Summary
Crunchyroll’s selected assortment of romance anime is as follows:
There’s a lot to choose from but only so many days in the month, so with this in mind, here are just a few of our recommendations for what shows to check out. Whether one is aiming to cross off a classic that’s been languishing on their watchlist or looking to stumble into something new, it’s hard to go wrong with this list.
Kaguya-sama: Love is War
A1 Pictures truly hit the jackpot with this one. Mamoru Hatakeyama directs this quirky comedy about two model students whose mutual infatuation turns young love into a battle of attrition. Miyuki and Kaguya are both at the top of their class and they both like one another, but there’s no way that either of them will confess before the other; to do so would mean losing the “war.”
So begins an absurd and delightful love story elevated by a colorful supporting cast and a narrator who gives off very different but equally hilarious vibes whether one opts for sub or dub. The series consists of three seasons and a movie, all of which are streaming on Crunchyroll. As of the time of writing, there’s no confirmation of a fourth season, but fans attest there is still more content to be adapted, so now’s a good time to hop on the bandwagon.
Sasaki and Miyano
As a genre, Boys Love has evolved a lot in recent years, eschewing some of the more problematic trends that have bogged it down and getting more high-profile adaptations.Sasaki and Miyanoisone such series that has received heaps of praise, not only for its bucking of toxic trends but its overall bubbly and wholesome slow-burn romance.
The anime comes from director Shinji Ishihira (Log Horizon,Eden Zero) and Studio DEEN (Fate/Stay Night,Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju). It follows Yoshikazu Miyano, a boy who enjoys BL manga, who is being bullied until the intervention of Shumei Sasaki, a delinquent with whom Miyano becomes infatuated. What begins as Miyano lending comics to Sasaki grows into a relationship that neither of them could have anticipated.
Kimi ni Todoke
With the recent announcement of a third seasonafter over a decade-long hiatus,Kimi ni Todokecouldn’t be a more apt classic to watch/revisit, even if the new season won’t be on Crunchyroll. The first two seasons were animated by Production I.G (Ghost in the Shell) and directed by Hiro Kaburagi (Great Pretender,91 Days).
The series follows Sawako Kuronuma, a girl whose shy nature combined with her appearance has invited an unfortunate comparison between her and Sadako from the horror series,The Ring. When she meets Shouta Kazehaya, however, she begins to come out of her shell thanks to him treating her normally. But it will take more than a few new friends to give her the confidence to confront her feelings for the boy who helped her.
Ouran High School Host Club
LikeKimi ni Todoke, this series was also left unfinished, yet unlike it,Ouran High School Host Clubdoesn’t seem to be getting a continuation anytime soon. That doesn’t make this show any harder to recommend, though. This is one of the all-time greats, from one of the best studios and one of the best directors. Its English dub alone serves as a time capsule of an all-star cast that gives it their all.
When Haruhi accidentally breaks an expensive vase, she has to pay it off by pretending to be a boy and joining the Ouran Host Club, which entertains the female students through tea parties. This collection of archetypal pretty boys turns out to be far more than their one-dimensional roles would suggest thanks to a witty and heartfelt narrative.Everything that makes Takuya Igarashi an excellent directoris here, from his balance of tone to his adept use of visual comedy.
Snow White with the Red Hair
Shirayuki works as an herbalist in her hometown, but when Prince Raji hears of her unusually bright red hair, he wants her for himself. Not wishing to abandon her dreams, she runs away. Along the way, she meets Zen, another prince, who helps her find a new home. What starts as a friendship grows into one of the most natural and healthy relationships in anime. The English dub is especially worth checking out for Brina Palencia and Jesse Grelle’s performances alone.
LikeOuran,Snow White with the Red Hairis a Bones production, this time directed by Masahiro Ando, a director commonly known for his work on action shows and films. Where other directors might feel like a fish out of water, Ando takes it in stride,demonstrating the qualities of a truly versatile director. There is stillsomeaction, but it’s not the main event. Although, when it does happen, it serves the character drama brilliantly. By far, this series is one of the most underrated.
