Producing an anime show with unlimited episodes for the viewers is exhausting because it steals plenty of time and effort from the people behind the scenes. Hence, many fans patiently wait for the next season even if it takes years. Most romance anime tend to have at least twelve episodes only compared to other shows. This means that the anime covers not even half of the entire story, so instead of waiting and hoping for the next season, why not try their manga?
Anime-only fans choose not to give the mangas of their favourite anime shows a try. This is because anime doesn’t require much concentration. The mangas’ characters come to life through skilled voice actors, great animation, and heartfelt music. But, this doesn’t mean that there is no reason for a viewer to skip the source material.
Reading manga requires a more active mind compared to having the option to watch an anime more passively. However, manga gives willing anime-only fans and current manga readers a fuller experience of the story without the need to wait every week for a new episode.
With the continuous growth of romance animes that are being released left and right, it is hard to cope with all of them each week. But, did you know that most romance anime have mangas that are equally amazing or even better? Hence, without further ado, here are 20 of the most popular classic and modern romance animes with a worth reading manga:
Insomniacs After School
Alternative Name: Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia
This is one of the newly released spring romance anime of 2023. The story revolves around the life of two sleep-deprived high school students who are currently suffering from insomnia. Their lack of sleep greatly affected their personalities during the day. Ganta Nakami, an easily irritated and unpopular boy, founds an observatory and unexpectedly had a fateful encounter with a girl whose struggling with insomnia like him, Isaki Magari. The anime is believed to have thirteen episodes in total. It will probably explore the development of the two from strangers to friends to potential lovers.
It will show how they will slowly break the awkwardness between them and eventually opens up about each other. However, expect that by the end of the anime, viewers will crave more. With a total of twelve volumes, the manga of Insomniacs After School has surpassed 100 chapters and has confirmed that Isaki and Nakami have learned to understand, as well as, love each other as their story slowly progresses. However, there will always be something that will test their love. Hopefully, their feelings for each other will be able to conquer it.
Loving Yamada at Lv999
Alternative Name: Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru
This romance anime has been a highly-anticipated series due to the popularity of its manga. Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru manga received the award for the Grand Prize of the 2022 Annual Tsutaya Comic Awards. The series follows the story of Akane Kinoshita whose boyfriend suddenly breaks up with her for a girl he met through an online game. Because of Akane’s frustrations, she decided to play the game herself and vent her heartbreak and misery to a random stranger she encounters, Yamada.
As an introvert, Yamada Akito couldn’t care less about Akane at first and was too into his online games. However, as their paths continue to cross, Yamada cannot help himself, but be mesmerized by the irresistible charms of Akane. This series is the perfect escape gate for people who just wants to laugh, love, and breathe a little, specifically its manga. Yamada and Akane’s relationship is fast-burn and adorable. Hence, if they’re sweet in the anime then expect more from the manga because it is definitely a 10/10. The manga will keep the viewers hooked from the moment they started the first chapter up until the current one.
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Tomo-chan is a Girl!
Alternative Name: Tomo-chan wa Onnanoko!
This series gives romance anime lovers something fresh and new. Instead of the typical popular girl admired by everyone, Tomo falls under the category of a slightly tomboyish woman. The story explores the plot that usually comes second in most romance anime, and that is the point of view of someone in love with his or her childhood friend. Tomo always harbored hidden feelings for her childhood friend, Jun. The series’ first season recently ended and no announcements regarding season two have been announced
Season one concluded with Tomo and Jun confessing their feelings to each other and sealing it with both a hug and a kiss. Though a season two is unlikely because of how it ended. Fans can still enjoy more Tomo and Jun moments by reading the completed manga which nearly has a thousand of chapters. It anime might have covered most of the important details. But this doesn’t mean that there is nothing more to expect. For fans who wish to read its romance manga, it is highly recommended to start at the beginning even if you have watched the anime adaptation.
My Dress-Up Darling
Alternative Name: Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru
The anime adaptation of My Dress-Up Darling season one ended last March 2022 with twelve episodes. Unlike Tomo-chan is a Girl!, the anime adaptation of My Dress Up Darling didn’t cover all the chapters in the anime and ended in the middle of it. The story revolves around Wakana Gojou, a talented Hina doll maker with impressive sewing skills. Gojou finds it hard to look for a person who shares the same interest as him, specifically due to his gender. But, Marin Kitagawa finds out about it and shares also her secret in order to be benefited from Gojou’s great sewing skills.
The fanservice present in the series resulted in it not being promoted for younger groups of audience. However, this does not mean that the fanservice overshadows the romance. Although there are too much amazing cosplay features in both the manga and anime, Gojou and Marin also shares cute little love-dovey moment together. In the manga, the two cannot help but realize that they slowly and surely fall for each other more as they spend most of their time together. The romance manga dives deeper into the lives of the characters. This makes them more likable and it makes the whole point of the story more fun to read.
Komi Can’t Communicate
Alternative Name: Alternative Name: Komi-san wa Komyushou Desu
Komi-san is believed to be one of the prettiest girls in the anime community. Her stunning beauty makes it easy to think that she has everything she needs even though she doesn’t. Komi-san finds it difficult to communicate with others not until Tadano comes into her life and helps her in making a hundred friends. In the anime adaptation, it is very obvious that Komi has developed feelings for Tadano, but still hasn’t muster up all her courage to say it.
The anime adaptation has currently two seasons while the manga has more than 400 chapters. Komi-san has not only slowly developed his bad habit in terms of communicating with people, but she has also tried her best for Tadano. These two have one of the most adorable romance-comedy relationships. The anime adaptation may have not made a huge amount of changes from the manga, but it is still worth reading to know how fast and deep the two’s relationship will eventually flourish.
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku
Alternative Name: Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku manga sold more than ten million copies in 2021. In 2018, the highly-awaited anime adaptation has been released with eleven episodes. The story of these two childhood Otaku friends starts to develop when they decided to enter a relationship together. Narumi Momose always had a hard hiding her otaku life from men to avoid turning them off; however, everything changes when she dates a fellow otaku, Hirotaka Nifuji.
The anime gets better with each episode. But, it is highly recommended that fans must also start reading the manga for a better experience. With eleven volumes and over one hundred chapters, it can be expected that the anime only covered a few of its chapters. The nerdy story of the characters in their adulthood balancing their work and lives as otaku appeals greatly to the fans. The anime adaptation of the manga has lived up to the viewers’ standards and has been a fan favourite. Therefore, it is safe for fans to expect the same thing in the manga and start reading it.
Horimiya
Alternative Name: Hori-san and Miyamura-kun
The anime with the same name as the romance manga has stolen the hearts of many anime fans during the debut of its anime adaptation in 2021. Horimiya is one of the best modern romance anime today and the manga will clearly not disappoint fans who watched the series first. The story of Hori and Miyamura’s accidental friendship that later turned to love is considered to be one of the best-written laid-back relationships.
Without too much drama, their relationship blooms into something deeper each day offering thrill and entertainment to fans. This is one of the stories where you can watch the anime first or read the manga. It is not that important to identify which to choose first. This is because Horimiya will surely give the same experience to fans and will make them want more from Hori and Miyamura’s relationship.
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Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Alternative Name: Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen
Kaguya-sama: Love is War bagged several awards in the past years from the Crunchyroll Anime Awards including Best Romance, Best Comedy, Best Couple, and Best Girl (Kaguya Shinomiya). But, it is not only the anime adaptation that has proven its popularity in the anime community. In fact, the series’ manga has also been recognized as Best General Manga during the 65th Shogakukan Manga Awards.
The developing love story of Kaguya and Shirogane and how they handle their possible chance in the love department have been engraved in the hearts of many fans. Unlike the usual trope of romance leading characters, Kaguya and Shirogane decided to make love a battlefield by having to see who confesses first. In the anime, these two geniuses and prideful high school students always entertain fans. This is due to their silly yet adorable ways to make the other concede defeat. However, its romance manga takes a more thrilling turn because their relationship easily progresses from rivalry to a more intimate romantic relationship.
Fruits Basket
Alternative Name: Furuba or Fruits Basket Another
Fruits Basket is hailed by far as one of the best remakes not only in the romance genre. Fans greatly appreciate the anime adaptation because of the remake in 2019. Fruits Basket follows the story of Tohru Honda, who is an orphan and fatedly met two of the Sohma family when she was staying in a tent located in the mountain.
Tohru, later on, learns that the 13 of the Sohma family are under a curse. She learns that they turn into animals when they embrace someone belonging to the opposite sex. The anime adaptation has a total of three seasons with sixty-three episodes. The anime adaptation pretty much covered all the necessary details and gave fans a happy ending. But, if you wish to learn more about them, it would be recommended to read its romance manga to be aware of the dialogues and scenes that were perhaps skipped in the anime.
Given
Alternative Name: ギヴン
Given is BL romance anime and manga that boys and girls in the anime community found entertaining and well-written. From its animation, plot, and voice acting, the anime adaptation of Given has been receiving praise from many. It falls into the list of the best must-watch romance anime of all time. Aside from the fact that it offers a different kind of love, even the manga is divine and a true masterpiece.
The series follows the journey of a high school rock band where music will be the key for two of them to find love, namely Ritsuka and Mafuyu. Given has sold around 30 thousand copies during its first released and made history by becoming the first BL manga to have its anime adaptation. Like the anime, Given’s original manga will give fans an ultimate roller coaster ride. This is because of the mixture of drama, romance, and music.
Snow White with the Red Hair
Alternative Name: Akagami no Shirayukihime
This fantasy romance anime centers on the story of Shirayuki and Zen who are considered to be two of the most well-rounded characters in the romance genre. Snow White with the Red Hair may sound like your typical princess Disney movie, but it isn’t. The story presents hard-not-to-like characters and wholesome moments between the leading characters. What makes Snow White with the Red Hair an ultimate favourite is that the romance did not appear cringy or too much.
It gave the viewers just the right amount of wholesome scenes. It benefited the series well by making Shirayuki and Zen stand out, not only as a couple but individually too. In addition, the series’ anime adaptation was able to go beyond the viewers’ expectations, especially with Studio Bones putting it all into the animation. However, the manga is also not something you can skip. The original manga has the edge in terms of the plot it offers.
Wolf Girl and Black Prince
Alternative Name: Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji
Wolf Girl and Back Prince starts off with the toxic attitude of Kyouya Sata who agrees to enter a fake relationship with Erika Shinohara to deceive her friends. However, despite his nasty attitude, Erika is one of the few people who sees the good in him making her fall in love. The anime adaptation of the series was good but was not considered the best for some. This is mainly because of the character of Kyouya who prefers to be arrogant than to admit his feelings.
The anime ended with twelve episodes plus the OVA, but this wasn’t enough to justify how great its manga is. The original manga of the series is a masterpiece that deserves more than what it gets. It does not only give fans a front seat to the development of Erika and Kyouya’s relationship. But, the manga also details the growth of Kyouya’s character. The manga’s plot is far greater than the anime and the art style can definitely back it up.
My Love Story!!
Alternative Name: Ore Monogatari!!
My Love Story!! is an underrated classic romance anime. Many viewers watch or read a story because of falling in love with the characters at first glance. Well, the leading guy in this series may not have a face like Usui Takumi or Kyo Sohma, but it was no reason for Rinko to not fall for him. Takeo is a big guy with the biggest heart. Despite his big bulky body, he has a soft heart which Rinko admires so much.
The anime adaptation of the series was filled with comedy and heartwarming scenes. There isn’t much drama in the series; hence, it is a perfect choice if you simply want to feel good. Similarly, the original manga doesn’t fall far from the anime. It is also a feel-good version of their story but provides more depth to the story of the characters. The story of Rinko and Takeo in the manga is still as cute and unique as the anime. Thus, it is worth trying and will leave you with no regrets at all.
Read More: Why Is ‘Tomo-Chan Is a Girl’ Such a Refreshing Take on the Romance Genre?
Yona of the Dawn
Alternative Name: Akatsuki no Yona
In 2015, Yona of the Dawn manga was awarded first prize in its Denshi Shoseki Taishō for being the best-selling digital manga from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015. The story centers on Yona, a naive crown princess, who was forced to escape together with her bodyguard, Yok. After witnessing his father’s death, Yona came to realize the deep scars his father has brought to the kingdom. Therefore, together with Yok, she became a brave warrior for the people his father has left behind.
The anime adaptation of Yona of the Dawn is great, but not as great as the original manga. It is one of those series that you need to read its manga after watching the anime because you cannot just get over with the story. In the anime, the future romance between Yona and Yok is hinted, but was not officially confirmed. Although, with its success a second season should have been released, unfortunately, no announcements have been made. Therefore, it is advisable for those who are tempted to watch the series to pick up the manga because even if you consider yourself an anime-only fan, this might be the anime that will change it.
Ao Haru Ride
Alternative Name: Blue Spring Ride
Ao Haru Ride anime adaptation was released last 2014 but is still considered a fan-favourite up until today. This series may feature the usual tropes in romance anime with the cold and slightly aloof guy and his completely opposite love interest. However, Kou and Futaba’s is more enjoyable in various ways. With only twelve episodes and an OVA, the anime falls under feel-good series for it wasn’t able to cover the original manga.
Therefore, it would be also an anime that perfectly fits your standard if you just merely want to kill some time. Even so, the anime is still one of the best romance anime out there, and many fans of the said genre have been more intrigued to watch more because of Ao Haru Ride. However, it is safe to say that its original manga has the edge when it comes to the plot. The anime has left clues on how the story of Futaba and Kou will develop, fall apart, and develop once more. However, these vivid hints are not enough to satisfy the viewers; hence, it is highly recommended to read the manga right after watching it.
Maid Sama!
Alternative Name: Kaichou Wa Maid–Sama!
Maid Sama! became the game changer and hobby shifter of many otakus today. This romance-comedy anime continues to be one of the most loved animated series. If you have a friend who still has second thoughts about joining the anime community, then this series could be the perfect option, specifically when they are on the verge of falling in or out of love. The story of Usui Takumi and Misaki Ayuzawa may not be perfect, but this is what made it more interesting.
Despite what the haters are pointing out regarding Usui, it cannot be denied that he remains one of the viewers’ standards even if he falls under the category of red flags. The anime adaptation of the series covered only up until chapter 34 of the original manga. It is true that the series is well-appreciated because of how well it was produced. But, the original manga hits differently. It explores the life of Usui and Misaki individually and as a couple. It will tackle not only their relationship as students to lovers but also from lovers to parents.
Kimi ni Todoke
Alternative Name: From Me to You: Kimi ni Todoke
Kimi ni Todoke is one of the best romance anime of all time. The series does not only focus on the relationship between Kazehaya and Sawako, but the first season of the anime adaptation mainly featured the growth of Sawako as a person. The series not only prioritizes the love that they aim for the viewers to feel, but it also makes sure that the entertainment they get does not solely rely on Sawako and Kazehaya.
For those who have seen this, many may have already watched the series more than once because of how great the plot and characters are. The series may feature an old art style from the early 2000s, but the plot overshadows it making it more bearable and enjoyable with each episode. The anime adaptation gave heartfelt moments from the getting-to-know stage of the two until they officially became a couple. But, it didn’t cover what happens after that. Hence, it is significant to not only rewatched the anime a few times but also to read the manga to get a fuller experience of the story like most of the animes mentioned.
Clannad
Alternative Name: クラナド
Clannad’s anime adaptation was released in 2007 and ended in 2008 with 23 episodes and an OVA The story follows a delinquent third-year student at Hikarizaka Private High School named Tomoya Okazaki. Because of Tomoya’s distant and complicated relationship with his father, he didn’t prioritize school or life and chose to be a delinquent. But, his life starts to change for the better when he encounters Nagisa Furukawa and slowly forms a comfortable relationship with her.
The anime adaptation remains to be a top-tier classic romance series that one cannot compare to the others. Clannad is living up to its own standards by giving all the emotional experiences to its viewers. Both the anime and manga were masterfully produced and created leaving no crumbs behind. The manga will definitely be worth your time because of the well-written plot and well-rounded characters like the anime but in a much deeper sense.
Lovely Complex
Alternative Name: Love Com
This series tells a literal hate-to-love kind of relationship. It revolves around the adorable bickering. bantering, and falling into the love relationship of Koizumi and Ootani. Due to their physical appearance, the two finds it difficult to find love that matches their standard. However, they will soon realize that they have more in common than they think. The anime adaptation may lack in the animation department, but it will eventually grow on you and will make you appreciate the balance of romance and comedy.
The anime ended with 24 episodes and had a satisfying ending. However, there have been chapters that the anime have skipped to fit the timeline of the anime. Although the story was still executed very well by the production, it is never a wrong idea to read the manga from the beginning not only to know the skipped parts, especially since most scenes by the end of the anime were presented with fewer details compared to what is in the manga.
Ouran High School Host Club
Alternative Name: Ouran Koukou Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club is definitely the anime that got the most in the theme of reverse harems. During its anime debut in 2006, the series seems like the usual romance-comedy anime that fans will love, but easily get over with. However, up until today many are still rewatching it and new fans in the anime community are still intrigued by it. Ouran High School Host Club follows the story of Haruhi Fujioka, who is willing to disguise herself as a boy for the scholarship. However, her school life began to be more exciting when she joins her school’s host club along with the men who will make her life busier, but more fun.
The anime adaptation of the series is worth-watching because of living up to the standard of most romance genre fans. Its greatness is specifically due to the wholesome and likeable characters and plot. However, no matter how the anime is great, the anime will still have its edge. The original manga of Ouran High School Host Club has more content that will make fans more contended with the anime compared to when one only watches the anime. The manga is without a doubt one of the greatest masterpieces of all time that has proven to transcend time by still being on top of the must-read and recommended manga for all.