saekano: How To Raise A Boring Girlfriend” is a unique romantic comedy anime that’s all about the growth of romantic relationships among teens. At first, it might not feel like your typical rom-com since the characters are super into building a game. But trust me, you’ll fall for these characters and love watching their romances bloom.

“Saekano: How To Raise A Boring Girlfriend” follows the life of Tomoya Aki, a high school student who dreams of creating his own video game, and his encounters with several girls who inspire him to create the ultimate dating simulation game.

The story revolves around Tomoya’s efforts to create his game with the help of his childhood friend, Megumi Kato, who serves as the basis for the game’s main heroine. Along the way, Tomoya recruits other girls to help him with different aspects of the game, including the tsundere Eriri Spencer Sawamura, a talented artist, and the seductive Utaha Kasumigaoka, who is a skilled writer. Will he be able to create the game of his dreams?

15. Kaichou was Maid-sama!

Number of Episodes	26 Episodes
Number of Seasons	1 Season
Animation Studio	J.C.Staff
Sequel Announced?	No

“Kaichou wa Maid-sama” is a classic rom-com anime with a cool, ordinary protagonist and a unique, strong female lead. The story hooks you in from the get-go, and it even got a live-action drama series in Japan.

“Kaichou was Maid-sama” follows the story of Misaki Ayuzawa, the first female student council president at a formerly all-boys high school. Misaki works part-time at a maid cafe to support her family, but she keeps this a secret from her classmates, especially the boys. However, her secret is discovered by Takumi Usui, a famous and enigmatic boy at the school who becomes interested in her. Will she be able to cope with the situation in the future?

Also Read: Top 6 Horror Manga Series for Beginners to Read

14. Nisekoi: False Love

Number of Episodes	32 Episodes + 5 OVA Episodes
Number of Seasons	2 Seasons and 2 OVA Seasons
Animation Studio	Shaft
Sequel Announced?	No

“Nisekoi: False Love” is an amazing romcom anime, and some folks even call its manga the best romance manga ever. The only bummer is that the anime didn’t get fully adapted and didn’t have any sequels. But the anime adaptation was spot-on compared to its source material.

“Nisekoi: False Love” follows the story of Raku Ichijou, a high school student who is the son of a Yakuza boss. Raku’s life changes when he is forced into a fake relationship with Chitoge Kirisaki, a girl from a rival gang, to prevent a gang war.

Despite their initial animosity towards each other, Raku and Chitoge gradually develop feelings for each other. However, Raku is also in love with Onodera, his childhood friend, who harbours her secret feelings for him. Will Raku be able to find true love?

13. Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me To You

Number of Episodes	37 Episodes + 3 Special Episodes
Number of Seasons	2 Seasons
Animation Studio	Production I.G.
Sequel Announced?	No

“Kimi ni Todoke: From Me To You” is a heartwarming rom-com for all ages. The anime adaptation stayed true to the source, making it one of the best out there!

“Kimi ni Todoke: From Me To You” follows the story of Sawako Kuronuma, a high school student whose classmates misunderstand her due to her resemblance to Sadako from “The Ring” horror movies. Despite her kind nature, Sawako is avoided and feared by her peers until she befriends the popular Shota Kazehaya.

Their friendship gradually develops into a sweet romance, but they must navigate the challenges of high school life and the misunderstandings that arise from their timid personalities. Will these two be able to live in a proper relationship later on in the series?

Also Read: Top 15 Best Isekai Anime That Are Worth Watching

12. Love, Chunibyou & Other Delusions!

Number of Episodes	24 Episodes + 2 Special Episode + 1 Movie
Number of Seasons	2 Seasons + 1 Special Season + 1 Movie
Animation Studio	Kyoto Animation
Sequel Announced?	No

“Love, Chunibyou & Other Delusions!” is probably the cutest romantic comedy on this list. It’s about a slow-burn romance between two high schoolers who both had “Chunibyou” in their pasts. Chunibyou is when people imagine they have superpowers. It might sound cringe-worthy, but it actually won an award at the Kyoto Animation Awards, so it’s definitely worth a watch!

“Love, Chunibyou & Other Delusions!” follows the story of high school student Yuta Togashi, who tries to leave behind his embarrassing past as a “chunibyou”, or a person who believes they have special powers.

Yuta meets Rikka Takanashi, another student still in her chunibyou phase, and they begin to develop a relationship as they navigate the challenges of high school life. Along the way, they meet other eccentric characters who also have delusions. Will these two awkward love birds be able to get into a proper relationship in the future?

11. The Quintessential Quintuplets

Number of Episodes	24 Episodes + 1 Movie
Number of Seasons	2 Seasons + 1 Movie
Animation Studio	Tezuka Productions (Season 1) and Bibury Animation Studios (Season 2 & Movie)
Sequel Announced?	Yes

“The Quintessential Quintuplets” is a top-notch romcom and a standout among harem anime. It’s got this intriguing romance story about one guy and five sisters, sparking a fierce competition among fans for their favourite girl. The comedy is fantastic, blending seamlessly with the overall theme, and the series even gives each girl her own happy ending in a game!

“The Quintessential Quintuplets” follows the story of “Uesugi”, an intelligent but poor boy. One day, he starts a fight with a girl, “Itsuki”, in the cafeteria and gains an enemy. But soon, he receives an offer to be a private tutor, which he has to accept because of his family conditions.

The only problem is that he has to tutor Itsuki, his enemy, and her four other quintuplets. All of them are very bad at studying, and he has to make them graduate. Will he be able to help study these (not so bright in the education department) girls and help them pass?

Also Read: Top 12 Anime Studios of the Modern Anime Industry

10. Golden Time

Number of Episodes	24 Episodes
Number of Seasons	1 Season
Animation Studio	J.C.Staff
Sequel Announced?	No

Kicking off the second half of the romcom anime list is “Golden Time,” a gem of an anime that’s perfect for anyone seeking pure romance. The themes and elements are super relatable and perfect for newcomers, and the romantic issues portrayed are genuine. Plus, the voice actress for Kaga Kouko, the female lead (Horie Yui), sings all the opening and ending songs for the series, which is pretty impressive!

“Golden Time” follows the story of “Banri,” a country boy who has been through amnesia and knows very little about his family and hometown. He travels to Tokyo to study law and meets “Mitsuo,” a teenager like him. He motivates him to move on in life and keep going on.

Banri sometimes goes across “Kuoko,” Mitsuo’s childhood friend, who is head-over-heels for Mitsuo and wants to marry him. But things get complicated as Mitsuo is irritated by her as she always asks for his attention. So, they break up, and Banri starts dating Kouko as he feels she is perfect for him. Will Banri and Kuoko be able to live in a proper relationship from now on?

9. Horimiya

Number of Episodes	13 Episodes
Number of Seasons	1 Season
Animation Studio	CloverWorks
Sequel Announced?	Yes

“Horimiya” took the internet by storm when it aired, and for a good reason. The anime follows a romance between two people with different personalities at home and school. It’s a unique concept that was well-received. Even though Season 1 rushed through the manga (like Promised Neverland), a sequel is in the works to cover some missed parts.

“Horimiya” tells the tale of Miyamura, a high school boy, and Hori, a high school girl, who both have hidden sides. When they discover each other’s true selves, they decide to keep it secret, which brings them closer and sparks a romance. But can they make this unexpected relationship work?

8. My Teen Romantic Life SNAFU

Number of Episodes	38 Episodes
Number of Seasons	3 Seasons
Animation Studio	Studio feel. and Brain’s Base (1 OVA)
Sequel Announced?	Yes

“My Teen Romantic Life SNAFU” is a romcom with a focus on seinen, offering a more mature romance. Choose your best girl carefully, or this series might break your heart – but that’s part of its charm!

“My Teen Romantic Life SNAFU” follows the story of Hachiman Hikigaya, a high school student with a pessimistic view of life and social interactions. After being forced to join the school’s Service Club, along with the beautiful but sharp-tongued Yukino Yukinoshita and the bubbly Yui Yuigahama, Hachiman begins to navigate the complicated world of teenage romance and social dynamics.

Through their club activities, the trio learns valuable lessons about friendship, self-discovery, and the challenges of growing up. But will they be able to face the challenges of the future together?

Also Read: Top 50 Most Popular Anime Characters of All Time (According To Japan)

7. You Lie In April

Number of Episodes	22 Episodes + 1 OVA Episode
Number of Seasons	1 Season
Animation Studio	A-1 Pictures
Sequel Announced?	No (Story Completed)

“Your Lie In April” is an anime series close to my heart, as it will also be for many others. Although it is a pure romcom anime series, the slice-of-life element in this series hits hard. Some of you might not even be prepared for the ending of the series, but it is still worth the risk. As it will be something, you have never experienced before. And after this series, every April will hit you before arriving!

“Your Lie In April” follows the story of “Arima Kousei”, who is a master pianist and has won countless competitions since childhood. But his life has been grim because of how his mother treated him during childhood. So, he avoids playing the piano to avoid bad flashbacks. But one day, Arima witnesses a girl playing the harmonica, and this scene allures him.

This girl was “Miyazono Kaori”, and she was a violinist. Throughout the series, she motivates Arima to keep playing the piano. Will she convince Arima to hold back those bad memories and still play?

6. Kaguya-sama: Love is War

Number of Episodes	37 Episodes + 1 OVA Episode + 1 Movie
Number of Seasons	3 Seasons + 1 Movie
Animation Studio	A-1 Pictures
Sequel Announced?	No

“Kaguya-sama: Love is War!” is the highest-rated romcom on MyAnimeList, which speaks volumes about its quality. It’s a well-executed, simple rom-com. A recent movie adaptation was released on Crunchyroll as a four-episode series instead, and fans are eagerly awaiting news of a sequel.

“Kaguya-sama: Love is War” follows the story of two genius high school students, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya, who secretly love each other. However, they are too proud and stubborn to confess their feelings and instead engage in a battle of wits to make the other confess first.

The two use their intelligence and cunningness to devise elaborate schemes and strategies to outmanoeuvre each other, with their friends and classmates getting caught up in the chaos. As they struggle with their feelings, will their relationship progress?

5. Tsuki Ga Kirei

Number of Episodes	12 Episodes + 1 Special
Number of Seasons	1 Season
Animation Studio	Studio feel.
Sequel Announced?	No (Story Completed)

“Tsuki ga Kirei” is the only original anime series (not adapted from any source material) on this list, and this anime series will hit you differently than any other. Considered by some the “anime series which is a perfect adaptation of how a relationship progresses”, this is a lighthearted and soothing watch to watch. And the ending of the series might even make you cry, because of how satisfying it will be.

“Tsuki ga Kirei” follows the story of Kotarou Azumi and Akane Mizuno, two middle school students who fall in love. As they navigate the ups and downs of adolescence, Kotarou and Akane must deal with the pressures of school, their families, and their insecurities.

Despite their shyness and awkwardness, the two gradually grow closer and form a deep bond. Various obstacles challenge their relationship, but their determination and love for each other help them overcome these difficulties.

Also Read: Top 50 Cutest Anime Girls In The History Of Anime

4. Blue Spring Ride

Number of Episodes	12 Episodes + 2 OVA Episodes
Number of Seasons	1 Season
Animation Studio	Production I.G.
Sequel Announced?	No

“Blue Spring Ride” is a classic of the 2010s, one of the best romance series. It follows a girl who tries to get noticed by the boy she loves, but has to undergo some developments, like dating someone else. But in the end, the series is satisfying. The anime has no chance of receiving a sequel, so after season 1, you should read the manga.

“Blue Spring Ride” follows the story of Futaba Yoshioka, a high school girl who wants to leave behind her image as a cute but shallow girl and make new friends. She is reunited with her middle school crush, Kou Mabuchi, who has become distant and cold.

As Futaba tries to reconnect with Kou and understand the reasons for his changed behaviour, she also begins to develop feelings for him. Will she muster up the courage to confess her love to Kou?

3. My Dress-Up Darling

Number of Episodes	12 Episodes
Number of Seasons	1 Season
Animation Studio	CloverWorks
Sequel Announced?	Yes

“My Dress-Up Darling” is a romcom anime series that needs no introduction because of the cloud it has in the otaku community. The series was so well adapted that the author of the series cried when he saw the first episode of the series. The series got involved in controversy too, but the sequel got announced because of the love that fans showed to this series. This anime is about acceptance and being confident in what you love.

“My Dress-Up Darling” follows the story of a high school student, Wakana Gojo, who is passionate about dressing up dolls. When she meets the aloof and blunt cosplaying classmate Marin Kitagawa, Wakana discovers a kindred spirit who shares her love for creating intricate costumes and doll accessories.

The two form an unlikely friendship and embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning about each other’s struggles and passions. How long will these two be together on this journey?

2. Fruits Basket (Remake)

Number of Episodes	63 Episodes + 1 Movie
Number of Seasons	3 Seasons + 1 Movie
Animation Studio	TMS Entertainment
Sequel Announced?	No (Story Completed)

Making “Fruits Basket” anime remake was probably the best decision in the history of anime and otaku culture. It would have no fandom if there were no remakes done. The series even stayed at #1 on MAL for a considerable time. The series might be a rom-com, but the slice-of-life part of it is second to none, which makes me cry just by writing about it. Just do yourself a favour and watch this series.

“Fruits Basket” follows the story of Tohru Honda, a kind-hearted high school girl forced to live in a tent after her mother’s death. She is taken in by her classmate Yuki Sohma and his cousins Shigure and Kyo, who are part of a mysterious family cursed to turn into Chinese zodiac animals when embraced by someone of the opposite gender. Will Tohru be able to keep this secret to herself in the future?

1. Clannad

Number of Episodes	47 Episodes + 2 OVA Episodes
Number of Seasons	2 Seasons
Animation Studio	Kyoto Animation
Sequel Announced?	No (Story Completed)

“Clannad” is a visual novel classic of the 2000s and, in my case, the best romcom anime series ever. The series teaches you the complications you face growing up, it will teach you how to love your family, and it will teach you how to love your partner. The comedy in this series is too good, and the romance is top-notch. The slice-of-life and drama elements blend perfectly with the series, making it the best rom-com series on this list.

“Clannad” follows the story of Tomoya Okazaki, a high school delinquent struggling to find meaning and purpose. After meeting the kind-hearted and optimistic Nagisa Furukawa, Tomoya becomes drawn into the lives of her and her friends and begins to confront his demons. As he becomes more involved with Nagisa and her family, he learns about the power of love, friendship, and family bonds and finds hope for his future.

There you have it, our top 20 romcom anime series! What do you think? Did we miss any of your favourite romcom anime? Drop a comment below and let us know! We at Anime Senpai are always excited to hear about the anime series you love!