Top 30 Greatest Anime Romance Movies

Moving to an idyllic oceanside town and falling in love sounds like the ultimate dream come true. For Hinako and Minato[a], it’s as close to perfect as it gets – until it all comes crashing down. After Minato’s untimely demise, Hinako realizes his soul is tethered to a song the pair cherished. Blending a heartfelt and swoon-worthy romance with profound themes of moving on and letting go, the love shared between this starcrossed pair runs as deep as the ocean itself. Thanks to a fantastic soundtrack that elevates every moment to hit you in the feels, “Ride Your Wave”’s emotional beats linger long after the credits roll.

Serving as a coda to the much-loved “How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend” anime series, Tomoya Aki’s story comes to a satisfying end. Bringing a mature depth to his romance with Megumi Katō[b] that might even surprise fans, the finale goes beyond its romantic comedy roots. Without letting go of its lighthearted style, “Finale” tells a very human story of love and compromise. There’s some tonal adjustment for longtime fans, but the film’s direction complements the evolution of its protagonists. While returning viewers might appreciate its sentiments a bit more, “Finale” taps into emotional nuances that everyone can relate to.

With an action-heavy time-traveling plot, you might wonder how “Tenchi the Movie” spares any time for a love story. But not only does the film deliver, it uses Tenchi’s complex emotions as a vital piece of the plot. Faced with fading from existence, Tenchi grapples with the significance of his relationships and the choices he must make. Caught between his love triangle with Ayeka[d] and Ryoko[e], the protagonist is forced to confront his feelings. The film presents its romantic overtones in a more serious light compared to its lighthearted portrayal in the TV series. With one hand on its sci-fi platform and another on romance, “Tenchi the Movie” strikes a balance between multiple genres without skimping on its quality.

Ah, the things we do for love – even if it means living without it. Dealing with different timelines and alternate futures, the “Orange” anime is a mind-bending experience. “Future” offers another perspective from which to view it, focusing on Hiroto Suwa’s unrequited love for Naho[f]. Where the TV series had us shipping Naho and Kakeru[g], the film shows us just how much Suwa sacrifices for them to be together. Retelling previous events from Suwa’s POV, it explores the protagonist’s inner struggles, as he accepts that some love stories just aren’t meant to be. Redefining the concept of a “happy ending,” “Orange: Future” showcases how true love can be as heartbreaking as it is uplifting.

Judging by the tone of the first movie, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is an all-out comedy. However, “Beautiful Dreamer” wonderfully subverts expectations, blending its trademark humor with themes of emotional fidelity and commitment. Set in a dream-like time loop, protagonist Ataru [i]has to define what his relationship with love interest Lum[j] means to him. Although framed as a surreal, fantastical mystery, “Beautiful Dreamer” is ultimately about Ataru's personal growth. The main character learns to hold himself responsible for his choices while accepting the connection he shares with Lum. Despite an initially mixed response, the film is now hailed as a trailblazer in experimental storytelling, leaving audiences to contemplate its deeper message.

You don’t always need a grand or elaborate depiction of love. Sometimes, it’s okay to see people just being people. This film centers around Cherry and Smile. While he prefers to communicate using haikus, she can’t face people without a mask. Under a wild set of circumstances, the pair fall into each other’s lives. The film playfully highlights their quirks as they find comfort in embracing their vulnerability. Moving away from the typical portrayal of love, “Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop” has a grounded portrayal of the main characters’ flaws and insecurities. With moments that will both melt your heart and make it flutter, this slice-of-life romantic drama reminds us how our vulnerabilities can become our greatest strength.

Part of the long-running “Detective Conan” series, this entry places romance as one of its themes. Rather than the main protagonist, the film’s romantic tension surrounds the Heiji[k] and Kazuha[l] pairing. When the mysterious Momiji[m] shows up claiming to be Heiji’s fiancée, she and Kazuha begin competing for his affection. In a mystery-thriller that leans into its premise, this love triangle offers some much-needed levity. It also pushes Heiji and Kazuha’s characters to new heights, which is pretty impressive considering “Crimson Love Letter”’s status as the series’ twenty-first installment! With a deep insight into the complexities of love, its romantic overtones create a captivating dynamic with an equally compelling payoff.

It takes serious guts to confess your feelings: just ask high school student Natsuki Enomoto. After years of pining for her childhood friend Yu, she finally tells him how she feels… only to chicken out and claim that she was just “practicing” for her “real” crush. Little does she know, she’s also caught the eye of their fellow classmate, Koyuki Ayase. Throughout the film, Natsuki finds comfort in the support of her girlfriends, who are each dealing with their own share of boy troubles. While it may not have the deepest storyline, this movie stands out thanks to its stunning visuals and fresh, upbeat soundtrack. This light-hearted teen romance is a must-watch for all fans of the shoujo genre.

Miyazaki might be best known for his fantasy movies, but he’s just as capable of crafting enchanting stories set in the real world: “From Up on Poppy Hill” centers around the romance that blossoms between two teenagers in postwar Japan. As their city prepares to host the 1964 Olympics, Umi and Shun learn that their school’s clubhouse might get demolished. In an effort to save the building, they decide to renovate it together. In the process, the two unearth old family secrets and discover that they might have more in common than either of them had imagined. The love story is carefully interwoven with overarching themes of war and loss, which give it a touchingly realistic sense of melancholy but also hope for the future.

Picking up right where the gem of an anime left off, this flick continues the adventures of Sakuta and his girlfriend, Mai. The two seem to have a perfect relationship, but their lives take a turn for the weirder when Sakuta’s first love, Shoko, mysteriously resurfaces. To make things even stranger, there appear to be two versions of her: one is an adult woman, the other is a middle-school student in need of a heart transplant. As Sakuta and Mai scramble to unravel the mystery of the two Shokos, their devotion to each other is put to the test. With plot twists involving time travel and quantum physics, this supernatural romance drama tells a beautiful story about the lengths to which one can go for love.

If you’re craving a good old-fashioned slice of life romance, then look no further! Following the events of “Tamako Market,” this movie gives us a peek at the lives of Tamako Kitashirakawa and her friends as they prepare to graduate from high school. The happy-go-lucky protagonist isn’t too worried about the future - or anything else, for that matter - until her childhood friend Mochizo reveals that he’s been in love with her for years. The confession leaves Tamako reeling, but she has little time to figure out her own feelings and respond to Mochizo before he leaves for university in Tokyo. With plenty of adorkable characters and typical coming-of-age awkwardness, this movie is sure to make you feel all the fuzzies!

Relationships aren’t always smooth sailing - especially when your girlfriend is convinced that she has magical powers. Despite being in her third year of high school, Rikka Takanashi still suffers from “chuunibyou syndrome,” a condition that makes young people believe they have supernatural abilities. Thankfully, her boyfriend Yuta loves her just the way she is; however, their relationship is threatened when Rikka’s older sister wants her to move overseas. Determined to stay together, the lovers decide to elope and embark on a roadtrip across Japan. During their travels, they learn to face Rikka’s lingering superstitions and grow even stronger as a couple. There’s no doubt that longtime fans of the “Chuunibyou” series will be more than satisfied by this heartwarming conclusion.

When young orphan Pazu rescues a girl who falls - or rather floats down - from the sky, his life changes forever. Turns out that the mysterious Sheeta is being chased by pirates and evil government agents who want her crystal amulet: the magical jewel that’s linked to the flying island of Laputa, a legendary castle full of treasures and technological marvels. The two children set out on a perilous voyage to find Laputa and uncover its secrets; and in the process develop a deep bond of trust and devotion to one another. While their romance isn’t necessarily as prominent as the elements of fantasy and adventure, it’s still incredibly wholesome to watch. After all, is there anything purer than kids in love?

From the creators of “Anohana” and “Toradora!” comes this bittersweet tale about teenage love and the healing power of music. Jun Naruse was once a talkative little girl; but after a traumatic event in her childhood, she finds herself unable to speak. In high school, her impromptu meeting with a talented young singer named Takumi Sakagami leads her to make a startling discovery: though she can’t talk, she can use her voice to sing. As Jun decides to prepare a musical for the school festival, she slowly starts to regain her lost confidence and develops close bonds with her classmates. Meanwhile, her courage inspires her friends to step forward and confess feelings that they’d been keeping secret for years.

Only Miyazaki could create such a dreamy and romantic atmosphere in a biopic about the inventor of a deadly Japanese military plane. Though the film has often been criticized for its overly idealistic tone, no one can complain about the hauntingly beautiful love story between aircraft designer Jiro Horikoshi and his wife, Naoko. After meeting briefly during an earthquake, Jiro and Naoko lose track of each other for several years, until they are miraculously reunited at a summer resort. The two are quickly swept up in a whirlwind romance, but Naoko’s worsening health - and the looming shadow of World War II - make their happiness feel as light and fleeting as the gentle wind that blows throughout the movie.

Set in a bleak future where Japan is plagued by a constant downpour of rain, Makoto Shinkai’s cinematic venture follows sixteen-year old Hodaka after he escapes from his rural town to Tokyo. As he struggles to stay afloat financially, he meets an orphan named Hina who has the power to change the weather. Using this uncanny ability, the two teenagers decide to start a business giving sunshine to people for special events. But it’s not all sunny skies, as Hodaka soon finds out that there’s a heavy price to pay for Hina’s gift. True to himself, Shinkai uses fantasy elements and breathtaking animation to give us a love story that’s just as inspiring as it is aesthetically spectacular.

With a title like this, you might expect this movie to be a zombie horror flick. But make no mistake: this is a sweet, and at times devastatingly touching love story between two high school students. At first, they seem to be polar opposites with nothing in common: he’s a stoic loner who prefers books to people, and she’s a cheerful social butterfly. But their fates collide after he finds out that she suffers from a pancreatic illness and only has a few months to live. She makes him promise to keep her secret, and the two set out to check things off her bucket list. Fair warning: you might want to stock up on tissues for this one!

Romances with significant age gaps can be controversial, but this tale of what could have been handles it's tricky subject matter with great poignancy. Crafted by Makoto Shinkai, it centers on the chance meeting of a 15-year-old male student and a 27-year-old female teacher. Both shirk their usual responsibilities of school and work to regularly meet in the same garden, finding comfort in their shared feeling of non-conformity even when they’re separated by over a decade in age. Despite the film’s title, dialogue is used sparingly, allowing writer/director Makoto Shinkai’s impossibly detailed visuals to do most of the talking, while the character’s subtle expressions and movements speak louder than words ever could.

Romance and the supernatural often go hand-in-hand. In this instance, this film focuses on the relationship between a human girl, Hotaru, and Gin; a magical silvered-haired boy adopted by the forest spirits. The pair meet when Hotaru becomes hopelessly lost in the woods that Gin inhabits. After he comes to her aid, they form a bond that he warns her can never be physical, as he will vanish if a human ever touches him. Their relationship remains strong despite this, though as Hotaru gets older, they both realize their romantic feelings for each other, and the distance between them becomes harder and harder to bear.

We know, we know… a romantic “Naruto” movie?! But, “believe it!” - this is about as lovey-dovey as the shonen genre gets. Picking up two years after the Fourth Great Ninja War, the story sees our spiky-haired hero assist his new belle, Hinata, to rescue her little sister who is mistakenly kidnapped instead of her. For old fans, the film is a sweet and satisfying pay-off to finally see Naruto return Hinata’s long-held feelings for him. Risking it all for love despite the loss of your most powerful ability is as grand a romantic gesture as it gets. Jeez, that ship took a long time to sail, didn’t it?

Who else but “Summer Wars” director Mamoru Hosoda could effortlessly blend sci-fi, coming-of-age drama and the clumsiness of first love all into one timey-wimey package? The titular “Girl” is high-school student Mokoto, who mysteriously gains the ability leap through time… quite literally: While some would use this ability for good or evil, Mokoto simply uses it to fix every little problem in her life, including an unwanted confession of love from one of her best friends: Chiaki. She soon discovers that her time leaps are actually limited, and - more shockingly - that Chiaki knows more than he’s been letting on. The question then becomes: will she acknowledge her own feelings for him before it’s too late?

Ambitious, bittersweet, and all held together by that Makoto Shinkai magic, this is a story told in three parts: “Cherry Blossom,” “Cosmonaut,” and “5 Centimeters per Second.” Starting in the ‘90s and moving through to the then-present day, our main protagonist is Takaki, a boy who moves around a lot because of his parents’ work lives. When he befriends a girl named Akari, they become pen pals after life pulls them in different directions, though their long-distance relationship becomes strained as they grow older. But even as they fall into relationships with other people, neither can completely forget the special bond they developed as teenagers. No wonder Shinkai was lauded the title of “the next Miyazaki.”

The “Fruits Basket” series follows high schooler Tohru[o] as she navigates life on her own. “Prelude” details the backstory of Tohru’s parents, exploring topics like lost love, trauma, and healing. After meeting the kindhearted Katsuya[p], the troubled and rebellious Kyoko[q] turns over a new leaf. Their union is cut short when tragedy strikes, with Kyoko struggling to pick up the pieces of her life. The strength of their love ultimately shapes who Tohru becomes, bringing “Fruits Basket”’s overarching narrative full circle. Departing from the show’s fantasy-driven elements, the film tackles real-world issues with a poignant touch. A rare prequel that shines with or without prior knowledge of the series, “Prelude” is an absolute tearjerker from start to finish.

Speaking of which. The Studio Ghibli legend’s films are always infused with romance, and “Whisper Of The Heart” is by far one of the most underrated. At the start, we’re introduced to 14-year-old book worm, Shizuku, who is irritated to learn that all of her favorite library books were checked out by the same person - a boy named Seiji. She finds him just as aggravating when she meets him, but this eventually gives way to feelings of affection. Seiji’s ambition of becoming a violin-maker makes Shizuku realize she has no ambitions of her own, inspiring her down the literary path of writing books of her own.

Is it a fantasy, action-adventure, or a coming-of-age drama? That’s up to interpretation. But is it a deeply moving story about hope, responsibility, and the resilience of the human spirit? Absolutely. “Suzume” follows the titular character as she helps the mysterious Souta[s] prevent a major catastrophe. However, it’s up to the protagonist to save the day after Souta turns into a chair. Yes, you heard that right! Despite the unusual premise, the heroes’ time together shows how love can develop beyond basic attraction. Suzume’s feelings for Souta are woven into the film alongside its fantastical elements, as the pair connect over their journey. It’s an awe-inspiring tale of love and courage that is as heartfelt as it is breathtaking.

Masaaki Yuasa, of “The Tatami Galaxy” fame, applies his unique animation style to this unconventional rom-com. Contrary to the title, the story unfolds over one, long and boozy night, following a female university student known only as “Otome” as she parties her way through the streets of Kyoto, which are peppered by a cast of peculiar and not-quite-human characters. Along the way, she keeps running into her “senpai,” meetings which aren’t exactly by chance, as he longs to admit his feelings for her. The problem is, he just can’t pin her down to tell her. It’s a colorful, psychedelic journey that has been described as “Lewis Carroll” meets “Ulysses.” Perfect for those with alternative tastes.

A classic “opposites attract” love story, only this time with a lot more LGBTQ+-ness, Sajou is a straight-laced honor student while Kusakabe is an outgoing musician - and popular with the ladies. However, to Sajou’s surprise, he only has eyes for him! Together, they navigate societal stigma and their own growing pains. Boys Love stories can feature problematic themes, but “Doukyusei” is a shining example of what the genre can do positively: offering a subtle and grounded depiction of awkward, angsty, and passionate teen love that is both universal and distinctly queer at the same time.

Many people have experienced a freakout after their first kiss. This movie explores the whirlwind of emotions that follow that pivotal moment. Capturing the elation, confusion, and excitement that comes with new love, the film sees Kaguya and Shirogane[u] struggling to define their relationship. Although filled with classic rom-com tropes, it also provides a uniquely introspective look into what “being together” means. The film authentically portrays how quickly feelings evolve from just one kiss, acknowledging that, no matter how hard you try, you can’t fight what the heart wants. Amidst all the cutesy, lovey-dovey moments lies the message that love can be imperfect and pure at the same time – it’s all about giving it a chance.

He’s a beautiful and selfish wizard, and she’s a kind-hearted shop girl with an old soul. After a chance encounter brings Howl and Sophie together, they find their fates bound together after Sophie is cursed with an aging spell by a jealous ex-lover of Howl’s. She finds herself playing housekeeper in the rebellious mage’s mobile home, where she learns that underneath his vanity and pride, he’s a scared and lonely boy. In turn, he begins to fall in love with her inner beauty, even as he becomes more and more monstrous on the outside. “Howl’s Moving Castle” is a perfect modern fairy tale, and has become one of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved pieces.

Makoto Shinkai cemented his status in the cinematic anime landscape with this masterpiece, one that rocked the mainstream to its core. Two complete strangers - a girl living in a rural town - and a boy living in the city - become connected when they keep waking up in each other’s bodies. Once they get over the initial shock, they communicate with one another through notes and try to fix each other’s problems. Eventually, they decide to try and meet properly, but forces out of their control may make that an impossibility. It’s a love story truly unlike any other, as we watch and hope that the red string of fate will eventually bring these two together.


Did we miss any romance anime that stole your heart? Let us know in the comments.

[b]meh-GOO-mee KAH-toh:
https://forvo.com/search/Megumi%20Okina/
https://forvo.com/search/kato/ja/
[c]TEN-chee moo-YO: https://forvo.com/search/%E5%A4%A9%E5%9C%B0%E7%84%A1%E7%94%A8/
[d]ah-YAY-kuh: https://youtu.be/uKoYOw5TWzY?si=sNaXXM9yQmQGwSxA&t=244
[e]rYOH-koh: https://forvo.com/search/ryoko/
[f]NAH-ho: https://forvo.com/search/naho/ja/
[g]ka-KEH-roo: https://forvo.com/search/Kakeru/
[h]OO-roo-SAY YAT-soo-RAH: https://forvo.com/word/urusei_yatsura/
[i]AH-TA-roo: https://forvo.com/search/%E4%B8%AD%E3%81%9F%E3%82%8B%20%28%E3%81%82%E3%81%9F%E3%82%8B%29/
[j]LUM: https://forvo.com/word/%E3%83%A9%E3%83%A0/#ja
[k]HEY-jjee: https://forvo.com/search/%E5%B9%B3%E6%B2%BB/
[l]KAH-zew-HA: https://forvo.com/word/%E9%81%A0%E5%B1%B1%E5%92%8C%E8%91%89/
[m]MOH-mee-G: https://forvo.com/search/Momiji/
[n]CHOO-nee-byOHH: https://forvo.com/search/%E4%B8%AD%E4%BA%8C%E7%97%85/
[o]TOH-roo: https://forvo.com/search/Tohru/
[p]KAHT-soo-YA: https://forvo.com/search/Katsuya%20Eguchi/
[q]kYOH-ko: https://forvo.com/search/kyoko/
[r]soo-ZOO-meh: https://forvo.com/word/suzume/
[s]SOH-ta: https://forvo.com/word/souta/
[t]KAH-goo-YA: https://forvo.com/word/kaguya/
[u]shee-ROH-gah-NAY: https://www.reddit.com/r/Animedubs/comments/hzy3hw/kaguyasama_name_pronunciations_comparison/