Top 8 Fantasy Romance Manga Series You'll Love

Romance stories often feature realistic situations and settings, with the most popular romance manga typically set in real-life locations and centered around ordinary individuals. The genre aims to be relatable, making it easier for readers to connect with the characters and storylines when they are more grounded in reality.

However, there are also romance stories set in fantasy worlds that offer a unique twist. These tales may incorporate magical elements or take place entirely in alternate realms. Below is a list of some of the top fantasy romance manga, ranked based on their MyAnimeList score.

Snow White With The Red Hair

MAL Score: 8.23

Snow White with the Red Hair-1 - MAL Score: 8.23 - Snow White With The Red Hair

Written & Illustrated by Sorata Akizuki

Published in LaLa

26 volumes

Shirayuki, a young herbalist with striking red hair, stands out in the Kingdom of Tanbarun where such hair color is rare. The prince of Tanbarun becomes intrigued by her and insists on her becoming his confidant. However, she flees the kingdom with the unexpected help of Zen, the prince of Clarines.

Snow White with the Red Hair chronicles the love story between Shirayuki, a commoner, and Prince Zen. Despite facing numerous challenges, Shirayuki works hard to showcase her skills as a pharmacist and to demonstrate that she is deserving of being by Zen's side.

Red River

MAL Score: 8.30

Red River - MAL Score: 8.30

Written & Illustrated by Chie Shinohara

Published in Sho-Comi

28 volumes

Yuri Suzuki, a typical high school girl, is unexpectedly transported into the past through a mysterious summoning ritual, finding herself in the era of the Hittite Empire. Prince Kail saves her from being sacrificed, leading Yuri to become entangled in the empire's political turmoil and eventually emerging as a significant figure within it.

Red River serves as an early example of the isekai genre, taking a unique approach by sending the protagonist back in time instead of to a different world. This epic series delves into Yuri's journey of becoming a revered heroine in the empire, while also exploring her romantic relationship with Prince Kail.

From Far Away

MAL Score: 8.34

From Far Away - MAL Score: 8.34

Written & Illustrated by Kyoko Hikawa

Published in LaLa

14 volumes

Noriko Tachiki is transported to a world of magic and monsters after encountering a mysterious paper bomb. The world is in chaos over a mysterious being known as the Awakening, and Noriko must rely on a young warrior named Izark, despite their communication challenges. Little does Noriko know, she is actually the Awakening, the only one who can control the powerful Sky Demon.

From Far Away is an isekai adventure manga from the '90s, predating most modern isekai stories. While the main focus is on the adventure, the romance between Noriko and Izark is equally important in the story.

Cardcaptor Sakura

MAL Score: 8.37

Character and guardian beast from Cardcaptor Sakura - MAL Score: 8.37

Written & Illustrated by CLAMP

Published in Nakayoshi

12 volumes

Sakura Kinomoto stumbles upon a set of magical cards called Clow Cards in her home's basement, accidentally setting them free and scattering them throughout her city. With guidance from Cerberus, the Guardian of the Cards, Sakura embarks on a quest to retrieve the cards, delving into the world of magic and mastering their powers.

Cardcaptor Sakura, a beloved classic in the magical girl genre, stands as one of CLAMP's most renowned creations. Alongside Sakura's adventures capturing the Clow Cards, the series also delves into a romantic subplot involving Sakura's feelings for her crush, Yukito, and her rivalry-turned-friendship with Syaoran Li, a fellow classmate and Clow Card seeker.

Basara

MAL Score: 8.41

Basara - MAL Score: 8.41

Written & Illustrated by Yumi Tamura

Published in Betsucomi

27 volumes

Sarasa has always felt inferior to her twin brother Tatara, who has been raised from birth as the child of destiny who would lead a revolution to topple the Golden Emperor, a cruel and vicious tyrant. However, an attack by the Red King ends with Tatara murdered, forcing Sarasa to masquerade as her own brother to keep the flames of revolution alive.

Basara is a fantasy adventure manga set in a version of Japan that suffered a catastrophe long ago. While campaigning to end the rule of the Golden Emperor, Sarasa falls in love with Shuri, a mysterious man she meets while on her travels. Neither of them are aware that they are each other's worst enemy, as Shuri is the Red King that killed Sarasa's family.

Spice And Wolf

MAL Score: 8.45

Spice & Wolf Manga Cover - MAL Score: 8.45 - Spice And Wolf

Original novel by Isuna Hasekura; Manga by Koume Keito

Published in Dengeki Maoh

16 volumes

Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant aspiring to open his own shop, encounters a girl with wolf ears named Holo sleeping in his wagon while passing through a village. Holo, a harvest goddess, requests Kraft to accompany her back to her homeland since the village no longer requires her presence.

"Spice and Wolf" is a fantasy manga that delves into economics and mercantile business, featuring a gradual romance between the two main characters that unfolds over the course of the story.

Kamisama Kiss

MAL Score: 8.54

Kamisama Kiss - MAL Score: 8.54

Written & Illustrated by Julietta Suzuki

Published in Hana to Yume

25 volumes

Nanami Momozono finds herself homeless due to her father's gambling debts, leading debt collectors to kick her out. However, her luck changes when she assists a man named Mikage, who offers her his home in gratitude - only to discover it is a shrine and that Mikage has passed on his title as Land God to her.

Kamisama Kiss is a romantic comedy that delves into traditional Japanese gods and folklore. While the story primarily centers around Nanami adjusting to her new role as a god, it also explores her growing relationship with her familiar, Tomoe.

Yona Of The Dawn

MAL Score: 8.82

The cast of Yona of the Dawn as they appear in the official manga - MAL Score: 8.82 - Yona Of The Dawn

Written & Illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi

Published in Hana to Yume

43 volumes

Yona, the sheltered princess of Kouka, always relied on her loyal bodyguard Hak and cousin Su-won. She dreamed of succeeding her father and marrying Su-won, but everything changed when Su-won orchestrated a coup and killed her father. Yona is now faced with the harsh reality of reclaiming her kingdom and fighting for her rightful place.

Set in a world inspired by Chinese mythology, Yona of the Dawn is an epic fantasy tale. Alongside Yona's quest to gather allies and take back her country, a complex love triangle unfolds between Yona, Su-won, and Hak, adding tension to their already tumultuous journey.

Editor's P/S:

This article provides an insightful overview of the captivating world of fantasy romance manga, showcasing a diverse range of captivating stories that transport readers to extraordinary realms and introduce them to unforgettable characters. The rankings based on MyAnimeList scores offer valuable guidance for those seeking the most acclaimed titles in the genre.

Each of the highlighted manga offers unique elements and compelling narratives, from the heartwarming tale of Shirayuki and Zen in "Snow White with the Red Hair" to the epic fantasy adventure of "Yona of the Dawn." The inclusion of both classic titles like "Cardcaptor Sakura" and contemporary favorites such as "Kamisama Kiss" demonstrates the enduring appeal and diversity of the genre. Overall, this article serves as an excellent resource for readers eager to explore the enchanting world of fantasy romance manga, offering a glimpse into the captivating stories that await them.