10 Romance Anime Series Filled With Drama and Simmering Passion

Where to watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll

Adapted from the light novels, "Rascal" follows Sakuta Azusagawa, a high school student who discovers what he calls "Adolescence Syndrome," a mysterious condition that afflicts young women.

He notices Mai Sakurajima — an actress — in a library, dressed as a bunny girl, but nobody else does; it seems that only he has the ability to see this woman (and, as he discovers, other similarly afflicted teenage girls).

The budding romance between these characters provides both the electric charge of a love story and some of the series' best character development, even though it doesn't take center stage.

Where to watch: Netflix

"My Happy Marriage" features several elements that will be familiar to romance and anime fans alike: an unhappy young woman who eventually finds love, detailed historical settings and some amount of fantasy.

Miyo Saimori is a Cinderella-like female protagonist, forced into servitude by her cruel stepmother and the rest of her abusive family. She's married off to Kiyoka Kudou, a notoriously cruel and chilly army commander.

Gradually, she discovers that Kiyoka is not the man his reputation would suggest, and a charming romance begins, in which a special match is made, as well as the self-discovery of the protagonist.

Where to watch: Apple TV, Hulu, Crunchyroll

Widely considered a classic of the anime romance genre, the "Fruits Basket" story revolves around Tohru Honda, the female protagonist, and her encounter with the mysterious Sohma family. With elements of fantasy and an affecting romantic relationship, anime fans and romance fans alike will have much to celebrate here.

"Fruits Basket" is a prime example of Shojo anime, which, like the manga of the same label, has a target audience of young women. As with all marketing categories, well-crafted work transcends those limitations, and "Fruits Basket" has won wide appeal and acclaim from international audiences of all ages and genders.

Where to watch: Apple TV, HiDive, Spectrum

"The Dangers in My Heart" is a great example of a formulaic story done exceptionally well. It's a classic slow-burn romance between two high school students who make an unlikely pair.

A morbid loner with dark and aggressive fantasies becomes intrigued by — and then falls for — a shy girl who initially appeared to be just another stereotypical teen.

Of course, anyone can see that these two will wind up together, but it's the fleshed-out characters that make this both satisfying and surprising. Many fans consider this an example of the best anime: elevating the form with classic themes and attention to the small stuff.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll, AppleTV

"Given," a romance anime that prizes realism and psychological complexity as well as big emotions, is also notable for featuring queer characters. It's actually part of a whole anime subgenre known as Boys' Love (BL for short), which has its fair share of both rabid fans and critics (mostly, as with many anime genres, it's seen as being overly conventional and formulaic).

"Given," however, has won affection for being both well-crafted and heartwarming. It features the romances between two couples that form within a band, and then follows their relationships with each other, as well as their creative struggles.

Where to watch: Hulu

"Nana" also concerns an odd couple: The main characters are two female young adults named Nana who happen to move into the same apartment. But the romance doesn't develop between them; rather, the story follows their respective lives as they pursue their professional and romantic dreams.

Much transpires over the course of Nana, but it remains rooted in a careful depiction of the characters as they navigate young love and the world.

Where to watch: HiDive

"Clannad" is a romance anime that, like a few others on this list, begins with a high school student. Tomoya Okazaki is an average boy dealing with the pain of a distant father and the loss of his mother. He moves through life without passion or direction until he meets Nagisa Furukawa, a female student who is taking her last year over again due to a recent illness.

She restarts the drama club, and both of them become active. Little by little, a romance begins. The story follows the characters over many years and is noted for its moving and thoughtful treatment of the lovely complex connection that develops between the characters.

Where to watch: Apple TV, Hulu, Netflix

An anime that focuses on the plight of the high school outcast, "Kimi Ni Todoke" follows Sawako Kuronuma, a girl who is mocked for her appearance. Her classmates call her Sadako — from "The Ring" — and taunt her, pretending she can see ghosts.

Sawako's luck changes when the male lead, a popular boy named Kazehaya, shows an interest in her. The romance that develops is tender and inspiring; it's a feel-good story for fans of the genre who are looking for something comforting and moving.

Where to watch: Hulu, Apple TV, Crunchyroll

"Yona of the Dawn" is a fusion of different anime genres. It has elements of fantasy and adventure, with a core of romance. Yona is a princess who is in trouble: Her family are the victims of a coup d'etat, and she must flee, with only her bodyguard, Hak, to protect her.

Hak was also her childhood friend — and he's actually carried the torch for her ever since then. As his feelings gradually reveal themselves, much else happens in terms of adventure and intrigue. Yona's main mission is the saving of her former kingdom, but the romance between her and Hak is the emotional core of the narrative.

Where to watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll

"Your Life in April" is a certified tearjerker, perfect for the anime fans who want to dissolve into a puddle of tears. It's the story of a gifted music prodigy who loses his musical ability after the death of his mother. Grieving and depressed, Kosei can no longer play the piano.

Things begin to shift, however, when he meets Kaori, a violinist who inspires him with her impassioned playing.

Kaori, it turns out, has struggles of her own: She's anemic, and her health is very fragile. The themes of the story involve death, grief and depression, but also hope and the healing power of music, friendship and love.

Whether you're a romance fan who is interested in anime, or an anime fan who wants to explore some romance in your genre of choice, you'll find something of interest in this list. Romance anime is more or less what it sounds like, stories involving love and courtship (usually of young and beautiful people) told through the medium of anime.

But as anyone who's familiar with the wide world of anime knows, it's also where you'll likely encounter the unexpected. Some romance anime is light and bubbly, some is wackily comedic, and some is even dark or bizarre. With that in mind, you're ready to binge-watch some of the best romance anime available.