Fans of K-dramas fell in love with the romances, ups and downs, and memorable heartfelt moments. The narratives are unlike any Western dramas, which is part of the reason K-dramas became so popular. They hook their audience with perfectly paced rom-coms, heart-wrenching storylines, and the ability to pull a plot twist that nobody saw coming.
For any fan who is looking to expand their horizons and wants to explore anime, there are several that would stand out. Many anime series offer similar vibes and leave you sitting on the edge of your seat for the next episode. Whether you’re into lighthearted humor or shows that bring you along on a roller coaster of emotions, there’s an anime that perfectly aligns with any K-drama obsession.
8 True Beauty
True Beauty Has Meaningful Themes Behind Its Humor and Gripping Romance
True Beauty is a newer anime adapted from a manhwa under the same name. The series protagonist, Jugyeong Lim, struggled for a long time with self-esteem issues before she learned about makeup and became much more confident after becoming a cosmetics master. While the premise of makeup transforming Jugyeong’s life may sound a bit archaic and outdated on the surface, the series does an excellent job of addressing the issue of self-worth and finding confidence through a deeper exploration of outer and inner beauty.
However, before the series can resolve its themes, Jugyeong experiences a complicated double life and a love triangle between Suho Lee and Seojun Han. The series is full of romantic tension, deep and moving character arcs, and a protagonist whose journey is not only heartfelt but relatable and empowering for many fans. Overall, True Beauty is a lighthearted rom-com that doesn’t shy away from diving into serious issues with grace and understanding.
7 My Little Monster
Two Complete Opposites Have the Most Fun and Memorable Romance
My Little Monster is a Japanese anime series that centers on the unlikely relationship between the studious Shizuku Mizutani and the troublemaking Haru Yoshida. The series explores their evolving bond as they navigate high school life, friendships, and personal growth.
Release Date October 2, 2012
My Little Monster centers around the unlikely relationship between Shizuku Mizutani and Haru Yoshida. Shizuku is a studious and socially detached high school student who comes across Haru, her complete opposite and a notorious troublemaker. At first, Shizuku is solely focused on her academic goals, but Haru develops a strong attachment to her and significantly alters the course of her life as she begins to confront her own emotions.
My Little Monster has a memorable and loveable cast. Its fun and moving romance follows the opposites attract trope, with Shizuku’s more reserved personality and Haru’s chaotic energy. The growth and progression of their relationship alone is a reason to watch, but paired with the humor and romantic tension, it becomes a masterpiece. My Little Monster is another lighthearted anime that’s waiting to become someone’s next obsession.
6 Special A
Special A Is the Most Perfect Blend of Romance and Comedy
Special A centers around Hikari Hanazono, a highly competitive high school girl who is determined to surpass her childhood rival, Kei Takishima. Both are members of their prestigious school's elite "Special A" class, which is made up of the top seven students. From the beginning, it becomes evident that Hikari's obsession with outdoing Kei in every way often blinds her to his romantic feelings for her.
Like many other K-drama plots, this series thrives on a will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Kei and Hikari. Special A mixes in the perfect amount of unspoken soft moments between the leads as well as over-the-top romantic gestures. It is a feel-good anime and is perfect for anyone looking for a romance-driven rom-com.
5 Ouran High School Host Club
K-Drama Fans Who Prefer Comedy-Heavy Romances Will Love Ouran
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.
Release Date April 4, 2006
Franchise(s) Ouran High School Host Club
Creator(s) Bisco Hatori
Ouran High School Host Club follows Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at the prestigious Ouran Academy, who just so happens to stumble upon the Host Club and gets pulled into their antics. The Host Club consists of six handsome high school boys who entertain female students with their charisma, and after breaking an expensive vase, Haruhi is forced to join the club to repay her debt. The issue, however, is that none of the boys initially knew Haruhi was a girl, and once she joined the Host Club, they all worked to keep her gender a secret.
Ouran High School Host Club deserves a reboot that explores the rest of the manga. It'll also reach new audiences and provide closure to longtime fans
Ouran High School Host Club is full of memorable characters and eccentric plots and is known for challenging gender norms. It is a classic shojo anime that was ahead of its time and has a loyal fanbase that appreciates its comedic brilliance. Like any good K-drama, Ouran High School Host Club captures viewers’ hearts right from the beginning, and its slow-burn romance keeps fans rooting for more.
4 Nana
K-Drama Fans Who Prefer Mature Storylines Will Absolutely Fall in Love With Nana
Nana is a Japanese anime television series based on the manga of the same name by Ai Yazawa. The show follows the lives of two women named Nana who meet on a train to Tokyo and end up living together. While they share the same name, their personalities, ambitions, and backgrounds are vastly different, unfolding a narrative of friendship, love, and the pursuit of their dreams in the bustling city.
Nanais a mature anime that tells the story of two young women with the same name but vastly different personalities and dreams who happen to be on a train heading to Tokyo. Nana Komatsu has a bubbly personality and is a bit naive. She decides to move to Tokyo for a fresh start with her boyfriend. Nana Osaki is a fiercely independent punk-rock singer for a band called Black Stones, shortened as Blast, who is determined to make a name for herself in the music scene.
Despite their two wildly different backgrounds, they become roommates and form an unbreakable bond. As they navigate their adult lives, they experience romance, heartbreak, friendship, and all the complexities that come with entering the world. The storyline has raw, powerful moments and unforgettable touching sequences, making it one of the best anime dramas available, and it's certain to resonate with anyone.
3 Maid-sama!
Misaki and Usui Are Made for Each Other and Their Story Proves It
Maid Sama! follows Misaki Ayuzawa, the strict student council president of a formerly all-boys school, who secretly works part-time at a maid café. The show explores her struggles to maintain her tough image while balancing her hidden job and the growing attention from her classmate, Usui Takumi.
Release Date April 2, 2010
Maid-sama!centers around Misaki Ayuzawa, a hardworking and headstrong student council president of a once-all-boys high school. Misaki’s goal is to improve the school for its fellow female students, and he doesn’t hesitate to put the rowdier boys in check. However, unknown to her classmates, Misaki works in a maid café to support her family, and she believes her reputation is ruined when Tamaki Usui finds out. Tamaki is her school's most popular boy, and instead of exposing her secret, he takes a romantic interest in her.
K-drama fans will love Maid-Sama! for its strong heroine, romantic tension, and comedic charm. Misaki and Usui’s dynamic follows the classic push and pull of many K-drama couples where the leads challenge and complement each other equally. Anyone who enjoys character-driven storylines will find Maid-Sama! to be a perfect blend of comedy, heart, and romance.
2 Fruits Basket
K-Drama Fans Who Stick Around for the Drama and Mystery Will Eat Up Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket (2019) is an anime adaptation following Tohru Honda, a high school girl who ends up living with the mysterious Sohma family. She discovers that twelve members of the Sohma clan are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when embraced by the opposite sex. The series delves into the lives and challenges faced by the cursed members while exploring themes of acceptance, friendship, and personal growth.
Release Date April 6, 2019
Franchise(s) Fruits Basket
Creator(s) Yûichirô Kido , Natsuki Takaya
Seasons 3
Writers Natsuki Takaya
Fruits Basket follows the story of Tohru Honda, a kind-hearted high school girl who moves in with the Soma family after losing her mother and initially living in a tent. While staying with them, she quickly discovers a long-held secret about the Soma’s, finding out that some of them turn into animals from the Chinese Zodiac whenever they hug or bump into someone of the opposite sex. Yet, despite the absurd turn of events, Tohru swears to keep their secret and becomes a source of hope and inspiration to the family.
Fans will fall in love with Fruits Basketfor its ups and downs, complex characters, and slow-burn romance between the two leads. The anime often deals with heavy themes such as traumas, healing, personal growth, and what unconditional love can look like throughout the series. Be sure to have a box of tissues on hand because Fruits Basket is a masterpiece thatbrings you on a roller coaster of emotions.
1 Horimiya
Horimiya Is Perfect For Those Who Like Romance-Centered Plot Progression
Horimiya follows high school students Kyoko Hori and Izumi Miyamura, who lead contrasting lives both in and out of school. As they uncover each other's hidden sides, their relationship grows deeper, revealing the complexity and warmth behind their facades.
Horimiyais a heartwarming and romance-driven story about two high school students who discover there’s more to each other than what meets the eye. Kyouko Hori is a popular and outgoing girl at school and a responsible caretaker for her younger brother at home. The male lead, Izumi Miyamura, appears shy and unassuming at school but secretly has a rebellious side with tattoos and piercings, which unintentionally attracts Hori's attention. Horimiya is centered around the blossoming romance between these two leads and also includes touching side stories from the supporting cast.
Horimiya is a wholesome and heartfelt story of young love between two students who least expected each other. The series captures the charm of K-dramas through its deep exploration of relationships with lighthearted and emotional moments. The relationship between Hori and Miyamura develops organically, with the narrative examining how they discover more about each other and themselves in a genuinely authentic way.
Custom image by Casandra Ronning
English (US) ·