Best Romance Anime of 2024, Ranked

Summary

• Animes in 2024 offered unique romance storylines with well-written characters and good animation.
• “Days With My Stepsister” defies expectations with a mature step-sibling dynamic and realistic romance.
• “Dandadan” combines action, supernatural elements, and genuine romance for an enjoyable watch.

It’s not a stretch to say that 2024 was one of the best years for anime, though that’s something that can be said for most of the past few years. Every time, studios and writers surprise viewers with more and more anime released, new and old, adaptations and originals, that continue to wow the audience.

The romance genre is no different, with new adorable and spicy titles appearing each year. It can be hard keeping up with every single one, but watching the best ones is worth the time investment. The more anime that are released each year, the more the chances of some true gems coming out.

8

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian

An Unlikely Union

• Episodes: 12
• Release Date: July 3, 2024
• Studio: Doga Kobo

The plot of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian might sound unique, but the twist stops being relevant quite fast. The female lead’s propensity to mutter things in Russian — a language that the male lead happens to know as well — quickly vanishes and only crops up every now and again for the sake of the plot. However, that’s not to say that the anime is not enjoyable, it’s just to curb viewer expectations who might start watching the anime thinking it will be true to its initial hook throughout the runtime.

The trope of a perfect female lead and a lazy or anti-social male main character make a dynamic duo that are hard not to cheer on. The show is a slow burn with great comedy, good animation, and incredible side characters that steal the spotlight at times. It’s a good watch for viewers who are fans of the romance genre.

7

Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again

A Look At Old Love & Young Love

• Episodes: 11
• Release Date: April 7, 2024
• Studio: Gekkou

The melancholy of time passing is something that everyone can relate to, regardless of their current age. After all, time passes for everyone equally. In Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again, an aging couple eat a mysterious golden apple that suddenly makes them young again. This ignites the couple’s passion once more, and hijinks and romance ensue.

The biggest draw of this series is the heartwarming episodic stories that might seem meandering to an outside viewer, but serve great purpose for those who are invested in watching them. The relationship of the couple is a central part of the story, but it isn’t the only thing that the anime focuses on. The reaction of those around them, and their relationships with their neighbors and grandchildren, are a source of entertainment as well.

6

Days With My Stepsister

Absolutely Not a Dumpster Fire

• Episodes: 12
• Release Date: July 4, 2024
• Studio: Studio Deen

Although the title of the newest work by Studio Deen might raise red flags for veterans of the genre, Days With My Stepsister is not a disaster at all. The dynamic between the two step-siblings is surprisingly well-written and is quite mature for a topic that is usually subject to crude interpretation in modern media.

This anime is a realistic romance with good pacing between two strangers who are brought together due to their unique circumstances. It deals with their emotions quite well and maintains a calming atmosphere throughout the show that is supported by the wonderful music.

5

Dandadan

Aliens and Spirits Haunt The Realm

• Episodes: 12
• Release Date: October 4, 2024
• Studio: Studio SARU

Dandadan is primarily an action series that focuses on the occult and supernatural, but the romance within the show is well-fleshed out and interesting. The supernatural aspects act as the main driving force for the story, while romance takes a backseat where it slowly flourishes, though it is no less compelling because of this.

The female lead, Momo, believes in ghosts, while the male lead, Okarun, believes in aliens. Turns out, they’re both right, and both factions are out to get them. It’s a great anime for laughs and doesn’t take itself too seriously, though it isn’t afraid to throw in emotional moments. The romance doesn’t feel forced, and the gorgeous animation is a treat for the eyes.

4

Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!

Beautiful Friendships of the ‘Side’ Character

• Episodes: 12
• Release Date: July 14, 2024
• Studio: A-1 Pictures

A modern iteration of the male harem trope, Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! follows a self-proclaimed background character who gets involved in the love lives of multiple girls and helps them through their trials and tribulations. The show can feel a little too realistic at times, but that’s exactly the charm of the anime.

It gives the viewers an interesting premise that isn’t normally seen in other titles in the genre. It flips the male harem trope and chooses to focus on the platonic friendships between the characters more than the romance, giving it a unique feel. Its unique art style helps it stand out from other anime, and the way it handles relationships makes viewers stick around after the initial hook.

3

Dangers in My Heart (Season 2)

Character Development to the Max

• Episodes: 13
• Release Date: January 7, 2024
• Studio: Shin-Ei Animations

Season 2 of Dangers in my Heart builds upon the initial premise, and slowly but surely improves the tried and tested formula. The gradual change in the personality of the main character is incredible, and it is a treat to follow. As he comes to terms with his feelings for the female lead, he changes in major ways, making his initially unlikeable character a lot better.

This progression is rewarding for the viewer, especially since it doesn’t feel forced. Every step feels as natural as the previous one, and the story takes full advantage of that.

2

Kimi no Todoke: From Me to You (Season 3)

A Satisfying Conclusion

• Episodes: 5
• Release Date: August 1, 2024
• Studio: Production I.G.

Kimi No Todoke is a classic romance anime that nobody expected to get, but everyone welcomed with open arms. Season 2 ended with the two main characters finally getting together, and the third season picks up soon after, with the original voice cast coming back to finish their old project.

Instead of a will-they, won’t-they romance, season three gives the viewers a wholesome relationship that has bloomed and is at its height. It has a wonderful ending, and the writing didn’t degrade in the decade between seasons two and three. The comedy is as good as always, and it is a good end to one of the greats. It is one of the best high school romance anime, and fans of the genre should give it a chance if they haven’t already.

1

Blue Box

Love-Inspiring Hard Work

• Episodes: 25
• Release Date: October 3, 2024
• Studio: Telecom Animation Film

A combination of two genres, Blue Box merges sports and romance to create a blend that has appeal for a wide audience. The male lead is a badminton player who practices daily to get a chance to see his crush, who plays basketball. Slowly but surely, their interactions lead them to develop feelings for one another.

The show balances the two genres well, though fans of one genre might not enjoy the presence of the other one that much. Yet, it has great animation, fantastic voice acting, and a good score that all culminate in a ten out of ten viewing experience. In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Blue Box is a classic in the making, though time will tell if it perseveres long enough for that to happen.