Anime has a special way of weaving romance into various genres, from fantasy to comedy, making love stories feel both larger than life and incredibly relatable. Whether you’re a seasoned anime lover or new to the scene, these romance-focused series will keep you glued to the screen. In this article on Animeking, we take a look at some of the most anticipated and classic anime series that are a must-watch in 2024. Get ready to immerse yourself in some of the most captivating and heartfelt romance anime of the year!
9. Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf (2024)
Get ready to dive into a rich blend of fantasy, commerce, and romance with the 2024 adaptation of Spice and Wolf. Following Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant, and Holo, a harvest deity in the form of a wolf, this series mixes economic adventures with medieval landscapes. Their bond grows deeper as they face the challenges of commerce and spirituality, making it a romantic journey full of witty dialogue and deep emotional undertones.
Release Date: April 2, 2024
Where to Watch: TBD
Cast: Jun Fukuyama, Ami Koshimizu
This adaptation brings a fresh look to the beloved 2008 classic, introducing the charming dynamic between Kraft and Holo to new audiences. It’s a story that balances economic intrigue with the warmth of a budding romance.
8. Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me To You
If you’re in the mood for a heartfelt coming-of-age romance, Kimi Ni Todoke is your go-to. The series follows Sawako Kuronuma, a sweet but misunderstood girl whose eerie resemblance to a horror character isolates her from her peers. Enter Shōta Kazehaya, a popular and kind-hearted boy who sees Sawako for who she truly is. Their blossoming romance is tender, and the show’s emotional depth makes it one of the finest shoujo anime of all time.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Seasons: 2 + a live-action adaptation on Netflix
Cast: Mamiko Noto, Daisuke Namikawa
With beautiful storytelling and relatable characters, this series is a must-watch for fans of romance and slice-of-life anime.
7. Fruits Basket (2019)
One of the most iconic romance anime series, Fruits Basket, returns with its 2019 remake that faithfully adapts Natsuki Takaya’s manga to its conclusion. The show follows Tohru Honda, a high school girl who discovers that members of the Sohma family are cursed to turn into animals from the Chinese Zodiac when embraced by the opposite sex. More than just romance, Fruits Basket is about overcoming trauma, healing, and the power of unconditional love.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Seasons: 3
Cast: Laura Bailey, Eric Vale
Whether you’re familiar with the original or are just diving into this world, the 2019 adaptation is a beautifully emotional rollercoaster worth the watch.
6. Clannad
A tear-jerker for the ages, Clannad follows the story of Tomoya Okazaki, a high school delinquent who meets Nagisa Furukawa, a strange but sweet girl. Together, they navigate life’s ups and downs, forming friendships and facing life’s challenges head-on. Clannad blends romance, drama, and slice-of-life elements beautifully, making it one of anime’s most beloved romance stories.
Where to Watch: Not available for streaming in the US
Seasons: 2
Cast: Mai Nakahara, Yūichi Nakamura
Prepare yourself for an emotional journey that explores the joys and hardships of relationships. It’s truly unforgettable.
5. Kamisama Kiss
For a supernatural twist on romance, Kamisama Kiss is the anime you need. Nanami Momozono, a girl with nowhere to go, suddenly becomes a shrine deity and partners with Tomoe, a fox yokai. Their relationship starts off rocky but blossoms into a beautiful love story. It’s a fun, light-hearted series that merges fantasy and romance seamlessly.
Where to Watch: TBD
Seasons: 2
Cast: Shinnosuke Tachibana, Suzuko Mimori
Between its wholesome romance and delightful supernatural elements, Kamisama Kiss is sure to steal your heart.
4. Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War
If you love the tension of a will-they-won’t-they romance, Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War is the perfect series for you. The anime follows Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, two top-ranking students who are deeply in love but refuse to confess first. Their hilarious psychological battles to outwit each other make this show a refreshing romantic comedy that’ll keep you laughing and on the edge of your seat.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Seasons: 3
Cast: Aoi Koga, Makoto Furukawa
This romantic mind game anime is full of laughs, heart, and plenty of moments to keep you hooked.
3. Ouran High School Host Club
Jouran: The Princess of Snow and BloodA classic that continues to capture the hearts of fans, Ouran High School Host Club combines comedy, romance, and a playful look at gender roles. When Haruhi Fujioka stumbles into the prestigious Ouran Academy and accidentally breaks a vase, she’s forced to pose as a boy to pay off her debt to the school’s host club. The show’s charm comes from its diverse and loveable cast of characters, and the romance, while subtle, is incredibly sweet.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Seasons: 1
Cast: Caitlin Glass, Vic Mignogna
If you want a feel-good romance with a splash of humor and unique characters, Ouran is a must-watch.
2. Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!
This romantic comedy centers around Yuuta Togashi, who’s trying to move on from his embarrassing middle school delusions of grandeur. However, when he meets Rikka Takanashi, someone still fully engrossed in her fantasy world, his normal life takes a detour. The show is wholesome, funny, and full of moments that highlight the awkwardness and charm of young love.
Where to Watch: TBD
Seasons: 2
Cast: Jun Fukuyama, Maaya Uchida
For anyone who’s been through the awkward phases of growing up, this anime hits all the right notes.
1. A Sign of Affection
The most unique romance series to debut in recent years, A Sign of Affection tells the love story of Itsuomi Nagi and Yuki Itose, a deaf underclassman. This sweet and sincere anime explores romance through a fresh perspective, focusing on communication, empathy, and emotional connection without relying on dramatic misunderstandings.
Where to Watch: TBD
Seasons: 1
Cast: TBD
This touching, beautifully animated series is a must-watch for anyone looking for a new take on romance that doesn’t shy away from real-world challenges.
