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Anime has a special way of telling love stories, using amazing animation to blend comedy, action, and even fantasy elements into romantic tales. One of the best ways for newcomers and busy fans to watch anime is single-season shows. In just 12 to 24 episodes, these shows are able to deliver captivating romance stories that are self-contained, leaving a lasting impact without the commitment of a long-running series.
Fans looking for an emotional rollercoaster to fans looking for a lighthearted romantic comedy, there is something for everyone in the world of single-season romance anime. Short romance anime are masters at weaving love into their stories. From happy and comical to the tear-jerking and heart-wrenching, single-season romance anime explores a wide range of emotions and romantic relationships, making them the perfect bingeworthy experience.
10 Skip And Loafer
Animated By P.A. Works, Based On The Manga By Misaki Takamatsu
A recent addition to the romance anime world, Skip and Loafer is a high school romance with a slice-of-life touch. The story revolves around Mitsumi Iwakura, a smart but socially awkward girl from the countryside, and her blossoming friendship with the popular Shima Sousuke. What sets Skip and Loafer apart from other romance anime is that it has a very grounded and almost charming portrayal of teenage insecurities and the slow-burn romance between two very different personalities.
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Skip and Loafer does not rush into any romantic clichés, but instead follows the characters through small and everyday interactions. Mitsumi's earnestness and ambition clash with Shima's nonchalant attitude, making their chemistry feel realistic. With this unique and authentic-feeling character development, lighthearted humor, and slow-burn romance, Skip and Loafer is a wholesome watch that captures the innocence and excitement of young love.
9 Orange
Animated By Telecom Animation Film & TMS Entertainment, Based On The Manga By Ichigo Takano
Orange is a Japanese anime series that follows high school student Naho Takamiya, who receives a letter from her future self urging her to prevent a tragic event involving her classmate Kakeru Naruse. As Naho and her friends grapple with their emotions and decisions, they must navigate the complexities of friendship and love to change their fates and protect Kakeru's future.
Character(s) Naho Takamiya / Naho , Kakeru Naruse / Kakeru , Hiroto Suwa / Suwa , Takako Chino , Saku Hagita , Azusa Murasaka / Azusa , Takako , Suwa , Naho , Azusa , Kakeru Naruse , Hagita , Nagasaka
Release Date July 2, 2016
Creator(s) Ichigo Takano
Orange dives into the themes of regret, friendship, and love in a romance with a time travel twist. The story follows Naho Takamiya, a high school girl who receives a letter from her future self, warning her about the choices she will make. As Naho reads the letter, she learns that her future is filled with regret, especially concerning a transfer student named Kakeru Naruse. Determined to change the future, Naho and her friends set out to protect Kakeru from a tragic end.
While Orange is filled with romantic undertones, it also dives into deeper issues like depression and the importance of friendship. The romance between Naho and Kakeru is tender but tinged with the sadness of knowing what might happen if they don't act on time. Orange is full of both light and dark moments, weaving a story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. For those who enjoy romantic anime with intense emotional depth and supernatural elements, Orange is a must-watch.
8 Golden Time
Animated By J.C. Staff, Based On The Light Novel By Yuyuko Takemiya & Ēji Komatsu
Cast Yui Horie , Jun'ichi Yanagita , Kanehira Yamamoto , Makoto Furukawa , Taishi Murata , Ai Kayano , Kaito Ishikawa , Ibuki Kido , Takahiro Hikami , Saori Goto , Shizuka Itoh , Harumi Sakurai , Shino Shimoji , Risa Taneda , Kouji Takahashi , Mari Shiraishi , Atsushi Kosaka , Daiki Yamashita , Satomi Sato , Takayuki Kondo , Takako Honda , Maina Shimagata , Hironori Saitoh , Meiko Kawasaki , Kengo Kawanishi
Character(s) Kouko Kaga (voice) , Hosshii-senpai (voice) , Police officer 2 (voice) , Banri Tada (voice) , Koba (voice) , Nana Hayashida (voice) , Mitsuo Yanagisawa (voice) , Chinami Oka (voice) , Nijigen-kun (voice) , Sao-chan (voice) , Shi-chan (voice) , Reina (voice) , Female student C (voice) , Recruiter (voice) , Man A (voice) , Tea club member B (voice) , Male senior A (voice) , Freshman 1 (voice) , Nana-senpai (voice) , Kosshii-senpai (voice) , Banri's mother (voice) , Female student 2 (voice) , Teacher (voice) , Nurse (voice) , Kazuya (voice)
Release Date October 3, 2013
Network MBS
Directors Chiaki Kon , Yoshitaka Koyama , Makoto Sokuza , Hiromichi Matano , Shu Honma , Tomohiro Matsukawa , Hideaki Nakano , Yoshikata Nitta , Masako Sato , Riki Fukushima
Golden Time is a unique romance anime because of its focus on university life rather than high school. The story follows Banri Tada, a freshman who has lost all memories of his past because of an accident. As he starts over in university, he meets Koko Kaga, an eccentric and obsessive girl who is still hung up on her high school crush. As Banri helps Koko with her unrequited feelings, they slowly develop a deep connection of their own.
The show's mature take on romance and the complexities of moving on from the past make Golden Time an emotional watch.
What makes Golden Time unique is its exploration of identity and memory. Banri's struggle to reconcile his lost past with his present self creates tension in his romantic life, as he grapples with lingering feelings for a girl from his forgotten past. Meanwhile, Koko undergoes major character development from someone who is insanely self-centered into someone capable of genuine love. The show's mature take on romance and the complexities of moving on from the past make Golden Time an emotional watch.
7 Shikimori's Not Just A Cutie
Animated By Doga Kobo, Based On The Manga By Keigo Maki
Cast Hiro Shimono , Ayaka Fukuhara , Saori Onishi , Kouichi Souma , Misato Matsuoka , Shuichiro Umeda , Kaito Ogawa , Haruka Aikawa , Mizuki Yuina , Emiri Suyama , Yu Okano , Hana Hishikawa , Reo Osanai , Yuki Nakashima , Mai Kobayashi , Natsu Yorita , Haruki Asada , Arisa Kinami , Saho Shirasu , Yurina Amami , Hikaru Iida , Ayato Morinaga , Kouki Osuzu , Tomohiro Ono , Fuka Izumi
Character(s) Fuji Shikimori (voice) , Ai Kamiya (voice) , Miyako Shikimori (voice) , Man in the Stall (voice) , Kyo Nekozaki (voice) , Yuuki Izumi (voice) , Male Student (voice) , Female Student (voice) , Boy (voice) , Little Girl (voice) , Girl (voice) , Japanese Gal 2 (voice) , Japanese Gal 1 (voice) , Man (voice)
Release Date April 10, 2022
Network tv asahi , ABC TV , Nagoya TV , HTB , ABEMA , Animazing!!!
Writers Misuzu Chiba
Directors Kim Seong-min , Geisei Morita
Producers Mitsuhiro Ogata , Sho Tanaka , Reo Kurosu , Hajime Kamata , Makoto Furukawa , Satoshi Motonaga , Yohei Takami , Emiko Iijima , Nobuhiko Kurosu , Masahiro Hibi , Kanako Tada
Shikimori's Not Just A Cutie takes the typical gender dynamics of romance anime and flips them in a hilarious and adorable way. The story focuses on the relationship between Izumi, an unlucky high school boy who always finds himself in accidents, and his girlfriend Shikimori, who is more than just the cute, doting girlfriend she appears to be. While Shikimori is very sweet and caring, she is incredibly capable, and steps up to protect Izumi in dangerous and awkward situations.
The anime is full of playful yet heartfelt interactions between Shikimori and Izumi. The role reversal, where the girl is the "cool" and protective one, adds a refreshing twist to typical romance anime tropes. Shikimori is cute and cool at the same time, while Izumi is sincere and softhearted, making their relationship endearing. The anime is a lighthearted rom-com with a nice mixture of sweetness and action, making it a feel-good watch for any romance fan.
6 Toradora!
Animated By J.C. Staff, Based On The Light Novel Series By Yuyuko Takemiya & Yasu
Toradora! is an anime series that revolves around the unique friendship between Ryuuji Takasu, a kind-hearted high school student with an intimidating face, and Taiga Aisaka, a diminutive yet fierce girl. Together, they navigate their respective love interests, forming an unexpected bond while helping each other pursue their romantic goals. The series blends comedy, drama, and romance in a high school setting, offering a heartwarming and nuanced narrative.
Cast Erik Scott Kimerer , Cassandra Lee Morris , Christine Marie Cabanos , Johnny Yong Bosch , Erika Harlacher
Release Date October 2, 2008
Seasons 1
Franchise(s) Toradora!
Writers Mari Okada
Directors Tatsuyuki Nagai
Creator(s) Yuyuko Takemiya
One of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time, Toradora! tells the story of two high school students, Ryuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka, who team up to help each other win over their crushes. Ryuji is a nice boy with an intimidating face, while Taiga is a short but fiery girl with a tough exterior. As they plan to support each other's love lives, they slowly begin to realize that their feelings might be shifting toward each other.
Toradora! is amazing at showing character development and emotional depth. While it begins with plenty of comedic moments and misunderstandings, it gradually explores more serious themes like self-worth, family dynamics, and the complexities of teenage emotions. The combination of humor, heartfelt moments, and character-driven storytelling makes it a must-watch for any romance fan. Toradora! is simply one of the best tsundere romance anime, making it a must-watch.
5 The Ice Guy And His Cool Female Colleague
Animated By Zero-G & Liber, Based On The Manga By Miyuki Tonogaya
The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague is a romantic comedy anime that began as a manga by Miyuki Tonogaya. The series follows icy office worker Himuro, a descendant of a long line of superhuman beings that can manipulate the cold. Despite his snowy disposition, Himuro is kind, but when his emotions improve, it often leads to icy hijinx in the workplace. Now smitten with a colleague who inadvertently causes him to lose control of his power regularly, Himuro attempts to open up and win her affection.
Cast Yui Ishikawa , Chiaki Kobayashi , Koki Uchiyama , Yumi Uchiyama , Caitlin Glass , Austin Tindle , Kristen McGuire , Lee George
Release Date January 4, 2023
Seasons 1
Writers Tomoko Konparu
Directors Mankyū
For fans of workplace romances, The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague offers a great blend of supernatural elements and romance. The story centers on Himuro, a descendant of a snow spirit who involuntarily creates snowstorms and ice whenever he experiences strong emotions, and his calm, cool-headed coworker, Fuyutsuki. Despite his frosty nature, Himuro is a warm-hearted individual, and his crush on the composed Fuyutsuki adds a layer of sweetness to the story.
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Himuro’s awkwardness and over-the-top reactions when it comes to Fuyutsuki are adorable, while Fuyutsuki’s quiet, gentle nature complements him perfectly. The supernatural elements add a whimsical touch to the story, but at its core, it is a story about finding balance and connection. The blend of comedy, fantasy, and romance makes The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague a fresh take on the workplace romance genre.
4 Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku
Animated By A-1 Pictures, Based On The Manga By Fujita
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for an Otaku is a romantic comedy series that explores the romantic relationships of otaku, or passionate fans of anime and gaming, in the workplace. The show centers around childhood friends Narumi and Hirotaka, who navigate the complexities of love and friendship while embracing their geeky interests. The series delves into the challenges and delights of finding romance as an adult with otaku hobbies.
Cast Arisa Date , Kento Ito , Miyuki Sawashiro , Tomokazu Sugita , Yûki Kaji , Aoi Yuki
Release Date April 12, 2018
Seasons 1
Franchise(s) Wotakoi: Love is Hard for an Otaku
Writers Fujita
Directors Yoshimasa Hiraike
Creator(s) Fujita
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku takes a hilarious and heartwarming look at romance in the adult world of otaku culture. The series follows two couples who work in the same office. But the main couple is Narumi, a fujoshi who hides her love for BL (boys' love) manga, and her childhood friend Hirotaka, a gaming enthusiast. As they start dating, they bond over their shared otaku interests, learning how to get through the challenges of adulthood and romance while indulging in their geeky hobbies.
There is an OVA for Wotakoi titled Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii OVA. It is 3 episodes long and focuses on the start of Hanako and Kabakura's relationship when they were in high school.
The romance between Narumi and Hirotaka is refreshing because of their maturity and the mutual respect they share. The secondary couple, Hanako and Kabakura, add another layer to the show, portraying the ups and downs of a more established relationship. With its workplace setting, adult cast, and balance of romance and comedy, Wotakoi is the perfect anime for fans looking for something beyond the typical high school love stories.
3 Yuri!!! On Ice
Original Anime Series By Studio MAPPA
Yuri on Ice is a Japanese anime series focused on the competitive world of figure skating. The storyline follows Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki, who grapples with his career and personal challenges while being mentored by his idol, Russian champion Viktor Nikiforov. The series delves into the intricate dynamics of competition, mentorship, and personal growth within the context of a high-stakes sport.
Cast Jessie James Grelle , Jerry Jewell , Evgeni Plushenko , Micah Solusod
Release Date October 6, 2016
Seasons 1
Writers Sayo Yamamoto , Mitsuro Kubo
Directors Sayo Yamamoto , Jun Shishido
Creator(s) Sayo Yamamoto , Mitsuro Kubo
Though famously one of the best sports anime, Yuri!!! On Ice also features a beautifully crafted romance between two male figure skaters, Yuri Katsuki and Victor Nikiforov. The show follows Yuri, a struggling Japanese skater, and Victor, a world-renowned champion who becomes his coach. As they train together, a deep and emotional bond forms between them, blurring the lines between professional partnership and romantic attraction.
The relationship between Yuri and Victor is portrayed with tastefulness and respect, giving viewers realistic LGBTQ+ representation in anime.
What makes Yuri!!! On Ice so impactful is the way it normalizes and celebrates its same-sex romance. The relationship between Yuri and Victor is portrayed with tastefulness and respect, giving viewers realistic LGBTQ+ representation in anime. Beyond the romance, the series also has amazing views of the intense world of figure skating, with stunning animation and choreography that bring the sport to life. The show’s themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and love make it a powerful and inspiring watch.
2 Ouran High School Host Club
Animated By Bones, Based On The Manga By Bisco Hatori
Ouran High School Host Club is a 2006 anime series centered around Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at the prestigious Ouran Academy. Mistaken for a boy, Haruhi joins the school's Host Club, where handsome boys entertain female students. The series explores themes of friendship, identity, and social class, and features a diverse cast of characters including the charming Tamaki Suoh and the stoic Kyoya Ootori.
Cast Caitlin Glass , Vic Mignogna , J. Michael Tatum , Todd Haberkorn , Greg Ayres , Luci Christian , Travis Willingham
Release Date April 4, 2006
Seasons 1
Franchise(s) Ouran High School Host Club
Writers Yoji Enokido
Directors Takuya Igarashi
Creator(s) Bisco Hatori
A classic in the romance comedy genre, Ouran High School Host Cub is a beloved reverse harem anime that combines romance, humor, and a healthy amount of absurdity. The show is set in the prestigious Ouran Academy, where Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student, accidentally stumbles into the school's elite Host Club, which is a group of handsome boys who entertain female customers. After breaking a valuable vase, Haruhi is forced to work for the club, posing as a boy to pay off her debt.
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The charm of Ouran High School Host Club comes from its amazing characters. From the princely Tamaki to the mischievous twins Hikaru and Kaoru, the Host Club members give the viewers many laughs and romantic moments to watch. As Haruhi learns how to be a host, she forms deep connections with each member, particularly with Tamaki, who slowly realizes his feelings for her. The series balances lighthearted comedy with moments of emotional sincerity, making it a timeless favorite for fans of romantic comedies.
1 Your Lie In April
Animated By A-1 Pictures, Based On The Manga By Naoshi Arakawa
Your Lie in April follows Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy who loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother's death. His life changes when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a spirited violinist who helps him rediscover his passion for music. The series explores themes of loss, recovery, and the power of music in healing. The show stars Natsuki Hanae as Kousei and Risa Taneda as Kaori.
Cast Max Mittelman , Erica Lindbeck , Erica Mendez , Kyle McCarley , Erik Scott Kimerer , Erika Harlacher , Stephanie Sheh , Wendee Lee , Carrie Keranen , Christina Vee
Release Date October 9, 2014
Seasons 1
Franchise(s) Your Lie in April
Writers Takao Yoshioka
Directors Kyohei Ishiguro
Creator(s) Naoshi Arakawa
Your Lie in April is a heart-wrenching romance that combines music, love, and loss in a story that leaves a lasting impact on the viewers. The anime follows Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy who loses his ability to hear the sound of the piano after his mother's death. His world, once filled with music, becomes gray and quiet until he meets the vibrant and free-spirited violinist, Kaori Miyazono. Kaoir's love for music and her unyielding passion slowly pulls Kousei back into the world of music, and in the process, he finds himself falling in love with her.
Your Lie in April is a series filled with tragedy, which is why it's surprising that the story is ultimately so life-affirming. The end result is a series that's difficult not to binge. Your Lie in April isn't just one one of the best short romance anime, it's one of the best anime series of all time.
English (US) ·