Mohsin Lag
If you’re wondering whether there are any good romantic anime to watch this season, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” There are plenty of captivating series that deserve a spot on your watch list.
So, let’s browse our selection of the 20 greatest romance anime of 2023 that you simply must watch right now.
20. The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses
Known in japanese as Megami no Café Terrace, The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses is a comedy romance ecchi anime that was released in spring 2023.
The story follows Hayato Kasukabe, who inherits his grandmother Sachiko’s cafe called Familia Café Terrace after her passing.
Hayato initially plans to demolish the cafe and build a parking lot in its place. However, he discovers that his grandmother had taken in five girls before she died.
These girls, named Ouka Makuzawa, Akane Hououji, Riho Tsukishima, Shiragiku Ono, and Ami Tsuruga, had a strong connection with Sachiko and consider the cafe their home.
They refuse to give it up and convince Hayato to change his mind, although he is hesitant. Through their interactions, Hayato begins to recall memories of his past with his grandmother and his own love for the cafe.
Determined to honor his grandmother’s legacy, Hayato asks the girls to become the “goddesses” who will help preserve the cherished cafe.
19. The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses
Moving on, we have The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses, Known in japanese as Suki na Ko ga Megane wo Wasureta, this is a comedy romance anime tv show that is actually airing in this summer season of 2023.
The story revolves around Kaede Komura, who is seated next to Ai Mie in class. Kaede is always captivated by Ai’s adorable charms and wishes for her to look at him with her beautiful eyes behind her glasses.
However, just a few days after they meet, Kaede notices that Ai’s eyes are squinting and she has lost her glasses. Nevertheless, he still finds her cute!
It turns out that Ai has a habit of forgetting her glasses, which poses challenges for her due to her poor eyesight. Luckily, Kaede steps in to help her.
As Ai starts depending on him, Kaede’s feelings for her deepen. Regardless of her visual impairment, Kaede gradually becomes the person Ai always longs to see.
18. The Ice Guy and The Cool Girl
Known in japanese as Koori Zokusei Danshi to Cool na Douryou Joshi, The Ice Guy and The Cool Girl is a winter 2023 comedy romance anime.
The story revolves around Himuro-kun, a kind-hearted but unfortunate guy who unintentionally creates blizzard conditions whenever he’s deeply concentrated, stressed, or flustered.
On his first day at a new job, Himuro-kun encounters Fuyutsuki-san, a beautiful girl who helps him break free from his icy nervousness. Little does he know, she is his new coworker.
At the office, the cool-headed Fuyutsuki-san provides practical and logical solutions to Himuro-kun’s icy predicaments.
She helps him tend to his plants without freezing them and ensures he doesn’t melt during their tropical work retreat.
Each time Fuyutsuki-san shows him kindness, the whirlwind of emotions inside Himuro-kun manifests visibly on the outside.
As frequent snowstorms surround them, Himuro-kun’s feelings for Fuyutsuki-san become undeniable. Although Fuyutsuki-san is unfamiliar with love, Himuro-kun is determined to repay her kindness and warm her heart in any way possible.
17. My Clueless First Friend
My Clueless First Friend is a school romantic comedy anime that premiered in April 2023. It consists of 13 episodes and follows the story of Akane Nishimura, a quiet girl whose classmates mistakenly perceive her as gloomy and unapproachable.
Due to her intimidating gaze, she is given the ominous nickname “Grim Reaper” and becomes the target of constant bullying, all because of false rumors about her supposed cursed powers that bring misfortune to those around her.
However, none of these rumors deter Taiyou Takada, a transfer student, from attempting to befriend Akane. With a fascination for the supernatural, Taiyou approaches the Grim Reaper without hesitation, completely unaware of the complex dynamics within the class.
His bright personality and optimistic outlook on life may just be the catalyst for the change that Akane desperately needs.
16. A Galaxy Next Door
A Galaxy Next Door is a highly recommended anime released in 2023, featuring themes of otaku culture, romance, and the supernatural.
The story revolves around Ichirou Kuga, who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of his two younger siblings following their father’s untimely passing.
To make ends meet, Ichirou rents out rooms in his inherited apartment complex and works as a full-time shoujo manga artist. However, his manga sales are low, his assistants have recently left, and looming deadlines add to his stress.
Just when things seem overwhelming, Ichirou’s fortunes change with the arrival of a talented and capable aspiring artist named Shiori Goshiki, who becomes his new assistant.
With her skills, they navigate the challenging situation and find a glimmer of hope. However, a strange and supernatural incident occurs between Ichirou and Shiori, leading her to declare that they are engaged.
With this unexpected turn of events, Ichirou must now navigate his newfound and peculiar relationship with the enigmatic girl while pursuing his own passion and fulfilling his responsibilities as a guardian.
15. Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte
Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte is a 12-episode anime series from 2023 that combines genres of fantasy and romance.
Produced by Tezuka Productions, the story revolves around Shihono Kobayashi, a member of the broadcasting club, who constantly talks to her friend Aoto Endou about an otome game called MagiKoi.
In the game, the protagonist Fiene attends the Royal Academy of Magic, and among the colorful cast of characters, Kobayashi is particularly obsessed with the tsundere villainess, Lieselotte Riefenstahl.
Despite her harsh remarks towards Fiene, Lieselotte secretly desires to be her friend and is deeply in love with her own fiancé, Prince Siegwald Fitzenhagen, who is the main love interest in the game.
Unfortunately, Lieselotte is destined for a tragic end in most of the game’s storylines.
Kobayashi manages to convince Endou to play MagiKoi as a way to practice his speaking skills. However, their gameplay takes an unexpected turn when Siegwald suddenly starts hearing their voices within the game.
Now designated as “gods,” Endou and Kobayashi must use their comments and analysis to save their beloved tsundere villainess from her predetermined tragic fate.
14. Sugar Apple Fairy Tale
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale is a romantic adventure anime that premiered in January 2023. Set in the kingdom of Highland, the story takes place in a fantasy world where fairies once lived freely until they were betrayed by humans.
In this world, if a fairy loses a wing, whoever possesses it has control over the fairy’s life. Exploiting this power, humans enslaved fairies. However, 15-year-old Ann Halford dreams of a day when fairies and humans can coexist as equals.
As an aspiring confectioner, Ann yearns to become a Silver Sugar Master, just like her late mother. To achieve this dream, she embarks on a journey to the capital city of Lewiston, where the annual Royal Candy Fair is held.
In order to earn the prestigious title, Ann must create a confection made of silver sugar that is worthy of a royal medal.
To protect herself on this dangerous journey, Ann hires Shall Fen Shall, a sharp-tongued warrior fairy, as her bodyguard. She promises to return Shall’s wing to him once they reach the capital, which confuses him.
However, as they travel together, their bond grows stronger, and they gradually discover more about each other and their true desires.
13. Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts
Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts is a fantasy romance anime that premiered in Spring 2023. Produced by J.C.Staff and based on a manga of the same name, the story takes place in the Kingdom of Ozmargo, located at the end of the world.
This kingdom is inhabited by various beasts and is ruled by a powerful and nameless king. Following a hundred-year war between Ozmargo and a neighboring human kingdom, a peace treaty was established. As part of this treaty, a sacrifice must be sent each year to be devoured by the king on the night of revelation.
Sariphi, the 99th and most recent human sacrifice, is selected for this role. Despite her delicate appearance, she neither fears the king nor possesses a family or home to return to if she were to escape her impending fate.
Intrigued by her boldness, the king allows Sariphi to freely explore the palace, despite the disapproval of his advisor, Anubis.
Over time, a connection begins to develop between the king and Sariphi, as they gradually warm up to each other. However, the approaching night of revelation brings uncertainty and challenges.
Unbeknownst to them, this fateful day sets off a chain of events that will not only alter the destinies of Sariphi and the king but also shape the course of their respective worlds.
12. Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible
Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible, known as Kubo-san wa Mob wo Yurusanai in Japanese, tells the story of Junta Shiraishi, a high school student who simply wants to enjoy his youth.
However, there’s a unique challenge he faces: he is practically invisible to his peers, even his teachers often overlook him. A rumor even circulates that spotting him brings good luck.
But there is one person who consistently notices Shiraishi—Nagisa Kubo, who sits right next to him. Kubo is determined to prevent him from fading into the background silently.
Well this means that Shiraishi finds himself in unusual situations orchestrated by Kubo. Despite the unexpected circumstances, Kubo’s playful actions might just ignite the thrilling youth that Shiraishi yearns for.
Premiering in January 2023, this anime combines comedy, romance, and school genres. It is labeled as a seinen anime, which means this is a serious romantic anime targeting young adult male audiences.
11. The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten
The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten is a comedy romance school anime that aired in the winter season of 2023.
The story revolves around Mahiru Shiina, who is rightfully nicknamed “Angel” due to her divine beauty and exceptional academic and athletic abilities.
Despite being next-door neighbors, Shiina and Amane Fujimiya have never spoken to each other. However, their silence is broken when Fujimiya sees Shiina sitting gloomily on a swing during a heavy rainstorm and offers her his umbrella.
The following day, Fujimiya catches a cold, and Shiina feels compelled to repay his kindness by taking care of him and nursing him back to health.
Initially believing that this would be their first and last interaction, Fujimiya silently appreciates Shiina’s gesture.
However, Shiina, concerned about Fujimiya’s lack of tidiness and proper nutrition, takes it upon herself to cook and clean for him.
As the unlikely pair spends time together in Fujimiya’s apartment, they begin to discover the true nature of their relationship and the gentle emotions that blossom between them.
10. Insomniacs After School
Next up we have Insomniacs After School, a romance school series animated by LIDENFILMS and released in 2023.
The story revolves around high schooler Ganta Nakami, who struggles to fall asleep most nights. As a result, he often feels irritable at school and constantly seeks out secluded places to doze off.
On the other hand, Isaki Magari is a free-spirited girl who is well-liked by her friends, but she keeps her sleep disorder a secret. She utilizes the abandoned astronomy club observatory at school as her hidden sleeping sanctuary.
By twist of fate, Nakami discovers Magari napping in the observatory. When Magari realizes they both share the same sleep troubles, she offers to share her secret sleeping spot with her fellow insomniac.
As they spend time together, finding solace in each other’s company, they begin to face their struggles with a newfound sense of strength and support.
9. The Reason Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion
The Reason Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion is one of the highly anticipated isekai romance anime of 2023.
The story revolves around Rinko Hanasaki, who, after an unexpected death, is reborn as Raeliana McMillan. Unsure whether to curse her luck, Raeliana discovers that she was a minor character in a novel she once read.
As the eldest daughter of a newly wealthy baron, her life was carefree until she met an unfortunate end at the hands of her fiancé, Lord Francis Brooks. Determined to avoid her tragic fate, Raeliana sets out to end her engagement with Francis.
However, when Francis refuses to break their engagement, Raeliana decides to seek help from someone of higher status.
She approaches Duke Noah Wynknight, the male protagonist of the novel, and proposes a deal. Using her knowledge of the plot, Raeliana offers to keep the duke’s secrets hidden if he agrees to act as her fiancé.
Little does she know that getting involved with a duke who only reveals his true colors around her may lead to unexpected consequences beyond her expectations.
8. The Dangers in My Heart
The Dangers in My Heart is a captivating romantic comedy anime from 2023 that stands out among the rest. The story revolves around Kyoutarou Ichikawa, who may outwardly appear as a shy and reserved middle school student, but harbors a dark and unsettling desire deep within his heart.
He yearns to witness his classmate Anna Yamada in pain, with her beautiful face contorted, before bringing an end to her life. However, as fate would have it, Ichikawa begins to see a whole new side of Yamada.
Frequently seeking solace in the library, Ichikawa coincidentally crosses paths with Yamada. Through their encounters, he starts to realize that his perception of his model classmate was completely off.
Instead of the poised and perceptive person he had imagined, Yamada turns out to be an airhead who often fails to read the atmosphere.
As they spend more time together, Ichikawa finds himself experiencing not only a deep affection for the very girl he once wished to harm, but also an overwhelming desire to protect her at any cost.
Could this sudden shift in Ichikawa’s perspective lead to a profound transformation in their relationship?
7. My Happy Marriage
My Happy Marriage is a heartwarming comedy and slice of life anime from 2023. The story follows Miyo Saimori, who grew up as the unfortunate product of a loveless arranged marriage.
After her mother’s passing, Miyo’s father brought in his lover and her daughter, Kaya, turning Miyo into a mere servant in her own home.
To make matters worse, while Kaya inherited the family’s psychic abilities, Miyo was left without any special talents, making her feel like an undeserving daughter.
Having endured years of mistreatment, Miyo has learned to keep her head down, hide her pain, and obediently follow orders.
As a result, she is unsurprised when she learns that she has been arranged to marry Kiyoka Kudou, a military captain rumored to be so cruel that he has driven away all his previous potential wives.
From a troubled upbringing to an anticipated unhappy marriage, that is the future Miyo envisions. However, contrary to her expectations, her new husband turns out to be kind-hearted and caring. Instead of a life of misery, what truly awaits Miyo is a blissful and everlasting marriage filled with happiness.
6. Skip and Loafer
Skip and Loafer is an intriguing love story anime from 2023. The series follows Mitsumi Iwakura, who leaves her countryside town to pursue her dream of bringing positive change to Japan by attending a prestigious high school in the bustling city of Tokyo.
With a clear life plan in mind, Mitsumi is confident that her journey will be free of any mishaps. However, on her first day of school, the ambitious country girl finds herself running late and getting lost along the way.
Luckily, she encounters Sousuke Shima, another first-year student facing the same predicament, who offers to accompany her.
Together, they manage to make it to school, but the string of misfortunes doesn’t end there. Mitsumi ends up making an unfavorable first impression on her classmates.
Despite this setback, Mitsumi’s friendship with Sousuke catches the attention of the class, despite their contrasting personalities.
As the story unfolds, only time will tell if Mitsumi can build meaningful relationships with her classmates, but one thing is certain—she won’t be facing her challenges alone.
5. Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro 2nd Attack
Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro 2nd Attack is the highly anticipated second season of the famous romantic anime that initially aired in 2021.
It continues the story of Hayase Nagatoro and Naoto Hachiouji, who have grown closer since the first season. Nagatoro spends more time than ever in the art club room with her senpai, and Naoto has become more comfortable with her presence.
Despite their increasing familiarity, there is still a lingering distance between them that they struggle to bridge.
Naoto continues to surprise Nagatoro with his hidden cool demeanor, while Nagatoro takes delight in teasing and toying with him.
Their interactions display Nagatoro’s possessive tendencies and Naoto’s growing acceptance of her presence. It becomes evident to those around them that there are underlying feelings between the two.
Nagatoro finds great entertainment in teasing her senpai, and she shows no signs of stopping. As the story progresses, it becomes a matter of time before they both come to realize their true feelings for each other.
4. The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2
With stunning animation, The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 continues the lovely and enchanting tale of apprentice mage Chise Hatori in 2023.
After being invited to enroll at the prestigious College, a renowned learning institution for sorcerers, Chise embarks on a journey to seek a way to rid herself of the curses that burden her.
Even with the hesitations of her groom, Elias Ainsworth, Chise decides to accept the proposal, hoping that attending the school will help her overcome her tendency for self-sacrifice.
Right from the start, Chise captures the attention of her classmates and professors, who have never witnessed a mage with her unique abilities in action.
However, lurking behind the scenes of the College, a sinister plot unfolds, and Chise finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue. In order to put a stop to this nefarious scheme, she must navigate the complex landscape of allies and enemies, discerning who can be trusted.
3. My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999
My Love Story with Yamada Kun at Lv999 is a romantic anime series from 2023 produced by Madhouse. The story revolves around college student Akane Kinoshita, who finds herself heartbroken after her boyfriend leaves her for another girl.
Determined to seek revenge and heal her broken heart, Akane devises a plan involving an in-person event in the MMO game Forest of Savior, which they used to play together.
Unexpectedly, she encounters Akito Yamada, a gaming legend and her guildmate, during her pursuit.
In her desperation for support, Akane convinces the introverted Yamada to assist her in her scheme and provide emotional support.
As they spend time together, the stark contrasts between Akane and Yamada become apparent. However, they also begin to notice and appreciate each other’s hidden qualities.
With each passing experience, both in and out of the game, their tentative acquaintance has the potential to level up in ways neither of them expected.
2. Tomo-chan is a Girl!
Released in 2023, Tomo-chan is a Girl!, also known as Tomo-chan wa Onnanoko!, is a delightful rom-com anime that you should really watch.
The story revolves around childhood friends Tomo Aizawa and Junichirou “Jun” Kubota, who share an inseparable bond.
They do everything together, from training sessions to enjoying fun outings. It seems like their friendship is unbreakable.
However, there’s a twist: Tomo, despite her tomboyish nature, is head over heels in love with Jun, while he sees her only as a brotherly figure.
As they enter their first year of high school, Tomo musters the courage to confess her feelings to Jun. However, her straightforward and rough approach, coupled with her penchant for throwing punches, fails to ignite any romantic interest in Jun’s heart.
Realizing that she needs to take action if she wants to capture Jun’s attention, Tomo embarks on a mission to shake Jun out of his obliviousness and make him realize what has been right in front of him all along.
1. Horimiya: The Missing Pieces
Horimiya: The Missing Pieces will be the best romance anime coming out in 2023. This school heartwarming series features stories from the romantic manga that were not adapted in the main anime, offering fans an opportunity to uncover unknown things in the world of Horimiya.
With a perfect balance of drama and simplicity, Horimiya is sure to delight fans with its elegant storytelling.
At first glance, Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura seem like an unlikely pair. Hori is admired for her beauty and intelligence, while Miyamura appears distant and unassuming to his classmates.
However, a chance encounter brings their hidden selves to light. Despite Hori’s popularity at school, she struggles to find time for socializing due to her responsibilities at home.
Miyamura, on the other hand, conceals his true self under tattoos and piercings, giving him the appearance of a gentle delinquent.
In spite of their contrasting personalities, Hori and Miyamura quickly become friends and frequently spend time together at Hori’s home.
As they open up to each other, they reveal sides of themselves that are hidden from the outside world. The simplicity of their connection sets Horimiya apart from other rom-coms, making it not only one of the top romance anime of 2023, but also a timeless masterpiece.
