While unconventional in contemporary relationships, harems have a rich historical presence and persist in various cultures and fantasies. Historical accounts suggest that King Tamba of Banaras, active around the 6th century BCE in present-day India, had a staggering harem of over 16,000 women. Similarly, Kublai Khan, the renowned grandson of Genghis Khan, possessed four queens alongside more than 7,000 concubines. Notably, Empress Wu Zetian of China, the sole female emperor, established the Kong He Jian institute to manage her numerous lovers, showcasing the intricate dynamics of such relationships.
The concept of harems extends beyond history into popular culture, particularly within anime. Some series aim to explore relationships through character development, while others escalate numbers to absurd levels. In this context, we present an overview of anime protagonists with expansive harems, highlighting characters who might be oblivious to the abundance of adoration they attract.
Updated December 1, 2024, by Mark Sammut: As the Fall 2024 anime season comes to a close, it’s worth noting that titles like Arifureta, Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles, and Loner Life in Another World feature commendable harems but have not been included in this discussion. Instead, we delve into two newly featured series worth exploring for enthusiasts of this genre.
Only those series that highlight the harem dynamic will be considered; hence, The Eminence in Shadow is excluded since Cid, the protagonist, does not recognize the harem forming around him. Furthermore, this is not a comprehensive list of the largest harems in anime.
15. Rentarou Aijou – The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You
Harem Count: 6 Introduced, 100 Soulmates
In the first season, the protagonist Rentarou Aijou’s harem consists of six introduced female characters. However, within the first episode, it’s revealed that he has 100 soulmates to meet during his high school journey. This premise promises the anime will truly live up to its title. The manga has already introduced over 25 unique partners, and the creator, Rikito Nakamura, aims to develop each character instead of relegating them to mere background roles.
As a harem parody, 100 Girlfriends begins with a lighthearted tone that gradually becomes increasingly absurd. Despite its comedic elements, the series maintains a surprising level of wholesomeness, largely attributed to Rentarou’s character, who genuinely resonates with his partners.
14. Itsuka Shido – Date a Live
Harem Count: 11 (Including Mio Takamiya)
Amidst a surge of destructive Spirits due to increasing spacequakes, Shido must employ his charm to save the world by winning over these enchanting beings. Although this comedic narrative is rife with enticing fanservice, Shido’s journey sees him navigating through awkward situations as he manages an ever-growing harem.
While often perceived as a classic pervert, Shido’s intentions are noble; by forming alliances with the Spirits, he protects them from their antagonists. A fifth season of Date A Live has been confirmed, adding to the anticipation for fans of the series.
13. Tomoki Sakurai – Heaven’s Lost Property
Harem Count: 11
Heaven’s Lost Property embodies harem themes with playful eroticism and intriguing sexual tension. Tomoki, an average student, becomes entwined with celestial beings called Angeloids who fall from the sky seeking affection. While the narrative maintains a PG-13 rating, Tomoki navigates his way through a world filled with seductive interactions while striving to retain his integrity.
For viewers seeking fulfilling harem experiences, this series offers ample fanservice, with every episode catering to various fetishes and tastes.
12. Kimihito Kurusu – Monster Musume: Everyday Life with Monster Girls
Harem Count: 11
In a realm where mythical creatures yearn to coexist with humans, Kimihito Kurusu finds himself elected to facilitate the integration of Miia, a snake-like lamia. They share an instant romantic spark, but interspecies laws complicate matters, introducing a host of other females eager to make Kimihito their mate.
Consequently, he grapples with various women, each vying for his affection while embracing a comedic and romantic narrative structure typical of harem series.
11. Itsuki Yuge – Conception
Harem Count: 12
Conception features a rather peculiar storyline: Itsuki Yuge must engage with 12 Star Maidens to bear Star Children essential to saving their realm. Each episode typically centers around Itsuki forming relationships before embarking on the narrative’s primary task, resulting in an unconventional yet enthralling experience.
While the plot may falter in originality, it attempts to maintain inclusiveness among the female cast despite a few underwhelming characterizations.
10. Haruhi Fujioka – Ouran High School Host Club
Harem Count: 12
Haruhi Fujioka’s character offers a distinctive take on harem dynamics, captivating admirers regardless of gender. Initially masquerading as a boy after an accidental mishap during an encounter with the prestigious Host Club, Haruhi’s charm soon attracts both male and female attention, solidifying her role in a delightful harem narrative.
The revelation of Haruhi’s true identity adds layers to the interpersonal relationships, enhancing the comedic and romantic stakes of the series.
9. Issei Hyoudou – High School DxD
Harem Count: 14
Initially portrayed as a typical high school pervert, Issei’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a beautiful girl who turns out to be a fallen angel. After his demise, he is resurrected by Rias Gremory, a powerful devil, leading him into a world rife with supernatural conflicts and beauties vying for his affection.
The series showcases several flirtations and relationships that allow Issei to embrace his harem dreams as he navigates the tumultuous landscape of devils and angels.
8. Bell Cranel – Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
Harem Count: 12–15 (Roughly)
While DanMachi avoids the traditional harem trope, each arc typically culminates in another girl developing feelings for the oblivious protagonist. This narrative structure often involves Bell undertaking perilous challenges to protect his female companions, leading to complex dynamics among character relationships.
Despite his naivety regarding romance, the series successfully develops each female character, attributing them their own objectives and personalities beyond Bell’s interests.
7. Anos Voldigoad – Misfit of Demon King Academy
Harem Count: 15+
As the Demon King of Tyranny reincarnates from a two-millennia slumber, he discovers many enchanted souls recognizing his grandeur and power. Anos Voldigoad manages to attract a devoted entourage of female warriors and admirers, further cementing his status and impact in the world they inhabit.
His many followers range from demon twins to hybrids, showcasing a variety of characters that enrich the fabric of his expanding harem.
6. Ikuto Touhouin – Nagasarete Airantou
Harem Count: 9–20
Finding himself stranded on an island populated solely by women, Ikuto becomes a sought-after figure among the inhabitants. Nagasarete Airantou cleverly plays with this premise, focusing on a core group of characters while still allowing for lighthearted and comedic interactions. Although the series emphasizes only a handful of girls, it showcases layered personalities beyond typical archetypes.
Ikuto’s character is perceived positively by each female, enriching the narrative experience with diverse relationships and amusing encounters.
5. Keima Katsuragi – The World God Only Knows
Harem Count: 21
Renowned as the ‘God of Conquest,’ Keima is a master at capturing the hearts of virtual women in dating sims. Unfortunately, his virtual expertise is put to the test when he is tasked with helping a demon retrieve lost spirits by winning over real girls. With his unparalleled skills, Keima must navigate the complexities of 3D romance while adhering to the demands of his unusual predicament.
4. Negi Springfield – Negima!?
Harem Count: 31
Negi, a child wizard from Wales, must fulfill one final task of becoming an English teacher at an all-girl boarding school in Japan to attain his full magical potential. This setup blends comedy and romance as Negi navigates the many relationships formed with his students, ultimately resulting in a vibrant harem dynamic.
3. Kamijou Touma – A Certain Magical Index
Harem Count: 9000+ (Kind Of)
Although seemingly lacking romantic interest, Kamijou Touma inadvertently garners attention from numerous girls due to his heroic acts in the perilous Academy City. His most significant love interest, Misaki, uniquely maintains over 9000 active clones. This contributed to the harem narrative’s expansion, albeit with diverging degrees of individual affection.
2. Reito Mizuhara – World’s End Harem
Harem Count: Anyone and Potentially Everyone
After the majority of the male population falls victim to a deadly virus, Reito Mizuhara awakens from cryostasis into a world filled with available women assigned to him. As he struggles to find a cure for the disease while managing the expectations of his harem, his loyalty to his one true love, Elisa, remains steadfast amidst the other potential relationships.
1. Machio Hiraku – Farming Life In Another World
Harem Count: Every Female in The Village (Across All Species)
Machio Hiraku is arguably the luckiest man posthumously gifted with a fulfilling afterlife. Despite desiring a peaceful farming existence, he quickly becomes the object of attraction for many inhabitants of the local village. With his initial proposal to the vampiress, Ru Rurushi, Hiraku’s harem grows organically as he explores interspecies relationships in this unique narrative.
The series offers entertaining perspectives on harem dynamics through an engaging blend of humor and romance.
Related Articles:
The Ultimate Guide to All Forms of Tony Tony Chopper in One Piece
8:32
Looking for More After Squid Game Season 2? Discover This Must-Watch Show Now!
8:15
Discover Netflix’s Hidden Gem: An Unforgettable Secret Romance Anime You Must Watch
8:00
Leave a Reply