(AfroGamers.com) Romance anime involves a dynamic field of possibilities when it comes to how ‘love’ is explored in animated storytelling. The genre can be heart-breaking, heart-warming, hilarious and frustrating – all good emotions to go through so long as we all finally get to see our favourite couples have their happily ever after. And that is all including a diverse cast of characters with their own unique backgrounds bringing depth to the relationships they inevitably form.
Even so, there are those romance anime, regardless of how well or badly they were made, that simply remain memorable to us as their viewers. That means, these anime end up worthwhile in our personal lists of rewatch-ability. The relaxing, heartstring-pulling moments and how relatable some characters of the shows can be, do incredibly well in drawing us back in to experience it all again. That being said, in no particular order, this post picks out five of some of the best romance anime out there with animation, writing and character developments that make it worth watching over and over again.
1. Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club is one of those romance anime treated as a classic by perpetual watchers of the romance genre. That classic tone truly reveals itself in its animation style and exaggerated expressions as commonly seen in anime from the 1990s and early 2000s. This style specially makes the romantic comedy a comical watch .
There are a lot of comedic moments that can leave you wheezing in laughter but it is the show’s use of satire which makes it a beloved watch for romance and comedy anime watchers. Ouran High School is self-aware, inclusive and although it includes a reverse harem (where the female lead has multiple male love interests), it does not bombard its viewers with fan service and jokes that fall under the perverted/controversial umbrella. Instead, it successfully critiques its own tropes through humour and heart-warming moments.
2. Classmates
This is a BL (Boy’s Love) anime film. Released in 2008, the film follows two high school boys, Hikaru and Rihito, in a sort of coming-of-age journey. It dips slightly in the enemies-to-lovers trope but not so much so that there is open hostility between the two characters. One could even say the dislike happens because of typical high school boys’ pubescent attitudes towards one another.
The film also does well as an introduction for anyone looking to try out watching queer anime. The slow build-up in their relationship and the inevitable time when they end up together is emotional and touching that you might end up surprised as to why the two high schoolers disliked each other in the beginning. The art style may seem rough and ragged around the edges but it remains smooth and natural in its movements. The watercolours used in the animation also give it a unique feel which can easily have you mesmerised.
3. After the Rain
If you are looking for a complex story with intricate and meaningful episodes, then After the Rain definitely succeeds in that department. The soft teenage love Akira experiences towards her much older boss Masami, is done so well that the viewer can deduce that love as being more about her admiration towards him – with Masami trying his best to help her realise that.
The anime is well-written and includes a diversity of characters who encounter varying kinds of internal struggles which test the fragility of a teenager’s heart. After the Rain is one rare anime which quote-unquote “has present adults”. There are several role models and older figures who serve to advice and protect the younger characters and it is there where the anime shines in its realism.
4. Kamisama Kiss
Yet another classic, Kamisama Kiss is a supernatural, drama and romance anime. Our main character Nanami gets caught up in the world of yokai, gods and other divine creatures. The eccentric and kind-hearted nature of Nanami has the series taking on a more of a slice of life vibe but with a good amount of drama and, even, adventure that leaves you wanting more.
The thing about Kamisama Kiss is that, although its main premise follows the dynamics of a romance story, it includes interesting elements involving the supernatural to propel the story forward without it simply being about a human girl falling in love with a fox spirit. Yes, there are other love interests who act as rivals for Nanami’s affection, but the importance of her unexpected role as the god of a shrine, places a significant and comedic duty which works hand-in-hand with the romance portion of the series. Altogether, this romance anime journals the growing bond between Nanami and Tomoe (the fox spirit) with incredibly well-written plot twists.
5. Horimiya
Horimiya is a modern-day romance anime with a very perceptive vision of teenage love lives. It includes various couples and love interests but at the core of the series is Hori and Miyamura. The anime’s title emphasises this by combining their names to form a ‘ship name’. The romance between them is arguably comforting and relaxed. It does not shy away from displaying their good communication and profound respect for one another as romantic partners. Another takeaway is how Hori and Miyamura are the technical definition of opposites attract. While she, Hori, is fiery and adores horror movies, Miyamura is timid and enjoys baking and making sweet pastries.
The overall mood of the romance anime is calm. It is easily a comfort anime as there is rarely any conflict and whatever is there relates to the complicated feelings, anxiety and depression which teenagers in high school tend to face in an otherwise fast-paced school environment.
There is so much more that can be said about which romance anime are nostalgic and/or are worth rewatching – which also means a list much larger than this one can be made to prove that point. Nevertheless, whether or not we rewatch an anime, most of us romance watchers can agree to some degree that there are romance anime that have something to them with the power to enchant and captivate human nature.
Staff Writer; Fadzai Nyamande
A South African who brings her love for fiction, manga, and storytelling into every piece she creates. Her writing is shaped by imagination, curiosity, and a true appreciation for the worlds stories can build.
Feel free to drop a note at; FadzaiN@AfroGamers.com.