27 Best Romantic Anime Movies Ranked
Anime has a unique ability to capture the intricacies of love, weaving tales that resonate with viewers of all ages. Whether it's the sweet innocence of first love, the heart-wrenching pain of lost romance, or the enduring passion of lifelong commitments, anime brings these stories to life with vibrant animation, compelling characters, and unforgettable music.
In this article, we delve into the world of romantic anime films, presenting the 27 best romantic anime movies, carefully ranked to help you find your next favorite love story. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, these films offer a diverse array of romantic experiences that will tug at your heartstrings and leave a lasting impression.
So, sit back, grab some tissues, and get ready to embark on an emotional journey through the most enchanting romantic anime movies ever made.
27. Fireworks
If you're looking for a unique twist on romance in anime, check out Fireworks. This movie blends young love with a sci-fi twist. The story follows Norimichi, a boy caught in a love triangle with his classmates. As the summer festival fireworks approach, he gets his hands on a mysterious sphere that allows him to manipulate time. However, each attempt to change the past has unintended consequences, forcing him to confront his feelings and the true nature of connection.
While it might not be a traditional happily-ever-after, "Fireworks" is a thought-provoking entry on the list of Best Romantic Anime Movies.
26. I’ve Always Liked You
I've Always Liked You, also known by its Japanese title Zutto Mae Kara Suki Deshita: Kokuhaku Jikkō Iinkai, is a 2016 anime film that explores the butterflies and anxieties of young love. The story centers around Natsuki, a high school girl harboring feelings for her childhood friend Yu. Afraid of rejection, she pretends to practice confessing on him, leading to hilarious misunderstandings. As another classmate enters the picture, Natsuki must grapple with her true feelings and find the courage to be honest with Yu.
This heartwarming film captures the innocence and awkwardness of teenage romance, making it a relatable watch for anyone who's ever been tongue-tied by love.
25. Only Yesterday
Only Yesterday is a contemplative anime film from Studio Ghibli. It follows Taeko, a 27-year-old woman feeling lost in the Tokyo rat race. Seeking a break, she travels to the countryside to help relatives harvest safflowers. Tranquil scenes of rural life spark memories of her childhood in Tokyo. The film weaves between past and present as Taeko grapples with societal expectations, career choices, and a yearning for a simpler time. Through her journey,
Only Yesterday offers a relatable and beautifully animated exploration of nostalgia, self-discovery, and the beauty of everyday life.
24. Hello World
If you're looking for a sci-fi twist on a classic romance story, look no further than Hello World. This 2019 film takes place in a futuristic Kyoto, where a high school boy named Naomi encounters his future self who has traveled back in time to prevent a tragic event from happening to their classmate Ruri. As Naomi navigates this complex situation, he must confront his own regrets and fight to change the future.
Hello World has been praised for its stunning visuals and its unique blend of romance, science fiction, and coming-of-age themes, making it a strong contender for a spot on your list of Best Romantic Anime Movies.
23. The Night is Short, Walk on Girl
The Night is Short, Walk on Girl is a romantic comedy anime following a college sophomore with black hair on a wild night out in Kyoto. Throughout the night, she encounters a wacky cast of characters, from a group obsessed with a specific book at a fair to a festival filled with eccentric performers. Unbeknownst to her, a senior with a crush on her, simply referred to as "Senpai," keeps unintentionally bumping into her throughout the adventure. The film blends humor and romance as both the girl and Senpai navigate the vibrant nightlife of Kyoto.
22. Patema Inverted
Patema Inverted is a sci-fi adventure anime film that explores gravity-defying worlds. The story follows Patema, a girl who lives in a network of underground tunnels, and Age, a boy who resides in a world above with normal gravity. Their paths collide when Patema falls into Age's world, and together they must unravel the mystery of the reversed gravity and find a way for Patema to return home, all while navigating the dangers of these contrasting environments.
21. 5 Centimeters per Second
While not necessarily categorized as a happily-ever-after romance, 5 Centimeters per Second deserves a mention among the best romantic anime movies. This Makoto Shinkai film tells a bittersweet story of first love, following two childhood friends, Takaki and Akari, separated by circumstance. The movie unfolds in three acts, showcasing the passage of time and the challenges they face in staying connected as life takes them down different paths.
The film's beauty lies in its portrayal of unspoken emotions and the lingering effects of first love, making it a must-watch for those seeking a mature and introspective romantic story.
20. Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop
Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop is a heartwarming coming-of-age story wrapped in a summer anime package. It follows two socially awkward teens: Yui, a shy boy who uses haiku to communicate, and Yuki, a bubbly girl hiding her buckteeth with a mask. A chance encounter brings them together, and they embark on a summer adventure where they help each other overcome their anxieties.
With beautiful animation and a lighthearted tone that tackles deeper themes of communication and self-acceptance, this Netflix film is a delightful watch.
19. Summer Wars
Summer Wars is a 2009 science fiction anime film that blends action and heartwarming family drama. It follows Kenji, a shy math whiz, who gets entangled in a virtual world crisis while visiting his crush, Natsuki, in the countryside. Accidentally mistaken for a hacker, Kenji must use his skills to navigate the virtual world, called OZ, and stop a rogue AI from wreaking havoc in both the digital and real world.
All the while, he finds himself embraced by Natsuki's boisterous extended family, highlighting the importance of family bonds in the face of a technological crisis.
18. The Anthem of the Heart
The Anthem of the Heart, also known as Kokoro ga Sakebitagatterunda, is a 2015 Japanese animated film that explores themes of guilt, communication, and self-discovery. The story follows a young girl named Jun Naruse who, after blaming herself for her parents' divorce, is cursed by a fairy to speak only in literal terms. As she struggles to navigate life with this limitation, Jun finds a group of classmates who are putting on a club play. Through their shared experiences, Jun begins to confront her past and find her voice again.
17. Voices of a Distant Star
Voices of a Distant Star is a science fiction romance anime that follows Mikako and Noboru, two teenagers whose connection is strained by interstellar war. Mikako joins the fight against an alien race, venturing farther into space with each battle. Meanwhile, Noboru remains on Earth, helplessly waiting for her messages that take increasingly longer to arrive due to the vast distances. As years turn into decades for Noboru, Mikako experiences little time passage.
The film explores the heartache of their separation and the cruel effects of relativistic travel on their love story.
16. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
In the anime movie The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Makoto, a teenage student, discovers she can jump back in time. Initially thrilled, she uses this power for personal gain, fixing mistakes and reliving good moments. However, Makoto soon learns the consequences of tampering with time, as her actions begin to negatively affect those around her. Faced with a limited number of leaps left, Makoto must make tough choices and learn the value of living in the present moment.
15. Millennium Actress
Millennium Actress, a 2001 anime film by Satoshi Kon, weaves a mesmerizing tale through the memories of Chiyoko Fujiwara, a retired acting legend. Two documentary filmmakers delve into her life, but the lines between reality and cinema blur as Chiyoko recounts her past. Her career milestones meld with scenes from her movies, creating a puzzle of love, loss, and a lifelong search for a man she met only once.
As the past unfolds, the film explores themes of memory, the power of movies, and the enduring strength of love.
14. Ride Your Wave
Ride Your Wave is a 2019 anime film that blends romance, fantasy, and a touch of the supernatural. It follows Hinako, a free-spirited college student who loves to surf, and Minato, a courageous firefighter. Their whirlwind romance is tragically cut short when Minato is lost at sea. But Hinako finds a strange connection - whenever she sings a particular song near the water, Minato seems to reappear, riding the waves. As Hinako grapples with grief and this magical phenomenon, she must learn to find closure and move forward.
13. From Up on Poppy Hill
From Up on Poppy Hill is a Studio Ghibli film set in Yokohama, Japan during 1963, a time of national change in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics. Umi, a high school girl living in a boarding house, begins a heartwarming friendship with Shun after they decide to revitalize their school's threatened clubhouse.
As they work together, a deeper connection blossoms, but a surprising discovery about their families throws their relationship into question.
12. Whisper of the Heart
Whisper of the Heart, a 1995 Studio Ghibli film, tells the story of Shizuku, a bookish junior high girl with dreams of becoming a writer. Noticing the same name on all the library cards of her borrowed books, she discovers Seiji, a talented young man aspiring to be a violin maker. As their paths cross, a sweet romance blossoms.
Yet, the film goes beyond just love. It celebrates following your passions and the importance of hard work, while weaving a touch of magical realism that captures the wonder of youthful dreams.
11. The Garden of Words
If you're searching for the best romantic anime movies, look no further than The Garden of Words. This visually stunning film tells the story of Takao, a young man with a dream of becoming a shoemaker, who finds solace in a beautiful garden on rainy days. There, he meets Yukino, a mysterious older woman.
As they share quiet moments amidst the pitter-patter of rain, a unique connection blossoms. However, their age difference and unspoken feelings add a layer of complexity to this tender romance.
10. To the Forest of Firefly Lights
In the anime movie To the Forest of Firefly Lights, a young girl named Hotaru gets lost in a magical forest inhabited by spirits. There, she encounters a kind spirit who helps her, but with a bittersweet twist: any physical contact between them will make the spirit disappear. Over many summers, Hotaru and the spirit forge a deep friendship despite this restriction. As Hotaru grows up, their bond is tested by the inevitable changes of time and the weight of the spirit's fragile existence.
9. The Wind Rises
The Wind Rises, a 2013 Studio Ghibli film by Hayao Miyazaki, tells the fictionalized story of Jiro Horikoshi, a real-life aeronautical engineer who designed fighter planes for Japan during World War II. The film follows Jiro's dream of flight, showcasing his passion for designing airplanes and the challenges he faces. It weaves in elements of romance and historical events, creating a beautiful yet complex story about pursuing one's dream amidst the shadow of war.
8. Ocean Waves
Ocean Waves, also known as I Can Hear the Sea in Japan, is a 1993 coming-of-age anime film from Studio Ghibli. It tells the story of two high school boys whose friendship is tested by the arrival of a new transfer student from Tokyo. The beautiful but enigmatic Rikako disrupts their routine, and a love triangle forms as the boys grapple with their feelings for her and for each other.
The film explores themes of adolescence, self-discovery, and the complexities of friendship.
7. Howl’s Moving Castle
Considered one of the best romantic anime movies ever made, Howl's Moving Castle weaves a fantastical tale of love and self-discovery. Sophie, a young woman cursed with an old body, finds refuge and an unlikely chance to break the spell in the chaotic, moving castle of the wizard Howl. As war brews in the land, Sophie and Howl develop a unique bond, challenging societal expectations of beauty and revealing the true meaning of inner strength.
This heartwarming film is a must-watch for anyone seeking a romantic anime movie filled with magic, adventure, and a touch of Miyazaki whimsy.
6. A Whisker Away
A delightful addition to the world of Romantic Anime Movies, A Whisker Away tells the story of Miyo, a frustrated middle schooler who longs for the attention of her classmate Kento. In a quirky turn of events, she stumbles upon a magical mask that allows her to transform into a cat. As Tarou, the feline, Miyo gets closer to Kento, but the line between her human and cat identity begins to blur. Faced with a choice: stay a cat by Kento's side or return to her human form, Miyo must navigate the complexities of love, self-discovery, and the true meaning of connection.
5. Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
While not necessarily cracking the top ranks of all time best anime movies, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish offers a heartwarming romance with beautiful animation. It tells the story of Tsuneo, a college student yearning for travel, and Josee, a young woman with a disability who dreams of a world outside her home. Their unlikely connection blossoms as Tsuneo becomes Josee's caretaker, but their relationship soon deepens, challenging their perspectives and inspiring them to chase their ambitions.
4. Weathering with You
Weathering with You is a visually stunning anime film that blends romance, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes. It follows Hodaka, a runaway teen who befriends Hina, a girl with the mystical ability to bring sunshine. Together, they start a business offering sunshine on demand to a perpetually rain-soaked Tokyo. As their bond deepens, they face a fantastical reality tied to Hina's power, forcing them to make difficult choices about love, sacrifice, and the delicate balance of the world.
3. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
If you're looking for a tearjerker among the best drama anime movies, look no further than "I Want to Eat Your Pancreas." This deceptively titled film follows a withdrawn bookworm who forms an unlikely friendship with a cheerful classmate battling a terminal illness. As they embark on a journey to fulfill her life list, their bond deepens, forcing him to confront his isolation and appreciate the beauty of human connection. Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions, but ultimately a powerful message about living life to the fullest.
2. A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice is an anime film that delves into the complexities of bullying and redemption. It tells the story of Shoya Ishida, a young boy who relentlessly bullies a deaf classmate, Shoko Nishimiya, leading to her transferring schools. Years later, consumed by guilt, Shoya seeks out Shoko to apologize and make amends. The film explores themes of empathy, forgiveness, and the lasting impact of our actions, all wrapped in a beautifully animated package.
1. Your Name
Considered by many to be one of the best romantic anime movies out there, Your Name weaves a beautiful story about two teenagers mysteriously connected across time and space. Mitsuha, a girl yearning for city life, and Taki, a busy Tokyo high schooler, start waking up in each other's bodies, leading to hilarious confusion and a growing bond. As they unravel the mystery and try to meet in person, a heartbreaking twist forces them to fight for the chance to be together, leaving a lasting impression that makes "Your Name" a must-watch for any fan of heartfelt anime romances.
In conclusion, the world of romantic anime movies offers a rich tapestry of heartfelt stories, captivating visuals, and profound emotional journeys. Our ranking of the 27 best romantic anime movies has showcased the diversity and depth of this beloved genre, highlighting timeless classics as well as modern masterpieces. Each film on this list has its unique charm, capable of resonating with audiences and evoking a spectrum of emotions.
Whether you are a long-time anime enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, these films promise to provide enchanting experiences and memorable moments. As the landscape of anime continues to evolve, we can look forward to even more captivating tales of love and romance that will undoubtedly earn their place among the greats.
So, grab some popcorn, find a cozy spot, and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of romantic anime – where love knows no bounds.