High school is a time of discovery, growth, and, of course, romance. Anime has a knack for capturing the essence of young love, making it a popular genre among fans. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best high school romance anime series that have delighted audiences with their endearing characters, heartwarming stories, and a sprinkle of teen drama.
1 ‘Horimiya’
IMDb: 8.1/10 | MAL: 8.2 | Dub: Yes
Date Aired: Jan 10, 2021 | Studios: CloverWorks
Genres: Comedy, Romance, School, Shounen, Slice of Life
At first glance, it seems unlikely that Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura would ever become acquaintances. Hori’s striking appearance and academic excellence sharply contrast with Miyamura’s reserved and distant demeanor. Nonetheless, as their paths intertwine, they expose a previously unknown side of themselves. Hori is overburdened with household obligations which leaves her with little time for socializing, while Miyamura conceals his body art under a subdued, rebellious persona at school.
In spite of their contrasting personalities, Hori and Miyamura rapidly discover a common bond and form a strong connection. They frequently spend time together at Hori’s place, revealing various aspects of themselves buried beneath public appearances.
2 ‘Fruits Basket’
IMDb: 8.6/10 | MAL: 8.22 | Dub: Yes
Date Aired: Apr 06, 2019 | Studios: TMS Entertainment
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo, Slice of Life, Supernatural
During her childhood, Tooru Honda was enthralled by her mother’s captivating tales about the Chinese Zodiac. However, tragedy strikes and Tooru finds herself alone, seeking refuge in a tent on the private property owned by the Souma family. There, she befriends Shigure, her older cousin, and Yuki, the popular “prince” of her school. Trusting them enough to confide in them proves to be a pivotal moment as the Soumas quickly realize that Tooru is homeless. Out of kindness, they offer her a place to stay.
As fortune smiles on Tooru, her good luck is interrupted by the rivalry between Yuki and his hotheaded cousin, Kyou. Despite her attempts to intervene, Tooru unintentionally discovers their family’s hidden secret: when embraced by someone of the opposite sex, members of the Souma family transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
Tooru’s eyes are opened to a new world of adventure, love, and laughter as she experiences life alongside the Soumas.
3 ‘Komi Can’t Communicate’
IMDb: 7.8/10 | MAL: 7.91 | Dub: Yes
Date Aired: Oct 07, 2021 | Studios: OLM
Genres: Comedy, Romance, School, Shounen, Slice of Life
On his first day of high school, Hitohito Tadano hoped to fly under the radar and avoid any unwanted attention. Yet, fate had other plans in store for him. His seatmate turned out to be the school’s belle, Shouko Komi. Sitting beside her caused his classmates to label him as a threat to their chance to sit next to the most beautiful girl in the class.
Komi was the epitome of beauty and grace. Her long, dark tresses and enigmatic personality made her the center of attention wherever she went. However, unknown to her admirers, Komi suffered from severe anxiety and a communication disorder that made interacting with her peers a daunting task.
One day, Tadano and Komi found themselves alone in the classroom. A series of events compelled them to communicate with each other through writing on the blackboard. This became the first of many one-sided conversations they would have. Tadano soon realized Komi’s problem and decided to help her fulfill her dream of making one hundred friends before graduating high school. In doing so, he became Komi’s first-ever friend.
4 ‘Kaguya-sama: Love Is War‘
IMDb: 8.5/10 | MAL: 8.41 | Dub: Yes
Date Aired: Jan 12, 2019 | Studios: A-1 Pictures
Genres: Comedy, Psychological, Romance, School, Seinen, Slice of Life
Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya hold the top positions at the renowned Shuchiin Academy, as the preeminent student representatives. Miyuki, the nation’s highest-ranking student, holds esteem from both peers and mentors, serving as student council president. His vice president, Kaguya, the eldest child of the prosperous Shinomiya family, excels in all areas imaginable. Together, the envy of the student body, they’re regarded as the ideal couple.
Yet, despite harboring mutual feelings, they’re both reluctant to confess, as there can only be one victor. The first to disclose their love will suffer derision and be regarded as inferior. With their dignity at stake, both Miyuki and Kaguya are resolute in their aspirations to achieve triumph in the battleground of love.
5 ‘Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible‘
IMDb: 7.1/10 | MAL: 7.59 | Dub: No
Date Aired: Jan 10, 2023 | Studios: Pine Jam
Genres: Comedy, Romance, School, Seinen, Slice of Life
Junta Shiraishi, with a desire to savor his adolescent years, encounters a difficulty in the form of being unnoticed by his classmates and even his educators. The notion goes that anyone who manages to spot him will be granted good luck. But there exists one person, Nagisa Kubo, who is determined to make sure that Shiraishi is not invisible. Despite being thrust into unfamiliar situations engineered by Kubo, these circumstances might serve as the impetus for the thrilling adventures that Shiraishi seeks.
6 ‘My Dress-Up Darling’
IMDb: 8.0/10 | MAL: 8.22 | Dub: Yes
Date Aired: Jan 09, 2022 | Studios: CloverWorks
Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Romance, School, Seinen, Slice of Life
Wakana Gojou, a high schooler, spends his days mastering the art of creating hina dolls, aiming to match his grandfather’s expertise. Unlike his peers who are fascinated by pop culture, Gojou finds solace in designing clothes for his dolls. He keeps his unique hobby concealed, dreading the thought of being ridiculed.
Marin Kitagawa, a stunning and confident girl, is poles apart from Gojou in terms of personality. It is unexpected when she approaches the introverted Gojou and extols his sewing talent. She shares her interest in cosplay and asks for his help as her sewing skills are lacking.
As they collaborate on numerous cosplay outfits, Gojou and Kitagawa’s relationship brims with closeness, although their lives are vastly different.
7 ‘Maid-Sama!’
IMDb: 7.9/10 | MAL: 8.01 | Dub: Yes
Date Aired: Apr 02, 2010 | Studios: J.C.Staff
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo
Misaki Ayuzawa is a remarkable anomaly at Seika High School. As a woman in a predominantly male institution, she overcame adversity and rose to become the first female student council president through her honesty and diligence. Since taking on the role, she has tirelessly strived to improve the well-being of female classmates. Though a fierce advocate for women’s empowerment, Misaki remains unwavering in enforcing discipline and order among male students, earning her the nickname “Demon President.”
One day, while walking down the hallway, she hears someone weeping and discovers that it’s due to Takumi Usui, the most popular and sought-after boy in the school, rejecting a love confession. Misaki scolds him for causing the girl’s pain, but Usui remains unperturbed.
Fate intervenes, and Misaki happens upon Usui at her secret part-time job as a maid in a café. Embarrassed by her exposure, she is determined not to let Usui tarnish her reputation. However, Usui begins visiting the café regularly to tease and watch her. Will Usui betray Misaki by revealing her secret when things come to a head?
8 ‘My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU’
IMDb: 7.9/10 | MAL: 8.01 | Dub: Yes
Date Aired: Apr 05, 2013 | Studios: Brain’s Base
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School, Slice of Life
Hachiman Hikigaya is a high schooler whose lack of interest and inclination towards self-absorption and partial nihilism lead him to believe that a cheerful adolescence is insincere, and those who claim otherwise are deluding themselves.
As a punishment for his paper that ridiculed current social interactions, Hachiman’s educator compels him to sign up for the Volunteer Service Club, a group that assists any student seeking aid to attain their objectives. Hachiman is stunned to find himself working with the stunning Yukino Yukinoshita, a frosty queen, attempting to resolve other people’s problems, an experience he had never anticipated. As they tackle multiple students’ dilemmas, will Hachiman’s cynical outlook on the community serve as a hindrance or a tool?
9 ‘More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers’
IMDb: 7.4/10 | MAL: 7.59 | Dub: Yes
Date Aired: Oct 09, 2022 | Studios: studio MOTHER
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Ecchi, Romance, School Seinen, Shounen
Jirou Yakuin had his sights set on being paired with Shiori Sakurazaka for the mandatory “Couple Practical” class. As a senior in high school, Jirou needed to prove his ability to coexist with the opposite sex while maintaining harmony, all under the watchful eye of video surveillance.
Despite his hopes, fate intervened and Jirou found himself paired with the wildly opposite Akari Watanabe. Meanwhile, Akari had been hoping to be paired with her crush, Minami Tenjin.
Their dreams are dashed when Jirou and Akari learn that Minami and Shiori are paired together. But instead of giving up, Jirou and Akari team up to make it into the top ten, where they can exchange partners with mutual consent.
In the heat of the pursuit, Jirou impulsively kisses Akari goodbye, unaware of the potential fallout from his actions.
10 ‘The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten’
IMDb: 7.4/10 | MAL: 7.82 | Dub: No
Date Aired: Jan 07, 2023 | Studios: Project No.9
Genres: Romance, School, Slice of Life, Iyashikei
Living on his own in an apartment, Amane’s neighbor happens to be the loveliest girl in school, Mahiru. Although they have barely exchanged any words, a chance encounter on a rainy day brings them together when he lends her his umbrella, seeing her in distress. In gratitude, Mahiru proposes to assist him with household chores, sparking a growing connection that shortens the gap between them, and love blooms between them.
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Conclusion:
High school romance🌹 anime captures the essence of youthful love, friendship, and self-discovery, making it a cherished genre among anime fans. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming stories, emotional depth, or a dose of laughter, these series offer a range of experiences that will tug at your heartstrings. Dive into these worlds of young love and relive the nostalgia of high school romance through the eyes of these unforgettable characters.