Best Romance Anime 2024, Ranked

Summary

• Animes 2024 offered unique romance stories with well-written characters and good animation.

• “Days With My Stepsister” defies expectations with a mature step-sibling dynamic and realistic romance.

• “Dandadan” combines action, supernatural elements and genuine romance for an enjoyable watch.

It's not a stretch to say that 2024 was one of the best years for anime, although that's something that can be said for most of the past few years. Each time, studios and writers surprise viewers with more and more released anime, new and old, adaptations and originals, which continue to impress audiences.

The romance genre is no different, with new adorable and spicy titles popping up every year. It can be difficult to keep up with every single one, but watching the best ones is worth the time investment. The more anime that are released each year, the greater the chance that some real gems will come out.

8

Alya sometimes hides her feelings in Russian

An unlikely union

• Section: 12
• Release date: July 3, 2024
• Studio: Doga Kobo

The act of Alya sometimes hides her feelings in Russian may sound unique, but the twist stops being relevant pretty quickly. The female lead's propensity to mutter things in Russian – a language the male lead also happens to know – quickly disappears and only pops up now and then for the sake of the plot. However, that's not to say that the anime isn't enjoyable, it's just to temper the expectations of viewers who may start watching the anime thinking that it will stay true to its original hook throughout its run time.

The trope of a perfect female lead and a lazy or asocial male lead make for a dynamic duo that's hard not to root for. The show is a slow burn with great comedy, great animation and incredible supporting characters that sometimes steal the limelight. It's a good watch for viewers who are fans of the romance genre.

7

Grandfather and grandmother become young again

A look at old love and young love

• Section: 11
• Release date: April 7, 2024
• Studio: Gekkou

The melancholy of the passing of time is something that everyone can relate to, regardless of their current age. After all, time passes the same for everyone. IN Grandfather and grandmother become young againan aging couple eats a mysterious golden apple that suddenly makes them young again. This reignites the couple's passion, and hijinks and romance ensue.

The biggest draw of this series is the heartwarming episodic stories that may seem meandering to an outside viewer, but serve great purposes for those invested in watching them. The relationship between the pair is a central part of the story, but it's not the only thing the anime focuses on. The reaction of those around them, and their relationships with their neighbors and grandchildren, is also a source of entertainment.

6

Days with my stepsister

Definitely not a dump fire

• Section: 12
• Release date: July 4, 2024
• Studio: Studio Deen

While the title of Studio Deen's latest work might raise red flags for veterans of the genre, Days with my stepsister is not a disaster at all. The dynamic between the two step-siblings is surprisingly well-written and is quite mature for a subject that is usually subject to rough interpretation in modern media.

This anime is a well-paced realistic romance between two strangers brought together by their unique circumstances. It handles their emotions quite well and maintains a soothing atmosphere throughout the show supported by the wonderful music.

5

Dandadan

Aliens and spirits haunt the realm

• Section: 12
• Release date: October 4, 2024
• Studio: Studio SARU

Dandadan is primarily an action series that focuses on the occult and supernatural, but the romance within the show is well-crafted and interesting. The supernatural aspects act as the main driving force of the story, while the romance takes a back seat where it slowly blossoms, though it's no less compelling because of it.

The female lead, Momo, believes in ghosts, while the male lead, Okarun, believes in aliens. It turns out they're both right, and both factions are out to get them. It's a great anime for laughs and doesn't take itself too seriously, although it's not afraid to throw in emotional moments. The romance doesn't feel forced, and the gorgeous animation is a feast for the eyes.

4

Makeine: Too many losing heroines!

Beautiful friendships of the “Sidkartären”.

• Section: 12
• Release date: 14 July 2024
• Studio: A-1 pictures

A modern iteration of the male harem trope, Makeine: Too many losing heroines! follows a self-proclaimed background character who gets involved in the love lives of several girls and helps them through their trials and tribulations. The show can sometimes feel a little too realistic, but that's exactly the charm of the anime.

It gives viewers an interesting premise not normally seen in other titles in the genre. It inverts the male harem trope and chooses to focus on the platonic friendships between the characters more than the romance, giving it a unique feel. Its unique art style helps it stand out from other anime, and the way it handles relationships keeps viewers hooked after the first hook.

3

Dangers in My Heart (Season 2)

Character development to max

• Section: 13
• Release date: January 7, 2024
• Studio: Shin-Ei animations

Season 2 of Dangers in my heart builds on the original premise and slowly but surely improves upon the proven formula. The gradual change in the protagonist's personality is incredible, and it's a treat to watch. As he comes to terms with his feelings for the female lead, he changes in big ways, making his initially different character much better.

This development is rewarding for the viewer, especially since it doesn't feel forced. Each step feels as natural as the last, and the story takes full advantage of that.

2

Kimi no Todoke: From Me to You (Season 3)

A satisfying conclusion

• Section: 5
• Release date: August 1, 2024
• Studio: Production IG

Kimi No Todoke is a classic romance anime that no one expected to get, but everyone welcomed with open arms. Season 2 ended with the two main characters finally meeting, and the third season picks up soon after, with the original voice cast returning to finish their old project.

Instead of a will-they, will-they romance, season three gives viewers a healthy relationship that has blossomed and is at its peak. It has a wonderful ending, and the writing didn't deteriorate in the decade between seasons two and three. The comedy is as good as ever, and it's a great end to one of the greats. It's one of the best high school romance anime, and fans of the genre should give it a shot if they haven't already.

1

Blue box

Love inspiring hard work

• Section: 25
• Release date: October 3, 2024
• Studio: Telecom animation film

A combination of two genres, Blue box combines sports and romance to create a mix that appeals to a wide audience. The male lead is a badminton player who practices daily for a chance to see his crush, who plays basketball. Slowly but surely, their interactions lead to them developing feelings for each other.

The show balances the two genres well, although fans of one genre may not enjoy the presence of the other as much. Still, it has great animation, great voice acting, and a great score that all culminate in a ten out of ten viewing experience. In fact, it would not be easy to say so Blue box is a classic in the making, but time will tell if it holds up long enough for that to happen.