Are you craving heartwarming stories and emotional connections but don’t have the time to dive into lengthy anime series? Don’t worry! Short romance animes are the perfect fix. These compact shows deliver impactful love stories that stay with you long after the credits roll. Here’s a list of over 20 short romance anime recommendations that you can binge in no time.
1. Horimiya
Horimiya explores the sweet romance between Kyoko Hori and Izumi Miyamura, two high school students who live double lives. While Hori is a popular and outgoing student, Miyamura hides his piercings and tattoos beneath a quiet demeanor. Their relationship blossoms as they uncover each other’s true selves. This anime captures the warmth of young love and genuine human connection.
Watch Horimiya Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Funimation.
2. Tsurezure Children
Tsurezure Children is a collection of adorable love stories featuring various high school couples. Each episode showcases different stages of romance, from awkward confessions to playful dates. The relatable characters and hilarious moments make this series a joy to watch.
Watch Tsurezure Children Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Funimation.
3. Ao Haru Ride
Ao Haru Ride follows the story of Futaba Yoshioka, a girl who reconnects with her middle school crush, Kou Mabuchi. However, Kou has changed drastically since she last saw him. The anime beautifully portrays themes of change, regret, and second chances in love.
Watch Ao Haru Ride Full Anime online: Crunchyroll.
4. My Little Monster (Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun)
Shizuku Mizutani, a studious girl, crosses paths with Haru Yoshida, a troublemaker with a good heart. Their quirky relationship develops in unexpected and often hilarious ways. This anime is perfect for anyone who loves opposites-attract romances.
Watch My Little Monster Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Netflix.
5. Toradora!
Toradora! is a classic rom-com about Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka, two high school students who team up to help each other with their respective crushes. Along the way, they develop feelings for each other. This anime perfectly balances humor and heartfelt moments.
Watch Toradora! Full Anime online: Netflix, Crunchyroll.
6. Plastic Memories
Plastic Memories is set in a world where humans coexist with androids called “Giftias.” Tsukasa Mizugaki and Isla, a Giftia nearing the end of her lifespan, form a deep bond as they work together retrieving Giftias. Their bittersweet romance will tug at your heartstrings.
Watch Plastic Memories Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Funimation.
7. Lovely☆Complex
Lovely☆Complex revolves around Risa Koizumi and Atsushi Otani, a tall girl and a short boy whose constant bickering hides a blossoming romance. This anime is full of laughter, touching moments, and a unique take on insecurities in relationships.
Watch Lovely☆Complex Full Anime online: Crunchyroll.
8. Kimi ni Todoke
Kimi ni Todoke follows the journey of Sawako Kuronuma, a shy girl often misunderstood due to her resemblance to a horror movie character. When the popular and kind Shota Kazehaya befriends her, Sawako’s life begins to change. Their innocent romance is a delight to watch.
Watch Kimi ni Todoke Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Netflix.
9. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
This emotional anime movie tells the story of a boy who befriends a girl with a terminal illness. Their bond grows stronger as they spend time together, leading to unforgettable moments. This tear-jerker explores life, love, and the impact of meaningful connections.
Watch I Want to Eat Your Pancreas Full Anime online: Netflix, Prime Video.
10. Say “I Love You” (Suki-tte Ii na yo)
Mei Tachibana has never had friends or a boyfriend, but her life changes when the popular Yamato Kurosawa takes an interest in her. Their love story unfolds as they navigate trust and vulnerability.
Watch Say “I Love You” Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Funimation.
11. The Garden of Words
Makoto Shinkai’s stunning short film centers on Takao, an aspiring shoemaker, and Yukari, a mysterious woman he meets on a rainy day. Their unlikely bond blossoms into something beautiful, set against breathtaking visuals.
Watch The Garden of Words Full Anime online: Netflix, Crunchyroll.
12. Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime)
Shirayuki, a herbalist with bright red hair, escapes her kingdom to avoid an arranged marriage. She meets Zen, a prince from a neighboring kingdom, and their romantic journey begins. This anime is a refreshing mix of romance and adventure.
Watch Snow White with the Red Hair Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Funimation.
13. Hotarubi no Mori e
This short film tells the touching story of Hotaru, a girl who befriends a forest spirit named Gin. Their love faces an impossible barrier, but their time together is unforgettable.
Watch Hotarubi no Mori e Full Anime online: Netflix, Crunchyroll.
14. Scum’s Wish (Kuzu no Honkai)
Scum’s Wish explores the complexities of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability through Hanabi and Mugi, two teenagers in a pretend relationship. This mature anime delves deep into raw emotions and human desires.
Watch Scum’s Wish Full Anime online: Amazon Prime Video.
15. Angel Beats!
Angel Beats! is set in the afterlife, where Otonashi meets a girl named Yuri who leads a rebellion against their fate. Among the chaos, romance blooms, adding an emotional layer to this bittersweet story.
Watch Angel Beats! Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Netflix.
16. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
This tearful anime follows a group of childhood friends brought back together by the ghost of their deceased friend, Menma. The series blends friendship, grief, and romance beautifully.
Watch Anohana Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Netflix.
17. Orange
Naho Takamiya receives letters from her future self, urging her to save a classmate named Kakeru from a tragic fate. This anime combines romance and time travel with heartfelt storytelling.
Watch Orange Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Funimation.
18. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)
Your Lie in April tells the story of Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy who rediscovers his passion for music through Kaori Miyazono, a spirited violinist. Their bond is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
Watch Your Lie in April Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Netflix.
19. Fruits Basket (2019)
Tohru Honda’s life changes when she discovers the Sohma family’s secret: they turn into zodiac animals when hugged by the opposite sex. Amid this magical chaos, Tohru’s kindness brings love and healing.
Watch Fruits Basket Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Funimation.
20. Clannad: After Story
Clannad: After Story follows Tomoya and Nagisa as they navigate adulthood, marriage, and parenthood. This emotional masterpiece is a must-watch for anyone seeking a powerful romance.
Watch Clannad: After Story Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Funimation.
21. Golden Time
Golden Time follows Banri Tada, a college student with memory loss, and Koko Kaga, a vibrant girl with her own emotional baggage. Their love story is both touching and dramatic.
Watch Golden Time Full Anime online: Crunchyroll.
22. Five Centimeters Per Second
This beautifully animated film by Makoto Shinkai depicts the bittersweet tale of childhood friends Takaki and Akari as they drift apart over time. The story explores how distance, both physical and emotional, can impact relationships. With stunning visuals and a poignant narrative, this anime is a must-watch for fans of heartfelt romance.
Watch Five Centimeters Per Second Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Netflix.
23. A Lull in the Sea (Nagi no Asukara)
Set in a world where humans live both on land and underwater, this anime follows Hikari, Manaka, and their friends as they navigate love, prejudice, and personal growth. The blend of fantasy elements and heartfelt romance makes this a unique and emotional series.
Watch A Lull in the Sea Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Netflix.
24. The World is Still Beautiful (Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii)
Nike, a princess with the power to summon rain, is forced into an arranged marriage with Livius, a young king who has conquered the world. Despite their rocky start, the two develop a charming romance full of humor, heartfelt moments, and growth.
Watch The World is Still Beautiful Full Anime online: Crunchyroll.
25. Bloom Into You (Yagate Kimi ni Naru)
This touching yuri anime follows Yuu Koito, a girl who has never felt romantic attraction, and Touko Nanami, a confident student council president. As their friendship deepens, Yuu begins to question her feelings and explores what love truly means.
Watch Bloom Into You Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE.
Which of these short romance animes are you excited to watch first? Share your favorites in the comments and let us know if we missed any hidden gems!
