10 Shojo Anime That Deserve a Modern Reboot

Shojo has some of the most iconic anime series spanning back decades. Many of which remain iconic and loveable by today’s standards. Whether that’s due to their renowned plotlines or simply because they have a devoted following, shojo series are beloved by many.

Despite the nostalgia, some anime did not reach their full potential. Many limitations could be solved with a modern reboot, whether that’s outdated animation, premature endings, or characters that miss the mark. Fruits Basket is a shojo series that saw massive success with its reboot that faithfully adapted the manga, something that many other series could benefit from.

10
The Rose of Versailles is a Shojo Classic Ahead of its Time

Based on manga written and illustrated by Riyoko Ikeda

In the years before the French Revolution, Lady Oscar stood as commander of Versailles Palace’s guards. She may have been raised as a man, but her nobility and beauty attracted all. Although Versailles is surrounded by luxury, she cannot turn a blind eye to the French people’s suffering as she balances her heart’s desires with her duty to the country.

Appealing to history buffs and romance fans alike, The Rose of Versailles is full of dynamic characters, political intrigue, and emotionally charged interaction. Modern studios could remove many of its still frames and lingering shots while adding more drama to society’s rising socio-economic disparity. It is an underrated classic, and despite its art style being prominent at the time, fans would love to see how it can be upgraded with modern animation.

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9
Skip Beat! is a Manga That Deserves a Full & Accurate Adaptation

Based on manga written and illustrated by Yoshiki Nakamura

Kyouko has devoted her life to supporting her love and childhood friend Shou, as he follows his dream of becoming an idol. Unfortunately, she overhears that her loving sentiment is not reciprocated. However, far from being deterred, this inspires Kyouoko to better herself. Driven by heartbreak and anger, she changes her appearance and decides that she too will rise to stardom for revenge.

Skip Beat! may be a romance, but it also contains so much more, as it follows a strong female with a diversity in plot, setting, and story. This point could make a reboot massively popular amongst young women. The animated Skip Beat series also cuts off quite soon in comparison to the manga, which is still ongoing. There is plenty more plot to get through which long-standing fans would love to see fleshed out.

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8
Neighborhood Story is a Shojo Love Letter to Fashion

Based on manga written and illustrated by Ai Yazawa

Mikako dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Supporting her from right next door is her childhood friend, Tsutomu Yamaguchi. Although no feelings have developed between them over the years, his gaining popularity starts to shift her perspective in this adorable story about friendship, goals, and love that any fan of shojo anime and manga will definitely want to watch.

Although it may be an enjoyable experience regardless, this series does have filler that doesn’t contribute to the plot. A remake could cut this down or add more meaning to slower episodes. Similar to Yazawa’s other series, like Nana and Paradise Kiss, fashion is prominent in Neighborhood Story’s design. Although the animation is cute and renowned for this 90s icon, it would be wonderful to see how new styles could reinvigorate the unique characters and their equally unique fashion choices.

7
We Were There is a Beloved Manga With a Less Than Stellar Anime

Based on manga written and illustrated by Yuki Obata

We Were There follows a young woman named Nanami Takahashi and the beginning of her high school life with an upbeat attitude. Talks about Motoharu Yano, a popular classmate, spread between the girl groups at school. After a misunderstanding between the two and an embarrassing incident in class because of it, Nanami’s outlook on Yano starts off rocky, but her perspective shifts as they get to know each other.

This is another shojo that trails off, ending a little under halfway through the manga. Fans of We Were There are also left with a bitter taste in their mouths due to many directional choices, such as the show’s odd pacing, overtly simplistic animation, and repetitive music. With a few stylistic modifications and changing the main characters to be more solid and dynamic, this is a realistic romantic drama that could be salvaged.

6
Gakuen Alice Has a Much Darker Manga With Untapped Potential

Based on manga written and illustrated by Tachibana Higuchi

Best friends Sakura Mikan and Imai Hotaru are due to be separated as Hotaru transfers to Alice Academy, a Tokyo-based school for gifted children. Worrying rumors about the academy push Mikan to run away and attend herself in order to protect her companion. To her surprise, the setting is full of wonder as viewers join her fun and moving adventure.

Despite its young cast ensemble and seemingly childish appeal, Gakuen Alice has a charming and fascinating premise with more depth and cleverness than one would first expect. There are darker plot points that the manga details, which could add greatly to an improved animated series. Very obviously, a reboot would do wonders for the animation. Despite its fun nature and mostly vibrant coloring, modern studios could correct the drawing’s inconsistencies and refresh the characters’ designs. Overall, the story is unique, funny, and emotional, and anime watchers would love to see the show get a well-deserved makeover.

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5
His and Her Circumstances Would Still Be Funny & Relatable to Modern Fans

Based on manga written and illustrated by Masami Tsuda

Miyazawa Yukino’s perfect demeanor is all a facade, created to feed her desire for admiration. When newcomer Arima Soichiro knocks her from the exam ranking’s top spot, Yukino is surprised by more than just an academic rival. Arima truly embodies all the kindness and beauty she endeavored to personify herself, and when he discovers her secret, their unlikely friendship begins to develop into something more.

His and Her Circumstances is a cheery, cute, and grounded original shojo romance story. The characters develop individually and together, exemplifying an evolving young couple. Despite these pros, there are a few changes to be made. The older anime has a good soundtrack that enhances the series, but it could be paired with an energized animation style that better suits it. Although it set an example for the rom-com genre as a whole, the humor and nuances could be refreshing for a modern audience and take it to the next level.

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4
Kodocha is in Dire Need of Some Streamlining

Based on manga written and illustrated by Miho Obana

Kodocha follows protagonist Sana Kurata, a happy and popular elementary student who lives a high life as the star of the hit TV show “Child’s Toy”. However, not all is well, as classmate Akito Hayama plagues the school with chaos. The two personalities clash, but slowly they get to know each other and bond alongside their peers in this comedic slice-of-life story.

A revamp to the series would let anime fans relive their nostalgia for this funny, bubbly classic. The plot could be streamlined, condensing arcs that were unnecessarily dragged out. Similar to other series from previous decades, despite its pretty art being signature of the 90s, upgrading it while keeping its original vibrancy would be a good move.

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3
Yona of the Dawn Could Look Phenomenal With Modern Technology

Based on manga written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi

Yona was raised as a spoiled princess, doted on by her loving father, and protected by childhood friend Hak. Her life takes a dark turn after the king is murdered on her 16th birthday by her beloved cousin Soo-won as a claim to the throne. Fleeing the only home she has known, Yona and Hak journey to create a new life, find the mystical four Dragon warriors, and reclaim her country.

Despite its clichés, Yona of the Dawn is beloved by many. Its conflict and fantasy elements would be more captivating with modern animation, and its unique character design would get the love it deserves. The anime unfortunately ends prematurely, wrapping up around chapter 47 in the manga, despite its continuous release. Secondary characters wouldn’t be sidelined with a new, extended version and audience members could see a strong female protagonist and her love story further develop. Since it ended in 2015, a reboot could rejuvenate the series with plenty more battles, angst, and romantic encounters.

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2
Ouran High School Host Club is a Classic In Need of Some Modernization

Based on manga written and illustrated by Bisco Hatori

Fujioka Haruhi is a ‘commoner’ among aristocrats, as she receives a scholarship to attend the prestigious Ouran Academy. The host club, a group of beautiful, wealthy boys, is the perfect wrench thrown into her plans. She would rather live a subdued and studious high school life, but after an expensive accident with the group, she has no choice but to work as a male host herself, getting caught up in funny, outrageous, and at times poignant encounters.

All shojo fans agree that Ouran is a front-runner in the demographic. It’s exemplary in archetypes, satire, and self-awareness for the genre, making it a hit with modern audiences despite the number of rewatches. Although the humor and art might not pass today’s standards, small changes could make it acceptable while maintaining its over-the-top humor and ritziness. The anime’s conclusion diverges from the manga’s canon plot and cuts off early, so it would be wonderful to see the shenanigans and complicated love developments the host club finds themselves in.

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1
Kamisama Kiss Nees its Rushed Conclusion Fixed

Based on manga written and illustrated by Julietta Suzuki

Nanami Momozono has gotten the short stick in life, as her gambling father abandons her and loses her home. By a lucky stroke of fate, she finds refuge in a local shrine and unwittingly takes over the previous keeper’s job as a local deity. She is thrown into the world of yokai and must fight for a place in the world next to her fox-spirit guardian Tomoe in a story of fate, magic, and love.

Kamisama Kiss is a yokai romance idol for anime fans. Its plot is easy to follow and filled with fun, laughter, and tender love between Nanami and Tomoe. The series’ art is bubbly and light, and although it is over a decade old, the style does not detract from the viewing experience; however, modern animation would give its magical touch new life. The series conclusion was rushed with a few lackluster OVAs, which came as a huge upset to shojo fans. There is plenty more content that the manga details which is perfect for a modern reboot that this shojo icon undoubtedly needs.

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