Top 10 Enemies Turned Lovers in Anime

“Code Geass” (2006-08)

Caught on opposite ends of the battlefield, this unconventional romance was something of a pleasant subplot in-between all of the mecha battles. Following a brief spurt of amnesia, the loyal Britannian Villetta finds herself falling for the kind, honest Eleven Ohgi. Sure, as soon as she gained her memory back she tried killing him several times over, but their romance persisted to the point they got their happily ever after following Lelouch’s sacrifice. Wonder how they are going to explain to their kids that their mother was once a racist who shot their father in the gut.

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#9: Sasuke and Sakura

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“Naruto” series (2002-)

This one is a little bit more complicated, given how these two go through so many stages that their transition from enemies to lovers is anything but linear. Sakura starts out with a one-sided crush that pretty much defines her character for the first half of the series, only to later mature and FINALLY start viewing Sasuke as an enemy after he threw his life in with Orochimaru. Heck, Sasuke tries to kill her at one point. However, that doesn’t seem to stop them from hooking up and bumping hips after the war ends. Aww.

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#8: Guts and Casca

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“Berserk” (1997-)

Oddly enough, it was Griffith’s charisma that brought these two together, his fall from grace that paved the way for their relationship, and his unspeakable betrayal that shattered them. As a loyal member of the Band of the Hawk, Casca originally despised Guts for being a danger to Griffith, also not-so-secretly jealous of the comradery they shared. However, following battle after battle, the two eventually grew to respect each other. This would only deepen following Guts’ departure from the Hawks, culminating in something of a “physical” confession of love upon his return. Their lives may be riddled with tragedy, but it’s clear that these two would go to hell and back for each other.

“Cardcaptor Sakura” (1998-2000)

Ah, young love. As complicated as it is pure. These two started off as the strongest of rivals, with Syaoran adamant in the belief that he should be the one to collect all the Clow Cards. Of course, when you spend enough time around someone as lovable as Sakura, the lad was never going to be able to hold onto that loner attitude for long. Soon he’s head over heels for the cheery Card Captor, resulting in a sweet pairing that we can’t wait to see develop further in the sequel series.

“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” (2012-16)

Kind of crazy that out of all the strikingly handsome characters in this series, the beautiful Yukako would fall for Koichi. Don’t get us wrong, Koichi is BEST BOY and all, but she brushed off Jotaro and Josuke. That’s kinda amazing. Of course, not all of it is a Cinderella story, as Yukako’s psychotic tendencies led her to almost kill the poor lad. In spite of her rabid obsession, Koichi never hesitated to come to her aid when she was in danger, prompting her to fall madly in love him for the right reasons.

“Angel Beats!” (2010)

With her incredible supernatural powers, the figure once known as Angel could easily inspire terror to those caught in limbo. As a result, many of the students, including our amnesia-stricken hero Otonashi, find themselves trying to oppose Angel as payback for their short-lived time in the land of the living. Surprise, surprise, Angel in actuality turns out to be the adorable and heartfelt Kanade, a being who only wanted to help others pass on. From that point on, it takes very little time before Otonashi falls hard for this heavenly girl.

“Rage of Bahumat: Virgin Soul” (2017)

For the sake of all humans, the likes of King Charioce would do anything. Even if it means kicking innocent demons to the curb as second-class citizens. If only someone would come along to show him how to open up a little. How about a spunk lass who transforms into a dragon when she sees hot men? Yeah, Nina is nothing more than a bubbly ball of niceties. Sure, she can barbecue you in her dragon form, but the rest of the time all she wants to do is help people. Her outward attitude even manages to thaw that of the icy monarch, resulting in a rocky but sweet union.

“Digimon Adventure 02” (2000-01)

Another example of how the fangirl can end up with her man, Yolei was one of many who were suckered in by Ken’s charming persona. At least until he revealed himself as the heartless Digimon Emperor. As expected, her crush got crushed. When Ken began to slowly shift towards the side of good, at first she was extremely distrustful of him given their past battles. However, when he officially joined the Digidestined, that distrust was replaced with a far more mature appreciation. Thanks to both of them finally growing up, it’s no surprise that this new bond they shared would eventually lead to them getting married.

“Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team” (1996-99)

You want to talk about conflict? None come bloodier than the war between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. As the skirmish continued, two pilots brought together by the worst circumstances find themselves having to rely on each despite being on opposing sides. Form that point on, we see a tragic love story unfold, with the only thing stopping these two lovers from finding happiness being the seemingly never-ending war.

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

You have to admit, falling in love with a guy who nearly destroyed the planet is one hell of a rebound. The Saiyan Prince may have initially been a fierce villain that thought all life on Earth to be easily expendable, but then he found himself crossing paths with this genius inventor. Turns out all that homicidal rage can easily be quelled once Vegeta found himself directing his Galick Gun in her direction. As for Bulma…well…everyone loves a bad boy right? While Krillin and Android 18’s relationship was definitely unexpected this is the pairing that really shouldn’t have worked, and yet somehow did!