Of All Romantic Anime, Only These 5 Titles Made Me Believe in Love Again

There are many songs, books and movies about love. The anime industry does not ignore such stories either: every year studios release a huge number of romantic titles.

These five stories made me cry, laugh, and feel nostalgic, and I'm sure that both newcomers to the anime world and seasoned otaku will enjoy at least one title from this list.

1. Fruits Basket, 2019-2021

After her mother dies in a car accident, high school student Tohru is left homeless and pitches a tent in the woods. It turns out that she has set up camp on the private property of the Sohma family.

Yuki Sohma learns of her situation and offers to stay with them, and Tohru agrees. Yuki lives with his two cousins, Shigure and Kyo. Kyo dreams of defeating Yuki in a duel, but always loses.

During another fight, Tohru accidentally discovers that hugs from a girl turn the Sohma cousins into animals of the Chinese zodiac: Yuki into a mouse, Kyo into a cat, and Shigure into a dog. This curse has haunted their family for many generations, and it is unclear how to deal with it.

2. Blue Spring Ride, 2014

In middle school, girls didn't like Futaba because she was pretty and attracted attention from boys she didn't need. The only one she liked was the awkward and sweet Kou Tanaka. When she decided to confess, Tanaka changed schools without warning.

Three years later, Futaba changed – she became a rude tomboy just so the boys wouldn't look at her and the girls wouldn't be afraid of the competition.

And then Tanaka returns – now he has a different surname, and there is no trace left of that nice, kind boy. He is cold, ironic, and sure that their childhood love can never be returned.

3. Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku, 2018-2021

Narumi gets a job in a big company. During a tour of the office, she notices a tall, handsome guy and recognizes him as Hirotaka, her former classmate.

After talking to him, Narumi finds out that he still has a passion for anime and video games and is not embarrassed about it, unlike the girl. Narumi's previous boyfriend dumped her because he thought her hobbies were stupid and immature.

That night after work, Narumi and Hirotaka go to a bar for a drink and decide to try dating, because no one will understand an otaku better than another otaku.

4. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, 2019-2023

Miyuki is the President of the student council. But it hasn't been easy – he comes from a poor family and is used to working hard in order to get a scholarship to an elite private school.

Kaguya has it much easier – she is smart, beautiful and the heiress of a huge fortune. She is the Vice President of the student council.

One day, both Kaguya and Miyuki realize that they are in love with each other. But they think that admitting their feelings is a weakness. So the two start a real war to make the other say “I love you.”

5. Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, 2009-2024

Sawako is modest, quiet, and shy, but she loves animals, enjoys taking care of plants, and always tries to help everyone. However, her classmates avoid Sawako because of her appearance.

The girl has long black hair, which makes her look like Sadako from The Ring. Many are even sure that this is her real name. They are afraid to look Sawako in the eye or even talk to her for fear that she will curse them.

Only one person is able to see a trembling soul behind that terrifying aura – the popular and friendly Shouta.