2024 has been a great year for romance anime, with plenty of new series and returning favorites that have captured fans’ hearts. Whether you’re into slow-burn love stories, intense drama, or lighthearted rom-coms, there’s something for everyone. Here are the 12 best romance anime of the year so far!
1. The Dangers in My Heart Season 2
Who wouldn’t love a neat blend of awkward teenage romance and heartfelt moments? Season 1 had fans rooting for the odd yet adorable dynamic between Kyotaro and Anna, so Season 2 was highly anticipated. It’s sweet, funny, and relatable, making it shine among the romance anime of 2024.
Season 2 continues the story of Kyotaro Ichikawa, an introverted boy with a vivid imagination, and Anna Yamada, a cheerful and popular girl who unexpectedly grows close to him.
2. Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You Season 3
A beloved classic for years, Kimi ni Todoke is known for its heartwarming storytelling and sweet romance. Fans were pumped when Season 3 was announced, giving us even more of Sawako and Kazehaya’s story. Now, many are already hoping for a Season 4 to explore even more of the magical tale from the manga.
Season 3 picks up with Sawako and Kazehaya as they face the challenges of a growing relationship. Their bond is tested by misunderstandings, personal growth, and the transition into adulthood.
3. Blue Box
Blending sports and romance in a way that feels both natural and refreshing is no easy feat. That said, Blue Box succeeds with its slow-burn chemistry and incredible focus on the characters’ personal growth alongside their relationships.
The story follows Taiki Inomata, a high school badminton player, who has a crush on Chinatsu Kano, a talented basketball player. When circumstances lead Chinatsu to move in with his family, Taiki’s feelings grow stronger. Balancing his dream of succeeding in sports with his deepening feelings, Taiki has to deal with the complexities of young love and ambition.
4. Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!
Do you find harem anime usually boring? If so, consider Makeine! It’s a fun twist on the harem genre that’s refreshingly self-aware. Here, the focus shifts to the girls who don’t win the protagonist’s heart.
Makeine follows a group of heroines who all lost out on their romantic pursuits with the same guy. Instead of wallowing, they embrace their “loser” status and support each other through hilarious and heartwarming moments.
5. A Sign of Affection
A Sign of Affection stands out as a heartwarming romance that beautifully explores communication beyond words. It’s a refreshing take on love, as it focuses on a relationship between two people who are from very different worlds. The anime brings in real-life challenges, like deafness, and presents them in a relatable and touching way.
In this anime, we meet Yuki, a college student who is deaf, and Itsuomi, a popular guy who is fascinated by her. Despite the challenges of communication, they begin to form a deep connection through their shared love of language—both spoken and signed.
6. The Duke of Death and His Maid Season 3
The Duke of Death and His Maid has gained a strong fanbase thanks to its charming mix of dark fantasy, humor, and romance. While the animation style might not be to everyone’s taste, the charm of the characters and their journey together makes up for it.
Season 3 continues the story of the Duke, cursed to kill anyone he touches, and his devoted maid, Alice, who remains by his side despite the danger. As their relationship deepens, they face new challenges, from the Duke’s dark past to the threat of others who seek to exploit his curse.
7. Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf
A remake of the original beloved series, Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf brings a fresh new look to the classic tale of Kraft Lawrence and Holo. It tells the same story, but with better animation and a new style.
The story follows Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant, and Holo, a wise wolf spirit who takes on the form of a young woman. As they journey together, Holo shares her vast knowledge to help Lawrence in his trade, while their bond deepens.
8. Ranma ½ (2024)
Another reboot that stands out as one of the best romance anime of 2024 is Ranma ½ (2024). The classic 90s anime was loved for its mix of martial arts, humor, and romance, and the new version has captured the same huge fanbase with a fresh coat of paint, bringing new life to the quirky adventures of Ranma and his cursed transformations.
The protagonist, Ranma Saotome, is a martial artist who turns into a girl when splashed with cold water, thanks to a curse from a mysterious spring. Struggling with his unusual condition, Ranma deals with love, family drama, and fierce martial arts challenges.
9. The Girl Downstairs Extra
The Girl Downstairs Extra is a special 10-minute donghua that gives fans the ending they were hoping for after the series wasn’t going to get a season 2. Instead of leaving things hanging like in season 1, this extra wraps up the story, and while it’s a bit different from the manhwa, it’s a much better conclusion than the original ending. If you liked the donghua, it’s definitely worth checking out.
The anime follows Lee Joon who is trying to reconnect with his high school crush, but things get way more complicated when his new neighbor, Lee Duna, comes into the picture.
10. Pseudo Harem
Eiji Kitahama, a high school student, wants to be popular and admired. His junior, Rin Nanakura, decides to help by using her acting skills to create a harem of girls who all show him love. But Rin secretly likes him, though Eiji doesn’t notice. As he enjoys the attention, he becomes more drawn to Rin’s acting, wondering if the girl behind the roles might be the one he’s looking for all along.
Pseudo Harem puts a fun spin on the typical harem story. It mixes comedy and romance in a way that feels fresh, with a bit of drama thrown in. You might also find it hilarious (or sad) how the main character doesn’t even realize who truly cares for him.
11. Urusei Yatsura (2022) 2nd Season
The 2022 reboot of Urusei Yatsura came back with a second season, and it was just as wild and hilarious as the first. This classic series has a massive following thanks to its absurd and hilarious mix of wacky situations, outlandish characters, and over-the-top humor.
Urusei Yatsura centers around Ataru Moroboshi, a trouble-prone high schooler who finds himself engaged to the alien princess, Lum, after a strange series of events. Lum, who can summon lightning, is as hot-headed as she is cute, and Ataru can’t seem to stay out of trouble, constantly juggling his feelings for her and his crush on other girls.
12. Date A Live V
Date A Live V brings back the action, romance, and all the crazy supernatural drama fans love. If you’re into wild twists and emotional moments, this season doesn’t disappoint as Shido and the Spirits continue their unpredictable journey.
Shido Itsuka, a high schooler with the power to seal the abilities of Spirits, is back in the middle of more chaos. With even stronger Spirits showing up, Shido has to balance saving the world and trying to win over these powerful girls.
