7 Toxic Anime Couples That Will Make You Question Everything About Love

Summary

Toxic relationships in anime can be seen in classic series like Toradora!, where dependence and abuse are prevalent.
Scum’s Wish explores unhealthy relationships where two lonely individuals use each other as coping mechanisms.
The Future Diary showcases possessiveness, manipulation, and violence in a toxic romantic entanglement.

Abundant within the industry are numerous anime that feature warm, fluffy, and heartmelting romantic storylines. These series often showcase adorable couples and their endearing love stories. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that while some romance anime are renowned for their uplifting scenes, others have toxic relationships that are needlessly harmful.

In many older romantic anime, a subtle undercurrent of toxicity often exists between the main characters, even when the overall narrative is adorable and endearing. Modern counterparts, however, tend to tackle darker aspects of romance directly, presenting complex and at times unhealthy relationships in a straightforward manner. These anime serve as reminders that love isn’t always idyllic, but rather, it can have its share of highs and lows.

7. Toradora!

One Lead Is Excessively Dependent On The Other

Toradora! is an older anime that quickly garnered a significant fanbase upon its release. It revolves around two individuals who are as different as night and day due to their circumstances. Ryuuji, a high school student, takes pride in doing household tasks. He’s known for his kindness and gentleness, but his tough-looking face often gives him an undeserved rough reputation among his peers. An unlikely alliance forms between him and Taiga, who appears to be a sweet and delicate girl on the outside, but in reality, she’s loud, eccentric, and fiery.

In my opinion, Ryuuji and Taiga make an intriguing duo on this show, often serving up moments that are just too cute for words and leaving fans swooning all over the place. Yet, their relationship dynamic can be quite peculiar. You see, I’m always there to lend a hand for Taiga, taking care of most of her everyday tasks. She relies heavily on me for these things, which is perfectly fine in our fictional world. But, at times, Taiga’s fiery spirit transforms into downright abusive behavior towards me. There are instances when she bosses me around and can be quite harsh. It’s a dynamic that might seem questionable in reality, but it sure does make for some interesting storytelling!

6. Scum’s Wish

Two People Being In A Relationship As A Way To Cope With Life

Scum’s Wish” stands out as an anime that portrays unhealthy relationships in a surprisingly authentic manner. The narrative revolves around two isolated individuals who cling to one another merely to experience emotion. They lack understanding of love, and it’s evident they aren’t in love with each other either.

Observing the situation, Hanabi and Mugi, two main characters, find themselves drawn to teachers who hold significant positions in their lives – Hanabi to her homeroom teacher, and Mugi to his music teacher. As they both grapple with unrequited love, they unwittingly seek solace in each other, attempting to mend the emptiness left by their unreturned affections. In essence, they’ve found a common ground in their heartaches, using their companionship as a way to cope, albeit unknowingly fostering an unhealthy dynamic.

5. The Future Diary

Possessiveness, Manipulation, And Violence

Title suggestion: “The Time Diary” (or “Tomorrow Notebook”) is a familiar title among older anime enthusiasts. It’s often seen as a classic in the community. The series played a significant role in popularizing the concept of “yandere” female characters, and it has influenced the portrayal of unhealthy relationships within the industry. At first glance, the anime’s plot doesn’t suggest a dark romantic undertone, but as events unfold within the story, viewers come to understand how intricately intertwined the main couple’s toxic relationship is.

The narrative focuses on a tranquil middle school student named Yukiteru, who finds himself in a lethal survival game orchestrated by a phone that foretells the future. Unbeknownst to him, his only fellow participant in this predicament is his gentle and equally reserved classmate, Yuno Gasai. What he doesn’t know is that Yuno isn’t just an ordinary person; she harbors intense feelings for Yukiteru and is prepared to do things beyond comprehension, including becoming dangerously violent, to secure him, regardless of the harm it may cause.

4. Yakuza Fiance

Two Hard-Headed Characters Butt Heads

In the series known as “Yakuza Fiance” or “Raise wa Tanin ga Ii“, we’re introduced to two main characters with dominant personalities who initially clash severely. They start off disagreeing on many things, and their views are polar opposite. However, their significant positions within their respective criminal organizations result in an unwanted arranged engagement that proves difficult for either of them to back out of.

The narrative revolves around a sensible granddaughter of a dominant yakuza leader, who dreams of leading a simple existence amidst her unique situation. She finds herself drawn into a romantic entanglement with Kirishima, an impulsive and potentially lethal member of a rival clan’s heir. To preserve the balance between their criminal empires, they are compelled to engage in a relationship, but their bond can be described as a struggle of wills rather than love.

In a composed manner, Yoshino manages this agreement, but Kirishima’s unpredictable temperament consistently keeps Yoshino on high alert. As events progress, their relationship becomes more intricate, making it difficult to distinguish between camaraderie and competition in an environment where trust can be as perilous as deceit.

3. It Started With A Kiss

Push And Pull Between The Leads

Itazura na Kiss, also known as A Kiss Given in Spite, is another classic shoujo romance that leans more towards a romantic comedy. Yet, some unusual aspects of the relationship between the main characters may seem like warning signs rather than cute interactions. The narrative revolves around Kotoko, a sweet and energetic yet not very intelligent girl, who has harbored feelings for her childhood crush, Irie, since their youth. In contrast to Kotoko, Irie is highly intelligent, physically fit, and a prodigy with a bright future. Predictably, Irie dislikes Kotoko and wishes to keep his distance from her.

Nevertheless, Kotoko’s affection for him surpasses the typical intensity of a crush. Despite his past harsh rejection and her inability to regulate her heart’s emotions, she remains drawn to him. Conversely, Irie exhibits increasingly cruel behavior towards her throughout the series, with a history of manipulating her feelings. Yet, just as she begins to distance herself from him due to his persistent indifference, Irie reels her back in with small tokens of affection. This whole situation is quite toxic.

2. Wolf Girl And Black Prince

Demeaning Male Lead And Insecure Female Lead

The anime “Wolf Girl and Black Prince” tells the tale of a timid high school girl named Erika. To boost her social standing among friends, she fabricates having a boyfriend. However, she soon comes to understand the folly of deceit. In an attempt to preserve her reputation, Erika persuades the notorious bully at school, Kyoya, to act as her boyfriend instead. Initially, things seem straightforward; however, their relationship gradually turns harmful as Kyoya exploits Erika’s vulnerabilities for his amusement.

Kyota consistently exhibits a cruel and controlling nature towards Eriko. He exploits their relationship for personal entertainment, frequently demeaning her to maintain power over her. Although Eriko recognizes the manipulative tactics he employs, known as gaslighting, she remains captivated by him. This leads to a harmful pattern between them, where Kyota capitalizes on Eriko’s situation and emotions to assert dominance, resulting in a tumultuous relationship characterized by his harshness and her submission. Despite the persistent signs of no improvement in his behavior, he continues to act this way.

1. Nana

Realistic Bonds And Relatable Dynamics

Nana is likely one of the rare series that unabashedly portrays complex, realistic dynamics, and it succeeds. The story revolves around two women, both named Nana, who are strikingly different from each other. Interestingly, they first encounter each other on a train and soon develop a strong bond that leads them to share a living space. Throughout the series, they struggle with their lives in Tokyo as they pursue contrasting dreams.”

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In the narrative of Nana, it’s not just about one pair or individual; rather, numerous connections are woven throughout, and these relationships often reveal aspects that can be termed as “toxic.” As young women grappling with life’s complexities, both Nanas are prone to errors. Nana K. struggles with codependency and forging unhealthy emotional bonds, while Nana O. remains stuck on her former partner and attempts to suppress her emotions by channeling herself into her music career. The two Nanas also maintain a heavily interdependent relationship with each other.

What makes this anime unique is its unapologetic approach towards portraying its characters’ imperfections and complex relationships without trying to make them seem more appealing or romanticized. The show doesn’t offer excuses for the characters’ mistakes, but rather, it delves into the gritty reality of their lives by keeping things authentic and straightforward.

2025-01-31 13:34