Protagonists with multiple romantic paths and undefined relationships have always been a popular cliché in fiction. However, some anime take this to another level with the harem . This romantic comedy formula has stood the test of time, and now fans can enjoy a vast list of harem anime, perfect for those who enjoy exaggerated gender dynamics.
The best harem anime
Some titles in this genre can be considered a bit "edgy" or, in worse cases, an exaggerated and crude representation of the harem. So, if you're thinking about diving into this genre, it's worth starting with the highest-rated anime on the market.
For those looking for something lighter, fall 2024 offers some great options. Pseudo Harem is a romantic comedy that puts a fun spin on genre clichés, while Loner Life in Another World features a male protagonist who, for some reason, wouldn't talk to anyone. Nageki no Bourei wa Intai Shitai also has some harem elements.
Now, let's start with the best harem anime of all time…
26. Girlfriend, Girlfriend
- MyAnimeList: 6,52
- Japanese title : Kanojo mo Kanojo
- Release Date : July 3, 2021
- Studio : Tezuka Productions, SynergySP
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
25. TenPuru: No One Can Live On Loneliness
- MyAnimeList: 6,70
- Japanese title : Temple
- Release Date : July 9, 2023
- Number of episodes: 12
- Studio : Gekkou
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
24. Rosario + Vampire
- MyAnimeList: 6,73
- Japanese title : Rosario to Vampire
- Release Date : January 3, 2008
- Number of episodes: 26
- Studio : Gonzo
- Streaming : Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
23. How Not To Summon a Demon Lord
- MyAnimeList: 6,82
- Japanese title : Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu
- Release Date : July 5, 2018
- Number of episodes: 22
- Studio : Ajia-do Animation Works, Tezuka Productions, Okuruto Noboru
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
22. A Couple of Cuckoos
- MyAnimeList: 6,87
- Japanese title : Kakkou no Iinazuke
- Release Date : April 24, 2022
- Number of episodes: 24
- Studio : SynergySP, Shin-Ei Animation
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
21. Rent-A-Girlfriend
- MyAnimeList: 6,91
- Japanese title : Kanojo, Okarishimasu
- Release Date : July 11, 2020
- Number of episodes: 36
- Studio : TMS Entertainment
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
20. Lord Marksman and Vanadis
- MyAnimeList: 7,10
- Japanese title : Madan no Ou to Vanadis
- Release Date : October 4, 2014
- Number of episodes: 13
- Studio : Satelight
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
19. We Never Learn: Bokuben
- MyAnimeList: 7,27
- Japanese title : Bokutachi wa Benkyou ga Dekinai
- Release Date : October 6, 2019
- Number of episodes: 26
- Studio : Studio Silver, Arvo Animation
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
18. Amagami SS
- MyAnimeList: 7,27
- Release Date : July 2, 2010
- Number of episodes: 26
- Studio : AIC
- Streaming : HIDIVE
17. The Café Terrace And Its Goddesses
- MyAnimeList: 7,31
- Japanese title : Megami no Café Terrace
- Release Date : April 8, 2023
- Number of episodes: 24
- Studio : Tezuka Productions
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
16. Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs
- MyAnimeList: 7,32
- Japanese title : Otome Game Sekai wa Mob ni Kibishii Sekai desu
- Studio : ENGI
- Number of episodes: 12
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
15. Saber Marionette J
- MyAnimeList: 7,33
- Japanese title: J Seibā Marionetto J
- Release Date : October 1, 1996
- Number of episodes: 25
- Studio : June
14. Zero no Tsukaima
- MyAnimeList: 7,42
- Japanese title : The Familiar of Zero
- Release Date : July 3, 2006
- Number of episodes: 49
- Studio : JCStaff
13. Dimensional Seduction
- MyAnimeList: 7,43
- Japanese title : 2.5-jigen no Ririsa
- Release Date : July 5, 2024
- Studio : JCStaff
- Streaming : HIDIVE
Available on HIDIVE, where it has become the standard service for ecchi content, 2.5 Dimensional Seduction doesn't feel entirely like a harem, as only two girls are properly introduced. However, the roster will eventually expand, especially since the anime is set for a two-cour run. Most importantly, the story takes the cosplay element seriously and goes beyond just Ririsa.
12. Hayate The Combat Butler!!
- MyAnimeList: 7,50
- Japanese title : Hayate no Gotoku!
- Number of episodes: 101
- Studio : SynergySP, Manglobe
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
A classic of the harem anime genre, Hayate the Combat Butler!! owes its success to its genre-bending approach and its lighthearted approach to an initially underwhelming plot. Hayate Ayasaki was abandoned by his parents after they accumulated a crushing debt. However, after being sold to the Yakuza, he attempts to escape by planning to kidnap a rich girl to pay off his parents' debts.
11. Yamada-kun And The Seven Witches
- MyAnimeList: 7,52
- Japanese title : Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo
- Release Date : April 12, 2015
- Number of episodes: 12
- Studio : LIDENFILMS
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
In short, here's something unique: Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches is a harem anime where two main characters can swap bodies. The strangeness begins when a transfer student named Ryuu Yamada accidentally kisses a beautiful honor student.
10. To LOVE-Ru Darkness 2nd Specials
- MyAnimeList: 7,53
- Japanese title : To LOVE Ru Darkness 2 Specials
- Release Date : February 26, 2016
- Number of episodes: 02
- Studio : Xebec
- Streaming : HIDIVE
09. Aa! Megami-sama! Tatakau Tsubasa
- MyAnimeList: 7,55
- Japanese title : ああっ女神さまっ闘う翼
- Release Date : December 9, 2007
- Number of episodes: 2
- Studio : AIC
- Streaming: –
Initially, this is an OVA of Ah! My Goddess that follows Keiichi and Belldandy as they face new challenges in the divine world. An antagonistic goddess, Hild, threatens their relationship, leading to clashes with powerful forces. Thus, the focus is more on action and combat, with the plot exploring conflicts in the realm of the gods.
08. Nisekoi: False Love
- MyAnimeList: 7,56
- Japanese title : Nisekoi
- Release Date : January 11, 2014
- Number of episodes: 32
- Studio : Shaft
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
Nisekoi: False Love is an anime that centers on the Yakuza, where the heirs of two rival gangs, Raku Ichijou and Chitoge Kirisaki, are forced to pretend to be a couple to keep the peace.
07. Tenchi Muyo! War On Geminar
- MyAnimeList: 7,71
- Japanese title : Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari
- Release Date : May 22, 2009
- Number of episodes: 13
- Studio : AIC Spirits, BeSTACK
- Streaming : Crunchyroll, Hulu
When it comes to harems with impressive plots, Tenchi Muyo! War on Geminar is a prime example. Besides being an isekai anime, the series also explores the mecha and fantasy genres.
06. The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You
- MyAnimeList: 7,71
- Japanese title : Kimi no Koto ga Daidaidaidaidaisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo
- Release Date : October 8, 2023
- Number of episodes: 12
- Studio : Bibury Animation Studios
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
100 Girlfriends takes the concept of "harem" anime to its most absurd extreme. Thankfully, Rentarou has 100 soulmates he needs to keep happy, or their lives will be ruined. But luckily, Rentarou is awesome enough to handle this responsibility, and he sets out to build the ultimate harem, where the "best girl" is a tie among all 100.
05. Grisaia no Rakuen
- MyAnimeList: 7,73
- Japanese title : The Eden of Grisaia
- Release Date : April 19, 2015
- Number of episodes: 10
- Studio : Eight Bit
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
The Fruit of Grisaia may seem like a typical harem, with a dynamic cast of girls and a quiet protagonist, but it adds a layer of complexity by addressing deep psychological issues. The story begins when transfer student Yuuji Kazami enters a new school, hoping to start a new life, but is soon disappointed.
04. Date A Live IV
- MyAnimeList: 7,75
- Japanese title : デート・ア・ライブⅣ
- Release Date : April 8, 2022
- Number of episodes: 12
- Studio : Toys
- Streaming : Crunchyroll, Funimation
Date A Live presents a unique setting for the harem genre. The story begins several decades after a devastating earthquake that killed 150 million people on Earth. These tremors continue to occur on a smaller scale and appear to be caused by beautiful girls called Spirits.
03. Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata ♭
- MyAnimeList: 7,76
- Japanese title : 冴えない彼女〈ヒロイン〉の育てかた♭
- Release Date : April 14, 2017
- Number of Episodes: 11
- Studio : A-1 Pictures
- Streaming: –
In Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata ♭, the focus is on creating a visual game, with the protagonist surrounding himself with attractive girls. Thus, the anime blends romance with sensual scenes, delivering a lighthearted narrative with plenty of suggestive moments and provocative interactions.
02. The World God Only Knows: Goddesses
- MyAnimeList: 7,98
- Japanese title : Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai
- Release Date : July 9, 2013
- Number of episodes: 12
- Studio : Manglobe
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
So, The World God Only Knows brings a crazy twist to the typical harem anime: the protagonist, Keima Katsuragi , essentially works as an exorcist or spirit hunter. It all starts when a cute little demon tricks him into taking on the job. For some reason, Keima's most effective way to capture the spirits is by winning the hearts of girls.
01. The Quintessential Quintuplets 2
- MyAnimeList: 8,02
- Japanese title : 5-toubun no Hanayome
- Release Date : January 8, 2021
- Number of episodes: 12
- Studio : Bibury Animation Studios
- Streaming : Crunchyroll
Like most harem anime protagonists, Fuutarou Uesugi is a reserved and socially awkward young man. This has become practically mandatory in the genre. He and his father also face financial difficulties. However, Uesugi stands out for being a bit more mature than other harem protagonists and decides to help his father by accepting a job as a tutor for a wealthy family.
In the end, I ended up not including High School DxD , so don't be mad... Also, comment on what you thought of the list and take the opportunity to participate in our WhatsApp .
