Valentine’s Day is a time for romance and love; what better way to celebrate the month than watching or rewatching a romance anime? From high school romance, to love on another world, anime has it all, so it’s easy to get lost when picking what’s right for you.
Here are 10 romance animes that I think you should give a go.
10. Kaichou wa maid-sama!
A previously only boys school, Seika High has recently become co-ed. With the female population being a minority, Misa Auyzawa wanted change and became the first female president of the high school. But she also has a secret: she works at a maid cafe to support her family, and finding out could cost her to lose her reputation. When her secret’s discovered by one of the popular boys, he becomes a regular at the cafe.
Where to watch: Hulu
9. Kaguya sama: Love is war
The president and vice president of an elite school both have feelings for each other, but to admit that would be losing the fight! Through the use of tactical plans trying to force the others to confess, and a very lovable side character, Love is War is about trying to one-up the other to claim victory. With three seasons and some bonus episodes, this long-running anime is surely one to binge.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
8. My love story with Yamada-kun at Lvl 999
Akane got dumped after finding out her boyfriend was cheating on her with a girl he met on a game. She tries to get back at him by showing up at the game’s irl event and pretends to be dating Yamada from her guild, a somewhat famous professional gamer. As she continues to play the game and go to offline events with her guild, she becomes closer to her guildmates, especially Yamada.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
7. Alya sometimes hides her feelings in Russian
The beautiful and high-achieving student, Alya, sits next to the unmotivated Masachika in class. Although she appears annoyed with him, she secretly makes a few flirtatious remarks in Russian. Unbeknownst to her, he understands Russian, and her flirty comments leave him flustered, but he must keep his feelings hidden. After Masachika is made to join the student council, they spend much more time together, and Aliya slowly begins to see a different side of him.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
6. Wotakoi: Love is hard for an Otaku
Is love hard for an otaku? This anime explores the experiences of an older generation, focusing on Narumi, an office worker who had to quit her job after her ex-boyfriend discovered her unique interests. Vowing to keep her passions a secret this time, she transfers to a new company, only to find out that an old otaku friend already works there and inadvertently reveals her secret. Throughout the first episode, she keeps him in the friend zone, but by the end, they end up together. With the series available for free with Prime, this short anime is definitely worth a watch.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
5. Chillin’ in another world with level 2 super cheat powers
When summoned to another world as a hero, one might expect to be welcomed and admired. Unfortunately for Banaza, he is regarded as worthless due to his weak abilities. After being discarded, he discovers that his powers at level two are overpowered. Along the way, he meets his companion Fenrys, who quickly falls in love with him. Adopting the new name Flio, he plans to settle down with his new wife in a quiet place. However, the world has other plans, as the war between demons and humans rages on around them.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
4. My next life as a villainess: All routes lead to doom!
Imagine that you find yourself in your favourite otome game as the villainess. After bumping her head, Caterina recalls her past life as a dedicated fan of the romance game Fortune Lover. She realises that her character does not have the best ending. With her only option being to prepare for the worst, she fails to notice that her new attitude and charm have caused the characters who once wanted to exile her to fall for her instead.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
3. Our dating story: The experienced you and the inexperienced me
Ryuto Kashima, a gloomy introvert, takes a chance and asks out the most popular girl in school after losing a bet—and she says yes. This story explores their many first experiences, as he introduces her to a relationship that isn’t based on using her, while she teaches him what it truly means to be in a relationship.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
2. My happy marriage
After being mistreated by her family, Miyo lost hope for happiness. She was then married off to Kiyoka Kudo, who is rumored to be a ruthless and cold-hearted man. Initially, he seemed to embody all those rumors, but as time goes on, he slowly begins to open up to Miyo. In turn, she starts to remember what it feels like to be loved and cared for. The second season is currently airing on Netflix, making it the perfect time to catch up.
Where to watch: Netflix
1. I’m in love with the villainess
What would you do if you suddenly found yourself in a world with the game character you’ve always dreamed of? Rae Taylor certainly knows what to do, and she doesn’t hold back at all. This anime follows a heroine who attempts to completely ignore the romance route that has been planned for her, focusing instead on making the villainess, Claire, fall for her. This romantic comedy is guaranteed to have you laughing as Ray makes a fool of herself in her efforts to impress Claire. However, it also delves into a darker theme as the story approaches its conclusion.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll