Prepare for some “awws” and “oh my gosh” because we’re about to talk about shoujo anime! Shoujo anime is a genre specifically targeted toward young women, and it’s all about those heart-fluttering romances and coming-of-age stories that make you want to scream and cry simultaneously.
In shoujo anime, you’ll find all sorts of relatable characters who are just trying to figure out life and love, like us all. And let’s not forget the beautiful art style and breathtaking animation that shoujo anime has to offer. So get ready to dive into the world of shoujo anime, where love and emotions are at the forefront, and happy endings (perhaps?) are just around the corner.
Maid Sama!
Maid Sama is an all-time favorite shoujo anime among fans. Curious why? It’s a series about Misaki Ayuzawa, the first female student council president of Seika High School. But that’s not all she is – she also has a secret part-time job as a maid at a local café. Misaki’s life gets complicated when her secret is revealed to the popular boy, Takumi Usui. We won’t leave in more detail, but through it all, Misaki learns to trust others and balance her school and work life. She faces various challenges, such as dealing with rival schools and trying to improve Seika High School’s reputation. But the most complicated challenge of all is navigating her relationship with Takumi.
Sailor Moon
Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for the ultimate shoujo anime experience that has revolutionized the world of anime forever! Behold, the timeless masterpiece that is Sailor Moon – a show that transcends generations and celebrates the indomitable spirit of girl power! Join the fearless Usagi Tsukino, a teenager with a heart of gold who transforms into Sailor Moon, a mighty warrior with the fate of the world on her shoulders! Along with her faithful Sailor Scout comrades, Usagi fights off sinister monsters and nefarious villains with her wits and strength! But that’s not all, folks – this show is not just about battles and bloodshed, but also about the daily struggles of growing up, friendship, and love! Sailor Moon is an iconic classic that has touched the hearts of millions across the globe, and it’s time for you to experience its magic too!
Cardcaptor Sakura
Another iconic classic, Cardcaptor Sakura, is a magical and charming series that captures the wonder and imagination of childhood. It’s about Sakura Kinomoto, a young girl who accidentally unleashes a set of magical cards, the Clow Cards, and must capture them all to prevent chaos. Along with her friends and her magical guardian, Kero, Sakura goes on exciting adventures and learns valuable lessons about courage, kindness, and responsibility.
Say I love you
If you’re in the mood for a romantic anime that will make your heart flutter, “Suki tte Ii na yo.” (Say “I Love You”) is the one for you! This anime will introduce you to Mei Tachibana, an introverted high schooler who accidentally injures the most popular boy in school, Yamato Kurosawa. As Mei begins to develop feelings for Yamato, an unexpected turn of events happens in her life, from jealous classmates to Yamato’s troubled past. Through it all, they learn to trust each other and overcome their insecurities, presenting a cozy and relatable story of high school first love.
My Little Monster
A story about an unlikely pairing; Shizuku Mizutani, a complete book enthusiast, shows no inclination towards mingling with her peers. However, her outlook changes when she encounters Haru Yoshida, a rowdy delinquent while delivering his homework. Later on in the story, Shizuku eventually realizes that there is more to him than his rough exterior.
Kimi ni Todoke
This anime is a touching and poignant series that explores the beauty and complexity of first love. It revolves around Sawako Kuronuma, an introverted and misinterpreted high school student who is frequently compared to the infamous horror character “Sadako.” One day, she meets Kazehaya Shouta and instantly develops romantic feelings for him. If you want that shy and confident trope, then you’ll definitely love this one!
Banana Fish
Want to shed tears all night? Banana Fish is a binge-worthy anime that tackles complex and authentic issues, set in 1980s New York City. The story begins with Ash Lynx, a young leader of an underground gang in America, who meets Eiji Okumura, a Japanese assistant photojournalist on vacation in the city with his uncle. Little did he know that Ash had a vicious mission that would shape the story. As the plot unfolds, he unwittingly becomes involved in Ash’s life and past. Just take note that this anime is full of sensitive topics but will surely give you valuable lessons as it raises awareness about important issues.
Hotarubi no Mori e
You might get angry at us for recommending this anime to you but nevertheless, Hotarubi no Mori e is a movie that tells the story of a young girl named Hotaru Takegawa, who meets a mysterious spirit named Gin in the forest while visiting her uncle’s house. The sad truth is that Gin cannot be touched by humans, or else he’ll vanish forever. Despite this, Hotaru and Gin find ways to bond without touching each other. As their friendship develops, they share their deepest feelings, aspirations, and desires, leading to a beautiful and melancholic love story that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Akatsuki no Yona
If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure anime, you have to check out Akatsuki no Yona! The story follows Yona, the only princess of the Kingdom of Kouka, who is forced to flee her castle after her father, the King, is murdered by her childhood friend and love interest, Soo-won. With the help of her loyal bodyguard and childhood friend, Hak, Yona sets out on a dangerous journey to find the legendary four Dragon Warriors who can help her reclaim her kingdom and bring peace to the land. Along the way, they face treacherous enemies, powerful adversaries, and unexpected twists and turns that you will just love.
Gakuen Babysitters
Do you love adorable babies? Well, this is the kind of anime that will give you just that. Gakuen Babysitters is a wholesome and cute anime that tells the story of two brothers, Ryuuichi and Kotarou Kashima, who find themselves in a challenging situation after their parents pass away. But with the help of their school’s chairwoman, they end up finding a new family – and what a family it is! Ryuuichi becomes a babysitter for the school’s daycare, where he is joined by other students who become babysitters too. Together, they form a bond with the daycare children that is truly heartwarming.
Lovely Complex
This anime is a hilarious and heartwarming series that celebrates the beauty of differences and diversity. The series follows the story of Risa Koizumi and Atsushi Otani. They have that tall Girl and small guy trope that you don’t see in other anime. Lovely Complex is known for its humor, quirky characters, and heartwarming moments. It explores themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and love and portrays the ups and downs of teenage romance in a relatable and lighthearted way.
Orange
Naho Takamiya is a typical high school girl who leads an ordinary life, but everything changes when she receives a mysterious letter from her future self. As she reads through the letter, she discovers that ten years from now, she will have regrets that could have been avoided if she had made different choices in the present. Naho is skeptical at first, but when the events predicted in the letter start to come true, she realizes the letter is authentic. With the help of her friends, she embarks on a journey to alter her future, but changing the course of one’s destiny is never an easy task. Will Naho be able to make the right decisions and prevent the future from being filled with regret, or will her efforts prove to be futile?
Ore Monogatari!!
Translated in English as, My Love Story!! is a romantic comedy anime that will have you laughing, crying, and cheering for the lovable protagonist Takeo Gouda. He may look intimidating, but deep down, he’s a gentle giant with a heart of gold. When he falls in love with Rinko Yamato, a sweet and kind-hearted girl, he goes through the challenges of a new relationship with the help of his best friend, Makoto Sunakawa. From awkward misunderstandings to heartwarming moments, Ore Monogatari!! It is a must-watch for fans of romantic comedies and feel-good anime.
Kamisama Kiss
Fans of shoujo anime will find plenty to love in this delightful series that balances charm, romance, and Fate. Nanami Momozono’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is rescued by the enigmatic Tomoe, who becomes her loyal familiar after she becomes a local deity. The series takes us on a journey through the ups and downs of Nanami’s newfound divine life as she learns to master her powers and navigate the complexities of love. As she falls deeper in love with Tomoe, she must confront her destiny and learn to trust her instincts. With stunning visuals, engaging characters, and a captivating plot, this anime is a must-watch for fans of romance and fantasy.
Snow White with the Red Hair
Snow White with the Red Hair is an enchanting romantic fantasy anime that will take you on a magical journey. It starts of with our heroin, Shirayuki, a feisty young herbalist with striking red hair, as she escapes her kingdom to avoid the clutches of a persistent prince. Along the way, she meets Zen Wistalia, the dashing second prince of a neighboring kingdom, who offers her a job and his protection. As their relationship blossoms, they must overcome numerous obstacles, including political strife and meddling rivals. With the help of their loyal friends and allies, Shirayuki and Zen must fight to create a brighter future for themselves and their people.
Fruits Basket
This anime is a masterpiece of shoujo storytelling that explores complex themes of family, love, and identity. The series follows the story of Tohru Honda, an orphaned girl who ends up living with the Sohma family, a cursed family that turns into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex. As Tohru gets to know the members of the Sohma family, she discovers the secrets they keep hidden and helps them confront their past traumas.
Ao Haru Ride
A heartwarming and emotional anime that tells the story of Futaba Yoshioka, a girl who struggles to express her feelings towards her middle school crush, Kou Tanaka. Unfortunately, circumstances prevent her from confessing her love, and they are forced to part ways. But when high school rolls around, Fate brings them back together, and she reunites with Kou, who now goes by the name Kou Mabuchi and has undergone significant changes. With his new persona and mysterious past, Kou proves to be a puzzle that Futaba is determined to solve. However, as their relationship deepens, they face obstacles and challenges that test their bond.
Bokura ga Ita
Get ready to swoon and cry your eyes out with Bokura ga Ita – the ultimate romantic drama anime! Meet Nanami Takahashi, a high school student who falls head over heels for the enigmatic Yano Motoharu, the popular boy in her class. Even though Yano is a total mystery, Nanami is determined to get to know him better and win his heart. But hold on tight because their love story is anything but smooth sailing! They’ll face everything from heartbreaking past traumas to jealousy. This series explores the ups and downs of teenage relationships, delving into deeper issues like grief and betrayal. With beautiful animation, realistic characters, and a heart-wrenching storyline, Bokura ga Ita is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the rollercoaster ride that is first love. So grab a box of tissues and get ready for the feels!
Wolf Girl and Black Prince
What happens if you lie about having a boyfriend? Well, that’s the life of Erika Shinohara. She enlists the help of Kyouya Sata, a handsome and charismatic boy, to pretend to be her boyfriend. However, Erika soon discovers that Kyouya is a bit of a sadist who enjoys playing with her emotions. Despite this, Erika continues with the charade and eventually starts to develop genuine feelings for him.
Peach Girl
Peach Girl is a romantic drama anime that centers around the story of Momo Adachi, a high school girl who is constantly judged and misunderstood by her peers due to her tanned skin and bleached hair. As she tries to navigate her complicated love life between two boys – the popular jock Kazuya Tojo and the artistic intellectual Kairi Okayasu, Momo must also confront rumors and jealousy that threaten to ruin her friendships and relationships. With her heart torn between two guys and her reputation at stake, Momo must make difficult decisions to find true love and happiness.
Hiyokoi
Meet Hiyori Nishiyama, a timid first-year high school student who’s just trying to navigate the ups and downs of life. One of her struggles is her height complex, but her world is turned upside down when she meets the tall and outgoing Yuushin Hirose. He becomes her friend and confidante, and the boy makes their friendship take us on a rollercoaster of emotions! Hiyokoi is not just about romance, though; it’s a story about the power of friendship, the importance of having someone to rely on during tough times, and, of course, the joys and thrills of young love!
Nana
What are the chances of you meeting a woman on the train going to Tokyo who happens to be the same age as you and coincidentally the same name as you? Well, if that’s interesting enough for you, then NANA will surely captivate you more. Two seemingly opposite women who wanted to move to Tokyo to start a new life and career accidentally meet again after parting ways on the train. Resulting in them becoming roommates and growing inseparable. However, life is not easy for both of them; Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu’s relationship imperils as they are faced with the harsh adult life in the city of Tokyo. What’s more interesting is that one of these Nana has a secret that will forever change their lives.
Special A
Hikari Hanazono is a high school student who’s always trying to beat her childhood friend Kei Takishima in everything – from academics to athletics. But when they both enroll in the prestigious Hakusenkan Academy’s Special A class, their competition reaches a whole new level. As they compete against each other, Hikari and Kei begin to understand and appreciate each other on a deeper level. But that’s not all – Hikari also has to navigate her own emotions as she starts to realize Kei’s feelings for her. And with classmates and rivals in the mix, there are plenty of obstacles that test their friendships and relationships. But don’t worry, because our lovable characters always find a way to support each other and come out stronger in the end. Through it all, they learn the true value of friendship and love.
Read more: 15 Best Romance Anime Of All Time
The World Is Still Beautiful
Join Princess Nike Remercier as she’s sent to the Sun Kingdom by her father to marry the young and ruthless Sun King, Livius Orvinus Ifrikia, in the hopes of bringing peace to their lands. But then Nike discovers that Livius is just a child?! As a child he may be, Livuis is one of the most mature characters we’ve ever seen despite his age. As they spend more time together, Nike and Livius grow closer, with Nike learning about his tragic past. But their path to true love is not easy – they face political turmoil and assassination attempts that threaten to tear them apart. However, their love and empathy for each other only grow stronger as they work together to build a better world.
Ouran High School Host Club
Haven’t you heard of this one yet? Well, we guarantee it’s going to be on your top list once you’re finished, as this unique and refreshing romantic comedy anime goes against the typical shoujo genre conventions. The anime follows the story of Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at the prestigious Ouran High School who accidentally wanders into the school’s host club, where a group of good-looking male students entertains female clients. As Haruhi adapts to the eccentric and often amusing world of the host club, she forms surprising connections with its members and learns to embrace her true self.
Skip Beat!
Skip Beat! is the ultimate anime about getting revenge on your ex – well, sort of. Meet Kyoko Mogami, a high school girl who dives headfirst into the entertainment industry to make her ex-pay. But wait for it – as she gets her feet wet in the acting world, Kyoko discovers a hidden talent and falls in love with the stage! Join Kyoko on her hilarious and wacky journey as she tries to navigate the twisted world of showbiz and make a name for herself as an actress. From dealing with crazy co-stars to surviving auditions, Kyoko faces it all with spunk and determination.
Tomo-chan Is A Girl!
This is an adorable anime series that follows the story of Tomo, the protagonist, and her childhood best friend, Jun. One problem is that Jun never saw Tomo as a girl because of her tomboy lifestyle, so when Tomo goes to him to confess her feelings, Jun only thinks of it like she was saying it as an “I love you, bro” moment. This anime will pique your interest as Tomo makes her way through Jun’s heart, leaving the you excited to find out what happens next.
Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Kaguyama Love is War is a delightful and entertaining anime series that takes viewers on a hilarious journey as they know Miyuki Kaguyama and Kaguya Shinomiya. The two main characters are constantly engaged in a game of wits, trying to outsmart each other in the game of love. While they both have feelings for each other, their pride often gets in the way, making it difficult for them to confess their true feelings. As the story unfolds, you will find yourself rooting for Miyuki and Kaguya to finally admit their feelings and put an end to their playful game of love.
My Dress-Up Darling
The story of My Dress-Up Darling revolves around Wakana Gojou, a high school student who is passionate about creating Hina dolls. However, his passion has caused him to isolate himself from others, causing him to struggle to make friends. One day, Wakana discovers that Marin Kitagawa, the most popular girl in school, loves cosplay, which creates a unique bond between them as Wakana starts creating costumes for Marin’s cosplay events. They embark on a journey together to explore their interests in cosplay and doll-making. As they spend more time together, their friendship deepens, and they support each other in overcoming their personal challenges.
Romantic Killer
Are you in search of the latest shoujo anime sensation on Netflix? Then no doubt, Romantic Killer is the one you’ll love. This anime follows the story of Anzu, a girl who isn’t interested in boys due to her love for video games, her pet cat, and chocolates. However, everything changes when a bizarre potato-like wizard emerges from her otome game and steals all her prized possessions. The only way for Anzu to retrieve her belongings is to play the otome game in real life, turning her into the heroine of the story and putting her in the midst of a reverse harem.
Read more: 12 Swoon-worthy Reverse Harem Anime Series to Add to Your Watchlist Today
