Looking for a rom-com anime to make your heart flutter? Look no further, my friend! As someone who’s binged more than my fair share of anime, I’ve got a list of the top 10 best rom-com anime that’ll have you swooning in no time. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good romantic comedy?
Whether you’re a fan of the classic “will they, won’t they” trope or prefer something a little more unconventional, there’s a rom-com anime out there for everyone. And the best part? You don’t have to be an anime expert to enjoy these shows. They’re accessible, funny, and relatable, with characters that’ll steal your heart and leave you rooting for their happy ending.
So, if you’re ready to indulge in some romantic comedy goodness, grab some popcorn and settle in, because these anime are sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. And hey, if you end up falling in love with one of the characters along the way, I won’t judge you. (I may have a crush on a few myself…)
1. Maid Sama
Maid-sama! is the ultimate classic rom-com staple for all genre lovers. At school, Misaki Ayuzawa is the student body president that rules with an iron fist. But she has a secret; she works at a maid cafe to support her family. When Takumi Usui – the most popular boy at school – finds out about her secret, their love story begins.
Maid-sama! is full of playful moments of heartthrob Takumi teasing hard-working Misaki in hopes of conveying his interest in her. This anime has plenty of comedy with relatable elements of coming-of-age.
2. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
Kaguya-sama: Love is War relays the story of Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, who, as the top reps of their school from prestigious families, have feelings for one another but are too prideful to admit it. This romantic comedy follows their battle to get the other to admit defeat and confess their love. Highlighting the little games, we play when forming new relationships or professing our feelings.
This rom-com is full of funny yet frustrating moments of both parties refusing their feelings for the other in hopes of one of them finally professing to the other.
3. My Dress-Up Darling
My Dress-up Darling is about Wakana Gojou’s love for doll-making, blossoming into creating cosplay outfits for Marin Kitagawa. Her passion and love for cosplay and Gojou’s passion and love for sewing collide. Gojou’s unusual hobby, paired with Marin being a closet otaku, makes them an unlikely pair.
My Dress-Up Darling displays a brilliant story of not being ashamed of yourself and the things you’re passionate about, along with two people discovering themselves while potentially growing into a relationship.
4. Nisekoi
Nisekoi is another classic romantic comedy that puts Raku Ichijou and Chitoge Kirisaki in a forced, mismatched couple situation from rival yakuza groups. This rom-com is the definition of these two genres coming together as Raku and Chitoge are forced to navigate through their fake relationship, and girl’s from Raku’s past start appearing and stirring up trouble.
The anime is full of hilarious and heartwarming moments, making it a must-watch for any romantic comedy anime fan. With its lovable characters and engaging plot, Nisekoi is a rom-com anime that will keep you entertained until the end.
5. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou
The Pet Girl of Sakurasou follows Sorata Kanda and his adventures with Shiina Mashiro and other housemates at the Sakurasou dormitory, known for housing misfits. At first, Sorata wants nothing more than to get out of the dormitory, but that changes when Shiina comes into the picture and piques his interest.
The Pet Girl of Sakurasou puts Sorata as Shiina’s personal caretaker. While her talent in art is exceptional, she struggles to take care of herself, as there is more to her than meets the eye. This anime is a fun watch for those looking for love-struck characters with a hint of awkward moments.
6. Tonikawa: Over the Moon for You
Tonikawa: Over the Moon follows Nasa Yuzaki and his married life to Tsukasa who, dumbfounded by her beauty, chases after her in his fragile state from the scene of an accident and asks her out. She agrees with one condition: they get married.
This anime is definitely very romantic, with the adjustment of their married life bringing awkward and funny moments right from the beginning, from Nasa chasing her following his accident to sharing a bed.
This anime embodies the trials and tribulations of marriage while not squandering life with the time they have. While it is a romantic comedy, this show also holds elements of a feel-good slice of life.
7. Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku
If you’re an otaku yourself, you’ll relate to the characters’ struggles in this anime. This anime follows Narumi Momose, who wants to hide her secret of being an otaku from the prying eyes at her new job. But, those plans of hiding her true nature are squandered when she runs into her old middle school friend Hirotaka Nifuji. When they go out for drinks, Narumi complains about her ex, who broke up with her because of her interest in male x male relationships in anime. Hirotaka suggests they try dating, and to her own surprise, Narumi agrees.
Both Hirotaka and Narumi are relatable characters who seem on opposite sides of a spectrum and go together well, showing that opposites attract in some cases. This anime is heartfelt and has funny, awkward moments that harmonize harmoniously.
8. The World God Only Knows
The World Only God Knows is a fantasy-inspired romantic comedy. The story follows Keima Katsuragi, who would rather play video games than study. When he is challenged by an unknown source and becomes bound to a contract with a demon who gives him the task of capturing demons inside girls’ hearts. But the only way for him to get these demons to reveal themselves is to get them to fall in love with him.
Keima is an awkward character who is not used to social situations with people, much less with girls, but when challenged. He finds himself in situations he has the least experience. Of course, there will be funny moments and swoon-worthy scenes that surprise both Keima and the viewer.
9. Yamada-Kun and The Seven Witches
Yamada-kun and The Seven Witches is a rom-com at its core. A club is formed when misfit Ryuu Yamada ‘falls’ for Urara Shiraishi. They are forced to look at life from each other’s lens. They band together with other classmates and misfits to form the Supernatural club and solve the mystery of the Seven Witches of Suzaku High.
This anime holds a bunch of both comedic and romantic moments. Although Ryuu hates Urara for being a kind student, he can’t be. He soon realizes that he misjudged her, and they’re not so different after all.
10. Golden Time
Golden Time follows Tada Banri, who has recently moved to Tokyo at the recommendation of his friend Mitsuo Yanagisawa due to an accident at his high-school reunion that caused him to lose his memories of his hometown and his past. He decides to move on from his trauma and start a new life where he meets Kouko Kaga, a childhood friend of Mitsuo, and falls in love with her.
Golden Time is a classic rom-com anime that viewers enjoy. The drama between old friends and potential lovers. Tada faces the emotion and difficulties with his feelings towards Kaga and the missing pieces of his past. This romantic comedy is a must-watch for those who enjoy likable and relatable characters who can inspire laughter and swell emotion.
Final Words
Overall, the anime on this list consists of various elements that suit many viewers. From the fantasy elements in The World Only God Knows to the hidden lives of Misaki and Narumi, there is something on this list for everyone to enjoy.
All these anime display relatable characters and situations that all viewers can easily put themselves into. Not only does this list include shows that, of course, display plenty of heartstopping romance and belly laugh moments. But also include the slice-of-life and coming-of-age genres.
