There exists a genre in anime that creates a world of love, passion, and heartwarming connections for viewers to lose themselves into. Romance drama anime with ample twists in story with bursts with emotions, paying attention to the little details in relationships that enchant viewers of all ages.

These anime might involve drama, but there are lessons in having a long-lasting relationship emulating examples of characters in these romance anime dramas. These anime might be fictitious, but they give couples ideas about what to do for each other. They romanticize certain scenes from the show that they dream of experiencing in real life.

Be it seasoned otakus or a person about to dive into the world of anime, there are anime that weave stories around a myriad of emotions, memorable characters, and beautifully scripted narratives and stories that would leave viewers enchanted in a world that seems too good to be real.

Here is a list of 20 romance drama anime for all otakus to escape into a world where characters being romantic has no bounds, where audiences have an infinite number of crushes, and where stories will make viewers experience a kaleidoscope of emotions.

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20 Best Romance Drama Anime to Watch

20. Aoi Hana

Number of episodes: 11
Studio: J.C. Staff
Release Date: July 2009

This romance drama anime is about a shy and soft-spoken Fumi Manjoume and an extroverted and caring Akira Okudaira. They were best friends in elementary school, but things changed after Fumi and her family moved away. Years later, Fumi is back in her hometown and reunited with Akira. Both go to different schools, and I think because of the time gap between them, their relationship didn’t feel the same as it was years ago.

Yasuko Sugimoto, a popular senior, notices Fumi and starts paying more attention to her than any other underclassman. Fumi must not figure out who she is as a person instead of standing behind someone, be it Akira or Yasuko. Akira wants to rekindle her friendship with Fumi and helps her to be the person she once was.

Will the girls be able to tackle the problems of the high school stage of growing up, or will that and further lapse of time distance them further?

Aoi Hana tries to show a thoughtful and serious drama about a group of teens in high school as they learn about love and themselves for the first time. The story primarily focuses on Fumi and Akira. As the series progresses, the cast grows and runs big by the end.

But the anime does a good job of showing what’s important and relevant to the context leaving the fluff behind. For a Yuri series, surprisingly, there are very few male love interests. Therefore, they don’t get much screen time. Nevertheless, their impact on the story is felt strongly, and their presence as the supporting cast is important.

The music creates the atmosphere right for the series. The OP/EN songs are sonorous, soft, pleasant, and enjoyable. The voice acting is commendable. The main cast is voiced by new faces in the industry, which I felt did a good job. There were seasoned and familiar voice actors who voiced the supporting cast. This reversal made the series quite interesting from the voice-acting perspective.

Following a similar plot, check out the wholesome anime Bloom into You, a story about the complex and unconventional love between Yuu and Nanami. Yuu dreams of having a Shojo manga-type love story, which she lives with Nanami.

19. Say I Love You

Number of episodes: 13
Studio: Zexcs
Release Date: October 2012

The story about a wildly misunderstood girl and a popular open-minded boy will definitely involve drama and that’s what Say I Love You is about.

Mei Tachibana is wildly misunderstood by her peers at school until she crosses paths with Yamato Kurosawa. Yamato is intrigued by Mei and wants to befriend her. But Mei doesn’t want to risk being misunderstood by anyone else after what she has been through.

However, situations change when Yamato saves Mei from a bunch of stalkers by kissing her in front of them. This heroic act melted Mei’s heart, and she caught feelings for Yamato. When she discovered that the feelings were mutual, Mei made a boyfriend and some friends (it helps to be in a relationship with someone popular in high school.) However, Mei finds adjusting to her new lifestyle and first proper friend circle difficult.

She especially struggles to reveal her true feeling for Yamato. As time passes, their relationship grows stronger and more mature as they navigate through the ups and downs of a relationship, including misunderstandings and girls fighting to seek Yamato’s attention. And they understand the true meaning of the three words: “I love you.”

Whether real or fictional, a relationship is heavy on romance and drama. Say I love you is a conventional romance drama anime that involves love, fights, jealousy, rivalry, attention-seeking, a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and steamy chemistry between characters.

It is worth binging on for those who like Gossip Girls, Vampire Diaries, and One Tree Hill.

18. Sing Yesterday for Me

Number of episodes: 12
Studio: Doga Kobo
Release Date: April 2020

Two narratives drive this romance drama anime. One, having your past and present at a crossroads, and two, the value of a person who brings light and brightness to one’s boring and monotonous life.

Rikou Uozumi has an uncertain future as he started working in a convenience store in Tokyo after finishing college. He meets Haru Nonaka, a bright and lively girl who drops by to befriend him.

However, Rikou has a blast from the past when he learns that his old college friend and crush, Shinako Morinome, has moved back into town; he reaches out to her in hopes of furthering their relationship. However, Shinako has a painful past that is stopping her from accepting her feelings for Rikou.

Meanwhile, Haru and Rikou bond with each other, and he discovers that she lives by herself and wants to step outside her comfort zone to explore her uncertain future, just like him.

The three of them stand at a crossroads as their paths intertwine. They experience what it means to let go of their past and embrace the feelings of the future.

Life as we know it is complicated when it comes to love. The person for who we have feelings is enough for a closely bonded relationship, or is being friends a better resolution? This anime might seem rushed to a few. Nonetheless, this romance drama anime weaves its story around situations that can happen in real life.

17. Emma: A Victorian Romance

Number of Episodes: 12
Studio: Pierrot
Release Date: April 2005

Emma is similar to Cinderella with a rebellious twist. She has been working as a maid for most of her life. She works for Kelly Stowar, a strict but compassionate retired governess. Emma loves her work and has been accepted by society for the beautiful, hardworking, and exceptionally kind person she is.

Emma has captivated many of London’s working men with her personality, but their feelings always remain unrequited. Emma is waiting for her, and she finds it in the most unexpected and unlikely places.

William is the eldest son of the Jones household, a family that has been recently accepted as they secured their position in high society. He also happens to be the former ward of Mrs. Stownar. On his first to her in years, he fell in love with Emma at first sight. He attempts to win her love and attention with his good nature and warm personality. He finally succeeds and captures Emma’s heart.

But 19th century England was conservative and took the rejection of traditions very seriously. As a result, society opposed William and Emma’s relationship. In a world and century where class lines are drawn on stone and are strongly defended as the borders of nations, will their love have the strength to survive all odds?

Though the story of this anime is simple and easy to follow, the societal factor adds to all the drama with all the conservatives and objections to rebellious love. The characters make the foundation of the story. I found it interesting that anime also takes a Western approach, where the man confesses his love to the woman or pursues her. Whereas in most conventional Japanese anime, it is the other way around.

Though Japanese, the show’s accurate depiction of Victorian England goes by the books. I would love to watch a fictional romance drama anime staged in the real-life Victorian Era, where society, more often than not, stood against love outside traditions.

16. White Album 2

Number of episodes: 13
Studio: Satelight
Release Date: October 2013

Visual adaptions of novels have always had a notorious reputation in Japanese anime. Factors like pacing, narration, or some nonlinear story structure (Something only Nolan has executed with finesse), the adaptions are prey to complaints from fans of the original novel. Thankfully, White Album 2 isn’t one of those adaptions.

WA2, simply put, is a romance anime. But it involves drama, as it is about a love triangle. It is about a student named Kitahara Haruki who is trying to revive his high school’s music club. He eventually gets along with Ogiso Setsuna and Touma Kazusa.

WA2’s story is straightforward, and its strengths lie in the subtle and subdued execution of the triangular romance. The show balances the melodrama and confessions of characters which many titles fail to do.

The OSTs and the anime soundtrack compensate for the lack of proper animation. The soundtracks complement the nature of the show, more so because of its overall focus on music. Dramatic sequences are made to be felt with powerful yet delicate background scores, such as the show’s ending theme, “Sayonara no Koto.”

Vocal soundtracks reinforce the show’s themes through their lyrics. The experience of music through WA2 is certainly something else. Though a part of a bigger story, the anime offers a sense of completeness that most adaptions should aim for. It is an adaption with a unique charm.

The premise is fairly simple, yet the characters take the storyline deep enough for the audience to feel it. However, the seasons of White Album have ended. To me, it certainly won’t be forgotten or bygone anytime soon.

15. My Little Monster

Number of episodes: 13
Studio: Brain’s Base
Release Date: October 2012

This romance drama anime is about Shizuku Mizutani, who is apathetic toward her classmates and only cares about grades. However, her cold view of life changes when she meets Haru Yoshida. Haru is an absolute troublemaker who stopped attending school after a fight early in the school year.

He, too, understands little about human nature and doesn’t have any friends. Shizuku was surprised when Haru proclaimed she would be his friend and immediately confessed his feelings for her in the first meeting.

Due to a lack of company and social interaction, Shizuku found it hard to understand her relationship with Haru. But as their friendship grew, she discovered that Haru was misunderstood as there was more to him than violence. She catches feelings for him but is unsure what emotions she is experiencing.

Together, two wildly misunderstood misfits explore the true nature of their relationship and emotions.

14. Orange

Number of episodes: 13
Studio: Telecom Animation Film
Release Date: July 2016

Orange is a romance drama anime about time travel. It begins with Naho Takamiya’s first day at high school in her sophomore year. However, it is off to a bad start as she wakes up late to a strange letter she receives from herself ten years later. She doesn’t buy the events in the letter, but she witnesses several events as described by her future self and realizes the letter is from her 26-year-old self.

The note tells that the 26-year-old Naho’s life is filled with regrets, and so she is reaching out to her younger self, hoping she can correct the mistakes that were made in the past. She is also warned to keep an eye on the new transfer student Kakeru Naruse. Naho must be cautious in making decisions involving him as Kakeru isn’t a part of her future. With the letter as her guide, Naho needs to do everything she can to protect Kakeru before she comes to regret in the future again.

I find the preface of this romance drama anime quite similar to another anime called Tokyo Revengers, where the titular protagonist Takemichi is on a mission to correct the past to save his girlfriend Hinata and members of the Tokyo Manji Gang.

This dramatic anime also involves another character called Suwa. He has feelings for Naho and Naho falls in love with Kakeru. Considering that this anime involves a love triangle between Naho, Kakeru, and Suwa, it involves a lot of drama, emotional twists, and time travel that takes the excitement of watching this series a notch higher.

Emotion fuels human life, as everything we do is driven by love, hate, sadness, passion, and happiness. This opens up paths that change the way we see things with every passing second. Positive or negative changes are a gamble of nature and part and parcel of human life. Suwa, Naho, and Kakeru tell this story with their anime.

13. Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai

Number of episodes: 13
Studio: CloverWorks
Release Date: October 2018

Bunny Girl Senpai is a romantic drama anime that’s not your typical high school drama. This coming-of-age show is based on a light novel series of Sakuta Azusagawa’s life. She is a seemingly apathetic high school student. However, things change when he meets Mai Sakurajima, a former child actress dressed as a bunny girl.

She is only visible to Sakuta and no one else. They develop a close bond that delves deeper than just teenage romance as they live the peculiar phenomena plaguing their lives and the lives of their friends, together.

This romance drama anime breathes fresh air into the world of high school romantic anime dramas. The series successfully blends supernatural elements with the real-life ordeals of adolescence. The show’s premise might seem quirky to some, but it’s dealt with surprising maturity and depth.

The characters are the heart and soul of Bunny Girl Senpai. Sakuta Azusagawa, our protagonist, is relatable. He’s not the typical overpowered hero or a bland common man; Sakuta is a flawed yet likeable teenager who is dealing with his own insecurities. His relationship with Mai Sakurajima is the show’s USP. Their chemistry feels genuine and heartwarming, and viewers cannot help but root for them.

The series has done a commendable job of tackling various psychological and emotional issues that teenagers face with sensitivity, such as social ostracism, pressure to conform and distorted self-identity. The themes are handled delicately giving depth to the characters and their individual stories. The romance drama doesn’t shy away from having meaningful conversations and reality checks amid the supernatural existence.

Their top-notch animation and art style with character designs are both eye-catching and expressive. The background and musical themes complement the tone of the show enhancing the emotional impact during key moments.

It is a thought-provoking series that stands out in the array of previously made high school anime. It is worth giving it a shot, and you will find yourself invested in the world of Sakuta and Mai as they deal with ordeals of life, together.

12. Your Lie in April

Number of episodes: 22
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Release Date: October 2014

Your Lie in April is a romantic drama anime series that narrates the story of Kousei Arima, a talented pianist who lost his ability to hear music after a traumatic event in his childhood. His mundane and regular life changed when he met the bubbly and free-spirited violinist, Kaori Miyazono. They shared the same passion for music, which made them embark on a journey of healing and love. However, as their bond deepens, skeletons tumble out of each of their lives to reveal the fragile harmony they’ve found.

The anime is emotional and touchy and strikes a chord with the hearts of viewers. It’s a story about the power love has to bring transformation in the human spirit and make someone resilient.

Kaori and Kousei’s relationship is like a creme brulette. Her chirpy personality and love for music infuse the dramatic energy and zest in the anime. Kaori and Kousei’s musical performances together are beautifully synced and animated, and the music plays a character in its own right. It further adds depth and emotion to every scene.

The animation was stunning, especially during the first musical performance of Kaori and Kousei, where the colours and visuals played with the music, which made it a sensory treat for the audience.

This romance drama anime is a heartfelt and emotional journey that delves into themes of love, loss, and music’s powerfulness in healing the soul.

11. Paradise Kiss

Number of episodes: 12
Studio: Madhouse
Release Date: October 2005

Paradise Kiss is a romantic anime series that takes its viewers into the vibrant and sometimes troublesome world of elitist fashion. Yukari Hayasaka, the protagonist is a high-achieving high school student stuck in the boring routine of examinations and evaluations. Her life turns 360 degrees when she meets a bunch of creative members of the Paradise Kiss fashion design team.

The anime is stylish and visually captivating and deals with mainstream themes of identity, expression, and the pursuit of dreams. Set in the pretext of the fashion industry, it offers a refreshingly unique take on how a high school teenager comes of age.

Her conversations with the Paradise Kiss members are colourful, particularly the charismatic George adds depth to her overall character development. The chemistry between Yukari and George is complex and turbulent occasionally, which reflects the hurdles that one faces when pursuing their passion and balancing it with maintaining a romantic relationship.

Paradise Kiss’s animation is a feast for the eyes. The characters, especially the team Paradise Kiss are distinctive. The use of colours and visual semantics easily conveys the mood and emotions of the characters.

However, some viewers may find the pacing of the series a bit slow at times, and the open-ended conclusion may leave them wanting more closure from the romance drama anime.

10. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

Number of episodes: 37
Studio: Studio Feel, Tezuka Production
Release Date: April 2013

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, often referred to as “Oregairu,” is a romance anime series that shows a refreshing yet cynical take on the crests and troughs of adulthood and relationships. The story is about Hachiman Hikigaya, a critical loner in high school who is forcefully made to join the Service Club, where he meets the witty and smart Yukino Yukinoshita and the bubbly and Yui Yuigahama.

Together, they deal with a variety of requests from other students along with facing the highs and lows of friendship, love, and self-discovery.

Hachiman’s journey begins when he learns to open up and connect with others is both relatable and heartwarming. Yukino, is an equally complex character and perfectly complements Hachiman’s personality. The banter and dynamics between the characters are a highlight of the series.

While My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU may not have the same visual extravagance as some other anime series, its character designs and animation are clean and functional. The focus is primarily on the characters and their interactions, which I found was executed brilliantly.

According to me, My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU is a smart and thought-provoking anime that shows a cynical yet ultimately hopeful perspective on youth and relationships. The characters are well-crafted and scripted and have witty thought-provoking dialogue, and the exploration of complex themes of individuality and societal expectations makes it a must-watch for fans of unconventional high school romance drama with a twist.

I think My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU is worth the watch for anyone looking for a unique and intellectually stimulating anime experience.

9. Kokoro Connect

Number of episodes: 13
Studio: Silver Link
Release Date: July 2012

Kokoro Connect is a romance drama anime series that delves into the intriguing concept of body swapping and emotional turmoil among a group of high school friends. The story is centred around five members of the Cultural Research Club, who find themselves suddenly and involuntarily swapping bodies with one another. While watching this anime, it instantly reminded me of Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name.

As they grapple with the consequences of these bizarre phenomena, their bonds are repeatedly put to the test and secrets are revealed as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and empathy. It is a heartfelt anime that combines elements of the supernatural with the challenges of adolescence. It focuses on friendship, trust, and the complexities of human emotions.

The central characters are well-crafted, each with their own distinct personalities and insecurities. The body-swapping premise catalyses character development, allowing viewers to witness each character’s inner thoughts and struggles as they navigate life in another person’s shoes. The viewers can also relate to the adolescent characters’ vulnerabilities and emotional turmoil. The anime would have been incomplete without its moments of humor and levity, which balance the heavier emotional moments effectively.

The animation and art style are solid, with clear character designs and expressive facial expressions that convey the characters’ emotions effectively.

Kokoro Connect is for anyone seeking a unique and emotionally engaging anime experience. It is a touching romance drama anime that explores the complexities of friendship, identity, and empathy. Its well-developed characters and emotional depth make it a must-watch for fans of slice-of-life and coming-of-age stories.

8. Hana Yori Dango

Number of episodes: 51
Studio: Toei Animation
Release Date: September 1996

Hana Yori Dango, also known as “Boys Over Flowers,” is a romance drama anime series that follows the story of Tsukushi Makino, an ordinary girl who finds herself thrust into the world of the elite and privileged when she enrolls in the prestigious Eitoku Academy.

The academy is ruled by the powerful and wealthy F4, a group of four handsome and influential boys. As Tsukushi navigates the challenges of social class and bullying, she becomes entangled in a complicated love triangle involving the F4’s leader, Tsukasa Domyoji.

Hana Yori Dango is a timeless and classic anime that explores themes of love, social class, and the strength of character in the face of adversity. Tsukushi Makino is a relatable and determined protagonist. Her resilience in the face of bullying and discrimination makes viewers root for her.

The love triangle that unfolds as a consequence of her interactions with Tsukasa is both heartwarming and anguishing.

7. Kimi ni Todoke

Number of episodes: 37
Studio: Production I.G.
Release Date: October 2009

Kimi ni Todoke, also known as “From Me to You,” is a romance drama anime series that follows the story of Sawako Kuronuma, a shy and introverted high school student. Due to her resemblance to the horror film character Sadako, she is more often than not misunderstood and feared by her classmates. However, Kazehaya Shota is a welcome change in Sawako’s life as their friendship deepens and they grow fond of each other. With this, Sawako also learns to tackle the challenges of high school life and the complexities of relationships.

Kimi ni Todoke is a heartwarming and endearing anime that beautifully explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the transformative power of love that resonates with viewers of all ages.

Sawako Kuronuma is a relatable and empathetic protagonist. Her struggles with self-esteem and social isolation make her a character that many can identify with. Watching her blossom as she forms friendships and experiences the joy and pain of first love is both profound and emotionally resonant. The central relationship between Sawako and Kazehaya and their journey from friendship to romance is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity.

While there are moments of emotional intensity, its ability to touch the heart and inspire hope is undeniable. The romance drama anime is a journey that celebrates the power of friendship and love. Its well-developed characters and sincere storytelling make it a must-watch for fans of romantic drama and coming-of-age tales.

6. Peach Girl

Number of episodes: 25
Studio: Studio Comet
Release Date: January 2005

Peach Girl is a romance drama anime series that takes viewers on a wild ride through the turbulent life of Momo Adachi, a high school student with a sun-kissed tan and sharp and striking looks. Despite her appearance, she is often misunderstood and misjudged by her peers who spread rumors about her character. The series follows Momo’s journey as she navigates the treacherous waters of friendship, love, and betrayal while seeking happiness and acceptance.

Momo’s struggle for acceptance and her quest in search of genuine love makes her a relatable and empathetic protagonist. The rollercoaster of emotions she experiences throughout the series keeps viewers engaged and invested in her journey.

The central love triangle involving Momo, her best friend Sae Kashiwagi, and the handsome Kairi Okayasu adds layers of tension and drama to the story. The dynamics between these characters are complex, reflecting the ambiguity of real-life relationships and teenage emotions. The characters also go through betrayal and jealousy, making it a realistic portrayal of teenage experiences.

The animation and character designs emphasize the contrast between Momo’s appearance and her true character. The use of color and facial expressions effectively convey the characters’ emotions.

Peach Girl has well-drawn characters and intense storytelling making it a must-watch for fans of romantic drama and high school stories. It is an emotionally charged romance drama anime that explores the tribulations of teenage life, love, and friendship.

5. Scum’s Wish

Number of episodes: 12
Studio: Lerche
Release Date: January 2017

Scum’s Wish, also known as “Kuzu no Honkai,” is a romance drama anime series that explores the complexities of human desire, obsession, and the blurred lines between love and lust. The story is about Hanabi Yasuraoka and Mugi Awaya, two high school students who share a secret: they are each in love with someone else. To fill the void, they enter into a complex and mutually exploitative relationship, using each other as substitutes for their unattainable crushes.

I think Scum’s Wish is a daring romance drama anime that isn’t afraid to explore the dark, uncomfortable aspects of relationships and the lengths people will go to in search of fulfilment at the expense of others.

Hanabi Yasuraoka and Mugi Awaya are deeply flawed and conflicted characters, and their complex relationship is both compelling and unsettling. As they navigate their own desires, the series paints a dark and intimate portrait of the human psyche, inner conflicts and the moral ambiguity of their actions. This level of authenticity in character development challenges the viewer’s traditional notions of love and romance are almost similar to what couples go through in real life at every stage of love and romance.

The animation is visually striking, with a unique art style that complements the story’s dark themes. The use of symbolism and visual metaphors adds depth to the narrative. It has a lot of explicit content, which makes it a good watch for a limited age group of anime watchers.

This romance drama anime is a bold and introspective anime that offers a raw and unfiltered look at human desire and the complexities of relationships. Its well-developed characters and daring storytelling make it a must-watch for fans of mature and psychologically intense romance drama.

4. Bokura ga ita

Number of episodes: 26
Studio: Artland
Release Date: July 2006

Bokura ga Ita, also known as “We Were There,” is a romance drama anime series that tells the story of a bittersweet journey of first love and the enduring impact it leaves on the human heart. The story follows Nanami Takahashi, an ordinary high school girl who becomes marooned by Yano Motoharu, a mysterious and enigmatic boy with a tragic past. As their love story unfolds, it also shows the relevance of joy, pain, and the complexities of navigating teenage relationships.

This is a touching anime that captures the essence of first love, complete with its joys and heartaches. It’s a story that evokes a sense of nostalgia in viewers for the innocence and intensity of emotions when they were adolescents.

Nanami Takahashi is a genuine character whose journey of experiencing the highs and lows of a passionate romance is both fulfilling and heart-wrenching. The central love story between Nanami and Yano has moments of vulnerability and obstacles that test their love. The series captures the complexities of teenage romance, including jealousy, insecurity, and the fear of loss.

Some viewers may find the pacing of the series slow at times, and the open-ended conclusion may leave them wanting more closure.

This romance drama anime is a tender and emotional romance drama anime that beautifully captures the essence of first love. Its well-drawn characters and sincere storytelling make it a must-watch for fans of coming-of-age tales. While it may have moments of emotional intensity, its ability to evoke nostalgia and stir the heart is undeniable.

3. Ao Haru Ride

Number of episodes: 12
Studio: Production I.G.
Release Date: July 2014

Ao Haru Ride is a romance drama anime series that tells the story of Futaba Yoshioka, a high school girl who reunites with her first love, Kou Mabuchi, after many years. When they meet again, nothing feels the same. Both of them have changed, and they must deal with the complexities of trying to rekindle their feelings while dealing with their past and the challenges of high school life.

It is a sweet and poignant anime that beautifully captures the themes of first love, second chances, and personal growth. It’s a story that resonates with viewers who have experienced the whirlwind of emotions that come with rekindling a lost connection.

Futaba’s transformation from a reserved and misunderstood high school student to a more self-assured and emotionally mature young woman is at the heart of the series. Her journey is marked by the reawakening of feelings she thought were long buried for Kou.

The central relationship between Futaba and Kou is both stirring and melancholic. I found that the emotional depth of their connection is beautifully portrayed, as they sail through the complexities of their past and present feelings. The supporting characters add depth to the story, each with their own unique personalities and struggles.

The use of color and symbolism enhances the mood and atmosphere of the narrative. If you are someone who believes that a second chance in a relationship exists or believes that second chances are new hurdles in a romantic relationship, this romance drama anime is sure to give you a new perspective.

2. Nana

Number of episodes: 47
Studio: Madhouse
Release Date: April 2006

“Nana” is a romance drama anime series about the intertwined lives of two young women, both named Nana, who bump into each other on a train to Tokyo. Despite their starkly different personalities and backgrounds, they quickly become friends and decide to share an apartment. This reminds me of another Makoto Shinkai movie characteristic where strangers end up trusting each other very early on in their relationship.

As they chase their dreams in the big city and experience the ups and downs of love and relationships, their friendship remains the anchor in their tumultuous lives.

Nana is a raw and emotionally driven anime that pilots through the depths of relationships, dreams, and the complexities of growing up. It’s a romance drama anime series that captivates viewers with its realism.

Nana Komatsu and Nana Osaki’s contrasting personalities and life experiences create a dynamic and believable friendship. Their unwavering support for each other, through their journeys of self-discovery, challenges and heartbreak is inspirational.

Nana Osaki’s pursuit of her music career adds depth to the narrative, and the soundtrack featuring rock music adds authenticity to the story’s atmosphere.

The animation and art style of Nana is visually appealing, and may not be suitable for all age groups as the story contains explicit content.

Nana is a gripping romance drama anime is an incomplete ending, its ability to capture the essence of relationships is commendable. If you are someone who believes that love comes in all genders, shapes and sizes, you should definitely try watching this anime.

1. Fruits Basket

Number of episodes: 63
Studio: TMS Entertainment and 8PAN
Release Date: April 2019

Fruits Basket (2019) is a romance drama anime series that reimagines and updates the classic shoujo manga of the same name. The story begins with Tohru Honda, a high school girl who ends up living with the enigmatic and cursed Sohma family. Each member of the Sohma family is possessed by an animal of the Chinese zodiac. As Tohru learns about the lives of the Sohmas and uncovers their hidden pains and secrets, she becomes a source of healing and transformation for them.

Fruits Basket (2019) is an anime that makes your heart go fuzzy. It beautifully captures the essence of the original manga that explores the themes of family, acceptance, and personal growth.

Tohru Honda embodies the spirit of unconditional love and understanding. Her unwavering support for the Sohma family, as well as her own personal journey of healing and self-discovery, are strong anchors of the series. The Sohma family’s curse has left emotional scars on the characters that they have to deal with. Each character is given time to shine and develop. Tohru’s interactions with the various Sohma family members provide additional depth to the story.

The beautiful romance drama anime captures the transformative power of love and acceptance. Its well-developed characters and sincere storytelling make it a must-watch for fans of shoujo.

P.S. If you ever suffer from a drama overdose after watching the anime from this list, feel free to check out our recommendations for cute romance anime, that will leave you all warm and fluffy!

Let us know your thoughts on the list we have provided!