For many, Valentine’s Day is a time for romantic dates with loved ones, presents, and flowers. But for others, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to curl up, get a snack, and binge watch something. In our case, the binge watching that we’re doing is all about anime!
Anime comes in all flavors, especially when it comes to romance. You have the classic high school setting where two people from vastly different lives find love and hope in each other. Other times you have adventures that throw people together, drastically changing their bonds through trust, trial, and error. And then sometimes you have badass women who can’t stand the men and the men simply become smitten because “she’s not like other girls.”
Whatever romance type you like, this Valentine’s Day we’ve put together a list of 9 anime that you should check out. They’re divided into different themes, trailers are there for you ease, and some have suggestions as to what movies or shows they’re similar too!
MORE: Have you watched the anime adaptation of Devil May Cry? Read our review!
If You Like a High School Setting Then Try…
Tamon’s B-Side
Summary: Utage Kinoshita is a high school girl who works part-time as a housekeeper. She has devoted her life to her favorite idol, Tamon Fukuhara, from the group F/ACE. Then one day, Utage ends up being assigned to Tamon’s house! There she discovers that off-stage, he is nothing like his wild idol persona. A gloomy, introverted boy with no self-confidence, Utage still finds herself falling for him anyway.
If you like: Maid in Manhattan, Starstruck
Watch the official trailer below:
You Can’t Be In a Rom-Com with Your Childhood Friends!
Summary: High school freshman Sakai Yonosuke, aka Eiyu, is obsessed with rom-coms, especially ones about childhood friends. But even though he has two childhood friends of his own—Shio and Akari—he’s sadly given up on romance becoming a reality. Little does he know, both girls have the hots for him! A humorous will-they-or-won’t-they rom-com about friendship, love, and first crushes!
Watch the official trailer below:
MORE: Love webtoons and looking for a little romance? Here are 5 reasons you should be reading Of Swamp & Sea!
If You Want Multiple Seasons Then Try…
Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You
Summary: It’s the year 2020, and Mizuho is having the worst 17th birthday ever. Her parents forgot it’s her birthday, she still can’t seem to get close to the senior she likes, and all her school trips and tournaments are canceled thanks to a new disease going around. She’s convinced she’ll never have the kind of youth she’s always dreamt of…until her childhood friend, Kizuki, suddenly asks her out.
Watch the official trailer below:
If You Love Badass Women Then Try…
May I Ask for One Final Thing?
Summary: Scarlet has put up with her fiancé’s bullying long enough. Not only is Second Prince Kyle arrogant and crude, but he suddenly called off their engagement during a ball. And if things couldn’t get any worse, he then accuses her of a crime she never committed. Fueled by betrayal, Scarlet unleashes her rage, giving the prince and his nobles a beatdown they’ll never forget.
Watch the official trailer below:
The Apothecary Diaries
Summary: At the heart of the story is Maomao, a clever young woman obsessed with medicine and poisons. After being kidnapped and sold into servitude in the inner palace, she plans to keep a low profile until she finishes her apprenticeship. However, when she hears of a strange “curse” affecting the Imperial Consorts and their children, Maomao reluctantly intervenes, using her expertise to help.
Her efforts attract the attention of Jinshi, a handsome and enigmatic high-ranking eunuch who promotes her to the position of food taster for Imperial Consort Gyokuyou. She soon finds herself entangled in political schemes, hidden dangers, and intricate relationships, all while trying to stay true to her independent nature.
Watch the official trailer below:
If You Love Fantasy Then Try…
Champignon Witch
Summary: Deep in a black forest, Luna, the feared Witch of Champignon, lives alone in her poison-mushroom cottage. Her touch brings poison, yet her potions heal all who take them. No one knows who the maker is, but still, the kindhearted Luna keeps brewing potions. Then one day, a mysterious, dreamlike encounter transforms her life, sparking a magical tale of love, adventure, and unexpected connections.
Watch the official trailer below:
There Was a Cute Girl in the Hero’s Party, So I Tried Confessing to Her
Summary: Reincarnated as a mid-tier demon, Youki had one job: Crush the hero’s party. Then he saw the party’s priestess, Cecilia, and fell for her hard. Now this lovestruck demon vows to confess his feelings, even if it means betraying the Demon King. Will love bloom between these two sworn enemies?
Watch the official trailer below:
If You Love Comedy Then Try…
The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife
Summary: Akira Tounome is an invisible gentleman who runs a detective agency, and Shizuka Yakou is a mild-mannered blind woman who works there. Shizuka can always find Akira, even when he turns completely invisible. Love begins to blossom between them as they grow closer to each other day by day. A touching and adorably frustrating romantic comedy is about to begin!
Watch the official trailer below:
You and I Are Polar Opposites
Summary: A spunky twist on a classic high school sweetheart love story. Suzuki is a typical high school girl in love, but the guy she’s fallen for is nothing like her! While she’s cheerful, outgoing, and always trying to fit in, her classmate Yusuke Tani is stoic, quiet, and doesn’t seem to care what people think of him. Will Suzuki be able to overcome her anxieties and ask him out, or will she discover that opposites really don’t attract?
If you like: 10 Things I Hate About You
Watch the official trailer below:
All of the anime on this list can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
