Top 50 Best Shoujo Anime Of All Time

Koe no Katachi claims a top spot on our list, boasting an impressive 9.0 rating on MyAnimeList, a #5 popularity ranking, and the prestigious Excellence Award from the 20th Japan Media Arts Festival.

This heartfelt film revolves around the poignant story of Shouya and Shouko. Shouya, a lively teenager, joins his peers in bullying Shouko, a deaf girl who joins their class. Overwhelmed by the unkindness she faces, Shouko soon transfers to another school, leaving Shouya burdened with guilt for his actions.

The narrative follows Shouya’s journey of sincere self-reflection as he seeks redemption and the chance to form a meaningful connection with Shouko, while wrestling with the consequences of his past. The emotional depth and beauty of this story truly make it unforgettable.

Although widely praised, some viewers believe the movie’s portrayal of a deaf character could be contentious. At 2 hours and 10 minutes in length, Koe no Katachi invites you to experience and judge its impact for yourself.

Clannad: After Story is the powerful sequel to the beloved Clannad series. This arc delves deeply into the challenges of adulthood and explores the profound impact that family has on our lives. Before continuing, it's highly recommended that you first watch the original Clannad series to fully appreciate its emotional journey.

As the Illusionary World transitions into winter, new hardships arise for the Illusionary Girl and the Garbage Doll, adding layers to their mysterious tale. Simultaneously, Tomoya and Nagisa embark on a poignant journey filled with emotional highs and lows that strengthen their bond and bring depth to their characters.

Known for its masterful ability to evoke every imaginable emotion, Clannad: After Story is a true epitome of the "feels" anime. Its extraordinary resonance with viewers is reflected in a stellar IMDb rating of 8.6 and an impressive MAL score of 8.96, ranking it at #29 overall—an outstanding achievement!

"Kaguya-Sama: Love is War" is a standout blend of romance, comedy, and drama, categorized as seinen. The story centers on Miyuki, the student council president, and Kaguya, who comes from a prestigious family and excels at everything she does.

The premise might sound simple, yet it quickly introduces a clever twist—both Miyuki and Kaguya harbor strong feelings for each other but refuse to confess. Their pride and sense of responsibility prevent them from showing any vulnerability.

The ongoing emotional battle leads to hilarious and heartfelt moments, making every episode a treat. Since premiering in 2019, the series has gained immense popularity, even inspiring a well-received sequel. Fans continue to eagerly anticipate more.

With an impressive IMDb rating of 8.4 and a MAL score of 8.43, "Kaguya-Sama: Love is War" delivers a complete experience. It’s a must-watch for anyone seeking sharp wit, memorable characters, and genuine emotion.

Few titles are as iconic in the shoujo anime world as "Nana." The story follows Nana Komatsu, a dreamy and reliant young woman yearning to escape her rural background and chase her ambitions. Driven by love, she leaves her hometown for the bustling city of Tokyo, hoping for a fresh start.

In contrast, Nana Osaki is fiercely independent and the lead vocalist of a popular punk band. Her ultimate goal is to make a name for herself in Tokyo as a professional singer, carving her own path with determination and style.

Fate brings both Nanas together when they board the same train to Tokyo and eventually become roommates. Their deepening friendship and unwavering support for each other help them navigate the unique challenges of city life.

"Nana" is captivating from beginning to end, offering moments of joy and heartache alike. Despite a few less imaginative characters, the anime shines as a powerful lesson in self-discovery and growth. Boasting an IMDb rating of 8.4 and a MAL score of 8.46, it is an essential watch for any shoujo anime fan!

'Your Lie in April' is a beautifully poignant story centered around two young musicians discovering love and healing through music. Arima Kousei, once a renowned piano prodigy, is left devastated and unable to play following his mother’s passing, spiraling into a creative slump.

Everything changes when Kaori Miyazono, a vibrant violinist, enters his life. She becomes his guiding light, encouraging him to become her accompanist for a pivotal music competition and inspiring him to find joy in music once more.

As Kaori and Arima’s bond deepens, she is determined to help him reclaim his passion, but doing so comes at a significant personal cost. The emotional journey that unfolds is both heartwarming and bittersweet.

Widely regarded as one of the most iconic shoujo anime, 'Your Lie in April' resonates deeply with its audience. The series holds a MAL ranking of #98 and boasts an IMDb score of 8.6, showcasing its broad acclaim and emotional impact.

Banana Fish is a mesmerizing anime that skillfully weaves together action, suspense, and drama within a gripping narrative. Set against the gritty backdrop of New York City's underworld, the story centers on Ash Lynx, a charismatic gang leader haunted by a challenging past.

When Ash crosses paths with a lethal, mysterious drug called "Banana Fish," he finds himself drawn into a complex world of corruption and intrigue. Joined by Eiji Okumura, a passionate young photographer, Ash embarks on a perilous journey to unravel the secrets behind the drug and confront the ghosts of his own history.

With powerful emotions and masterful storytelling, Banana Fish deeply explores the complexities of human nature, making it an unforgettable and emotionally resonant experience.

"Whisper of the Heart" (Mimi wo Sumaseba) stands out as the only Studio Ghibli film not directed by Miyazaki or Takahata. Instead, it follows the journey of Shizuku Tsukushima, a passionate young writer driven by curiosity and imagination.

One day, Shizuku encounters a mysterious cat on a train, which leads her to an enchanting antique shop. There, she meets the intriguing Seiji Amasawa, his kind grandfather Shiro Nishi, and discovers a captivating cat statue known as 'The Baron.' This chance meeting inspires Shizuku to create a heartfelt story, with herself as the protagonist and The Baron as the heroic figure searching for his beloved.

Shizuku becomes so absorbed in her writing that her grades begin to slip, but her determination pays off as she completes her first book—a meaningful step toward achieving her dreams. The film, penned by Miyazaki and adapted from Aoi Hiiragi's original manga, became the highest-grossing release in Japan in 1995, leaving a lasting legacy within the shoujo genre.

Natsume's Book of Friends introduces viewers to a world filled with remarkable and memorable characters. Takashi Natsume, the protagonist, has been able to see spirits for as long as he can remember. He inherits the mysterious "Book of Friends" from his grandmother, a powerful collection that contains the names of yokai she once subdued.

Now, many yokai seek Takashi, hoping to regain their freedom by retrieving their names from the book. Accompanied by his enigmatic, cat-like companion Madara, Takashi embarks on heartfelt journeys that deeply explore themes of connection, loneliness, and the meaning of existence.

This anime has touched the hearts of many viewers, earning widespread popularity and admiration. Adapted from a highly praised manga, its captivating storytelling and emotional resonance have set it apart in the shoujo genre.

With an IMDb rating of 8.1 and a MAL score of 8.33, Natsume's Book of Friends stands as a beloved and critically acclaimed series.

Chihayafuru is a manga series written and illustrated by Yuki Suetsugu. The story revolves around Chihaya, who becomes deeply passionate about the traditional card game karuta after it is introduced to her by Arata Wataya, a quiet and talented transfer student.

At its core, the series beautifully blends competition and friendship through the world of karuta. Both Chihaya and Arata are portrayed as complex, well-developed characters, while the supporting cast also receives significant attention—an uncommon feature in many shoujo anime.

Although the focus on karuta may seem uninteresting at first, viewers quickly become engrossed as Chihaya’s enthusiasm and determination draw them in. The anime adaptation began airing in 2011 and continued successfully with a second season in 2013.

Chihayafuru boasts an impressive IMDb rating of 8.2, reflecting its widespread acclaim.

There's something truly magical about two musicians falling in love. Shinichi Chiaki, a talented violinist, dreams of performing alongside Europe's finest musicians. Driven by his perfectionist nature, he demands only the best from himself and those around him.

Enter Megumi Noda, a quirky and unkempt girl whose extraordinary piano talent leaves Shinichi astounded. Megumi not only impresses him musically, but also falls for Shinichi and becomes his dedicated accompanist.

However, "Nodame Cantabile" isn't just about music. The series paints its characters with depth and vibrancy, celebrating their personalities and growth. The supporting cast also shines, enriching the story as they help the main duo pursue their musical aspirations.

Released in 2007, the anime brought a refreshing change to the world of shoujo anime. Its compelling story and memorable characters have earned it an IMDb rating of 8.3.

While visiting her uncle, Hotaru becomes lost in an ancient forest and hears tales of a mountain god said to reside there. In the forest, she encounters Gin, a mysterious masked spirit who comes to her aid.

Hotaru soon discovers that if she touches Gin, he will disappear forever. Despite this, Gin helps guide her out of the forest and asks her to promise never to return, but their connection is undeniable.

Year after year, Hotaru returns each summer, and as they spend more time together, their bond deepens into a tender romance. However, the heartbreaking rule remains—they can never touch, no matter how strong their feelings.

This poignant story beautifully unravels before your eyes, making it an unforgettable choice for those seeking a touching, emotional experience.

Cardcaptor Sakura is a cornerstone of shoujo anime, featuring the beloved character Sakura Kinomoto. This series, while rooted in the magical girl genre, delves far deeper, offering intricate storytelling and emotional depth that set it apart.

The creators took bold creative risks, providing Sakura and the supporting cast with nuanced, unconventional development. The Cardcaptor world expands through several sequels and spin-offs, allowing fans to explore its rich universe from various perspectives.

The series also stands out for its refreshingly honest and unique portrayal of romance, particularly between Sakura and Lee. With its thoughtful execution and unforgettable characters, Cardcaptor Sakura has undeniably secured its place in the Anime Hall of Fame.

"Ouran High School Host Club" stands as a beloved shoujo anime, celebrated for its unique reverse harem twist. The story follows Haruhi Fujioka, who earns a scholarship to a prestigious academy reserved for students from elite backgrounds.

After stumbling into the Host Club’s lavish room by mistake, Haruhi accidentally breaks an expensive vase valued at eight million yen. To repay this debt, and thanks to her androgynous appearance, she is recruited to work as a host in the all-male club, immersing her in a glamorous and whimsical world.

If you’re seeking a series brimming with comedy, heartfelt moments, and romance, "Ouran High School Host Club" is a perfect choice.

After being abandoned by her father, Nanami finds herself without a home until she is offered shelter by a mysterious man she once saved from an aggressive dog. However, rather than a typical house, he leads her to an old, dilapidated shrine.

Nanami’s plan to leave is interrupted when two shrine spirits and a fox spirit capture her, mistakenly identifying her as the shrine’s new land god—the very same man she rescued.

With no choice but to embrace her new divine role, Nanami embarks on an unexpected journey into godhood, performing celestial duties to survive. The story effortlessly balances lighthearted comedy with heartfelt moments.

The anime’s soothing animation and enchanting music further enhance its charm. If you’re searching for a delightful, easy-to-watch series, add this one to your list—you won’t regret it!

Yona grew up in luxury, sheltered from the harsh realities of the world. However, after her father is tragically murdered, her idyllic life shatters. Determined to honor his legacy, she resolves to dedicate herself to the people of her kingdom and fight for its future.

The characters in Akatsuki no Yona undergo remarkable growth, each with backstories carefully woven into the plot. The series masterfully blends humor and action, making it a captivating experience from start to finish.

With its unforgettable moments, Akatsuki no Yona breaks away from typical shoujo conventions, delivering scenes rarely seen in the genre. In 2014, it ranked #8 on MAL’s Favourite Anime list, and Yona herself was named the year’s most popular princess.

The show boasts impressive ratings, with an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MAL score of 8.05, solidifying its reputation as a top shoujo anime.

Imagine being mistaken for a horror movie character like Sadako from 'The Ring' and having classmates think you're cursed—all while you're genuinely kind and gentle. This is the everyday reality for Sawako Kuronuma, the protagonist of Kimi ni Todoke.

When Shouta Kazehaya, the most popular boy in class, starts to notice her, Sawako hopes to transform her life by finding friends and experiencing normal high school happiness. Kimi ni Todoke aired from 2009 to 2011, spanning two seasons and a special episode.

While some view the storyline as a classic shoujo trope, many consider it among the best in the genre. With a MyAnimeList score of 8.02 and a popularity ranking of #151, Kimi ni Todoke clearly resonates with fans worldwide.

Amamizukan, an eccentric apartment building in Tokyo, is home exclusively to female otaku—no men allowed. This unique residence shelters a cast of quirky characters, each with their own obsessions. Among them is Tsukimi Kurashita, who stands out for her love of jellyfish.

Tsukimi’s passion for jellyfish stems from a cherished childhood memory with her mother. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she befriends Kuranosuke Koibuchi, a man who cross-dresses to escape the pressures of his powerful political family.

Tsukimi must keep Kuranosuke’s secret hidden from the other residents, all of whom are staunchly against men in Amamizukan. As developers threaten to transform their beloved home into a cosmopolitan hub, the tenants unite to preserve their sanctuary.

"Princess Jellyfish" earned acclaim as one of the best anime of 2010 by outlets like Polygon and Crunchyroll. Its manga counterpart also received the prestigious Kodansha Manga Award for Best Shoujo Manga that same year.

Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo offers a heartfelt exploration of friendship and love. The story centers on a group of talented but quirky individuals who are relocated to Sakura-sou, a rundown dormitory known for housing the so-called "misfit geniuses."

The main character, Sorata, is compelled to move after he is caught keeping a stray cat in his room—an act not permitted in his original dormitory. Upon arriving at Sakura-sou, he encounters a roster of eccentric roommates, with none standing out more than the enigmatic Mashiro.

Mashiro, who possesses an almost cat-like presence, struggles with daily life skills, prompting Sorata to take on the responsibility of caring for her. Their unique dynamic, coupled with the genuine bonds formed among the dorm residents, infuses the series with authentic emotion and warmth.

The series spans 24 episodes, each running about 23 minutes. Praised for its emotional storytelling, Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo holds a solid IMDb rating of 7.8.

Toradora! is a romantic comedy that centers on Taiga Aisaka, a strong-willed high school student who defies the typical "cute" stereotype. Meanwhile, Ryuuji Takasu is often misunderstood because of his intimidating appearance, but his personality is far gentler than people assume.

When their paths cross, the unlikely pair decide to help each other pursue their individual crushes. However, as they grow closer, the question arises—will they realize the feelings that are blossoming between them?

This captivating series boasts a memorable cast of characters that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. With its balance of lighthearted moments and heartfelt emotion, Toradora! earns a spot as a highly recommended title on our list.

The series' popularity even led to a PlayStation Portable game adaptation. Experiencing your favorite anime as a video game only adds to the fun!

"Skip Beat!" premiered in the fall of 2008, making an immediate impact as a standout shoujo title. The story centers around Kyouko Mogami, a determined young woman who wholeheartedly supports her friend—and secret crush—Shoutarou Fuwa.

Kyouko’s world is turned upside down when she discovers that Shoutarou has been taking advantage of her kindness, viewing her as nothing more than a servant. Driven by betrayal, she vows to transform herself and find success to exact her own form of revenge.

The narrative takes us through Kyouko’s bold entry into the demanding entertainment industry, where she faces new challenges that push her beyond her limits. Rich character development and an engaging plot have earned "Skip Beat!" a loyal following among shoujo anime fans.

The series consists of 25 episodes, each about 24 minutes long. Its popularity remains high, with many fans eagerly awaiting a second season. "Skip Beat!" currently holds a solid IMDb rating of 7.9.

Lovely Complex has a pretty straightforward storyline; the tallest girl and the shortest boy in the class and their search for true love. Now that may seem like your run-of-the-mill rom-com series, but the eccentric approach to the story by the creators of the show makes it a treat to watch.

Koizumi Risa and Ootani Atsushi are both a little bonkers in the head, share the same music and fashion tastes, and have crazy humour. But they can’t see past their friendship to understand that they could just be perfect for each other.

If you love love, then you’ll love this series. But if schoomzy romance is not your cuppa then skip this one! The show has a great MAL ranking at #813.

Misaki Ayuzawa is the first and newly elected president of the female student council. The obstacle in her way is that the school is transitioning to a co-ed school. Misaki is strict with discipline and does not shy away from using her Aikido skills on the naughty boys of the school.

However, there is one secret that this fierce figure is hiding. The popular Takumi Usui visits a maid café, only to find Misaki there. What ensues further is a series of Takumi hiding her secret identity while Misaki has to drop her guard and befriend him.

Or is Takumi using this opportunity as a way to get closer to Misaki? The show is a great rom-com with fun elements and the series doesn’t seem drab whatsoever.

According to a MAL Best Anime of the Decade Favourites List, Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama ranked #8 for the year 2010. It also sits at a popularity ranking of #90.

Takeo Gouda isn’t the kind of guy who will tick all your boxes right away. He has a huge frame and burly face that scares away all the females at school but his friend.

Makoto Sunakawa gets all the attention including from those whom he has a crush on. During a freak incident of saving Rinko Yamato from a molester and she is indebted to him for life.

Takeo eventually falls for her and wonders if she feels the same for him too or likes Sunakawa just like everyone else. He then tries to play Cupid all the while trying to make a love story for him.

The series will make you aww on many occasions with you wanting to root for Takeo. The series is a fun ride to experience given the eccentricity of the plot and the characters as well!

A series that moves something within you, Full Moon Wo Sagashite is great to watch for when you want to have a good cry. Mitsuki dreams of becoming a singer.

She also wishes to be reunited with the love of her life Eichi Sakurai who has travelled to the US to become an astronaut. But nothing in life comes easy, Mitsuki suffers from throat cancer threatening her dreams of becoming a singer.

She is then greeted by two death gods (the Shinigami) Takuto and Meroko who go out of their way to help Mitsuki achieve her ambitions. Now it may seem like a sob story but the series has bright animation and light-hearted aspects to it as well.

The anime does deviate from the manga but the crux of it is maintained in the anime series. Being a musical show the soundtracks from the series are much loved by the fans.

Who doesn’t love an anime series which features a mangaka?! Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-Kun is the story of Chiyo who is hopelessly in love with Umetarou Nozaki. When she tries to express her feelings for him, he simply replies by giving her an autograph.

As it seems, Nozaki is a well-known mangaka under the pen name of Sakiko Yumeno. Chiyo ends up becoming his assistant for his next manga project. She agrees to become his assistant in the hopes of him seeing her true feelings for him.

The series has a tonne of gags, and humour and is a complete riot! The show was released in the summer of 2014 and to date had ever-growing popularity for it.

The show even ranks on MAL at #142, which is amazing for the series!

Miyo Saimori is an unfortunate girl who has a neglectful father, an indifferent stepmother, and a cruel half-sister. She was abused and ill-treated all her life. As she loses all hope for the future, she is married off to a callous but wealthy Kiyoka Kudou. 

Kudou has an equally bad track record of neglecting and disposing of his previous fiances. However, with Miyo Saimori, things are different for Kiyoka Kudou, as he starts to appreciate her gentleness and meekness. Will both their fates change and give them a happy ending?

My Happy Marriage (Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon) was telecast for the first time in July 2023 and received generally positive reviews. 

It received a MAL score of 7.79. The audience appreciated the pacing and romance betweeen the lead pair. The anime was adapted from the novel of the same name and stayed true to the original plot.

Kotonoha no Niwa is a bittersweet tale of love. The rainy season is the core element of this story. Takao Akizuki is a shoemaker who decides to break the mundane and design some shoes in a beautiful garden.

There he meets with Yukari Yukino, a mysterious woman whom he offers to make some shoes for. As unusual as that sounds, Takao and Yukari both form a bond meeting at the beautiful garden under the pitter-patter of the rains and help each other find happiness in the small bit of time they share.

But, as the rains are coming to an end, so is their relationship. The film is visually stunning given its compelling plot. Those who have watched the film claim the duration of the film could’ve been longer than just 46 minutes as the whole package just does not do justice to the marvel this film is!

The Garden of Words has a MAL score of 8.04.

Snow White with the Red Hair is an enchanting anime that weaves a tale of romance and self-discovery. Set in a medieval-inspired kingdom, it follows the story of Shirayuki, a young herbalist with vibrant red hair.

When she catches the attention of Prince Zen, she is forced to flee her home and seek refuge in his kingdom. Determined to forge her own path, Shirayuki faces numerous challenges and embraces her independence.

As her bond with Zen deepens, they navigate court intrigue, personal growth, and the complexities of their blossoming love. Snow White with the Red Hair is a delightful journey filled with warmth, charm, and fairy-tale magic.

No anime list can even be complete without mentioning the works of Miyazaki. Created by Goro Miyazaki, son of Hayao Miyazaki. Just like any other Ghibli movie, From Up on Poppy Hill has a great storyline to it.

Umi Matsuzaki’s family runs a boarding house called Coquelicot Manor. Umi carries out all the duties of running the manor. But when the Olympic Board announces that they need to graze down the house to make space for a modern building, Umi and the residents of the Poppy Hillside band together to create awareness to prevent their beloved manor from being demolished.

During this period, she befriends Shun Kazama, with whom she falls in love. But Shun is an orphan, Umi decides to help him find his past, and a lot of truths are revealed.

Coquelicot -zaka kara is definite must watch!

Another mind-bending storyline, Kokoro Connect follows the stories of five high school friends. An incident leads the five of them to switch bodies under suspicious circumstances. Through this sudden change, the five friends learn about each other’s deepest desires, secrets, and scars.

It either tears them apart or brings them closer. The series is a great example of a high school romance drama with a supernatural storyline. The characters have a realistic approach to their situations blending comedic and emotional angles to it.

The animation style of the show is a treat to the eyes and so is the music to the ears. With a MAL score of 7.82, this show is a great mood lifter!

Fruits Basket is one of the most common titles you will come across when searching for a good shoujo anime to watch. The anime was televised in 2001 and then in 2019 and the latest episodes were released in 2020.

The story is a great mix of supernatural elements and romantic comedy. It follows the life of Tohru Honda, an orphan girl who learns of the pains of the Soma family.

She has to face them since they are all possessed by the animals of the Chinese zodiac signs. Helping them through their hardships, Tohru can introspect and learns to help herself as much as she does others.

The series ranked third in 2002’s Anihabara’s Top Televised Anime Series in Japan. This is a must-watch for any anime fan!

One of the best romantic comedies of 2014, Bokura Wa Minna Kawai-sou is a great light romantic watch. The series follows the story of Kazunari Usa who is going to live an independent life as a high school freshman.

He is living the dream and the series explores life in a boarding housing complex where he meets with eccentric characters. All of them have a charm and are extremely loveable characters as each of their individuality shines through in the series effortlessly.

Bokura Wa Minna Kawai-sou has the right to comedy to complement it. The series was released in the Spring of 2014 and has 12 episodes to its name with 24 minutes of runtime.

It has a popularity ranking of #464 and an IMDb rating of 7.72.

A different kind of love story that comes across as a breath of fresh air, Ao Haru Ride speaks of Futaba who used to be a popular girl in high school.

But only by the boys and she was given the cold shoulder by the girls. Futaba doesn’t care about anyone else except for Kou Tanaka. She shares a special bond with him until his sudden disappearance.

Futaba shrugs off the sadness of his loss and decides to move on and become the chirpy girl that she was, but fate had different plans for her. Kou reappears in her life but this time around as Kou Mabuchi.

Even though he looks like the Kou she met under the rain he was a completely different Kou now. The series is well-made and is a nice light watch with an intriguing storyline.

The series has an IMDb rating of 7.4 and a MAL score of 7.67.

A sci-fi/romance/drama series on our list, Orange is a unique watch. Naho Takamiya finds a letter addressed to her from her future self. It states all the regrets she has as an adult and wishes that her younger self can amend those mistakes to lead a contentful life.

She finds it odd at first but eventually realizes that all the events in the letter come to life. The letter from her future self is now the guiding light in her current life, including making tough decisions related to Kakeru Naruse.

The story is a character-driven show that sometimes does fall prey to melodrama, something that shoujo anime tend to overdo at times. Yet the story emotionally fuels you enough to connect with the characters.

Orange has a MAL score of 7.62 and an IMDb rating of 7.6.

Sunako becomes a complete introvert when her crush rejects her over her appearance. Sunako goes from being a chirpy girl to loving all things morbid. She gets sent to live in her aunt's mansion who is travelling on a road trip across the world.

But she has shared her space with 4 immensely handsome boys who are given the task of turning Sunako into a lady. If they failed to do so, they have to pay rent!

Oo, scary. This shoujo title has an original storyline that was loved by many. With the help of the four boys, Sunako becomes her happy self. She realizes that she doesn’t need to be an outcast at all.

The series has an IMDb rating of 7.5 and a MAL score of 8.

Sugar Apple Fairy Tale is the journey of Ann Halford, who yearns to earn the title of Silver Sugar Master like her mother. To realise her dreams, she sets off for the capital city, Lewiston. As the journey is fraught with dangers, she seeks the help of a warrior fairy, Shall Fen Shall. 

She rescues him from a cruel fairy trader. However, it is not easy to earn the help and friendship of a fairy, as they mistrust humans who have betrayed them and enslaved them. 

After Ann promises to return his freedom to him, Shall Fen Shall reaches an uneasy deal, and they both set off together. Through the journey, they get to know each other, and a strong bond develops between them.

"Sugar Apple Fairy Tale" aired its first season in 2023, receiving positive reviews with an MAL score of 7.45. The animation was praised for its vibrant visuals. While critics found the pacing inconsistent and the romance underdeveloped, viewers enjoyed the unique premise, the dynamic duo, and the exploration of social issues.

Soredemo Sekai Wa Utsukushii is a fantasy shoujo manga written by Dai Shiina. The anime adapts only 18 or so chapters of the source material. Dai is a celebrated shoujo writer in Japan and has many successes to her name, The World is Still Beautiful is one of them.

It is the story of two zany royals, Prince Livius and Princess Nike who are introduced to each other under odd circumstances. The two of them come from very different backgrounds and their personalities are opposites.

Yet, as the show progresses the two of them bond so well that they even risk their lives for each other. The series is laden with the right amount of humour and emotional aspects.

The series could be unlike any other royal story you’ve seen before.

The winner of the 2007 Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Animated Film, Byousoku 5 Centimeters is a true masterpiece. The essence of the film is the hardships and pains of being in a long-distance relationship.

Takaki and Akari are childhood friends and they have been in love with each other. Due to unforeseen circumstances, they are separated. The two live in this state of limbo where they can’t move ahead nor act on the feelings, they have for each other, due to the distance.

The film is a beautiful representation of the pain long-distance lovers feel. The film was released in March of 2007 and has an IMDb rating of 7.6.

Fushigi Yuugi has a fun plot to it which is why it’s on our list! When Miaka and Yui get transported to an unknown world of the book, ‘The Universe of the Four Gods ‘.

They get sent back to ancient China where Miaka becomes a priestess for Suzaku God. She has to summon all the celestial warriors to fulfil Suzaku’s three wishes. Meanwhile, the evil rulers of the Seiryuu God nation have manoeuvred Yui to become their priestess.

The two friends at war struggle to maintain their friendship in an attempt to return to their original worlds. The anime series has a different art style for the era that it was released in i.e., 1995-1996 with a total of 56 episodes.

It also has a great romantic storyline coupled with action scenes as well.

For all Classical Literature and anime lovers, Romeo to Jurietto is the perfect mix for you. The manga does deviate from the original storyline but the anime story is loosely based on Shakespeare’s story.

Fans of the original story know how drab it is. But those who have watched the anime series were in for a pleasant surprise. The show is uplifting and the characters are portrayed in a brighter light.

The music of these 24 episodic series has received a lot of praise as well. It has also received rave reviews from hardcore fans and elites from the anime scene.

It has an IMDb rating of 7.4 and a MAL rating of 7.65 with a popularity ranking of #959.

Tonari no Kaibutsu-Kun is a story of a boy who meets a girl, well not exactly the happy version of it. Shizuku is an anti-social student and cares only about her grades.

She hates people but her perspective on life changes when she meets, Haru Yoshida, a troublemaker but with the same mindset as hers. The two anti-social people decide on becoming friends.

What is interesting about the story is going on the journey with Shizuku learning to understand these feelings she’s going through. The story does lean more toward the comedic aspect than the romantic one.

Another hit or miss with the shoujo-loving fans but it’s a title worthy of being on the list. The series has an IMDb rating of 7.3.

Hikari wants to be the best in everything and excel in life. Until she met with Kei. She decides to challenge Kei in the most random of events and keeps failing.

What she doesn't seem to see is his true feelings for her. The entire show is a sort of "romantic competition" where Hikari just can't see behind his armour. Special A released in 2008 and has a total of 24 episodes with 24 minutes of runtime.

The animation and storyline of the series are your typical rom-com and pretty basic structure. But due to its high-octane characters, the show is a sure-fire hit amongst the comedy romance-loving shoujo fans

Now, if you are an ardent fan of the schmooze fest love stories then this is not the title for you. But if you are looking for a deep and meaningful story that is relatable then give Sukitte Li Na Yo a chance.

Mei has dealt with her share of a troubled life in grade school. She then begins avoiding everything and everyone until she has a chance encounter with Yamato Kurosawa. The two of them unknowingly fall for each other.

Mei now not only has a boyfriend but also a whole new set of friends. She has to now merge into this life that she was avoiding for so long.

Going by the reviews, the show was either a hit or a total hit with its viewers. Many fans loved how close to home it was while some found it outright boring.

With a MAL score of 7.49 and a popularity ranking at #264, this is a rare find in the sea of shoujo stories.

The protagonist of Shugo Chara! Amu Hinamori wishes to become the “would-be” self. Her wish gets granted when three bright-coloured eggs appear on her bed. The eggs hatch into Character Eggs which aid a person in becoming the selves they visualize themselves to be.

Amu’s life turns when she has to deal with other Characters' Eggs who surround her. The new personalities at the Seiyo Elementary Guardians recruit Amu to seal the X Eggs and X Characters.

These are corrupted forms of people’s dreams. You could call this anime a guilty pleasure when you want to explore an uncomplicated yet exciting shoujo storyline. The series ran between 2007 to 2010 with two more titles released after the first one and a video game series as well!

A sharp-tongued young girl, Ririchiyo decides to quit her protected and wealthy lifestyle. She takes up a house at Maison de Ayakashi. It is a gated apartment complex that houses some of the most bizarre individuals she has come across.

But the only condition of living in the complex is that you must at all times have to be accompanied by a Secret Service agent. That should be enough to give you an idea of what follows.

The anime is your typical rom-com-style anime. But the anime series does deviate from the source material. Well, let’s just say that some did like the episodes which had a completely different storyline while some found the end a tad bit unsatisfactory.

Nonetheless, the series has a great rating on MAL of 7.46 and a popularity ranking of #332.

Ah, the days when falling in love seemed like a piece of cake! Omoi, Omoware, Furi, and Furare are great examples of showcasing different perspectives on love. Yuna is a hopeless romantic while Akari is practical.

Kazuomi is a dolt and Rio believe in judging a book by its cover is the way to finding love. Each of the characters has a set of expectations they have from their partners or the ones they crush on.

They do end up finding a youthful romance and a connection eventually. The series is a manga adaptation of the same name and is written and illustrated by Io Sakisaka.

The series premiered in 2020 and has an IMBD rating of 6.69.

Itazura Na Kiss is your run-of-the-mill high school romance. Another series on the list when you want a light watch. When Kotoko’s newly built home gets grazed down due to an earthquake she is forced to share the roof with Naoki.

Naoki also happens to be Kotoko’s crush whom she had once attempted to reveal her feeling. But she was shut down by him. Kotoko is optimistic now that she is living in his home, she has another chance to relive her feelings for him.

The show is a hit or miss with shoujo lovers across the world. Some find the evolvement of the characters a treat while some find it annoying. It has one tv-series and 3 live films and it has an IMDb rating of 7.5.

Another feel-good anime series on our list is Nijiiro Deizu. The story follows the lives of four high school boys; Natsuki, Hashiba, Tomoya, and Keiichi. They all have girlfriends and are living their high school life to the fullest.

But, when Natsuki’s girlfriend dumps him on Christmas Eve, he is heartbroken. Then a girl dressed in a Santa Claus outfit offers him some tissues and Natsuki immediately falls for Anna.

With the help of his friends, Natsuki manages to woo Anna but with major obstacles. Being the teenagers that they all are, the show received a great reception. This series, unlike the others on the list, is very simple, and soothing, and can be considered a light watch.

Another soul-searching story on the list, Golden Time is the story of Banri Tada. In a devastating accident, Banri finds himself losing a huge chunk of time in his memory.

He forgets his hometown, friends, and self completely and is now looking to piece his past. He decides to move to Tokyo to find a new life in law school where he meets with Mitsuo.

A lively young woman who becomes this beacon of light in his life. But then Kouko reappears in his life and Banri is left confused yet again. Each episode of the series comes across as a puzzle for Banri and the viewer but that hasn’t dampened the popularity of the show.

Realistic perspectives have taken center stage in the series making it relatable to a much wider audience. The series successfully ran from 2013 to 2014. It has an IMDb rating of 7.6 and a MAL rating of 7.78.