The universe of romantic anime is capable of touching hearts with delicacy, dramatic atmospheres or everyday scenes with emotion. Many fans seek stories that make them sigh, identify with flawed characters, and root for unlikely encounters.
Streaming platforms, such as Netflix, have invested in this variety, expanding access to works that mix romance with comedy, fantasy, drama or even supernatural elements.
When we watch a romance anime, we see characters living with insecurities, disagreements, revelations, and feelings that develop little by little. And it is precisely this gradual emotional construction that makes the details of the story so memorable.
For those who want to marathon something light or more intense, there are options that combine romantic plots with sophisticated aesthetics, engaging music and different artistic directions.
If you like the genre, we have collected 10 suggestions with different proposals to satisfy different tastes, from romantic comedies to dramas with fantasy elements. Find out in the following article.
10 romantic anime available on Netflix
Hello Score Girl (2018)
This anime mixes nostalgia, classic video games and teenage romance in a very charming way. The plot follows Haruo, a boy addicted to arcades who always gets the worst of the games, until the day he meets Akira, a rich girl who is skilled at games.
They begin to face each other in fighting game matches and so gradually grow closer, until a romance emerges with subtle exchanges, shy glances and friendly competition.
What makes the plot special is the setting in the 1990s and the way the anime depicts how love can arise in unexpected situations, such as between “Street Fighter” combos, arcade sessions and silent correspondence. He also approaches character development with real maturity and hesitation.
Lost Song (2018)
“Lost Song” tells the story of Rin and Finis, two young women with special gifts related to music: while Rin can heal with her voice, Finis manipulates magic through songs. Despite starting from different universes, their destinies are connected, creating an emotional relationship marked by complicity, sacrifices and discoveries.
The novel appears amidst broader themes such as war, destiny and sacrifices for the common good, but it does not lose its emotional strength. The presence of music as a connection between the characters reinforces the idea that romance can appear even in tense and magical environments. The tension between duty and heart makes the story quite compelling for those who love light fantasy novels.
Romantic Assassin (2022)
Here we have a fun romantic comedy that takes the clichés of the genre and plays with them. Anzu leads a quiet and individualistic life, without great expectations of love, until a small “magic cupid” decides to push her into situations typical of a classic romantic comedy anime, trying to force romantic encounters and paths into her routine.
The charm of “Romantic Killer” lies precisely in the way it modifies and exaggerates romantic situations, bringing forced encounters, comic rivalries, tension between characters and light humor. It shows that, even when romance seems “imposed,” true bonds can emerge unexpectedly, and protagonists learn and become enchanted in the process.
Aggretsuko (2018)
While “Aggretsuko” is well known for its acid humor and depiction of the workplace, it also contains romantic elements that are worth highlighting. The protagonist is a red panda named Retsuko, who experiences daily frustrations when dealing with bosses, colleagues and her desire to be listened to and loved.
The love story in “Aggretsuko” appears in small doses, through complicated relationships, timid encounters and emotional dilemmas. It is not the main focus, but is present as part of the character’s life, showing who he loves, how he relates and what he expects from affection in the chaos of his routine. This makes the series complete enough for those who like to see romance alongside social criticism and humor.
Vampire in the Garden (2022)
This anime features an unusual love story between a human and a vampire, in a post-war world among its people. Momo, a young human tired of the hostility, meets Fine, a vampire who once had feelings for humans and is searching for a lost paradise. Together they embark on a journey to rebuild bridges of peace and affection.
The romantic interest between the two characters is delicate, full of symbolism and emotional tension. Between epic conflicts and dark memories, romance emerges as hope and redemption. The interspecies relationship and complicated personal stories bring depth to the slowly blossoming love, and the aesthetic aspect of the animation reinforces the beauty of this relationship.
Ooku: Inside the Castle (2023)
This historical anime shows an alternate Japan where a deadly plague kills all men, and to maintain the royal bloodline, women rule and take on roles that would traditionally be male. At the center of this reality, political plots and forbidden love stories develop, while the characters face social prejudices and tensions of power.
In this story love appears between the lines, in contained desires, in secrets and in risky encounters between characters of different statuses. Emotional bonds happen in silence, but gain strength in moments of vulnerability. The anime mixes history, drama and romance in an unusual setting, making it an attractive proposition for those looking for something different in the genre.
Let It Come to You: Kimi ni Todoke (2024)
“Kimi ni Todoke” is a classic romantic anime and this version available on Netflix maintains its essence. In the plot we follow Sawako, a shy and misunderstood young woman who wants to make friends and be accepted, but many mistake her for a distant and scary person. He gets closer to Shota, a kind colleague, and little by little his world opens up.
Romance comes from friendship, mutual admiration and the breaking of emotional barriers. The silent, gradual way in which Sawako and Shota connect is part of the enchantment, in which there are insecurities, misunderstandings and simple gestures that gain weight in everyday life. It’s an anime about emotional growth and the power of small affectionate gestures.
My Happy Marriage (2023)
The title, also known as “Kekkon Yubiwa Monogatari”, presents a fantasy world in which wedding vows have a magical weight. The protagonist has a promise left by her father so that a ring with an affectionate meaning will be given to her. Thus, romance, intrigue and destinies intertwine as he discovers the emotional value of the commitments made.
In the relationship between the characters we see how love can manifest itself both in symbolic promises and in concrete attitudes. The plot brings with it encounters and disagreements, painful choices and confirmations of feelings, and since it involves magic and a fantasy world, it appeals to those who love novels rich in mystery and symbolism.
BEASTARS – The Good Wolf (2024)
“BEASTARS” is an anime that mixes social drama, moral dilemmas and even romance between different species, such as wolves, rabbits, herbivores and carnivores, living together in a tense environment. The latest version delves into relationships between characters who defy biological barriers and prejudices.
The love story in “BEASTARS” is not pure or easy, as it arises amidst identity conflicts, social pressures and fear. Unusual loves, divided loyalties and internal clashes are part of the story and, therefore, the anime speaks well to those who like stories that go beyond “happily ever after”, as there is pain, discussion and growth.
InuYasha (2004)
A classic not to be missed, “InuYasha” tells the story of Kagome, a modern girl who time travels to Japan’s feudal era, and meets InuYasha, a half-demon with a complex personality. Together, they face dangers as they search for fragments of the sacred jewel, while dealing with unfinished emotional issues.
The love story between Kagome and Inuyasha has been built over the course of the series, with moments of tension, jealousy, revelations and reunions. The chemistry between the two grows stronger as they face challenges together, and while there’s action, fantasy, and epic fights, the heart of the series remains in the affection between them and the hope of overcoming their past to be together.
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Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
