The Premier Collection of Timeless Shojo Anime (July 2023)

Although Western anime fans may be familiar with more well-known shonen shows, shojo series continue to gain immense popularity worldwide. While primarily aimed at younger female audiences, shojo anime offer captivating stories that can be enjoyed by people of any age or gender.

While some of the top shojo anime may follow the typical romantic storyline, many go beyond expectations by delving into profound emotional narratives and exploring unique themes. These shows epitomize the finest aspects of the genre and are essential viewing for any anime enthusiast.

14 Maid Sama!

Despite its occasional dated aspects, this minor classic remains highly influential in the shojo genre. Its enduring strengths help to conceal certain weaknesses. Serving as the president of her school's student council, Misaki upholds a strict regime, especially when it comes to dealing with boys. While most male students keep their distance, Takumi Usui defies this trend by frequently visiting the maid café where Misaki works.

13 Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me To You

The humor in Maid Sama! is absolutely outstanding, and the dynamic between Misaki and Takumi is truly captivating. Misaki, the student council president, is a captivating force of nature, always going above and beyond to support her family. On the other hand, Takumi effortlessly exudes an air of coolness.

Introducing Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, a romantic anime that delves into the bond between an outcast girl and her popular classmate. Sawako bears an uncanny resemblance to Sadako from The Ring, a detail not overlooked by her peers. Given her naturally shy nature, Sawako struggles to make friends and break free from the unfair judgment placed upon her. However, everything takes an interesting turn when the charismatic Shouta becomes captivated by Sawako's allure. Kimi ni Todoke boasts captivating characters and a perfect balance of drama and comedy. Though the central romance might progress at a leisurely pace, the endearing chemistry between Sawako and Shouta is truly enchanting.

12 Yona Of The Dawn

Ever since its release in 2009, Mizuho Kusanagi's Yona of the Dawn has established itself as one of the top shojo manga available. However, Pierrot's anime adaptation falls short in comparison, mostly due to its limited coverage of the original material. In terms of the adapted content's quality alone, Yona of the Dawn proves to be quite impressive.

11 Skip Beat!

In a small nation caught between more powerful countries, a sheltered princess named Yona resides under the rule of her father, the king. However, her idyllic life is shattered when a shocking coup takes place, forcing Yona to flee for her life. With her loyal bodyguard Hak as her only companion, the princess embarks on a quest to locate four legendary warriors who can aid her in reclaiming the throne and reuniting the fractured kingdom. Throughout her journey, Yona is forced to mature rapidly, shedding her pampered royal persona and emerging as a formidable warrior.

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After supporting her boyfriend's ambition to become famous, Kyouko Mogami is devastated when she discovers that he had been using her. Instead of wallowing in sorrow, she embarks on a mission for revenge, determined to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Along the way, she encounters the attractive but mysterious Ren.

Skip Beat! features one of the most impressive protagonists in shoujo anime. Kyouko is vibrant, charming, and incredibly funny, effortlessly stealing the spotlight in every scene. Additionally, she is joined by two exceptional male leads, Shou and Ren.

10 Sailor Moon

"Fighting evil by moonlight, winning love by daylight, never running from a real fight, she is the one named Sailor Moon!"

9 Cardcaptor Sakura

Released in 1998, the original Cardcaptor Sakura has demonstrated its enduring popularity through its 2018 sequel, Clear Card. This delightful series follows Sakura's quest to reclaim the enchanting Clow Cards and stands out from other shojo anime with its refreshing rivals-turned-lovers romance, devoid of the typical cheesiness. Moreover, it defies the conventions of magical girl tropes by omitting transformation sequences and presents a one-of-a-kind experience for fans of the genre.

8 Kamisama Kiss

Have you ever experienced being unexpectedly without a home, rescuing someone from a dog, and then unexpectedly finding yourself transformed into a deity? Kamisama Kiss is a delightful blend of romance and comedy infused with a touch of the supernatural. This captivating series takes this extraordinary concept and turns it into a whimsical and enjoyable adventure.

Nanami's escapades alongside the fox spirit Tomoe bear a striking resemblance to Inu Yasha, yet they possess a refined quality surpassing that of the renowned show. The immense fan demand for additional content is evidenced by the production of numerous OVAs, further underscoring the allure of this extraordinary narrative.

7 Ouran High School Host Club

The main cast of Ouran High School Host Club consists of characters with highly stereotypical traits, which gradually evolve over the course of the show. The series also explores various themes related to gender and personal appearance, as Haruhi is compelled to take on the role of the club's errand "boy" after accidentally breaking a vase worth eight million yen. Despite being released in 2006, the show continues to be immensely popular, to the extent that it is now being adapted into a live-action musical.

6 Revolutionary Girl Utena

Revolutionary Girl Utena, the winner of the Best TV Animation Award in 1997, made a significant impact on Western audiences as one of the pioneering mainstream anime showcasing lesbian romance. Its intriguing use of surrealism and symbolism in depicting a coming-of-age narrative continues to captivate viewers even today.

Utena's journey at the Ootori Academy involves intense sword-fighting contests, an unexpected betrothal to Anthy, and a enigmatic quest to "revolutionize the world." Witnessing the gradual unraveling of this mystery is incredibly gratifying. Additionally, for an alternative narrative of the series, it is highly recommended to watch the Adolescence of Utena movie.

5 The Rose Of Versailles

This anime, despite being over forty years old, remains one of the greatest historical shojo anime of all time. The Rose of Versailles is an alternate history of the events leading to the French Revolution and is as remarkable today as it was in 1979.

The relationship between Oscar François de Jarjeyes and her childhood friend Andre is incredibly intense. Not only do they come from different social classes, but Oscar was also raised to fulfill the role of the leader of the royale guard, disguising herself "as a male." The Rose of Versailles delves into various themes such as sexual and gender identity, self-discovery, and offers everything that fans of historical dramas adore.

4 Nana

"Say, Nana... Do you remember the first time we met?"

The intertwining lives of Nana Komatsu, a naive individual, and Nana Osaki, a punk-rock vocalist, create an iconic tale within the genre of shojo anime. Throughout the story, viewers will find themselves connecting with the characters as they navigate through the intricacies of romance, heartbreak, and the various challenges that life bestows upon them.

Unfortunately, the ending of Nana is a point of sorrow. In 2009, the manga was placed on indefinite hiatus due to the severe illness and challenging recovery of its author, Ai Yazawa. However, in 2022, the mangaka provided an update on the potential continuation of the story.

3 Banana Fish

Banana Fish, released as part of Akimi Yoshida's 40th-anniversary commemoration project, defies expectations within the shojo genre. Set in a unique premise, this anime delves into the gripping tale of a young boy nurtured under the wing of a mafia boss, as he embarks on a journey to uncover a perplexing enigma tied to the Iraq War. Out of the vast catalogue of shojo anime, only Banana Fish dares to explore such a riveting narrative.

2 Natsume's Book Of Friends

Takashi's life takes a dramatic turn when his grandmother entrusts him with a Yuujinchou, or Book of Friends. In Natsume's Book of Friends, he embarks on thrilling adventures, evading the malicious yokai whose spirits were once controlled by his grandmother. Thankfully, he is not alone in this endeavor, accompanied by a cat spirit and self-proclaimed bodyguard named Madara. This captivating supernatural slice-of-life anime is considered a pinnacle in shojo genre and is highly recommended for any anime enthusiast.

1 Fruits Basket

Although the original airing of the Fruits Basket series dates back to 2001, it was not until the Spring of 2021 that Fruits Basket: Final premiered as the ultimate conclusion to the enchanting tale of supernatural love.

The story revolves around Tooru and her experiences living at the Souma house. Unveiling a peculiar phenomenon, she realizes that each resident undergoes a transformation into an animal from the Chinese zodiac upon being embraced by someone of the opposite sex. This enchantment stems from a sinister curse, giving rise to a captivating blend of romance and drama. Fans will find themselves utterly captivated, unable to tear their eyes away from the screen until the very end of this enthralling show.

Best Summer 2023 Shojo Anime

My Happy Marriage

Summer 2023 brings forth a dazzling array of over 40 anime series that are currently being aired. This exciting lineup encompasses a wide range of genres such as shonen, seinen, action, comedy, isekai, horror, adventure, fantasy, and science-fiction. With such diversity, there truly is something to captivate the interests of everyone, showcasing the greatness of anime. While the number of shonen anime outweighs that of shojo anime, Summer 2023 still manages to cater to the demographic's interests. So, which are the most exceptional shojo anime of the season?

Akumi Agitogi's romance novel has been adapted into a light novel, shojo manga, live-action movie, and finally an anime, indicating its enduring popularity. Set during the Meiji Restoration era, My Happy Marriage offers a unique perspective through the experiences of Miyo Saimori, a woman who has silently endured mistreatment from her family. To rid themselves of her, Miyo's parents arrange a marriage with Kiyoka Kudou, a seemingly intimidating military figure known for scaring away potential spouses. Both characters are deeply guarded, and the story follows their gradual journey towards love as they gradually break down each other's barriers.

My Happy Marriage has made a strong impression from the start. The anime effectively portrays Miyo's traumatic past, evoking immediate sympathy from viewers. Moreover, her actions reflect a fragile yet resilient mindset shaped by years of relentless criticism. Likewise, there is more to Kiyoka than meets the eye.

The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess To Savior

The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior, another Summer 2023 anime, originated as a novel and underwent adaptations into a light novel and manga. It falls under the "villainess" sub-genre of isekai, where the main character is reincarnated as the antagonist of a story, often within the context of otome games. This concept has long been prevalent in light novels and is now gaining traction in the anime industry. The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen has the potential to become an esteemed addition to this growing collection.

Pride Royal Ivy holds the distinct title of being the epitome of awfulness, and her actions inevitably lead her towards a sinister and, ultimately, fatal path. Inevitably, when the protagonist finds themselves occupying the shoes of this villainous character, they embark on a mission to alter their destiny, realizing that a mere change in demeanor is not enough to achieve this transformation.

Sugar Apple Fairy Tale Part 2

The Winter 2023 anime, Sugar Apple Fairy Tale, was highly acclaimed, and Part 2 continues to impress. It has the potential to even surpass its predecessor, thanks to the development of Ann Halford as a remarkable female protagonist. The show portrays a world where humans and fairies coexist, although the humans treat the fairies as slaves. Ann, who despises this injustice, hires Challe, a fairy bodyguard, to assist her on a challenging journey with a promise to free him afterwards. However, their plans take unforeseen turns.

After the events of the first part, Ann embarks on a mission to the Paige workshop to rescue Challe from Bridget's control. Sugar Apple Fairy Tale Part 2 emphasizes Ann's role as the hero of the story, while still allowing Challe to have agency.

The upcoming Summer 2023 anime, Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout The Animation, could potentially cater to individuals seeking shojo-style content, regardless of whether they belong to that specific demographic.

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