Mohsin Lag
In this article, we will be talking about some of the best Japanese romance anime movies that have been released in Japan so far.
Many directors like Hayao Miyazaki, Satoshi Kon, Isao Takahata, and many more have used key themes in some of the best romantic anime movies. These themes vary from love triangles to forbidden love and even falling in love with an animal.
Ghibli is one of the most famous animation studios which specializes in anime movies. However, many anime studios have also produced masterpieces films over the years such as Madhouse, Bones, Graphinica, and CoMix Wave Films.
Well, This is a list of The best romance anime films to watch, with ones that portray the complexities of love, relationships, and human emotions that may make you cry or laugh.
Here We Go!!
28. The Moment you fall in Love
- Studio: Qualia Animation
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Known in Japanese as Suki ni Naru Sono Shunkan wo, this is among the best romance movies on our list that promises a fun and heartwarming watch time. A school-based love story that follows Hina, Kotarou, and Koyuki as they experience romance stories and how relationships are forged but also threaten to break others.
Contrary to what one might expect, I didn’t find the story to be too complicated or eventful. It was a simple love story with few twists and turns. I enjoyed it for that reason.
27. I’ve Always Liked You
- Studio: Qualia Animation
- Genre: Romance
Love is in the air of Sakuragaoka High School. Natsuki Enomoto finally gathered the courage to confess her love for lifelong friend Yuu Setoguchi, but in the final moments of their confession, an embarrassed Natsuki can’t help but pass it off as a “practice confession.”
However, while Natsuki is trying to deal with her failed confession. Meanwhile, Ayase has had similar issues of his own. Even though he knows she cares for someone else, he hopes to win Natsuki’s heart.
Zutto Mae Kara Suki deshita is among the best Japanese anime movies with beautiful animation on our list, and it follows a romantic journey of Natsuki, as she wanna confess her love to Yuu and win his heart over. While close friends are also entangled in their webs of unrequited love and unspoken affections.
26. Book Girl
- Studios: Production I.G
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance
Book Girl (Bungaku Shoujo) is a sweet romance anime movie that follows Konoha Inoue, the protagonist of the story, and is a senior high 2nd-year student. He can be summarized as being normal if one can overlook the fact that he used to be a female author. For that incident, he swore to never write again.
This continued until she/he was forced into joining the literary club by the president of the literary club, an attractive 3rd-year female student named Amano Tomoko. known for devouring literary works. From now on, Konoha has been assigned to write snacks for her every day.
25. Only Yesterday
- Studios: Studio Ghibli
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
For Ghibli fans, Only Yesterday is must watch romance anime film that will leave you speechless! The movie follows an Unmarried career woman as she takes her first extended trip outside of her native city Tokyo. She wanna travel to the rural Yamagata and visit her sister’s family during the annual safflower harvest.
On the Train, Taeko goes on an imaginary trip down memory lane to remember her pre-adolescent self, reminiscing on the small pleasures of her childhood and the frustrations of adult life.
24. Aura: Koga Maryuin’s Last War
- Studios: AIC ASTA
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Supernatural
Next up we have (Aura: Maryuuin Kouga Saigo no Tatakai) a hearwarming anime movie that follows Ichirou Satou, an ordinary high school student, pretending to be a hero by the name of “Maryuuin Kouga”. His strange behaviors caused him to be bullied and because of that, he left his previous school.
In a new school He tries to change and became an ordinary student, but before long finds himself running into a cosplayer girl. She calls herself “a researcher traveling from the outer world to search for the Dragon Terminal.
Ichirou puts up a tough front and rejects Satou Ryouko because of her behavior that reminds him of his embarrassing past, but he will change his mind and help her once she’s been bullied. Ichirou accepts his past and befriends Ryouko at the end while trying to bring her back to real life.
23. Hal
- Studios: Wit Studio
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
Hal is really among the top romance movies to watch, this love story kicks off when Made Kurumi Has lost her partner in a plane accident, she grieves, and lives a gloomy lonely life. Her grandfather asked for a humanoid robot to take on the role of Hal and is sent to Kurumi’s house to save her from depression.
Hal is patient and sticks with his friend throughout her tough time. Even though it takes a while, she eventually starts to show the light of hope and breaks free from her despair. But Hal has more than meets the eye and these two will soon know an unexpected truth about their relationship.
22. Her Blue Sky
- Studio: CloverWorks
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Supernatural
Her Blue Sky is a an iconic romance anime movie that chronicles the story of a Second-year high school student, Aoi Aioi, an aspiring musician. Her older sister Akane’s ex-boyfriend Shinnosuke Kanomura is a struggling guitarist. Aoi and Akane’s parents passed away in an accident 13 years ago, and Akane gave up her ambition of going to Tokyo with Shinnosuke.
One day, while Aoi is playing the bass, she sees Shinno, her old childhood friend from 13 years ago! She had also noticed the 31-year-old version of him who was visiting the town. But he had changed drastically! Now, there are two Shinno’s in existence. But what The one from the past is doing here?
21. A Whisker Away
- Studio: Studio Colorido
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Supernatural
The entire concept of romance is fascinating and unique, making “A Whisker Away” one of the latest must-watch anime movies. It’s one of the most poignant romance anime films to watch, commencing with a brief introduction to Miyo’s family, her friendships, and how she acquires a mask that enables her to transform into an adorable cat.
Miyo Sasaki, is unable to narrow the gap between herself and her crash Kento by normal means, that’s why she often transforms into a cat to get his attention. However, at some point, the boundary between herself and the cat becomes ambiguous.
20. Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop
- Studios: Signal.MD, Sublimation
- Genres: Romance, Slice of Life
Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop is among the newest romance anime movies of 2021. The story is about the use of words and music to bridge a gap between someone who struggles with communicating and someone who struggles with expressing themselves.
These two meet in a mundane suburban shopping mall but explore how they can connect. Cherry is the boy who always wears headphones and puts the feelings he cannot utter into his hobby, Japanese haiku poems. While Smile is a girl who usually wears a mask to conceal her large front teeth, for which she has dental braces.
Hence, “Words Bubble up Like Soda Pop” is a good slice of life anime movie that includes the main themes of music, friendship, understanding, love, and acceptance.
19. Children Who Chase Lost Voices
- Studios: CoMix Wave Films
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
In Children Who Chase Lost Voices, we follow Asuna Watase, a high student, is taking care of the house while her mom is absent. Her only source of entertainment is listening to a crystal radio in her secret hideout.
One day, she stumbled upon a rhythm that she wasn’t familiar with, and heard a melancholy melody, that was different from what she had been listening to before.
In a flash, an enigmatic young man named Shun appears out of nowhere and saves her from an unknown creature, Asuna is dragged on a long adventure across the land of lost memories. This strange journey will immerse her beyond her imagination, which turns her previous simple melodic life into a complex requiem.
18. Hello World
- Studio: Graphinica
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
Hello World is a 2019 Japanese animated science fiction romantic drama film. Believe me, Sci-fi romance anime movies like this are rare to find, and this one is a beautiful film that deserves more recognition, as it doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
The movie presents itself as a story where a male high school student, Naomi Katagaki, meets someone who claims to be Naomi from 10 years in the future.
Now, There is a lot of pressure to change the future and save their classmate, Ruri, who the younger Naomi begins dating three months ago.
17. 5 Centimeters per Second
- Studio: CoMix Wave Films
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Next up we have 5 Centimetres Per Second, a passionate romance anime movie that explore what happens when two people are in love but are not meant to be together.
Takaki and Akari were childhood friends, but circumstances make it harder for them to remain in contact. Despite the passage of time and the growing distance between them, their shared memories knit a link in time that holds on.
This drama revolves around the heart-wrenching pain of being unable to keep in touch with your loved one during a long-distance relationship. Takaki and Akari cling to the hope of seeing each other again, but it is impossible with so many obstacles in their path. They hurt themselves and the people around them, as they seem to live half-hearted life.
16. Ride Your Wave
- Studio: Science SARU
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Supernatural
Among the best love anime movies for date night is Ride your Wave, which kicks off the story when the apartment building Hinako is staying in starts on fire, she is saved by a talented firefighter named Minato. After they meet, the two soon become friends and form an acquaintance of their own. Hinako is a surfer and she starts to teach Minato how to surf. Over time, they fall in love and start a gentle and devoted romance.
However, a terrible accident will result in the death of her firefighter boyfriend. After such an unfortunate experience, Hinako was stricken with severe depression. However, she must learn how to overcome these tough moments, and find joy and purpose in life once again.
15. The Cat Returns
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
The Cat Returns is a ghbili masterpiece that follows Haru, a high school student from Japan (Chizuru Ikewaki) rescues a cat and discovers that it’s a prince named Lune (and you know how these things go). Out of gratitude, the Cat King asks her to marry his son Lune, which she happily agrees to do.
What happens in Haru’s world when she is taken to the Cat Kingdom is defined by preventing her to return home. The Baron, along with Toto who has been brought back to life, will do their best to provide Haru with what she needs to leave and get her freedom.
14. From Up on Poppy Hill
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Genre: Romance
It’s 1963 and Japan is amid swift modernization, leaving behind the Second World War’s painful memories and focusing on a brighter future, symbolized by the coming year’s Tokyo Olympics.
From Up on Poppy Hill is a Japanese animated movie that takes place in 1963 in Japan. The story explores a teenage romance in which there are many surprising plot twists that end up with uplifting results. The film had that sense of easy pace and simplicity about it, reminiscent of iconic Ghibli films such as “Only Yesterday” and “Whisper of the Heart.”
13. The Anthem of The Heart
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Genres: Drama, Romance
The Anthem of the Heart is a romantic anime film by the creators of the popular romance series “Anohana” and “Toradora.” This is a film that showcases that it is okay for people to express their true feelings.
The story revolves around a girl who breaks up with her family due to her cruel words and from that time she struggles with guilt, remorse, and regret. Those various negative feelings manifest into an Egg Fairy that cursed her by sealing her mouth, so she would never hurt somebody with careless words again,
However, when she was forced to sing in a musical, much to her surprise, she found herself able to express her feelings and thoughts through singing.
12. The Wind Rises
- Studios: Studio Ghibli
- Genres: Drama, Romance
The Wind Rises follows a young man’s life from his childhood to adulthood. This centers around Jiro Horikoshi, an aircraft engineer in Japan. Looking to design and build his planes after being inspired by the Italian aviation pioneer Giovanni Battista Caproni.
The movie is directed and created by Hayao Miyazaki and tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi, an inventor who designed aircraft for Japan’s military forces during World War II. In this romantic drama film, Miyazaki explores the relationship between two men – Jiro and his friend Tatsuo Shimura – and their passion for flying while telling a love story at the same time.
The Wind Rises is among the best emotional romance anime movies that tackle issues such as independence, class differences, and personal responsibility.
11. Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Supernatural
One of the most popular anime movies in the world is Hotarubi no Mori e which has become so famous because of its beautiful artwork and memorable soundtrack, and the unique tale of love of two people who should never have crossed paths, as their lives become hopelessly intertwined…
The story revolves around Hotaru-chan who falls into the realm of magic and meets a spirit living in an ancient forest. After saving her, He warn her to not touch him, or he would disappear and told her never to return to the forest.
Paying no attention to his warning she starts visiting him often and their friendship is starting to grow. However, a certain rule limits the romance between them. So the question remains, will they break this rule or go against their feelings?
10. The Garden of Words
- Studio: CoMix Wave Films
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
This is among the greatest romantic anime movies that have portrayed the characters so well that they look realistic. With a rainy weather theme, the story revolves around two characters and their separate lives and how they come to find love.
Without realizing it, the two are able to alleviate worries in their hearts just by being together. However, their personal struggles have not disappeared entirely and as the end of the rainy season approaches, their relationship will be put to a test.
Kotonoha no Niwa or The Garden Of Words is an anime movie about the process of love. It’s easy to understand with its simple plot but it has depth in its characters and emotions. It is heartfelt and beautiful.
9. Tamako Love Story
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life
The plot of Tamako Love Story: As she edges toward the end of her high school life, the energetic but generally clueless third-year Tamako Kitashirakawa Life will change when Mochizou decides that it is time must confess his feelings to Tamako soon, or his dream of romance will never be fulfilled.
Tamako Love Story is one of the cutest romantic anime movies I’ve watched. It’s a really cute story about two childhood friends who grow their feelings for one another. I highly recommend this anime movie to anyone that enjoys watching the romance genre. It’s a beautiful title with a pretty art style and awesome soundtracks.
8. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
- Studio: Madhouse
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a classic Japanese anime film that tells the story of a high school girl, Makoto Konno, who accidentally travels back in time. With her newfound ability, she starts going on leaping in time adventures, using it for her own advantage.
However, She soon learns the hard way that every choice has a consequence, and playing with time is more complicated than it may seem. This anime film was released in 2006 and met with rave reviews.
7. Whisper of the Heart
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
In the Whisper Of The Heart film, Shizuku is a bookworm who loves reading books and creating poetry. She has a dream of becoming an author. As she notices how frequently books are checked out by a boy named Seiji Amasawa, she decided to for the mysterious person who shares her love of books with her.
Shizuku will meet a cat, who leads her to a quaint antique shop “The Baron.” There, she surprisingly finds Seiji and the two quickly befriend one another.
As she grows more invested in her romantic relationship with Seiji and inspired by his dream story, Shizuku becomes resolved to pursue her dreams and potential.
6. The Castle in the Sky
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi
The Castle in the Sky is not only one of the best romantic anime movies but also one of the most popular animated films of all time. Young orphan Sheeta and her kidnapper, Col. Muska, are flying to a military prison when their plane is attacked by a gang of air pirates led by the matronly Dola.
Escaping from a mid-air collision via a magic crystal around her neck, Sheeta meets fellow orphan Pazu, and the pair join forces to discover the mystical floating city of Laputa while pursued by both Muska and the pirates, who lust for the city’s myriad treasures.
The movie aired back in 1986, and it spans themes of fantasy, adventure, love, and emotion. Produced by Studio Ghibli, the director Hayao Miyazaki has created an amazing work that has received critical acclaim and won several awards.
5. Weathering with You
- Studio: CoMix Wave Films
- Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Slice of Life
Set during a period of exceptionally rainy weather, Japanese high school boy Hodaka Morishima runs away from his troubled rural home to Tokyo and becomes friends with an orphan girl, who possesses the ability to manipulate the weather.
Weathering with You is among the best recent anime movies that tell us a heartwarming romance story of runaway kids who end up struggling to decide what’s right for them while fighting against society and the adults that oppose their choices.
4. Josee The Tiger and The Fish
- Studio: Bones
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
There are tons of iconic romantic anime films that have been created, but I have done my best to only bring you titles that are worthy of being called the “Best Romance Anime Movies Of All Time”, be it old films or new ones what matters the most is that you will enjoy every moment while watching these animation works, and Josee to Tora to Sakana Tachi is the best example.
This is a youth romance drama that focuses on college student Tsuneo and dreamer Josee, who lives her life without the freedom to move. Love does not come easy in her world, but sometimes with hard work love can happen. Josee used to spend most of her days reading books and painting as she is introduced to Tsuneo by chance. It’s time for her to face the world.
3. Howl’s Moving Castle
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Howl’s Moving Castle is considered one of the best adventure romance anime movies of all time, it is a Japanese film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. And was released in 2004 and is based on the novel of the same name.
The film focuses on Sophie Hatter, a young woman who gets cursed while she is walking through a dark wood after she discovers an old moving castle. She enters the castle and meets Howl. However, The witch Lauren Bacall was not pleased with their budding relationship and casts a spell on young Sophie to turn her into an old woman.
To return to normal, Sophie must follow Howl and other weird companions. Along the way, they face dangers from outside and inside of their kingdom.
2. Your Name
- Studio: CoMix Wave Films
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Supernatural
Your Name is a 2016 Japanese animated romantic comedy-drama film directed by Makoto Shinkai and written by Masayoshi Kawara. The story follows two teenagers, Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu, who swap life stories through a mystical phenomenon.
Fans of the hit romantic suspense movies will want to get their eyes on this masterpiece work that follows the intertwining of Two strangers’ lives and bodies. And as time goes on, will distance be the only thing to keep them apart?
Your Name is often referred to as the highest-grossing anime movie of all time, surpassing the previous record-holder “Spirited Away”. It was also the first anime movie nominated for a Best Picture Oscar in history.
1. A Silent Voice
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Genre: Drama, Romance
A Silent Voice (Koe No Katachi) is an incredible anime film with a simple storythat has such important and moving themes and messages–the kind of those good movies you want to see again and again.
Koe no Katachi is a drama romance anime movie about a deaf girl who is discriminated against, bullied, and tormented by her classmates throughout her school life and eventually transfers to another school. Years later, one of her main tormentors comes to apologize for what he did in his youth.
The film is set against the backdrop of bullying that targets the deaf community. It tackles issues such as understanding, prejudice, and society’s treatment of people with disabilities.
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