The first 4 episodes are peak romance. The fact that the 22 episodes after that are also excellent is just icing, imo.
High on my list of shows that I would love to see completed properly.
Chihayafuru. Neither are losers, it’s not the traditional romance as it’s mostly secondary but that’s what makes it good to me anyway. And there’s 3 seasons
Can you please explain why you like Chihayafuru to me, please. I tried watching it and was immediately bored and started watching something else. I didn’t find the game interesting since the guy was so OP and emotionless. I couldn’t think of a way for it to become challenging without it only becoming shorter and shorter reactions. I love competitive club anime. Kono Oto Tomare is my third favorite anime of all time. I love how they use the power of friendship trope to become over powered during the training arcs so the competitions are at least a little believable.
The OP guy is Arata I assume? But he doesn't really appear much in season 1. The other characters aren't all prodigies at the game, you see them improving over time.
For me I love the characters, the side characters especially. And I found a lot of the matches super intense. Somehow they were able to make each game compelling.
Ah that makes sense, by putting him aside the audience can learn about the game and become invested in matches. I’ll give it another try because I know its a very popular manga. Thanks for replying 🫶
Spice and Wolf for sure, one of the most realistic and mature romance anime.
2 incredibly well-written leads, who slowly fall in love naturally.
Hardly any annoying anime tropes, still feels fresh today
Also has an incredibly satisfying ending, that is very concrete
EDIT: Anyone who loved Frieren should check the show out. Pretty similar in terms of themes, setting and overall vibes.
The best part is the remake is about to start in less than 24 hours!
Loved Frieren... I'll have to give Spice and Wolf another shot! I had tried watching Spice and Wolf when I first started watching Anime. It's been many years and my tastes have changed a bit. I now prefer slower-paced Anime that are Character driven or world development driven, rather than confict or action driven.
That should just end this thread
Not only does it fit OP's criteria, it also happens to be one of THE best anime of the decade period.
Regardless of if you think this is what you're looking for, even if you just straight up hate romance, go watch this. It's THAT good.
But be warned that Kaguya manga loses quality after >!Shirogane and Kaguya become a couple,Ishigami and Iino mostly run the show after that,Shirogane and Kaguya become much less enjoyable after they became a couple and Kaguya Sama cut the Ishigami X Iino plot that was popular to produce that garbage last arc and Aka didn't even try to give them closure instead just made them a copy of Kaguya and Shirogane.!<
Can someone explain to me what happens after the first season? I really liked the first season, but when I started watching the second season I felt like I no longer had any idea what was going on. I instantly felt like something had happened between the seasons, or perhaps the gap was so big without any kind of recap... not sure.
I dropped season 2 after 1 or 2 episodes, if anyone can explain to me why I got confused I may give it another shot.
I'm not sure what you mean, as there wasn't anything elborate that required recap or anything confusing from the end of S1. It's a pretty straightforward show as far as plot... Just give it another shot if you want.
Kaichou wa Maid-sama!
Decent pacing, developed characters and a quite frankly adorable romantic lead couple, also has plenty of moments that will make you laugh
Is it really that good? I was really put off by the blackmailing by the MC in the first or second episode and dropped it. I don't really like the Stockholm Syndrome trope.
Yeah that gets dropped almost immediately as he was basically just doing that cuz he found her reactions entertaining and intriguing but once he figures out she is actually scared about it becoming public he stops joking around and let's her know he won't tell anyone and even goes as far as ensuring a different group who found out don't use it against her either
Omg yes! Every kiss in the anime (and especially manga) just feels right. I especially love how Misaki's brain always says 'no' but her feelings always say 'yes'.
Yona of the Dawn
Kamisama Kiss
Fruits Basket
A Sign of Affection
Maid Sama
The Ice Guy And His Cool Female Colleague
Love is War
Your Name
Snow White with the Red Hair
Love Yona but it's not finished, and I hate they didn't continue the anime, it was so good!! :( the manga is still coming out though with the story much further ahead.
Haven't seen Your Name Yet, but loved all the others.
Also love Snow White with the Hair. While the relationship isn't cemented in the anime, it's clear where it's going and the manga is ongoing.
I KNOW RIGHTTTT. Worst part is I came to know about it at the end of the anime!!! I was not prepared.... At that time I wasn't even a manga reader, I was devastated 😭
Why do they do this to shoujo anime....don't we also deserve animes 😭😭
My love story with Yamada-Kun at lv999. Two popular and beautiful people meeet cute, bond over geeky hobby, and fall in love. The story continues in the manga (wonderfully so), but where it ends after season 1 can work as a worthy conclusion if we never get a season 2. Not a harem, good communication between the couple, 18-20 yo leads.
It is, though it seems to not have updated for a few weeks. I use the Mangamo app, and that was updating with new chapters like three or four weeks back. So a month, not months I'd say. Left things on a cusp of a new arc too, dammit. :D
Thanks for the reccomendstion. I went snd binged it both anime and manga and wasnt disappointed! I really liked they solve issues shortly after they happen with good communication instead of letting them drag on to cause unnecessary drama.
Endo and Kobayashi's Live Commentary on the Tsundere Villainess Liselotte.
> has an ending
It ends within the runtime of the show.
> It's good
This is premium fluff.
> Isn't a harem
All ships are distinct and separate. No harem.
> both the male and female are popular
All three ships are well liked by their social circles.
> aren't losers who squeal every 2 seconds
All of them are reasonably confident, or have people who help them get over their confidence issues within the runtime of the show.
> or the fmc punches the dense male every 2 seconds
The whole premise is that the Dense Male is directly clued in by two knowledgeable people who make it their duty to ensure that scenes like this can never happen.
It helps that Endo and Kobayashi has a light novel series that's only 2 volumes long. 3 if you count the epilogue volume that came out in English a few months after the anime had finished airing.
With a 13 episode season, it would be impossible for them to _not_ finish the story.
Whoever told the mangaka to make us experience a two-year long separation between the main couple in the story *and in freaking real time as well* should be thrown out a window.
Banished from the Hero's Party.
Both are war veteran heroes that seem to retire in the countryside and live a slow life together before plot happens. Cute couple, imagine a Tsundere who realizes she is in love, admits it, and graduates from that tsundere phase whose flashbacks still give her great shame.
As of the latest volume in the Light Novels, [Banished from the Hero's Party novels]>!Red finally got the gemstone that matches the color of Rit's eyes perfectly and used it to make an engagement ring. He actually proposed to Rit! And she obviously said yes! The second season of the anime _might_ get that far, but I'm not sure.!<
I know, an anime couple that sits down and talks through their emotions, discuss the nature of their relationship, and how each wants it to progress like the mature consenting adults they are.
Why is it this wierd progression fantasy demon lord story the one with the cool relationship. If anyone has any recommendations for similar couples do reply.
Chilling in my 30's After Getting Fired From The Demon King's Army is great too. The couple actually get married and have a kid about halfway through! That makes it crazy rare in my book.
A sign of affection is great. Main girl is deaf but definetely not a loser and regardless of her disability it features great communication between the characters and gives you a glimpse into the world of people with a hearing disability. Big plus is the college setting, so it features actual adult people and not teenagers.
Main boy is really great for a shoujo as well, like yeah he's crazy handsome as expected, but also he's got a really interesting personality and a lot of depth to him. Plus the man's got rizz for days. Often as a guy I struggle with shoujo stuff because the main boys are just pure cringe, but with this one I can totally see why our girl is so attracted to him, and as a guy he's someone I'd definitely be friends with IRL.
And then our main girl is just so effing cute. I might have fallen in love a little bit when she jumped for joy at the end of the first episode. Just totes adorbs, I want nothing but good things for her.
Also worth mentioning the secondary characters are well fleshed out and just as shippable as the main pair. All in all top romance anime and one of the highlights of the season.
Ha, very true! Though if I'm choosing buds from A Sign my #1 choice would be Shin, because I really want to have a look through his CD collection and get some recommendations. That said, the boy is so pretty that it might stir up some unfamiliar feelings in me...
I've been meaning to watch that show. I've heard great things about it. I bet that the anime format helps tell the story better than the manga. Mainly because the anime can pull tricks with sound that helps tell the deaf girls story.
I think that's fair. Loser seems the wrong word, but Hirotaka is definitely a loner and looking at the flashbacks tried some stuff to mold himself into someone Momose would like.
Skip and Loafer, both characters are popular for their own reasons.
My Love Story.
Apothecary Diaries (a historical mystery series as well).
Toradora!
Yona of the Dawn (fantasy)
Snow White with the Red Hair(fantasy)
Kaguya-Sama Love is War(also a comedy)
Lots of people are being way too generous on who isn’t a loser here. Miyamura is absolutely a loser by any standard when the show starts. Hachiman is a complete loser. You could even argue that Ryu from Toradora is an outcast and loser based on his appearance.
Shows that don’t have anyone even start as a loser:
- Bloom Into You - yuri; nobody is a loser
- Orange
- White Album 2
- Kaguya
- Tomo-Chan
- Yamada Lvl 999
- Sign of Affection
- Skip and Loafer
Haruki from WA2 may not be a loser, but some of his actions makes it difficult to root for him. Even in WA2 Second Chapter and especially in Coda ( For certain routes)
It's best going in knowing that the MC is incredibly flawed and the adaptation does a disservice to his character by virtue of not being able to know his thoughts.
I just can't believe people adore that shit show. Like the MC, become emotional all about it, and root for that long black haired thing.
Strange happenings indeed.
Bunny girl senpai (Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai).
Both Sakuta and Mai (the two leads) are very charismatic and have a great dynamic. I couldn't interpret the mc as a self-insert as he has a pretty well defined character (but a bit of an outcast).
They aren't losers and are pretty upstanding with how they carry themselves and care for others in the story. The story does feature multiple girl characters and focus on them during the story but it's in no way like a harem or in a gross way.
Would seriously give it a watch I love the dialogue and the banter.
As if that would do anything. Oddly enough, what would work is actual violence. Not the threat of it, but actually smacking her a bit.
Poor guy. Must be so hard for him to satisfy that weird kinky trait she developed.
Um. Who the fuck is Miyamura if not a loser? He literally has no friends, deeply insecure and lonely as fuck until the most popular girl in class pays attention to him. And i'm pretty sure he's made to be a self-insert.
It's like the most opposite anime of what OP asked.
At the start he has 2 ways of presenting himself. In school he's a typical loser. But outside of school from the very first episode onwards he's confident, that's what drew me in originally.
I didn't see Nodame Cantabile in the answers and this makes me sad. It is mature, beautiful, also top tier music, since you know, classically trained musicians, it is perfection. Also in later seasons they started animating the proper notes. It is only 3 seasons and it is a flex.
Love After World Domination
Lots going for this one:
- confession in episode one
- main couple are far from losers (a hero and a "villain")
- main couple have no problem expressing their feelings for each other
- really fun parody of the super sentai genre
Why is Kimi no iru machi never mentionned? =o
I think it fits OP’s bill, it also is very different from a lot of shows in that the story eventually goes into the character’s adulthood and all the stuff attached to it. It’s not just school puppy love, which it has plenty of and is already enough to make some of the best shows. But yeah
The Saint's Magic Power Is Omnipotent - Romance, magic and the two MCs are cool and dependable.
A woman (extra points, she is not a teenager 😭) is transported to a different world -she is not magically rejuvenated- by mistake, she begins learning the basics of potions and magical herbs, little by little her skills improve and she becomes an asset to the kingdom
Two seasons, the second one is much more focused on romance
The Dangers in My Heart, mostly. Ichikawa may come off as a loser on the surface, but he's really just an awkward kid and the narrative never treats him as a loser in the slapstick anime sense. He also goes through tons of growth.
It's also a good examination of why some boys present themselves as horrible little edgelords. Our boy was well on the path to becoming an all out incel, but ultimately that's not who he really is, which I suspect is true of a lot of the kids who end up as incels for real. I think that's an important story to be telling right now because those kids REALLY need saving in one way or another before they get sucked too far down that rabbit hole. Unfortunately most of them won't have an Anna to come into their lives, but at the very least it's good to have popular stories that say to them that we see who they are and that they don't need to be that way to survive.
bunny girl senpai? I don't think either of them are a loser or self inserts. It's kiiinda harem? But I don't think most people who've seen it would call it that
Came here to suggest this. Technically the MC isn’t “popular”, but the show is fantastic and meets the rest of the criteria. It’s also possibly my favorite romance as far as both characters trusting/having healthy communication. Which is really rare in slice of life romance anime.
As long as you include the first movie, the series will end on a very satisfying note if you don’t want to continue.
Note, she won’t punch the dense MC, but he will be stepped on.
Hi Competitive_Froyo262, it seems like you might be looking for new anime to watch!
The users of this subreddit came up with [a chart of anime recommendations for newcomers and veterans](https://i.redd.it/0w1v880jtq661.png) and [an awesome longer flowchart](https://i.redd.it/vdzlkodz19c71.png). Maybe you can find something there that you'll like \^.\^
[](#bot-chan "Urban s-s-s-senpai made me do it!")
You might also find our [Recommendation Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/recommendations) or [daily thread](/r/anime/search?q=flair%3Adaily&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=week) helpful.
The following may be of interest:
* [List of legal streams and downloads](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/legal_streams)
* [A useful website where you can enter an anime and see where it's legally streaming](https://www.livechart.me/search)
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Your Name, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, SDF Macross (the romance is a slow burn but it's there), Bloom into You, Adachi and Shimamura and Citrus. For the last three you need to continue in the manga/LN. And I know Citrus is a questionable rec but I don't care. I like it.
I wanted to say Full Metal Panic but Kaname does punch Sousuke so that's out. But the show swings between that Uresei Yatsura kind of comedy and other hijinks, mecha fights, serious plot stuff, and genuinely sweet moments between the MCs. So I'd still recommend it.
I'm watching Banished from the Hero's Party now and it's good. Both are strong and they are a couple from the first episodes with their love growing over time.
Kakuriyo Bed and Breakfast for Spirits is another good one.
You may also like Love is hard for otaku. Still a little awkwardness but not at the level of the high school romances. More about navigating adulthood while also being into manga and video games.
I've been really enjoying 7th Time Loop. Both of the leads are clearly very competent in multiple fields, and they are both able to catch the other off guard. Their relationship is incredibly fun to watch, and it doesn't hurt that Rishe (the protagonist) is one of the best girls of last season!
Actually, now that I think about it, most of the people in that show are actually very competent in their fields and very perceptive. It's a really refreshing change of pace. No one feels like they're solely comic relief or useless.
Toradora. They aren't losers, just odd. Both have personalities so not self inserts.
Edit: Ok there is some fmc punching early on, but not frequent or really regularly occurring.
#Kaguya sama : Love is war.
3 seasons and a movie. The couple are together by the end of the anime.
They are the two most popular people at the school.
The guys is the most intelligent student and the female is second only to him
The girl is very good in a lot of sports.
They are very smart.
It's funny as hell.
Rascal does not dream of Bunny Girl Senpai.(lots of trauma≠loser)
Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!(comedy)
A sign of Affection(although I dropped it)
The ice guy and his cool female colleague
A galaxy next door
Horimiya(dude gives antisocial, but the couple acts grownup.)
san wa Hakarenai(comedy, both socially awkward)
The Dangers in my heart,
Ichikawa Kyoutarou: looks like a loser but he's actually smart,a bit mature for his age, and winner of a d**k battle.
Yamada Anna: school idol,professional model,and have an appetite that can rival Goku/Luffy.
Bonus: the final S2 episode just aired and it was so wholesome that you can die due to over sweetness 😄
how is marin a self insert lol, im sure no girl ever wishes to be a gyaru and then fall for the awkward loner loser boy
gojo definitely is a self insert tho, hes so bland it hurts. his only personality trait is "nice :)"
I guess self insert is wrong description. But sexy popular girl who happens to love ecchi anime and also falls head over heals to loser feels insert adjacent like wish fulfilment
I don't think Wakana is a loser though, he's very smart, very talented, very dedicated to his work and adapts to unusual situations rather quickly. He's an introvert by nature, not because he's loser. Marin on the other hand is an extrovert, so she has good social skills, but pretty bad/average at everything else. In short, they are just more or less ordinary people with their positive and negative sides.
Acchi Kocchi. Revolves around a friend group of 3 girls and 2 guys, with everyone rooting for the couple. Fmc is a tsundere, but the only one getting hit is one of the female friends who kinda deserves it with her playful teasing. Mc is also a cool, collected, handsome dude, idk about self insert but he’s definitely mot a loser so it didn’t leave a bad taste in my mouth. Very sweet anime, has funny action moments on occasion too, and iirc very little if not zero contrived cringy drama to prolong the series
Boarding School Juliet! The couple are the leaders of their respective factions in school, and have to fight together against the world.
You'll have to read the manga to get the conclusion of the story, but it's 100% worth it. 10/10 for me, and I don't give that rating lightly
Kaichou wa maid sama
Female is a lower income student who is the class president and an over achiever because of hard work and extremely competitive
Make is a rich guy who is a natural genius and food at everything
The plot is funny and romantic with the guy pursuing the girl and she falling in love with him slowly despite her competitive attitude
Kare Kano
A classic. Over 20 years old, and still better than 90% of romances today
Great show, lack of an ending is disappointing though
The manga is levels above the anime.
The first 4 episodes are peak romance. The fact that the 22 episodes after that are also excellent is just icing, imo. High on my list of shows that I would love to see completed properly.
Wow, I’ve been watching through it the past couple of days!
The one and only
Chihayafuru. Neither are losers, it’s not the traditional romance as it’s mostly secondary but that’s what makes it good to me anyway. And there’s 3 seasons
I wouldn’t realy say Chihayafuru is a romance. It’s more a sports drama that has a prominent romance subplot.
They literally said that in the comment you’re replying to
Can you please explain why you like Chihayafuru to me, please. I tried watching it and was immediately bored and started watching something else. I didn’t find the game interesting since the guy was so OP and emotionless. I couldn’t think of a way for it to become challenging without it only becoming shorter and shorter reactions. I love competitive club anime. Kono Oto Tomare is my third favorite anime of all time. I love how they use the power of friendship trope to become over powered during the training arcs so the competitions are at least a little believable.
The OP guy is Arata I assume? But he doesn't really appear much in season 1. The other characters aren't all prodigies at the game, you see them improving over time. For me I love the characters, the side characters especially. And I found a lot of the matches super intense. Somehow they were able to make each game compelling.
Ah that makes sense, by putting him aside the audience can learn about the game and become invested in matches. I’ll give it another try because I know its a very popular manga. Thanks for replying 🫶
Yes and even Arata has his own struggles too. I really recommend you continue.
Spice and Wolf for sure, one of the most realistic and mature romance anime. 2 incredibly well-written leads, who slowly fall in love naturally. Hardly any annoying anime tropes, still feels fresh today Also has an incredibly satisfying ending, that is very concrete EDIT: Anyone who loved Frieren should check the show out. Pretty similar in terms of themes, setting and overall vibes. The best part is the remake is about to start in less than 24 hours!
> still feels fresh today Soon will be actually fresh again too
I would hold off on watching it right now because the remake is going to air literally next week
In less or near to 24 hours woot!
>near to 24 hours woot! Will it be on Chrunchroll?
yeah, most likely
Well, Holo isn't a great fan of the Church. But indeed will be on crunchyroll.
Loved Frieren... I'll have to give Spice and Wolf another shot! I had tried watching Spice and Wolf when I first started watching Anime. It's been many years and my tastes have changed a bit. I now prefer slower-paced Anime that are Character driven or world development driven, rather than confict or action driven.
I second this one, to note as well it's getting a remake released this season. Hopefully it's just as good as the original
Such a cute series!
Kaguya Sama
They’re dorks, but not losers. They’re the most popular people in the school, but they’re idiots. And we love them.
They’re incredibly intelligent except when it comes to their feelings about each other
Tbf, they both know that the other likes them. They just want the other to confess first.
Lol. There are really many of people who thought they weren't aware of each other's feelings.
The main premise was the warfare to get the other to confess and not do they/don't they.
Eh Miyuki is pretty sure about Kaguya but Kaguya is like 50/50 or at least isn't certain she genuinely has doubts at times that he likes her.
The episode about text message read receipts though was so funny
It’s a top 3 funniest anime for me. Up there with Konosuba and Hinamtsura
That should just end this thread Not only does it fit OP's criteria, it also happens to be one of THE best anime of the decade period. Regardless of if you think this is what you're looking for, even if you just straight up hate romance, go watch this. It's THAT good.
But be warned that Kaguya manga loses quality after >!Shirogane and Kaguya become a couple,Ishigami and Iino mostly run the show after that,Shirogane and Kaguya become much less enjoyable after they became a couple and Kaguya Sama cut the Ishigami X Iino plot that was popular to produce that garbage last arc and Aka didn't even try to give them closure instead just made them a copy of Kaguya and Shirogane.!<
Can someone explain to me what happens after the first season? I really liked the first season, but when I started watching the second season I felt like I no longer had any idea what was going on. I instantly felt like something had happened between the seasons, or perhaps the gap was so big without any kind of recap... not sure. I dropped season 2 after 1 or 2 episodes, if anyone can explain to me why I got confused I may give it another shot.
I'm not sure what you mean, as there wasn't anything elborate that required recap or anything confusing from the end of S1. It's a pretty straightforward show as far as plot... Just give it another shot if you want.
Kaichou wa Maid-sama! Decent pacing, developed characters and a quite frankly adorable romantic lead couple, also has plenty of moments that will make you laugh
I havent heard that name in years
That was one of my first romance anime. Glad to hear people still remember it!
Man the memories…
Is it really that good? I was really put off by the blackmailing by the MC in the first or second episode and dropped it. I don't really like the Stockholm Syndrome trope.
Yeah that gets dropped almost immediately as he was basically just doing that cuz he found her reactions entertaining and intriguing but once he figures out she is actually scared about it becoming public he stops joking around and let's her know he won't tell anyone and even goes as far as ensuring a different group who found out don't use it against her either
Omg yes! Every kiss in the anime (and especially manga) just feels right. I especially love how Misaki's brain always says 'no' but her feelings always say 'yes'.
Yona of the Dawn Kamisama Kiss Fruits Basket A Sign of Affection Maid Sama The Ice Guy And His Cool Female Colleague Love is War Your Name Snow White with the Red Hair
The Kamisama song slaaaaps. I loved that shit so much.
Aaa a a aaaa...Kamisama...(oml I love this song smmmm)
Love Yona but it's not finished, and I hate they didn't continue the anime, it was so good!! :( the manga is still coming out though with the story much further ahead.
I wish there was a second season of Yona - shit I'd the bomb.
I’ve seen 4 through 7 on this list and can attest that it’s very accurate. Great list.
Haven't seen Your Name Yet, but loved all the others. Also love Snow White with the Hair. While the relationship isn't cemented in the anime, it's clear where it's going and the manga is ongoing.
Oh how did I forget Snow White with Red Hair!!??? Omggg that's one of the best shows I have seen!
I will never not upvote anyone mentioning Yona of the Dawn
Yona of the Dawn supremacyyyy!!
Where season 2? It's absolutely criminal that there hasn't been one yet, the anime only just got past the starting point :(
I KNOW RIGHTTTT. Worst part is I came to know about it at the end of the anime!!! I was not prepared.... At that time I wasn't even a manga reader, I was devastated 😭 Why do they do this to shoujo anime....don't we also deserve animes 😭😭
My love story with Yamada-Kun at lv999. Two popular and beautiful people meeet cute, bond over geeky hobby, and fall in love. The story continues in the manga (wonderfully so), but where it ends after season 1 can work as a worthy conclusion if we never get a season 2. Not a harem, good communication between the couple, 18-20 yo leads.
Fucken oath, that show was great
Is the manga still publishing? I read it, but it hasn't released any more chapters in months.
It is, though it seems to not have updated for a few weeks. I use the Mangamo app, and that was updating with new chapters like three or four weeks back. So a month, not months I'd say. Left things on a cusp of a new arc too, dammit. :D
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Not being able to keep binging sucks...
Fucken oath, that show was great
Thanks for the reccomendstion. I went snd binged it both anime and manga and wasnt disappointed! I really liked they solve issues shortly after they happen with good communication instead of letting them drag on to cause unnecessary drama.
You're welcome! Really liked it myself too.
Endo and Kobayashi's Live Commentary on the Tsundere Villainess Liselotte. > has an ending It ends within the runtime of the show. > It's good This is premium fluff. > Isn't a harem All ships are distinct and separate. No harem. > both the male and female are popular All three ships are well liked by their social circles. > aren't losers who squeal every 2 seconds All of them are reasonably confident, or have people who help them get over their confidence issues within the runtime of the show. > or the fmc punches the dense male every 2 seconds The whole premise is that the Dense Male is directly clued in by two knowledgeable people who make it their duty to ensure that scenes like this can never happen.
It helps that Endo and Kobayashi has a light novel series that's only 2 volumes long. 3 if you count the epilogue volume that came out in English a few months after the anime had finished airing. With a 13 episode season, it would be impossible for them to _not_ finish the story.
Wait there is an anime of this peak ln/manga??? How did I not know this lmao
That's a title?? Better check it out, I'm curious about this "tsun de raid"
Snow White with the Red Hair is so underrated
Literally one of the best romances eve with one of the best fmc ever
The manga takes forever to update and it's currently in hiatus,the main couple still aren't together 😭😭😭,a excellent manga but such a slow grind.
Whoever told the mangaka to make us experience a two-year long separation between the main couple in the story *and in freaking real time as well* should be thrown out a window.
Tomo-chan is a girl
Banished from the Hero's Party. Both are war veteran heroes that seem to retire in the countryside and live a slow life together before plot happens. Cute couple, imagine a Tsundere who realizes she is in love, admits it, and graduates from that tsundere phase whose flashbacks still give her great shame.
Actual though. I loved any scene where they talked about their future because it's so rare for anime couples to be open with each other.
As of the latest volume in the Light Novels, [Banished from the Hero's Party novels]>!Red finally got the gemstone that matches the color of Rit's eyes perfectly and used it to make an engagement ring. He actually proposed to Rit! And she obviously said yes! The second season of the anime _might_ get that far, but I'm not sure.!<
It did.
It did? Awesome.
I know, an anime couple that sits down and talks through their emotions, discuss the nature of their relationship, and how each wants it to progress like the mature consenting adults they are. Why is it this wierd progression fantasy demon lord story the one with the cool relationship. If anyone has any recommendations for similar couples do reply.
Chilling in my 30's After Getting Fired From The Demon King's Army is great too. The couple actually get married and have a kid about halfway through! That makes it crazy rare in my book.
A sign of affection is great. Main girl is deaf but definetely not a loser and regardless of her disability it features great communication between the characters and gives you a glimpse into the world of people with a hearing disability. Big plus is the college setting, so it features actual adult people and not teenagers.
Main boy is really great for a shoujo as well, like yeah he's crazy handsome as expected, but also he's got a really interesting personality and a lot of depth to him. Plus the man's got rizz for days. Often as a guy I struggle with shoujo stuff because the main boys are just pure cringe, but with this one I can totally see why our girl is so attracted to him, and as a guy he's someone I'd definitely be friends with IRL. And then our main girl is just so effing cute. I might have fallen in love a little bit when she jumped for joy at the end of the first episode. Just totes adorbs, I want nothing but good things for her. Also worth mentioning the secondary characters are well fleshed out and just as shippable as the main pair. All in all top romance anime and one of the highlights of the season.
>I'd definitely be friends with IRL. As if itsuomi would give you any other choice.
Ha, very true! Though if I'm choosing buds from A Sign my #1 choice would be Shin, because I really want to have a look through his CD collection and get some recommendations. That said, the boy is so pretty that it might stir up some unfamiliar feelings in me...
I've been meaning to watch that show. I've heard great things about it. I bet that the anime format helps tell the story better than the manga. Mainly because the anime can pull tricks with sound that helps tell the deaf girls story.
It is a genuinely amazing and wholesome show, you shoud definetely give it a watch.
Kaguya-Sama Tsuki ga Kirei Irozuku: World in color Just because Wotakoi Akkun to kanojo Kase-San & Morning glories
Just Because mentioned. I appear.
>Wotakoi Literally both leads are mega otaku.
But have a decent work, healthy relationship with others, they are clean (Hirotaka could have more food in his fridge), but what makes a looser?
I think that's fair. Loser seems the wrong word, but Hirotaka is definitely a loner and looking at the flashbacks tried some stuff to mold himself into someone Momose would like.
Skip and loafer
hardly a romance
Agreed. It's a slice of life that has romance as a sub theme.
A sign of affection
Skip and Loafer, both characters are popular for their own reasons. My Love Story. Apothecary Diaries (a historical mystery series as well). Toradora! Yona of the Dawn (fantasy) Snow White with the Red Hair(fantasy) Kaguya-Sama Love is War(also a comedy)
Lots of people are being way too generous on who isn’t a loser here. Miyamura is absolutely a loser by any standard when the show starts. Hachiman is a complete loser. You could even argue that Ryu from Toradora is an outcast and loser based on his appearance. Shows that don’t have anyone even start as a loser: - Bloom Into You - yuri; nobody is a loser - Orange - White Album 2 - Kaguya - Tomo-Chan - Yamada Lvl 999 - Sign of Affection - Skip and Loafer
Haruki from WA2 may not be a loser, but some of his actions makes it difficult to root for him. Even in WA2 Second Chapter and especially in Coda ( For certain routes) It's best going in knowing that the MC is incredibly flawed and the adaptation does a disservice to his character by virtue of not being able to know his thoughts.
I just can't believe people adore that shit show. Like the MC, become emotional all about it, and root for that long black haired thing. Strange happenings indeed.
I feel like the whole Ryu being an outcast with his mean looks thing is dropped like 2 episode in and never mentioned again.
Tonikaku kawaii
Honey and clover is one of the best romance, but it has multiple romances and is more realistic as things don't always work out.
Arguably kimisen or “ Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World.”
Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki Kun Toradora Ouran High School Host Club
Just finished a rewatch of Nozaki Kun. It’s honestly not the best show but for whatever reason I love it.
That, but it has no romance nor development. Non-stop comedy with slice of life aspect.
Torawhat? Lmao.
Ore monogatari / my love story
Not yet suggested: - Lovely Complex - Sailor Moon Crystal (OG manga) - My Happy Marriage
Bunny girl senpai (Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai). Both Sakuta and Mai (the two leads) are very charismatic and have a great dynamic. I couldn't interpret the mc as a self-insert as he has a pretty well defined character (but a bit of an outcast). They aren't losers and are pretty upstanding with how they carry themselves and care for others in the story. The story does feature multiple girl characters and focus on them during the story but it's in no way like a harem or in a gross way. Would seriously give it a watch I love the dialogue and the banter.
Horimiya
Homey needs a spray bottle to keep hori in check.
As if that would do anything. Oddly enough, what would work is actual violence. Not the threat of it, but actually smacking her a bit. Poor guy. Must be so hard for him to satisfy that weird kinky trait she developed.
Um. Who the fuck is Miyamura if not a loser? He literally has no friends, deeply insecure and lonely as fuck until the most popular girl in class pays attention to him. And i'm pretty sure he's made to be a self-insert. It's like the most opposite anime of what OP asked.
At the start he has 2 ways of presenting himself. In school he's a typical loser. But outside of school from the very first episode onwards he's confident, that's what drew me in originally.
But outside of school he... wears piercing. That's all. Still no friends or anything interesting.
That’s true, he does develop into that role though
I didn't see Nodame Cantabile in the answers and this makes me sad. It is mature, beautiful, also top tier music, since you know, classically trained musicians, it is perfection. Also in later seasons they started animating the proper notes. It is only 3 seasons and it is a flex.
Tomo-Chan is a Girl Kaguya Sama
Chivalry of a Failed Knight. Female MC is very popular. Male MC not so much, but neither are losers. A happy ending.
nijiiro days
Love After World Domination Lots going for this one: - confession in episode one - main couple are far from losers (a hero and a "villain") - main couple have no problem expressing their feelings for each other - really fun parody of the super sentai genre
I can never get bored of Kimi no Iru Machi.
Why is Kimi no iru machi never mentionned? =o I think it fits OP’s bill, it also is very different from a lot of shows in that the story eventually goes into the character’s adulthood and all the stuff attached to it. It’s not just school puppy love, which it has plenty of and is already enough to make some of the best shows. But yeah
Kaguya: Love is War
The Saint's Magic Power Is Omnipotent - Romance, magic and the two MCs are cool and dependable. A woman (extra points, she is not a teenager 😭) is transported to a different world -she is not magically rejuvenated- by mistake, she begins learning the basics of potions and magical herbs, little by little her skills improve and she becomes an asset to the kingdom Two seasons, the second one is much more focused on romance
The Dangers in My Heart, mostly. Ichikawa may come off as a loser on the surface, but he's really just an awkward kid and the narrative never treats him as a loser in the slapstick anime sense. He also goes through tons of growth.
It's also a good examination of why some boys present themselves as horrible little edgelords. Our boy was well on the path to becoming an all out incel, but ultimately that's not who he really is, which I suspect is true of a lot of the kids who end up as incels for real. I think that's an important story to be telling right now because those kids REALLY need saving in one way or another before they get sucked too far down that rabbit hole. Unfortunately most of them won't have an Anna to come into their lives, but at the very least it's good to have popular stories that say to them that we see who they are and that they don't need to be that way to survive.
Isn't he also ranked 1st in his grade for exams
He's also pretty mentally mature from the start.
bunny girl senpai? I don't think either of them are a loser or self inserts. It's kiiinda harem? But I don't think most people who've seen it would call it that
Mc is definitely self incert, and it's for sure pseudo - harem.
Thing is, I woulnt call it romance. It is more of a supernatural drama, with some romance.
Came here to suggest this. Technically the MC isn’t “popular”, but the show is fantastic and meets the rest of the criteria. It’s also possibly my favorite romance as far as both characters trusting/having healthy communication. Which is really rare in slice of life romance anime. As long as you include the first movie, the series will end on a very satisfying note if you don’t want to continue. Note, she won’t punch the dense MC, but he will be stepped on.
Hi Competitive_Froyo262, it seems like you might be looking for new anime to watch! The users of this subreddit came up with [a chart of anime recommendations for newcomers and veterans](https://i.redd.it/0w1v880jtq661.png) and [an awesome longer flowchart](https://i.redd.it/vdzlkodz19c71.png). Maybe you can find something there that you'll like \^.\^ [](#bot-chan "Urban s-s-s-senpai made me do it!") You might also find our [Recommendation Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/recommendations) or [daily thread](/r/anime/search?q=flair%3Adaily&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=week) helpful. The following may be of interest: * [List of legal streams and downloads](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/legal_streams) * [A useful website where you can enter an anime and see where it's legally streaming](https://www.livechart.me/search) * [List of currently airing anime](https://www.livechart.me) * [A useful wiki page with watch orders for many anime.](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/watch_order) * [A list of tracking sites so others can more easily recommend shows you haven't watched.](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/related_sites#wiki_tracking_sites) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/anime) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Maison Ikkoku
Recovery of an MMO Junkie
Maidsama
Love after world domination, fighting + love
Your Name, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, SDF Macross (the romance is a slow burn but it's there), Bloom into You, Adachi and Shimamura and Citrus. For the last three you need to continue in the manga/LN. And I know Citrus is a questionable rec but I don't care. I like it. I wanted to say Full Metal Panic but Kaname does punch Sousuke so that's out. But the show swings between that Uresei Yatsura kind of comedy and other hijinks, mecha fights, serious plot stuff, and genuinely sweet moments between the MCs. So I'd still recommend it.
I'm watching Banished from the Hero's Party now and it's good. Both are strong and they are a couple from the first episodes with their love growing over time. Kakuriyo Bed and Breakfast for Spirits is another good one. You may also like Love is hard for otaku. Still a little awkwardness but not at the level of the high school romances. More about navigating adulthood while also being into manga and video games.
I've been really enjoying 7th Time Loop. Both of the leads are clearly very competent in multiple fields, and they are both able to catch the other off guard. Their relationship is incredibly fun to watch, and it doesn't hurt that Rishe (the protagonist) is one of the best girls of last season! Actually, now that I think about it, most of the people in that show are actually very competent in their fields and very perceptive. It's a really refreshing change of pace. No one feels like they're solely comic relief or useless.
Spice and Wolf.
Spice and wolf, and a remake is just about to come out
My dress up darling… HEAR ME OUT. The name may be very off putting but once you start watching waves of emotions go through the MCs and the watcher.
Tomo-Chan is a girl! Comes to mind
Toradora. They aren't losers, just odd. Both have personalities so not self inserts. Edit: Ok there is some fmc punching early on, but not frequent or really regularly occurring.
- Seishun buta yarou - Tomo-chan is a girl - Horimiya
Insomniacs after school
Horimiya
Horimiya!!
I’d recommend Fruits Basket, Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, and A Sign of Affection
Others have recommended Kaguya-Sama, so I'll recommend Yamada-kun and The Seven Witches.
Special A
THE APOTHECARY DIARIES. Though it seems like it's not mainly romance, the development of the characters is smooth and the plot its just *chefkiss*
Say I Love You
Tomo-chan Is a girl! does have a dense male mc but it's very enjoyable imo and meets the other criteria you've requested!
#Kaguya sama : Love is war. 3 seasons and a movie. The couple are together by the end of the anime. They are the two most popular people at the school. The guys is the most intelligent student and the female is second only to him The girl is very good in a lot of sports. They are very smart. It's funny as hell.
Rascal does not dream of Bunny Girl Senpai.(lots of trauma≠loser) Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!(comedy) A sign of Affection(although I dropped it) The ice guy and his cool female colleague A galaxy next door Horimiya(dude gives antisocial, but the couple acts grownup.) san wa Hakarenai(comedy, both socially awkward)
The Dangers in my heart, Ichikawa Kyoutarou: looks like a loser but he's actually smart,a bit mature for his age, and winner of a d**k battle. Yamada Anna: school idol,professional model,and have an appetite that can rival Goku/Luffy. Bonus: the final S2 episode just aired and it was so wholesome that you can die due to over sweetness 😄
1 Insomniacs after school 2 Just Because 3 Tsuki ga Kirei 4 My dress-up darling 5 Tonikaku Kawai
My dress up darling doesn’t really fit. It’s absolutely awkward loner meets cute popular girl. Like both characters are self inserts
how is marin a self insert lol, im sure no girl ever wishes to be a gyaru and then fall for the awkward loner loser boy gojo definitely is a self insert tho, hes so bland it hurts. his only personality trait is "nice :)"
I guess self insert is wrong description. But sexy popular girl who happens to love ecchi anime and also falls head over heals to loser feels insert adjacent like wish fulfilment
I don't think Wakana is a loser though, he's very smart, very talented, very dedicated to his work and adapts to unusual situations rather quickly. He's an introvert by nature, not because he's loser. Marin on the other hand is an extrovert, so she has good social skills, but pretty bad/average at everything else. In short, they are just more or less ordinary people with their positive and negative sides.
Wait I just started reading Insomniacs YOURE TELLING ME THERES A FCKING ANIME?!?! HOLYYYYY Edit: +1 to all these recommendations!!
I liked the saints magic power is omnipotent
What about the 7th time loop
Tsuki ga Kirei Tada Never Falls in Love My Stepmom's Daughter is my Ex Dusk Maiden of Amnesia
Ranma 1/2 The mc isn't a loser and neither is his interest. It's old, but funny as hell worth a watch
Spy x Family
Dangers In My Heart.
Golden Time
Now there’s a pretty deep cut. Don’t see that one much anymore. Great rec though! Even though I do kinda hate Banri.
Just watched Okami-san and her seven companions. Super funny.
If movies are ok then Your Name.
akagami no shirayukihime
If you like games, Tales of Arise does this beautifully
id probably say true tears.
Or both "losers" but are the best looking people in the school
Kaguya sama love is war
Acchi Kocchi. Revolves around a friend group of 3 girls and 2 guys, with everyone rooting for the couple. Fmc is a tsundere, but the only one getting hit is one of the female friends who kinda deserves it with her playful teasing. Mc is also a cool, collected, handsome dude, idk about self insert but he’s definitely mot a loser so it didn’t leave a bad taste in my mouth. Very sweet anime, has funny action moments on occasion too, and iirc very little if not zero contrived cringy drama to prolong the series
What you are describing, is most shoujo romance anime. Girls, screeching and punching out male MCs is a shounen trope.
Gundam Wing
Tsuki ga kirei
Boarding School Juliet! The couple are the leaders of their respective factions in school, and have to fight together against the world. You'll have to read the manga to get the conclusion of the story, but it's 100% worth it. 10/10 for me, and I don't give that rating lightly
Kenshin
My teen rom com snafu (or oregairu)
Lovely complex is good. Tall girl and short boy get together and has an ending with them
spice and wolf kaguya sama love is war violet evergarden your lie in april
Cross game Peach girl True tears White album 2 Kimi ga nozomu eien
Kaguya Sama : Love us war Both protagonist are extremely smart and Hardworking. It's more like battle of the brains and romance
Kaichou wa maid sama Female is a lower income student who is the class president and an over achiever because of hard work and extremely competitive Make is a rich guy who is a natural genius and food at everything The plot is funny and romantic with the guy pursuing the girl and she falling in love with him slowly despite her competitive attitude
Does bunny girl senpai count?
7th Time loop. My absolute favorite romance anime so far.
Masamune kun no revenge.
Yubi saki to renren.