Underrated romance anime offer a vast landscape beyond the mainstream hits, filled with hidden treasures that feature unique storytelling, compelling characters, and emotional depth. Here’s our curated list of the most underrated romance anime that deserve a spot on your watchlist.
1. Underrated Romance Anime: Akkun to Kanojo (My Sweet Tyrant) (2018)

Plot: This delightful short-format series follows the relationship between Atsuhiro “Akkun” Kagari and his girlfriend Non Katagiri. Despite appearing cold and even mean to his girlfriend in public, Akkun is actually deeply devoted to her, creating a charming dynamic of hidden affection and tsundere behavior.
Characters: Akkun’s character is beautifully complex – his harsh exterior masks genuine care and overwhelming love for Non. Non herself is refreshingly optimistic and understanding, seeing through her boyfriend’s facade. Their relationship feels authentic despite the exaggerated comedy, with both characters showing genuine growth throughout the series.
Graphics: The animation style is clean and colorful, perfectly suited for the light-hearted tone. Character designs are distinctive and expressive, particularly in capturing Akkun’s internal monologue moments versus his external behavior. The art style enhances the comedic timing while maintaining emotional sincerity.
What makes this anime special is its perfect balance of comedy and genuine romance. Each 3-minute episode packs surprising emotional depth, exploring how love can make us act in contradictory ways. It’s a masterclass in efficient storytelling that proves you don’t need lengthy episodes to create meaningful character development.
2. Adachi and Shimamura (2020)

Plot: Two high school girls, Adachi and Shimamura, skip class together on the second floor of their school gymnasium. What starts as casual friendship slowly develops into something deeper as they navigate the complexities of their growing feelings for each other, all while dealing with the uncertainty of what their relationship means.
Characters: Adachi is introspective and socially awkward, struggling with her growing romantic feelings. Shimamura is more outgoing but emotionally distant, creating a compelling dynamic of push and pull. Both characters are beautifully written with realistic flaws and genuine emotional complexity that makes their relationship feel authentic.
Graphics: The animation is subtle and atmospheric, with a soft color palette that perfectly captures the quiet, contemplative mood of the series. Character animations are nuanced, particularly in conveying unspoken emotions through body language and facial expressions. The visual style enhances the introspective nature of the story.
This anime excels at portraying the awkwardness and uncertainty of first love. The pacing is deliberately slow, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the characters’ emotional journeys. It’s a mature take on yuri romance that respects its characters and audience, focusing on emotional authenticity over melodrama.
3. Koikimo (2021)

Plot: After being saved by high school student Ichika Arima, 27-year-old businessman Ryouma Ichijou becomes infatuated with her. Despite the age gap and Ichika’s initial rejection, Ryouma persistently pursues her, leading to a complex relationship that explores themes of maturity, genuine connection, and the nature of love across different life stages.
Characters: Ryouma is surprisingly well-developed for what could have been a problematic character, showing genuine respect for Ichika’s boundaries while struggling with his feelings. Ichika is strong-willed and mature, handling the situation with wisdom beyond her years. Their dynamic challenges typical romance conventions while maintaining emotional authenticity.
Graphics: The animation is polished and modern, with character designs that effectively convey the age difference between the leads. The art style balances romantic moments with comedic scenes, using visual metaphors and expressive animation to enhance the storytelling. The color palette is warm and inviting, making the characters feel approachable.
While the premise might seem concerning, the anime handles the relationship with surprising maturity and sensitivity. It explores how genuine connection can transcend age while still acknowledging the complexities involved. The series succeeds in creating a romance that feels both unconventional and emotionally satisfying.
4. Kokoro Connect (2012)

Plot: Five high school students in a cultural club begin experiencing supernatural phenomena where they randomly swap bodies with each other. This bizarre situation forces them to confront their hidden feelings, personal insecurities, and the true nature of their relationships, leading to profound emotional revelations and romantic developments.
Characters: The ensemble cast is exceptionally well-developed, with each character facing unique personal struggles that become exposed through the body-swapping premise. Taichi, Inaba, Iori, Yoshifumi, and Yui each bring distinct personalities and emotional depth, making their romantic entanglements feel genuine and complex.
Graphics: The animation quality is consistently high, with particular attention to character expressions and body language – crucial for a series about identity and hidden emotions. The supernatural elements are seamlessly integrated into the realistic character designs, and the visual storytelling effectively conveys the psychological complexity of the narrative.
This anime uses its supernatural premise to explore profound themes about identity, trust, and human connection. The romance elements emerge naturally from the characters’ shared experiences and growing understanding of each other. It’s a psychologically rich series that doesn’t shy away from difficult emotions and personal growth.
5. Meiji Tokyo Renka (2019)

Plot: Mei Ayazuki, a modern high school girl, is transported back to the Meiji era where she encounters historical figures and supernatural beings. As she navigates this unfamiliar world, she becomes involved in romantic entanglements with various characters while trying to understand her purpose in this time period.
Characters: Mei is a relatable protagonist who grows stronger as she adapts to her new circumstances. The historical characters are given unique personalities that blend historical accuracy with romantic appeal. Each potential love interest has distinct motivations and character development that makes the romantic choices feel meaningful.
Graphics: The art style beautifully captures the Meiji era setting with detailed period costumes, architecture, and cultural elements. Character designs are elegant and distinctive, with particular attention to historical accuracy in clothing and social customs. The animation effectively blends historical atmosphere with romantic fantasy elements.
The historical setting provides a fresh backdrop for romance, allowing for unique storytelling opportunities that modern settings can’t offer. The series successfully balances historical elements with supernatural romance, creating an engaging narrative that feels both educational and entertaining.
6. Midara na Ao-chan wa Benkyou ga Dekinai (Ao-chan Can’t Study!) (2019)

Plot: Ao Horie is a studious high school girl whose life is complicated by her father’s career as an erotic novelist. His influence has made her hypersensitive to anything romantic or sexual, creating hilarious misunderstandings when she tries to maintain a normal relationship with her classmate Takumi Kijima.
Characters: Ao is a wonderfully complex character whose internal struggles between her academic goals and growing romantic feelings create both comedy and genuine emotional moments. Takumi is refreshingly patient and understanding, providing a stable presence that contrasts with Ao’s overthinking tendencies. Their relationship develops naturally despite the comedic circumstances.
Graphics: The animation style is bright and expressive, perfectly suited for the comedic tone. Character designs are appealing and distinctive, with particular attention to Ao’s exaggerated facial expressions during her internal monologues. The visual comedy is well-executed without being overly crude.
This anime succeeds in taking a potentially problematic premise and turning it into genuine romantic comedy. Ao’s character development is particularly well-handled, showing how she learns to navigate her feelings while maintaining her personal goals. The humor feels natural and character-driven rather than forced.
7. I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness (2023)

Plot: When merchant Charlotte saves the disgraced noble lady Shelley from a dire situation, she decides to help her rebuild her life by teaching her to be more assertive and “naughty.” What begins as a mentorship gradually develops into a deeper relationship as both women learn from each other and grow stronger together.
Characters: Charlotte is a strong, independent woman who brings out the best in others, while Shelley’s character arc from timid noble to confident individual is beautifully developed. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and genuine care, making their romantic development feel organic and empowering.
Graphics: The animation quality is impressive with detailed character designs and expressive animation that brings the fantasy setting to life. The art style effectively conveys both the comedic and romantic moments, with particular attention to character expressions and body language that enhance the storytelling.
Despite its provocative title, this anime is surprisingly wholesome and focuses on themes of empowerment, healing, and genuine connection. The relationship between the leads is built on mutual support and growth rather than superficial attraction, making it a refreshing take on the romance genre.
8. Sasaki to Miyano (Sasaki and Miyano) (2022)

Plot: The story follows the developing relationship between Miyano, a shy first-year student who loves BL manga, and Sasaki, a charismatic upperclassman who becomes intrigued by him. As they spend more time together, their friendship slowly evolves into something deeper, with both characters navigating their feelings and understanding of love.
Characters: Miyano is beautifully portrayed as a thoughtful, introspective character who struggles with understanding his own feelings and sexuality. Sasaki is patient and supportive, never pressuring Miyano while clearly showing his growing affection. Their dynamic is built on mutual respect and genuine care, making their relationship development feel authentic and healthy.
Graphics: The animation is soft and warm, with character designs that perfectly capture the gentle nature of the story. The art style emphasizes subtle emotional moments through detailed facial expressions and body language. The color palette creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere that enhances the tender moments between the characters.
This anime stands out for its realistic and respectful portrayal of young love and self-discovery. The pacing is deliberately slow, allowing viewers to fully experience the characters’ emotional journey. It’s a masterclass in showing how healthy relationships develop through communication, respect, and patience.
9. Honey and Clover (2005)

Plot: Set in an art college, this series follows a group of students navigating the complexities of unrequited love, artistic passion, and personal growth. The story centers on the interconnected romantic feelings among the characters, particularly focusing on the bittersweet nature of loving someone who can’t return those feelings.
Characters: The ensemble cast is exceptionally well-developed, with each character bringing unique artistic talents and emotional depth. Takemoto, Mayama, Morita, Yamada, and Hagu each face their own romantic struggles and personal growth. The realistic portrayal of college-aged characters dealing with love, career uncertainty, and self-discovery creates deeply relatable and complex personalities.
Graphics: The animation beautifully captures the artistic atmosphere of the setting, with detailed depictions of various art forms and creative processes. Character designs are distinctive and expressive, particularly in conveying the emotional weight of unrequited feelings. The visual style effectively balances comedic moments with poignant dramatic scenes.
This anime excels at portraying the messy, complicated nature of real relationships. The exploration of unrequited love is handled with remarkable sensitivity, showing how people can love deeply while still respecting boundaries. It’s a mature take on romance that acknowledges not all love stories have happy endings, but still finds beauty in the connections we make.
10. Nodame Cantabile (2007)

Plot: The story follows Shinichi Chiaki, a perfectionist music student with dreams of conducting, and Megumi “Nodame” Noda, a free-spirited pianist with unconventional methods. Their relationship develops through their shared passion for music, with each character challenging the other to grow both musically and personally.
Characters: Chiaki’s uptight, perfectionist personality creates perfect contrast with Nodame’s carefree, intuitive approach to music and life. Their character development is intertwined with their musical growth, making their relationship feel organic and meaningful. Supporting characters from their music school add depth and variety to the romantic and comedic dynamics.
Graphics: The animation effectively captures the energy and emotion of musical performances, with detailed attention to instruments and conducting techniques. Character designs are distinctive and expressive, particularly during musical sequences. The visual representation of music through animation is particularly impressive and enhances the storytelling.
This anime successfully combines romance with a genuine love for classical music, creating a unique and engaging experience. The relationship between the leads develops naturally through their shared passion, making their romance feel authentic and meaningful. It’s a perfect blend of comedy, romance, and musical education that appeals to both music lovers and romance fans.
11. ef: A Tale of Memories (2007)

Plot: This complex narrative weaves together multiple love stories, exploring themes of memory, trauma, and the ways people connect with each other. The story follows several characters as they navigate relationships complicated by past trauma, memory loss, and the challenge of expressing their feelings.
Characters: The multi-layered character development is one of the series’ strongest points. Each character brings their own emotional baggage and personal struggles, creating complex relationships that feel realistic and deeply human. The way characters support and challenge each other creates compelling romantic dynamics that go beyond surface-level attraction.
Graphics: The animation is visually stunning, with artistic flair that matches the emotional depth of the story. The use of color, lighting, and visual metaphors creates a dreamlike quality that enhances the narrative’s exploration of memory and emotion. The art style effectively conveys the psychological complexity of the characters’ experiences.
This anime tackles heavy themes with remarkable sensitivity and artistic vision. The exploration of how trauma affects relationships and the power of human connection to overcome personal struggles is deeply moving. It’s a mature, sophisticated take on romance that rewards viewers with emotional complexity and visual beauty.
12. Nana (2006)

Plot: The story follows two young women, both named Nana, as they move to Tokyo and become roommates. One is a small-town girl chasing love, while the other is a punk rocker pursuing her music career. Their friendship is tested by romantic relationships, career pressures, and personal growth.
Characters: Both Nana characters are complex and flawed, making them incredibly relatable. Nana Komatsu’s romantic optimism contrasts with Nana Osaki’s guarded approach to relationships, creating a dynamic that explores different aspects of love and friendship. The male characters are equally well-developed, avoiding typical romance clichés.
Graphics: The character designs are distinctive and stylish, particularly in capturing the punk rock aesthetic and fashion choices. The animation effectively portrays both the glamorous and gritty sides of Tokyo life, with detailed attention to music venues and urban settings. The art style perfectly complements the mature themes of the story.
This anime stands out for its realistic portrayal of adult relationships and the challenges of maintaining friendships while pursuing romantic relationships. The raw, honest approach to depicting love, jealousy, and personal growth makes it feel authentic and emotionally powerful. It’s a mature series that doesn’t shy away from the complicated nature of real relationships.
13. Toradora! (2008)

Plot: Ryuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka, both with intimidating reputations, team up to help each other pursue their respective crushes. As they work together, their fake relationship gradually develops into genuine feelings, creating a classic enemies-to-lovers dynamic with depth and emotional payoff.
Characters: Despite their fearsome reputations, both Ryuji and Taiga are well-developed characters with relatable insecurities and personal growth. Ryuji’s gentle nature contrasts with his intimidating appearance, while Taiga’s aggressive exterior hides vulnerability and emotional depth. Their character development is realistic and satisfying.
Graphics: The animation quality is consistently high, with expressive character designs that effectively convey both comedic and emotional moments. The art style captures the high school setting well, with detailed backgrounds and smooth animation that enhances the storytelling. The visual comedy is well-executed without being over-the-top.
While sometimes overshadowed by other popular romance anime, Toradora! deserves recognition for its realistic portrayal of teenage relationships and personal growth. The slow-burn romance is beautifully developed, with both characters growing as individuals before coming together. It’s a perfect example of how enemies-to-lovers can be done with emotional depth and authenticity.
14. Lovely★Complex (2007)

Plot: The story follows Risa Koizumi, a tall girl, and Atsushi Otani, a short boy, who initially clash due to their height complex and opposing personalities. Their bickering relationship gradually evolves into friendship and eventually love, as they learn to accept themselves and each other.
Characters: Both leads are well-developed beyond their physical insecurities, with distinct personalities that create both conflict and chemistry. Risa’s outgoing nature and Atsushi’s stubborn pride create realistic relationship dynamics. Their personal growth as they learn to accept themselves and each other forms the emotional core of the series.
Graphics: The animation style is bright and energetic, perfectly suited for the comedic tone of the series. Character designs emphasize the height difference in creative ways that enhance both humor and romantic moments. The visual comedy is well-executed, using physical comedy and exaggerated expressions effectively.
This anime tackles body image issues and self-acceptance with surprising depth while maintaining a light, comedic tone. The relationship between the leads feels authentic as they work through their insecurities together. It’s a refreshing take on romantic comedy that shows how personal growth is essential for healthy relationships.
15. Natsuyuki Rendezvous (2012)

Plot: Ryosuke Hazuki, a young man who works at a flower shop, falls in love with his boss Rokka, a widow who is still emotionally attached to her deceased husband Shimao. The supernatural twist comes when Ryosuke can see and interact with Shimao’s ghost, creating a unique love triangle that explores themes of love, loss, and moving on.
Characters: The three main characters create a complex emotional dynamic that goes beyond typical romance tropes. Ryosuke’s genuine feelings for Rokka, Rokka’s struggle with moving on from her past, and Shimao’s desire to protect his wife while accepting his death create deeply human and relatable emotional conflicts.
Graphics: The animation is mature and sophisticated, with a muted color palette that reflects the bittersweet nature of the story. Character designs are realistic and expressive, particularly in conveying the emotional weight of the supernatural elements. The visual style effectively balances romantic moments with the melancholic atmosphere of the narrative.
This anime stands out for its mature handling of grief, love, and the process of moving forward after loss. The supernatural element is used thoughtfully to explore deep emotional themes rather than for mere fantasy. It’s a sophisticated, emotionally complex story that offers a unique perspective on love and relationships that most anime don’t attempt to tackle.
Conclusion
Underrated romance anime prove that the genre has incredible depth and variety beyond the mainstream hits. These 15 series bring unique perspectives, compelling characters, and emotional authenticity that make them worth discovering.
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