Romantic comedies, fondly known as romcom, are probably the most popular in the anime world. Anime and manga series, Asian TV drama, and even web novels can offer exceptional romcom stories. The lightheartedness of the genre easily catches your heart, and by the time you gravitate yourself towards the romantic world, you wouldn’t want the beautiful stories to come to an end. One can find many romcom anime that even casual viewers would love to watch. The following anime titles are highly recommended for non-anime fans and they will absolutely have them hooked instantly.

Note: Titles are listed in no particular order.

Skip Beat

Fall 2008
25 Episodes

They say that revenge can only destroy you. For Kyoko Mogami, the old saying has nothing to do with her current situation. She has always wanted to plot her revenge on her childhood friend and now a popular idol, Sho Fuwa, who tricked her into inviting her to Tokyo to make her a maid. She has to enter the showbiz world to follow the same path and get revenge

Skip Beat offers plenty of spicy moments to satisfy your romcom addiction. Even if you’re a casual viewer who isn’t into anime, Skip Beat will not fail to bring you to the edge of your seat. It won’t make you feel bored and lethargic because the characters are crazily funny and will keep you hyped as you go on with the story. This is definitely a must-watch series if you want some real rom-com entertainment.

白泉社「スキップ・ビート！」公式サイト

Toradora

Fall 2008
25 Episodes

This famous title isn’t your ordinary romantic comedy series. Toradora has a well-crafted storyline and good character development.

The female protagonist, Aisaka Taiga, is both a delight and a disaster as she would easily escalate her mood whenever someone tries to get on her way, especially when she encounters Ryuuji. Their disastrous relationship is fun to watch, and Taiga’s cuteness is way too irresistible. The series tackles various issues on family, friendship, and young romance that even non-anime fans will deeply get invested in.

Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun

Fall 2012
13 Episodes

The chemistry between a blunt girl and a socially awkward boy is something that might seem odd at first glance, but their relationship eventually becomes one of the most likable in the romcom anime community. The emotionless Shizuku Mizutani doesn’t give a typical lovey-dovey vibe to the whole story, but she will change your world and prove that there’s a lot more to explore while you’re still young and that you should open up if you want to find yourself. The anime is relatable in many ways, so be sure to include it on your watch list.

Special A

Spring 2008
24 Episodes

The never-ending rivalry between Hikari Hanazono and Kei Takishima is the real focus of the show, but what’s even more compelling is how they realize that they are romantically falling in love with each other. However, they would admit their feelings silently.

The anime will easily get you hooked. The story is cute and the supporting characters get their own highlights. Every character is worth your time and their own drama will make you laugh and cry at the same time.

Lovely Complex

Spring 2007
24 Episodes

A difference in height shouldn’t matter in a romantic relationship, and Lovely Complex supports the fact. The series has more to offer than just the typical lovely-dovey moments of a couple. The romcom formula is quite unique and blends well with the bizarre-looking chemistry of the young couple.

Both the main characters are struggling with their own insecurities which affect their self-esteem. Koizumi is very tall, exceeding the average height for Japanese girls, while Otani is evidently shorter than the average height for Japanese boys. Despite this concept, however, the series will make you realize that love has no boundaries. This anime is full of inspiring thoughts about young romance.

(C) 中原アヤ/集英社・TBS・東映アニメーション

Masamune-kun no Revenge (Masamune-kun’s Revenge)

Winter 2017
12 Episodes

This is another revenge story, but Masamune-kun no Revenge is very different. The extremely confident guy, Masamune Makabe, is the real focus of the series. Everyone admires his determination and struggles to be the most ideal man that everyone would worship. By doing that, he seeks revenge on his childhood crush for naming him ‘Pig’s Foot’. The MC has same insecurities as many of the youngsters out there, especially when it comes to their physical attributes and how they deal with unrequited love. The anime is very relatable for teens and young adults that even non-anime fans can see themselves into the characters.

Masamune-kun’s Revenge Episode 1 Review: The Boy Who Was Called Pig’s Foot

Kaichou wa Maid-sama

Spring 2010
26 Episodes

It’s really hard to keep a secret, and the worst, what if the most handsome guy in your school discovers it? This is the case for Misaki Ayuzawa. The series focuses on how the male lead, Takumi Usui, expresses his feelings to Misaki. He finds her really interesting and unique compared to the other girls out there. Misaki tries to deal with the annoyance brought by the teasing and perverted demeanor of Usui.

What’s really interesting is how Usui portrays a character who values the character of a woman. Misaki is a strong-willed and hardworking student who gives importance to her family and friends. The series is like those ordinary romcom series and loaded with gushy stuff and heartwarming moments.

©藤原ヒロ／白泉社・メイド様！プロジェクト

Itazura na Kiss 

Spring 2008
25 Episodes

Here comes the ordinary, happy-go-lucky girl Kotoko Aihara who has the positive energy of a teenage girl who has a big crush on someone. However, she gets rejected after confessing her feelings to Naoki, the popular campus heartthrob.

Based on a manga of the same name, Itazura na Kiss is one of the popular romcom titles that has been adapted to Asian dramas and got live action adaptation in Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. The story doesn’t complicate a lot of things as it is purely about young romance and unrequited love. Fans of a typical romcom story should definitely keep their eyes on the development of Naoki and Kotoko.

©多田かおる / イタキス製作委員会

Ouran High School Host Club

Spring 2006
26 Episodes

One of the most famous female protagonists in anime history is Haruhi Fujioka. She was mistaken for a boy when meeting the six stunning members of the host club at the prestigious Ouran High School, but they soon realize she is actually a beautiful and kind-hearted girl. Her life becomes a lot more fun as she interacts with the host club members as they entertain girls at their school.

Nobody should miss this all-time top recommended romcom anime. Ouran High School Host Club has always had a massive following since it was released in 2006. It offers good comical relief for your stressful days and doesn’t fail to entertain the audience with its decent animation and well-executed characters. It isn’t your average romcom series and it doesn’t focus on the intimate development between two characters. The series avoids the cliche as it opens up a new world of romcom anime.

Wolf Girl and Black Prince (Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji) 

You would think that being the servant of the most handsome guy in your school would be the best thing in the world, but for Erika Shinohara, things get complicated when he encounters the very good-looking Kyoya Sata. He later on agrees to be her fake boyfriend in order for her to fit in the clique where everyone has found a healthy romantic relationship. However, in return, Erika needs to act like a pet to him.

The anime is your typical school romcom which starts off with the cold and princely disposition of the male lead. You know what to expect thereafter: he will eventually fall in love with the girl. This cliche romcom story is one of the elements that will make you stay hooked to this anime.

Feel the Love

Do you like romcom anime? Would you also love to recommend these shows to non-anime fans? Do you have more shows to add to the list? Let us know in the comments here on MANGA.TOKYO.