Top 22 Ranked Romance Anime Movies You Need to Watch

Overview of Romance Anime Films

Romance anime films intertwine emotional themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, creating narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
Iconic films like 5 Centimeters Per Second and Your Name blend breathtaking visuals with poignant love stories, captivating viewers around the world.
Whether through realistic presentations like Ocean Waves or fantastical tales like Weathering With You, these films neatly encapsulate the complexities of love.

In recent years, romance anime films have surged in popularity, drawing audiences with their distinctive storytelling methods, stunning animation, and relatable characters. While many such films lean towards the light-hearted, they often delve into profound themes including love’s intricacies, sacrifice, and personal growth.

These films excel at establishing a heartfelt connection between the viewer and the characters, enhancing their narrative impact. Effectively portraying the complexities of love can be challenging, yet many romance anime movies skillfully blend various elements to create engaging stories.

Updated on January 7, 2025, by Mark Sammut: While the best romance anime movies may not always garner as much visibility as their television counterparts, they are highly esteemed within the community. However, viewers may eventually exhaust their options within the genre, prompting them to explore films that may primarily align with other genres, such as those featuring harem elements.

22 The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie

A Fitting Conclusion to a Beloved Series

Japanese Title: 5-toubun no Hanayome Movie
Release Date: May 20, 2022
Director: Masato Jinbo
Studio: Bibury Animation Studios
MyAnimeList Score: 7.83
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

The Quintessential Quintuplets stands out as a premier harem anime. It chronicles the journey of Futaro, a dedicated high school student who tutors five sisters destined to improve their academic performances. While this premise may appear conventional, both the manga and its anime adaptation profoundly explore the characters’ growth, making each relationship unique.

While the girls develop romantic feelings for Futaro, the narrative transcends mere competition for his affection. Instead, it emphasizes their evolving friendships across two anime seasons. The movie adapts the concluding arcs of the manga, adeptly weaving together approximately 35 chapters, making it a joyous continuation for fans of the series.

21 Tamako Love Story

Navigating the Confusion of Affection

Release Date: April 26, 2014
Director: Naoko Yamada
Studio: Kyoto Animation
MyAnimeList Score: 7.91

A continuation of Tamako Market, Tamako Love Story focuses on the characters as they transition into adulthood, facing changes that significantly impact their futures. The film subtly hints at the romance between Tamako and Mochizou, shifting the focus to their emotional understanding as they confront the possibility of confessing their feelings to one another.

Interestingly, this movie doesn’t actively explore their relationship but instead delves into the importance of love declarations and the implications that come with them.

20 Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! Movie: Take On Me

A Humorous Take on Fantasies and Romance

Release Date: January 6, 2018
Director: Tatsuya Ishihara
Studio: Kyoto Animation
MyAnimeList Score: 8.10
Where to Stream: HIDIVE

The amusing series Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! stars Rikka, who indulges in her fantasies and Yuta, a former fantasy enthusiast. Their initially humorous relationship evolves into a tender romance throughout the first season.

Take On Me leans more toward comedy than romance but does a fair job of portraying their relationship dynamics. However, this film is primarily for existing fans, as newcomers may find it challenging to connect with the story due to its reliance on prior context. Despite a slow-burn romance, the film ultimately provides a satisfying conclusion for dedicated viewers.

19 The Stranger by the Shore

A Heartfelt Exploration of (Boys) Love

Release Date: September 11, 2020
Director: Akiyo Oohashi
Studio: Studio Hibari
MyAnimeList Score: 7.83
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

While Boys Love stories have historically been viewed as niche, The Stranger by the Shore presents a mature romance. This captivating film features two protagonists, Mio and Shun, whose budding feelings for one another are complicated by their past experiences and sheltered backgrounds.

18 Kaguya-sama: Love is War – The First Kiss Never Ends

What Happens After the Confession?

Release Date: December 17, 2022
Director: Mamoru Hatakeyama
Studio: A-1 Pictures
MyAnimeList Score: 8.76
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

Spoiler warning for Kaguya-sama: Love is War – Ultra Romantic: After building anticipation through comedic rivalry for three seasons, Kaguya and Miyuki share a long-awaited kiss that marks a significant turning point in their relationship.

Rather than ending on this note, the film explores the challenges that arise when their dynamic shifts from friendship to romance, emphasizing both characters’ continued insecurities. Moreover, it delves into their pasts and includes character arcs for supporting figures, such as Ishigami.

17 Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation

A Brief, Yet Endearing Epilogue

Release Date: February 17, 2023
Director: Shinji Ishihira
Studio: Studio Deen
MyAnimeList Score: 8.31
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation is an engaging film running for just under an hour. Despite its brevity, the film encompasses a plethora of charming moments. Following the bond formed over Boys Love manga, Sasaki and Miyano navigates their relationship, showcasing a wholesome vibe that marked a positive evolution within the genre.

While the movie introduces significant drama surrounding Sasaki’s graduation, it ultimately serves to enhance the protagonists’ bond rather than create conflict.

16 Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl

An Outstanding Continuation of a Stellar Series

Release Date: June 15, 2019
Director: Souichi Masui
Studio: CloverWorks
MyAnimeList Score: 8.59

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai demonstrates the importance of context when approaching its sequel. The film excels at weaving romance, mystery, and comedy, largely owing to the strong relationship between Sakuta and Mai, drawing the audience into their emotional journey.

The movie is not intended for newcomers and serves as a powerful continuation of the series’ themes, specifically underlining the bond between the characters. It effectively tug at the heartstrings, achieving an emotional arc that resonates profoundly.

15 5 Centimeters Per Second

A Visual Masterpiece with a Heartfelt Narrative

Release Date: June 25th, 2007
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Studio: CoMix Wave Inc.
MyAnimeList Score: 7.57

5 Centimeters Per Second is an iconic anime film that narrates the poignant relationship between Takaki and Akari over three acts, portraying the realities of love and longing as their lives diverge.

Stunning visuals complement a heart-wrenching storyline, encapsulating the theme that love may fade with time, ultimately resulting in a breathtaking yet tragic conclusion.

14 The Garden of Words

A Complicated Romantic Tale

Release Date: July 6th, 2013
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Studio: CoMix Wave Inc.
MyAnimeList Score: 7.88

The Garden of Words is a visually striking film that tells the intimate story of a high school student, Takao, and an older woman, Yukino, whose lives intersect on rainy days in a garden. Their enchanting connection explores the complexities of their feelings, challenged by their personal journeys and age difference.

13 Given Movie

A Compelling Continuation of a Remarkable Story

Release Date: August 22, 2020
Director: Hikaru Yamaguchi
Studio: Lerche
MyAnimeList Score: 8.12
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

Given stands as a landmark within the Boys Love genre and encapsulates a mature story that resonates beyond simple romance. This sequel builds upon the series’ foundation, enhancing the original narrative while shifting focus onto the supporting characters.

Key themes of moving on are prominent, particularly highlighting the strained relationship between Haruki and Ugetsu, all while offering an insightful continuation of contemporary romance.

12 The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

A Must-See Blend of Time Travel and Teen Drama

Release Date: November 19th, 2006
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Studio: Madhouse
MyAnimeList Score: 8.10
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time masterfully interweaves elements of time travel, youth, and love, resonating with viewers on multiple levels. The plot follows high school student Makoto as she learns to manipulate time, leading to unforeseen consequences that reflect the trials of adolescence.

While exploring romance with Chiaki, the narrative takes a poignant turn as they navigate the complexities of time, ultimately culminating in an emotional farewell, showcasing the bittersweet realities of youth and affection.

11 The Wind Rises

An Earnest Love Story Intertwined with Aspirations

Release Date: July 20th, 2013
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Studio: Studio Ghibli
MyAnimeList Score: 8.12
Where to Stream: Max

The Wind Rises is grounded in historical context, chronicling the life of Jiro Horikoshi as he aspires to become an aircraft engineer. His romantic relationship with Nahoko serves as a significant emotional anchor in the narrative, adding layers to his pursuit of ambition.

As the film progresses, it poignantly captures the beauty of love amidst challenges, particularly highlighting Nahoko’s illness, culminating in an emotional yet beautifully crafted conclusion that resonates with audiences.

10 A Silent Voice

A Captivating and Touching Romance

Release Date: October 20th, 2017
Director: Naoko Yamada
Studio: Kyoto Animation
MyAnimeList Score: 8.93

A Silent Voice masterfully tackles themes of redemption and empathy, following the story of Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl facing bullying and Shoya Ishida, a boy seeking forgiveness for his past misdeeds. After a chance meeting, Shoya strives to rebuild trust and forge a deep connection with Shoko.

This heartfelt journey is complemented by stunning animation and an evocative soundtrack, solidifying the film’s emotional resonance and leaving viewers captivated.

9 Teasing Master Takagi-san: The Movie

An Adorable Cinematic Experience

Release Date: June 10, 2022
Director: Hiroaki Akagi
Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
MyAnimeList Score: 8.44

Teasing Master Takagi-san: The Movie, while somewhat understandable as a standalone, benefits from its preceding three seasons. The movie culminates in an affectionate depiction of Takagi and Nishikata’s evolving relationship, with callbacks to previous moments enriching the viewing experience.

The film showcases excellent animation and voice acting, capturing the endearing dynamics and chemistry between the characters, offering a fulfilling conclusion to their journey.

8 Whisper of the Heart

A Beautiful Tale of Youth and Aspiration

Release Date: March 7th, 2006
Director: Yoshifumi Kondo
Studio: Studio Ghibli
MyAnimeList Score: 8.22
Where to Stream: Max

Whisper of the Heart represents a heartwarming entry in Ghibli’s oeuvre, highlighting the lives of Shizuku, a budding writer, and Seiji, a skilled violin maker. Their shared love for creativity culminates in their close-knit relationship, showcasing a beautiful journey marked with ambition and growth.

Despite its seemingly simplistic premise, this film evokes genuine emotions, celebrating youthful love and aspirations, concluding with a satisfying and hopeful ending.

7 Doukyusei: Classmates

A Simple Yet Profound Boys Love Romance

Release Date: February 20th, 2016
Director: Shouko Nakamura
Studio: A-1 Pictures
MyAnimeList Score: 8.28

For those new to the Boys Love genre, Doukyusei: Classmates serves as an accessible entry point. This film portrays a grounded romance between two high school friends, Kusakabe and Sajou, who bond over a common interest, overcoming societal stereotypes and showcasing a positive relationship.

The gentle animation style complements the film’s narrative beautifully, allowing audiences to appreciate the understated yet powerful connection between the two leads.

6 Weathering With You

A Romantic Adventure Amidst Unusual Circumstances

Release Date: January 17th, 2020
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Studio: CoMix Wave Inc.
MyAnimeList Score: 8.27
Where to Stream: Max, Hoopla

Weathering With You presents an enchanting story of young love as Hodoka flees to Tokyo and encounters Hina, a girl with the extraordinary ability to manipulate the weather. Their burgeoning romance unfolds amidst the complexities of her power, leading to potentially dire consequences.

The film dazzles with stunning animation and a compelling narrative focused on the trials of love and friendship, making it a must-watch for fans of Makoto Shinkai’s body of work.

5 Howl’s Moving Castle

A Captivating Story of Magic and Romance

Release Date: June 17th, 2005
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Studio: Studio Ghibli
MyAnimeList Score: 8.66
Where to Stream: Max

Howl’s Moving Castle narrates the enchanting tale of Howl, a whimsical wizard, and Sophie, a cursed young woman. The film beautifully intertwines fantasy, complex characters, and themes of love and bravery within the backdrop of a tumultuous world.

Theirs is a romance that blossoms against the odds, highlighting emotional growth and acceptance, ultimately delivering a powerful message about inner beauty and the power of love to transcend obstacles.

4 Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light

A Heart-wrenching Fantasy Narrative

Release Date: September 17th, 2011
Director: Takahiro Omori
Studio: Brain’s Base
MyAnimeList Score: 8.27

Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light centers on the ethereal bond between Hotaru, a young girl, and Gin, a spirit bound to the forest. Their friendship blossoms into deeper emotions, yet their love faces the insurmountable barrier that prevents Gin from touching her without vanishing.

As the film unfolds, the reality of their relationship emerges, culminating in a heartrending climax that illustrates the poignant nature of love, loss, and the bittersweetness of living in two different worlds.

3 Your Name

A Captivating Love Story with Striking Visuals

Release Date: April 7th, 2017
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Studio: CoMix Wave Inc.
MyAnimeList Score: 8.83
Where to Stream: AppleTV, Crunchyroll, Vudu

Your Name, directed by Makoto Shinkai, is one of the most significant anime films in recent history, blending breathtaking visuals with a compelling narrative. The story revolves around two high school students, Mitsuha and Taki, who inexplicably begin switching bodies, leading to an exploration of their interconnected lives.

The developing romance, coupled with dramatic twists and turns, creates a deeply engaging storyline that resonates with audiences. The film’s compelling tale and vivid artistry have solidified its status as a classic in the romance anime genre.

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