Within the long history of Japanese Animation, there have been some incredible couples. From the lovely gents and ladies of a high school drama to the superhero and magical girl type relationships, anime has covered it all. But while it can be fun to watch the romances that bloom under typical circumstances, it is the ones that seem the most surprising that give way to the best stories.
But which among these tales of mush and sentimentality are the greatest? Which couples were the biggest shock to see cross the line into "Happily Ever After" territory? Well, grab a box of chocolates and tissues, and let's begin to fall for these 10 Unlikely Anime Couples That Showed Us What True Love Is!
10 Miwako x Arashi from Paradise Kiss
In the world of fashion, everything is a surprise - even love. And in the case of the relationship between the kawaii Miwako and the punk Arashi from Paradise Kiss, their romance has all the twists and turns.
Though they knew each other as kids, these two couldn't be more different. Arashi shows his temper quickly, while Miwako is cheerful and tries always to stay positive even when she's sad. Sure, their romance has its intense dramatic beats (especially when an old friend of the two makes a grand return), but regardless, Miwako and Arashi show that with an open heart, you can have a love that lasts a lifetime.
9 Shuichi x Eiri from Gravitation
When it comes to unlikely romantic relationships, none of them get more bizarre than Shuichi and Eiri's from Gravitation. Shuichi is a positive, upbeat dreamer of a musician, while Eiri is a cold and calculated romance novelist.
They meet in the way many famous pairs do in romantic comedies, where they initially can't stand the other (due to some harsh critical comments coming from Eiri.) But as the story progresses, it becomes evident that this creative pair has a unique sort of spark - proving that opposites do indeed attract.
8 Kyo x Tohru from Fruits Basket
With the pain of the past on his shoulders, Kyo can undoubtedly be a hard nut to crack. Sure, he comes from a cursed family - but he deserves love just like the rest of us! Yet when the optimistic Tohru enters his life, things begin to change for the better.
Together, these two go through one heck of an emotional rollercoaster - one filled with family drama and anxious romantic tension. Eventually, they learn that neither of them are alone in this big crazy world, becoming a beautiful example of the magic love can bring.
7 Bulma x Vegeta from the Dragon Ball Franchise
When it comes to nostalgic couples, none of them get more weird (yet simultaneously perfect) than Vegeta and Bulma from the Dragon Ball franchise. Their relationship starts like any typical couple - Vegeta was an alien that wanted to destroy the planet, while Bulma wanted revenge on Vegeta for killing her then-boyfriend, Yamcha.
But as several arcs within the DBZ series progressed, and many Dragon Ball wishes became true, these two transformed into quite the pair. Because no matter what bizarre plotline came their way, their love would always somehow defeat the over 9,000 odds.
6 Hikaru x Lantis from Magic Knight Rayearth
He's the silent type that resides in a magical realm, while she's a bubbly tomboy from the human world. But even with their opposite personalities, what makes this couple interesting were the circumstances they met under. Because when you're the person that sort of killed said hot guy's older brother, let's just say that flirting ain't easy.
Yet after lots of tears are shed, magical battles fought, and truths about the past are revealed, Hikaru and Lantis' relationship eventually turns into a romance for the shoujo anime ages.
5 Van x Hitomi from The Vision of Escaflowne
In Escaflowne, anyone can find love - even a hot-headed king and a spirited, psychically-gifted athlete. Upon first meeting, Van feels like Hitomi is a thorn at his side, wishing she had never interfered in his plans and gone with him back to his world, Gaea.
But as time passes, these two grow to have a bond stronger than any force - so much so that their love later becomes an integral element within the series finale. And when you have a romance that crosses dimensions and even surprises the likes of an all-powerful emperor, then you're one impressive pair.
4 Lina x Gourry from Slayers
Though he may appear like a male model in a Pantene commercial, deep down, Gourry is a good guy. He's a strong swordsman who is dedicated to his work - especially when he becomes loyal to his mission. And such a description perfectly fits his relationship with the powerful sorceress, Lina.
Sure, he at first thought she was incredibly immature, but once he witnessed her abilities, he became quite the devoted fan. And though their bond was mostly friendship for the longest time, it eventually blossomed into something precious, simple, and adorable - as any best friends-turned-obvious romance relationship should be.
3 Takeo x Rinko from My Love Story
Most couples in anime tend to meet in adorable ways. But when it comes to Rinko and Takeo, they meet because a dude was harassing Rinko on the train. The results? The start of one of the cutest yet strangest couples in all of shoujo anime.
Takeo has a heart as big as his large build, while Rinko is as awkward as she is beautiful. Sure, they have their quirky flaws, as any teenage pair can, but it is the pureness of their love that makes them a couple you can't help but root for till the very end.
2 Chise x Elias from The Ancient Magus Bride
Love can come in many unique forms, which is proven within the much-beloved The Ancient Magus Bride. The central couple, Chise and Elias, are both flawed individuals.
One came from a depressing life that resulted in terrible misfortune, while the other is a fae/human hybrid with little to no understanding of emotions. But when these two begin to learn and embrace their oddities, they slowly grow in the most beautiful of ways - resulting in one of the greatest (and most genuine) romances in modern anime.
1 Sophie x Howl from Howl's Moving Castle
A handsome wizard and a cursed hat maker sure seem like a quirky pair. One is an incredibly vain individual, while the other is cursed to look like a 90-year-old for the rest of her days. But as the film progresses, it becomes evident that Howl and Sophie were in love from the moment they met.
Maybe it's due to their mutual acceptance of their flaws or their chemistry that spired amidst the most bizarre of scenarios, but the affection between these two is more magical than any other spell cast within the movie's entire running time.