Romance anime are staples in the medium. Their stories and couples pull on the heartstrings of viewers, making their feelings flutter or crash depending on where the relationship goes. These couples give the show power. Their interactions can be sweet or playful or intensely dramatic. It is what makes romance anime incredibly accessible to many viewers.
There are shows that have compelling stories and romantic tension but might not connect with the audience as they should. They might also be romances from an older era, representing trends and styles that are no longer in vogue. Anime fans that are willing will be rewarded with fantastic shows, but it will end up becoming an acquired taste.
Updated on December 24th, 2022 by Sarah Martin: Though romance is a timeless literary genre, not every romance anime is the perfect fit for every viewer. Some have eccentric senses of humor that are acquired tastes, while others may just be from a different era than what modern audiences are used to. We've added a few more romance anime that aren't for everybody to this list.
15 Peach Girl Has Too Much Teenage Drama For Some Viewers
Peach Girl was a shojo series that defined the demographic in the early 2000s. However, it's iconic for all the wrong reasons. Notoriously regarded as one of shojo's worst titles, fans couldn't stand the series's oversaturation with petty teenage drama. Many of the characters are unlikable and caught in a web of lies, rumors, and vicious backstabbing.
It sounds like a pretty typical Western teenage drama by all standards. However, some fans argue that Peach Girl doesn't deserve all the hate it receives since the protagonist, Momo grows up throughout the series and discovers her self-worth.
14 Don't Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro's Humor Isn't For Everybody
Don't Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro is one of the most controversial romance anime series. Many fans argue that the titular Nagatoro's personality is just unlikeable and that her mean-spirited nature is intolerable. However, it's unfair to define a character's entire arc by a few misguided actions at the beginning of the series.
Throughout Don't Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro, the protagonist grew closer to Naoto. Eventually, their relationship was no longer defined by snarky remarks and nonstop teasing, but instead by mutual respect and adoration. Unfortunately, many viewers dropped the series before it reached that point.
13 Horimiya's Handling Of Certain Topics Could Have Been Better
Horimiya is one of the most critically-acclaimed modern romance anime, but it's not immune to criticism. Most of the anime was enjoyable to watch and didn't spark too much outrage. However, Horimiya touched on topics like exploring sexuality, and many fans felt it did so tactlessly.
Some even argued that it was glorifying domestic abuse. Plus, Hori's hotheaded streak didn't sit right with a few fans, and some even believe she physically and emotionally abused Miyamura. For example, Hori would get flustered and throw a book at Miyamura. Scenes like that didn't quite sit right with every viewer.
12 Toradora's Female Lead Is An Acquired Taste
Toradora introduced a unique concept to romance anime at the time. Rather than having a male tsundere as a lead, the series switched things up with the hotheaded Taiga Aisaka. Taiga may be tiny, but she's called the "Palm Top Tiger" because her rage terrifies everybody.
However, Taiga also has a softer side that she only shows to Ryuuji and the people she's closest to. Many fans felt Taiga was endearing, but not everybody felt the same. Some argued that Taiga's temper and tendency for violence was out of place. Others also argued that Ryuuji was way too much of a doormat during Taiga's tantrums.
11 My Dress-Up Darling's Ecchi Moments Didn't Sit Right With Every Viewer
My Dress-Up Darling became one of 2022's breakout stars after its premiere at the beginning of the year. Marin Kitagawa captivated the audience with her bubbly personality and love for cosplay. However, My Dress-Up Darling wasn't immune to internet backlash.
Some fans argued that the series' ecchi and suggestive moments killed the entire tone. Others also argue that Wakana Gojo, the protagonist, is bland and boring. A series like My Dress-Up Darling is certainly an acquired taste, and it's understandable why it wouldn't be for everybody.
10 Otona Joshi No Anime Time Gives Vignettes Of Women In Complicated Relationships
Otona Joshi no Anime Time captures different images of women who are in difficult positions romantically. While the final segment focuses more on familial and personal struggles, the prior three all involve romantic pining. Noriko talks to an old flame, Mimi focuses on the joy she feels with her lover, and Nikawa searches for her childhood boyfriend.
The stories are pretty effective considering their length. Noriko's relationship with her husband and her unhealthy coping mechanism is harrowing to see. Mimi and Nikawa get cuter stories, even if they are not conventional. Its mature approach and adult struggles may still throw off most viewers.
9 Bakemonogatari Is A Bit Too Indulgent & Esoteric For Most
Bakemonogatari is infamous for its long-winding dialogue and abstract imagery. Characters talk around each other, taking their time to get to the point while being surrounded by surreal geometry. The combination might overload casual viewers.
Regardless of whether the audience gravitates to eccentricities or not, the anime is a romance show with a harem edge. Araragi helps women who have supernatural afflictions and fosters deeper bonds with them. Some relationships really pay off down the line, especially the one with Senjougahara. Her presence is instantly captivating, and what she brings out of Araragi is great.
8 Kaiba's Quest For Love & Sentimentality Is Painful
Despite its cutesy appearance, Kaiba is one of the saddest works across Masaaki Yuasa's portfolio. In a universe where memories can be transplanted into chips, ideas of love, compassion, and honesty dim in time. Everyone is cynical and lonely. The main characters search for companionship and love throughout the show but constantly face the bleakness of their lives.
Kaiba's power comes from its insistence that love and sentimentality are correct. No matter how lurid or twisted the show's drama becomes, it sticks with the idea that some genuine emotions and love must have existed in the bleakest of times. Its pacing and art direction will ensure the show's niche status, but its heart bleeds gold.
7 Spice & Wolf Blends Romance With Economics
The relationship between Holo and Lawrence is one of the best, especially for 2000s anime. In Spice and Wolf, their conversations and flirting make for the show's strongest points. Holo is feisty and exciting, contrasting with Lawrence's meticulous and pragmatic approach. She represents an ancient power while he represents the state of humanity.
Despite their differences, Lawrence and Holo get along perfectly. Their personalities allow the other to flourish in new ways. However, it means that a lot of the anime involves talk about commerce and trade. The concepts are also pretty basic, as the setting is in the feudal period. This might discourage some viewers.
6 Nodame Cantabile Is As Much About A Musician's Journey As It Is About Love
One of the premier romances of the josei demographic, Nodame Cantabile has one of the best female leads in Noda. Her personality is so loud, funny, and playful. It affects every single aspect of the show, including her love interest, Chiaki. They clash but also allow each other to grow. Noda's antics next to him are amazing, making their relationship unique in the medium.
When romance is not the focus, the anime fully commits to classical music, conducting, and orchestras. Not every viewer will care for college students playing classical pieces, even if it is one of the best depictions of musicians in anime.
5 Katanagatari Can Overwhelm The Viewer With Its Dialogue
An episode of Katanagatari runs for 48 minutes. While the show positions itself as an action anime, most of those minutes are spent on characters talking. A lot of those conversations are important and foreshadow how the episode will play out, but a lot of it is just Togame flirting with Shichika. Their interactions are adorable, and Shichika eventually picks up on the nature of their relationship.
While these moments might seem excessive, they do a great job when it comes to building up the couple. Love is a crucial element in the story, as it is Togame's way to ensure Shichika will not betray her. With that said, it can still be too much for viewers.
4 Whisper Of The Heart Can Come Off As Ordinary
The expectations of a Studio Ghibli film do not fit Whisper of the Heart. When viewers pick a film from the studio, a majority of them have images of Hayao Miyazaki's works. Whisper of the Heart is far more grounded and intimate. There is no magic in it, but it's full of charm. Both Shizuku and Seiji have aspirations as artists. Their relationship encourages them to pursue their passions.
Whisper of the Heart is a genuinely sweet and affecting movie that can be life-affirming for certain fans. However, it is drastically different from the common perception of what a Ghibli film is. It will definitely throw off many new viewers.
3 The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl Is Too Surreal For Casual Fans
The Night is Short, Walk on Girl is Masaaki Yuasa's penultimate film. It carries all the trademark elements of a Yuasa film, as well as the storytelling of Tomihiko Morimi. That combination leads to a movie that is not just visually distinct, but also absurd. There is a part in the movie when a theater troupe stages a guerilla play about a sex doll. For most people, this film might be too strange.
However, it has a very warm and romantic core that repeatedly gushes out. Characters fall in love and value living in the moment. It is an infectious movie with incredibly funny characters and moments.
2 Princess Tutu Stands Out From Other Magical Girl Shows
Princess Tutu is a cocktail of anime genres. It has elements of magical girl, romance, fairy tales, dance, metafiction, and school life. The magical girl genre already limits its overall reach, but its other elements make it even more niche. Magical girl anime fans who try it find that it is one of the most ambitious and complex stories in the genre.
The romance does not fully crystalize until the last third of the story, but the ride is absolutely breathtaking. All the characters evolve, mature, and find their own meaning within the story. Ahiru and Fakir take center stage by the final third, paying off all the build-up the show did.
1 Rose Of Versailles Is The Original Great Shojo Soap Opera
Rose of Versailles is one of the most important shojo anime of all time, influencing many contemporary shojo writers. The power of its drama is undeniable. The inner intrigue between the nobles and monarchs is brimming with suspense and emotions. The show avoids being overwrought through the astounding direction of Osamu Dezaki.
From top to bottom, the anime excels as a historical piece, a romance, and a soap opera. The only thing about it that could alienate modern fans is its age. An anime from 1979 will have a hard time finding new viewers, but it is worth the venture.