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Published Apr 9, 2026, 6:01 PM EDT
Hannah is a senior writer and self-publisher for the anime section at ScreenRant. There, she focuses on writing news, features, and list-style articles about all things anime and manga. She works as a freelance writer in the entertainment industry, focusing on video games, anime, and literature.
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Shojo anime has always held a special place in the medium, blending emotional storytelling, character-driven narratives, and romance that resonates across generations. Now, Crunchyroll’s latest curated list of must-watch shojo titles highlights both timeless classics and modern standouts, offering something for longtime fans and newcomers alike. It’s a mix that reflects how the genre has evolved while staying true to its roots.
From heartfelt high school romances to sweeping historical epics, this list from Crunchyroll captures the full range of what shojo can deliver. Whether you’re looking for slow-burn relationships, strong heroines, or deeply personal character growth, these ten titles represent some of the most compelling storytelling in anime today. Here’s a closer look at each standout entry and why they’ve earned their place.
Yona of the Dawn
Yona of the Dawn is still one of the most celebrated shojo anime adaptations, originally airing in 2014 with 24 episodes. It follows Princess Yona, whose life is shattered after a betrayal forces her into exile. What begins as a story of survival quickly evolves into a powerful tale of transformation and leadership.
Yona’s journey is what sets the series apart. She begins as sheltered and naive but gradually becomes a determined and capable leader. Alongside her loyal bodyguard Hak and the legendary Dragon Warriors, she builds a found family dynamic that strengthens the narrative emotionally and thematically.
The anime blends political intrigue with adventure, offering more than just romance. Its world-building and character arcs elevate it beyond typical shojo fare. Even years after its release, fans still call for a second season, a testament to its enduring popularity.
Visually, the series stands out with its vibrant historical setting inspired by Korean culture. The balance between action, emotional stakes, and character growth makes it a cornerstone of modern shojo anime.
Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket is often considered one of the defining shojo series, especially after its full reboot adaptation from 2019 to 2021, which spans 63 episodes. The story centers on Tohru Honda, an orphaned girl who becomes entangled with the mysterious Sohma family and their zodiac curse.
What makes the series exceptional is its emotional depth. Each member of the Sohma family carries trauma, and the narrative carefully unpacks their struggles with identity, acceptance, and healing. Tohru’s unwavering kindness acts as a catalyst for change.
Romance plays a central role, but it never overshadows the psychological themes. The relationships are layered, evolving naturally across seasons. The love triangle between Tohru, Kyo, and Yuki is handled with nuance and emotional maturity.
The reboot’s animation quality and faithful storytelling elevated the original material, bringing closure to long-time fans. It’s widely regarded as a benchmark for how to properly adapt a beloved manga.
A Sign of Affection
A Sign of Affection, released in 2024, quickly became one of the most talked-about modern shojo anime. The story follows Yuki, a college student who is deaf, and her growing relationship with Itsuomi, a well-traveled and open-minded classmate.
What sets this series apart is its focus on communication. Sign language is central to the narrative, and the anime takes care to depict it authentically. This adds a layer of realism rarely seen in romance-focused anime.
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The pacing is gentle, allowing moments to breathe. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the series emphasizes small, meaningful interactions that build emotional connection. This makes the romance feel genuine and grounded.
Its soft color palette and expressive character animation complement the story’s tone. It’s a modern shojo that reflects contemporary relationships while remaining deeply heartfelt.
Snow White with the Red Hair
Snow White with the Red Hair aired between 2015 and 2016 with two seasons totaling 24 episodes. It tells the story of Shirayuki, a herbalist with striking red hair who forges her own path after escaping an unwanted royal marriage.
Unlike traditional fairy tales, Shirayuki is not defined by romance alone. She is independent, intelligent, and driven by her passion for medicine. Her relationship with Prince Zen develops gradually, built on mutual respect rather than dependency.
The series emphasizes personal growth and ambition. Both Shirayuki and Zen evolve as individuals while supporting each other’s goals. This balanced dynamic is one of the anime’s strongest elements.
Its fantasy setting is rich yet grounded, avoiding excessive drama in favor of steady character development. The result is a calm, uplifting story that remains a favorite among shojo fans.
Honey Lemon Soda
Honey Lemon Soda is a newer addition to the shojo anime lineup, gaining attention for its relatable depiction of teenage insecurity and growth. The story centers on Uka Ishimori, a shy girl trying to reinvent herself in high school.
Her relationship with Kai Miura, known for his lemon-colored hair and laid-back attitude, becomes the driving force of the story. Rather than a typical “popular boy saves shy girl” narrative, the series focuses on Uka’s gradual self-confidence.
The emotional core lies in its authenticity. Uka’s struggles with communication and self-worth feel genuine, making her journey resonate strongly with viewers. Her growth is incremental, which adds realism to her character arc.
The anime’s bright aesthetic contrasts with its deeper emotional themes, creating a visually stunning and heartfelt experience.
Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You.
This recent romantic drama explores the complexities of young love through multiple perspectives. Centered on a story childhood friends navigating evolving feelings, Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You. leans into emotional tension and shifting dynamics.
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01
Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) became one of the most-watched anime on Crunchyroll. The story takes place in a world where humanity lives behind massive walls to protect themselves from giant humanoid creatures. What are these creatures called?
AKaiju BTitans CHollows DDemons
✓ Correct! The giant humanoid creatures are called Titans. In the original Japanese, they’re referred to as “Kyojin” (giants). Eren Yeager’s quest to destroy all Titans after they breach Wall Maria became one of the most gripping storylines in anime history.
✗ That answer needs more filler training! The answer is Titans. Kaiju are giant monsters from Japanese cinema like Godzilla, Hollows are the enemy creatures in Bleach, and Demons appear in series like Demon Slayer. In Attack on Titan, these towering humanoid creatures are specifically called Titans.
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02
Studio MAPPA has become one of the most prominent anime studios in recent years, producing several massive hit series. Which of these popular anime was NOT produced by MAPPA?
AJujutsu Kaisen BAttack on Titan: The Final Season CChainsaw Man DDemon Slayer
✓ Correct! Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) is produced by ufotable, not MAPPA. Ufotable’s stunning animation quality — especially the breathtaking fight sequences — became a hallmark of the Demon Slayer franchise. MAPPA produced Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan: The Final Season, and Chainsaw Man.
✗ That answer needs more filler training! The answer is Demon Slayer. Demon Slayer is animated by studio ufotable, renowned for its gorgeous visual effects. MAPPA has produced Jujutsu Kaisen, took over Attack on Titan: The Final Season from WIT Studio, and animated Chainsaw Man.
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03
Solo Leveling became a massive hit anime in 2024 after being one of the most popular manhwa (Korean comics) in the world. The story follows a weak hunter who gains the unique ability to level up. What is the protagonist’s name?
AJin-Woo Sung BSung Jin-Woo CKim Dokja DYoo Joonghyuk
✓ Correct! Sung Jin-Woo is the protagonist of Solo Leveling. Originally the weakest E-Rank hunter, he gains the power of the mysterious System, allowing him to level up infinitely. His transformation from the “World’s Weakest Hunter” to the most powerful Shadow Monarch captivated millions of readers and viewers.
✗ That answer needs more filler training! The answer is Sung Jin-Woo. Jin-Woo Sung reverses the name order (Korean names place the surname first). Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk are protagonists from Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, another popular Korean series. Sung Jin-Woo is the iconic Shadow Monarch of Solo Leveling.
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04
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards celebrate the best in anime each year. Which anime won Anime of the Year at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards?
AJujutsu Kaisen Season 2 BFrieren: Beyond Journey’s End COshi no Ko DVinland Saga Season 2
✓ Correct! Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End won Anime of the Year at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. This beautifully contemplative series about an elven mage reflecting on mortality and the passage of time after her hero party’s quest ends charmed audiences and critics alike with its unique, introspective storytelling.
✗ That answer needs more filler training! The answer is Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. While Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, Oshi no Ko, and Vinland Saga Season 2 were all critically acclaimed, it was Frieren’s meditative exploration of time, memory, and connection that captured the top prize at the 2024 ceremony.
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05
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is consistently rated as one of the greatest anime of all time. The story follows two brothers who attempted a forbidden alchemical technique. What taboo did Edward and Alphonse Elric commit?
ACreating gold BHuman transmutation (trying to revive their dead mother) CDestroying a Philosopher’s Stone DKilling a homunculus
✓ Correct! Edward and Alphonse attempted human transmutation to bring their deceased mother back to life. The attempt failed catastrophically — Edward lost his left leg and then sacrificed his right arm to bind Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armor. This event drives the entire series as they search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies.
✗ That answer needs more filler training! The answer is human transmutation — specifically, attempting to resurrect their dead mother. In the world of FMA, human transmutation is the ultimate taboo in alchemy. The brothers’ failed attempt cost Edward his limbs and Alphonse his entire body, setting the stage for their epic journey.
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06
Spy x Family became a worldwide phenomenon with its wholesome yet action-packed story of a found family. The father, Loid Forger, is secretly a spy. What is his spy codename?
AAgent Dusk BTwilight CShadow DNightfall
✓ Correct! Loid Forger’s spy codename is Twilight, and he’s considered the top agent of Westalis’s intelligence service, WISE. His mission, Operation Strix, requires him to build a fake family — leading him to adopt the telepathic Anya and marry the assassin Yor, creating one of anime’s most beloved found families.
✗ That answer needs more filler training! The answer is Twilight. Agent Dusk and Shadow are fictional names, while Nightfall is actually the codename of another WISE agent, Fiona Frost, who has a crush on Loid. Twilight is Westalis’s greatest spy and the heart of Spy x Family’s charming story.
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07
Crunchyroll merged with another major anime streaming service to become the dominant platform for anime. Which streaming service was absorbed into Crunchyroll?
ANetflix Anime BFunimation CHIDIVE DAnimeLab
✓ Correct! Funimation was merged into Crunchyroll after Sony’s acquisition of Crunchyroll from AT&T in 2021. The merger consolidated the anime streaming market, bringing Funimation’s massive library of dubbed anime together with Crunchyroll’s simulcast catalog, making Crunchyroll the world’s largest dedicated anime platform.
✗ That answer needs more filler training! The answer is Funimation. Netflix Anime is part of Netflix and operates independently, HIDIVE is Sentai Filmworks’ streaming service, and AnimeLab was a smaller Australian service. Funimation — once Crunchyroll’s biggest rival — was fully absorbed into the Crunchyroll platform.
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08
Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli are legendary in the anime world. Miyazaki’s final film was released in 2023 and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. What is the title of this film?
ASpirited Away 2 BThe Wind Rises CThe Boy and the Heron DPonyo Returns
✓ Correct! The Boy and the Heron (Kimitachi wa Dō Ikiru ka) was released in 2023 and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2024. The deeply personal, surrealist fantasy film was widely considered Miyazaki’s farewell masterpiece, exploring themes of grief, imagination, and the passage between worlds.
✗ That answer needs more filler training! The answer is The Boy and the Heron. Spirited Away 2 and Ponyo Returns don’t exist. The Wind Rises was Miyazaki’s previous “final” film from 2013. The Boy and the Heron marked his true farewell, winning the Oscar and cementing his legacy as anime’s greatest storyteller.
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Romance here isn’t straightforward. It’s messy, uncertain, and deeply human. Mizuho and her all-male friend group grapple with timing, jealousy, and personal growth, making the story feel grounded despite its dramatic elements. Its introspective tone and focus on emotional realism set it apart from more conventional shojo romances.
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk stands out for its unique premise, following Yoi Takiguchi, a girl often mistaken for a boy due to her princely demeanor. Her life changes when she meets Kohaku, who sees her for who she truly is.
The series challenges traditional gender expectations within shojo storytelling. Yoi’s identity and how others perceive her become central themes, adding depth beyond a typical romance.
Her relationship with Kohaku is refreshing. Rather than forcing her to change, he appreciates her individuality, creating a dynamic built on acceptance and understanding. The storytelling balances romance with self-discovery, making it one of the more nuanced entries on this list.
Tamon’s B-Side
Tamon’s B-Side offers a fresh twist on idol culture, focusing on the dual lives of performers behind the scenes. The story follows a fan who discovers the true personality of her favorite idol, Tamon.
Instead of glamorizing the industry, the series explores its pressures and contradictions. Tamon’s off-stage persona contrasts sharply with his public image, creating an engaging character study.
The romance develops through this duality, as the protagonist learns to reconcile her expectations with reality. It’s a thoughtful look at fandom and authenticity. Its blend of humor, drama, and introspection makes it a standout among newer shojo titles.
Hana-Kimi
Hana-Kimi remains a beloved classic, known for its gender-bending premise and comedic energy. The story follows Mizuki, a girl who disguises herself as a boy to attend an all-boys school and be closer to her idol, a high jumper.
The series thrives on its chaotic humor and ensemble cast. Each character adds to the lively atmosphere, creating a memorable and entertaining experience.
Despite its comedic focus, the story also explores identity and belonging. Mizuki’s secret creates emotional tension, particularly in her relationships with classmates. Its influence can still be seen in modern shojo series, cementing its legacy within the genre.
Champignon Witch
Champignon Witch brings a more whimsical and fantastical tone to the list. Centered on a young witch living in a mushroom-filled forest, the story blends slice-of-life elements with gentle magic.
The narrative focuses on everyday encounters and quiet emotional moments rather than high-stakes conflict. This slower pace allows for rich world-building and character introspection.
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Themes of loneliness, connection, and self-acceptance run throughout the series. The protagonist’s interactions with visitors to her forest gradually shape her understanding of herself. Its unique aesthetic and calming storytelling make it a refreshing addition to the Crunchyroll shojo lineup.
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