14 Best Shoujo Anime You Must Watch
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Shoujo anime has a unique charm that captivates audiences with its heartfelt tales of love, self-discovery, and deep friendships. From touching romance to inspiring personal growth, this genre beautifully captures human emotions, resonating with viewers across generations.
Whether you’re a dedicated Shoujo fan or just beginning your journey, this carefully curated list of the 14 best Shoujo anime will introduce you to unforgettable characters, breathtaking animation, and stories that will make you laugh, cry, and experience every emotion in between.
Let’s step into a world where emotions shine as brilliantly as the stars.
14. Snow White with the Red Hair
| Japanese Title | Akagami no Shirayuki-hime |
| Genres | Drama, Romance |
| Release Date | 2015 |
Released in 2015, Snow White with the Red Hair presents a delightful mix of romance, adventure, and determination. While it embraces classic Shoujo elements like a prince falling for a commoner, the series stands out with its independent and ambitious protagonist, Shirayuki.
Unlike traditional damsels in distress, Shirayuki prioritizes her dream of becoming a Court Herbalist over her romance with Prince Zen. This refreshing dynamic, combined with stunning animation and a fairy-tale-like atmosphere, makes it a must-watch for Shoujo fans.
13. Lovely★Complex
| Genres | Comedy, Romance |
| Release Date | 2007 |
Height differences shouldn’t define love, and Lovely★Complex proves just that. Risa Koizumi (5’7”) and Atsushi Ootani (5’1”) may seem mismatched at first glance, but their friendship blossoms into something much deeper after they help each other navigate heartbreak.
What makes their romance so special is their ability to appreciate each other’s strengths rather than focusing on superficial differences. However, their own insecurities and external opinions challenge their budding relationship, making for a heartfelt and humorous story.
12. My Dress-Up Darling
| Japanese Title | Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru |
| Genres | Romance |
| Release Date | 2022 |
Marin Kitagawa and Wakana Gojou come from vastly different worlds. Gojou, a reserved and solitary doll-maker, fears ridicule for his craft, while Kitagawa is outgoing, confident, and passionate about cosplay.
When Kitagawa discovers Gojou’s sewing talent, she asks him to create costumes for her, leading to a beautifully animated, charming romance that thrives on mutual respect and encouragement. My Dress-Up Darling skillfully blends humor, romance, and the joys of self-expression.
11. Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun
| Japanese Title | Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun |
| Genres | Comedy, Romance |
| Release Date | 2014 |
Low-stakes romantic comedies often focus on humor over relationship development, and Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun is no exception. However, its unique take on the genre keeps it fresh and entertaining.
Chiyo Sakura has a massive crush on Umetarou Nozaki, a clueless Shoujo manga artist. Her attempts to confess her feelings lead to hilarious misunderstandings, and the supporting cast adds even more layers of comedy and romance, making this anime a joy to watch.
10. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
| Japanese Title | Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai |
| Genres | Comedy, Romance |
| Release Date | 2019 |
Romantic confession becomes a battle of wits in Kaguya-sama: Love is War. Elite student council members Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane secretly love each other, but their pride prevents them from admitting it first—turning romance into an intense psychological game.
Filled with clever humor, class dynamics, and an outstanding supporting cast, this anime offers a fresh and comedic approach to high school romance, making it a standout in the genre.
9. Fruits Basket
| Genres | Drama, Romance, Supernatural |
| Release Date | 2019 |
One of the most beloved Shoujo anime of all time, Fruits Basket follows kind-hearted Tohru Honda as she stumbles into the mysterious Sohma family, who are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac.
The 2019 adaptation faithfully brings the original manga to life with modern animation and deeper character development. This emotional tale of love, healing, and acceptance remains a classic that touches the hearts of viewers worldwide.
8. Orange
| Genres | Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2012 |
One day, Naho Takamiya receives a letter from her future self, warning her to protect the new transfer student, Kakeru Naruse, from a tragic fate.
Orange is a poignant, time-travel-infused romance that explores themes of regret, friendship, and second chances. Its emotional storytelling and heartfelt character interactions make it a must-watch for fans of bittersweet love stories.
7. Yona of the Dawn
| Japanese Title | Akatsuki no Yona |
| Genres | Adventure, Fantasy, Romance |
| Release Date | 2014 |
Princess Yona lives a sheltered life—until her world crumbles when her beloved cousin, Su-won, betrays her and seizes the throne. Forced into exile, she embarks on a journey of survival and self-discovery.
As Yona grows stronger, she begins to see her loyal bodyguard Hak in a new light. This epic tale of adventure, love, and redemption makes Yona of the Dawn one of the most compelling Shoujo anime.
6. Maid Sama!
| Japanese Title | Kaichou wa Maid-sama! |
| Genres | Comedy, Romance |
| Release Date | 2010 |
Misaki Ayuzawa, the strict and hardworking student council president of a formerly all-boys school, hides a secret—she works at a maid café. When the popular and charming Takumi Usui discovers her secret, an amusing and heartwarming romance unfolds.
Maid Sama! blends comedy, romance, and drama into a compelling story, offering delightful moments and a lovable main couple.
5. My Little Monster
| Japanese Title | Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun |
| Genres | Comedy, Romance |
| Release Date | 2012 |
Reserved and academically driven Shizuku Mizutani unexpectedly finds herself drawn to Haru Yoshida, a misunderstood delinquent with a surprisingly sweet side.
Their unlikely romance is filled with charmingly awkward moments and emotional growth, making My Little Monster a fun and engaging watch for Shoujo lovers.
4. Say “I Love You”
| Japanese Title | Suki tte Ii na yo |
| Genres | Romance |
| Release Date | 2012 |
Introverted and distrustful Mei Tachibana has always avoided relationships—until she crosses paths with the outgoing and persistent Yamato Kurosawa.
This touching story explores how love can help heal emotional wounds and encourage personal growth, making Say “I Love You” a heartfelt romance worth watching.
3. Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You
| Japanese Title | Kimi ni Todoke |
| Genres | Drama, Romance |
| Release Date | 2009 |
Sawako Kuronuma, often compared to the ghost from The Ring due to her shy demeanor, longs to connect with others. Her life changes when the outgoing and kind Shouta Kazehaya takes an interest in her.
With well-developed characters and a beautiful narrative about friendship and love, Kimi ni Todoke remains a staple in the Shoujo genre.
2. Blue Spring Ride
| Japanese Title | Ao Haru Ride |
| Genres | Romance |
| Release Date | 2014 |
Futaba Yoshioka tries to reinvent herself after a heartbreaking past, but when her childhood crush Kou Tanaka reappears, she is forced to confront old feelings.
Blue Spring Ride delicately explores themes of change, loss, and second chances, making it a moving and relatable romance.
1. Wolf Girl and Black Prince
| Japanese Title | Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji |
| Genres | Comedy, Romance |
| Release Date | 2014 |
To impress her friends, Erika lies about having a boyfriend, using a random stranger’s photo—only to discover he’s Kyouya Sata, a boy from her school.
Kyouya agrees to play along but treats Erika like his “pet” at first. However, as their dynamic shifts, genuine emotions start to blossom, creating an intriguing romance full of twists.
With a mix of humor, drama, and heartfelt moments, Wolf Girl and Black Prince delivers a unique love story that keeps viewers engaged until the end.
These Shoujo anime each bring something special to the genre, from charming romance to powerful character growth. Whether you’re looking for heartfelt moments, comedic misunderstandings, or inspiring heroines, this list has something for every Shoujo fan. Dive in and experience the magic of these unforgettable love stories!
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