Harem anime is often criticized by both non-anime fans and anime fans for having shallow plotlines and excessive fan service. Nevertheless, each season, many harem anime are produced because there are still fans who enjoy them. Even if you’re not a big harem fan but enjoy a good plot and character development, these harem anime are definitely worth checking out as they are among the best ones.
1. The Quintessential Quintuplets
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, Slice of Life
- Aired: 2019 (Season 1), 2021 (Season 2), 2022 (Movie)
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1), 12 (Season 2), 1 (Movie)
- Studio: Tezuka Productions (Season 1), Bibury Animation Studio (Season 2 and Movie)
The original manga, written by Negi Haruba, was a huge hit. By December 2022, it had over 20 million copies in circulation, making it a big commercial success. As a result, its popularity helped the anime gain a lot of attention. Unlike many other harem anime, fanservice takes a backseat in this series, with the focus more on humor and character development.
The Quintessential Quintuplets follows the story of Futaro Uesugi, a high school student who is hired to tutor five identical sisters—Ichika, Nino, Miku, Yotsuba, and Itsuki Nakano. Despite their different personalities and resistance to studying, Futaro slowly builds relationships with each sister.
2. The World God Only Knows
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School, Supernatural
- Aired: 2010 (Season 1), 2011 (Season 2), 2013 (Season 3)
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1), 12 (Season 2), 12 (Season 3)
- Studio: Manglobe
The World God Only Knows is based on a popular manga by Tamiki Wakaki, which ran for 6 years and built a strong fanbase. The series also explores deeper themes about love, life, and the line between reality and fantasy, which really clicked with fans who like more thoughtful anime.
The story follows Keima Katsuragi, a high schooler who’s great at dating sim games but totally clueless in real-life relationships. One day, he’s roped into helping a demon named Elsie capture escaped spirits that hide in the hearts of girls. To get rid of the spirits, Keima has to make these girls fall in love with him, even though he’s not exactly an expert when it comes to real-world romance.
3. Date A Live
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Harem, Romance, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
- Aired: 2013 (Season 1), 2014 (Season 2), 2019 (Season 3), 2022 (Season 4), 2022 (Movie)
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1), 10 (Season 2), 12 (Season 3), 12 (Season 4), 1 (Movie)
- Studio: AIC Plus+ (Season 1), Production IMS (Season 2), J.C. Staff (Season 3), Geek Toys (Season 4)
Date A Live centers around Shido Itsuka, a high school student who discovers that mysterious beings called “Spirits” are causing devastating spacequakes. To stop these destructive events, Shido must make the Spirits fall in love with him, which will seal their powers. The twist? He has to date them, win their hearts, and save the world in the process.
There’s hardly anyone who hasn’t heard of Date A Live. The franchise has produced multiple seasons, spin-offs, and games, and it’s still going strong in 2024, with Date A Live V wrapping up in June 2024. What makes it stand out in the harem genre is that, while it has plenty of fanservice, it also mixes in romance, action, and the supernatural. This combo keeps the story exciting and lets for more character development and surprising plot twists than your typical harem anime.
4. The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, Slice of Life
- Aired: 2023
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Seth
One of the freshest additions to the harem genre is also one of the best anime you can watch: The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You. It follows Abhishek, a high school student who discovers he’s cursed to never find love. Just when he’s about to give up, he learns he actually has the chance to date 100 girls who genuinely love him.
What makes this anime a great pick for harem fans is its funny spin on the genre. The craziness of having 100 girlfriends leads to tons of comedic situations and misunderstandings that keep viewers entertained. Plus, fans really appreciate how each character is well-developed, which allows for some heartfelt moments amidst all the laughs.
5. Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, Slice of Life
- Aired: 2016 (Season 1), 2017 (Season 2), 2019 (Movie)
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1), 11 (Season 2), 1 (Movie)
- Studio: A-1 Pictures (Season 1, Season 2), CloverWorks (Movie)
There’s hardly any harem anime that matches Saekano in terms of witty humor and its unique gaming-related premise. An enjoyable anime, Saekano is easy to follow and fun to watch, with minimal fanservice, cementing itself as one of the best harem anime.
The series follows Tomoya Aki, a high school student and avid otaku who wants to create his own visual novel. He meets Eriri Spencer Sawamura and decides she’s the perfect model for his game. To make his dream happen, he forms a group called “Blessing Software” with Eriri and another girl, Utaha Kasumigaoka.
6. The Fruit of Grisaia
- Genres: Drama, Harem, Psychological, Romance, Thriller
- Aired: 2014 (Season 1), 2015 (Season 2),
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1), 10 (Season 2)
- Studio: 8-bit
The Fruit of Grisaia is part of a larger franchise with several sequels and spin-offs. This anime is great for those who dislike weak plotlines because it focuses on the emotional and psychological depth of each character instead of just silly misunderstandings or lighthearted moments. The series tackles serious themes like trauma and personal growth while still including some lighter scenes.
The story follows Yūji Kazami, a transfer student at a mysterious academy called Grisaia. The school is known for its unique student body, as each girl has a troubled past and a story to tell. As Yūji tries to adjust to his new environment, he becomes involved with the five main female characters, each struggling with their own issues and seeking redemption.
7. Tenchi Muyo! War on Geminar
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Harem, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Aired: 2009
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: AIC
Tenchi Muyo! War on Geminar successfully mixes action and romance in a unique setting, making it different from other series in the Tenchi Muyo! franchise. Often praised for its neat mix of mecha battles and classic harem elements, the anime has well-developed characters whose interactions bring both laughs and touching moments.
The anime tells the story of Kenji Masaki who is a distant relative of the original main character, Tenchi Masaki. Kenji ends up on the planet Geminar, where he gets caught up in a conflict involving powerful mechs known as Demon Machines. The planet is in the middle of a war between different groups, and with the help of various characters, Kenji has to tackle the challenges of battle while discovering the secrets of his family’s past.
8. Nisekoi: False Love
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School
- Aired: 2014 (Season 1), 2015 (Season 2)
- Episodes: 20 (Season 1), 12 (Season 2)
- Studio: Shaft
Nisekoi: False Love is a popular romantic comedy anime and manga series created by Naoshi Komi. First serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2011, it quickly gained a substantial following, thanks in part to its engaging characters and humor.
The story revolves around Raku Ichijō, a high school student and heir to a yakuza family, who finds himself in a fake relationship with Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of a rival gang’s leader.
In the crowded harem genre, Nisekoi stands out because of its interesting character dynamics and a plot that keeps you guessing. Instead of just using common tropes, the series focuses on real relationships that develop over time, making you care about each character’s journey.
9. Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, Supernatural, School
- Aired: 2015
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Liden Films
A neat blend of supernatural, high school romance, and comedy, Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches quickly became a favorite among fans for its unique take on the harem genre. Instead of just sticking to the usual love rivalries, the series adds in magic and friendship, making it more fun and interesting.
The story follows Ryu Yamada, a troublemaker in high school who accidentally discovers that he can swap bodies with others by kissing them. This discovery leads him to a mysterious group known as the Seven Witches, each of whom has a unique ability linked to their powers. As Yamada deals with these newfound abilities, he becomes entangled in various comedic and romantic situations, particularly with Urara Shiraishi, a studious and kind-hearted girl.
10. Hayate the Combat Butler
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, Slice of Life
- Aired: 2007 (Season 1), 2009 (Season 2), 2012 (Season 3)
- Episodes: 52 (Season 1), 25 (Season 2), 12 (Season 3)
- Studio: J.C. Staff
Famous for its its humor, relatable characters, and the mix of action and romance, Hayate the Combat Butler offers a fun escape with its over-the-top situations and light-hearted storytelling. What gives it an edge is its self-awareness and satire. While it features a harem of girls who are interested in Hayate, it often pokes fun at the typical clichés and scenarios found in other harem series.
In this anime, we meet Hayate Ayasaki, a boy who suddenly finds himself in deep debt after his parents abandon him. To pay off the debt, he becomes a butler for Nagi Sanzenin, a wealthy and eccentric girl. As he gets used to his new life, he runs into a bunch of characters, each with their own quirks.
11. To LOVE-Ru
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
- Aired: 2008 (To LOVE-Ru), 2010 (To LOVE-Ru: Darkness), 2012 (To LOVE-Ru: Darkness 2nd)
- Episodes: 26 (To LOVE-Ru), 12 (To LOVE-Ru: Darkness), 12 (To LOVE-Ru: Darkness 2nd)
- Studio: Xebec
To LOVE-Ru is a well-known anime that stands out as one of the best traditional harem series, featuring plenty of fan service and classic harem tropes. It gained popularity for its blend of romantic comedy and sci-fi elements, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
The story follows Rito Yuuki, an average high school student who finds himself in a series of outrageous situations after encountering Lala Satalin Deviluke, a princess from another planet. Lala is on the run from her marriage, and after Rito helps her, she decides to stay on Earth and make him her fiancé.
12. High School DxD
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Harem, Supernatural, Fantasy
- Aired: 2012 (Season 1), 2013 (Season 2), 2015 (Season 3), 2018 (Season 4)
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1), 12 (Season 2), 12 (Season 3), 12 (Season 4)
- Studio: TNK (Season 1, 2, 3), Passione (Season 4)
Known for its heavy fan service and action-packed storytelling, High School DxD has garnered a dedicated following. The series mixes supernatural action and usual harem elements, which attract a lot of viewers.
High School DxD follows Issei Hyoudou, a perverted high school student who wants to be a harem king. His life changes dramatically when a girl kills him on their first date, but he is brought back to life by Rias Gremory, a powerful devil at his school. As Issei adjusts to his new life as a devil, he joins Rias’s team and battles other supernatural beings while figuring out his feelings for Rias and the other girls.
13. Is This a Zombie?
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Horror, Supernatural, Fantasy
- Aired: 2011 (Season 1), 2012 (Season 2)
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1), 10 (Season 2)
- Studio: Deen
It’s not every day you find such a quirky and fun series like Is This a Zombie?, which has earned its place as one of the best harem anime. The series falls into multiple genres, ranging from comedy to horror to magic, which only adds to its uniqueness.
14. How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom
- Genres: Fantasy, Harem, Isekai, Political
- Aired: 2021 (Season 1), 2022 (Season 2)
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1), 13 (Season 2)
- Studio: J.C. Staff
A unique blend of fantasy, politics, and strategy, How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom offers a fresh take on the isekai genre by focusing on realistic governance and problem-solving rather than typical adventure tropes. Since the harem element is more of a subplot, the anime is a great choice for those who don’t typically enjoy harem stories.
In this series, we follow Kazuya Souma, a modern-day young man who is suddenly transported to a fantasy world. There, he learns that he has been summoned to become a “hero” and help save the kingdom of Elfrieden. However, instead of simply fighting monsters, Kazuya decides to use his knowledge and skills to improve the kingdom’s economy and infrastructure.
15. The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Slice of Life, Romance
- Aired: 2023
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Tezuka Productions
Hayato is a young guy who inherits a café from his late grandmother. When he returns to his hometown, he finds that five beautiful girls are running the café. As he settles into his new life and responsibilities, he ends up dealing with romantic interests and hilarious situations with the girls.
As a slice-of-life harem, The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses features character-driven storytelling. The interactions between Hayato and the café’s staff result in many funny and heartwarming moments. If you’re feeling down or tired from work, this anime is a perfect escape to kick back and turn off your brain.
16. Tenchi Muyo! Tenchi Universe
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Harem, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Aired: 1995
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: AIC
A beloved anime series that is part of the larger franchise, which combines science fiction, comedy, and harem elements, Tenchi Muyo! Tenchi Universe helped popularize the harem genre in anime, paving the way for many series that followed.
The protagonist, Tenchi Masaki, is a regular high school student who accidentally wakes up a powerful alien princess named Ryoko. After this, he attracts several other girls from different worlds, like the serious Aeka and the cheerful Sasami. As Tenchi deals with his new relationships with these aliens, he gets into all sorts of funny and crazy situations while trying to keep his life normal.
17. Amagami SS
- Genres: Romance, Harem, Slice of Life, School
- Aired: 2011 (Season 1), 2012 (Season 2)
- Episodes: 25 (Season 1), 13 (Season 2)
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
Amagami SS is a romantic anime based on a dating sim game that focuses on different love stories. Each girl’s story offers a fresh take on romance, making this mix of sweet and funny moments a great choice for fans of character-driven tales.
The series follows Junichi Tachibana, a high school student who has had a tough time with love before. While he goes through school, he meets several girls, each with their own unique personalities, like the shy and sweet Haruka, the cheerful Sae, and the serious but caring Rihoko. The series explores Junichi’s relationships with these girls, showing romantic moments, funny situations, and heartfelt connections.
18. The Ambition of Oda Nobuna
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Historical, Romance, Slice of Life
- Aired: 2012
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Genco
An exciting anime series that mixes historical events with a unique twist, The Ambition of Oda Nobuna reimagines historical figures from Japan’s Sengoku period as female characters.
The plot follows a high school student named Yoshiharu Sagara, who is suddenly transported back in time to the Sengoku era. There, he meets Oda Nobuna, a young girl who is the ambitious and determined version of the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga. As Yoshiharu becomes Nobuna’s strategist, he gets involved in battles, politics, and the various challenges she faces in her quest for power.
