The shojo genre encompasses hundreds of thousands of titles in over a hundred years of its existence. Shojo anime specifically rose to fame in the early 1970s and declined by the end of the 2000s. Several titles have stolen the hearts of fans but are no longer talked about amongst modern-day anime fans.
Some titles never got as much recognition they deserved. Here are some shojo anime that no one talks about.
10 Hanasakeru Seishonen - A Game Of Matchmaking To Overcome Childhood Trauma
This political romance follows Kajika Burnsworth, the sole daughter of an influential industrialist. She is sent to live on an island after a kidnapping incident. At fourteen, she returns home to find out that her father has forced her into a game to decide on her future husband.
Kajika must decide on her lifelong partner from three candidates. The winner will be the man who stands by her side as she heals from her childhood trauma. However, there is a time limit; Kajika must find a suitable husband before her biggest secret is revealed.
9 Peach Girl - A Story Of How Tough It Is To Be Beautiful
The general perception of Momo is always centered around her looks. Her time on the school swim team has tanned her skin and dyed her hair a bright blonde. Unfortunately, she still can't escape the scornful eyes of her female classmates and the rumors that circulate the school. Momo has eyes for only one guy, Kazuya "Toji" Tojikamori, an acquaintance from her middle school who is ignorant of the rumors. Momo's friend Sae Kashiwagi is always there to comfort her when those rumors re-circulate. But is Sae the genuine support system Momo needs?
Peach Girl may seem like a superficial teen drama at first glance, but it revolves around Momo learning to accept herself as well as gaining the support of characters who genuinely care for her. The overdramatic roller coaster is a plus!
8 Super GALS! - An Introduction To Rebellious Japanese Gyaru Culture
Ran Kotobuki is a gal who's no stranger to the latest fashion trends and coolest shops in Shibuya. Her family of police officers disapproves of her fast-paced lifestyle, but she's determined to remain the "world's greatest gal." The anime Gals!, also known as Super Gals!, dives deep into gyaru culture while adding the same tension of teen romance and drama.
Gyaru culture rose to fame in the 90s and mid-2000s, inspiring teen girls to rebel against conservative Japanese social standards. However, the culture is rarely explored in anime and manga. This anime is a perfect introduction for fans of fashion, comedy, and romance.
7 Lovely★Complex - Height Shouldn't Matter When It Comes To Love
Light-hearted and hilarious are the best ways to describe this romantic comedy! Lovely Complex centers around two high schoolers who struggle with their heights. Risa Koizumi is taller than the average girl and Atsushi Otani is shorter than the average boy. The two frequently argue, making sure to mock the other's height insecurity. Risa and Atsushi strive to find their ideal partners but eventually find themselves in a similar romantic predicament.
Lovely Complex is a great series full to the brim with crazy hijinks, plot twists, love triangles, and misunderstandings. It's a classic shojo anime that deserves more recognition than it gets.
6 Earl And Fairy - A Fairy Doctor Goes On The Hunt For A Mystical Sword
Young doctor Lydia Carlton has a special type of clientele. Instead of humans, she cares for fairies due to her ability to see them. Her powers come from her mother, forcing her into isolation.
Lydia gets more than what she bargained for when she meets the charming Edgar J. C. Ashenbert, an earl who values Lydia for her knowledge of fairy lore. He hires Lydia to help him find and retrieve the Merrow's Sword, a mystical weapon that will ensure his place as the Blue Earl. Lydia accepts his job offer, thrusting herself further into Edgar's world. Fans of The Ancient Magus Bride will find this short but fascinating series a joy to watch!
5 Rose of Versailles - A Timeless Masterpiece That Challenged Gender Roles
For over forty years, Rose of Versailles remains one of the most influential titles in shojo history. The story is loosely based on events before the French Revolution, centering around Oscar, the youngest daughter of the noble Jarjayes family who was raised as a man to serve in the Royal Guard. Her confident, cool demeanor and androgynous appearance have inspired several anime characters such as Haruka Tenoh from Sailor Moon and Utena Tenjo from Revolutionary Girl Utena.
Oscar's interactions with her peers shone a light on female sexuality and challenged the gender roles of the 1970s. Rose of Versailles' artistic style and elements can be referenced even in modern anime. The anime continues to be a timeless masterpiece that deserves more appreciation and recognition from younger anime fans.
4 Honey And Clover - Art And Love Come Together In This College-Aged Romance
Mangaka Chica Umino entranced her audience with her award-winning coming-of-age series March Comes In Like A Lion. But anime fans may not know about her first serialized series: Honey and Clover.
Honey and Clover is a coming-of-age romance that follows four students attending the same art college. The arrival of a new student sends their daily lives into a frenzy, and everyone's relationships begin to intertwine with the anime's progression.
3 Yume-iro Pâtissière - Shojo Meets Food Wars!
Even though it's not as intense as Food Wars!, Yume-iro Pâtissière is no stranger to the competitive cooking genre. The anime revolves more around middle schooler Ichigo Amano who struggles to find her special talent. Her big appetite and love for cakes lead her to an unexpected encounter with a famous patissier: Henri Lucas.
Unbeknownst to Ichigo, Henri quickly notices her exceptional sense of taste. Upon his recommendation, Ichigo enrolls in the prestigious culinary school, St. Marie Academy. The school, however, holds a very important secret behind their delectable desserts.
2 Magic-Kyun! Renaissance - Art Becomes Magic In This School For Show Business
Transfer student, Kohana Aigasaki, joins the cultural festival planning committee. She's determined to make it a success, but she needs the help of six male classmates who specialize in various art forms. Kohana develops a friendship with each member, inspiring each of them to take his art to new heights.
1 Say, "I Love You." - A Coming-Of-Age Story of Self-Love And Acceptance
After being betrayed by her so-called friend, Mei Tachibana continues to isolate herself from her classmates. Even in high school, she guards her heart to protect herself from future pain, but her life changes drastically after an encounter with the class heartthrob, Yamato Kurosawa. Yamato is intrigued by her disposition and attempts to befriend her. Mei maintains her distance, but a dangerous situation brings her and Yamato closer together.