The best romance anime of all time

Today is a special day for lovers: Valentine's Day 2025 has arrived in Japan! And, as expected, AnimeNew is here to delve into this beloved date, which goes far beyond chocolates and hearts. Let's explore the best romance anime to celebrate Valentine's Day .

In Japan, Valentine's Day has a unique twist. While in many countries the holiday is marked by mutual gift exchanges, there, it's women who traditionally give chocolates to men .

1. Kimi ni Todoke

Japanese title:君に届け
Release Date: October 6, 2009
Studio: Production IG

Sawako, a shy girl, tries to get closer to her crush, Kazehaya, while overcoming misunderstandings and discovering true love.

2. Toradora!

Japanese title:とらドラ！
Release Date: October 2, 2008
Studio: JCStaff

Ryuuji and Taiga form an unlikely duo to win the hearts of their respective crushes, but love can arise where they least expect it.

3. Clannad

Japanese Title:クラナド
Release Date: October 4, 2007
Studio: Kyoto Animation

Tomoya helps several girls with their personal problems, but it is with Nagisa that he discovers the meaning of family and true love.

4. Your Lie in April

Japanese title:四月は君の嘘
Release Date: October 9, 2014
Studio: A-1 Pictures

Kōsei, a prodigious pianist, rediscovers music and love through Kaori, a free and captivating violinist.

5. To Haru Ride

Japanese title:アオハライド
Release Date: July 8, 2014
Studio: Production IG

Futaba reunites with her first love, Kou, but he's not the same anymore. So together, they try to rebuild their connection.

6. Golden Time

Japanese title:ゴールデンタイム
Release Date: October 4, 2013
Studio: JCStaff

Tada Banri, a college student with amnesia, falls in love with Kōko, but his past returns to challenge his new love.

7. Nana

Japanese Title:ナナ
Release Date: April 5, 2006
Studio: Madhouse

Two girls with the same name, Nana, form a strong bond as they navigate complicated loves and musical dreams.

Lovely★Complex

Japanese title:ラブ★コン
Release Date: April 7, 2007
Studio: Toei Animation

Risa and Ōtani, a couple of opposite heights, start out as friends, but love can blossom from constant jokes and bickering.

9. Sukitte II na yo

Japanese title:好きっていいなよ。
Release Date: October 6, 2012
Studio: Zexcs

Mei, a lonely girl, becomes involved with Yamato, the popular boy, in a romance that challenges her insecurities.

10. Kaichou wa Maid-sama!

Japanese title:会長はメイド様！
Release Date: April 2, 2010
Studio: JCStaff

Misaki, the student council president, hides her job at a maid cafe, until Takumi, the most popular boy, discovers her secret.

11. Kaguya-sama: Love is War

Japanese title:かぐや様は告らせたい～天才たちの恋愛頭脳戦～
Release Date: January 12, 2019
Studio: A-1 Pictures

Kaguya and Miyuki, two proud geniuses, try to make each other confess their feelings in a hilarious battle of strategies.

12. Fruits Basket

Japanese title:フルーツバスケット
Release Date: April 5, 2019
Studio: TMS Entertainment

Tohru discovers that the Sohma family is cursed, but her love for Kyo and Yuki can break down magical and emotional barriers.

13. Horimiya

Japanese Title:ホリミヤ
Release Date: January 10, 2021
Studio: CloverWorks

Hori and Miyamura, two schoolmates with opposite personalities, grow closer and discover a sweet and genuine love.

14. Tsuki ga Kirei

Japanese title:月がきれい
Release Date: April 7, 2017
Studio: feel.

Akane and Kotarō, two shy teenagers, discover their first love while dealing with the insecurities of youth.

15. Ore Monogatari!!

Japanese title:俺物語!!
Release Date: April 9, 2015
Studio: Madhouse

To conclude the list of romance anime, we meet Takeo, a big, kind boy who falls in love with Rinko, but thinks she likes his best friend. A romance full of surprises!

What to expect from romance anime?

But which of these romance animes will make your Valentine's Day list? Each title features engaging stories, memorable characters, and heart-warming moments. Share your picks and celebrate love with these classics! 💖

Finally, we took most of the list from the website MyAnimeList