Must-Watch Romance Anime Movies: Top 10 Choices for Every Fan

The world of animated storytelling is undoubtedly home to some of the finest romance anime movies. This genre delves deep into human connections, emotions, and the enigmatic nature of love, creating heartfelt and captivating tales that have resonated with audiences for years.

Romance anime films possess a special ability to capture the very essence of love, while weaving a touching narrative that tugs at the heartstrings of viewers worldwide. Their intricate storylines, stunning visuals, and emotionally rich characters elevate this genre to a league of its own within the realm of animated storytelling. Consequently, we present a curated selection of the must-watch romance anime movies for everyone.

10 best romance anime movies of all time

1) A Whisker Away

The 2020 anime film A Whisker Away (also known as Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu) is a touching and emotional masterpiece. It stands as one of the finest romance anime movies in recent years, delving into the intricacies of love, identity, and the vast spectrum of human emotions.

The story revolves around Miyo Sasaki, an adventurous and lively high school girl who is deeply infatuated with her classmate, Kento Hinode. Despite her persistent efforts to catch his attention and win him over, her endeavors consistently end in disappointment as Kento rejects her advances.

One day, she stumbles upon a magical mask that grants her the ability to transform into a cat. Seizing the opportunity, she uses her newfound feline form to approach Kento once again. Surprisingly, Kento embraces her friendship and forms a strong bond with her.

Although things initially seem favorable for Miyo, she soon discovers that if she spends too much time as a cat, she risks losing her human identity and becoming permanently trapped in her feline form. This enchanting film delves into the complexities of human desires and the universal longing for acceptance, earning it high praise from fans as one of the greatest romance anime movies of all time.

2) Ride Your Wave

Ride Your Wave anime(image via Studio Science SARU)

Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, Ride Your Wave is a poignant exploration of grief in the realm of animated storytelling. Released in 2019, this film delivers a heartfelt narrative encompassing themes of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit needed to conquer life's obstacles.

The plot centers around Hinako Mukaimizu, a passionate surfer. She becomes enamored with Minato Hinageshi, a compassionate firefighter who shares her deep affection for the ocean. However, their joyous union is cut short when Minato tragically loses his life while saving someone at sea.

Amidst her grief, Hinako discovers an extraordinary phenomenon. Whenever she sings a song that they once shared, Minato manifests before her as liquid form. As a result, Hinako is able to cherish fleeting moments with her cherished companion. Despite its heart-wrenching premise, this film is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest romance anime movies ever made.

3) Garden of Words

Garden of Words(image via Studio CoMix Wave Films)

Garden of Words, directed by Makoto Shinkai, stands out as a visually mesmerizing film that is widely regarded as one of the greatest romance anime movies ever made.

It features the tale of Takao Akizuki, a high school boy with dreams of becoming a shoemaker, and Yukari Yukino, an enigmatic older woman. Their chance encounters take place in a picturesque garden during rainy mornings. Over time, these meetings evolve into a unique connection as they open up to each other and discuss their personal challenges and aspirations.

4) The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

The science fiction romance film, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, released in 2006, has garnered a loyal international fan base and is widely recognized as one of the greatest romance anime films ever made.

5) Whisper of the Heart

The narrative revolves around Makoto Konno, a high school student who stumbles upon her ability to time travel. Initially, like any typical teenager, she uses this newfound power for trivial and self-centered reasons. However, she soon realizes the negative consequences her actions have on the lives of others. Assisted by her friends Chiaki and Kousuke, Makoto embarks on a journey through time, grappling with the complexities of manipulating time while uncovering the true essence of friendship, love, and personal accountability.

Whisper of the Heart(image via Studio Ghibli), a captivating romance film released in 1995, beautifully portrays a profound tale of self-discovery, dreams, and the relentless pursuit of one's passion.

6) 5 Centimeters Per Second

revolves around the serendipitous meeting of Shizuku Tsukishima, a studious middle school student, and Seiji Amasava, an ambitious and gifted violin maker. Seiji's unwavering passion and dedication to his craft ignite Shizuku's determination to discover her own purpose in life. This enchanting film beautifully captures the rollercoaster of emotions experienced during adolescence and the blossoming of love at a tender age, solidifying its status as one of the most beloved romance anime movies of all time.

5 Centimeters per second(image via Studio CoMix Wave Films)

Makoto Shinkai's 5 Centimeters Per Second is a striking visual marvel that delves into the profound themes of unreciprocated affection, geographical distance, and the trajectory of time. Regrettably, despite its undeniable brilliance, this romance anime masterpiece has not garnered the same level of acclaim as Shinkai's other acclaimed works.

7) A Silent Voice

This fragment explores the poignant tale of childhood companions, Takaki Toono and Kanae Sumida, who are tragically torn apart by distance. With exquisite precision, the film delves into the intricate dynamics of relationships, unearthing the profound emotional impact of separation. Through the gradual divergence of two intertwined souls, it artfully portrays the bitter reality of love and loss, captivating audiences worldwide and earning widespread acclaim.

One film that stands out when discussing the greatest romance anime movies is A Silent Voice. Directed by Naoko Yamada and featuring stunning visuals from Kyoto Animation, this emotional drama explores the powerful themes of redemption, forgiveness, empathy, and the challenges of living with a disability.

The narrative centers around Shoya Ishida, a young man tormented by his history of tormenting his deaf classmate, Shoko Nishimiya, during their elementary school years. When Shoko's mother takes the issue up with the school, Shoya is portrayed as the primary culprit. Consequently, he becomes an outcast at school, enduring his own share of bullying and isolation. Years later, burdened by remorse and longing for redemption, Shoya reaches out to Shoko in an effort to make amends for his past transgressions.

8) I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

"I Want to Eat Your Pancreas" (image via Studio VOLN) showcases a captivating narrative that evokes deep emotions and explores the profound notions of friendship, love, and the delicate nature of existence. Revered by enthusiasts worldwide, this animated masterpiece reigns supreme as one of the most exceptional romance anime films ever created.

The story explores the unlikely connection between Haruki Shiga, a reserved high school student, and Sakura Yamauchi, an outgoing girl who is battling a terminal pancreatic illness and has limited time left. Sakura comes across Haruki by chance and decides to become friends with him. She appreciates that he treats her condition with understanding instead of pity or sadness.

Sakura chooses to spend her remaining days with Haruki. As they spend more time together, they develop a unique bond, building cherished memories and opening up to each other. The film beautifully captures the challenges of coping with a terminal illness and emphasizes the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. This solidifies its status as one of the greatest romance anime movies of all time.

9) Weathering With You

Weathering With You anime(image via CoMix Wave Films)

Weathering With You, released in 2019, is another stunning work of visual art by Makoto Shinkai and is widely regarded as one of the finest romance anime films. The plot revolves around Hodaka Morishima, a high school runaway seeking a fresh start in Tokyo. It is there that he unexpectedly crosses paths with Hina Amano, a girl who possesses an enigmatic power to control the weather and bring sunshine to the rain-soaked city.

As their bond deepens, Hodaka and Hina set out on a remarkable journey, utilizing her extraordinary abilities to bring warmth and joy to the lives of those in need. However, they soon become aware of the unforeseen and dangerous consequences of tampering with nature, ultimately leading them to face grave and perilous circumstances.

10) Your Name

Your Name(image via CoMax Wave Films)

Crowned as Makoto Shinkai's magnum opus, Your Name (also known as Kimi No Na wa) is widely acclaimed as both the ultimate romance anime and one of the greatest animated films ever made. It garnered extraordinary global success and stands as unquestionably one of the highest-grossing Japanese movies in box office history.

The plot centers around Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana, two high school students who suddenly find themselves inexplicably swapping bodies. As they navigate each other's lives through messages, they embark on an extraordinary quest to meet and defy the confines of time and space. With its awe-inspiring animation and a perfect fusion of fantasy and romance, this film stands as an unparalleled masterpiece in the realm of romantic anime movies.

To conclude

The films listed above are unquestionably among the finest romance anime movies ever made. These movies have a lasting impact on viewers, reminding them of the enduring strength of love, emotional bonds, and the value of empathy. Ultimately, these timeless masterpieces serve as a heartfelt tribute to love's power, inspiring audiences to treasure their own relationships and leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have grown up watching anime and have developed a deep appreciation for the genre. Romance anime movies hold a special place in my heart, as they often explore complex emotions and relationships in a way that is both relatable and moving.

Two of my favorite romance anime movies are "A Whisker Away" and "Ride Your Wave." Both films tackle the theme of love and loss in unique and thought-provoking ways. In "A Whisker Away," the protagonist, Miyo, struggles with her unrequited love for her classmate, Kento. However, she discovers that she has the ability to transform into a cat, which allows her to get closer to him. This film explores the complexities of love and identity, and it ultimately teaches us that it is important to be true to ourselves, even if it means losing someone we love.

In "Ride Your Wave," the protagonist, Hinako, loses her boyfriend, Minato, in a tragic accident. However, she discovers that she can still connect with him by singing a song that they shared. This film explores the power of love and grief, and it shows us that even when someone we love is gone, they can still live on in our hearts.

Overall, I believe that romance anime movies are a valuable genre that can offer viewers a unique and emotional experience. They explore complex emotions and relationships in a way that is both relatable and moving, and they can teach us important lessons about love, loss, and self-discovery.