Romance anime is typically a straightforward genre – two characters fall in love throughout the couse of a show. However, some anime exceeded expectations – both for the genre and in fans' eyes. These anime might not have inspired confidence in viewers when they were first introduced, but have since proven them wrong with their wonderful characters and cool premises.
What makes these shows so great is that they each have an unexpected trait that fans love. The stories and characters come together in these shows to take viewers on a wonderful ride through the world of romance. Whether it's unexpected joy from a hilarious show or a surprising amount of poignancy from a show about animals, these anime astonished fans with their unpredictable charm.
10 Yona Of The Dawn Is Not A Typical Reverse-Harem
When most fans begin watching Yona of the Dawn, they usually expect a typical reverse-harem full of guys longing for one girl. However, this show provides so much more. Not only is the romance believable, but it is also earned as the group of characters travels throughout the kingdom.
Two of the most surprising elements of the show are the amount of character development and action. Yona herself begins the show – as many reverse-harem protagonists do – as a helpless princess. Yet, Yona slowly learns to be her own protector as the story progresses. Furthermore, the historical setting lends itself to a plethora of action. It is a beautiful show that should be watched by everyone.
9 Ouran High School Host Club Is A Hilarious Satire
Ouran High School Host Club looks like a typical shojo offering on the surface, but it is actually a brilliantly hilarious satire. Many of the tropes found within the core group poke fun at the usual characters found in more traditional romance shows.
Ouran High School Host Club is full of fourth-wall breaks, cheeky commentary, and romance. Plus, the engaging characters are fun and surprisingly endearing. Any shojo anime fan is sure to find this show both humorous and heartwarming.
8 School Rumble Tickles The Funny Bone
School Rumble is a hilarious romantic comedy with one of the most complicated love polygons. While the story originally begins with a simple love triangle, the more characters that are introduced, the larger the shape becomes.
Upon first glance, many viewers might pass this by due to its age and its typical shojo aesthetic. The characters' antics may be ridiculously over-the-top, but that is exactly what makes it so good. Any anime fan worth their salt should give School Rumble a try.
7 Brothers Conflict Has A Surprising Amount Of Character Growth
Many fans are turned off by Brothers Conflict. Despite its controversial premise, Brothers Conflict has a lot of heart. Ema Hinata starts living with a family of thirteen brothers after her father marries their mother. Although they are now technically family, the brothers cannot help but harbor feelings for their newest housemate.
As each of the brothers comes to terms with their emotions, they realize their faults, and work on them – all while trying to impress Ema. The efforts that the boys go to improve themselves and mend relationships shows great character growth. Any fan who watches Brothers Conflict will find themselves enjoying an unexpectedly heartfelt show.
6 Kaguya-sama: Love Is War Makes Pining Into A Contest
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War may seem like an everyday romance on the outside, but the inside holds much more. Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya are both infatuated with each other, but neither will confess. They spend almost the entirety of the show attempting to get the other to confess first. Despite their efforts, they each have varying degrees of success.
Kaguya-Sama has a lovable cast and the two main characters go to ridiculous lengths to get the other to admit their feelings. This is an uproarious show that will have audiences on the edge of their seats – wondering when Shirogane and Shinomiya will finally tell each other what everyone else already knows.
5 Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai Has More Heart Than Fanservice
When looking at the promotional images, any fan would be forgiven for thinking Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai was a show that appeals to a more mature audience. Even the name suggests more salacious undertones. However, this show is a tragic and heartwarming tale of teenagers struggling to belong.
Another surprising aspect of this show is an underlying supernatural element, as all the teens suffer from a mysterious affliction. Mai Sakurajima and the other girls are a reminder to audience members that being a teenager can be extremely stressful, no matter where they are in life. Fans who watch this show will be surprised by the heart and earnest actions of the cast as they discover who they are.
4 Snow White With The Red Hair Has A Compelling Cast
Snow White with the Red Hair seems like a typical romance anime at the onset. It features a young woman who falls in love with a neighboring prince, and the two have many adventures. However, any fan who watches this show will see how much more the story and characters have to offer.
The show features an independent young woman named Shirayuki, who works to become the Court Herbalist. Meanwhile, Prince Zen is unexpectedly fun and lovable, as opposed to the smoldering princes of other romance anime. The rest of the cast is equally varied, and the dialogue is both believably real and hilarious. Any anime fan would be happy to watch this unexpectedly delightful show.
3 Gamers! Makes Audiences Laugh Out Loud
Gamers! is a painfully underrated show about a group of gamers who come together and form an unlikely friendship. Although their group is plagued with misunderstandings, they always manage to find a way to figure things out in the end. This is another anime that seems like an otaku show on the surface but is a sidesplitting story about the struggles of love and friendships.
One of the best things about this show is the acting. The voice actors do such a great job with the over-the-top emotions in the story that audiences cannot help but laugh until they cry. Gamers! is an unsung gem that any anime fan would be remiss to pass by.
2 Recovery Of An MMO Junkie Has The Most Wholesome Adult Romance
Recovery Of An MMO Junkie is the perfect josei anime for any older anime fan who is tired of the daily grind. Moriko Morioka quits her office job to live off of her savings to play online games all day. Although this seems like a charmed life, Moriko discovers that there is much more to life than work and complete isolation.
This show has one of the sweetest romances in anime. Fans will fawn as Moriko and Yuuta Sakurai start to fall for each other both on and offline. Whatever audiences might have expected when turning this show on, Recovery of an MMO Junkie brings a beautiful story of a character finding themselves with the support of kind and understanding friends.
1 Beastars Shows Unexpected Humanity Through Animals
Many fans might be turned off by the anthropomorphic animal cast in Beastars, but they would be missing out on a truly great show if they chose not to watch it. The animal cast makes it easier for the story to explore themes of humanity versus basic instincts that other shows would not have the capacity to portray. While it does have many mature themes, this show is a truly great watch for older anime fans.
Beastars tells the story of a young wolf named Legoshi who is struggling with his feelings for a Dwarf rabbit named Haru. Many fans watching this show for the first time were not expecting to find a poignant and intense romance, nor the underlying, painful tension between different animal factions. This show is an ardent story of the divides in society, and how a few teens find a way to bridge the gaps.