There are many subgenres under the larger head of romance anime. Yet the most intense are dramatic romance anime. These shows pull at fans' heartstrings and expertly handle romantic tension throughout their stories. The drama in these shows raises the stakes for the couples, making the romances that much more exciting, and in some cases, heartbreaking.
The amount of drama added in romance anime varies greatly, but that does not make the ones with less tension any less wonderful. Whether the shows have twists at every turn, or they are more restrained, fans can be sure that these shows will bring out the drama.
10 Tsuki ga Kirei Shows The Power Of Young Love
Tsuki ga Kirei is the story of two middle school students who fall in love for the first time. Kotarou Azumi is an aspiring writer, and Akane Mizuno is an up-and-coming track star. The two first meet at school, and the romance blossoms from there.
However, drama ensues when Akane has to move away. Kotarou vows to study hard, so he can get into the same high school as her. Yet, try as he might, Kotarou's grades do not live up to the prestigious school's standards. Akane and Kotarou then struggle with how their relationship will be affected when they are so far apart.
9 Horimiya Depicts Romantic Insecurity
Horimiya follows two teens who find solace in each other after discovering each other's secrets. The two trust one another enough to like them for who they are, regardless. With Izumi Miyamura's tattoos and piercings, and Kyouko Hori's mothering side, the two form an unlikely, but passionate pair.
This anime focuses heavily on the insecurities that plague teenage relationships. Each party worries that the other will think poorly of them, even if it is untrue. However, with communication, Hori and Miyamura resolve their worries to become even stronger in their relationship. These teens are excellent examples of what it means to put trust in a significant other.
8 Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai Focuses On Adolescent Desires
Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai centers around Sakuta Asusagawa as he encounters other teens afflicted with varying types of Adolescence Syndrome. For Mai Sakurajima, her greatest wish is to be out of the public eye. Therefore, her Adolescence Syndrome manifests as invisibility to all except Sakuta. Living in fear that she will fade from existence, Mai enlists Sakuta to help her heal from her Syndrome.
Mai and Sakuta's romance is especially poignant, as the strength of his love is what separates Mai from living or being completely erased. With the plights of the other girls coming into play as well, this show is not afraid to hit audiences in the heart with these tragic heroes.
7 Stranger By The Shore Displays The Fear Of Rejection
Shun Hashimoto and Mio Chibana only meet briefly before Mio has to move away from Okinawa in Stranger by the Shore. Years later, when Mio returns to the island, Shun is caught off guard by the feelings he still harbors for Mio. However, even after Mio confesses his feelings to Shun, Shun is afraid to start a relationship with him for fear that Mio would face the same persecution he did when he first came out.
Stranger by the Shore is a beautifully animated movie about a couple fighting the odds and repressed emotions to be together. Shun's tumultuous past makes it hard for Mio to enter his life, but when they finally accept each other's love, the passion and heart they share bring audiences to tears. Although this was a movie, fans hope to see more of Mio and Shun in the future.
6 Fruits Basket Shows The Power Of Acceptance
When Tohru Honda takes up residence in the Sohma household, she's unaware of the dramatic ride she is in for. The Sohmas are a cursed family, where thirteen of its members transform into animals when they are hugged by the opposite sex. Fortunately for them, Tohru is an extremely kind and respectful person, who vows to never reveal their secret.
As the show goes on, however, the members of the Sohma family begin to wonder if Tohru might be the key to finally escaping their curse. Fruits Basket is a wonderful example of the power support and acceptance can have in a person's life. Tohru's constant thoughtfulness and willingness to see things from another's perspective cement her as one of the kindest and most poignant characters in anime.
5 Beastars Highlights Intense Emotions
Although many fans were hesitant about Beastars when it debuted, many found it to be an unexpectedly touching romance between the grey wolf, Legoshi, and the dwarf rabbit, Haru. Despite their many differences, Legoshi and Haru cannot help the feelings they have for each other. As the series continues, they both discover more about themselves and what it means to be in love.
Apart from the central romance, this show is packed with action and disturbing imagery that will have fans questioning what it means to be sentient. This show will make audiences question their feelings on many topics – all while rooting for Haru and Legoshi to finally get together.
4 Your Name Shocks Audiences With Tragedy
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Your Name follows two teens named Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyumizu who discover that they can randomly switch bodies. Although it is chaotic at first, the two end up helping each other with their various struggles, all while slowly falling in love. However, with a comet looming over Japan, Taki and Mitsuha begin to wonder about the meaning of life.
Your Name is an excellent date night movie because of the drama and romance-filled premise. The animation is unbelievably gorgeous, and the story will have audiences reaching for the tissues. This is one movie fans should not pass up if they love romance and drama.
3 A Silent Voice Displays The Need For Atonement And Forgiveness
A Silent Voice is another romantic anime movie that does not shy away from uncomfortable subjects and drama. Shoya Ishida is a troublesome kid whose disdain for the new, deaf girl Shoko Nishimiya is unjustified. Shoya makes it his goal to terrorize Shoko until she eventually transfers to another school. Years later, Shoya hopes to reconcile with Shoko after he realizes the errors of his ways.
This is a tragic movie that is full of suspense. Shoya's heartfelt supplications to a world-weary Shoko, and the friendship they develop, is a deep look at the power of moving forward. Fans will want to ensure they have tissues nearby when they watch this movie.
2 Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day Highlights The Effects Of Grief
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is a moving show about the effects of grief. Jinta "Jintan" Yadomi is an apathetic teen who recently began seeing the aged-up ghost of his deceased friend, Meiko "Menma" Honma. Although their friend group broke up after her death, Menma convinces Jintan to gather them again to help her figure out her final wish. Jintan reluctantly agrees as they set out to reform the Super Peace Busters.
This show is so heart-wrenching due to its eerily accurate portrayal of grief. Each character audiences meet handles their feelings differently – showcasing the spectrum of healing that people feel in reality. The emphasis on friendship and the romance-that-could-have-been make this one of the best and most tragic romance anime.
1 Clannad Has No Room For A Happy Ending
Clannad is an infamously tragic anime. The story follows delinquent Tomoya Okazaki as he meets and befriends Nagisa Furukawa. Despite their differences, the two bond over their shared loneliness and grow closer over time. Their eventual romance is one of the most heartwarming and heartbreaking in anime.
Clannad is a wonderful look into humanity, as Tomoya discovers how to enjoy his life again. Plus, Tomoya and Nagisa's romance is incredibly endearing. Watching the two of them fall in love and share experiences makes fans reflect on their own lives, and the importance of little moments.