Romance anime are among the most beloved shows. Their depictions of love defying all odds and sweeping romantic gestures entice audiences to watch more. Many anime don’t have the greatest or healthiest dynamics, but the ones that do shine as some of the best, most romantic tales.
The healthiest anime romances involve both parties not only caring for one another but respecting each other. They cheer each other on in their successes and stand by one another when they are down. Boundaries are important and acknowledged, and the couples always ensure that both of them feel comfortable. Not all anime feature these kinds of dynamics, making any new healthy romance anime a welcome change in the genre.
10 Tsuki Ga Kirei
Akane Mizuno and Kotarou Azumi are middle school sweethearts trying to navigate their way through their first love. Many awkward pratfalls occur between the pair – like nearly all middle school relationships. Yet, the two still manage to have a mostly healthy romance.
Akane and Kotarou have vastly different hobbies and abilities, but they never fail to cheer each other on. Even when Akane discovers Kotarou’s participation in a cultural parade, she doesn’t make fun of him as he assumes she would. Instead, she tries to learn about it. In the end, Kotarou and Azumi get married and start a family together, which further emphasizes how healthy relationships can last a lifetime.
9 Komi Can’t Communicate
Shoko Komi can’t talk, but that doesn’t stop her from developing feelings for her helper and first friend, Hitohito Tadano. Although Tadano and Komi share a quasi teacher/student relationship (since he is helping her overcome her social anxiety) their power dynamic never feels out of balance.
Tadano is just as excited for all of Komi’s success as she is, and Komi is completely taken with how kind Tadano is. The two together are both shy, but neither of them can hide how they feel for long when they are working so closely together toward their now-shared goal.
8 Romantic Killer
Romantic Killer isn’t a typical romance anime. Rather than striving for love, the main character, Anzu Hoshino, rebels against it. Despite the wizard Riri’s innumerable attempts to get Anzu to fall in love, Anzu balks against all of Riri’s efforts in favor of the boys having the autonomy to make their own decisions about her.
Romantic Killer (and Anzu specifically) represent a healthy side of romantic rejection. The show focuses a lot on how Anzu’s choice to be single is valid. It also showcases how there are many reasons someone might be single, such as in the case of Tsukasa Kazuki and past his stalker. Romantic Killer shows that anyone’s romantic decisions are valid, and no one should ever be forced into a relationship even if others think a romance would be a good idea.
7 Horimiya
The core of Kyoko Hori and Izumi Miyamura’s relationship is nonjudgmental. From their first interaction to the majority of their relationship, Hori and Miyamura accept and love each other for who they are. Hori does have a meltdown when Miyamura cuts off his long hair, but it is mostly out of sadness that he felt so insecure about her affection that he cut it.
Hori and Miyamura communicate often. The only misunderstandings they have are when they let their insecurities get in their way. Hori and Miyamura do not shy away from their feelings. They are always honest with each other and respectful of one another’s desires.
6 Stranger by the Shore
Shun Hashimoto and Mio Chibana don’t begin as conventionally as other couples. However, once Mio returns to Okinawa when he’s an adult, his and Shun’s relationship blossoms into romance.
Although Shun is still tortured by his sexuality, Mio is patient (if eager), and waits for Shun to realize that he is perfect the way he is. The couple let their passions get the better of them a few times before they take the first step into romance, but they always stop and talk things through when Shun’s insecurities prevent him from moving forward. Shun and Mio ensure that they communicate with each other and are always truthful about their feelings. Mio and Shun represent what passion and trust look like when both parties respect and talk with one another.
5 My Happy Marriage
Miyo Saimori has had an abominable upbringing. She was constantly made to feel unwanted, and lesser than her other family members. Therefore, when her betrothed, Kiyoka Kudo treats her with human dignity, she can’t help but fall for him.
Miyo and Kiyoka’s relationship, though not love at first sight, demonstrates how far kindness and support can go for someone in need. Kiyoka realizes the pain Miyo has had to go through, and does everything he can think of to help her heal from her past. He even goes as far as to make a deal with her family to keep them away from her. Miyo’s kindness is unquestioning, but Kioyka’s devotion to helping Miyo regain her sense of self is endearing.
4 The Ice Guy And His Cool Female Colleague
Fuyutsuki and Himuro meet by chance on their way to work and become practically inseparable. Although Fuyutsuki’s feelings for Himuro have yet to be explicitly stated, Himuro has fallen head-over-heels for his coworker.
While they are not officially dating, both Fuyutsuki and Himuro are compassionate to a fault. They always look out for one another. Fuyutsuki even makes a point to purchase items for Himuro, so he can enjoy things without the fear of freezing them with his ice powers. Himuro meanwhile uses every tactic he can to discover Fuyutsuki’s likes and dislikes to tailor outings specifically for her. The pair of them love to make the other happy and have always instinctively respected each other.
3 Skip And Loafer
Skip and Loafer is a newer anime that features the budding romance between Mitsumi Iwakura and Sousuke Shima. The two students come from very different worlds, but they admire each other for their differences and are drawn to each other because of them.
Mitsumi and Sousuke begin as friends simply enjoying each other’s company. However, when Mitsumi realizes how much Sousuke values her opinion, sparks begin to fly. Mitsumi and Sousuke make a point to never assume things about one another and are willing to talk things out to help their relationship stay strong.
2 Snow White With The Red Hair
Prince Zen and Shirayuki represent an oft-seen demographic of a Prince falling for a commoner, but they are much more than that. Their relationship is based on mutual respect and admiration of who they are as people, rather than worrying about their station.
Zen and Shirayuki are open with their feelings and are very affectionate with one another, but they never let their romance stand in the way of their careers. They root for each other to do well, and they protect each other. Whether they face thieves or illness, Zen and Shirayuki can depend upon one another to be by their side.
1 My Love Story!!
Takeo Gouda and Rinko Yamato have one of the best romantic anime relationships. Though they met under unfavorable circumstances, their obvious affection for one another is endearing. They may be loath to admit it, but Yamato and Takeo do their best to create perfect plans for each other and agonize over the best gifts to give. This may seem childish to many fans, but their attention to detail is what keeps their relationship strong.
Yamato and Takeo listen to each other and always try to be considerate of the other’s feelings. Even when they are at their lowest, Takeo and Yamato manage to keep each other’s spirits up. Both Yamato and Takeo are so in love that they don’t seem to know any other way to behave in each other’s presence.