Discover the 30 Must-Watch Action Romance Anime That Will Steal Your Heart!

In Western cultures, the romance genre, along with its subgenres, is widely recognized, unlike genres like isekai or ecchi that are more characteristic of Japanese works. However, Japanese stories often blend romance with other genres such as action. If you’re a fan of these combined narratives, we at Fiction Horizon have compiled a list of the 30 outstanding action romance anime series and films that you simply must watch. The titles will not be ranked in any particular order but presented for your enjoyment instead.

1. Mirai Nikki

Yukiteru Amano, a solitary individual, finds solace in his creative mind to evade feelings of social seclusion. He devises a tactic of observing the world from a detached perspective and jotting down occurrences in his mobile phone’s diary to avoid irritations. However, things change for him when Deus ex Machina, a deity of time and space, presents an opportunity for him to join a game. Yukiteru learns that his diary can foretell the future, initially finding enjoyment in this ability until it prophesies his own demise. Later, a classmate named Yuno Gasai enters the picture, possessing a similar diary and expressing her intention to protect him. At first, he dismisses her intentions.

2. Sword Art Online

In the year 2022, the immersive virtual reality role-playing game, Sword Art Online (SAO), makes its debut. Powered by NerveGear technology, this game allows players to fully immerse themselves within the game as their minds control their characters directly. Upon launch on November 6, 2022, users find they cannot log out of the game. The creator of SAO, Akihiko Kayaba, reveals his true identity as a psychopath and explains that he has trapped them inside the game. To regain their freedom, players must complete the final level of the game, represented by the 100th floor of the floating castle Aincrad, where they must defeat the final boss.

3. Angel Beats!

In the anime titled “Angel Beats!“, the main characters are teenagers who have passed away, many of whom had difficult or incomplete lives. In this afterlife, they exist in a place where they must try to lead regular lives and accomplish their dreams to progress or recognize the joyous moments they’ve shared. A strong-willed girl named Yuri holds a grudge against God for the struggles they endured in the real world. When Otonashi arrives in this afterlife, he is driven to become part of the group. The central enigma revolves around Yuri’s true identity and her link to God, spurring the group on a quest to uncover the truth across the 13 episodes.

4. Eden Of the East

In a haphazard Monday, ten missiles hit Japan without causing any fatalities. Saki Morimi, a recent college graduate, stumbles upon a Japanese man with amnesia, who’s completely nude, in Washington D.C. She lends him her coat and he follows instructions from an uncommon mobile phone, eventually finding fake passports. Adopting the name Akira Takizawa, they head back to Japan where another missile has been detonated.

5. Guilty Crown

Japan’s sovereignty. Operating under martial law, GHQ abused the situation, deploying a military force to execute civilians suspected of being infected on the spot.

6. Samurai Champloo

15-year-old girl named Fuu, employed at a tea house, finds herself jobless when it gets damaged in a fierce battle among Mugen (a wanderer), Jin (a roaming samurai), and the guards of Daikan’s son. The authorities apprehend Mugen and Jin following the altercation. Later on, Fuu assists their escape with a promise that they will assist her in locating the “sunflower-scented samurai.” Despite this agreement, Mugen and Jin continue their competitive rivalry, both carrying mysterious and obscure pasts.

7. InuYasha

The InuYasha anime chronicles the escapades of a half-demon character, a contemporary Japanese teenager, an eccentric monk, a kitsune (fox) demon, and a period demon hunter. Their mission is to find the scattered pieces of the Sacred Jewel while avoiding its exploitation by villains, particularly Naraku. InuYasha faces internal struggles between his yearning for the power of the Sacred Jewel and his affection for Kagome. Although his strength derives from his demonic traits, it’s unveiled that his human side is the most potent, as he wields the Tessaiga sword with remarkable power.

8. Darling in the Franxx

In a future that’s dystopian and post-apocalyptic, the setting of “Darling in the Franxx” is one where the last vestiges of humanity have retreated underground. There are two distinct environments: the technologically advanced cities called Plantations, inhabited by immortal adults, and secluded areas referred to as “birdcages”, where artificially-created children, or “parasites”, grow up. In this society, human reproduction and adult relationships have become obsolete. These parasites are trained exclusively to pilot Franxx, powerful machines meant for humanity’s protection. The children live in isolation to cultivate the emotional responses necessary for piloting these mechs, and their lives are closely tied to the survival of the remaining human race.

9. Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World

In the story Re:Zero, the character Subaru Natsuki is suddenly transported and assaulted by bandits. He’s rescued by Emilia, a beautiful half-elf who aspires to be queen, with silver hair. Subaru offers his aid in helping Emilia recover a stolen item. Their quest ends tragically, but Subaru learns he can rewind time after death, starting anew each time while keeping memories from past lives. This remarkable ability becomes a crucial element shaping Subaru’s adventures within the magical world of Lugunica.

10. Elfen Lied

The anime titled Elfen Lied takes place primarily in Kamakura and Kanagawa, where the focus is on an unusual species known as “Diclonius.” These beings share similarities with humans but possess distinctive traits such as horn-like projections and powerful telekinetic abilities called “vectors.” In a research facility, one of these Diclonius, named Lucy, manages to break free, leaving chaos in her wake. After suffering injuries, she adopts the persona of Nyu, a childlike figure. Kouta and Yuka, students at a local university, encounter Lucy and unknowingly become embroiled in the dangerous pursuit to recapture her by a Special Assault Team, other Diclonius, and a complex web of violence that unfolds throughout the story.

11. Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon

In the continuation of the story of InuYasha, several years following the original events, Sesshōmaru’s daughters, Towa and Setsuna, become estranged when a whirlpool mysteriously transports Towa into the contemporary era. She is taken in by Kagome Higurashi’s family and grows up under the care of her brother, Sota. A decade passes, and Towa reconnects with Setsuna, who, together with Moroha, had journeyed to the present through the Tree of Ages following a fight against a yōkai. By this time, Setsuna is employed as a demon slayer for Kohaku, and she has forgotten her past and her bond with Towa during their years apart.

12. The Ambition of Oda Nobuna

In an astonishing twist of fate, Yoshiharu Sagara, a high school student deeply engrossed in video games depicting feudal Japan, finds himself mysteriously transported into the actual Sengoku period amidst a fierce battle. A man who would later become Hideyoshi Toyotomi rescues him, ultimately sacrificing his own life in the process. This unforeseen event alters the course of history, and Yoshiharu endeavors to restore order. However, the tale takes an unexpected turn as Nobunaga Oda is now a young woman named Nobuna Oda, and Yoshiharu must navigate this changed reality to set things right.

13. The Familial of Zero

In the realm of Halkeginia, where the aristocracy wields magical powers, Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière stands out as an unconventional figure. Despite attending a Magic Academy, she repeatedly struggles with her magical endeavors, giving her the moniker “Louise the Zero.” Eager to demonstrate her worth, in her second year, Louise strives to summon a familiar during a lifelong bonding ceremony. This event serves as a pivotal moment for Louise to display her magical skills and quell any questions about her abilities.

14. BLOOD+ / BLOOD-C

30 years after the events of “Blood: The Last Vampire,” in the year 2005, the story of the BLOOD+ series unfolds. It delves into contemporary mysteries surrounding several organizations, including the US Army’s ambition to manipulate vampires for their objectives. Saya Otonashi, who lives with her adoptive father and brothers in Okinawa, has no recollection of her past until a year ago. Due to certain medical conditions, she occasionally needs blood transfusions, but otherwise leads a typical high school life. However, her tranquil lifestyle is abruptly disrupted when she comes across a vampire, a creature that feeds on human blood, unveiling a perilous side of her own existence.

15. Love of Kill

During the course of a bounty hunt, Chateau Dankworth comes across Song Ryang-ha, a skilled assassin, who begins tailing her and sharing intel in return for a social outing. At first hesitant, Chateau eventually consents, but keeps her past concealed. Ryang-ha persistently protects her during assaults and seems to know more than she suspects about her personal history.

16. The Vision of Escaflowne

As a movie enthusiast, let me recount my personal experience: I, Hitomi, an athletic champion from high school with a knack for tarot reading, have been encountering bizarre visions while training. Today, during a class, one of these visions turned into a breathtaking reality as a beam of light illuminated none other than Van Fanel, the royal heir of Fanelia, clad in armor. Before I could fully comprehend this strange sight, a dragon suddenly appeared, leaving me and my friends Yukari and Amano stunned. This unforeseen sequence of events has catapulted me into a world shrouded in mystery and magic, paving the way for an adventure brimming with enchanting experiences and challenges I could never have foreseen.

17. Sailor Moon

14-year-old Usagi Tsukino, an ordinary girl with no passion for studies or sports, experiences a significant shift in her life when she rescues a black feline from some bullies. Later that night, the cat – named Luna – introduces herself to Usagi and gifts her a brooch. This brooch bestows upon Usagi the ability to metamorphose into Sailor Moon, a crusader of love and righteousness, clad in a sailor uniform and guarded by the moon itself. Luna discloses Usagi’s quest: she must safeguard Earth’s populace from the Dark Kingdom’s persistent assaults while discovering the true identity of the Moon Princess to unite forces with her.

18. Summer Time Rendering

Following the passing of his parents, Shinpei Ajiro is raised by the Kofune sisters, Ushio and Mio. Later, he relocates to Tokyo to live independently. Two years later, in July 2018, he goes back to Hitogashima Island, Wakayama Prefecture, for Ushio’s funeral. However, doubts emerge when he discovers marks on Ushio’s neck that suggest she was deliberately murdered. Tormented by her “specter” and supported by Mio, Shinpei sets out to uncover the truth behind Ushio’s demise and possibly protect the townspeople from a mysterious and ominous secret.

19. Yona of the Dawn

In the peaceful Kôka kingdom, Yona, its princess, is brought up lavishly under her father’s care and Hak’s protection – her childhood friend who doubles as her bodyguard. On the eve of her sixteenth birthday, she intends to express her affection for her cousin Soo-Won, a secret admiration that has long been harbored. However, her life takes an unforeseen twist when she is compelled to relinquish her royal status and battle to reclaim the throne. As Yona navigates through the perils of Kôka, she embarks on a dual quest: one for her rightful position as queen, and another for her survival in this new, dangerous world.

20. Dance in the Vampire Bund

In “Dance in the Vampire Bund,” the anime leans more towards a supernatural/action genre rather than a romance. The narrative revolves around Mina Țepeș, a vampire princess, and Akira, who serves as her protector. After years of secrecy, Mina seeks to establish a separate district for vampires called the “Federation” or the Bund, near Japan’s coastline, by settling the country’s national debt. Her goal is to bring an end to centuries of seclusion and disclose the existence of vampires to humanity, advocating for peaceful coexistence between the two species. However, challenges arise as some humans and radical vampires oppose Mina’s vision, creating conflicts with her aspirations for harmony with the human world.

21. Highschool DxD

In the anime titled High School DxD, the protagonist, Issei Hyōdo, a high school student, has trouble finding friends due to his uneasy and tense demeanor, which makes him unappealing to girls at school. However, an unexpected twist occurs when a girl expresses interest in him and invites him out on a date. Entranced by her allure, Issei agrees without hesitation. To his dismay, at the end of their day together, she reveals herself as a fallen angel and ends up taking his life.

22. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

In the bustling metropolis referred to as “The City of Orario” or simply “The Dungeon,” a vast subterranean maze teems with diverse monsters. Chosen by deities, mortals receive divine blessings called “Falna,” transforming them into brave adventurers who venture into this Dungeon. These adventurers slay monsters to gather crystal shards for crafting magical artifacts and riches, which also serve as a means of trading. Citizens can band together in groups known as “Familia” to participate in various pursuits such as Dungeon exploration, item creation, and civic contributions that enrich the city’s vibrant community life.

23. Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie

Yuu Izumi, a high school student, seems to be plagued by mishaps and misfortune in his daily life. Interestingly, these troubles vanish whenever he’s with his girlfriend, Micchon Shikimori. Yuu doesn’t just see Shikimori as a romantic partner; he views her as a source of solace who helps him navigate the tumultuous events in his life. He appreciates her caring and protective demeanor for providing him a sense of stability amidst his accident-prone existence. As their bond grows stronger, they aim to help Yuu conquer the unique hurdles that life presents to him.

24. Date A Live

The story of Date A Live unfolds after a massive event called a “space quake” strikes central Eurasia, resulting in the tragic loss of around 150 million lives. Over the following 30 years, smaller space quakes continue sporadically across the globe. On his first day at school, our ordinary protagonist, Itsuka Shido, encounters a space quake. A girl clad in armor emerges, leading to a turbulent altercation. After fainting, Shido awakens on a ship, where he learns that his sister, Kotori, is its captain. Kotori reveals that the girl is one of the “spirits,” enigmatic beings from another dimension who disrupt space-time. The only means to prevent disaster is for these spirits to experience affection.

25. Highschool of the Dead

One day at breakfast time, Komuro Takashi encounters an unusual event outside his school as a shady character stirs up trouble near the entrance, resulting in a teacher getting bitten and transforming into a zombie. As the scene descends into chaos, Takashi, accompanied by his friend Miyamoto Rei and her boyfriend Igou Hisashi, decides to join forces. The school premises have since been overrun with zombified teachers and students, forcing the trio to head for the rooftop. During their trek, they face numerous zombie hazards, including a professor who has fallen victim to the infection.

26. Future Diary

14-year-old recluse Yukiteru Amano maintains close relationships with his cell phone and its entities, Deus Ex Machina, a cosmic deity of space and time, and Muru Muru, Deus’s assistant. Deus modifies Yukiteru’s cell phone into a Prophetic Diary, allowing it to foresee events ninety days ahead. As Yukiteru discovers, he is one of twelve participants in a survival contest orchestrated by Deus, with the goal of eradicating the other diary holders. The victor will assume Deus’s position as god and stave off the impending cataclysm. A classmate named Yuno Gasai, who exhibits psychopathic tendencies, becomes both Yukiteru’s guardian and relentless admirer in this game of survival.

27. The Devil is a Part-Timer!

In a bid to rule over the realm of Ente Isla, the ruler of darkness, Satan, flees to present-day Tokyo along with his trusty lieutenant Alciel following a clash with the valiant Emilia Justina. Once there, devoid of magic in this contemporary setting, they assume human identities, paving the way for their humorous and unorthodox escapades as they navigate through an alien world.

28. Sugar Apple Fairy Tale

In a bid to emulate her mother and achieve the title of Silver Sugar Master, Anne Halford acquires Challe, a foul-mouthed fairy, to serve as her protector during her journey to the capital. However, Anne hopes to develop a friendship with Challe, which is complicated by society’s view of fairies as possessions rather than individuals. This perspective causes tension, as Challe, who is not keen on interacting with humans, questions and challenges the established norms within their community.

29. Nisekoi

Nisekoi centers around Raku Ichijō, a young man who’s next in line for the yakuza group Shuei-Gumi, and Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of an opposing gang boss, Bee Hive. An encounter between them results in Chitoge unintentionally striking Raku, causing him to lose a precious locket belonging to his childhood girlfriend. In order to recover the locket, they are compelled to search for it together. As they go through this journey, their initial animosity gradually transforms as they deal with the complications of their linked families and concealed emotions.

30. Vampire Knight

The series “Vampire Knight” follows Yūki, who was once saved by a vampire during an attack in her childhood. Now, she serves as the guardian at Cross Academy. Yūki harbors feelings for Kaname, the leader of the Night Class and her savior, but things become complicated with Zero, a longtime friend, who is determined to resist becoming a vampire following a family tragedy. As they navigate the intricate relationships between humans and vampires, the narrative delves into themes of love, enmity, and the enigmatic ties binding their destinies together.

2025-05-26 14:50