Who can resist the power of love? It’s no wonder why so many people adore romantic comedies. The genre of anime rom-com follows a simple yet entertaining formula that brings viewers exciting relationships, friendships and treasured memories while throwing in comical misunderstandings and unpredictable situations to keep the story going.
From slice-of-life stories and anime quotes to lighthearted romances, there’s something for everyone in Romantic comedy anime (sometimes abbreviated as “rom-com”).
Here’s a list of fifteen must-watch rom-com animes that you should watch in 2023 to make your heart sizzle! For more Anime related content be sure to explore our list of Shonen Manga that you should read in 2023.
CONTENTS
1. Lovely Complex
This romantic comedy follows high schooler Risa Koizumi and her long-time friend Atsushi Otani on their journey through love and friendship. The two have been friends since childhood, and the story follows their relationship as they try to find a way to make it work.
2. Ouran High School Host Club
This popular shoujo anime series is about Haruhi Fujioka, a regular high school student who stumbles upon the mysterious Host Club at her school – an all-male club that entertains female guests by providing company and conversation. She soon finds herself joining them as she embarks on an unexpected journey of growth and friendship.
3. Itazura Na Kiss
High school student Kotoko Aihara has had a crush on Naoki Irie since she first met him in middle school. Unfortunately for her, he is the smartest, most popular and unattainable boy at school. Despite this, she persists in following him around until one day he agrees to go out with her.
4. Toradora
This high school rom-com follows Ryūji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka, two unexpected friends who help each other in their respective romantic pursuits. It’s a delightful story of friendship that blossoms into something more!
5. Fruits Basket
This classic anime series brings the heartwarming story of Tohru Honda, a young girl who moves in with members of the mysterious Soma family after a tragedy strikes her own family. What begins as an arrangement for shelter turns into a special journey of discovery and growth as she gets to know the eccentric members of the Soma household.
6. Oregairu
Hikigaya Hachiman is a high school student who’s had enough of the fake smiles and shallow relationships in his environment. This romantic comedy follows his journey as he grows through his encounters with others and learns to appreciate the value of genuine connections.
7. Nisekoi
This charming story follows Raku Ichijou, an ordinary high schooler with a secret – he has been promised to be married to Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of a rival gang leader! Despite their initial dislike for each other, the two gradually grow closer as they try to keep up the facade for both their families.
8. Golden Time
This series focuses on Banri Tada, a college freshman who wakes up with no memory of his past. With the help of his new friends, he slowly pieces together his identity and falls in love with a girl at school.
9. Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War
This rom com follows two elite students at Shuchiin Academy, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya, who are both vying for the other’s heart. However, as they try to outdo each other in attempts to win one another’s affections, their battles of wits often end up being hilarious!
10. Prison School
This series follows an all-male high school class that is sent to attend a reformatory run by the Underground Student Council – a powerful group of female students. It’s an outrageous story full of comedy, misunderstandings and wacky antics!
11. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou
Sorata Kanda is a high school student who finds himself living in the peculiar Sakura Dormitory. There, he meets a motley crew of roommates including Mashiro, an aspiring artist with a troubled past. As the two become closer friends, their journey of growth and self-discovery begins!
12. Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii
Narumi Momose finally finds an escape from her dull life when she discovers her fellow otaku Hirotaka Nifuji at work. As they start to get to know each other, their relationship goes from awkward acquaintances to something more. It’s a touching story about two characters and how they learn to cope with the challenges of modern romance.
13. Your Lie in April
This emotionally compelling series follows Kosei Arima, a piano prodigy whose career comes to an abrupt halt after suffering trauma. But when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a free-spirited violinist who helps him find his passion for music again, his life begins to take on a new meaning.
14. My Love Story!!
Takeo Gouda is an exceptionally big-hearted but unlucky high schooler who has resigned himself to never finding love – until one day he saves a beautiful girl from a groper on the train. The two soon become close friends, and fall in love as Takeo learns to value himself.
15. Clannad
This classic tearjerker follows Tomoya Okazaki, a disillusioned high schooler who meets Nagisa Furukawa, an energetic girl with whom he slowly falls in love. As their relationship flourishes and they start to learn more about each other, it’s an endearing story about how true love can be found even when life seems bleakest.
In conclusion, these anime have been bringing heartwarming stories of young people finding love and learning important lessons for many years now – proving that there is something special about the genre that keeps us coming back for more!
They also prove that Anime is a multifaceted genre of animation that goes beyond the usual action packed series such as Cyberpunk Edgerunners or DBZ.
Whether you’re looking for something fun and light-hearted or an emotional roller coaster, these 15 romantic anime titles should have something to suit your needs. So why not give one a try today? Who knows, maybe you’ll find some love of your own along the way!
Happy watching!
