Looking for the best romance anime of 2025 so far? Whether you’re into slow-burn love stories, heartfelt moments, or something with a bit of a twist, this year has been full of great picks. From sweet workplace crushes to sci-fi romances and everything in between, there’s something for everyone who loves a good love story.
1. The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity is one of 2025’s quiet standout romance anime. It tells a sincere, slow-burn love story that avoids clichés and focuses on emotional growth. The characters are easy to root for, and the animation has a soft, almost watercolor-like feel that fans have praised across Reddit and MAL. In fact, it’s currently the highest-rated romance anime of 2025 on MyAnimeList (a rating of 8.83/10).
What really makes it worth watching is how mature and thoughtful the relationship feels. There’s no forced drama or exaggerated tension. Every moment feels natural and earned. If you’re tired of over-the-top romance and want something grounded and heartfelt, this anime delivers exactly that.
2. My Dress-up Darling 2nd Season
My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 is honestly just as fun and sweet as the first season, maybe even better. Marin and Gojo are still adorable together, and watching their relationship slowly grow while they do even more cosplay stuff feels very satisfying.
The animation’s still top-tier (as expected from CloverWorks). Also, the show isn’t afraid to slow down and give us some heartfelt scenes, too. Once again, the anime skilfully mixes romance and creative passion without going full drama. For those who liked season one or just want something feel-good and kinda nerdy-cute, this season again hits the spot.
3. Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus
Picking up where the emotional rollercoaster of the last film left off, Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus follows Mai and Sakuta as they face some quiet but powerful changes around the holidays. The story leans more into bittersweet vibes, with just enough mystery to keep things intriguing.
One of the unique aspects of this anime is how grounded the supernatural elements feel; they’re never flashy, just emotionally loaded. Its gentle handling of teen emotions without getting preachy makes the story feel real. If you’ve followed the Rascal films so far, this one’s a no-brainer. It hits soft, hits deep, and sticks the landing.
4. Call of the Night Season 2
For people who love listening to 3 AM playlists on YouTube when everyone else is asleep, Call of the Night is an obvious choice. Its focus on nightlife, combined with beautiful soundtracks, is one of the main reasons fans are drawn to it.
This season continues the story of Ko Yamori and Nazuna Nanakusa as they deal with their complex relationship in the nocturnal world.
The way the anime explores youth and identity in a thoughtful way is very different from most generic romance anime. Combined with strong character development and an engaging plot, it truly deserves to be called one of the best romance anime of 2025.
5. The 100 Girlfriends 2nd Season
Season 2 of The 100 Girlfriends continues the chaotic yet heartwarming journey of Rentarou Aijo, who must make his 100 soulmates happy to prevent their untimely demise. Filled with outrageous humor and genuine emotional moments, the anime offers a refreshing take on the harem genre.
Harem might not be your thing, but if you enjoy genuinely funny romcoms that don’t shy away from absurdity while still delivering heartfelt moments, The 100 Girlfriends is definitely worth watching.
6. Lost in Starlight
A visually stunning Korean animated film that blends sci-fi and romance to explore themes of love, loss, and the human desire for connection, Lost in Starlight is both thoughtful and emotional.
Set in a futuristic Seoul in 2050, the story follows Nan-young, an astronaut trainee haunted by the loss of her mother during a Mars mission. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Jay, a musician who repairs vintage sound equipment. Their budding romance faces a cosmic challenge when Nan-young is selected for a Mars expedition, testing their bond across the vastness of space.
7. I Have a Crush at Work
Many of us who started watching anime as teens are now grown adults, so the demand for work-related anime (and romances) is higher than ever. I Have a Crush at Work is a sweet and relatable romance anime that captures the awkwardness and excitement of workplace crushes.
While it may not be groundbreaking, the anime beautifully captures simple moments of joy, lightheartedness, and genuine connections. It portrays office life in a realistic way and shows the natural development of a relationship. The animation is simple yet expressive, so nothing feels overdone. Fans who love slow-burn romances with everyday settings certainly won’t be disappointed.
8. Aharen Is Indecipherable 2nd Season
The second season of Aharen Is Indecipherable continues the charming and quirky romance between Reina Aharen and Raidō Matsuboshi. Picking up where the first season left off, the series explores their relationship even deeper.
The series excels in portraying the awkwardness and sweetness of a budding relationship. The characters’ unique personalities and the humorous situations they find themselves in create a delightful viewing experience. The animation maintains its signature style, complementing the lighthearted and comedic tone of the series.
9. Stellar Transformation 6th Season
Stellar Transformation Season 6 is the latest installment in the popular Chinese anime series, also known as Xing Chen Bian. Premiering on January 30, 2025, this season marks a significant progression in the storyline as it delves into the Divine Realm Arc. The series follows Qin Yu, a young man who ascends from the Immortal Realm to the God Realm, facing formidable challenges and enemies as he strives to become the supreme being.
Famous for its intricate world-building, character development, and epic battles, Stellar Transformation Season 6 delivers everything fans love about the series. With upgraded animation powered by Unreal Engine 5, the visuals are sharper and more immersive than ever.
Interestingly, the production team has acknowledged fan feedback regarding issues like pacing, voice acting, and audio effects. In response, they paused the release of new episodes to make necessary adjustments and resumed in May 2025.
10. Kowloon Generic Romance
Set in a dystopian Kowloon Walled City, the anime follows Reiko Kujirai and Hajime Kudou, two real estate agents in their 30s. The series blends romance with sci-fi elements, introducing the concept of “Generic Terra,” a technology that creates perfect memory duplicates.
Rather than focusing on exaggerated drama, Kowloon Generic Romance took a grounded approach to romance, focusing on the complexities of adult relationships. Not only does the characters’ development feel authentic, but the slow-burn romance also keeps viewers engaged. Additionally, the sci-fi elements add intrigue without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.
