Romance plays a key role in any anime, from shonen to shojo and anything in-between. Most anime couples are young, so the audience doesn't usually see them move past the early stages of their relationships. However, sometimes, an anime will continue on beyond the high school crush days of romance and couples finally reach serious levels of romance.
There's nothing more satisfying than seeing a beloved pair grow together and finally choose to get married. Proposal scenes vary depending on the series, but they're always a treat for fans. Some anime proposals have even gone down in history as the most beloved of all time.
10 Miroku's Long-Awaited Proposal Is Everything Fans Hoped For (Inuyasha)
Fans may love the dramatic romance between Inuyasha and Kagome, but they aren't the only beloved couple in the series. Everyone loves the connection between Miroku and Sango, and many have longed for the two to become official for years. This moment finally arrives when Miroku confesses his true feelings to Sango in Episode 132 of Inuyasha.
Though his proposal almost falls flat, Sango happily accepts, and the two finally become a couple. While Miroku is still the same womanizer he's always been even after this, it's nothing but satisfying for fans to finally see him pop the question to Sango.
9 Mamoru Proposes To Usagi Before Leaving For America (Sailor Moon)
The relationship between Usagi Tsukino and Mamoru Chiba is one of the most beloved in anime history. Though they're destined to be together, the couple goes through many challenges throughout the entire series. However, the greatest challenge of all comes in the final season of the 90s Sailor Moon series, when Mamoru leaves to study abroad in America.
Though it's heartbreaking seeing them say goodbye, Mamoru surprises Usagi with a ring and the promise of being together again when he returns. While he doesn't outright ask her to marry him, fans all agree that this moment is indeed a proposal and has become an iconic moment in the Sailor Moon fandom.
8 Yusuke's Proposal To Keiko Is Silly But Sweet (Yu Yu Hakusho)
Yu Yu Hakusho's Yusuke Urameshi and Keiko Yukimura are the perfect example of childhood friends turned lovers. They know each other better than anyone else and fit together like a glove. However, that doesn't stop them from bickering, and that's exactly what happens in the episode of Yusuke's proposal.
After their fight, he tries to win her over, promising to return in three years so they can get married. Keiko just shrugs this off, not taking him seriously at all. His sudden proposal may seem silly, but the smile on Yusuke's face makes it clear that he intends to keep his promise no matter what. It's a much more comical proposal than most, but it's sweet and very characteristic of the two.
7 Kirito Asks Asuna To Marry Him In An Iconic Moment (Sword Art Online)
Few anime couples are as iconic as Kirito and Asuna from Sword Art Online. Even those who dislike the series can't help but enjoy their captivating love story. After fighting for so long, the two finally settle down together and try their best to live a peaceful life away from the battlefield. Kirito asks Asuna if she will marry him as they start this new chapter in their lives together.
Asuna accepts with tears of joy in her eyes, leaving fans to melt at her precious reaction to the sudden proposal. This moment is the start of an unbreakable bond between the two, and no matter what they face from then on, Asuna and Kirito are able to conquer it together.
6 Simon's Proposal To Nia Doesn't Go As Expected (Gurren Lagann)
It seems as though Simon and Nia are destined for one another from the moment they meet in the first half of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. That said, it's no surprise when Simon finally proposes to Nia after the time skip. However, fans and characters alike are shocked when Nia initially refuses.
Luckily, it's only because Nia is unfamiliar with the customs of marriage, turning the whole misunderstanding into a pretty hilarious situation. Thankfully, she comes to realize her own feelings and accepts Simon's proposal in a heartfelt moment that fans will never forget.
5 Ryuuji And Taiga Plan To Run Away And Get Married (Toradora)
Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka of the hit series Toradora seem like the most unlikely pair at first. But as they spend time together, they realize there's no one in the world they'd rather be with than each other. In one of the most emotional scenes of the series, Ryuuji suddenly proposes to Taiga, saying he'll be eighteen soon and that they can run away together and get married.
Although they eventually decide against running away together and eloping, Ryuuji and Taiga still make a promise to marry and be together forever. However, this time, they plan to do it with everyone's blessing and support.
4 Yuri And Victor Exchange Rings, Symbolically Bonding Them Together (Yuri!!! On Ice)
Fans consider Yuri!!! On Ice to be a welcome departure from the usual stereotypes found in BL series. Unlike many toxic relationships found in the genre, Yuri and Victor have a relationship built on love, trust, and understanding. One of the most iconic scenes between the two is in Episode 10, where Yuri buys a pair of matching gold rings for them to share.
He slides the ring on Victor's finger, thanking him for everything he's done and for being by his side. While this is technically not a marriage proposal, most fans consider the exchange of rings between them as a symbolic way to show that they are indeed engaged, or will be very soon.
3 Hinata Promises Yui That He'll Marry Her No Matter What (Angel Beats)
Angel Beats is well known for its tearjerking and heartfelt moments, and none can compare to the proposal scene between Hideki Hinata and Yui. Though they bicker through most of the series, their relationship is sure to bring anyone to tears.
During their final moments together, Yui mentions that her greatest wish is to get married. Hinata promises to marry her no matter what, going into great detail on how they'll find each other again someday. All the while, scenes of the future they both dream of flash before their eyes, and Yui slowly fades away.
2 Tomoya's Sudden Proposal To Nagisa Is Filled With Emotion (Clannad After Story)
Fans of Clannad debate over which girl they think is best for Tomoya, but in the end, no one is more perfect for him than Nagisa. From the moment the two meet, they change each other's lives for the better and are destined to be together. Tomoya's proposal to Nagisa is probably one of the most iconic of all time.
Following an emotionally charged scene, the proposal comes almost out of nowhere. In this tender moment, Nagisa promises to be with Tomoya no matter what, saying that they can face anything as long as they're together. While it lacks the grandeur of most anime proposals, it perfectly conveys the deep love between the two in a powerful and heartfelt way.
1 Ed's "Equivalent Exchange" Proposal Is Wholesome And Adorable (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the most popular anime series of all time, with an ending that is nothing but happy and satisfying. After all the hardship and pain the characters face, fans are overjoyed to see them finally living in peace. With that comes one of the sweetest proposals in anime history.
Everyone has rooted for Ed and Winry from the start, so when Ed finally works up the courage to propose, it's one of the best moments in the entire series. The way he uses equivalent exchange in his proposal is absolutely perfect and shows that even after everything, Ed is still the same goofball he always was.