10. Yona of the Dawn: IMDb (8.0) 2014
Plot:2000 years ago, Kouka was founded by the Crimson Dragon God, who became the Crimson Dragon King. The king fought against evil humans and was helped by four Dragon Gods. After clearing Kouka of evil, the king died and the four warriors left. Over time, Kouka developed into five tribes: Sky, Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire. 2000 years later, Yona is the princess of Kouka ruled by her pacifistic father King Il. When a political upheaval occurs and Yona’s father is killed, she becomes a fugitive with her bodyguard Hak. They seek out the four Dragon warriors to save their country.
My Recommendations: Yona of the Dawn is a captivating anime that beautifully blends adventure, romance, and politics. Follow Yona’s journey from sheltered princess to determined warrior as she seeks to reclaim her kingdom. With rich character development and stunning animation, it’s a must-watch for fans of epic fantasy and strong female leads.
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Kazuhiro Yoneda
Producer: Studio Pierrot
Writer: Shinichi Inotsume
Released Date: October 7, 2014 (Japan)
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode (total varies)
Distributor: Funimation (North America)
Production Company: Pierrot
Watch at Hulu, Crunchyroll
11. Toradora! : IMDb (8.0) 2008
Plot: Ryuji Takasu enters his second year of high school feeling frustrated about his appearance. Despite being gentle, his eyes make him look intimidating. He is happy to be classmates with his best friend Yusaku Kitamura and the girl he likes, Minori Kushieda. However, he unexpectedly meets Taiga Aisaka, who happens to be Minori’s friend. Taiga dislikes Ryuji at first, but they discover each other’s crushes and decide to help set them up. They spend a lot of time together, leading to rumors that they are a couple.
My Recommendations: Toradora! is a heartwarming anime that delicately balances comedy and romance. With endearing characters and genuine emotional depth, it’s a captivating journey of unlikely friendships and budding love. Prepare to laugh, cry, and fall in love with its charming storytelling. A must-watch for any anime enthusiast.
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
Producer: J.C.Staff
Writer: Mari Okada
Released Date: October 2008
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode (25 episodes)
Distributor: NIS America (North America)
Production Company: J.C.Staff
Watch at Netflix, Crunchyroll
12. Maid Sama!: IMDb (7.9) 2010
Plot: Seika High, once an all-boys school, became co-ed. Misaki Ayuzawa worked hard to improve the school for girls. She became the first female student council president and secretly worked at a maid café to support her family. Takumi Usui discovered her secret but kept it to himself and visited the café regularly. They fell in love despite their differences and became a couple. However, Usui’s family background caused problems, leading him to transfer schools and eventually leave Japan. They reunited after graduation and got married ten years later.
My Recommendations: Maid Sama! is a delightful blend of romance and comedy that follows the story of Misaki Ayuzawa, a strong-willed student council president secretly working at a maid café. With endearing characters, hilarious antics, and heartfelt moments, it’s a must-watch for anyone craving a charming and uplifting anime experience.
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hiroaki Sakurai
Producer: Hiroyuki Ueno
Writer: Mamiko Ikeda
Released Date: April 1, 2010
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: J.C.Staff
Production Company: Geneon Universal Entertainment
Watch at Hulu, JustWatch, Crunchyroll
13. Spice and Wolf : IMDb (7.8) 2008
Plot: Spice and Wolf is a story about Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant trying to save money for his own shop. In the town of Pasloe, he discovers Holo, a 600-year-old wolf-deity who takes the form of a young girl with wolf features. Holo is the town’s harvest goddess but feels neglected by the people. She wants to return to her homeland and asks Lawrence to take her with him. As they journey together, Holo’s wisdom benefits Lawrence’s business but attracts unwanted attention from the Church.
My Recommendations: Spice and Wolf is a captivating blend of economics, adventure, and romance set in a medieval world. Follow the journey of a wise wolf deity and a clever merchant as they navigate complex deals, unravel mysteries, and forge an unlikely bond. A must-watch for those craving intrigue and heartwarming storytelling.
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance.
Original Language: Japanese.
Director: Takeo Takahashi.
Producer: Takuya Matsushita.
Writer: Naruhisa Arakawa.
Released Date: January 9, 2008.
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode.
Distributor: Kadokawa Pictures.
Production Company: IMAGIN.
Watch at Crunchyroll, Hulu, JustWatch, Prime Video
14. The Ancient Magus’ Bride: IMDb (7.7) 2017
Plot: Chise Hatori, an ostracized orphan in Japan, sells herself at an auction to find a new home. In London, she is bought for five million pounds by Elias Ainsworth, a seven-foot-tall humanoid with an animal skull head. Elias appears more like a demon than human. He could either bring light to Chise’s life or push her further into darkness in Great Britain. This series focuses on their surreal and supernatural romantic slice-of-life story.
My Recommendations: The Ancient Magus Bride is an enchanting anime that captivates with its blend of magic, romance, and dark fantasy. Follow Chise, a young girl with a tragic past, as she discovers her purpose and finds love in the arms of her enigmatic mage mentor. A must-watch for those craving a mesmerizing journey and a love of adventure.
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Norihiro Naganuma
Producer: Wataru Sobue, Junichi Matsumoto
Writer: Kore Yamazaki (manga), Aya Takaha (screenplay)
Release Date: October 7, 2017 (Japan)
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode (24 episodes)
Distributor: Crunchyroll (streaming)
Production Company: Wit Studio
Watch at JustWatch, Crunchyroll
15. Snow White with the Red Hair: IMDb (7.7) 2015
Plot: Shirayuki, an herbalist in Tanbarun, has striking red hair that attracts attention. Despite being cautious about her hair, she meets Prince Zen and his aides in Clarines. When Zen is poisoned by an apple from Prince Raj, Shirayuki gets the antidote and joins them. She becomes a court herbalist in Clarines and befriends Ryu. Prince Raj realizes his feelings for Shirayuki and strives to become a better ruler for her. Despite challenges, Zen and Shirayuki fall in love and promise to wait for each other.
My Recommendations: Snow White with the Red Hair is a charming anime series blending romance, fantasy, and adventure. It follows Shirayuki, a strong-willed herbalist with vibrant red hair, on her journey of self-discovery and love. With captivating characters and a heartwarming storyline, it’s a delightful watch for fans of fairy tale romance.
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Adventure
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Masahiro Ando
Producer: Toshizō Nemoto
Writer: Deko Akao
Release Date: July 6, 2015
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: FUNimation Entertainment
Production Company: Bones
Watch at Crunchyroll
16. Princess Jellyfish: IMDb (7.7) 2010
Plot: Princess Jellyfish is a story about Tsukimi, a girl who lives in an apartment building with other otaku women. They have a rule that no men are allowed. Tsukimi loves jellyfish because it reminds her of her mother. She wants to be an illustrator but is shy and scared of people and work. One day, she meets Kuranosuke, a stylish guy who dresses like a girl. He helps Tsukimi keep his true identity a secret from her housemates. They all face the threat of their neighborhood being destroyed by developers, but Kuranosuke wants to save their home.
My Recommendations: Princess Jellyfish is a charming Japanese film that celebrates individuality and friendship. Set in Tokyo, it follows a group of quirky female otakus who must confront their fears and embrace change when a stylish woman enters their lives. With its heartwarming story and quirky humor, it’s a delightful watch for all ages.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Taisuke Kawamura
Producer: Takashi Yoshizawa
Writer: Akiko Higashimura (manga), Toshiya Ono (screenplay)
Released Date: September 27, 2014 (Japan)
Runtime: 126 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Fuji Television Network, Asmik Ace Entertainment, Amuse, Toho Company
Box Office: Approximately $14 million USD
Watch at Crunchyroll
17. Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits: IMDb (7.6) 2018
Plot; Aoi Tsubaki, a college student with the ability to see Ayakashi, encounters an Ayakashi at a torii shrine. The Ayakashi, named Odanna, reveals his hunger and kidnaps Aoi after she feeds him. He takes her to the Hidden Realm where all Ayakashi dwell. Odanna explains that Aoi’s grandfather owed him a debt and she must marry him as compensation. However, Aoi negotiates with Odanna to work at his inn instead, called Tenjin’ya.
My Recommendations: Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits is a captivating blend of enchanting folklore and heartfelt human spirit. Its intricate plot weaves the tale of Aoi, a determined young woman, navigating the mystical realm of spirits. With its rich visuals and compelling characters, it’s a must-watch journey into a world of magic and redemption.
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Yoshiko Okuda
Producer: Atsushi Itou
Writer: Tomoko Konparu
Release Date: April 2, 2018
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Crunchyroll
Production Company: Gonzo
Watch at JustWatch, Crunchyroll
18. Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun: IMDb (7.5) 2014
Plot: Chiyo Sakura, a high school student, is infatuated with Umetarou Nozaki. When she confesses her feelings, he misunderstands and gives her an autograph as if she were a fan. Realizing her mistake, Sakura visits Nozaki’s house where she discovers his secret identity as the famous shōjo manga artist Sakiko Yumeno. To get closer to him, Sakura agrees to be his assistant while they work on their manga Let’s Fall in Love. Throughout their collaboration, they encounter other classmates who inspire the story and provide assistance in various ways.
My Recommendations: Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun is a delightful romantic comedy anime that cleverly flips traditional tropes. With charming characters and hilarious scenarios, it’s a refreshing take on high school romance. If you’re looking for a lighthearted series filled with laughter and endearing moments, this is a must-watch!
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Mitsue Yamazaki
Producer: Nobuyuki Hosoya, Shigeki Hosoya
Writer: Yoshiko Nakamura
Released Date: July 7, 2014 – September 22, 2014
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Sentai Filmworks (North America)
Production Company: Doga Kobo
Watch at JustWatch, Crunchyroll
19. After the Rain: IMDb (7.4) 2018
Plot: After the Rain is about Akira, a high school student working at a family restaurant. She develops feelings for Masami, the manager and a divorcé with a son. Akira grapples with understanding her emotions and deciding whether or not to confess her love to him.
My Recommendations: After the Rain is a poignant tale of love’s unexpected bloom amid life’s storms. With stunning cinematography and heartfelt performances, it delicately explores the complexities of relationships and the beauty of second chances. A must-watch for anyone seeking a moving and uplifting cinematic experience.
Genre: Drama/Romance
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Akira Nagai
Producer: Kentaro Koike, Koji Hyakutake, and Hideki Kawamura
Writer: Jun Mayuzuki (manga), Riko Sakaguchi (screenplay)
Released Date: May 25, 2018 (Japan)
Runtime: 111 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: After the Rain – Film Partners
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $7 million
Watch at Prime Video, Netflix, JustWatch