Romance anime captivates audiences with its heartfelt emotions and memorable stories, from sweet school-day crushes to tear-jerking love dramas. For fans looking to stream their next favorite series, platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu offer a wealth of options. This curated list features 30 standout titles, including romantic comedies, coming-of-age love stories, and emotionally rich dramas, making it easy to find the perfect series to watch and experience every unforgettable moment of love.
Top Romance Anime of All Time on Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Hulu
This list compiles the most beloved and influential romance anime of all time on Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Hulu, spanning everything from sweet slice-of-life to deeply moving fantasy epics.
| Anime Title | Recommendation | Platforms | Crunchyroll Rating |
| Kaguya-sama: Love Is War | Super popular romantic comedy. A hilarious psychological battle of wits between two geniuses trying to force the other to confess first. | Crunchyroll, Netflix | 4.9 (121.9k) |
| Horimiya | The gold standard for wholesome school romance. Fast-paced, genuine relationship development between a popular girl and an introverted boy. | Crunchyroll, Netflix | 4.9 (170.8k) |
| My Dress-Up Darling | Sweet and surprisingly wholesome. An otaku boy who makes Hina dolls and a popular girl who loves cosplay partner up, leading to high-sugar romance. | Crunchyroll, Netflix | 4.9 (226k) |
| The Dangers in My Heart | Recent surprise hit for pure romance. A gloomy, chuunibyou boy and a lively school beauty evolve from awkwardness to a genuinely sweet and deep love. | Netflix, Hulu | N/A |
| Teasing Master Takagi-san | The pinnacle of pure love. A sweet and funny interaction between two high school students, full of light-hearted moments. | Crunchyroll, Netflix, | 4.7 (10.9k) |
| Toradora! | The Tsundere classic. A fiery girl and a quiet boy scheme to help each other, only to fall in love themselves. Essential viewing for rom-com fans. | Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu | (51,709) |
| Your Lie in April | Tragic yet beautiful. A touching story about music and love, deep emotions, and tear-jerking moments. | Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu | 4.9 (70.7k) |
| Fruits Basket | Healing and profound. A story of empathy, trauma, and love, as a kind girl helps the cursed Sohma family break free from their bonds. | Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu | 4.9 (79.8k) |
| CLANNAD & CLANNAD ~AFTER STORY~ | The ultimate tear-jerker. Focuses on family, adulthood, and life's hardships. After Story is considered one of the most emotional sequels in anime. | Netflix | N/A |
| Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai | Deep storylines and emotionally intelligent romance. A unique blend of fantasy and romance, solving psychological problems while developing relationships. | Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu | 4.8 (94.8k) |
| Skip and Loafer | A refreshing and heartwarming youth ensemble drama. A romantic story about a rural girl and a city boy, filled with growth and charm. | Crunchyroll, Netflix | 4.8 (40.8k) |
| March Comes in Like a Lion | Warmth and healing. A shogi prodigy overcomes loneliness with the help of a loving family, whose presence forms a subtle, powerful romantic backdrop. | Crunchyroll, Netflix | 4.8 (8.3k) |
| The Pet Girl of Sakurasou | Dreamers and romance. A romantic, inspirational campus story about dreams and love. | Crunchyroll | (1,986) |
| Say I Love You | Healing from bullying. A shy, friendless girl is kissed by the popular boy, which begins a tender story of her learning to trust and be loved. | Crunchyroll, Netflix | (6,568) |
| My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU | Complex and cerebral. A cynical boy and his club members navigate genuine teen problems while searching for "something genuine." | Crunchyroll, Netflix | (28,054) |
| Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku | Adult office romance for fans. Funny, relatable, and mature story about office workers who bond over their shared otaku hobbies. | Netflix | N/A |
| A Sign of Affection | Aesthetic and pure. A beautiful, gentle romance between a deaf college student and a highly observant, globe-trotting senior. Visually stunning. | Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu | 4.9 (106k) |
| Lovely Complex | Height-difference comedy. A hilarious and heartwarming shojo about a very tall girl and a very short boy navigating their insecurities and feelings for each other. | Crunchyroll, Netflix | 4.8 (16.5k) |
| Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You | Highest sugar content comedy. A romance that starts immediately with marriage; incredibly sweet with no major drama. | Crunchyroll ,Netflix | 4.8 (69.4k) |
| Kimi ni Todoke - From Me to You | Slow-burn pure romance. The definitive shojo romance about a shy, misunderstood girl and the popular, kind boy who takes an interest in her. | Crunchyroll, Netflix | 4.8 (13.3k) |
| Sasaki and Miyano | Wholesome Boys' Love (BL). A delicate story about two boys transitioning from friendship to romance. | Crunchyroll, Netflix | 4.9 (51.7k) |
| Tsuki ga Kirei | Most realistic depiction of first love. A beautiful, quiet series chronicling two middle schoolers' awkward, texting-heavy, and genuine first relationship. | Crunchyroll | |
| Hyouka | Kyoto Animation's subtle romance. A high-quality mystery/slice-of-life where the protagonist's relationship with the curious main girl is the emotional core. | Crunchyroll, Netflix | 4.7 (15.5k) |
| My Little Monster | Comedic, fast-paced, and unconventional romance. An anti-social studious girl and a violent, impulsive boy form an unlikely, highly comedic, and sweet relationship. | ||
| The Quintessential Quintuplets | Harem mystery/comedy. A romantic story about a boy and five sisters, exploring complex relationships. | Crunchyroll, Netflix, | |
| ReLIFE | Second Chance & Personal Growth. A story about an adult returning to high school, rediscovering love and personal growth. | Crunchyroll, Netflix | 4.8 (33.1k) |
| Don't Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro | Teasing turns into love. A story about an assertive girl who constantly bullies and teases her senpai, eventually leading to clear romantic attraction. | Crunchyroll, Netflix | 4.8 (33.1k) |
| Our love has always been 10 centimeters apart | Delicate unrequited love. A short series focusing on the subtle, internal struggles of two childhood friends standing right on the edge of romance. | Crunchyroll | 4.6 (6.3k) |
| My Love Story! | Anti-trope, super-sweet pure romance. A big-hearted gentle giant and a tiny, adorable heroine bring a refreshing twist to classic shoujo love stories. | Crunchyroll, Netflix | 4.8 (24.1k) |
| Kamisama Kiss | Classic fantasy shoujo romance. A homeless girl becomes a land god and meets a fox spirit, leading to a heartwarming and magical love story. | Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu | 4.9 (39.9k) |
12 Must-Watch Romance Anime
Among these, twelve timeless masterpieces stand out for their storytelling, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters. Let’s take a closer look at these must-watch romance anime.
1.Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll, Netflix
Why It's Great: Clever, witty, and hilariously romantic, this series turns the classic confession trope on its head. Each episode is filled with elaborate mind games, unexpected twists, and subtle emotional moments that reveal the characters’ vulnerabilities. The humor is smart, and the romance feels earned as the two leads slowly reveal their true feelings. It balances comedy and heartfelt moments perfectly, keeping viewers entertained while rooting for the couple.
The Premise: Two genius student council members, Kaguya and Miyuki, refuse to confess their love first, believing that whoever confesses loses. Their attempts to outwit each other lead to elaborate plans, funny failures, and moments of genuine vulnerability, slowly developing a deep and heartfelt romance. Along the way, friends and classmates get involved, creating additional comedic situations. The story also explores personal insecurities, ambition, and the growth of their emotional maturity.
2. Horimiya
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll, Netflix
Why It's Great: A sweet, realistic depiction of high school romance that balances humor, slice-of-life moments, and heartfelt emotions. The characters are multi-dimensional, with personal insecurities and quirks that feel authentic. The romance develops naturally, with plenty of small, tender moments that make the audience root for them. It’s a story about understanding, acceptance, and growing together, making it relatable and deeply satisfying.
The Premise: Kyo and Izumi appear to be completely different—she is bright and popular, he is quiet and introverted—but they discover each other's hidden sides. Through shared experiences and private moments, their friendship slowly blossoms into a heartfelt and genuine romance. They support each other through personal challenges, family issues, and academic pressures, learning to trust and rely on one another. Their relationship grows steadily as they share both everyday joys and emotional struggles.
3. My Dress-Up Darling
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll, Netflix
Why It's Great: A refreshing, modern romance that celebrates individuality, creativity, and shared hobbies. The chemistry between the leads is charming, full of humor and playful tension. The story explores themes of self-expression, confidence, and mutual support, making it a feel-good, heartwarming watch. Cosplay and crafting add a unique flavor to the romance, making it visually engaging and fun.
The Premise: A shy boy who is skilled at making dolls meets an outgoing girl passionate about cosplay. As they collaborate on costumes and explore shared hobbies, they develop a playful, sweet, and heartwarming romance. They overcome personal insecurities, share meaningful moments, and gradually grow closer. The story highlights their evolving bond as they learn more about each other’s personalities and dreams.
4. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
Why It's Great: Unique and thought-provoking romance with supernatural elements. The story addresses adolescent insecurities, social pressure, and personal identity with humor and emotional depth. Characters feel realistic, and their growing relationships are tender and relatable. The balance of romance, comedy, and mystery makes it compelling from start to finish.
The Premise: A high school boy meets a girl who mysteriously experiences “Adolescence Syndrome,” causing her to become invisible to others. As he helps her and others afflicted by similar phenomena, romantic feelings naturally emerge. The story explores emotional support, self-discovery, and the challenges of young love in a realistic yet fantastical setting.
5. A Sign of Affection
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
Why It's Great: Gentle and heartfelt, this romance emphasizes communication and empathy. The characters face realistic challenges, and the story sensitively portrays their personal growth and emotional development. Romantic moments are understated but deeply moving, showing love in small, meaningful interactions. It highlights the importance of understanding and connecting beyond conventional barriers.
The Premise: A hearing-impaired girl meets a kind-hearted boy at university. They navigate the challenges of communication while forming a genuine connection. Through shared experiences, mutual support, and small gestures of care, their relationship deepens. The story focuses on personal growth, emotional honesty, and the gentle unfolding of romance.
6.The Quintessential Quintuplets
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll, Netflix
Why It's Great: Fun, engaging, and emotionally satisfying, blending harem comedy with heartfelt romance. The characters are distinct and well-developed, allowing viewers to invest in their relationships. Romantic tension, humor, and personal growth are balanced to create an enjoyable and touching narrative.
The Premise: A struggling student becomes the tutor for five lively sisters. Through academic guidance, emotional support, and shared experiences, bonds form and romantic feelings develop. The series explores challenges of young love, sibling dynamics, and personal growth while blending comedy with heartfelt moments.
7. Fruits Basket
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
Why It's Great: Deeply emotional and immersive, blending romance with fantasy elements. Each character is given time to develop, and their complex relationships create meaningful connections. The story balances heartfelt drama, humor, and romance, while exploring themes of trauma, healing, and personal growth. Fans love the gradual unfolding of the romantic relationships alongside the rich ensemble cast.
The Premise: An orphaned girl comes to live with a family cursed to transform into zodiac animals when hugged by the opposite sex. Through her kindness and understanding, she helps them confront their past traumas and emotional struggles. Along the way, romantic feelings develop as she becomes an important part of their lives. The story follows friendship, family bonds, and the gradual awakening of love amidst adversity.
8.Your Lie in April
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
Why It's Great: Emotional, beautifully animated, and music-driven romance that will pull at your heartstrings. The story portrays love, loss, and personal growth in a deeply moving way. Characters are vividly written, and their struggles and triumphs feel authentic. Music is used as a powerful storytelling tool, enhancing both emotional and romantic moments.
The Premise: A piano prodigy, traumatized by his mother’s death, has lost his ability to play. He meets a lively violinist who challenges and inspires him to return to music. As they spend time together, they form a deep bond, navigating the joys and pains of first love, personal loss, and emotional growth. The story explores themes of healing, courage, and the transformative power of love and friendship.
9. Skip and Loafer
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll, Netflix
Why It's Great: A gentle and realistic slice-of-life romance that blends heartwarming moments with personal growth. The story focuses on the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, making friends, and experiencing first love. Characters are relatable and naturally develop bonds, with a balance of humor, warmth, and tender romance. It’s a refreshing take on school life that emphasizes emotional depth over exaggerated drama.
The Premise: Two high school students navigate both literal and emotional distance in their relationship, hesitant to express their feelings. Through shared experiences, subtle gestures, and growing trust, they gradually draw closer. The series explores the fragility and excitement of young love, emphasizing communication and emotional growth.
10. Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll ,Netflix
Why It's Great: Ultra-sweet and lighthearted, it portrays love after marriage rather than courtship, which is refreshing in romance anime. The humor, warmth, and sincerity make it appealing to a wide audience. Everyday life scenarios and small romantic gestures are highlighted, making the romance feel grounded and relatable. It emphasizes mutual respect, support, and the joys of shared life.
The Premise: A boy falls in love at first sight and proposes immediately after meeting a girl. They begin married life while navigating daily routines, humorous situations, and tender moments of affection. Their relationship gradually deepens as they face minor misunderstandings, learn more about each other, and enjoy shared experiences. The series captures the sweetness and simplicity of young married life.
11. Sasaki and Miyano
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll, Netflix
Why It's Great: Slow-burn romance with tender, realistic depictions of emotional intimacy. The characters’ growth is natural and relatable, focusing on trust, understanding, and personal acceptance. Humor and subtle romantic gestures create heartwarming moments, making this a beloved series among fans of gentle romance.
The Premise: Two high school boys gradually discover their feelings for each other. Their friendship evolves through shared experiences, emotional support, and honest communication. They navigate moments of insecurity, awkwardness, and personal growth while deepening their romantic bond. The series portrays a gentle, heartwarming journey of first love and trust-building.
12. Kamisama Kiss
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
Why It's Great: A classic shoujo fantasy romance with charm, magic, and humor. The series blends whimsical storytelling with heartfelt romance, exploring themes of self-discovery, devotion, and mutual respect. Romantic development is gradual and meaningful, making every interaction feel special.
The Premise: A homeless girl unexpectedly becomes a land god and meets a fox spirit familiar. They navigate magical adventures, spiritual duties, and growing responsibilities while developing a tender, playful, and slowly deepening romance. Relationships with other spirits and humans also shape their journey, combining humor, romance, and heartfelt moments.
Romance anime offers a wide spectrum of stories—from heart-fluttering first love to deep, emotional journeys that stay with you long after the final episode. Whether you enjoy lighthearted, comedic romances or more serious, touching tales, there’s something on this list for every viewer. Dive in, find your favorite story, and let these characters and their journeys remind you of the beauty, excitement, and tenderness of love.