10 Most Underrated Romance Anime
Anime is full of epic romances. You’ve got your Your Name, your Toradora, your Fruits Basket. But here’s the thing—beneath all the popular titles are a bunch of seriously slept-on romance anime that hit just as hard (sometimes harder), but never got their time in the spotlight.
So, let’s dive into the 10 most underrated romance anime that you need to check out. Trust me, some of these will have your heart doing cartwheels.
Quick Links
#10: Tsuki ga Kirei – A Subtle Masterpiece
You ever watch something so quiet and real it just punches you in the feels? That’s Tsuki ga Kirei. This anime doesn’t need dramatic confessions or over-the-top twists. Instead, it captures the pure, awkward, and oh-so-relatable journey of first love between two middle school students.
The beauty lies in the small details—text messages, nervous glances, and that one shy smile that says a thousand words. It’s painfully realistic, like looking back at your own teenage crush. It’s not loud, but it’s real. And that’s what makes it so special.
#9: Myself; Yourself – A Nostalgic Love Story
Myself; Yourself kind of flies under the radar, but it packs a surprising emotional punch. It follows a group of childhood friends who reunite after several years apart. But things aren’t all sunshine and cherry blossoms—there’s trauma, change, and a sense of longing that lingers throughout the story.
It’s romance layered with mystery and drama, and while the pacing isn’t always perfect, the emotional payoff is worth it. If you’re into love stories that explore personal growth and deep bonds, don’t sleep on this one.
#8: Just Because! – Quiet But Powerful
Here’s another slice-of-life gem that doesn’t try to be flashy but still hits right in the feels. Just Because! follows a group of high schoolers dealing with the end of their school lives—and maybe the start of something new.
The romance here is slow-burning and incredibly natural. You can feel the hesitation, the unspoken emotions, and the weight of missed chances. The animation? Gorgeous. The soundtrack? Chef’s kiss. It’s the kind of anime that sneaks up on you emotionally and doesn’t let go.
#7: Orange – Love with a Dash of Regret
Okay, Orange is technically known by some fans, but it’s still criminally underrated for what it offers. Imagine getting a letter from your future self, telling you how to avoid regrets—especially when it comes to saving someone you love.
This one mixes romance with time travel and heavy emotional themes like depression and suicide. It’s heartfelt and hopeful, and it explores how love and friendship can literally change someone’s fate. Bring tissues. Seriously.
#6: Kimi to Boku. – Brotherhood Meets Young Love
Kimi to Boku. isn’t your typical romance anime—it focuses more on friendship, specifically a group of teenage boys who are… well, just existing. But among the slice-of-life goodness are subtle romantic threads that bloom slowly but sweetly.
The vibe is super laid-back, almost meditative, but it explores love in the quietest and most endearing ways. It’s not trying to impress you—it’s just trying to be, and that’s its charm.
#5: Ojisan to Marshmallow – Wholesome and Sweet
This one is honestly adorable. Ojisan to Marshmallow is a workplace rom-com about a shy, marshmallow-obsessed guy and his bold coworker who totally has a thing for him. It’s short (episodes are just a few minutes long), but don’t let that fool you.
It’s packed with charm, comedy, and a surprising amount of heart. Think of it like a snack—small, sweet, and surprisingly satisfying. Plus, it flips the usual romance tropes by focusing on older, non-typical leads. Super refreshing!
#4: Rec – Short, Sweet, and Superbly Written
If you’re tired of the same old high school romance stories, Rec might be just what you need. It follows a budding relationship between a voice actress and a marketing guy who end up living together due to unexpected circumstances.
It’s a grown-up romance that moves quickly but still manages to feel grounded and heartfelt. The emotional beats hit hard, and the chemistry between the leads is believable and mature. You can binge it in a night—and probably will.
#3: Sankarea: Undying Love – Unusual But Beautiful
Yeah, yeah, it sounds weird—a romance between a guy and a zombie girl? But Sankarea is way deeper than its quirky premise suggests. Beneath the supernatural stuff is a touching story about acceptance, healing, and finding love in the most unexpected places.
It’s dark, it’s funny, and surprisingly emotional. The animation is stylish, and the characters are far more complex than you’d expect. It’s proof that love stories don’t always have to follow the rules.
#2: The Pet Girl of Sakurasou – Artistic Souls in Love
This one should have been way more popular than it is. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou is about a dorm full of creative misfits, and at the center of it is a chaotic, emotional romance between a wannabe game designer and a brilliant (but socially awkward) artist.
There’s passion, heartbreak, and a lot of yelling. But it’s real. The characters are messy, just like real people, and their relationships reflect that. It’s not just a love story—it’s a story about ambition, failure, and choosing your own path.
#1: Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou – Ahead of Its Time
Let’s be real—Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou (or Kare Kano) walked so other romance anime could run. This 90s classic by the legendary Hideaki Anno (yes, Evangelion’s Anno) dives deep into the psychology of teenage love.
It’s raw, awkward, and emotionally intense in the best way. The animation gets wild at times (in that uniquely 90s way), but it perfectly reflects the messy minds of the characters. This anime explores why we fall in love—and why we sometimes hide from it. Criminally underrated and way ahead of its time.
Conclusion: Don’t Sleep on These Hidden Gems
Look, mainstream anime is great and all—but if you’re only watching the big titles, you’re seriously missing out. These underrated romance anime offer something deeper, more intimate, and often more relatable. They may not have the flashiest animations or the most dramatic twists, but they’ve got heart.
So, the next time you’re looking for a romance anime to watch, go off the beaten path. You might just find your next favorite love story in the most unexpected place.
Which of these have you already seen? Or do you have a hidden gem of your own? Let’s chat anime—I’m all ears.
