Tired of Boring Harem Anime? These 6 Anime Actually Have Good Romance

I’ve noticed the anime world loves to take familiar ideas and really run with them, and that’s especially true in romance. You’ll often see the ‘harem’ trope pop up – where one character is pursued by many. While a few harem anime, like The Quintessential Quintuplets and We Never Learn, are actually pretty good, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Even when they are well-made, those kinds of shows can feel over-the-top or just not believable if you’re looking for something more realistic. Luckily, there are plenty of anime out there that offer a more down-to-earth and healthy take on romance for those of us who prefer that.

Popular romance anime like Kaguya-Sama and Your Name often get all the attention, but there are many other fantastic options out there. These hidden gems deliver heartwarming and well-written romances that can truly captivate viewers. Surprisingly, some of the best romance stories aren’t overly complicated; focusing on realistic, everyday experiences can be exactly what both the characters and the audience need and enjoy.

6. My Dress-Up Darling is About Personal Authenticity and Expression

Love Means Showing One’s True Self

While My Dress-Up Darling sometimes features suggestive scenes with Marin Kitagawa, the anime’s appeal goes beyond just fanservice. Marin is self-assured and beautiful, but what truly drives her is her passion for cosplay – the joy of becoming the characters she loves. She’s a relatable character who is comfortable with herself while also looking up to others, finding a balance between her true self and the person she aspires to be.

I’m totally hooked on the blossoming romance between Marin and Wakana! It’s so sweet seeing them connect. Wakana isn’t into cosplay himself, but he gets how important it is to be true to yourself and enjoy your passions. He used to be teased for liking hina dolls, which is just awful, but Marin is completely validating that side of him. Together, they’re an amazing team, creating incredible cosplay that’s already getting noticed by professionals online. But it’s more than just the cosplay; they’re really helping each other grow and learn, and I can’t wait to see how they inspire each other!

5. Dandadan Found Room For a Colorful Love Triangle in All the Action

Momo’s Heart is More Delicate Than She Expected

Image via Science SARU.

Dandadan is an anime that successfully combines romance with other genres, creating a story that appeals to a wide audience. While it’s mainly a fun mix of science fiction, fantasy, and comedy – featuring battles against characters like Acrobatic Silky and the Serpo aliens – it also focuses on the developing relationship between Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura. Initially, Ken didn’t seem to fit Momo’s ideal boyfriend image, but she’s come to see a different side of him. He isn’t the strong, heroic type she often sees in movies, but a genuinely kind, supportive, and courageous person.

Watching Momo, a typically picky and energetic girl, gradually develop feelings for Ken and rethink what she wants in a relationship has been really satisfying. Things got even more interesting when Jiji, Momo’s childhood friend, appeared, completely unaware that he was caught in a love triangle. The romantic tension built beautifully throughout the second season of Dandadan, culminating in a kiss from the alien girl that deeply hurt Momo. She was likely as surprised by her own jealousy and sadness as anyone else.

4. Komi Can’t Communicate Treats Social Anxiety With Proper Respect

Hitohito Tadano’s Love is Supportive and Patient

Image via studio OLM.

I’ve been watching Komi Can’t Communicate, and it’s a really sweet show! It’s mostly a comedy with a touch of romance that builds gradually. It’s funny because the story doesn’t start as a love story at all. It’s about Shoko Komi, a girl who has trouble speaking and hasn’t had any friends. She sets a goal to make 100 friends, and that’s how she meets Hitohito Tadano. He’s incredibly understanding, and he quickly becomes her first friend – and eventually, something of a love interest. It’s just a really charming and heartwarming series.

Tadano is happy to help Shoko with her goals right now, but he’s destined to become much more than just a helper. They’re a perfect match, and Shoko shows her feelings for him through genuine affection. However, their romance will develop gradually, as Shoko is still focused on making new friends and is too shy to openly express her feelings. Throughout the series, Komi Can’t Communicate offers both funny and heartwarming moments, showing understanding for people who struggle with social anxiety and connecting with others like Shoko does.

3. Love After World Domination is All About Romantic Secret Identities

It’s the Power Rangers Romeo and Juliet

Image via Project No. 9.

Love After World Domination is a hidden gem of a romance anime that’s definitely worth watching. It starts with a funny parody of shows like Power Rangers, featuring heroes fighting against the evil Gekko organization. However, the core of the story is the sweet and unexpected romance between Fudo Aikawa, the hero, and Desumi, the villain. Despite being a ‘villain,’ Desumi is actually a kind and friendly girl who cares deeply about her friends – even her enemies, like Fudo!

The heart of the story is a sweet romance built on secrecy – Fudo and Desumi enjoy being together despite their groups disapproving. This secret also creates a lot of funny moments, as they playfully act like enemies in public while secretly being close. It’s a really well-done take on the classic hero/villain dynamic, and it also realistically shows the challenges of balancing a heroic life with normal everyday life.

2. Aharen-San is Indecipherable Focuses on the Love Languages

Games and Food Are the Key to Anyone’s Heart

Image via Bibury Animation Studio.

While grand declarations and heartfelt conversations often define romance, the anime Aharen-San is Indecipherable shows that love doesn’t need a lot of talking. Instead, it beautifully highlights how gestures and actions can express affection just as powerfully. This works perfectly for the main characters: Reina Aharen is incredibly shy and quiet, and Raido isn’t much of a talker himself, so they communicate through charming, unspoken expressions of care.

Aharen used to be shy because she spoke softly, but Raido can understand her perfectly when they connect over food and games. The anime is charming and funny, relying heavily on visual gags to keep things lighthearted and memorable. Raido and Aharen rarely say “I love you,” which makes those moments feel even more special.

1. Horimiya is the Best Normal Romance Anime of All

Less is More Where Izumi and Kyoko Are Concerned

Image via CloverWorks.

Many people consider Horimiya a great example of a realistic and healthy romance, and it’s not hard to understand why. The anime focuses on Izumi Miyamura, a kind and considerate high school student who secretly has tattoos and piercings, and Kyoko Hori, a popular girl who also takes on a lot of responsibility at home. Together, they highlight the central idea of Horimiya: everyone has hidden depths and complexities that others may not know about.

Horimiya offers a relaxing and uncomplicated romance – it’s simply nice to watch the characters connect and fall in love without unnecessary conflict. While it’s a comforting anime to watch, it doesn’t quite fit neatly into the ‘slice-of-life’ or ‘healing’ genre, but it still provides a heartwarming experience.

2026-01-24 15:35