Friendships in shojo anime are often more meaningful than romantic connections. While romance is fulfilling in its own way, platonic anime relationships are reliable and pure. When life is hard to manage alone, best friends make all the difference. There's no one more trustworthy than a bestie, especially when it comes to fighting off potential threats.
Anime friends support each other in many ways, from fashioning Lolita outfits for battles to fending off classroom bullies. With a bond closer than siblings, friends experience the ups and downs of life together. Platonic relationships in shojo anime outshine romance because friends are always there, no matter the circumstances.
10 Nana Prioritizes Friendship Over Romance
Nana
In Nana, Nana Komatsu cherishes all of her relationships, but she prioritizes friends more than anything. When she meets Nana Osaki on the train to Tokyo, she falls in love with her style and cool demeanor. Despite their opposite personalities, the two form an instant connection and become the best roommates.
Although romance is the reason Nana moves to Tokyo, she stays for friendship. Nana supports her roommate's musical career like it's her job and checks on her well-being on date nights. Nana's love for the musician outshines her relationship with Shoji by far.
9 Haru Looks Out For Yuki
Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket shows that when Haru and Yuki were young, Haru hated Yuki for being the rat spirit because the rat infamously tricked the ox. However, Yuki reassures him that he's different, and the two become friends from that point on. Although he has no control over Akito's behavior, Haru still protects Yuki as best he can. He's the only Zodiac member who checks in on Yuki during his isolation, and he shows concern even when Yuki catches a minor cold.
Haru is the best friend anyone could ask for, and Yuki really appreciates him. Yuki finds the courage to visit Haru at the Sohma estate, proving that he equally values their friendship. The bond between the Zodiac spirits is more comforting to watch than any other.
8 Tomoyo Supports Sakura In Every Way
Cardcaptor Sakura
It's hard to find a friend as loyal and devoted as Tomoyo from Cardcaptor Sakura. Tomoyo is Sakura's fashion stylist, manager, and classmate all in one, proving that she supports her in every possible way. Sakura is able to accomplish great things as the Cardcaptor, and it's all thanks to the encouragement from her best friend.
Although Sakura's relationship with Syaoran is adorable, her friendship with Tomoyo is simply unparalleled. The trust between the two friends runs deeper than any other connection in the anime. Tomoyo sets the best friend standard high by always being there for Sakura, and their friendship outshines romance every time.
7 Ayane & Chizuru Love Sawako No Matter What
Kimi Ni Todoke
In Kimi Ni Todoke, Sawako is often misunderstood by her classmates because she has trouble communicating her feelings. At first, Ayane and Chizuru think Sawako is frightening like everyone else. But once they really get to know her, she starts showing them kindness in return. Ayane and Chizuru become protective of Sawako, especially when Sawako is bullied for confronting those who spread rumors about her new friends.
With a little helpful communication, the friendship between the three high schoolers strengthens so much that no one can break them apart. Sawako leaves her comfort zone and expresses her feelings for them, and Ayane and Chizuru reciprocate the love entirely.
6 Momiji & Tohru Comfort Each Other
Fruits Basket
Momiji and Tohru's friendship is seamless because their personalities mesh so well. Momiji is bubbly and energetic, while Tohru is caring and optimistic. However, their ability to comfort each other makes Tohru and Momiji truly compatible.
When Momiji tells Tohru that his mother doesn't recognize him, she's quick to comfort him with a hug. In turn, Momiji tries to protect Tohru from sadness as much as he can. With Tohru's healing touch and Momiji's kind nature, their friendship will never grow sour. Although the romances of Fruits Basket are equally satisfying, the friendship between Momiji and Tohru feels special.
5 Futaba & Yuri Don't Let Crushes Come Between Them
Blue Spring Ride
When Yuri reveals her feelings for Kou in Blue Spring Ride, it seems like her friendship with Futaba is doomed. The whole series builds up the relationship between Kou and Futaba, so Yuri's love for him complicates everything. The best thing about their friendship is how they cherish each other, but at the same time, they still stay true to themselves.
Rather than sacrificing her feelings for Kou, Yuri stands her ground and confesses to him. She wants to be Futaba's best friend while honoring her own emotions. Although the love triangle is not easy to watch, the two girls come together and overcome the situation. Their heart-to-heart after everything feels more satisfying than all the romance in the anime.
4 Ami & Usagi Truly Care About Each Other
Sailor Moon Crystal
The Sailor Guardians in Sailor Moon Crystal all care about each other, but Ami and Usagi have a special bond. There's a reason Sailor Mercury is the first guardian that Usagi discovers. She instantly cares about Ami's well-being and wants to befriend her. Ami becomes protective of Usagi in turn, not hesitating to come to her rescue when needed.
Usagi and Ami are the best because they support each other unconditionally. Ami is willing to help Usagi with anything, whether it's saving the day or passing a test. In turn, Usagi helps Ami with her social life and never hesitates to hang out with her. Sailor Moon and Sailor Mercury are the ultimate friends, and their bond surpasses the romance any day.
3 Nanami Stands Up For Ami
Kamisama Kiss
In Kamisama Kiss, Nanami is a great friend to Ami from the moment she sees the boys bullying her. She takes no disrespect from the superstar Kurama, who ignores Ami like the countless other students at school. Nanami makes him invisible just so Ami can talk to him. She's the best friend anyone could ask for, always making sure that people treat Ami right.
Ami is also a great friend to Nanami. She cheers Nanami up when she's down and fully supports her relationship with Tomoe. With Ami's positivity and Nanami's protective nature, their friendship will last a lifetime. While the romance in Kamisama Kiss is hard to beat, Nanami and Ami's friendship is so genuine that relationships can't compare.
2 Kyoya & Tamaki Are The Definition Of Opposites Attract
Ouran High School Host Club
In Ouran High School Host Club, Kyoya and Tamaki are the best of friends, even though their personalities are total opposites. While Kyoya is calm and thoughtful, Tamaki is a wild and shameless flirt. As co-founders of the Ouran Host Club, the two bond in more ways than one. The two besties make up for each other's weaknesses and work together well, despite not getting along initially.
Tamaki looks to Kyoya for reassurance in club matters, while Kyoya has no problem voicing his opinions on Tamaki's reckless behavior. Their friendship works because they look after each other and always communicate. Tamaki and Kyoya are practically married by their classmates' standards, making them an easy romantic ship for fans.
1 Tohru, Arisa, & Saki Are Friendship Goals
Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket has many friendships, but none hold a candle to the bond between Tohru, Arisa, and Saki. Arisa and Saki are like Tohru's overprotective parents, defending her from bullies and never leaving her lonely. What makes their relationship great is their different personalities and how deeply they care for each other.
Their friendship is fulfilling because it provides support they can't get anywhere else. The girls understand the importance of friendship because they know how isolation feels. More than best friends, the three girls are like sisters who can always count on each other. Their bond runs deeper than romance because it will never fade.