Tired of the usual romance recommendations? Check out these hidden romantic anime gems like Paradise Kiss and Amagami SS.
Many romance anime have masterfully captured the essence of love, showcasing its uplifting and, at times, wrenching facets.
Yet, surprisingly, some of these brilliantly crafted stories have managed to slip through the mainstream’s attention.
For enthusiasts of the romance genre, this means there are countless tales of love, both heartwarming and heartbreaking, that remain undiscovered and uncelebrated.
Here are my recommendations for romance anime I believe are underrated.
Non Non Biyori
- Unique Storylines: Underrated romance anime often diverge from typical plots, offering fresh and unexpected twists.
I absolutely love this show. It presents almost zero conflict, yet watching it brings such comfort. I recommend it wholeheartedly. However, if you lean more towards drama or action, this might not be for you.
- “Non Non Biyori” boasts an enchanting vibe and charming art style.
- It masterfully combines cuteness, wholesomeness, and humor, making it a treat for all viewers.
- Renge stands out as my favorite character.
- Her infectious joy captivates both viewers and fellow characters.
- She perfectly balances wit with innocence, amplifying the show’s comedic tone.
- The other girls showcase deep personalities that can resonate with any viewer.
Snow White With The Red Hair
Watch Snow White with the Red Hair
- Relatable Characters: These shows might introduce characters that mainstream anime overlook, making them more relatable to certain audiences.
Sorata Akizuki wrote and illustrated the Japanese shōjo fantasy romance manga series “Snow White with the Red Hair.”
- The series strikes a delightful and lighthearted tone.
- It balances drama perfectly.
- Romance feels genuine without being overly sentimental.
- Characters stand out with their unique personalities and growth.
- Shirayuki, the main character, is both hardworking and passionate, inspiring viewers.
- The art style and music enhance the fairy tale ambiance.
- Overall, the show excels as a romance.
Tada Never Falls in Love
Doga Kobo produced the Japanese romantic comedy anime television series “Tada Never Falls in Love.” It aired from April 5 to June 28, 2018.
- “Tada Never Falls in Love” is an underrated romance anime that unexpectedly gripped my emotions.
- The journey of love and friendship is both wild and captivating.
- While I’m tempted to dive deep into the plot and characters:
- I believe approaching this anime with an open mind enhances the experience.
- You’ll journey alongside characters as they evolve, both as individuals and photographers.
- The anime imparts a heartwarming sensation.
- Every character becomes endearing and memorable.
Natsuyuki Rendezvous
Doga Kobo adapted the anime television series, which aired on Fuji TV’s Noitamina block from July 5 to September 13, 2012. Crunchyroll simulcasted it during the same period.
- This underrated romantic comedy anime boasts stunning animation, Studio Ghibli style – (ok, you can argue with me)
- Some sequences truly highlight the animators’ mastery of light, shadow, and intricate movements.
- A visual treat, the show presents diverse art styles.
- The series features four characters:
- Most are well-developed and intriguing.
- Shimao, although technically well-crafted, proves challenging to like.
- While the intent might have been to make him sympathetic, his excessive selfishness, mean nature, and manipulative traits overshadow that. Moreover, he dominates too much screen time.
Fushigi Yuugi
Fushigi Yûgi, sometimes referred to as “Fushigi Yûgi: The Mysterious Play” or “Curious Play”, is a Japanese manga crafted by Yuu Watase. The narrative revolves around two teenagers, Miaka and Yui, who are drawn into “The Universe of the Four Gods”, an enigmatic book at the National Diet Library.
- “Fushigi Yugi” stands out as an underrated school romance anime.
- While the animation may seem dated, its charm remains intact.
- Some dub voices can be irksome, but they don’t overshadow the series’ merits.
- It introduces a captivating new world that viewers can immerse themselves in.
- Even though many characters aren’t “real” to the protagonist, Miaka, they embody genuine human emotions like love, hatred, regret, and happiness.
The Demonic King Who Chases His Wife
- “The Demonic King Who Chases His Wife” is a good romance anime.
- This epic romance isekai presents two strong-willed warriors, their love defying both time and space.
- Neither character aims for virtue or relatability, leading to fierce clashes and challenges.
- Their dynamic: a dark, dominant prince paired with an assassin’s wife, intertwining ruthlessness with intense romance.
- The narrative weaves tender moments amidst high stakes, intricate magic, and rich lore.
- Despite their flawed personalities, their unwavering loyalty to each other is endearing.
Yona of the Dawn
Mizuho Kusanagi writes and illustrates the Japanese manga series Yona of the Dawn. Since August 2009, Hakusensha’s shōjo manga magazine, Hana to Yume, has been publishing the series. By May 2023, they’ve compiled the chapters into forty-one tankōbon volumes.
- Yona’s transition from a helpless girl to a badass warrior is impressive.
There’s a hint of romance with:
- Hak, the incredibly attractive and loyal bodyguard.
- Su-won, the captivating cousin who blurs the line between love and hate.
- At first glance, Su-won might seem like a villain, but his character is more intricate than it appears.
- This anime perfectly blends action and romance with lifetime relationships.
- It is best described as an adventurous fantasy romance.
- It’s emotionally stirring and guarantees to give you good chills.
Psychic Princess
- Unconventional Romance: Hidden gems can delve into non-traditional relationships or situations that mainstream anime might avoid.
Psychic Princess chronicles the life of Qian Yunxi, a young girl who was sent to reside in the mountains when she was just eight years old due to her unique abilities.
- “Psychic Princess” is a hidden anime gem mixed with romance that offers consistent entertainment.
- The drama is lighthearted, steering clear of:
- Memory loss, misunderstandings, life-threatening scenarios, and love sacrifices.
- Our female protagonist boasts traits like:
- Beauty, intelligence, bravery, kindness, and independence.
- The plot touches upon politics and villains, keeping the narrative engaging.
- The dynamic between the male and female leads is intriguing but leaves room for improvement:
- The male lead exudes strength, dominance, and possessiveness.
- He sometimes appears to bully her despite his love, fitting the trope of a conventional male lead.
Plastic Memories
In “Plastic Memories,” a near-future city is the setting where humans coexist with androids that resemble them in appearance, emotion, and memory. SAI Corp, the premier android manufacturer, has unveiled the Giftia, their latest android design, boasting the closest attributes to human characteristics.
Plastic Memories is a predictable series, yet it holds the audience’s interest until the end.
Some flaws fade into the background, overshadowed by:
- Powerful scenes.
- Innovative dialogue on its central theme.
- A sprinkle of humor.
Many reviewers believe:
- The series possesses untapped potential.
- The source material and theme could have allowed for more expansion.
While characters may align with typical archetypes:
- The series offers refreshing twists on common romance, comedy, and drama conventions, which I found commendable.
Honey & Clover
- Refreshing Humor: They might introduce a different kind of humor or comedic timing, providing a fresh comedic experience.
Hachimitsu to Clover paints a touching story of young love, introspection, and personal growth, deeply rooted in the intertwined bonds of five close friends.
- “Honey and Clover” offers a unique blend of warmth, humor, and insight into college life’s challenges.
- This isn’t your typical anime filled with slapstick humor, magical elements, or excessive fan service.
- Standout features include:
- Deep emotional resonance.
- High-quality animation.
- Distinctive style.
- Talented voice actors.
- Captivating soundtrack.
- The primary target audience is college students.
- However, if you’re searching for a profound, heartfelt experience, the series and its accompanying soundtrack and manga are highly recommended.
Kokoro Connect
Five high school students are at the heart of the narrative: Taichi, Iori, Himeko, Yoshifumi, and Yui. Together, they comprise the sole members of their school’s Student Cultural Research Club.
They encounter a series of mysterious, perception-altering events in their everyday lives. Behind these supernatural occurrences is a puzzling entity known as ‘Heartseed’, which seems to have an enigmatic objective and uses these phenomena to challenge the group.
- Every element, from the plot to animation, shines in its perfection.
- While the romance remains subtle, it’s still engaging.
- The highlight lies in the genuine bond and friendship among the tight-knit group.
- Their journey showcases some of the best friendship growth in anime.
- They confront real-world issues, gradually finding solutions as the series progresses.
- It stands out from “Bunny girl Senpai”, primarily due to its emphasis on friendship, which is rare in many other animes.
Raven Of The Inner Palace
Watch Raven of the Inner Palace
- Diverse Settings: Underrated romance anime might be set in unconventional locales or time periods.
The Raven Consort stands out as an underrated gem in romance anime. Delving deep into the story, Shouxue occupies a distinctive place within the inner palace. Her prestigious title doesn’t require her to fulfill nighttime duties with the emperor.
Her appearance is enigmatic: to some, she resembles an older woman, while to others, she appears as a young maiden. Armed with mysterious abilities, Shouxue can fulfill diverse requests, whether retrieving lost belongings or invoking lethal spells.
- “Raven of the Inner Palace” masterfully blends romance with a chilling mystery, following a ghost-of-the-week format.
- The blossoming romance between the Emperor and the Raven Consort injects freshness into the narrative.
- Shouxue’s multifaceted tsundere personality contrasts and complements the Emperor’s refined kuudere demeanor.
Golden Time
Golden Time follows Banri Tada, a first-year law student in Tokyo. After an unfortunate accident leaves him with significant memory loss, he forms a friendship with another freshman, Mitsuo Yanagisawa. This bond steers him towards the captivating but intense Kouko Kaga.
- “Golden Time” offers a fresh take on romance anime with its compelling storyline, truly a hidden gem.
- Tada Banri, after losing his memories in an accident, encounters the possessive and sometimes immature Kaga Kouko. Their unexpected love story unfolds from there.
- This anime stands out as it delves into their relationship journey, showcasing both its highs and the challenges they face due to Kouko’s obsessive nature and Banri’s haunting past.
- While the narrative has dark undertones, the humor from the characters, especially Kouko and their friends, lightens the mood.
- The soundtracks and flashback scenes enhance the viewing experience.
My Senpai Is Annoying
My Senpai Is Annoying is a romantic comedy manga crafted by Shiro Manta. It originates from Japan and has graced the digital pages of Ichijinsha’s Comic POOL magazine since 2017. To date, the series has been compiled into ten distinct tankōbon editions.
- The animation boasts vibrant colors, enhancing its feel-good vibe.
- Designers meticulously crafted each character design.
- A piano score further elevates the show’s soothing atmosphere.
- “My Senpai Is Annoying” highlights the underrated niche of office romances, contrasting the usual high school romance theme.
- Despite featuring adult characters, the series is replete with blushes, near-miss moments, and simmering romantic tension.
Paradise Kiss
- Hidden References: For keen-eyed viewers, these shows can be replete with subtle references and Easter eggs.
The narrative centers around an elite high-school student searching for meaning. When a team of budding fashion designers approaches her to become the lead model for their “Paradise Kiss” clothing brand, she’s initially taken aback by their eccentricity. Yet, she decides to join them and, in the process, undergoes a profound personal transformation.
- I particularly favor Yukari, George, and Izabelle from this series.
- Yukari’s blue gown at the fashion show stands out; she resembles Cinderella in it.
- The series emphasizes the significance of having a dream.
- It encourages prioritizing one goal before advancing to the next.
- Dream pursuits demand substantial responsibility.
- Yukari understands the importance of handling one thing at a time.
- The show’s voice acting impresses me.