When we talk about top underrated romance anime, your mind probably wanders to classics like Your Name or Clannad. But what about those hidden gems that quietly weave heartfelt stories, staying under the radar? If you’re ready to discover some truly beautiful and underrated romance anime, you’re in the right place! Here’s a curated list of some romantic tales that deserve a spot in your watchlist.
Here’s the list of top underrated romance anime in proper order from 1 to 7:
- Akagami no Shirayuki-hime (Snow White with the Red Hair)
- Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride)
- Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You)
- Say “I Love You.” (Sukitte Ii na yo)
- Nana
- My Little Monster (Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun)
- Lovely★Complex
Each of these titles brings a unique perspective on love and relationships, making them must-watch gems for romance anime fans!
1. Akagami no Shirayuki-hime (Snow White with the Red Hair)
Release Date: 2015
Why it’s a gem: Akagami no Shirayuki-hime gives us a beautifully balanced romance and fantasy setting. Shirayuki, a herbalist with striking red hair, flees her country to escape an obsessive prince and ends up in the neighboring kingdom of Clarines. There, she meets Zen, a kind-hearted prince who treats her as an equal. Their relationship grows organically, with mutual respect and trust, making this one of the healthiest romances in anime.
Where to Watch & Learn More:
Check out Akagami no Shirayuki-hime on Anime-Planet
2. Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride)
Release Date: 2014
Why it’s a gem: Ao Haru Ride captures the bittersweet essence of teenage romance. Futaba Yoshioka reunites with her middle-school crush, Kou Mabuchi, but he’s changed a lot. Kou’s aloof demeanor hides pain from his past, and Futaba finds herself torn between her old feelings and the person Kou has become. This anime is packed with emotional moments and relatable high school drama.
Where to Watch & Learn More:
Check out Ao Haru Ride on Anime-Planet
3. Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You)
Release Date: 2009
Why it’s a gem: Meet Sawako Kuronuma, a sweet girl with a reputation for being “creepy” due to her resemblance to Sadako from The Ring. Her life takes a turn when the outgoing and friendly Shouta Kazehaya befriends her. This anime is pure fluff, focusing on breaking stereotypes and the slow bloom of a first love. It’s a masterpiece of innocence and genuine affection.
Where to Watch & Learn More:
Check out Kimi ni Todoke on Anime-Planet
4. Say “I Love You.” (Sukitte Ii na yo)
Release Date: 2012
Why it’s a gem: Mei Tachibana is the poster child for introverts she has no friends and prefers to avoid people entirely. But when an unexpected incident brings her into the orbit of the popular Yamato Kurosawa, her world begins to change. What stands out here is the realistic depiction of romance, focusing on the ups and downs of building trust in a relationship.
Where to Watch & Learn More:
Check out Say “I Love You.” on Anime-Planet
5. Nana
Release Date: 2006
Why it’s a gem: Two girls named Nana meet by chance and decide to share an apartment in Tokyo. Despite their vastly different personalities one a punk rocker, the other a soft-spoken romantic their lives become deeply intertwined. Nana is as much about friendships as it is about love, with mature and sometimes heartbreaking takes on relationships.
Where to Watch & Learn More:
Check out Nana on Anime-Planet
6. My Little Monster (Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun)
Release Date: 2012
Why it’s a gem: Shizuku Mizutani is a diligent student focused solely on academics, until she meets Haru Yoshida, a troublemaker with zero social awareness. Their awkward and hilarious encounters blossom into something unexpected a quirky yet touching love story. This anime thrives on its unique characters and comedic undertones.
Where to Watch & Learn More:
Check out My Little Monster on Anime-Planet
7. Lovely★Complex
Release Date: 2007
Why it’s a gem: Risa Koizumi and Atsushi Ōtani are a comedic duo literally. She’s tall, he’s short, and together they navigate the trials of high school romance while constantly poking fun at their own “odd couple” dynamic. This anime is a laugh riot with a genuinely sweet romance underneath all the antics.
Where to Watch & Learn More:
Check out Lovely★Complex on Anime-Planet
Why These Animes Deserve Your Attention
Each of these top underrated romance anime offers something unique whether it’s the maturity of Nana or the pure fluff of Kimi ni Todoke. These hidden gems combine touching narratives, memorable characters, and emotional depth to create stories that stick with you long after the final episode.
By diving into these lesser-known masterpieces, you’re not just watching anime you’re experiencing heartfelt journeys that are often overshadowed by mainstream hits.
So, which one will you start with? Let us know in the comments and share your favorite top underrated romance anime!
Check out list of cozy anime you can enjoy over the weekend: Cozy Slice of Life Anime