For centuries, shoujo stories have been considered an exclusively female genre. In addition to incorporating various sub-genres over time, shojo titles have now become popular with all genders and among the best shoujo animes. In Japanese, shojo means “girl” or “young woman”. The target audience is easily assumed to be teenage girls and young women. Interestingly, the majority of shoujo artists were male since the first shoujo magazine was published in 1903. Women only started emerging from the shadows in the 1960s, as a result of postwar events, American TV shows, and women’s empowerment.
Shoujo genre was created to fulfill a personal need: women and young girls were finally put in the spotlight and their daily struggles and romantic interests, which were usually ignored, were finally given the attention they deserved, allowing for enjoyment and fulfillment.
55. Best Shoujo Animes: Oshi no Ko
- Directors: Daisuke Hiramaki
- Writer: Aka Akasaka
- Cast: Megumi Han, Manaka Iwami
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
- Streaming Details: Ani-One Asia
Oshi no Ko is a compelling story that starts in the glamorous world of entertainment before swiftly delving into a world of sinister turns and complicated human nature. The well-liked idol Ai Hoshino, who has an angelic smile, is secretly expecting twins.
When he becomes her obstetrician, her loyal fan, a country doctor named Gorou, is unintentionally drawn into her life. However, when Gorou is killed and reborn as one of Ai’s children, keeping all of his memories, fate takes an odd turn. He and his twin, Ruby, grow up together and traverse the brutal entertainment business, seeing its glitz, treachery, and harsh realities. The anime explores themes of identity, ambition, and the extent people will go to in order to achieve their goals.
54. Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp
- Directors: NA
- Writer: Yuin
- Cast: Yui Ishikawa, Daisuke Ono, Hiro Shimono
- IMDb Rating: 6.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
In Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp, an engaging tale of atonement and second chances is told. Once a self-centered and arrogant princess, Elise de Clorance dies and then reincarnates as Dr. Song Ji Hyun, a talented surgeon in the modern era. But she’s in for more from fate. Elise is thrown back into her former life as the royal princess after becoming an expert in the medical field.
Equipped with cutting-edge medical expertise and a renewed sense of modesty, Elise embarks on a mission to change her history. She turns her once-maligned reputation into that of a kind healer by using her surgical expertise to save lives. She negotiates tense relationships, court intrigue, and romantic tension with Linden, the crown prince, along the way.
53. Wolf Girl And Black Prince
- Directors: NA
- Writer: Ayuko Hatta
- Cast: Takahiro Sakurai, Kanae Itô, Ai Kayano
- IMDb Rating: 6.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
Wolf Girl and Black Prince is an entertaining, cute, romantic animation about Erika, a high school student who pretends to have a boyfriend in order to blend in with the girls, but when she meets Sata—the popular but aloof boy she says is her boyfriend—her entire world is turned upside down.
As they become closer, Erika learns that Sata isn’t as cold as he first appears to be, and they both learn how to deal with the difficulties of trust and love. It’s a must-watch for lovers of lighthearted and unpredictable romance because it’s plenty of drama, laughs, and adorable moments.
52. I’m In Love With the Villainess
- Directors: Hideaki Oba
- Writer: Inori
- Cast: Yû Serizawa, Karin Nanami, Ciarán Strange
- IMDb Rating: 7
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
I’m in Love with the Villainess is an amazing anime with a refreshing take on the romance and isekai genres. It centers on Rei Oohashi, a regular office worker who dies suddenly and reincarnates into Revolution, her favorite otome game. But rather than falling in love with the game’s attractive male protagonists, Rei is totally captivated by Claire François, the villain. Rei’s audacious attempt to win Claire’s affection is endearing and humorous.
To Claire’s dismay, she obstinately declares her love, upending the normal dynamics of the otome game world. Rei’s devotion to Claire allows the misinterpreted “villainess” to show her more sensitive, softer side as she defies social expectations.
51. Shoujo Animes: Vampire Knight
- Directors: NA
- Writer: Matsuri Hino
- Cast: Mamoru Miyano, Yui Horie
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
Vampire Knight is an anime about captivating romance and mystery that takes place at the Cross Academy, a school that is secretly divided into two classes: the classes in the day were for humans, and the classes in the night were for vampires.
The protagonist of the story is Yuki Cross, the headmaster’s adopted daughter, who acts as a mediator to maintain harmony between the two worlds. Yuki’s life is greatly impacted by her complicated relationships with two enigmatic vampires. Pureblood vampire Kaname Kuran has been her protector ever since he saved her life as a child. Her fellow Guardian, Zero Kiryu, despises vampires because they destroy his family, despite his struggle with his transformation into a vampire.
50. Say “I Love You”
- Directors: Toshimasa Kuroyanagi
- Writer: Kanae Hazuki
- Cast: Ai Kayano, Takahiro Sakurai, Nobunaga Shimazaki
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
In the anime Say I Love You, after years of hurt, Mei Tachibana, a girl who has erected barriers around her heart, finds herself attracted to the most popular guy in school, Yamato Kurosawa. After saving Mei from a stalker at her work, they become friends and slowly develop feelings that make each of them face their anxieties and be vulnerable.
49. The Ancient Magus’ Bride
- Director: Norihiro Naganuma
- Writer: Kore Yamazaki
- Cast: Atsumi Tanezaki, Ryôta Takeuchi, Kôki Uchiyama
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
The Ancient Magus’ Bride is a moving and mesmerizing voyage into a realm where human frailty coexists with magic and mystery. The narrative centers on 15-year-old Chise Hatori, who has faced rejection and a great deal of adversity throughout her life. She sells herself at an auction because she feels desperate and unworthy and thinks she has no place in the world. However, when a tall, skull-faced sorcerer named Elias Ainsworth buys her with the goal of using her as both his apprentice and his bride, her life takes an unexpected turn.
48. Best Shoujo Animes: Paradise Kiss
- Directors: Kobayashi
- Writer: Ai Yazawa
- Cast: Yu Yamada, Kenji Hamada
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
Paradise Kiss explores love and self-discovery against the vibrant backdrop of the fashion industry. Yukari Hayasaka, a high school student who has spent her entire life fitting in with social expectations and feeling pressured to succeed academically, is the story’s protagonist.
Her ordinary life takes an unexpected turn when she is scouted by a group of eccentric fashion design students from a small, independent brand called Paradise Kiss. The Paradise Kiss team persuades Yukari to model for an upcoming fashion show under the captivating and mysterious direction of George Koizumi. It is full of intense, contentious, and maturing moments that highlight the complexity of relationships in real life, making George and Yukari’s relationship particularly fascinating.
47. Honey and Clover
- Directors: Kenichi Kasai
- Writer: Chika Umino
- Cast: Haruka Kudô, Tomokazu Sugita, Hiroshi Kamiya
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
Honey and Clover anime centers on a group of college students navigating the complex worlds of relationships and self-discovery. The story is beautifully written, keeping a fine balance between humor and subtle emotional undertones.
The protagonists of the story are Yuuta Takemoto, a kind and sincere architecture student, and his friends, the cheerful Ayumi Yamada, the sardonic Shinobu Morita, and the astute Takumi Mayama. The arrival of Hagumi Hanamoto, a prodigy with exceptional artistic talent but a sensitive temperament, changes their lives. Honey and Clover is a moving story about friendship, love, and the difficulties of maturing that takes place in an art college.
46. Clannad
- Directors: Osamu Dezaki
- Writer: Jun Maeda
- Cast: Yûichi Nakamura, David Matranga, Luci Christian
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
Clannad follows the life of Tomoya Okazaki, a delinquent who feels detached from the world around him. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Nagisa Furukawa, a shy girl who dreams of reviving the school’s drama club. Together, they face personal challenges and uncover the hidden scars in each other’s lives, building a connection that changes them forever. With its tale of finding light in the darkest moments, its theme revolves around family, friendship, and redemption.
45. Best Shoujo Animes: Nodame Cantabile
- Directors: Kenichi Kasai
- Writer: Tomoka Ninomiya
- Cast: Laura Bailey, Yuri Lowenthal, Bryce Papenbrook
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
In Nodame Cantabile, the protagonists of the tale are Nodame, a peculiar, untidy piano prodigy who lives life on her own chaotic terms, and Chiaki, a perfectionist who aspires to become a conductor but who is unable to achieve success due to his fear of flying. Their worlds come together in a touching and humorous way. She gives off the impression of being a careless girl who lacks purpose in life. But when Shinichi first hears Nodame play the piano, he is impressed by the type of music she produces. Shinichi, on the other hand, is devastated to learn that Nodame is her neighbor and, worse, develops feelings for him.
44. Snow White With Red Hair
- Directors: NA
- Writer: Sorata Akiduki
- Cast: Saori Hayami, Ryota Asaka
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
The anime Snow White with Red Hair tells the enchanting story of Shirayuki, a herbalist with striking red hair that captures everyone’s attention, including the arrogant Prince Raji, who demands she become his concubine. Refusing to lose her freedom,
Shirayuki cuts her hair and starts a new beginning by escaping to the neighboring kingdom, where her courage and determination lead her to Zen, a kind-hearted prince. It shows Shirayuki’s journey toward a new life at Clarine’s royal palace, as well as Zen’s effort to become a prince worthy of his title. Their meeting marks the beginning of a journey filled with mutual respect, personal growth, and a bond that slowly blossoms into a tender romance.
43. My Happy Marriage
- Directors: Takehiro Kubata
- Writer: Akumi Agitogi
- Cast: Reina Ueda, Kaito Ishikawa, Damien C. Haas
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
My Happy Marriage is a masterfully written story about love and resiliency that takes place in a historical fantasy setting. The narrative centers on Miyo Saimori, a young woman from an aristocratic family who is shunned because she lacks supernatural skills.
After years of abuse and neglect at the hands of her real father, stepmother, and stepsister, Miyo’s life takes a sudden turn when she is set up to wed Kiyoka Kudou, a distant and aloof military officer who has turned down every one of his past suitors. Miya sets out on a quest for self-discovery with her husband, who is battling her own insecurities, in a society where marital happiness is determined by externally imposed standards.
42. Best Shoujo Animes: Special A
- Directors: Scott Gensch
- Writer: Maki Minami
- Cast: Yûko Gotô, Jun Fukuyama, Hitomi Nabatame
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
Special A is one of those anime that feels like a warm hug mixed with a good dose of laughter and friendly rivalry. It’s about Hikari Hanazono, a girl who’s always been super competitive, especially when it comes to Kei Takishima. She’s tried to compete with him ever since they were kids because she could not beat him in a match, but he’s just too perfect at everything. She, in her quest to beat him at anything, doesn’t realize that Kei’s not just enjoying the competition but he’s head-over-heels for her and will even try her food after her worst cooking skills are on display!
41. Ore Monogatari!!
- Directors: NA
- Writer: Kazune Kawahara
- Cast: Takuya Eguchi, Megumi Han, Nobunaga Shimazaki
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
Ore Monogatari is a tale about Takeo Gouda, this super tall, strong guy with a heart of pure gold. But everyone’s always scared of him because he looks so intimidating. Plus, his super handsome best friend, Makoto, always gets all the girls’ attention.
After saving Rinko from getting assaulted, Takeo falls deeply in love with her. Unfortunately, he suspects that she may be interested in Makoto. Despite his romantic feelings for Rinko continuing to flourish, Takeo decides to act as his cupid, even when he longs for his own love story.
40. Youko X Boku SS / Inu X Boku Secret Service
- Author: Cocoa Fujiwara
- Genre: Shojo manga
- Volumes: 11 (List of volumes)
- Episodes: 12 + OVA (List of episodes)
Ririchiyo, a young woman with a sharp tongue, makes the decision to leave her privileged and protected life. At Maison de Ayakashi, she moves in. Some of the strangest people she has ever encountered live in this gated apartment building.
However, the only prerequisite for living in the complex is that a Secret Service agent must always be with you. That should be sufficient to give you a general idea of what comes next. The cartoon is your standard rom-com-style cartoon.
However, the anime series does depart from its inspiration. Let’s just say that while some viewers enjoyed the episodes with a completely different plot, others felt the ending was a little underwhelming.
39. Itazura Na Kiss / ItaKiss
- Author: Kaoru Tada
- Volumes: 23
- Published by: Shueisha
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Genres: Shojo manga, Romantic comedy, Romance
Itazura Na Kiss is your typical high school love story. Another series to consider if you want something light to watch. Kotoko is forced to share the roof with Naoki when an earthquake destroys her recently constructed home.
Kotoko also happens to have a crush on Naoki, to whom she once made an attempt to confess her feelings. She was, however, ignored by him. Kotoko believes she has a second chance to fall in love with him now that she is residing in his house.
Shoujo fans all over the world have mixed feelings about the show. While some people enjoy watching the characters develop, others find it annoying.
38. Love Me. Love Me Not
- Volumes: 12 (List of volumes)
- Genre: Coming-of-age; Drama; Romance;
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
Ah, those were the days when finding love seemed so simple! Omoi, Omoware, Furi, and Furare are excellent illustrations of various viewpoints on love.
Akari is realistic, while Yuna is a hopeless romantic. Kazuomi is a moron, and Rio thinks finding love is as simple as judging a book by its cover. Each character has certain standards they hold for themselves and the people they date or have crushes on.
Eventually, they do discover a youthful romance and a connection. Io Sakisaka is the author and illustrator of the series, which is a manga adaptation of the same name.
37. Fushigi Yuugi Series / Mysterious Play
- Demographic: Shōjo
- Genres: Fantasy, Isekai, Romance novel
Fushigi Yuugi is on our list because of its entertaining plot! when Miaka and Yui are carried away to a mysterious world in “The Universe of the Four Gods”.
They are sent back in time to the time of the Suzaku God, where Miaka becomes one of his priestesses. For her to grant Suzaku’s three requests, she must call upon all celestial warriors. Yui has been manipulated by the evil Seiryuu God nation’s rulers into becoming their priestess.
In an effort to go back to their original worlds, the two friends who are at war struggle to keep their friendship intact. The anime series, which had 56 episodes overall and was released in the years 1995–1996, had a different art style.
36. Shugo Chara! Series / My Guardian Characters
- Author: Peach-Pit
- Genres: Shojo manga, School story, Fantasy
The main character of Shugo Chara! To become the “would-be” self is Amu Hinamori’s goal. Three vividly colored eggs appear on her bed, fulfilling her wish.
The eggs develop into Character Eggs that help people become the versions of themselves they envision. When Amu must deal with the Characters’ Eggs surrounding her, her life takes an unexpected turn.
Amu is recruited by the Seiyo Elementary Guardians’ new personalities to seal the X Characters and Eggs. These are debased representations of people’s dreams. This anime could be considered a guilty pleasure if you want to investigate a straightforward yet intriguing shoujo plot.
35. Nijiiro Deizu / Rainbow Days
- Episodes: 24 (List of episodes)
- Volumes: 15 + 1 spin-off (List of volume)
- Genre: Romance, Slice of life
Nijiiro Deizu is another one of our picks for heartwarming anime. Natsuki, Hashiba, Tomoya, and Keiichi are the four high school boys whose lives are followed in the narrative. They are all dating and enjoying their time in high school to the fullest.
But Natsuki is devastated when his girlfriend leaves him on Christmas Eve. When a young woman wearing a Santa Claus outfit offers him some tissues, Natsuki falls for Anna at once.
Natsuki overcomes significant obstacles to win Anna over with the aid of his friends. Given that they are all teenagers, the show was well received. In contrast to the other series on the list, this one is very easy to watch and soothing.
34. Best Shoujo Animes: Your Lie In April
- Director: Kyōhei Ishiguro
- Writer: Takao Yoshioka
- Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Risa Taneda
- IMDb Rating: NA
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix
When Ohtonashi wakes up one day, he finds that he is dead. The only thing he remembers is that he is named Ohtonashi. The afterlife is actually a high school in which the students must overcome the traumas experienced in their previous lives in order to be reincarnated. The manga was the inspiration for it.
33. Best Shoujo Animes: Blue Spring Ride
- Director: Ai Yoshimura
- Writer: Tomoko Konparu
- Cast: Maaya Uchida, Yūki Kaji
- IMDb Rating: 5.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
- Streaming Details: Netflix
A young girl falls in love with a middle school teacher named Tanaka when he’s in middle school. That’s the story of Futaba in Blue Spring Ride.
Their love story sadly came to end when Tanaka moved away. Her feelings for this boy were revived when he suddenly reappeared at her high school, and she had almost forgotten about him. The two must learn how to reconnect since Tanaka has changed since they last saw each other.
32. I Want To Let You Know That I Love You
- Director: Tetsuya Yanagisawa
- Writer: Tetsuya Yanagisawa
- Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Hiroshi Kamiya
- IMDb Rating: 6.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: NA
An adolescent group navigates love, and everything that comes with it, in this movie. In the beginning, Natsuki confesses her love to Yu, but once she realizes that he hasn’t reciprocated her feelings, she laughs it off, but it’s really not a joke, and two of her other friends get her to admit her real feelings for him.
Despite his shyness, Koyuki is determined to agree with Natsuki despite his own feelings for her. As a result, the group dynamics will change considerably. Anime such as this one will bring back your memories of first loves and how awkward they can be. This anime has got romance
31. Kimi Ga Nozomu Eien / Rumbling Hearts
- Episodes: 14 (List of episodes)
- Music by: Ken’ichi Sudō; Yoshiki Minami; Ado .
- Original run: October 5, 2003 – January 4, 2004
- Studio: Studio Fantasia
An anime series called Rumbling Hearts blends slice-of-life romance with genuine human emotions and circumstances. The tale of four friends with a lovable friendship is found in Kimi ga Nozomu Eien.
The typical high school romance plot begins until one of them enters a coma, which negatively affects their friendship. Following that, the series’ characters explore a variety of emotions, including love, betrayal, aspirations, and escapism.
The right amount of drama and emotional elements are present in Kimi ga Nozomu Eien, causing the story to be exceptionally well-written. This high school romance is just as desirable as any other.
30. Uta No Prince Sama / Prince Of Song Series.
- Author: Wataru Yoshizumi
- Publisher: Bandai
- Genre: Shojo manga
- Episodes: 76
2010 saw the initial release of the PlayStation Portable game Uta no Prince Sama. Uta No Prince Sama was later adapted into a manga series, in contrast to the standard source material for any anime adaptation.
Uta No Prince Sama: Maji Love 1000%, an anime adaptation, was released in 2011, and three sequels followed in the following years, as well as an animated movie in 2019. This high school romance is just as desirable as any other.
For her favorite idol, Haruka Nanami aspires to become a songwriter and composer.She is accepted into a prestigious music program that will help her realize her aspirations. Haruka is now surrounded by teachers who are either their own personal idols or outstanding role models.
29. Shoujo Animes: Fruits Basket 2nd Season
- Director: Natsuki Takaya
- Writer: Hakusensha
- Cast: Yuuma Uchida, Manaaka Iwami
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix
The original Fruits Basket is almost 20 years old now, with the first episode airing in 2001, and is still so popular that the series has continued into this decade.
The premise of high school friendships, coming-of-age themes, and people turning into certain animals in the lunar zodiac continues with this most recent season of episodes that aired in 2020 under the title Fruits Basket 2nd Season.
These episodes focus on Tooru Honda and her time spent with the Souma family, in particular Kyou and Yuki. Tensions rise among the young friends as their relationships strengthen and the Eternal Banquet approaches, in which all the signs of the zodiac must play a vital part.
28. Best Shoujo Animes: Glass Mask
- Director: Gisaburō Sugii
- Writer: Toshitaka Tsunoda
- Cast: Seo Woo, Lee Ji-hoon
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Amazon Prime
It feels as if Maya Kitajima will be stuck managing a busy restaurant forever. Chigusa Tsukikage, the legendary diva, recognizes her talent and hires her as her scout. Ayumi Himekawa has always gotten what she wants despite her rich and famous parents.
However, Ayumi has always wanted recognition for her own skills and talents. In a play of the same name, both girls are competing for the role of The Crimson Goddess, meaning they have to pitch their talents against each other.
27. Best Shoujo Animes: Marmalade Boy
- Author: Wataru Yoshizumi
- Publisher: Bandai
- Genre: Shojo manga
- Episodes: 76
The 1992 manga by Wataru Yoshizumi, Marmalade Boy, was made into an anime. After a trip to Hawaii, Miki’s parents decide to get divorced, placing her in an odd situation. There, she meets Matsuura Yuu by chance, a charming boy she soon develops feelings for.
Miki keeps falling for Yuu despite the fact that he might end up being her stepbrother. Given its great humor and intriguing characters, many people find this strange story to be entertaining to watch. For the novice shoujo fan, this one may or may not be a hit.
The 76-episode television series debuted in Japan in 1994 and ran there until 1995. The series’ final tankobon format debuted in the same year.
26. Best Shoujo Animes: Sailor Moon
- First episode date: 7 March 1992 (Japan)
- Networks: All-Nippon News Network, Seven Network, TV Asahi
- Final episode date: 8 February 1997
- Genres: Anime, Magical girl, Drama, Adventure, Action fiction, Fantasy, Animation
- Language: Japanese
No anime fan who grew up in the 1990s hasn’t seen or at least heard of Sailor Moon, which has one of the best theme songs ever. Fans of the Sailor Scouts will undoubtedly remember this magical girl adventure whether they watched the original or the more recent Sailor Moon Crystal retelling of the tale.
25. Shoujo Animes: Waiting In The Summer
- Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
- Writer: Yōsuke Kuroda
- Cast: Kaori Ishihara, Kana Asumi
- IMDb Rating: 7
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix, AppleTV
Trying out the new camera Kaito Kirishima got one night after he got it. He is doing fine until something crashes from the sky and hits him, knocking him unconscious. A new girl arrives at his school the next day who looks oddly familiar to him.
He wonders if everything was just a dream, until he sees this girl. A strange turn of events leads to him moving in with this girl who crashes onto him the night before.
In addition to the awkwardness, spying, and soul searching, there’s just enough supernatural style to make it worth binge-watching.
24. Revolutionary Girl Utena
- Director: Kunihiko Ikuhara
- Writer: Yōji Enokido
- Cast: Rachael Lillis, Kunihiko Ikuhara, Roxanne Beck
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
This anime adaptation of Revolutionary Girl Utena has been hailed as an early precursor to Puella Magi Madoka Magica, in theme, concept, and imagery, according to some fans. Follows a girl with one goal in mind: becoming a prince called Utena Tenjo.
A game of violent duels is drawn to her at Ohtori Academy, where she aspires to become the Rose Bride Anthy Himemiya. Anthy is trapped inside the academy and Utena sets out to free him and to figure out what lies behind the academy’s secrets.
23. Best Shoujo Animes: Orange
- Director: Hiroshi Hamasaki
- Writer: Yuko Kakihara
- Cast: Kana Hanazawa, Seiichirō Yamashita
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix
Ten years into the future, Naho Takamiya receives a letter containing a mysterious message from herself. The letter can’t be denied as authentic as it describes the event in detail, including the addition of a new student. She confesses some regrets to her future self, particularly her treatment of the new student. This time she should do the right thing.
When time travel is involved, a story can quickly become complex, so in order to be handled properly, it requires some solid foundations, which is the case in Orange. There is romance in this anime. You will wish that this series would never end since the story is so well-written and the characters are so lovable.
22. My Little Monster
- Director: Hiro Kaburaki
- Writer: Noboru Takagi
- Cast: Atsumi Tanezaki, Tatsuhisa Suzuki
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix
An anime adaptation of the manga written and illustrated by My Little Monster was released in 2012. A cheerful and delinquent boy named Haru Yoshida is paired up with a socially awkward girl named Shizuku Mizutani. The two love each other and work hard to obtain academic success.
21. Best Shoujo Animes: From Up On Poppy Hill
- Director: Gorō Miyazaki
- Writer: NA
- Cast: Masami Nagasawa, Jun Fubuki, Keiko Takeshita
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
- Streaming Details: Netflix
Over the years, Hayao Miyazaki produced many amazing movies and earned a reputation as a story genius. Probably one of the best films of the year is From Up on the Poppy Hill. An idyllic boarding school is about to be torn down in preparation for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, but a group of girls and boys try to save it.
Beautiful, poignant, and inspiring, the story conveys a greater sense of hope and optimism. From Up on Poppy Hill is sure to be a favorite of anyone who has enjoyed Miyazaki’s work.
20. The Wallflower
- Director: Shinichi Watanabe
- Writer: Tomoko Hayakawa
- Cast: Kazuya Kamenashi, Yuya Tegoshi
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Amazon Prime
An ugly girl named Sunako is the focus of the novel The Wallflower, which is about the first and only person to whom she confessed her love. Due to this incident, Sunako shuns all forms of beauty, both in her personal life and in her professional career.
Sunako’s aunt, who owns a mansion where four handsome high school students reside (for free), becomes concerned about Sunako’s change for the worse and demands the boys to remake her into the “perfect lady,” otherwise, they will have to leave.
When it comes to breaching their agreement, they will be given a deadline and will either need to pay a lump sum cash or evict the premises.
19. Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun
- Director: Mitsue Yamazaki
- Writer: Yoshiko Nakamura
- Cast: Ari Ozawa, Yuichi Nakamura
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix
Shiyo Sakura is infatuated with Umetarou Nozaki, another classmate. When Chiyo confesses her love, however, things do not turn out as she hoped: Nazoki mistakenly thinks she’s a fan and offers to sign an autograph, but she insists and tells him she wants them to be together.
He invites Chiyo to his house not knowing how to react, where he reveals that he is a famous shoujo manga artist. The two end up working together.
Watching an anime with characters who love anime is something you will enjoy if you love sweet stories. There is romance in this anime.
18. Best Shoujo Animes: Angel Beats!
- Director: Seiji Kishi
- Writer: Jun Maeda
- Cast: Blake Shepard, Brittney Karbowski
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 77%
- Streaming Details: Netflix
Upon waking up one day, Toonashi learns that he is in fact dead. His only recollection of his previous life is his name. There is actually an afterlife school where students are required to remember and learn how to overcome the trauma from their previous lives if they want to be reincarnated.
It can be difficult to deal with what happened to you when you were alive when all the other students are just as traumatizing.
17. His And Her Circumstances
- Director: Hideaki Anno
- Writer: Hideaki Anno
- Cast: Chihiro Suzuki, Atsuko Enomoto
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix
Her good grades and immaculate appearance make Yukino Miyazawa a favorite among classmates in Japanese high schools. Nevertheless, in anime, her “perfect” exterior is merely an egocentric charade that keeps her in the spotlight.
Having spoiled herself, she is a slob, spoiled, and she is obsessive and relentless about her school work. Soichiro Arima, a handsome young man who she considers a threat to the praise she thrives on, knocks Yukino off the top of the class when she starts high school, and she vows to destroy him.
Upon confessing his crush on Yukino to Soichiro, he is rejected then boasts about it at home. She is prompted to rethink her feelings of rivalry with him after looking at her little sister Kano, who observes that her rivalry is fueled by admiration.
16. Kodomo No Omocha
- Director: Akitaro Daichi Hiroaki
- Writer: Miho Maruo Ryusuke
- Cast: Jerry Jewell, Chris Cason
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
- Streaming Details: GoGoAnime
From the ’90s, this series is classic. Sana Kurata, a sixth-grader who stars in a TV program called Kodomo no Omocha, or Kodocha for short, appears in the series. At first glance, Sana’s life appears perfect, but she soon clashes with the school bully in her homeroom, Akito Hayama who is a popular boy.
The pair become closer as the series progresses, as Sana does not let Akito run the class with his gang of boys.
15. Best Shoujo Animes: Kimi Ni Todoke
- Director: Hiroshi Hamasaki
- Writer: Tomoko Konparu
- Cast: Mamiko Noto, Daisuke Namikawa
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix
Taking place in Hokkaido, the story follows the life of a young girl. She has always been feared because of the resemblance between her appearance and the main character of The Ring; rumor has it that she is cursed and can see ghosts. Sawako Kuronuma, a 15-year-old high school freshman, is referred to by her classmates as Sadako because of her resemblance to the main character.
Though she appears unassuming, she is actually a sweet and friendly girl who only desires to help; having been shunned for so long, she has completely given up on making friends. A boy, Kazehaya, who is popular, begins carrying on a conversation with her.
14. Bloom Into You
- Director: Makoto Katō
- Writer: Jukki Hanada
- Cast: Luci Christian, Amber Lee Connors
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
- Streaming Details: Netflix
Her whole life, Yuu has loved shoujo manga and has been waiting for someone to express their love to her. She is unaffected by the confession of love from a classmate.
As Yuu begins her first year of high school, she is confused and unsure as to why she behaved in such a strange way. Then she meets Nanami, a girl who just turned down a suitor, with so much confidence that Yuu asks for advice. Her next confession of love would come from Nanami.
13. Skip Beat!
- Director: Kiyoko Sayama
- Writer: Mayori Sekijima
- Cast: Ivy Chen, Donghae
- IMDb Rating: 7.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Amazon Prime
Skip Beat! has Kyoko Mogami as its lead. For her childhood friend and long-time crush Shotaro Fuwa, she works hard.
Although she has worked countless part-time jobs to help her friend, he still views her as nothing more than a servant. As Kyoko tries to break into the entertainment industry, the show follows her trials and tribulations!
12. Best Shoujo Animes: Lovely Complex
- Director: Konosuke Uda
- Writer: Konosuke Uda
- Cast: Akemi Okamura, Yasuhiko Tokuyama
- IMDb Rating: 8
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
It’s still one of the top shojo romantic comedies nearly 15 years after it first came out. The story revolves around the unusual pairings of Risa Koizumi (a 172cm tall girl) and Atsushi Otani (a 156cm tall boy).
To the delight of their friends, the pair is frequently treated as a comedy duo. They will have to cut through jokes, drama, and their mismatched height to realize their attraction once they become close friends and begin to fall in love.
11. Maid Sama!
- Director: Hiroaki Sakurai
- Writer: Mamiko Ikeda
- Cast: Nobuhiko Okamoto, Ayumi Fujimura
- IMDb Rating: 8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
- Streaming Details: Hulu
Royalty is commonly insulated from the realities of the lands they rule. Neither Princess Yona nor Princess Kouka is different from each other in this regard in the anime Maid Sama! A betrayal by Yona’s cousin Su-won threatens her life following the death of the king.
Misaki Ayuzawa is the first female student council president of her once all-boys school, meaning she’s got her hands full managing a bunch of unruly teenage boys.
As Yona flees the palace with Son Hak’s help, she discovers a kingdom rife with poverty and corruption despite appearing peaceful from the outside. The restoration of Kouka’s former splendor is Yona’s responsibility. This anime has got romance.
10. Shoujo Animes: Cardcaptor Sakura
- Director: Morio Asaka
- Writer: Nanase Ohkawa
- Cast: Sakura Tange, Megumi Ogata
- IMDb Rating: 8
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix
Set in the anime world Cardcaptor Sakura is a classic that many anime fans are familiar with even if they haven’t experienced it themselves. An untimely gust of wind blows across the world a book containing cards belonging to Sakura Kinomoto, a fourth-grader. There is romance in this anime.
Because the cards contain such powerful powers, Sakura becomes the Cardcaptor, so she travels around collecting the cards and returning them to the book
9. Yona Of The Dawn
- Director: Kazuhiro Yoneda
- Writer: Shinichi Inotsume
- Cast: Monica Rial, Tomoaki Maeno
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Hulu
The reality of their lands is often insulated from royals. The princesses Yona and Kouka are not different in this regard. Following Yona’s cousin’s death, her life is in danger due to a betrayal by Su-won.
As Yona flees the palace with Son Hak’s help, she discovers a kingdom rife with poverty and corruption despite appearing peaceful from the outside. The restoration of Kouka’s former splendor is Yona’s responsibility.
8. Best Shoujo Animes: Kamisama Kiss
- Director: Akitaro Daichi
- Writer: Akitaro Daichi, Michiko Yokote
- Cast: Suzuko Mimori, Shinnosuke Tachibana
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix, Hulu
Nanami Momozono, a high school student whose father is in debt, is the protagonist of Kamisama Kiss.
After helping a man bothered by a dog, she is given a rundown shrine to live in. She soon becomes the victim of a contract with the fox familiar named Tomoe, as the anime follows her taking on shrine-like duties. Following this journey, she begins to experience what it is to be a god and the challenges and threats associated with it.
7. Natsume’s Book Of Friends
- Director: Takahiro Omori
- Writer: Kenichi Kanemaki
- Cast: Hiroshi Kamiya, Kazuhiko Inoue
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
This is one of the most popular shows on MyAnimeList, and as such had to be ranked as high as possible, as many of the top positions contain this show and its adaptations. The novel is about Takashi Natsume, who acquires a book of friendships after his grandmother dies, which turns out to be a book of contracts binding spirits to his control.
In the show, Natsume deals with these spirits while coming to understand the spirit world as he deals with this yokai that wants their freedom. Other related topics are discussed.
6. Shoujo Animes: Ouran High School Host Club
- Director: Takuya Igarashi
- Writer: Ikeda Natsuko
- Cast: Haruna Kawaguchi, J. Michael Tatum
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix
The show is a rare reverse harem in which a girl is surrounded by cute boys who are in a host club instead of a boy surrounded by girls. Ouran Academy scholarship student Haruhi Fujioka has to repay the Host Club after breaking a vase. At her school, there are four boys.
In order to pay for her damages, she must work for the club, and due to her natural charm and boyish demeanor, she is able to fulfill the role of a host. Haruhi soon finds herself enmeshed in the intrigues and excitements of the host club.
5. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
- Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
- Writer: Mari Okada
- Cast: Ai Kayano, Haruka Tomatsu
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix
Five children who were once friends get together again when the ghost of their childhood friend comes back and asks them to grant her last wish.
This anime is surprisingly lighthearted despite its very bleak premise. Humour is everywhere, both in this situation and in the interactions between these long-lost friends. There is a one-season series like this, which is perfect for binge-watching when it’s raining outside. Despite being a short series, the story is well-written and never feels rushed, and the ending rounds up the series perfectly as well.
4. Best Shoujo Animes: Banana Fish
- Director: Hiroko Utsumi
- Writer: Hiroshi Seko
- Cast: Unshô Ishizuka, Toshiyuki Morikawa
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix, Amazon Prime
A teenage runaway named Ash Lynx is plucked off the streets and raised by a mafia godfather, in this oddly titled show. Ash is the head of his own gang at the age of 17. It is not a light-hearted anime.
The situation takes an interesting turn when he gets his hands on a new drug called Banana Fish, a name that matches the phrase that his brother has been muttering since he returned from war. Mafia forces conspire to stop Ash from finding out the truth about this mysterious substance, beginning an investigation into it.
3. The Rose Of Versailles
- Director: Tadao Nagahama
- Writer: Riyoko Ikeda
- Cast: Reiko Tajima, Tarô Shigaki
- IMBd Rating: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 76%
- Streaming Details: Crunchyroll
This historical drama takes place in the 1700s and stars the familiar figure of Marie Antoinette, a lady born to a royal family and destined to become the future queen of France, arranged marriages, and all. The banter between the main characters is definitely very interesting to watch.
Running concurrently to her life is a girl who is raised as a boy to lead the Royal Guards, named Oscar. This show depicts the fateful meeting of these two and the subsequent effects on history and the revolutions that followed. It is a beautiful love story in anime form and the first episode is enough to get you hooked. This anime has got romance.
2. Shoujo Animes: Nana
- Director: Morio Asaka
- Writer: Tomoko Konparu
- Cast: Rebecca Shoichet, Kelly Sheridan
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix
Nana is another best shoujo anime. It follows two Nanas, Nana Komatsu, and Nana Osaki. Where Komatsu is helpless, naïve, and clingy, Osaki is fiercely independent, and a punk rock queen to boot. Their fates converge as the two meets on a train to Tokyo where both are hoping to start a new life.
Eventually, they end up sharing an apartment and from there a deep friendship begins as they support each other through the trials and tribulations of romance, music, and all the other youthful challenges that await. this is something that is loved by every anime fan.
1. Best Shoujo Animes: Fruits Basket
- Director: Akitaro Daichi
- Writer: Higuchi Tachibana
- Cast: Laura Bailey, Jerry Jewell
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Details: Netflix
Among the two seasons of this show, the most appearances were in the first season. Although the title and grammar are odd, Fruits Basket tells the story of Tohru Honda, a young girl who lives in a tent after suffering from a former tragedy.
In the show, viewers get a chance to know the members of the Sohma family whose lives become entwined as a result of this tent’s location.
When she moves in with the family, she learns that Chinese zodiac animals transform into females when anyone hugs them, and it appears the orphan girl Tooru Honda may break the cycle. The story then moves into the realm of the supernatural. There is romance in high school.
