Embark on a journey through the vibrant world of anime as we explore tales of friendship, love, and the quirks of everyday life in our curated list of 10 must-watch anime like Horimiya.

Just like the beloved series Horimiya, which captures the heartwarming dynamics of Hori and Miyamura’s relationship, each recommended anime offers a unique blend of relatable characters and engaging storylines that resonate with fans of all ages.

Whether you’re a seasoned anime enthusiast or new to the genre, these handpicked selections promise to deliver a blend of humor, drama, and the slice-of-life charm that made Horimiya a standout series.

So, prepare to add some new favorites to your watchlist as we dive into a world where the extraordinary meets the ordinary, and every moment is a step into another’s shoes.

10. Maid Sama!

Maid Sama! is a romantic comedy anime where Misaki Ayuzawa, the strict student council president, leads a double life. By day, she enforces the rules at her formerly all-boys school turned co-ed. But by night, she works at a maid cafe to support her family. The popular boy, Usui Takumi, discovers her secret and uses it to tease her. As their encounters continue, a romance blossoms between the seemingly mismatched pair.

9. Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket is a shoujo anime, meaning it's targeted towards a young female audience. It follows the story of Tohru Honda, an orphaned girl who ends up living with the mysterious Sohma family. But there's a twist! The Somas are cursed to transform into animals from the zodiac when they're hugged by the opposite sex. With her positive outlook and nurturing spirit, Tohru helps the Somas break the curse while uncovering their hidden pains and secrets.

8. Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai isn't your typical bunny girl anime. Sure, it features a character in a bunny girl outfit, but beneath the lighthearted facade lies a world tinged with the supernatural. The series explores "Puberty Syndrome," a mysterious phenomenon causing adolescents to experience strange occurrences.  The main character, Sakuta, encounters these girls and helps them unravel the secrets behind their supernatural predicaments.

7. Toradora!

Toradora! is a comedy anime that follows the unlikely partnership between Ryuji, a kind-hearted guy with an intimidating appearance, and Taiga, a pint-sized but fierce girl. Despite their contrasting personalities, they discover they both have crushes on each other's best friends. To navigate the confusing world of love, they form a pact to help each other win over their crushes, leading to hilarious situations and a heartwarming story about friendship and self-discovery.

6. Kaguya-sama: Love is War

Kaguya-sama: Love is War is a romantic comedy anime that takes a hilarious approach to love.  The story follows two prideful student council geniuses, Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, who are both secretly in love with each other.  However, due to their pride, neither wants to confess first.  Instead, they engage in elaborate schemes and mind games, trying to outmaneuver the other into confessing their feelings.  The anime is full of witty dialogue, clever antics, and unexpected twists, making it a delightful watch for anyone who enjoys a good romantic comedy.

5. Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku is a romantic comedy anime that dives into the awkward world of love and dating for otaku, or fans with deep interests in anime, manga, and gaming. The story follows Narumi, a fujoshi (female fan of yaoi, or male-male romance) who hides her fangirling, and Hirotaka, a handsome office worker who's secretly a gaming addict. When these childhood friends reunite at a new job, their otaku passions collide, leading them to a unique, otaku-fueled romance where expressing their true selves is both hilarious and challenging.

4. After the Rain

After the Rain, also known as Love is Like After the Rain, is a slice-of-life anime that explores an unconventional relationship. The story centers around Akira Tachibana, a high school student who used to be a track star but is now forced to work part-time due to an injury. Her feelings develop for Masami Kondo, the 45-year-old divorced manager of the restaurant where she works. As the story unfolds, we see them navigate the complexities of their age difference and their unspoken emotions for each other. 

3. ReLife

ReLife is an anime that follows Arata Kaizaki, a disillusioned 27-year-old unemployed man. After a chance encounter, he's offered a unique opportunity to participate in a program called ReLife. Through a mysterious drug, Arata is transformed back into a high school student. He's tasked with living a year of high school life again in hopes of fixing his life path. ReLife explores themes of second chances, navigating social circles, and the complexities of youth from a more mature perspective. 

2. Romantic Killer

Romantic Killer is a rom-com anime where the protagonist, Anzu, lives for video games, snacks, and her cat – anything but romance.  Suddenly, a magical creature disrupts her bliss and forces her into a series of comical situations designed to make her fall in love.  Expect hilarious gags, a reverse harem twist (where a bunch of guys vie for her attention), and a fresh take on the shoujo romance genre. 

1. My Dress-Up Darling

My Dress-Up Darling is a romantic anime following Wakana Gojo, a high schooler with a passion for crafting traditional Japanese dolls. Wakana keeps to himself, but his world collides with Marin Kitagawa, a popular girl who harbors a secret love for cosplay. Recognizing Wakana's sewing skills, Marin convinces him to use his talents to create her cosplay outfits, leading them both into a world of fashion, friendship, and unexpected feelings.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of 10 anime like Horimiya, it's clear that the world of anime is rich with stories that resonate with our deepest emotions. From the laughter and tears to the growth and connections we witness in these characters, each series offers a unique perspective on the complexities of life and relationships. While Horimiya may hold a special place in our hearts, the anime we've discussed are more than just substitutes; they are gateways to new experiences that continue to expand our understanding of love, friendship, and self-discovery.