Unveiling the True Winners: 5 Must-Watch Harem Anime Filled with Surprising Twists!
Step into the captivating world of harem anime where hearts are entangled, desires clash, and no one emerges unscathed Explore the complex dynamics of these 5 intriguing series where the concept of 'winning' becomes a tangled web of emotions and desires
Harem anime is a prevalent theme in anime/manga and shows no signs of fading away anytime soon. As a result, there is ample room for creativity and experimentation, which may not always be as readily available in other themes or genres. One area where this experimentation is particularly evident is in how harem anime concludes and the implications it holds for the story.
Contrary to popular belief, finding a harem where nobody emerges as the ultimate winner proves to be more challenging than expected. Many harems choose to provide vague resolutions rather than having the main character choose a single girl to be with or vice versa.
Haganai: I don't have many friends
| Japanese Title | Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai |
| Year of Original Airing | 2011 |
At first glance, Haganai appears to be a standard harem anime, but it offers several unique elements. The character designs are visually appealing, and the cast consists of diverse and interesting individuals. The storyline is relatable to many people, and it tackles the common predicament of Hasegawa Kodaka, the protagonist, who is torn between his strong bond with his friends and the club they belong to, making it difficult for him to choose just one girl.
Saber Marionette J
The series garnered enough popularity to warrant a second season and an OVA, sparking optimism among many fans for a potential third season. Regrettably, the second installment was not met with great enthusiasm, leading to a disappointing conclusion that left a bitter aftertaste for viewers. Now, a decade has passed since the conclusion of the second season, making the possibility of a third season nearly impossible, thereby granting this anime the peculiar distinction of being a harem where no one emerges victorious.
| Japanese Title | セイバーマリオネットJ |
| Year of Original Airing | 1996 |
Saber Marionette J, a popular 90s anime, unfolds in a futuristic realm where we follow Otaru Mamiya, a young swordsman hailing from Terra II. Otaru embarks on an exciting journey alongside three androids known as "Marionettes" - Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry. This unforgettable adventure, praised for its seamless blend of comedy, action, and romance, proved to be so well-received that it warranted a second season.
While Saber Marionette J may not be considered a cult classic, those who recall it often do so with great fondness. What sets this series apart is its asexual protagonist, who throughout both seasons displays minimal to no romantic interest in the Marionettes or any other characters. Consequently, the series concludes with Otaru and the Marionettes joyfully coexisting in a purely platonic manner.
Angel Tales
| Japanese Title | Otogi Story Tenshi no Shippo |
| Year of Original Airing | 2001 |
Follow the misfortunes of Mutsumi Goro, a man plagued by the worst luck imaginable, as his life takes an unexpected turn when guardian angels enter the scene. Although the familiar harem antics ensue, there's a twist: relationships in this story must strictly avoid any romantic involvement. Delving deeper into the narrative, it is revealed that these angels were once Goro's beloved pets, returning to repay him for his kindness and affection. Furthermore, Goro himself is a reincarnation of the wise "Seijya."
The series garnered considerable popularity during its run, resulting in two seasons, a special, and several cross-overs with other Tokyo Kids productions. Regrettably, the show did not amass enough acclaim to warrant a third season, which would have served as the conclusive chapter resolving the lingering question of Goro's romantic partner. While many fans speculate that Ran might have been the likely candidate, the absence of a proper resolution renders the series a unique harem where no one emerges victorious.
Trinity Seven
| Japanese Title | トリニティセブン |
| Year of Original Airing | 2014 |
Trinity Seven, though widely recognized and popular, unfortunately falls short of fan expectations. The storyline revolves around Arata Kasuga's quest to become a "Magus" by seeking assistance from the Trinity Sevens to save his childhood friend and cousin, Kasuga Hijiri. While the premise has its merits, the inclusion of Arata as a perverted harem protagonist, a tired trope commonly found in harem series, detracts from its overall appeal.
Arata's character archetype only scratches the surface of the frustrations and mediocrity that plague this series for fans. Despite its early issues, the series managed to garner enough popularity to warrant a surprising movie adaptation. However, it is less surprising that the anime has yet to see any subsequent seasons, considering it has been nine years since its conclusion with no signs of a comeback.
School Days
| Japanese Title | スクールデイズ |
| Year of Original Airing | 2007 |
Numerous anime series deserve greater acknowledgment, yet regrettably, a large number of them are soon forgotten once they conclude. Nevertheless, the anime community will forever remember the infamously shocking culmination of the School Days adaptation. This conclusion has become so infamous that it often overshadows the entirety of the series and any other events that unfolded throughout its duration.
Itou Makoto, the main character, is tragically murdered by his childhood friend Saionji Sekai when she reaches a breaking point with his unfaithful behavior. In a twist of events, Katsura Kotonoha, his initial love interest, takes vengeance on Sekai after uncovering her actions towards Makoto. This unexpected and shocking conclusion inadvertently eliminates the possibility of School Days becoming a harem, where one person triumphs.
