Romance is perhaps the most powerful genre in popular media, and it’s provided the world with some of the most powerful and emotional tales you can possibly read. With the evolution of anime as a medium, the genre has provided the fanbase with some of the

greatest shows and films. Although there are plenty of popular romantic anime you might end up watching, here are a few which are available on Netflix. It has all types of romantic anime, ranging from romance movies to melancholic romantic anime, from romantic comedies to tragic anime.

25. Your Lie in April (2014-2015)

Based on Naoshi Arakawa’s manga series, ‘Your Lie in April’ follows a young pianist named Kо̄sei Arima who loses his passion for playing the piano after his mother’s death. The emotional struggle continues for almost two years before he meets a young blond-haired girl named Kaori Miyazono. Kaori’s passion for the violin and her carefree attitude refills Kо̄sei’s depleted emotional bar, and he finds himself starting to like her. Although the two are different in many ways, with Kо̄sei having a straightforward and strict attitude towards his monochrome life while Kaori’s flair takes life as an adventure, their mutual love for music brings them together, something that is explored in a heartwarming manner. However, Kaori is hiding a secret, and it’s only a matter of time before Kо̄sei finds out about it. Can he deal with that? Or will it push him back to square one, i.e., emotional demise? To discover, you can watch ‘Your Lie in April’ here.

24. The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity (2025- )

Adapted from Saka Mikami’s Japanese manga series, ‘The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity’ follows the unlikely love story of Kaoruko and Rintaro. Rintaro is from Chidori High, a boys’ school that the low-grade students go to, while Kaoruko is from Kikyo Girls’ High, whose students are rich and from influential families. The schools are side by side, but the students have never gotten a glimpse of one another’s classrooms as the curtains are always drawn. Essentially part of two different worlds, Kaoruko and Rintaro cross paths at the latter’s family-owned patisserie. They have an instant chemistry on each other, but with the disparity they have, it seems so daunting. Can they be? Cuddly and sweet, ‘The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity’ is a neatly structured anime with a considerable development of its characters. It can be watched here.

23. The Apothecary Diaries (2023- )

Adapted from Natsu Hyūga and Touko Shino’s Japanese light novel series, ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ is about Maomao, a medicinally trained girl, who was sold to the emperor as a slave by her apothecary father. She secretly provides her services to needy people and soon becomes the object of attention of Jinshi, an imperial official. Soon, Maomao is running around in the palace politics and secrets, as well as uncovering her increasing affections for Jinshi. With an engaging story that has many sub-plots, ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ is a historical romance anime you must watch on streaming here.

22. Blue Box (2024-)

Adapted from Kouji Miura’s manga series, ‘Blue Box’ is about first-year student Taiki Inomata, a mediocre badminton player who is trying to improve himself at the game, his goal being to represent his school in the national championship. Some of his motivation lies in having some alone time during practice with his crush, Chinatsu Kano, a second-year star on the school basketball team. When her parents go overseas for work, she shifts with Taiki’s family, the two students’ mothers being good friends. With his crush living in his home, he learns about her gradually, hoping to grow close to her. Meanwhile, his training motivates Chinatsu to work harder as she, too, dreams of making it to the national championships. A heartwarming drama of love, friendship, hard work, and determination, ‘Blue Box’ is one of those few sports anime you can stream here.

21. Her Blue Sky (2019)

Tatsuyuki Nagai’s ‘Her Blue Sky’ is a rare anime drama that revolves around two sisters, Akane and her little sister Aoi, and Akane’s ex-boyfriend Shinnosuke. When Aoi meets Shinnosuke after 13 years, he appears to have undergone a complete transformation. Soon, it is revealed that his unresolved feelings have detached him from his real self, literally, and there are two of him now. The sisters must find a way to merge Shinnosuke with his ikiryō (living ghost), as it is the only way to get him back. Underscored by loss, trauma, and redemption, ‘Her Blue Sky’ is a must-watch. It can be streamed here.

20. 5 Centimeters per Second (2007)

‘5 Centimeters per Second’ is a drama romance that absorbs the sorrow that love can bring. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the movie is about a boy and girl named Takaki Tonoo and Akari Shinohara, respectively. We are shown throughout the three acts that the movie is subdivided into how they meet, develop feelings for one another, become separated, and reunited. Will it be forever this time? Or does fate have other ideas in store? Winner of the Best Animated Feature Film at the 2007 Asia Pacific Screen Awards, ‘5 Centimeters per Second’ is a riveting tearjerker and must-watch for romance anime enthusiasts. It can be streamed here.

19. Maboroshi (2024)

Directed by Mari Okada, ‘Maboroshi’ is an award-winning sci-fi drama that follows two teenagers, Masamune Kikuiri and his classmate/secret crush Mutsumi Sagami, who, along with the rest of their town’s residents, have been subjected to a strange catastrophic phenomenon that has stopped their aging process. As everyone tries to cope with their new way of life, the two kids encounter a wild child they decide to co-parent and protect from the imminent collapse of their reality. While the narrative follows a sci-fi route, it has clear romantic undertones that add to the story and the characters. A moving sci-fi drama, ‘Maboroshi’ can be streamed right here.

18. Lost Song (2018)

This is a music fantasy drama film directed by Morita to Jumpei. It is based on the story of two girls, Rin and Finis, belonging to different societal classes in the kingdom of Neunatia, who have one thing in common: their songs can manipulate the forces of nature and cure wounds. One of them belongs to the village, but the other is royal, and something that binds their fates is a boy named Henry, a knight. Rin rescues Henry from his foes, and they reach the capital city, where Finis develops an infatuation for Henry. But as war hangs in the balance over Neunatia, only time will tell how the two women achieve their fates with their talents in favor of goodness. You may watch ‘Lost Song’ here.

17. Bubble (2022)

Wit Studios’ ‘Bubble’ is an animated post-apocalyptic movie written and directed by Tetsurou Araki. The movie has rather intriguingly inspired Erubo Hijihara’s manga adaptation in Shounen Jump+. ‘Bubble’ meets the audience in a post-apocalyptic Japan devastated by a peculiar accident a couple of years prior when gravity-defying bubbles began raining from the heavens. After a huge explosion, Tokyo was the ground zero of the event that was experienced. The government has at the moment proclaimed it a restricted zone, and people no longer inhabit it. But children who have lost their families in the catastrophic incident now use the location for the dangerous parkour team battles. Hibiki is one of those children who accidentally crosses paths with a mysterious girl who changes his life forever. Feel free to watch the anime here.

16. Flavors of Youth (2018)

Starring voice actors Taito Ben, Ikumi Hasegawa, Takeo Otsuka, Mariya Ise, and Minako Kotobuki, ‘Flavors of Youth’ broaches the topics of youth loss and the struggles of adulthood by narrating three individual stories that are based on the hard city life in China. While the first two tales are more concerned with the beauty of family and the wish to cling to forever childhood memories, the final episode is indeed a heartwarming love story. The tale is framed during the late 90s and is about Li Mo, who falls in love with Xiao Yu after saving her from an accident. Alas, their emotions are put to the test when Xiao Yu needs to begin preparing for the entrance exam of a prestigious school at the behest of her father. Free to watch the show here.

15. My Happy Marriage (2023)

After her mother’s sudden death, Mio Saimori has lived a sorrowful life since she is not provided with the love and attention that she should have received. After her father remarries, everyone’s attention is focused on her younger half-sister, Kaya, and Mio lives like a servant. The abuse continues for years, and she becomes so accustomed to it that she no longer dreams of a happy life. One typical day, her father informs her that she will wed the head of the renowned Kudou clan, Kiyoka, renowned for his cold heart and lack of pity for her former betrotheds. However, when Mio actually gets to meet him, she is taken aback by the benevolent treatment she gets and begins to believe that this could be her only hope for happiness. ‘My Happy Marriage’ elegantly weaves through the traumatic history of its lead character and tells a sweet love story that you will most likely love. You may watch the anime here.

14. Komi Can’t Communicate (2021 -)

Shouko Komi is, without question, the prettiest girl at Itan Private High School. Since she doesn’t speak with anyone, she has a mysterious quality that makes her even more attractive and also fuels the never-ending string of gossip surrounding her. But unbeknownst to her peers is that Shouko actually suffers from debilitating anxiety and a disorder of communication, which heavily impacts her social life. She cannot make friends, so when her classmate Hitohito Tadano finds out about this, he offers to assist Komi. This, of course, brings the pair closer to each other, and they start developing a romantic connection with one another over time. ‘Komi Can’t Communicate’ is a funny and light-hearted series with excellent entertainment value. Its romantic aspects are merely the cherry on top. The anime is available for streaming here.

13. Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You (2009 – 2010)

Sawako Kuronuma is the victim of misunderstandings from her classmates and is usually characterized as evil simply because she resembles the ghost girl from the Ring series. She is actually sweet and shy in reality. Though she is well-mannered, Sawako cannot befriend anyone until a popular classmate named Shouta Kazehaya invites her to play a game of courage with his friends that he organized. Taking part in the test changes Sawako’s life forever, and she gradually develops a connection with Shouta without knowing that she is reciprocating similarly unimagined gestures from him. ‘Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You’ is hands down one of the most romantic and sweetest shows you can view on Netflix.

12. Romantic Killer (2022 -)

Netflix’s ‘Romantic Killer’ tracks Anzu Hoshino, a high school student whose existence is all about video games and chocolates. When one evening, she plays a badly coded 3D otome game, she is told by a wizard that she will be featured in a dating game harem scenario. In spite of her objections, Anzu is made to live the strange situation in real life, and the wizards make sure that it is not possible for her to evade romance by tossing stereotypical cute boys at her. The funny drama that ensues is enjoyable to behold and the reverse harem show is an awesome watch for those who are searching for a humorous romantic drama. All of the episodes are available here.

11. No Doubt In Us (2021)

‘No Doubt In Us’ or ‘Liang Bu Yi’ is a historical drama show that perfectly blends the romance comedy genre to retell an engaging story of a couple. The series is all about Emperor Xiao Jinyun and fiery Empress Xu Yu, who are always quarreling with one another on some trivial matter. The news of their quarrels is not a secret to the Imperial court. But due to some weird twist of fate, the two are put into a confusing situation as their bodies get exchanged by some kind of miracle. Now responsible for performing each other’s duties, the two must cooperate. As they gradually realize what it feels like to walk in each other’s shoes, the two begin developing a new sense of compassion for one another. But unknown to them is that their predicament is a whole lot worse than they can imagine at first, and if the imperial astrologer cannot assist them to return to their bodies, the couple meets their untimely death. You can view the show here.

10. Violet Evergarden (2018)

Listen, ‘Violet Evergarden’ isn’t your typical romance anime. Most of the anime featured here are not. The anime is all about learning what love is. It is quite a good show with a good story. The experience is also enhanced by the lovely visuals. I prefer the character design of Violet. There are a total of 13 episodes in this series, and each of the episodes is around 23 minutes long. The anime occurs in the years following the Great War. There was much bloodshed during the war, and the continent of Telesis was divided into two groups.

Once the war is over, everything starts changing, and the continent begins to bloom once more. Violet Evergarden is a child who has spent most of her life on the battlefield. She was raised for the sole purpose of annihilating enemies. But since the war is over now,r she doesn’t know what to do. She begins working at the postal service after she gets into a row with her adoptive family. There, she sees the work of an auto memory doll that transcribes a person’s thoughts onto paper. It fascinates her greatly, and she wants to be an auto-memory doll herself. This work leads her on different travels and adventures, which will result in self-discovery. Will she be able to finally understand the words of the only one she ever loved? The anime is available for streaming here.

9. Naruto (2002 – 2007)

‘Naruto’ is the type of anime that becomes better with time, and given that it’s quintessential Shounen through and through, if once you get hooked, there’s no turning back. The series is about the life of the title protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki, a rebellious young ninja who fails to acknowledge his aspirations of becoming the Hokage of his village. In the fandom of ‘Naruto’, there is a most popular term called “NaruHina” that defines the relationship between Naruto and Hinata. At the beginning of the series, Hinata was just a shy girl who would look up at Naruto from afar, but to everyone’s surprise, she turned out to be his love of life. Her affection for him had always been so genuine that it was never actually the result of infatuation; rather, she was more attracted to his dedication to his training and his ambitions. And lastly, in the new show ‘Boruto,’ we have the pleasure of seeing them married with a child of their own. You can stream the anime here.

8. Vampire in the Garden (2022)

‘Vampire in the Garden’ revolves around the tale of ceaseless and non-stop war between humans and vampires. During a time when the latter forces the former on the brink of collapse, the conflicts between them escalate to a new extreme. Amidst all the turmoil, there is a soldier by the name of Momo who finds himself accidentally encountering the vampire queen Fiine. As they become acquainted with each other, they learn that they have a lot in common and both yearn for peace. For their seemingly impossible dream to come true, the duo embarks on a journey that covers a long distance in search of a destination where vampires and humans can exist harmoniously. While ‘Vampire in the Garden’ isn’t similar to the usual romantic shows that you will get to watch since it centers mostly around other storylines, the relationship between Fiine and Momo will surely make your butterflies fly. The anime is available for streaming here.

7. InuYasha (2000-2004)

‘Inuyasha’ is one of the greatest anime shows that depict interspecies relationships and will be forever remembered for this aspect. Drawn from an award-winning manga, it is about a schoolgirl, Kagome Higurashi, who is pulled into a well by a demon and transported into a completely different alternate world of the Sengoku era. She later finds out that she has a sacred jewel for which everyone in her new environment is seeking. Following a struggle with an evil entity, the jewel shatters into numerous various pieces and scatters throughout Japan’s legendary lands. In order to make sure that the jewel does not fall into the wrong hands, she embarks upon a quest with Inuyasha, a fox demon, to retrieve all of its lost fragments. ‘Inuyasha’ is such an anime that tests the time because it carries a highly realistic love story. Rather than just presenting the lovey-dovey aspect of a relationship, it illustrates the way relationships always carry issues that truly need to be addressed. To spice things up, it presents a complicated love triangle in which the lead character has to make a very important choice. You can watch the series here.

6. Ooku: The Inner Chambers (2023- )

Directed by Taku Ohara, ‘Ooku: The Inner Chambers’ is adapted from the same-titled Japanese manga series by Fumi Yoshinaga. The series takes place in Edo-period Japan and centers on Yoshimune “Nobu” Tokugawa, the new shogun, who chooses to explore the origins of the present hierarchy with women at its head. At the same time, an epidemic among men has decimated their numbers. Of them, 3000 lovely ones work in the Oooku-Tokugawa’s Inner Chambers (harems). Her study brings us back to the very first woman shogun, Iemitsu Tokugawa, and a monk, Arikoto Madenokoji. The show drew much admiration for its visual pleasure that goes extremely well with the interesting storyline that shows an alternate feudal Japan in a real way. You can watch it here.

5. The Seven Deadly Sins (2014-2021)

‘The Seven Deadly Sins’ is mostly a fantasy shounen anime that takes place around the world of a group of heroes called “the Sins.” However, aside from all that action, the anime is also famous for its complex characters and their relationships. One of the most notable relationships that are explored in the anime are around Ban, who is a part of the seven deadly sins, and Elaine. Ban and Elaine become infatuated with each other after a week spent together in the Fairy King’s Forest. Sadly, Elaine is murdered by a Demon and taken out of Ban’s reality. But this too does not deter him from loving her, and he vows to himself that he will see her once more. He becomes extremely depressed upon her death and even loses all sense of his purpose in life without her. When he is commanded to exchange the life of his own friend, Meliodas, to bring her back to life, he does not hesitate in picking her. Although the tale of Ban and Elaine concludes on a happy note, yet another love affair between Maliodas and Elizabeth is now suggested in the anime. You can see the series here.

4. A Whisker Away (2020)

Since she’s from a dysfunctional family, Miyo Sasaki has numerous personal problems making her otherwise normal life complex. To have some kind of normalcy, she attempts to suppress her personal problems through unusual expressions of affection for a boy named Kento Hinode. While she does not manage to catch his attention himself, Miyo prefers to transform herself into a white cat named Tarou to hear out the myriad of issues that he is going through. But eventually, Sasaki finds herself having to choose between letting out her true nature or remaining just friends with Kento. ‘A Whisker Away’ tells the touching tale of two teenagers who are struggling in their very own ways and find solace by simply being around one another. The anime can be streamed here.

3. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996)

If you’ve been watching anime for some time now, you’re likely to be familiar with ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion.’ It begins life as more of a standard Mecha drama about “saving the world,” but it totally turns itself around in its second half and becomes a psychological drama full of conspiracies and deep messages. In short, ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ is a work of art and will likely be entitled to that status for a very long time to come. In terms of romance, the show depicts scenes when the lead character, Shinji, appears to have a crush on all three female leads at different instances of time. There is also a bit of romance implied between him and Asuka, where he ends up embarrassing himself whenever he is around her because he has a crush on her, and even Asuka teases him so that no one knows she is actually into him. Besides that, there are also some sweet romantic moments between Misato and Kaji, who have had a prolonged relationship history. All of the episodes can be streamed here.

2. Beastars (2019 – )

‘Beasters’ is a slice-of-life psychological drama anime centered on the constant tension that exists between the carnivores and the herbivores in a sophisticated community of anthropomorphic beings. As much as the show is loaded with mystery and drama, the show also predominantly deals with the predatory nature of the protagonist and his love feelings towards a acquaintance. So, ‘Beasters’ provides pretty much a rare chance to examine romantic affairs from a new angle. All the series of the show can be streamed here.

1. Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop (2021)

Yui “Cherry” Sakura is a shy high school student who communicates more efficiently by writing. On the other hand, Yuki “Smile” Hoshino is a cheerful girl who prefers befriending others and knowing them. Nevertheless, the soon-to-be influencer has her own fears and attempts to conceal them beneath her throwaway mask. The two teens then both end up working for the same welfare center over their summer break, and thus starts their brief but beautiful romance. But with only a few weeks to share together, will Cherry and Smile get their courage up and tell each other how they feel before their summer work at the facility is over? To see, we highly suggest you watch the movie. You can view the movie here. Read More: Best Adult Anime on Hulu