Romance anime movies have always been a popular genre among anime fans, and 2023 promises to be an exciting year with a slew of new releases on the horizon. From heartwarming tales of first love to epic love stories that transcend time and space, there is no shortage of romance anime movies to look forward to in the coming year. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best romance anime movies to watch out for in 2023, so don’t miss out on these amazing films!
Top 15. Weathering With You
When it comes to classic romantic anime, one cannot overlook “Weathering with You”. This high school love story follows Morishima Hodaka as he leaves his boring island hometown for the city. Being a young boy, it is difficult for Hodaka to find a job, but he meets Amano Hina in a restaurant who offers him a burger to ease his hunger. They sympathize with each other’s struggle to make ends meet and soon become friends.
Hina’s true identity is later revealed – she has the power to change the weather. They both start a rain-and-sunshine calling service to earn a living. As their relationship blossoms, the legend of the weather maiden gradually unfolds. However, one day, Hina decides to sacrifice herself to bring the weather back to normal, but Morishima disagrees. What challenges await them? Will Morishima be able to protect the one he loves?
- Genre: Romance, Psychological
- Directed by: Shinkai Makoto
- Studio: CoMix Wave Films, Story Inc
- Duration: 114 minutes
- Broadcast year: 2019
Top 14. My Love Story!!
My Love Story is one of the most captivating and heart-warming romantic anime series today. Based on the manga of the same name, it follows the love journey of Takeo Gōda, a gentle giant high school student with a seemingly unattractive appearance.
Despite his kindness, most girls are repelled by Takeo’s appearance, and instead, are drawn to his handsome best friend, Makoto Sunakawa. However, fate intervenes when Takeo rescues Rinko Yamato from a street vendor, and she is the only girl who doesn’t judge him based on his looks. Her sincerity touches Takeo’s heart, but he mistakenly believes that Rinko is interested in Makoto.
Eventually, Rinko confesses her feelings to Takeo, and they officially become a couple. Their love story is filled with sweetness, humor, and genuine romance.
- Genre: Romance, Comedy
- Directed by: Morio Asaka
- Film studio: Madhouse
- Length: 24 episodes
- Aired year: 2015
Top 13. Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket is an exciting romantic anime that revolves around a high school student named Honda Tooru, who ends up living with Soma Yuki – a male classmate – for some reason. Inadvertently, Tooru discovers the secret curse that plagues the Soma family’s twelve zodiac stuidos. Along the way, she also uncovers the dark secrets of the Soma Clan behind this curse.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Tooru’s kindness and positivity becomes a huge source of inspiration for the Soma family. She is determined to break the curse and unravel the mysteries behind it. Throughout the anime, Tooru’s optimism and positive outlook on life shine through as she navigates through life’s ups and downs. This is the most captivating aspect of this lovable anime romance series.
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, School
- Directed by: Ibata Shihide
- Film studio: TMS/8PAN
- Length: 25 episodes
- Release year: 2019
Top 12. Charlotte
Superpower vies with morality in this exhilarating anime high school drama based on the popular manga series from Japan. Premiered in 2015 by P.A.Works, Charlotte revolves around Yuu Otosaka – a teenage boy blessed with the ability to take over someone else’s body. Hoping to use his extraordinary gift to excel academically, Yuu resorts to cheating in a bid to impress the girl he secretly admires. But will he learn to do the right thing? And what lies ahead for Yuu in his turbulent journey? Join us as we delve into this touching and captivating anime romance!
- Genre: School, Psychological, Supernatural, Romance, Animation
- Directed by: Asai Yoshiyuki
- Film studio: P.A.Works
- Length: 13 episodes
- Release year: 2015
Top 11. Let Me Eat Your Pancreas
Let Me Eat Your Pancreas is a heartwarming movie about endless love of a high school boy. While visiting the hospital, he accidentally reads the diary ‘Living with Dying’ of his classmate Sakura Yamauchi and discovers that she is suffering from pancreatic cancer which cannot be cured. Knowing that she has limited time left, he decides to devote all his efforts, time and heart to help Sakura fulfill her final wish.
Despite not being as glamorous and beautiful as other works of Makoto Shinkai, the film still captivates the audience. Especially, the scenes of the two young people walking on a road with pink cherry blossoms scattered, the wind pushing the trees gently through each sun ray are particularly well-crafted. The spectacular fireworks show will also delight many viewers. And the narrative scenes in Sakura’s diary are artfully displayed with inspiration taken from her favorite fairytale, The Little Prince.
- Release year: 2018
- Genre: School, Romance
- Duration: 108 minutes
- Directed by: Shinichiro Ushijima
- Main characters: Yamauchi Sakura, Takahiro
Top 10. Koe No Katachi
A Silent Voice is one of the most heartwarming and well-received anime romance films to date. The story revolves around the life of Nishimiya Shōko, a sixth-grade student born with congenital deafness. Shōko communicates through sign language, which unfortunately frustrates those around her, leading to constant bullying by her classmates, spearheaded by Ishida Shōya.
After repeatedly losing her hearing aids, Shōko’s mother decides to transfer her to a different school. Years later, Shōya experiences the same rejection and loneliness he once inflicted on Shōko, and by chance encounters her again. Wanting to make amends, he enrolls in a sign language class to reconnect with her. Will he receive forgiveness from Shōko, and will their relationship blossom anew? Watch the 129-minute anime romance film to find out!
- Genre: Romance, School, Drama
- Directed by: Yamada Naoko
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Duration: 130 minutes
- Aired year: 2016
Top 9. The Place Promised in Our Early Days
Set in the year 1996 in the northern city of Aomori, Japan, The Place Promised in Our Early Days is a coming-of-age love story that unfolds between three closest friends, Hiroki, Takuya, and Sayuri. In the film, there is a “federation” (currently ruling the Hokkaido island) building a mysterious tower. From their homes, the group of friends can easily observe the tower. When their curiosity is awakened, all three decide to fly to Hokkaido to explore the tower. Unfortunately, Sayuri suddenly falls ill with a strange disease and disappears, causing the trip to be aborted. Years later, the two boys discover that the cause of Sayuri’s illness lies within a mysterious ancient tower, and they begin to plan to destroy the structure.
After watching The Place Promised in Our Early Days, what lingers in the minds of viewers is not only the anime with its profound message about love and compassion, but also the lyrics and melody of Kimi no koe sung by Kawashima Ai, a member of the music group I Wish.
The song is like a broken promise and serves as advice on a love that is not whole for the main characters in the film. These emotions can make viewers shed tears when the music is heard.
Perhaps, The Place Promised in Our Early Days has encountered many conflicting opinions about the ending of the film, but despite everything, the film achieved the expected revenue and elevated the name of the talented director to a higher position.
- Release year: 2004
- Duration: 91 minutes
- Directed by: Shinkai Makoto
- Main characters: Hiroki, Takuya, Sayuri
Top 8. Itsudatte Bokura No Koi Wa 10Cm Datta
Our Love Always Has 10cm Apart is a popular romantic anime, following the success of its two previous installments. The third part tells the sweet love story between Haruki Serizawa and Miou Aida. From their first encounter, they had a fondness for each other and quickly became close. Their love grew from friendship to romance in no time.
Shortly after, Miou decided to confess her feelings to Haruki after hearing that he would go overseas for studies. However, there was always a 10cm distance between them, and Miou did not want to be separated from Haruki. Can their love be strong enough to erase the invisible barrier? Can Miou be fearless enough to turn 10cm to 0, get closer, and hold Haruki’s hand tightly?
- Genre: Romance, Romance
- Directed by: Hitoshi Nanba, Takurō Tsukada
- Film studio: Lay-duce
- Length: 6 episodes
- Aired year: 2017
Top 7. Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso
Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso, also known as Your Lie in April, is a series that has brought tears to the eyes of many viewers due to its pure and emotional love story of its main character, Arima Kousei. From a young age, Kousei showed exceptional talent as a piano prodigy, winning numerous competitions big and small. However, after his mother passed away, he lost the ability to hear the sound of his own performance. Kousei continued on with a normal high school life until he met Miyazono Kaori, a musician with an undying passion for the violin, who uses music to change Kousei’s life and bring him back into a world full of sound. But life has a way of playing games, and Kaori has a secret that she cannot reveal. What is Kaori’s secret that forces her to hide it from Kousei? Where will their unfinished love story lead?
Music is also a highlight of the series. As the theme of the show is centered around music, viewers can easily enjoy the masterpieces that are played throughout the episodes. From familiar pieces like Mozart’s Twelve Variations on a Theme Ah vous dirai je K.256 (Twinkle, Twinkle, Twinkle of the Star) to classical works like Saint-Saens’ Introduction Et Rondo Capriccioso and various other famous works by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin. The different voices in the dreamy classical melodies are enough to captivate any viewer.
- Release year: 2014
- Genre: School, Romance
- Length: 22 episodes, 23 minutes/episode
- Directed by: Ishiguro Kyohei
- Main characters: Arima Kousei, Miyazono Kaori
Top 6. Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War
If you’re looking for a captivating romantic anime, then “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” is the perfect choice. The story follows the cat-and-mouse game of the perfect couple Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya. Both have an impressive profile, with Miyuki as the student council president and the prestigious heiress of a wealthy conglomerate, while Kaguya is the handsome top student who serves as the vice president.
Despite having feelings for each other for a long time, they bet on who will confess first and refuse to make the first move. Eager to win, they resort to all sorts of cunning tactics to force the other to confess, leading to hilarious and heart-warming situations. Ultimately, love will make one of them surrender and express their true feelings. This anime is a must-watch for all romance enthusiasts out there!
- Genre: Psychological, Romance
- Directed by: Shinichi Omata
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Length: 12 episodes
- Broadcast year: 2019
Top 5. Loves and Lies
Anime Loves and Lies tells the compelling story of Japan’s government’s efforts to increase the birth rate. The government mandates that all citizens must marry someone by the age of 16 or face legal penalties. However, 15-year-old Yukari Nejima has already fallen in love with a classmate. On his 16th birthday, he is assigned to marry another woman. Will Nejima comply with the government’s demands or will he defy the rules to protect his love? Find out in this gripping anime!
- Release year: 2017
- Genre: School, Romance
- Length: 12 episodes, 24 minutes/episode
- Directed by: Seiki Takuno
- Main character: Yukari Nejima
Top 4. Nisekoi
Nisekoi is a captivating Japanese animated series that tells the story of a love triangle between Ichijō Raku – the son of a Yakuza gang leader, and two of his classmates. Raku secretly adores Onodera Kosaki, hoping that she is the one he has been longing for over the past 10 years. One day, he accidentally drops a love letter when crashing into Chitoge – a new transfer student in their class. They argue and hate each other at first, but eventually have to fake a relationship to keep the peace between their mafia families led by their fathers.
This puts Raku in a difficult situation between obligation and desire. As time passes, they start to develop feelings for each other. But when Chitoge finds out about Raku’s long-standing love for Kosaki, she decides to leave. During their search for Chitoge, Raku and Kosaki discover that she was the keeper of a treasure they’ve been looking for. Despite her love for Raku, Kosaki steps back realizing that Chitoge is the one he needs. With one love from the past and one from the present, which path will Raku ultimately choose? Don’t miss out on this enthralling anime romance to find out.
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Harem
- Directed by: Tatsuwa Naoyuki, Shinbo Akiyuki
- Script: Shinbo Akiyuki, Tou Fuyashi
- Film studio: Shaft
- Length: 12 episodes
- Release date: April 10, 2015
Top 3. Wolf Girl and Black Prince
Wolf Girl and Black Prince always rank high among the most popular romance anime of all time. The story follows Erika Shinohara – a normal high school student who wants to escape loneliness. She joins a group of beautiful girls and lies about having a boyfriend to fit in. To prove her story, she takes a picture with a handsome guy on the street who turns out to be the most popular boy in school – Kyoya Sata.
Erika proposes to Kyoya to be her fake boyfriend and he agrees, on the condition that she becomes his pet dog. After spending time together, they develop feelings for each other despite not liking some of each other’s flaws. Eventually, they become a real couple, going through various emotions like anger, jealousy, and love. Years later, Erika and Kyoya get married, forming a small and happy family that overcomes all challenges together.
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, School
- Directed by: Kenichi Kasai
- Author: Ayuko Hatta
- Film studio: TYO Animations
- Length: 12 episodes
- Release date: October 5, 2014
Top 2. InuYasha
During the era of the Warring States in Japan, the peace of a village is shattered by the attack of the half-demon InuYasha, who seeks the powerful Shikon Jewel. The skilled mage Kikyo seals InuYasha to an ancient tree, but not before sustaining fatal wounds. Before passing away, Kikyo instructs her little sister Kaede to burn the Shikon Jewel with her body to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
550 years later, high school student Kagome Higurashi’s cat is attacked by a centipede demon that emerges from a well. In a desperate attempt to save her pet, Kagome falls into the well and travels back in time to the Warring States period. There, she meets the sealed InuYasha and, in freeing him to chase away the centipede demon, becomes the target of his wrath. However, with the help of Kaede, Kagome is able to restrain InuYasha. As her true identity is gradually revealed, Kagome and InuYasha fight together against evil forces and develop feelings for each other.
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
- Directed by: Masashi Ikeda, Yasunao Aoki
- Author: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
- Film studio: Sunrise Inc.
- Length: 167 episodes
- Release date: October 16, 2000
Top 1. Golden Time
Golden Time is a hilarious anime romantic-comedy that tells the love story of Banri Tada and Koko Kaga. Banri Tada, a first-year law student at Tokyo University, suffers from amnesia after an accident. On the first day of school, he meets Koko Kaga, a beautiful girl holding flowers to congratulate Mitsuo Yanagisawa on his enrollment, only to be rejected by him. In fact, Banri and Koko have been engaged since they were young, but Mitsuo doesn’t like her.
Banri comforts Koko, and they quickly become friends and develop feelings for each other. Soon after, he meets Linda, his former best friend from high school. However, Banri can’t remember any memories of Linda. As Banri gradually recalls everything, he becomes embroiled in a conflict between his past and present. Golden Time is a fascinating anime romance that promises to satisfy even the most discerning viewers.
- Genre: Romance, Comedy
- Directed by: Chiaki Kon
- Author: Yuyuko Takemiya
- Film studio: JCStaff
- Length: 24 episodes
- Release date: October 4, 2013
Romance anime recommendations
- Your name
- The Garden of Words
- 5 Centimeters Per Second
- Children who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below
- Whisper Of The Heart
- 3D Kanojo: Real Girl
- Tada Never Falls In Love
- My Little Monster
- Wolf Girl And Black Prince
- Toradora!
- The Anthem Of The Heart
- I’ve Always Liked You
- Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san
- Tsuki Ga Kirei
- The Moment You Fall In Love
Top anime romance school
- Say “I Love You” | Sukitte Ii na yo.
- Koi to Uso
- Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji
- Ao Haru Ride
- Kimi ni Todoke
- Gamers!
- A Town Where You Live
- Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun
- Konbini Kareshi
- Tsurezure Children
Romance anime Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is a romance anime?
A: A romance anime is a genre of anime that focuses on the romantic relationship between two or more characters. It typically features themes of love, friendship, and emotional growth. - Q: What are some popular romance anime series?
A: Some popular romance anime series include Your Lie in April, Clannad, Toradora!, Fruits Basket, and Kimi ni Todoke. - Q: What age group is romance anime suitable for?
A: Romance anime can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, although some series may contain themes and content more suitable for older audiences. - Q: What are some common tropes in romance anime?
A: Common tropes in romance anime include love triangles, childhood friends, opposites attract, and forbidden love. - Q: Is there a difference between shoujo and shounen romance anime?
A: Shoujo romance anime is typically targeted towards female audiences, while shounen romance anime is typically targeted towards male audiences. However, there can be overlap and exceptions. - Q: Are there LGBTQ+ romance anime series?
A: Yes, there are several LGBTQ+ romance anime series, such as Yuri!!! on Ice, Banana Fish, and Given. - Q: Can romance anime be based on real-life events?
A: Yes, there are some romance anime that are based on real-life events or people, such as Nana and Sakura-sou no Pet na Kanojo. - Q: What are some common settings for romance anime?
A: Common settings for romance anime include high school, college, and workplaces such as cafes or offices. - Q: Are there romance anime movies?
A: Yes, there are several romance anime movies, such as Your Name, A Silent Voice, and The Garden of Words. - Q: Where can I watch romance anime?
A: You can watch romance anime on streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix, or purchase physical copies of the series.
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