Romance is one of the most popular genres in the world no matter what form of media it presents itself in. After all, there is nothing more heartwarming than witnessing two people fall in love.
Romance Anime Films, in particular, are arguably one of the best ways to experience the romance genre, thanks to their mesmerizing world creation, beautiful animation, and music.
Romantic anime movies explore everything – from heartbreaks and depression to comedic moments and true love.
Thus in this article, we will be looking at 10 of the best Romance Anime movies of all time that you need to watch as soon as possible if you haven’t already.
10. Only Yesterday
As a nostalgic journey that recounts the memorable moments of one’s life, Only Yesterday follows its female protagonist Taeko Okajima who goes back to the countryside in order to spend time with her family. While living a relaxing life and unwinding from the pressure of the big city, she thinks back on her life growing up going from her childhood as she passed through puberty.
It is a simple yet mature anime that also has a great romance that develops between the female lead and a man she runs into in her hometown. As we see her deepening her bonds and adjusting to her new surroundings, we can’t help but have a smile on our faces.
9. 5 Centimetres per Second
5 Centimetres per Second is one of the more realistic romance anime movies that tell us how certain things just aren’t meant to be and how hard going against fate is.
The movie follows the story of a pair of childhood friends who are extremely close and could even be seen as lovers by an outsider. However, as they grow up, their responsibilities in life inevitably separate the two and even after getting in touch with one another, things would never be the same again.
As the distance between them is ever-increasing, they are left only with the sweet memories of their childhood while learning that their present selves aren’t able to form that bond through a long-distance relationship.
A beautiful romance anime movie that portrays the harsh reality of growing up – 5 Centimetres per Second is very underrated that deserves a watch.
8. Hoturabi no Mori e
Hoturabi no Mori e is a bittersweet story that follows a young girl Hotaru Takegawa who runs into a mysterious boy in the forest after getting lost. Relieved to see a human, when she tries to embrace him out of joy, she finds out that he has had a curse placed upon him which would cause him to disappear upon contact.
Despite all, the two are able to hit it off and Hotaru decides to meet up with the boy every summer vacation. As this continues for several years, the bond shared by the two grows deeper as they struggle to contain their feelings for each other and the boundaries placed by the curse.
Hoturabi no Mori e is a pure love story that makes us both marvel at the fantasy it presents as well as feel extremely connected with the main characters and their desire to reach something out of their reach.
7. Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish
As one of the most popular romance anime movies to come out in recent years, Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish revolve around a young boy Tsuneo Suzukawa who is assigned as the caretaker of a differently abled girl.
While she seems extremely rude at first, he soon finds out that there are very good reasons for her attitude. While having huge dreams but being constrained by her physical situation, Tsuneo takes it upon himself to let her enjoy life as he shows her the beauty of the outside world.
As they spend more and more time together while working towards their dreams, their relationship also progresses further as they understand each other better and wish to be together to support each other.
6. I Want to Eat your Pancreas
Following an uncaring and aloof protagonist Haruki Shiga, who doesn’t enjoy interacting with others, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, despite its comical name, shows us his beautiful journey and growth in life as he runs into a girl suffering from a fatal pancreatic disease and agrees to spend time with her on her final days.
And through this fateful encounter, Haruki starts experiencing new things his introverted self would’ve never even thought of. In spite of being the exact opposite of the bubbly nature of the girl, they both learn to get along as various sets of circumstances bring them closer than ever.
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is a powerful movie that teaches us all to live life to the fullest while having a lot of fun and equally depressing moments. No wonder it made it to our Best anime movies list.
5. Weathering with You
Made by Makoto Shinkai who is known for his expertise in making love stories, Weathering with You is one of his best accomplishments with fascinating supernatural elements and extremely pleasing animation.
It follows a runaway first-year high school student Hodaka Morishima, struggling to make ends meet before he runs into a young girl Hina Amano. The girl is far from normal as she has the ability to clear the sky whenever she wants, which is highly desirable in the rainy climate in Tokyo.
Using her abilities, both of them decide to run a business while taking requests for sunshine from customers. With time their bond gets deeper and they get a better understanding of each other’s lives. However, it doesn’t take them long to realize that life is not that simple when they find out that the ability comes with its own consequences.
With gorgeous visuals, Weathering with You is one of the must-watch romance anime movies that will leave you spellbound.
4. Whisper of the Heart
Whisper of the Heart is one of the fun Slice of Life romance anime movies that tells an engaging and feel-good story that audiences of all ages can enjoy.
The movie revolves around a girl Shizuku Tsukishima who goes in search of a boy with similar interests in books before being led to an old antique shop. On finding the boy, the two quickly strike up a conversation and become good friends which eventually even grows beyond friendship.
As our two main characters often converse regarding their futures and Shizuku struggles in finding her passion, Whisper of the Heart is a story of growth and self-introspection. With the vibrant animation that Studio Ghibli is known for and 2 likable and relatable leads, the movie is a commendable achievement in the romance anime movies genre.
3. The Garden of Words
While The Garden of Words is the shortest movie on this list, the emotional impact it has is one of the highest.
The movie follows an aspiring shoemaker by the name of Takao who runs into a beautiful but mysterious woman in a garden. As the two strikes up a conversation, they discuss events regarding their lives where it’s revealed how the woman is having a hard time fitting into society while not enjoying her profession or current life. Despite being mature for his age, Takao is also very restless and anxious regarding his future.
As they connect over their troubles, their relationship also moves on to the next level. However, their feelings will be put to a test as society would be less than accepting of the two due to their difference in age.
2. Howl’s Moving Castle
One of the classics in anime movies and one of the must watch romance anime movies, Howl’s Moving Castle is praised by most people for its exciting adventure, gripping fantasy, and sweet romance.
The story follows an ordinary girl by the name of Sophie whose life takes a drastic turn when she gets caught in a magical battle and is turned into an old woman. As a huge war looms in the background, Sophie is forced to accompany the wizard Howl on his adventures in order to turn back to normal.
As they get into several dangerous yet exhilarating situations, an innocent romance buds between the two. With animation that’s well ahead of its time, well-written characters and side characters as well as beautiful music, Howl’s Moving Castle is one of the best anime movies ever made, not just in the romance genre.
1. Your Name
The best anime romance movies that you can watch right now is Your Name. Being Makoto Shinkai’s masterpiece as well as the 3rd highest-grossing anime movie of all time, there is no question that the movie is universally loved.
Due to a supernatural occurrence, a boy from Tokyo and a girl from the countryside of Japan end up exchanging bodies. As they live in each other’s lives, they also form a bond while understanding the circumstances surrounding each’s life. However, they struggle in defying fate while trying to meet each other. With the threat of a huge disaster, the two go through several highs and lows to see their feelings for each other come to fruition.
With plenty of comedic scenes, loveable characters, and stunning animation, the bittersweet romance of Your Name is bound to have your eyes fixed on the screen for its entire duration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of romance anime movies is an enchanting realm that continues to captivate hearts across the world. From heartwarming tales of first love to epic romances that transcend time and space, these animated gems have a unique way of storytelling that leaves audiences yearning for more.
Through the artful use of breathtaking visuals, intricate character development, and beautiful soundtracks, these Japanese romance anime movies evoke a rollercoaster of feelings.
The diverse range of settings, from high school romances to fantastical worlds, ensures there is something for everyone to relate to and immerse themselves in.
Moreover, they resonate deeply with human experiences, reminding us of the universal nature of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships. They invite us to reflect on our own lives, learn from the characters’ growth, and perhaps even find solace in knowing that our emotions and struggles are not limited to us alone.
In a world that often rushes by in a flurry of responsibilities and distractions, these movies offer a precious opportunity to pause, reconnect with our emotions, and rediscover the beauty of human connections. Whether you’re a devoted anime enthusiast or someone who is just starting to dip their toes into this mesmerizing world, these films will leave a lasting impact on your heart.
What are your thoughts on romance anime movies? Have you discovered any hidden gems that left you breathless? Or do you have a timeless classic that holds a special place in your heart? Share your thoughts, recommendations, and feelings in the comments below, and let’s continue celebrating the beauty and magic of romance anime together!
Until next time, see ya!
