Top 10 Most Heated Anime Waifu Wars

“Darling in the Franxx” (2018)

One of the more recent showdowns to enter the anime scene, it only made sense that in a series focusing on the awkward and unpleasant aspects of sexual maturity, that a love triangle would eventually emerge. For the longest time, fans appeared to be favouring Ichigo due to her level-headedness compared to Zero Two’s brash nature, plus the fact she gave Hiro a totally-not-but-totally-is-an-STD. Unfortunately, all bets were off when Ichigo forced herself on Hiro following Zero Two’s rather tragic departure. Needless to say, both came with a lot of baggage. Ah well, least Goro saw some action by the end of it.

“My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU” (2013-15)

Honestly, I think we can all agree the one who suffered the most due to this conflict was Hachiman. After all, there’s nothing less pragmatic than arguing about which of the two lovely ladies in his life should win his heart. It may suck for him, but fans couldn’t get enough of these two polar opposites. Like the sun and the moon, Yukino and Yui couldn’t be more different. One is an ice-cold beauty who doesn’t hold anything back, while the other likes to bake cookies and holds all her romantic feelings inward. Maybe Hachiman should just flip a coin.

“Inuyasha” series (2000-04; 2009-10)

Kagome might have had her own love hexagon at one point, but the real battle was always over which of the raven-haired ladies should end up with the half-demon dog. Kikyo may have been Inuyasha’s original lover, but ever since she came back from the dead and became something of a stone-cold naysayer, she gave way to the high-schooler from the future to swoop in. While the events of The Final Act ended with Kagome and Inuyasha finally finding happiness together, the battle to get there was a long one, with some still insisting that the formally deceased waifu was still the better option.

“Bleach” (2004-12)

Yeesh, remember when this was a thing? The anime never gave us a romantic resolution, but that didn’t stop fans from picking a side when it came to Ichigo’s potential baby mamas. While the likes of Ulquiorra and Renji made things a tad more complicated as far as die-hard pairings were concerned, at the core of it all remained the conflict between Ichigo’s best friend and the Shinigami that changed his life. Rukia was a strong-willed warrior who had her cutesy moments, while Orihime was compassionate almost to a fault. Unless the manga’s end gets that long-awaited adaptation, this war shows no sign of ending…

“Nisekoi” (2014-15)

While you could make the argument that Raku is living the dream by having two lovely ladies so obviously infatuated with him, let’s not forget one of his waifu’s has a yakuza daddy. In the balancing act that is this anime’s romantic set-up, fans found themselves forced to choose between Raku’s fake girlfriend and his childhood friend. Tricky decision, given how Onodera is as sweet as pie while Chitoge’s particular brand of tsundere was all kinds of cute. At least they have a few things in common – like how both can’t handle their hormones while inebriated.

“Love Live! School Idol Project” (2013-14)

We all remember the Idol Wars; so many innocent otaku swept up in its brutal and sparkling tide as fans fought over which performer deserved the title of best. Standing at the pinnacle of all these glamorous scuffles was this particular series, which boasted quite the colourful cast. To name a few, you’ve got the not-so-fearless leader Honoka, straight-edge student council president Eli, and the rice obsessed Hanayo. There’s truly an idol for everyone here, though let’s be honest here, only one of them got herself a now infamous catchphrase.

“Naruto” series (2002-)

By far one of the most vicious waifu wars to ever be waged, even before the events of Shippuden, fans were divided over which shinobi was going to eventually end up with the orange-wearing knuckle-head. Hinata obviously had the clear advantage from the get-go due to her shy demeanour, sensitive nature and the fact she was crushing on Naruto from the start, whereas Sakura gained no love from her obsession over Sasuke. However, with the latter’s maturity into a capable character, for a time the battlefield became level as both vied for his affection. Of course, we all know how that all worked out…

“Re:ZERO − Starting Life in Another World” (2016)

This one still stings. Throughout his fantasy journeys (and many, many deaths), Subaru found himself a companion in the form of the beautiful oni Rem, who over numerous timelines found herself falling for him completely. While they might have made for a perfect pairing, Subaru ended up giving his heart to the lovely she-elf Emilia. This decision caused the fandom to explode, with many feeling that Rem was owed her happily ever after, while Emilia’s defenders stated she was a fair and just character in her own right who more than earned the moniker of main love interest. Just release an alternative ending already so everyone can be happy!

“Fate” series (2006-)

Considering that this franchise will likely continue to push out sequels, spin-offs and remasters until the sun goes out, it’s fair to say that this waifu war will never truly end. While each of these ladies played a vital part in Shirou’s life, as well as had their own “route” to demonstrate the worth of their character, this best girl trifecta just keeps stirring up the feelings of its fans. Saber is battle-hardened warrior king with the heart of a woman inside, Rin is a mage who knows how to get shit done, and Sakura might just be the most broken and long-suffering waifu to exist in the medium. So yeah, tough call.

“Evangelion” series (1995-)

In many respects, this was the original waifu war. As if Shinji didn’t have enough going on his life, he also had the attention of these two now iconic EVA Pilots, both of which were beautiful burdened in their own way. You’ve got Asuka, the top tier tsundere who knew how to cut him down to size while also providing plenty of thermal expansion. Then there’s Rei, the enigmatic and serene young lady who you’d think would win hands down…if not for that whole cloned from dead mother thing. With such contrasting personalities yet equal appeal, it’s no wonder fans managed to whip themselves up into a frenzy. Who knows, maybe the final movie in the rebuild series will finally settle things.