Top School Romance Anime That Will Tug at Your Heartstrings

Toradora!

Release Year: 2008

Toradora! is one of the best romance anime on Netflix out there, and for good reason. It’s about Ryuuji, a guy with a scary face but a heart of gold, and Taiga, a tiny girl with a fiery personality. They team up to help each other win over their crushes, but as they spend more time together, their friendship starts to turn into something more.

What makes Toradora! so good is how real it feels. The unexpected feelings and the way the characters grow together — it’s all so well done. It’s a classic, and if you’re into the best romance anime, this one’s a must-watch.

Clannad

Release Year: 2007

Clannad is for anyone who loves emotional stories with a lot of heart. It follows Tomoya Okazaki, a high school delinquent who feels disconnected from life, and Nagisa Furukawa, a kind and shy girl with dreams of reviving her school’s drama club. As their paths cross, Tomoya finds himself drawn into her world and begins to understand the importance of family and love.

What sets Clannad apart is how it mixes heartfelt moments with deep, emotional storytelling. It doesn’t shy away from exploring tough themes like loss, all while keeping you invested in Tomoya and Nagisa’s relationship.

What sets Clannad apart is how it mixes heartfelt moments with deep, emotional storytelling. It doesn’t shy away from exploring tough themes like loss, all while keeping you invested in Tomoya and Nagisa’s relationship.

My Love Story!! (Ore Monogatari!!)

Release Year: 2015

My Love Story!! is one of the best anime romance if you’re looking for something wholesome and completely unexpected. It’s the story of Takeo Gouda, a big-hearted but intimidating high schooler who’s used to his crushes falling for his best friend instead. That all changes when he saves the sweet and shy Rinko Yamato from a creepy situation, and she actually falls for him. 

This anime flips the usual romance formula on its head. Instead of endless misunderstandings or drawn-out confessions, My Love Story!! jumps right into Takeo and Rinko’s relationship. 

Lovely★Complex

Release Year: 2007

Lovely★Complex is a school romance anime that’s equal parts funny and sweet. It’s about Risa Koizumi, who’s taller than most girls, and Atsushi Otani, who’s shorter than most guys. They’re always teasing each other and seem like total opposites, but somehow, their friendship turns into something more as they go through high school together.

This one’s all about breaking the mold and proving love doesn’t have a “one size fits all.” Risa and Otani’s constant back-and-forth is hilarious, but it’s the way their feelings slowly change that makes it so special. 

Fruits Basket (2019 reboot)

Release Year: 2019

Fruits Basket follows Tohru Honda, a kind and determined high school girl who, after losing her mom, ends up staying with the Sohma family. But here’s the twist: some members of the Sohma clan transform into animals from the Chinese zodiac when they’re hugged by the opposite sex.

This reboot takes the original story and gives it so much more depth. Tohru’s ability to bring light to the lives of the Sohmas feels so genuine, and the relationships (both romantic and platonic) grow naturally over time. 

Special A

Release Year: 2008

Special A is a playful and feel-good school romance anime. It’s about Hikari Hanazono, a determined girl who’s spent her whole life trying to beat Kei Takishima, her ridiculously talented childhood rival. They’re both part of the elite “Special A” class, made up of the top students in their school, and their friendly rivalry slowly starts to turn into something more.

This show is full of funny moments, unique characters, and just the right amount of romance. Hikari’s endless drive to outdo Kei keeps things entertaining, while Kei’s quiet affection for her adds a twist. 

Kaichou wa Maid-sama!

Release Year: 2010

Kaichou wa Maid-sama! is a school romance anime that knows how to keep things fun and exciting. Misaki Ayuzawa is a tough-as-nails student council president, working hard to make her newly co-ed school better for the girls. But she has a side hustle she’d rather keep under wraps. She works at a maid café to support her family. Her secret doesn’t stay hidden for long when Takumi Usui, the school’s most popular (and annoyingly perfect) guy, finds out.

Misaki’s determination and Usui’s playful confidence make every scene between them a treat to watch!

Horimiya

Release Year: 2021

Horimiya is one of those school romance anime that feels incredibly real. It’s about Kyoko Hori, who seems like the perfect, outgoing student, and Izumi Miyamura, the quiet guy everyone overlooks. But outside of school, they’re polar opposites. Hori is more down-to-earth than anyone knows, and Miyamura has tattoos and piercings no one expects. 

What makes Horimiya special is how natural the relationships feel. The characters are relatable, their interactions are heartwarming, and the story has just the right balance of humor and sincerity. If you’re into stories that feel honest and grounded, this one’s a gem.

Kimi ni Todoke

Release Year: 2009

Kimi ni Todoke is just pure sweetness. It’s about Sawako Kuronuma, a quiet girl who’s misunderstood because she looks like a character from a horror movie. Even though she’s super kind, people avoid her until Shouta Kazehaya, the cheerful and outgoing guy in her class, decides to get to know her. He helps her open up, make friends, and maybe even find love.

What makes Kimi ni Todoke so special is how real it feels. Sawako’s growth is so satisfying to watch, and her moments with Kazehaya are heart-meltingly good. If you want something soft and feel-good, this is it.

Ouran High School Host Club

Release Year: 2006

Ouran High School Host Club is one of the best romance anime that’s just pure fun. It’s about Haruhi Fujioka, a super chill scholarship student who accidentally breaks an insanely expensive vase belonging to her school’s Host Club — a group of rich, over-the-top guys. To pay off her debt, Haruhi ends up joining the club, and that’s where all the chaos (and romance) begins.

The Host Club members are a mix of ridiculous and lovable, and Haruhi’s no-nonsense personality makes her the perfect balance for their antics. It’s packed with laughs and just enough romance to keep things interesting.

Tsuki ga Kirei

Release Year: 2017

Tsuki ga Kirei is a slow burn romance story that follows Kotarou Azumi and Akane Mizuno, two middle schoolers. They slowly build a relationship as they deal with the ups and downs of growing up. The series focuses on the small, quiet moments — nervous glances, texts, and the way their connection deepens over time.

This is pure romance done in the sweetest way possible. The main focus is on their emotional growth and the challenges of first love, like balancing school, friendships, and family expectations. The character development is subtle but so satisfying, and the story centers around their journey without any unnecessary drama. 

Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride)

Release Year: 2014

Ao Haru Ride is a romance with just enough drama to pull you in. The story centers on Futaba Yoshioka, a high school student who’s trying to start fresh after being judged as “too girly” in middle school. Things get complicated when she reconnects with Kou Mabuchi, her childhood friend and first crush. But Kou’s not the same boy she remembers. He’s distant, guarded, and carrying a lot of emotional baggage.

This isn’t a typical love story. It’s about self-discovery, second chances, and figuring out how to deal with change. 

Say I Love You (Sukitte Ii na yo)

Release Year: 2012

Say I Love You is a romance story that feels honest and real. It’s about Mei Tachibana, a quiet and reserved high school girl who’s been keeping people at a distance after being betrayed by friends in the past. Her life takes a turn when Yamato Kurosawa, the popular and easygoing guy at school, starts showing interest in her and slowly breaks down her walls.

Mei is a really relatable main character, and her slow-burn relationship with Yamato feels natural and sweet. If you like a good mix of drama and soft, this one’s worth watching.

The Pet Girl of Sakurasou (Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo)

Release Year: 2012

The Pet Girl of Sakurasou is a youth romantic comedy that follows Sorata Kanda, a high school student who ends up in Sakurasou, the dorm where all the “problem” kids at his prestigious school live. Things get interesting when Mashiro Shiina, a world-famous artist who’s brilliant but can’t even dress herself, moves in. 

The characters are super likable, especially Sorata and Mashiro. The mix of funny situations and emotional growth makes it a favorite romance for many anime fans. If you’re into life anime with a charming romance and a focus on self-discovery, this is a good watch.

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun

Release Year: 2014

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun is a romantic comedy that’s as funny as it is unexpected. It starts when Chiyo Sakura works up the courage to confess her feelings to Umetarou Nozaki, her crush. But instead of realizing she likes him, Nozaki assumes she wants an autograph because he’s secretly a popular shoujo manga artist. 

This show is full of laugh-out-loud moments. The characters are quirky, especially Nozaki, who’s completely clueless when it comes to romance. Chiyo’s determination and the ridiculous situations they find themselves in make this series a favorite for fans of lighthearted anime. 

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru)

Release Year: 2013

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU is not your usual high school romance. It’s about Hachiman Hikigaya, a loner with a sharp tongue and no interest in fitting in. After writing an essay that gets him into trouble, he’s forced to join the school’s Service Club. There, he works with Yukino Yukinoshita, a blunt and serious classmate, and Yui Yuigahama, a cheerful and kind girl.

This show is sharp, honest, and not afraid to get a little uncomfortable. Hachiman’s dry outlook on life makes the story stand out. 

Nisekoi

Release Year: 2014

Nisekoi is an over-the-top romantic comedy with plenty of chaos. It follows Raku Ichijou, a high school student and heir to a yakuza family, who’s forced to fake-date Chitoge Kirisaki, the loud and opinionated daughter of a rival gang boss. But Raku has a crush on his quiet and kind childhood friend, Kosaki Onodera, and he and Chitoge can’t go five minutes without arguing.

The show has misunderstandings, love triangles, and moments that’ll leave you laughing. Raku’s search for the girl he made a childhood promise to adds a layer of mystery, while his fake relationship with Chitoge creates endless awkward (and funny) situations. 

School Rumble

Release Year: 2004

School Rumble is a rollercoaster of crushes, wild misunderstandings, and non-stop laughs. Tenma Tsukamoto is a cheerful high school girl trying to confess her feelings to Karasuma Ooji, her super quiet classmate. At the same time, Harima Kenji, the class delinquent with a secret soft side, is head over heels for Tenma. Chaos? Absolutely.

Harima’s outrageous schemes to impress Tenma and her clueless reactions will keep you cracking up. It’s light, ridiculous, and perfect for anyone who loves a fun, carefree romantic comedy.

My Little Monster (Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun)

Release Year: 2012

My Little Monster is all kinds of weird in the best way. It’s about Shizuku Mizutani, a girl who cares way more about grades than people, and Haru Yoshida, the wild kid in class who’s always getting into trouble. When Shizuku gets roped into delivering homework to Haru, he decides they’re friends (and maybe more!), whether she likes it or not.

Shizuku’s blunt personality, paired with Haru’s unpredictable antics, makes for a relationship that’s anything but boring. It’s messy and full of unexpected laughs. If you’re looking for a romance that’s totally out of the ordinary, this is a great pick.

The Quintessential Quintuplets (Go-Toubun no Hanayome)

Release Year: 2019

The Quintessential Quintuplets is a refreshingly different take on high school romance. Futaro Uesugi, a serious and hardworking student, is hired to tutor five completely unmotivated sisters. They might look alike, but their personalities couldn’t be more different, ranging from reserved to feisty. Tutoring them is a full-blown challenge.

This anime stands out for its mix of character depth and unpredictable romance. Each sister has her own story and reasons for resisting Futaro’s help, making their relationships with him dynamic and layered. 

Honey and Clover

Release Year: 2005

Honey and Clover is one of those sad anime that hits you right in the feelings. It’s about a group of art students trying to figure out their futures while dealing with messy romantic relationships and personal struggles. Yuuta Takemoto, the male lead, quietly falls for Hagumi Hanamoto, a shy and talented girl who seems almost out of reach. Meanwhile, their friends wrestle with their own heartbreaks, ambitions, and the pressure to start a new life after college.

The show focuses more on emotional growth than straightforward romantic drama. The characters are likable because they feel real — flawed, hopeful, and trying to find their place in the world. 

Tamako Love Story

Release Year: 2014

Tamako Love Story is one of the best romance anime movies. It’s about Tamako and her childhood friend Mochizo. After spending years together in their small neighborhood, Mochizo finally confesses his feelings just as he's about to leave for college. Tamako is left to navigate her emotions, not sure if she’s ready to let go of the past or take a leap into something new.

This is one of those stories that quietly sneaks up on you. It’s not loud or dramatic, just two people figuring things out in their own way. 

Kamisama Kiss (Kamisama Hajimemashita)

Release Year: 2012

Kamisama Kiss is one of the best fantasy romance anime out there. Nanami Momozono's life takes a crazy turn when her dad leaves her with mountains of debt, and she ends up homeless. Out of nowhere, a man gives her his powers, making her the new god of a local shrine. To help her adjust, she’s stuck with Tomoe, a fox familiar who’s none too thrilled about the situation. 

It’s a solid mix of magical mishaps, humor, and romance. Nanami is a likable female lead who’s tough when she needs to be, and Tomoe’s grumpy yet protective side makes their slow-burn romance fun to watch. 

Angel Beats!

Release Year: 2010

Angel Beats! takes place in the afterlife, where a group of high school students find themselves stuck in a weird sort of limbo. They don’t know why they’re there, but they’re forced to battle against a mysterious girl named Angel, who seems to be controlling everything. As they try to figure things out, they start to confront their pasts. And yeah, there’s some romance sprinkled in!

This anime mixes intense moments with heartwarming ones. The romance isn’t in your face, but it builds up quietly and is actually pretty powerful. 

The World is Still Beautiful (Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii)

Release Year: 2014

The World is Still Beautiful is a fun fantasy romance about Nike, a princess from a rain-soaked kingdom, who ends up marrying Livius, the king of the sun kingdom. At first, she’s not exactly thrilled about the arrangement, and Livius is cold and kind of hard to read. But as they spend time together, they start to see each other in a whole new light.

What makes this anime interesting is the dynamic between Nike and Livius. She’s strong-willed and doesn’t back down, which contrasts with his serious, almost distant attitude. 

Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)

Release Year: 2014

Your Lie in April is one of those anime that’s impossible to forget. It’s about Kousei Arima, a gifted pianist who loses his ability to hear music after his mother passes away. His world gets turned upside down when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a violinist with a wild, carefree spirit who pulls him back into the world of music and his emotions.

Your Lie in April balances romance with deeper, personal struggles. If you’re into emotional stories that will make you think and feel everything, this one’s a must-watch.

Little Busters!

Release Year: 2012

Little Busters! starts off light and fun, but then hits you with some real emotional punches. It’s about Riki Naoe, a high school guy who joins the "Little Busters," a group of friends that love to mess around and play pranks. But as they go through their daily adventures, Riki starts to uncover some weird, deeper truths about his friends and their pasts.

If you’re into a show that’s a little silly but with a lot of heart and a dash of mystery, Little Busters! is worth the watch. It’s got that perfect balance of fun and feels.

Kaguya-sama: Love is War

Release Year: 2019

Kaguya-sama: Love is War is an absolute blast. It’s all about Kaguya and Miyuki, two super smart students who are both secretly in love with each other but are way too proud to admit it. Instead, they turn their feelings into a battle, each one trying to get the other to confess first. It’s basically a game of who can outsmart who, and it’s hilarious watching them try.

This anime is a whole lot of fun. The characters’ schemes are ridiculously entertaining, and the chemistry between Kaguya and Miyuki is off the charts. 

Rent-A-Girlfriend (Kanojo, Okarishimasu)

Release Year: 2020

In Rent-A-Girlfriend, Kazuya Kinoshita gets dumped by his girlfriend and, feeling down, he rents a girlfriend off an app. Chizuru Mizuhara is a stunning and super charming girl who’s paid to be his girlfriend, but things quickly spiral out of control when his fake relationship with her starts to feel a little too real, especially when his family gets involved.

It’s a wild ride of awkward situations and cringey moments, but that’s what makes it so fun. Kazuya’s complete lack of a filter combined with Chizuru’s no-nonsense attitude creates some hilarious (and sometimes uncomfortable) moments. 

A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi)

Release Year: 2016

A Silent Voice is about Shoya Ishida, a high school guy who used to bully a deaf girl, Shoko Nishimiya, when they were kids. After years of guilt, Shoya decides to try and make things right and reconnect with Shoko. What follows is a story about forgiveness, growing up, and learning to move past the damage you’ve caused.

It’s raw, real, and explores some tough topics like bullying, guilt, and mental health. The romance part builds slowly, but it’s full of meaning. If you want something that’s not just another rom-com, A Silent Voice is a solid pick.