Top 12 Best Wholesome Romance Anime You Need to Watch in 2025

Looking for a little escape with a dash of warmth and joy? Wholesome romance anime might be just what you need. These heartwarming shows combine love, personal growth, and real-life challenges in the most uplifting ways.

At Grumpy Sharks, we believe that a great anime can brighten your mood and leave you feeling all fuzzy inside. With their focus on genuine connections and feel-good moments, wholesome romance anime are perfect for unwinding and enjoying life’s simpler pleasures. If you’re ready for a journey of love, laughter, and positivity, these anime will steal your heart!

1. Toradora!

• Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Comedy
• Release Date: October 2, 2008
• Japanese Title: とらドラ!
• Studio: J.C. Staff
• Based On: Light Novel by Yuyuko Tokemiya
• Creator: Tatsuyuki Nagai
• IMDb: 7.9/10
• Plot:

Ryuuji, a high school student with a tough-looking face, and Taiga, a small but fierce girl, form an unlikely friendship as they navigate high school life. Their mutual respect turns into a humorous and heartwarming romance as they help each other with their romantic pursuits, leading to a journey of self-discovery and deeper emotions.

2. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)

• Genre: Romance, Drama, Music
• Release Date: October 9, 2014
• Japanese Title: 四月は君の嘘
• Studio: A-1 Pictures
• Based On: Manga by Naoshi Arakawa
• Creator: Takahiro Omori
• IMDb: 8.5/10
• Plot:

Kousei, a piano prodigy, loses his ability to hear music after his mother’s death. His life changes when he meets a spirited violinist named Kaori, who brings color and joy back into his world. Their relationship blooms into a deep and emotional love story, woven with the beauty of music.

3. Clannad: After Story

• Genre: Romance, Drama, Slice of Life
• Release Date: October 3, 2008
• Japanese Title: CLANNAD（クラナド）AFTER STORY
• Studio: Kyoto Animation
• Based On: Visual Novel by Key
• Creator: Tatsuya Ishihara
• IMDb: 8.2/10
• Plot:

After the events of Clannad, Tomoya Okazaki’s life takes a different turn as he enters adulthood. After Story follows Tomoya’s journey through love, loss, and the challenges of family life, as he strives to overcome personal hardships and find happiness in the company of his wife, Nagisa, and their daughter.

4. My Little Monster (Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun)

• Genre: Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life
• Release Date: October 1, 2012
• Japanese Title: 隣の怪物くん
• Studio: Brains Base
• Based On: Manga by Robico
• Creator: Hiroshi Ishidate
• IMDb: 7.1
• Plot:

Shizuku Mizutani is a studious and cold girl who cares little about anything except her grades. Haru Yoshida is a misunderstood delinquent who strikes up a friendship with her, leading to a quirky romance filled with misunderstandings and personal growth. As the two get closer, they help each other grow emotionally and socially.

5. Lovely★Complex

• Genre: Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life
• Release Date: April 7, 2007
• Japanese Title: ラブ★コン
• Studio: Toei Animation
• Based On: Manga by Aya Oda
• Creator: Koji Yoshikawa
• IMDb: 7.9/10
• Plot:

Risa Koizumi, a tall girl, and Atsushi Ōtani, a short boy, form an unlikely friendship as they attempt to help each other with their respective crushes. As they support one another through their insecurities and relationships, their bond grows into a sweet and unexpected romance.

6. Nana

• Genre: Romance, Drama, Music
• Release Date: April 5, 2006
• Japanese Title: ナナ
• Studio: Madhouse
• Based On: Manga by Ai Yazawa
• Creator: Morio Asaka
• IMDb: 8.5/10
• Plot:

Nana Komatsu, a sweet and innocent girl, meets the punk rock singer Nana Osaki, and the two form an unlikely friendship. As both Nanas navigate their relationships and dreams, the series explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Their intertwined fates create a heart-wrenching and powerful narrative about love and sacrifice.

7. Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You

• Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Shoujo
• Release Date: October 7, 2009
• Japanese Title: 君に届け
• Studio: Production I.G
• Based On: Manga by Karuho Shiina
• Creator: Hiro Kaburagi
• IMDb: 7.8/10
• Plot:

Sawako Kuronuma, a shy and misunderstood high school girl, is nicknamed “Sadako” due to her resemblance to the ghost character from The Ring. Her life changes when she befriends the popular and kind Shouta Kazehaya. Their relationship grows as Sawako learns to open up and express her feelings, leading to a heartwarming romance.

8. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou (Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo)

• Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
• Release Date: October 9, 2012
• Japanese Title: さくら荘のペットな彼女
• Studio: J.C. Staff
• Based On: Light Novel by Hajime Kamoshida
• Creator: Shinji Takamatsu
• IMDb: 7.6/10
• Plot:

Sorata Kanda, a resident of Sakurasou, a dorm for troubled students, lives with a group of eccentric characters, including the beautiful but socially inept artist Mashiro Shiina. Sorata ends up becoming her caretaker, and as they spend more time together, a slow-burn romance begins to develop between them. The series explores themes of personal growth, dreams, and the beauty of unexpected love.

9. My Love Story!! (Ore Monogatari!!)

• Genre: Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life
• Release Date: April 8, 2015
• Japanese Title: 俺物語!!
• Studio: Madhouse
• Based On: Manga by Kazune Kawahara
• Creator: Kôzô Satô
• IMDb: 7.7/10
• Plot:

Takeo is a big-hearted but intimidating high school student who has never had much luck with girls, unlike his popular best friend, Makoto. After saving a girl named Rinko from a molester, Takeo’s life takes a turn when they begin a heartwarming romance that’s free from the usual misunderstandings seen in other rom-coms.

10. Bunny Drop (Usagi Drop)

• Genre: Slice of Life, Drama
• Release Date: July 8, 2011
• Japanese Title: うさぎドロップ
• Studio: Production I.G
• Based On: Manga by Yumi Unita
• Creator: Kanta Kamei
• IMDb: 8.2/10
• Plot:

Daikichi Kawachi, a 30-year-old bachelor, is suddenly tasked with raising his late grandfather’s illegitimate daughter, Rin. As Daikichi learns the ropes of parenting, he and Rin grow closer, forming an unconventional but heartwarming family. This slice-of-life anime explores themes of love, responsibility, and the joy of parenthood.

11. Barakamon

• Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
• Release Date: July 6, 2014
• Japanese Title: バラカモン
• Studio: Kinema Citrus
• Based On: Manga by Satsuki Yoshino
• Creator: Masaki Tachibana
• IMDb: 8.2/10
• Plot:

Seishu Handa, a calligrapher, retreats to a rural village to find his artistic style after being criticized for his rigid writing. There, he meets an eccentric group of villagers, including a lively young girl named Naru, who helps him loosen up and reconnect with his creativity. The series is filled with humor and heartwarming moments that showcase the importance of community and personal growth.

12. Natsume’s Book of Friends (Natsume Yuujinchou)

• Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Slice of Life
• Release Date: July 7, 2008
• Japanese Title: 夏目友人帳
• Studio: Brain’s Base, Shuka
• Based On: Manga by Yuki Midorikawa
• Creator: Takahiro Omori
• IMDb: 8.1/10
• Plot:

Natsume, a high school student who can see spirits, inherits his grandmother’s Book of Friends, which contains the names of spirits she had befriended. Natsume sets out to return the names to their rightful owners, forming deep connections with the spirits and learning about friendship, empathy, and the importance of understanding the supernatural world around him.

Conclusion: Best Wholesome romance anime

These 12 wholesome romance anime offer a variety of heartwarming stories that go beyond just romantic feelings. They tackle personal growth, relationships, and the power of human connection. Whether you’re looking for a feel-good romance, a slice of life, or a deeply touching drama, these series are sure to leave you with a smile on your face. So grab your favorite snack, sit back, and enjoy these comforting tales of love, friendship, and everything in between.