The Best Romance Anime of 2025

Anime romance really flourished in 2025, with a wide range of new shows and returning favorites. Whether you enjoyed lighthearted school stories, funny supernatural tales, realistic workplace romances, or grand historical dramas, there was something for everyone. This list showcases the anime series and movies that made the biggest impression on romance fans around the world over the last year. We chose these titles based on how well-written their stories were, how compelling the characters were, and how positively they were received by the anime community.

‘May I Ask for One Final Thing?’ (2025)

Scarlet, a woman of high social standing, is thrown into turmoil when her fiancé unexpectedly ends their engagement and falsely accuses her of wrongdoing. Refusing to be a victim, she takes matters into her own hands, determined to clear her name and build a new life. Along the way, she catches the eye of a captivating prince who is intrigued by her bold and unconventional approach. As they grow closer, their relationship unfolds amidst royal secrets and thrilling adventures.

‘Make a Girl’ (2025)

I just finished watching a really touching film about a high schooler, Akira, who builds an artificial girl as a science project. It’s not just about the tech though; it’s about what happens when they actually live life together. You see this incredible connection develop between them, something that goes way beyond Akira simply creating her. The movie really makes you think about what love and companionship mean, especially when you throw artificial intelligence into the mix. It’s a surprisingly emotional story, and it beautifully explores the ethical questions that come with creating life – and loving it – in a world that’s becoming increasingly high-tech. Honestly, it left me with a lot to ponder.

‘Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World’ (2020)

The war between the powerful Empire, which relies on technology, and the magical Nebulis Sovereignty rages on. Iska and Aliceliese, two warriors from opposing sides, are struggling with their growing feelings for each other, a connection that could be considered treason. As tensions rise between their nations, they secretly work together, hoping to prevent a full-scale war that would devastate both their homes. Their story asks if love can overcome deep-seated hatred and unite even the most bitter enemies in a world filled with conflict.

‘Dealing with Mikadono Sisters Is a Breeze’ (2025)

Yuu Saotome feels overshadowed by his famous actress mother and his three incredibly gifted sisters. When he starts living with the well-known Mikadono sisters, he realizes they’re surprisingly awkward when it comes to love. Each sister begins to develop feelings for Yuu as he helps them navigate challenges in their personal lives and careers. The story follows the funny and touching moments as their household changes and romance blossoms.

‘The Shiunji Family Children’ (2025)

Arata Shiunji lives with his five sisters and younger brother in a wealthy family. Everything changes when their father reveals they aren’t actually siblings by birth. This news complicates their relationships and leads Arata to develop unexpected romantic feelings for one of his sisters. The story explores what it means to be family and how love can change when those family lines become blurred, as they all try to figure out their future together.

‘2.5 Dimensional Seduction’ (2024)

The manga club, led by Okumura, keeps pursuing their love for cosplay and anime characters. As they work on elaborate costumes, romantic feelings start to develop between the club members. Through attending conventions and overcoming challenges, they bond over their shared hobby. This new season explores the characters’ emotional journeys while still showcasing the detailed world of cosplay.

‘Tales of Wedding Rings’ (2024)

Sato, known as the Ring King, continues his fight to protect the world from a dangerous threat called the Abyss, with his wife and childhood friend, Hime, by his side. Their travels lead them to various kingdoms where they meet powerful Ring Princesses who can strengthen Sato for the ultimate showdown. As the danger increases, Sato and Hime’s relationship is challenged by the demands of their magical connection. This season delves deeper into the fantasy world while still focusing on the loving relationship between the two main characters.

‘Kakuriyo -Bed & Breakfast for Spirits-‘ (2018)

Aoi is still working at Tenjin-ya, a magical inn, to repay a debt her grandfather owed to a powerful ogre. She’s becoming incredibly popular with spirits and important figures thanks to her amazing cooking, and is now essential to life in the spirit world. As Aoi and the ogre, Oodanna, grow closer, they must also deal with dangerous conflicts brewing among different supernatural groups. The story blends a warm, inviting atmosphere with thrilling political intrigue and a blossoming romance.

‘Ranma1/2’ (2024)

Ranma Saotome and Akane Tendo are still navigating their complicated, arranged marriage, and they constantly have to deal with quirky rivals. Ranma’s curse – turning into a girl when splashed with cold water – keeps causing hilarious mix-ups. Even though they often argue and fight, it’s becoming clear to everyone around them that Ranma and Akane have feelings for each other. This updated version of the classic romantic comedy features fresh animation and plenty of laughs for a new audience.

‘Babanba Banban Vampire’ (2025)

Ryuu Ranmaru is an ancient vampire who now works at a Japanese bathhouse. He’s been waiting to feed on one of his coworkers, but he discovers that a person’s virginity affects the taste of their blood. To keep the blood as pure as possible, Ryuu takes on the unusual role of preventing the young man from falling in love. This series is a funny and surprising story that combines supernatural elements with a vampire trying to play matchmaker.

‘The Gorilla God’s Go-To Girl’ (2025)

Sophia, a woman from a noble family, unexpectedly gains incredible strength from a powerful gorilla god. This newfound power attracts unwanted attention from those who want to exploit her, including potential husbands and politicians. As she tries to find love within the complicated world of the royal court, Sophia longs for someone who appreciates her for who she is, not just her strength. The story, though fantastical, examines the importance of being genuine and finding a partner who truly understands you.

‘Mechanical Marie’ (2025)

Marie Evans accepts a mysterious job where she must act like a highly advanced robot for a rich, private man. Her employer deeply distrusts people and prefers machines, so Marie has to constantly maintain her robotic act. As they spend more time together, he begins to reveal his true self to her, unknowingly falling in love with a real person. The story centers around the difficulty of keeping her identity a secret and the developing emotional connection between two isolated people.

‘My Awkward Senpai’ (2025)

A successful woman, often seen as unapproachable at work, actually feels quite awkward in social situations. She finds herself attracted to a younger colleague and tries to show her interest, but her attempts often lead to funny mix-ups. He’s patient and understanding, gradually recognizing the kind heart beneath her tough exterior. Their workplace romance highlights the power of small acts of kindness and how hard it can be to express feelings when you work together.

‘Secrets of the Silent Witch’ (2025)

Monica Everett is a powerful witch, but she’s also incredibly shy and struggles with social anxiety. She’s given a secret mission: protect a prince at a fancy academy without anyone discovering she’s a witch. Although she finds it hard to connect with others, she slowly begins to trust the prince she’s protecting. The story follows Monica as she grows as a person, learning to manage her immense power and find the connection with others she craves.

‘Solo Camping for Two’ (2025)

This series follows two people who love camping alone and unexpectedly cross paths in the wilderness. Though they both cherish their independence and the peace of nature, they discover that sharing their adventures actually enhances the experience. Their connection grows through simple pleasures – meals together and conversations under the stars – offering an escape from the stresses of everyday life. It’s a calming and beautifully-shot story about a romance built on respect and common ground.

‘Cultural Exchange with a Game Centre Girl’ (2025)

A teenage boy who loves hanging out at the arcade meets a girl who’s a gaming whiz. They start meeting up to challenge each other and swap advice, and a friendship quickly develops, eventually growing into something more. Their connection is built on a shared passion for classic arcade games and the fun of competition. The story beautifully captures the feeling of old-school arcades while showing how these two teens find common ground and fall for each other.

‘Yano-kun’s Ordinary Days’ (2025)

Yano is a remarkably clumsy high school student who always seems to get hurt. His classmate, Yoshida, starts to worry about him and makes it her mission to keep him safe. As she cares for him, they grow close and develop a heartwarming, protective relationship. The story is a charming look at how simple kindness and attention can blossom into something truly special.

‘Grand Blue Dreaming’ (2018)

The Peek-a-Boo diving club is back for another season of ocean fun and hilarious mishaps at Izu University. This time around, the show dives deeper into the romantic feelings between the characters, as Iori and Chisa try to figure out their relationship while balancing college and their quirky friends. Expect the same energetic comedy as before, but with more heartfelt moments and stunning underwater visuals.

‘Mission: Yozakura Family’ (2024)

Taiyo Asano is still working as a spy, both to protect his wife, Mutsumi, who he’s known since childhood, and to fulfill family obligations. He’s constantly training and taking on risky missions with his unusual but talented in-laws. While the series is full of action, it focuses on the strong love and commitment between Taiyo and Mutsumi as they deal with new dangers. This season delves deeper into the family’s past and the difficulties of staying married while living a life of secrets and espionage.

‘There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…’ (2025)

Renako Amaori is a high school student hoping to move on from being a loner and build a normal life with friends. Things get complicated when the school’s most popular girl confesses her feelings and proposes they try dating. They decide on a trial period, switching between being just friends and a couple, to see what feels right. The story is a funny and relatable look at figuring out who you are and what love means.

‘Okitsura: Fell in Love with an Okinawan Girl’ (2025)

Teruaki relocates from Tokyo to Okinawa and immediately falls for a girl named Hina. However, communication proves difficult, as Hina speaks a strong Okinawan dialect that Teruaki struggles to understand. Luckily, their friend Kana helps translate, creating funny and heartwarming moments as Teruaki gets to know Hina, her feelings, and the unique Okinawan culture. The story beautifully showcases the islands’ charm and the power of young love to overcome language differences.

‘I Want to Escape from Princess Lessons’ (2025)

Duchess Leticia and Prince Clarke have been promised to each other since they were children, and Leticia has always lived under the demanding rules of the royal court. She dreams of escaping the engagement and living a normal, independent life. But Prince Clarke is truly in love with her and uses his personality and charm to keep her close. The story centers around their lighthearted struggle: Leticia tries to change her fate, while Clarke tries to prove his love.

‘Senpai Is an Otokonoko Movie: Sunshine After the Rain’ (2025)

Makoto Hanaoka is a student who enjoys wearing traditionally feminine clothes. The film follows his life at school after a classmate confesses his feelings for him. It continues the story of Makoto and his friends as they grapple with societal pressures and figure out who they are. The movie resolves the romantic storylines from the original TV series, bringing their journey to a satisfying conclusion. It’s a thoughtful exploration of gender identity and how people experience love and attraction.

‘Medaka Kuroiwa is Impervious to My Charms’ (2025)

Mona, the most popular girl at school, is used to attracting boys easily. But when a new student named Medaka arrives, things change. Medaka is training to be a monk and has promised to abstain from romantic relationships, so Mona’s usual charms have no effect. Annoyed by his indifference, Mona sets out to make him fall for her, but unexpectedly finds herself falling in love with him instead. The story is a fun and charming romantic comedy that explores the differences between being popular and living a life of discipline.

‘I’m Getting Married to a Girl I Hate in My Class’ (2025)

Saito and Akane have always been rivals in high school, and they don’t hide their dislike for each other. But their lives are turned upside down when their families arrange a marriage between them, making them live together as husband and wife. As they try to keep their marriage a secret, they start to see new sides to each other, and an unlikely romance begins to blossom. This story shows how being forced to spend time together can lead to unexpected love.

‘Chitose is in the Ramune Bottle’ (2025)

Saku Chitose seems to have it all – he’s popular, well-liked, and part of the ‘in-crowd’ at his high school. He’s always helping his friends with their relationships and problems, but secretly, he’s dealing with his own insecurities and the pressure to be perfect. The story offers a realistic and sometimes critical look at the ups and downs of high school life and the struggle to find genuine connections.

‘A Couple of Cuckoos’ (2022)

Nagi and Erika are still figuring things out after learning they were accidentally switched at birth. Their families want them to marry to keep everyone happy, which creates a lot of drama, awkward romance, and sibling-like competition. This season, things get even more complicated as other people start trying to win Nagi’s heart. The show remains a funny and lively romantic comedy, playing on the unusual situation and how the characters’ feelings are changing.

‘Rent-a-Girlfriend’ (2020)

Okay, so the latest season of this show really digs into what happens after Kazuya and Chizuru finally move beyond just being ‘rental’ partners. It’s less about the initial awkwardness and more about Kazuya trying to prove he’s good enough for Chizuru, which is tough because his past with other rental girlfriends keeps popping up and creating drama. Things get pretty intense as everyone’s forced to confront what they really want. Honestly, it’s a fascinating look at dating in Japan and how hard it is to build something real when it starts with so much deception.

‘Unnamed Memory’ (2024)

Following the world-changing events of the past, Prince Oscar and the immortal witch Tinasha continue their adventures together. As they confront new magical dangers and political schemes, their connection deepens, becoming both stronger and more complicated. The heart of the story remains their relationship and their struggle to find a future together, despite their vastly different lives and abilities. This season blends epic fantasy action with a nuanced and powerful romance.

‘Aharen-san wa Hakarenai’ (2022)

Reina Aharen and her classmate Raido are back for another season of sweet and quirky moments at school. Aharen still has trouble understanding how close to stand to people or how loudly to speak, which often leads to funny and heartwarming scenes. Raido continues to be a supportive friend, using his imagination to figure out what she means. This season keeps the same lighthearted and funny feel as the first, while also gradually showing how their friendship develops.

‘I Have a Crush at Work’ (2025)

Yui and Masugu are in love and dating, but they work together at a company that doesn’t allow workplace relationships. They have to carefully hide their romance from their coworkers. The story follows the ups and downs of keeping a secret relationship while also navigating the pressures of their jobs, and highlights the maturity it takes to balance love and career.

‘Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You’ (2025)

Mizuha has grown up with four handsome childhood friends. Just as she turns seventeen, one of them unexpectedly tells her how he feels, throwing their close-knit group into turmoil. Now, Mizuha has to figure out her own feelings while trying to keep her cherished friendships intact. The story follows the awkward and exciting shift from simple childhood bonds to the confusing world of teenage love.

‘The Rose of Versailles’ (2025)

I just saw the new film about Oscar François de Jarjayes and Marie Antoinette, and it’s a really compelling take on a classic story. It’s set right before the French Revolution kicks off, and we follow Oscar, who’s a female commander in the Royal Guard. It’s a fascinating look at her struggles – she’s torn between her growing feelings for someone and her duty to the crumbling French monarchy. What really struck me was how epic and sweeping the film feels, and how powerfully it portrays this heartbreaking, unforgettable romance.

‘Witch Watch’ (2025)

Nico, a witch still learning to control her powers, moves in with her childhood friend, Morihito. Morihito comes from a family of powerful ogre warriors and is responsible for protecting Nico as she trains. The story follows their everyday lives, filled with magical accidents and the challenges of being teenagers living together, all while a sweet romance slowly blossoms. It’s a fun mix of magic, action, and heartwarming comedy.

‘Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus’ (2025)

As Sakuta Azusagawa finishes high school, he encounters another case of Adolescence Syndrome during the winter. The story centers on his relationship with Mai Sakurajima as they navigate the challenges of preparing for the future and dealing with strange, supernatural events. This installment offers a touching exploration of life’s transitions and the lasting connection between Sakuta and Mai, all told with the series’ characteristic emotional depth and psychological insight.

‘Kowloon Generic Romance’ (2025)

Reiko and Hajime work together at a real estate agency in Kowloon, a city steeped in both old memories and unanswered questions. They share an easy, familiar connection, hinting at a past they’ve both forgotten. As they explore the winding streets of their city, they start to reveal secrets about who they are and how they’re connected. This series is a mature, atmospheric romance set in a distinctive science fiction world.

‘Spice and Wolf: MERCHANT MEETS THE WISE WOLF’ (2024)

Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant, and Holo, a wolf deity, are continuing their journey through the north, hoping to reach Holo’s home in Yoitsu. They work well together because they both understand business, and they’ve grown close over time. This season, they’ll encounter tougher deals and personal struggles that will challenge their bond. The story expertly combines a realistic historical setting with the developing relationship between these two experienced travelers.

‘Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian’ (2024)

Alya keeps confiding in Masachika in Russian, not realizing he understands everything. As student council elections get closer, they’re forced to collaborate, juggling school drama and a blossoming romance. This season delves deeper into their pasts and what motivates them. The show is a charming romantic comedy that focuses on unspoken emotions and the delicate ways people show affection.

‘The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You’ (2023)

Rentaro is on a unique mission: dating one hundred different women to save them from a terrible future. He’s juggling a lot, trying to make sure each girlfriend feels special and loved, all while keeping things light and funny. The story keeps its fast pace and playful tone as it introduces a colorful cast of new characters, but at its heart, it’s about Rentaro’s commitment to making all of his partners happy.

‘Skip and Loafer’ (2023)

Mitsumi Iwakura and her friends are back for their sophomore year in Tokyo, dealing with all the ups and downs of being teenagers. Mitsumi’s honest and kind nature continues to help those around her, especially the quiet and well-liked Shima. This season explores how their connection grows as they support each other through school and as they each mature. The series is known for its relatable characters and heartwarming depiction of friendship and first love.

‘Call of the Night’ (2022)

Ko Yamori and Nazuna Nanakusa continue their nighttime adventures, with Ko hoping to experience love and become a vampire. As they meet more of Nazuna’s vampire friends, their relationship grows more complex, forcing them to confront their differences. The series keeps its unique look and melancholic feel while examining feelings of isolation and the desire to find where you belong. This season focuses on the deeper challenges in their connection and the difficult decisions they’ll have to make about their future together.

‘My Dress-Up Darling’ (2022)

Wakana and Marin are back to creating amazing cosplays, tackling bigger challenges and attending more events. As Wakana gets better at making costumes, he and the energetic Marin grow closer emotionally. Marin starts to openly show her feelings for Wakana, and he gains more confidence in himself and their connection. The new season beautifully combines the intricate details of cosplay with a sweet and visually appealing love story.

‘Honey Lemon Soda’ (2025)

Uka Ishimori is a quiet high schooler determined to turn her life around after being bullied. She finds an unexpected friend in Kai, a popular boy with striking blonde hair, who encourages her to speak up and believe in herself. Their connection grows from a helpful friendship into a heartfelt romance, influencing everyone around them. This story, inspired by classic shojo manga, is celebrated for its emotional depth and how a gentle, supportive love can change lives.

‘The Apothecary Diaries’ (2023)

Maomao keeps using her medical expertise to unravel mysteries and navigate the complex politics of the Imperial Palace. Her bond with Jinshi, a powerful and handsome figure, deepens as he increasingly depends on her unusual abilities for risky missions. Despite Maomao’s down-to-earth nature and occasional doubts, the attraction between them intensifies while they work to protect the empire from new dangers. This season delivers a compelling mix of historical drama, suspenseful mysteries, and a gradually developing romance.

‘My Happy Marriage’ (2023)

Miyo and Kiyoka are now officially engaged, but Miyo’s difficult past continues to haunt them. As Miyo unlocks her own supernatural powers, she needs to learn to believe in herself and Kiyoka, the man who saved her. While Kiyoka remains dedicated to protecting her, new threats arise that put their happiness and everyone in their home at risk. The story is beautifully animated and deeply moving, focusing on the power of love and the journey to overcome trauma.

‘The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity’ (2025)

Rintaro, a strong and imposing student from a tough school, unexpectedly connects with Kaoruko, a girl from a nearby, highly respected academy. Even though their schools are rivals, they form a sweet and authentic bond, surprising those around them. Their relationship blossoms through respect, kindness, and enjoying everyday moments together. This series is beloved for its heartwarming take on romance and its emphasis on being emotionally open and honest.

Share your favorite titles from this year’s romance lineup in the comments.

2025-12-26 16:21