The Best Forbidden Love Romances In Anime

Key Takeaways

Forbidden romances in anime add depth and drama, with couples like Romeo and Juliet facing societal and family pressures.
Complicated and bittersweet relationships, such as Simon and Nia from Gurren Lagann, can lead to both emotional joy and pain.
Cursed and tragic romances, like Mavis and Zeref from Fairy Tail, showcase the struggle of couples against fate, curses, and past mistakes.

As a connoisseur of romantic anime, I must say that the tales you’ve presented here are truly heart-wrenching masterpieces. Each story is a poignant exploration of love and loss, beautifully crafted to tug at our emotional strings.

In many anime series, romance often serves as a central theme or adds depth to the storyline. The process of developing and maintaining relationships in these shows is filled with highs and lows, providing ample opportunities for creating additional tension and making the narrative more emotionally intense. For instance, when a budding romance faces obstacles such as societal norms, curses, or other challenges, the lovers in anime often encounter numerous hurdles.

Yet, their struggles add intrigue and maintain audience interest. Will they triumph over these challenges and enjoy a blissful future? Or are they destined for failure from the beginning? The only way to know is by watching them unfold, as these pairs present some of the most intense, tumultuous forbidden romances in the art form.

December 3, 2024: A Reflection by Yours Truly, David Heath: From the timeless tales of illicit love that have captivated audiences since antiquity, we find expressions in works such as Layla & Majnun, King Arthur legends, and West Side Story. It’s no wonder these themes found their way into anime, where they manifested uniquely. The bittersweet finale of Simon and Nia in Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, the heart-wrenching separation of Snow White with the Red Hair and Beastars due to social barriers, are just a few examples. However, the complexities and heartache of forbidden romances in anime can surpass these boundaries, leading to tragic ends or unexpected resolutions. This is why I’ve expanded this list to include more of anime’s most captivating forbidden love stories, and what makes them so intriguing.

19. Romeo Montague And Juliet Capulet

Romeo x Juliet

Studio: Gonzo.
Episodes: 24.
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

Given that characters like Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet are derived from William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, it’s not unexpected that their relationship is forbidden. However, the series Romeo X Juliet reimagines this story by having Juliet, the sole Capulet survivor, fight against the oppressed people of Neo Verona who are being ruled tyrannically by the Montagues, who were responsible for her family’s death. However, the plot thickens when she encounters Romeo, a Montague prince.

Instead of being expected enemies due to their shared history, they found themselves smitten from the start – though Juliet remains wary due to her family’s past conflicts. Romeo, on the other hand, disregards his father’s tyranny and presents a kinder, more gentle demeanor than Juliet anticipated. Amidst their families’ longstanding feud in Neo Verona and a concealed secret that shapes their world, their love story mirrors the tragic fate of their namesakes.

18. Simon And Nia Teppelin

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

The duo comprising Simon and Nia Teppelin endured numerous trials and tribulations that left fans yearning for a positive culmination in their storyline. Their journey began with them as teenagers who found each other, gradually developing feelings as the narrative unfolded. They formed an amicable pairing, with Nia providing emotional support to Simon during his struggles with Kamina’s demise. She also played a crucial role in defeating her father, Lordgenome, when it seemed like Simon was on the verge of defeat. Post the time leap, their affection for each other remained palpable, ultimately leading to Simon proposing to Nia.

Initially, Nia hesitated as she didn’t comprehend its significance, but she agreed when explained the concept of marriage. Regrettably, Nia was destined to become the emissary of the Anti-Spirals, announcing their arrival and becoming a threat to mankind. Later, she would aid Simon in the climactic battle, eventually leading to their union. However, with the demise of the Anti-Spirals, Nia’s existence was also at risk. Consequently, their wedding turned out to be both delightful and heartrending, as she vanished shortly after exchanging vows, making their ceremony a poignant highlight of the series.

17. Naho Takamiya And Hiroto Suwa

Orange

Predicting the future can sometimes be overwhelming and carry great responsibility. In the novel “Orange“, Naho receives a message from her future self warning about a sad event that could happen to their school’s new transfer student, Kakeru. Meanwhile, Hiroto is informed through letters from his future self that he will marry Naho and they will create a harmonious family together.

Should Naho and Hiroto choose to have Kakeru survive, it means their own destinies will alter too. If they allow events to unfold as predestined, Kakeru will perish, but Hiroto will find his contentment with Naho. However, if they intervene to save Kakeru, Naho might develop feelings for him instead, leaving Hiroto heartbroken and halting the birth of their future offspring. Regardless of the path chosen, their fate can only promise a somewhat bitter sweet outcome at best.

16. Shirayuki And Zen Wisteria

Snow White with the Red Hair

The dynamic between Shirayuki and Zen Wisteria is an exemplary instance of a love story complicated by societal differences. Fleeing her native Tanbarun to avoid being a concubine for its ruler, Prince Raj, Shirayuki found assistance from Zen, the prince of adjacent Clarines. Tragically, Zen was poisoned by an apple intended for Shirayuki. However, she managed to acquire an antidote and, in return for reviving him, she was granted the opportunity to study at Clarines’ royal court to become their expert herbalist.

Yet, this initial stage of Shirayuki and Zen’s tale unfolds, with them gradually developing feelings for one another. However, being the Prince of Clarines, he is forbidden from marrying someone from the lower classes, prompting his family to seek a princess bride for him instead. In response, Prince Raj adjusts his demeanor and endeavors to improve himself in an attempt to capture Shirayuki’s heart. Nevertheless, despite all obstacles that stand against their union, Shirayuki and Zen remain deeply smitten with each other.

15. Saber And Shirou Emiya

Fate/Stay Night

The bond between Saber and Shirou is undeniably complex due to their roles – master and servant respectively. Shirou, a young man, engages in the Fifth Holy Grail War, while Saber is a powerful Servant, a spirit bound to Shirou. Her role is to protect him with her might, but Shirou consistently tries to reciprocate this protection, even if it means risking his own safety.

In Fate/Stay Night, Saber initially disapproves of Master, as she doesn’t appreciate him putting himself at risk for her well-being. However, over time, they both develop strong feelings for each other that transcend their titles and roles. Despite this, they understand that a war needs to be fought first, and once it’s won, they agree to part ways. They acknowledge that they have important duties to fulfill, but they can’t help feeling conflicted about their relationship, especially given the complexities of the Fate/Stay Night plot.

14. Legoshi & Haru

Beastars

As a gamer, I can’t help but notice the peculiar bond between Legoshi and Haru in Beastars. He’s this towering gray wolf, while she’s a petite dwarf rabbit – a pairing that seems unconventional in their world, where carnivores typically steer clear of herbivores. Yet, against all odds, they’re trying to navigate their relationship, dealing with its unique challenges. For instance, Legoshi is working with Gohin, a panda psychiatrist, to combat his innate urges that could potentially transform Haru from a partner into potential prey.

Contrary to others who judge Haru for her perceived promiscuity, Legoshi embraces her without trying to shield or change her. Initially, Haru found Legoshi peculiar due to his unique behavior, a trait that eventually made him more endearing. Their relationship isn’t ideal in the eyes of those around them, but they are resolute in their efforts to make it succeed.

13. Duke Viktor & Alice Lendrott

The Duke Of Death And His Maid

In the game titled “The Duke of Death and His Maid“, it’s not the usual tale where a noble and their servant are separated by societal norms, racial differences, wars, or feuds. Instead, our unique predicament stems from a wicked curse that haunts us. I, Duke Viktor, was cursed as a child, leaving me with the chilling ability to extinguish life at my mere touch. Cast out by my kin, I was confined to live in solitude, with only my butler Rob and the resilient maid Alice Lendrott by my side.

Despite understanding that she could meet her end with just one touch from him, Alice displays no signs of fear in his presence. She playfully banters with the Duke and enjoys testing the boundaries by getting perilously close to him without any physical contact. They strive to maintain an air of normality, pretending to slap five, dance, and tap each other on the back, yet it serves as a constant, bittersweet reminder that they can’t engage in casual gestures like high-fiving or hugging, let alone sharing a kiss or holding hands. Their only hope lies in finding a way to lift the curse, if one even exists.

12. Spike Spiegel & Julia

Cowboy Bebop

In the animated series, Cowboy Bebop, the relationship between characters Spike Spiegel and Julia didn’t have a lot of time to develop fully, but it was evident that they deeply cared for each other. Both Spike and Julia were members of the Red Dragon Syndicate; at the time, Julia was in a romantic relationship with Vicious. After tending to Spike when he was injured, their bond grew, leading them to contemplate escaping the Syndicate together. However, Vicious discovered their intentions and threatened Julia, giving her an ultimatum: either she would have to kill Spike or both of them would perish at his hands.

Instead, she chose to conceal herself, whereas Spike voluntarily walked into a trap designed for him, feigning his demise. Later, he turned out to be carefree as a bounty hunter, wandering the present because he believed there was no future for him without Julia. However, destiny would later validate his belief when both Julia and Vicious reappeared in his life, stirring memories of his shady past.

11. Gennosuke Kouga & Oboro Iga

Basilisk

Studio: Gonzo.
Episodes: 24.
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

Prior to crafting “Romeo and Juliet” as we know it, Gonzo reimagined another tragic romance akin to Shakespeare’s, this time featuring feuding ninja clans instead of warring Montagues and Capulets. In the anime “Basilisk”, we witness how the Kouga and Iga clans, after years of violent conflict, managed to achieve a fragile peace. Characters Gennosuke from the Kouga Clan and Oboro from the Iga Clan were engaged in an attempt to ease tensions between their families. Although their union was pre-arranged, they eventually developed genuine feelings for each other, making for a compelling romantic tale amidst the backdrop of their ninja world.

However, strife resurfaces as Ieyasu Tokugawa sets clans against each other in a surrogate war to decide who will become the next shogun. The side with the greatest number of survivors at the end is declared victorious. Oboro opts out of the violence, while Gennosuke grapples with choosing between loyalty to his family or his love. If they can’t reconcile their feelings, their families could be permanently divided by their animosity.

10. Almost All Relationships For The Sohma Clan

Fruits Basket

Similar to the story of “The Duke of Death and His Maid,” the Sohma family from “Fruits Basket” is afflicted with a peculiar curse that affects their interpersonal dynamics, whether they are familial, friendly, or romantic. Unlike death, when someone of the opposite sex embraces them, they transform into creatures symbolizing the Chinese Zodiac. An orphaned schoolgirl named Toru learns about this unusual curse firsthand when she’s taken in by the family and becomes entangled between the quarreling cousins Yuki and Kyo.

Besides external factors, the Sohma family is also under the influence of a curse, making them subject to Akito Sohma, the household’s leader and “god of the zodiac.” This dominion extends over their actions, limiting what they can and cannot do, as well as who they can associate with. Akito employs physical, verbal, and emotional abuse to enforce these restrictions. An instance of this is when Akito pushed Rin Sohma out of a window due to her relationship with Hatsuharu, causing Rin to end their relationship during her hospitalization in order to safeguard him. Until they can free themselves from the curse, the Sohma family will remain unable to freely choose whom to love.

9. Hanabi Yasuraoka & Mugi Awaya

Scum’s Wish

As a gamer, I’ve found that some bonds can be as complex and tangled as a role-playing game’s questline, without any actual spells or supernatural influence. In the captivating world of Scum’s Wish, Hanabi and Mugi appear to be an ideal duo, but their relationship is more of a delicate dance around hidden feelings. You see, Hanabi harbors love for her childhood friend-turned-homeroom teacher Narumi, believing he might reciprocate until she learns he’s chasing after Akane, the music teacher. Intriguingly, Mugi has also developed feelings for Akane. In an attempt to navigate their entangled emotions, they decide to enter into a temporary arrangement.

They’ll support each other to fight off feelings of solitude, waiting for their chance with their crushes, under the agreement that they won’t develop romantic feelings for one another. However, it turns out to be more challenging than expected as their emotions become tangled, leading them to manipulate and hurt others along the way. Essentially, the pair in “Scum’s Wish” find themselves regretful not only for their own mistakes but also for the harm they inflict on others.

8. Meliodas & Elizabeth

The Seven Deadly Sins

In the realm of my favorite series, finding myself captivated by the tale of Meliodas, the offspring of the Demon King, and Elizabeth, a Goddess reborn as a human time and again, it’s clear that their bond was destined for hardships. As a result of her transgressions, Elizabeth is condemned to be reborn as a mortal repeatedly, erasing her memories with each life she loses. Should she recover her lost recollections, she faces an agonizing fate: death in just three days.

Over time, Meliodas was afflicted by an immortal curse, causing his emotions to slowly fade until he transformed back into a ravenous demon. For over 3,000 years, he would encounter Elizabeth’s various reincarnations, and she would typically regain her memories, leaving him to witness her death repeatedly. The only method to lift the curse is for Meliodas to defeat his father and ascend as the new Demon King, a task much easier said than accomplished.

7. The Ena & The Humans

Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea

Studio: P.A Works.
Episodes: 26.
Streaming Platforms: Tubi, Amazon Prime via Crunchyroll.

The anime “Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea” can be likened to what might happen if Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” followed a group of teenagers instead of one princess. In this series, there once was an underwater civilization known as the Ena, who possessed scales that enabled them to thrive in the ocean. However, some members of this civilization desired to live on land and left their underwater life behind, transforming into humans. Consequently, these two societies became divided by cultural differences, traditions, and even physical characteristics.

Four adolescent characters named Ena experience the depth of their differences when compelled to attend a junior high school. They also discover the intricacies of affection as Chisaki harbors affection for her childhood friend Hikari, while Tsumugu, who is human, holds feelings for Chisaki. Initially, Manaka, another Ena, has feelings for Tsumugu, causing distress to Hikari since she is in love with him. This tangled web of unreciprocated emotions, cultural barriers, and prejudice gradually untangles as the two groups come to terms with their genuine feelings and reach a truce.

6. Shiro Amada & Aina Sahalin

Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team

Several Gundam series incorporate significant romances, but Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team stands out as one of the more impactful examples due to its ability to weave romance into a compelling narrative without compromising on action sequences. Similar to shows like Basilisk and Romeo X Juliet, it tells the story of two individuals from opposing factions falling in love amidst conflict – here, Shiro Amada representing the Earth Federation and Aina Sahalin belonging to the Principality of Zeon.

On their respective sides, they are the top-tier pilots and hold significant roles in the ongoing war. Aina serves as Zeon’s primary hope for success in a guerrilla conflict in Southeast Asia, while Shiro heads the Federation’s reinforcements in the same region. Upon recognizing each other from a joint rescue operation, Shiro is accused of treason and compelled to command the 08th MS Team against Zeon bases if he seeks redemption. Essentially, his dilemma lies between allegiance to his planet and his affection for Aina.

5. Toshihiko Momota & Yuka Kamitsuki

Kemonozume

Studio: Madhouse.
Episodes: 13.
Streaming Platforms: None.

In an unexpected turn of events, Kemonozume observes a unique alliance forming between adversaries. While Toshihiko belongs to the noble Kifuuken martial arts lineage, sworn to eradicate shokujinki – man-eating ogres who disguise themselves as humans – Yuka, one of these very creatures, has been a skydiving instructor. It was during this profession that Toshihiko and Yuka crossed paths, leading them to develop deep feelings for each other. Believing she could leave her past behind, Yuka hoped to live out her days among humans.

Rather than being unmasked as a Shokujinki, she was revealed to be one. Instead of eliminating her, Toshihiko decides to flee with her, embracing her for who she truly is. Yet, they can’t escape their past forever; it eventually catches up to them. The Kifuuken seeks Toshihiko’s return and Yuka’s death, while Yuka’s former Shokujinki partners desire her return and intend harm towards Toshihiko. Nonetheless, they remain resolute in their love for each other, determined to survive together.

4. Desumi Magahara & Fudou Aikawa

Love After World Domination

Studio: Project No.9
Episodes: 12.
Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime via Crunchyroll.

If you’re enjoying the straightforward narrative of Kemonozume, but prefer a more light-hearted take, consider watching Love After World Domination instead. In this series, peace on Earth is ensured by The Gelato 5, a group reminiscent of Power Rangers, with Fudo Aikawa, or ‘Red Gelato’, leading the charge as their commander. They confront the malevolent Gekko, a hidden organization plotting global domination. However, they face a new threat when the enigmatic Desumi Magahara, known as the “Death Princess”, joins their ranks.

From my gaming perspective, I’m this character, seemingly devoted to a malevolent cause led by Gekko. Beneath this facade, however, I yearn for love – something I’ve yet to experience in a relationship. Miraculously, that desire becomes reality when I find myself falling for Fudo, who reciprocates my feelings. Yet, our blossoming romance is shrouded in secrecy; if revealed, we could be perceived as betrayers by our own factions. It’s almost like the scenario where Scorpina and Jason the Red Ranger from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers secretly develop feelings for each other amidst their ongoing battles.

3. Mavis Vermillion & Zeref Dragneel

Fairy Tail

Similar to the hexed pair in “The Seven Deadly Sins,” Mavis Vermilion and Zeref Dragneel from “Fairy Tail” are also compelled to be separated due to a curse. However, unlike the main characters, Zeref serves as the series’ primary antagonist, known as the ‘Black Wizard.’ He was cursed by Ankhselam for attempting to resurrect his deceased sister, Natsu. This curse makes him immortal and unable to age, but if he were to appreciate life, everything and everyone around him would perish. Consequently, when Zeref developed a friendship with Mavis, he maintained a distance because he feared his curse might claim her life.

Ultimately, Mavis suffered the same fate due to employing Fairy Law’s rules. When they shared a kiss, Zeref’s curse was triggered, leading to her demise. Since her form contained residual magic from Fairy Hearts, it was encased in a crystal for the guild hall’s power supply. Mavis would persist as a Thought Projection and monitor Fairy Tail. She could be brought back to life by shattering the crystal, freeing both her and Zeref from their curses. However, this revival would exact a significant toll on them both.

2. Tsukasa Mizugaki & Isla

Plastic Memories

Plastic Memories can be described as if the central theme of Blade Runner shifted from Deckard and Rachael’s relationship to their bond, with the focus on managing androids rather than hunting down replicants. Through some behind-the-scenes maneuvering, our protagonist, Tsukasa Mizugaki, secures a position at Sion Artificial Intelligence (SAI) Corporation, where he is tasked with creating lifelike robots known as Giftias. These robots closely resemble humans in appearance but have a predetermined life expectancy of about 9.5 years. When they surpass this age, they develop a form of digital dementia that makes them potentially dangerous.

Tsukasa works alongside Isla, helping to halt the decay of Giftias nearing their expiration date. As they collaborate, their bond deepens over time. However, Tsukasa remains oblivious to the fact that Isla too is approaching her final days. Faced with a tough decision, he must either shut down Isla to prevent digital deterioration or remain by her side, risking potential danger as her mental faculties decline. Despite its strength, love cannot defy the passage of time forever.

1. Gin & Hotaru Takegawa

Hotarubi No Mori E

Studio: Brain’s Base.
Runtime: 45 Minutes.
Streaming Platforms: None.

In a woodland setting, you’ll find Gin, a mystical forest spirit. One day, six-year-old Hotaru becomes lost in the woods and encounters Gin. Gin guides her back to her grandfather’s residence. As the years pass, Hotaru frequently returns to the forest during summers to see Gin, forming a profound bond with him. As she matures, their friendship blossoms into something deeper. Yet, due to the nature of his existence, if Gin is touched by a human, he vanishes for good.

As a dedicated admirer of the enchanting Hotaru and the captivating Gin, I can’t conceal my own growing affections for her, even though our bond seems destined to remain unattainable from the very start. She too, yearns for my touch, yet she knows full well that such a connection is forever out of reach for us.

2024-12-03 17:00