There are many incredible shojo romance anime out there, including older classic series and newer titles that are steadily growing in popularity. Each of these intriguing series approaches the topic of romance in their own special way, creating fascinating and complex stories for fans to enjoy. Considering the sheer number of unique series, it is no wonder why romance is one of the most beloved genres in anime.
Shojo romance anime is often directed towards younger women, but fans of any gender or age can certainly find enjoyment within these amazing series. Many of these romances fit into popular categories such as fantasy, high school slice-of-life, historical and adventure, among countless others.
These stories are all so different from one another, but tied together with the common theme – love. All the choices in this list are widely appreciated by fans worldwide. Both newcomers to shojo romance and the most devoted enthusiasts can find series to enjoy within this list of standout titles.
10 Snow White With the Red Hair
Produced by Warner Bros., based on the original manga by Sorata Akizuki
Release Year: | 2015 |
Number of Episodes: | 24 + 1 OVA |
Where to Stream: | Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu |
Snow White With The Red Hair is a fantasy romance that centers around an herbalist named Shirayuki who possesses vibrant red hair. As the title suggests, Shirayuki’s red hair is her trademark characteristic, and it catches the eyes of both Prince Raj and Prince Zen, with Zen becoming her love interest.
This older series remains well-loved by fans for its mythical setting, gorgeous music, integration of magical elements, and incredible romance. This series is a standout in the fantasy category, and offers a fabulously magical romance between Shirayuki and Zen that lovers of shojo romance will find themselves enthralled by.
Watch on Crunchyroll
9 Lovely Complex
Produced by Toei Animation, based on the original manga by Aya Nakahara
Release Year: | 2007 |
Number of Episodes: | 24 |
Where to Stream: | Crunchyroll |
Lovely Complex, commonly abbreviated as Love Com by fans of the series, follows the endearing protagonists Risa Koizumi and Atsushi Ōtani. They have opposite problems when it comes to attracting a romantic partner: Risa is abnormally tall, while Atsushi is abnormally short.
This twist offers a funny plot that differs from the usual romance anime out there. Lovely Complex certainly leans heavily on the humorous side, but it has its dramatic moments as well. This anime is packed with surprising moments, laughter, and young love. Because of theis, it has become a true favorite among fans of shojo romance.
Watch on Crunchyroll
8 Ao Haru Ride
Produced by Production I.G., based on the original manga by Io Sakisaka
Release Year: | 2014 |
Number of Episodes: | 12 + 2 OVAs |
Where to Stream: | Crunchyroll |
Ao Haru Ride, also known as Blue Spring Ride, is a drama anime set in a high school environment. This series is one of the more emotional choices on the list, but it is also full of beauty, friendship, and romance between two high school lovers, Futaba and Kou, who find themselves reunited again after not seeing each other since their youth.
Ao Haru Ride is widely adored by fans for how thoughtfully it handles grim topics like death and its portrayal of the coming-of-age experience. It has certainly established itself as a true shojo romance anime classic.
Watch on Crunchyroll
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7 Yona of the Dawn
Produced by Pierrot, based on the original manga by Mizuho Kusanagi
Release Year: | 2009 |
Number of Episodes: | 24 + 3 OVAS |
Where to Stream: | Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation |
Yona of the Dawn is beloved by fans of both the medieval fantasy and romance anime genres, as it mixes these two themes wonderfully to create a standout series that fans adore. The characters are fascinatingly complex, the vibrant animation is truly bright and beautiful, and the steady growth of relationships between characters is interesting to watch develop.
Another unique aspect is that this anime is a reverse harem, providing protagonist Yona with a number of fascinating male suitors she must choose from as the series progresses. Yona of the Dawn is action-packed, romantic, and definitely one of shojo anime’s best.
Watch on Crunchyroll
6 My Love Story With Yamada-kun at Lv999
Produced by Madhouse, based on the original manga by Mashiro
Release Year: | 2023 |
Number of Episodes: | 13 |
Where to Stream: | Crunchyroll |
My Love Story With Yamada-kun at Lv999 is a romantic comedy anime that offers a fresh twist on the genre. The series uses an interesting element, an MMORPG game, as a significant plot device. Eventual lovers, Akane Kinoshita and Akito Yamada, meet thanks to a game called Forest of Savior. This new romantic comedy anime has grown incredibly popular due to its lovely couple, Akane and Akito, eye-catching animation style, excellent use of humor, and unique appeal to gamers. The truly distinctive premise done well makes My Love Story With Yamada-kun at Lv999 one of the best of the shojo romances.
Watch on Crunchyroll
5 Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You
Produced by Production I.G., based on the original manga by Karuho Shiina
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Release Year: | 2009 |
Number of Episodes: | 38 |
Where to Stream: | Crunchyroll |
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You is a heartwarming story about breaking stereotypes and building relationships that is a shojo classic. Sawako Kuronuma is bullied because she looks similar to Sadako Yamamura from the horror film, The Ring. She feels miserable and alone until her popular, kind classmate, Shōta Kazehaya, embraces her fully and reveals his unconditional love.
The moving series teaches important lessons about kindness, being nonjudgmental, and learning to open up to love. Kimi ni Todoke blends discouraging moments with beautiful displays of acceptance and love, to create a remarkable story that deserves a place among shojo romance’s best.
Watch on Crunchyroll
4 Maid-Sama!
Produced by J.C. Staff, based on the original manga by Hiro Fujiwara
Release Year: | 2010 |
Number of Episodes: | 26 + 1 OVA |
Where to Stream: | Hulu |
Maid-Sama! is a romantic comedy anime that is quite popular and easily one of the most interesting in shojo romance. The anime follows an accomplished go-getter named Misaki Ayuzawa, who is hiding a surprising secret. To help her family, she works at a maid café. This confidential matter is discovered by popular boy, Takumi Usui, who keeps her secret, which causes them to grow closer, and eventually it causes them to develop an unlikely romance. Maid-Sama! is a fan-favorite due to its fun, lighthearted nature and adorable love story, as well as its portrayal of serious moments, like navigating the challenges Usui’s noble upbringing causes to the relationship.
Watch on Hulu
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3 Kamisama Kiss
Produced by TMS Entertainment, based on the original manga by Julietta Suzuki
Release Year: | 2012 |
Number of Episodes: | 25 + 4 OVAS |
Where to Stream: | Funimation, Hulu |
Kamisama Kiss is a beautiful and beloved romantic comedy anime that involves elements like gods and supernatural creatures called yokai. The story follows a homeless human girl, Nanami Momozono, who saves the previous Land God, Mikage, from a tree, unaware that he had this power. Mikage repays her act of kindness by gifting her both his house and his past status as Land God. Once she takes over his position, Nanami grows to love fox a yokai named Tomoe. Kamisama Kiss has earned its rightful place as one of the best shojo romances due to its memorable characters, incredible world-building, and hilarious, laugh-out-loud-comedic moments.
Watch on Hulu
2 Ouran High School Host Club
Produced by Bones, based on the original manga by Bisco Hatori
Release Year: | 2006 |
Number of Episodes: | 26 |
Where to Stream: | Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu |
Few anime in the shojo demographic have gained the popularity Ouran High School Host Club has. The hilarious reverse harem series follows Haruhi Fujioka, who must pretend to be a male and work at her high school’s host club to pay off a debt.
The series is widely appreciated for its goofy comedy, the outrageous situations Haruhi finds herself in while trying to hide her gender, and the complex relationships between her and the boys of the host club. The plot is never dull, with countless twists and turns, and the series is a perfect example of the best in shojo romance.
Watch on Crunchyroll
1 Fruits Basket (2019)
Produced by TMS Entertainment, based on the original manga by Natsuki Takaya
Release Year: | 2019 |
Number of Episodes: | 63 + 1 movie |
Where to Stream: | Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu |
Fruits Basket deserves its status as one of the most popular shojo romance anime. Protagonist Tohru Honda is discovered to be an orphan by the Sohma clan, who welcome her into their home. However, Tohru discovers something shocking.
Members of the Sohma clan transform into Chinese Zodiac animals when touched by the opposite gender. Another intriguing plot point is the dramatic love triangle Tohru finds herself in with rivals Kyo and Yuki. Fruits Basket’s creative plot using Chinese Zodiac animals and immensely lovable characters make it not just one of the best shojo romance, but one of the best shojo series of all time.
Watch on Crunchyroll
