Himbos are more than just handsome, brawny guys who could give Hercules a run for his money at the gym. Himbos tend to be respectful and kind. Saying a himbo is a stupid guy is a bit reductive; himbos come in different shades of intelligence.
It’s more like himbos know they’re not the smartest person in the room. Some can be stupid, but they tend to be quiet or focus on joyous things, and they happily defer to people with different skill sets from their own. All of these qualities make for a great love interest in a romance arc, whether the romance is quiet or over the top.
10 Guts & Casca (Berserk)
It’s not that Guts is a goof in Berserk — it’s more like his intelligence will always play second fiddle to his brawn and his heart. Casca and Guts butt heads often because of his tendency to throw strategy and caution to the wind. He may not be as level-headed, but his motives are rooted in compassion.
Guts naturally steps into a protector role. Casca is an accomplished warrior who can hold her own, but even she needs someone to protect her in her darkest hour. Guts tries his best despite the evil that plagues his world and the inner demon that tries to overcome him.
9 Koga & Kagome (InuYasha)
InuYasha‘s love rival, Koga, is a simple man. He knows exactly what he wants when he sees it, and what he wants is Kagome to be his wife. As Koga puts it, “Wolves mate for life, so you’re mine, now.”
Koga has a sense of respect for Kagome; he gives her flowers, and he wants what’s best for her. His love for her is one-sided, though, because Kagome views him as a friend and prefers Inuyasha. Koga doesn’t always think things through the best way, but he sure is loyal.
8 Kuwabara & Yukina (Yu Yu Hakusho)
Sweet Yukina is a different creature from the human Kuwabara in Yu Yu Hakusho. She doesn’t really know what to make of his courtship and finds it cute. While Yu Yu Hakusho ended before they could become an official couple, the series ended on a hopeful note.
Kuwabara may define the word “goof,” and he may be overly fond of showing off his muscles, but he’s a stand-up guy. And he is all about Yukina, even in the middle of a competitive battle. When Kuwabara sees Yukina in the crowd, he forgets the battle entirely for a moment to stand in awe of her mere presence and proudly pronounces her as his girlfriend. Then, of course, he needs to flex his muscles in front of her.
7 Hak & Yona (Yona Of The Dawn)
Hak and Yona are equally yoked when it comes to being pretty and daffy in Yona of the Dawn. Hak has a gift for strategy, and Yona knows how to fight for what’s important. But there are as many times, if not more, when they struggle to rub two brain cells together.
Yona is naive because of her sheltered princess life and her infatuation with Su-Won. Hak, on the other hand, gaffs over and over when he tries to flirt with Yona and inevitably botches it. Sometimes they even work together to make a cute romantic moment awkward — like when Hak leans in for a kiss, and Yona headbutts him by accident. They’re the perfectly matched himbo and deredere couple.
6 Trevor & Sypha (Castlevania)
Alucard warns Sypha in Castlevania about Trevor Belmont’s flaws. Sypha can’t help but want to give Trevor a chance, though. Even if he’s riddled with flaws, he’s also all heart and soul.
Trevor makes Sypha feel the warmth of kindness and compassion, even if he tries to hide his better nature from others behind a smokescreen of sarcasm and drink. Trevor is the kind of person who blooms when he’s given love and compassion. In trade, he would sacrifice anything to see Sypha safe and happy.
5 Tuxedo Mask & Sailor Moon (Sailor Moon)
Tuxedo Mask was specifically written in Sailor Moon to embody the traditional female role in action-fantasy anime. He’s the support guy who bolsters spirits, and he may save the day from time to time, but he’s mostly there to be kind and pretty. Those characters have their place in storytelling, too, but it solidly positions Mamoru as a convincing himbo.
Mamoru is utterly devoted to Usagi and their future together. Even when Mimete tries to hit on him in front of Usagi, Mamoru smiles affably as he shuts her down, saying that he’s busy having a family day with his future wife and future daughter. As funny as the scene is, Mamoru’s cheerfulness and pride in his family are adorable.
4 Jonathan & Erina (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
There may be more fan support for Jonathan and Speedwagon in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, but Jonathan’s sweet himbo nature really shines in his history with Erina. He treats her like a perfect gentleman would. He has a soft heart, but he’s still often comically surprised by her emotions.
Jonathan is all heart, no brain, and it’s the best part of his personality. Himbos make great love interests in childhood friends-to-lovers arcs. Jonathan always leads with compassion, even when it hurts him. It’s not surprising that Erina loves him and no other.
3 Takeo & Rinko (My Love Story!!)
Takeo Gouda is written in My Love Story!! to be an ode to the himbo love interest. His sense of honor is so strong that he gets angry easily when he witnesses injustice. His physical strength is a boon as much as it is a difficulty.
Takeo feels isolated, like a misunderstood and outcast ogre. But even though he can win a fight against nearly anyone, he is a very gentle guy. He finds Rinko so incredibly adorable that he’s always blushing around her. And Rinko adores him for the unique and lovely person that he is.
2 Howl & Sophie (Howl’s Moving Castle)
Howl is infamous for his beauty and his fickle heart in Howl’s Moving Castle. Nevertheless, from the first moment Sophie meets him, he assists her (though he’s the one teasing her in the book, not the soldiers). Howl’s focus on beauty is sometimes his downfall; he has a complete meltdown when Sophie mixes up his hair potions, and he’s no longer blond.
But Howl and Sophie each have a little of what the other needs. Howl needs some of Sophie’s good sense and bravery, and she needs some of his confidence. One of the sweetest turning points in their relationship is when Howl makes doubly sure that Sophie knows that she’s pretty.
1 Fukuo & Osano (Kiki’s Delivery Service)
Fukuo is stoic and silent in Kiki’s Delivery Service. He shows his concern and affection with thoughtful actions rather than words. Fukuo is a large guy, and Jiji is a bit wary of him as he watches him bake, but Fukuo only shows off a bit to the cat, trying to make him laugh.
Though he says not a word to her, Fukuo paces in the bakery when Kiki’s late coming back. He bakes an artisanal bread wreath just for her to hang in their bakery window to advertise her delivery service. And he’s there for whatever his expecting wife, Osono, could possibly need. There are few love interests sweeter and kinder than Fukuo.