It’s date night, and you’re looking for the perfect anime to watch. Whether you crave slice-of-life charm or thrilling sci-fi adventures, there’s a romantic film to suit just about every taste. Each one of our selections below promises a captivating, emotionally rich journey that will set the mood. Let’s dive in and take a look at the best anime romance movies of all time.
18. The Place Promised in Our Early Days / Kumo no Mukou, Yakusoku no Basho
- Release Date: Nov 20, 2004
- Directors: Makoto Shinkai, Yoshio Suzuki
- Studio: CoMix Wave Films
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.44
What is it about? Hiroki Fujisawa and Takuya Shirakawa are drawn to their classmate Sayuri Sawatari and the distant Ezo Tower across the Tsugaru Strait. Together, they construct a plane, the Bella Ciela, from a fallen drone, aiming to reach the tower’s summit. But when Japan’s partition fuels conflict near the tower’s base, separating the Southern islands from the Soviet-occupied North, Sayuri vanishes, and Hiroki and Takuya never see her again. Later, they discover that she is ill, and it is somehow connected to the tower they dreamt of conquering.
Why we love it: Fans are drawn to this story for its blend of friendship, adventure, and mystery. The characters’ aspirations to reach the Ezo Tower symbolize the pursuit of dreams despite challenges.
17. The Garden of Words / Kotonoha no Niwa
- Release Date: July 6th, 2013
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Studio: CoMix Wave Inc.
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.88
What is it about? On a rainy day, Takao Akizuki, an aspiring shoemaker, decides to skip class to draw in a serene garden. There, he encounters a mysterious woman named Yukari Yukino. Takao offers to craft shoes for Yukari, and they continue to meet throughout the rainy season. Unbeknownst to them, their time together helps ease their inner worries.
Why we love it: Few animated movies manage to capture the tone and atmosphere that The Garden of Words does. The rainy Tokyo setting, the breathtaking visuals and the beautiful music all set the tone for a film that explores themes of loneliness, connection, and the power of human relationships.
16. Ocean Waves / Umi ga Kikoeru
- Release Date: May 5th, 1993
- Director: Tomomi Mochizuki
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.53
What is it about? Based on a novel of the same name, Ocean Waves is a coming-of-age romantic drama that follows Taku Morisaki as he recounts his memories of his school days – particularly a love triangle between him and two close friends. In Kōchi, high schooler Taku gets a call from his friend Matsuno to hurry to school. There, he meets Rikako, a beautiful but arrogant new transfer. Despite being friendless, Taku gets drawn into Rikako’s world after a chance encounter on a class trip. Caught between loyalty to Matsuno and growing feelings for Rikako, Taku grapples with his emotions.
Why we love it: Unlike other Studio Ghibli anime titles (which usually focus on fantasy), Ocean Waves offers a fairly realistic portrayal of teenage life and the struggles of youth. Focusing on relatable themes like friendship, love, and personal growth, the film creates a compelling and emotionally resonant experience.
15. The Wind Rises / Kaze Tachinu
- Release Date: July 20th, 2013
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.12
What is it about? Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and animated by Studio Ghibli, The Wind Rises is based on the true story of Jiro Horikoshi. Jiro was the engineer who designed the Zero fighter planes during World War II. As expected, the story looks at what it is like to be in love when all the odds are against you. Jiro meets Naoko on a train during a great Kanto earthquake while she is out with her servant for the first time. He ends up saving their lives before the two reunite later.
Why we love it: Offering beautiful animation, a glimpse into the historical period and detailing some fun historical events, this film is a must-see for anime and history fans. The Wind Rises offers beautiful animation, a romantic relationship and a heartbreaking story. The film received worldwide critical claims while being nominated for countless awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
14. A Silent Voice / Koe no Katachi
- Release Date: October 20th, 2017
- Director: Naoko Yamada
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.93
Although this film technically has no explicit romantic details, the friendship between the main characters makes this film worth mentioning. Also, many anime fans consider this film part of the romance genre.
What is it about? A Silent Voice follows the life of Shōya Ishida, a high school student who has become a social outcast due to his reputation as a school bully who terrorises a disabled girl in elementary school. Upon hearing this, many people would immediately be put off the film. However, audiences are offered a unique take on this storyline. Shōya wants to end his life but decides to attempt to fix things with the deaf girl he bullied, Shōko Nishimiya.
Why we love it: The character development is impressive and well-deserved, as the two become close friends who help each other heal from their respective traumas. The film focuses on suicide, mental health, and disabilities, but it also shows the difference emotional connections, friendship, and forgiveness can make in someone’s life.
13. Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish / Josee to Tora to Sakana-tachi
- Release Date: July 12th, 2021
- Director: Kotaro Tamura
- Studio: Bones
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.39
What is it about? Produced by Bones Studio and directed by Kotaro Tamura, the film offers viewers a beautiful story that proves anyone can overcome their circumstances. Tsuneo Suzukawa, a student selling marine biology, saves a paraplegic girl named Kumiko Yamamura on his way home from work. However, she insists on being called ‘Josee’, and Tsuneo becomes her caretaker as an extra job. Hostile at first, Josee dislikes Tsuneo’s presence in her life, but the two slowly bond while travelling. Finally, as life becomes unbearably hard for both, they are forced to overcome their fears to succeed.
Why we love it: This touching tale offers beautiful animation and a score that will stick with viewers long after watching. The film was nominated for multiple awards, such as the Best Film Award at the 6th Crunchyroll Anime Awards, the Best Animation Film Award at the 75th Mainichi Film Awards, and the Audience Award at the Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival in 2021.
12. Voices of a Distant Star / Hoshi no Koe
- Release Date: February 2, 2002
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Studio: CoMix Wave Inc.
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.11
Slightly different from his more influential films, such as Your Name and Weathering With You, Makoto Shinkai offers an OVA (original video animation) short movie. This is the perfect film for romance and science fiction fans, as the story provides a bit of both.
What is it about? The story follows two childhood friends who become lovers as they are separated by space (literally) and time. Mikako Nagamine and Noboru Tera’s love is tested when the UN Military enlists 15-year-old Mikako to go on a space expedition to defend the planet against aliens. As Mikako goes deeper into space, her cell phone is the only means of contact she has to reach Nobaru. But the further away she goes, the longer it takes for her messages to reach him.
Why we love it: As can be expected from Makoto at this point, the film is filled with beautiful animation and won the 2003 Seiun Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. This is the perfect film to help one escape from real life while still telling a somewhat relatable story.
11. Whisper of the Heart / Mimi wo Sumaseba
- Release Date: March 7th, 2006
- Director: Yoshifumi Kondo
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.22
With Yoshifumi Kondo at the helm and Studio Ghibli handling animation duties, this film is poised for critical acclaim, boasting an impressive 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is it about? Based on the 1989 manga by Aoi Hiiragi, the film follows the story of Shizuku and Sieji, who work together to achieve their dreams. Shizuku, a 14-year-old girl who aspires to be a writer, meets Seiji when she discovers he has checked out all her favourite books at a local library. She later finds out that Sieji wants to become a luthier when she meets him again at an antique shop, and they bond over their dreams for the future.
Why we love it: The film tells an innocent, sweet, optimistic coming-of-age story with a budding romance. For fans who want more from this universe, there is also a spin-off film based on one of the side characters in the show (Muta, the stray cat) called The Cat Returns.
10. Doukyuusei
- Release Date: Feb 20, 2016
- Director: Shouko Nakamura
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.28
What is it about? When complete opposites Hikaru Kusakabe and Rihito Sajou cross paths coincidentally during preparation for an upcoming school festival, the two high school students form an unlikely friendship. This BL (Boy’s Love) anime film brings together Kusakabe, a boy in a rock band, and Sajou, an honour student with excellent grades, to show that opposites do, in fact, attract. This is a slice-of-life anime set during summer vacation in Japan.
Why we love it: Directed by Shoko Nakamura and written by Asumiko Nakamura (the author of the manga of the same name), the film was the first yaoi/BL anime film to be screened in a theatre. Furthermore, the film offers excellent storytelling and great animation with a beautiful score that perfectly fits the atmosphere.
9. The Night is Short, Walk on Girl / Yoru wa Mijikashi Arukeyo Otome
- Release Date: Apr 7, 2017
- Director: Masaaki Yuasa
- Studio: Science SARU
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.19
What is it about? This romantic comedy, directed by Masaaki Yuasa and based on the novel of the same name, offers a unique take on the romance genre. With its unique animation, it follows the story of two nameless university students on a night out. The night descends into controlled chaos as the two young souls are consistently separated by one unexpected twist after the next. Throw in the fact that the male character is hellbent on confessing his feelings to the female lead, and you have the perfectly unusual love story and entertaining romantic comedy.
Why we love it: The film won Best Animated Feature at the 41st Ottawa International Animation Festival and the Animation of the Year Award at the 41st Japan Academy Prize Awards. It was also nominated for Best Film at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards and Best Animated Film at the 50th Stiges Film Festival. With such impressive accolades, this film is not to be missed.
8. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time / Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo
- Release Date: November 19th, 2006
- Director: Mamoru Hosoda
- Studio: Madhouse
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.10
If you are a big fan of anime and the science fiction genre and have read this far, then this film is for you.
What is it about? The Girl Who Leapt Through Time follows the story of 17-year-old Makoto Konno, a young girl who attends Kuranose High School in Tokyo. Upon finding a walnut-shaped object, she quickly discovers that she can travel through time. She uses the powers recklessly, and eventually, the consequences of her actions begin to catch up to her and impact her loved ones. She then realises that she only has a limited number of jumps, and the reality sets in that she may be unable to fix all her mistakes.
Why we love it: This film captures the genuine and gut-wrenching fear experienced by the main characters. Produced by Madhouse Studios and directed by Mamoru Hosoda, it was critically acclaimed and received countless awards and nominations for its excellence.
7. Weathering With You / Tenki no Ko
- Release Date: January 17th, 2020
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Studio: CoMix Wave Inc.
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.28
What is it about? Another hit by Makoto Shinkai, this film offers an unlikely friendship (and eventually romance) between a run-away boy and an orphan girl. For lovers of fantasy and folklore, this movie provides the perfect balance. Produced by CoMix Wave Films, the story follows Hodaka Morishima, a first-year high school student who runs away from his broken home and finds himself in Tokyo. Here, he learns the legend of the ‘sunshine girls’ as the film is set in a particularly rainy season in Japan. Coincidentally, he happens upon Hina, a beautiful young girl who can control the weather.
Why we love it: The film received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its beautiful animation, score, and storytelling. It won countless awards and was nominated for many more.
6. Clannad
- Release Date: Sep 15, 2007
- Director: Osamu Dezaki
- Studio: Toei Animation
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.24
This will be an interesting watch if you are a fan of the anime series. However, unlike the main TV series, the movie strays from the source material. This is alright, though, as the film brings the blooming relationship between Tomoya and Nagisa to the forefront.
What is it about? For people unfamiliar with the series, the film was directed by Osamu Dezaki and followed the story of delinquent Tomoya Okazaki as he dealt with the hardships in his life. One day at school, Nagisa Furukawa, the designated outcast, tries to befriend him. He rejects her gesture but ends up befriending her after interacting with her more often. This leads him to discover the meaning of love and friendship as he helps Nagisa achieve her dreams and deal with hardships in her own life.
Why we love it: Anyone who has seen the film knows that you cannot watch Clannad without ugly crying. So, for first-time watchers, get your tissues ready. Clannad is definitely one of the best anime romance movies (which isn’t surprising considering that the series is one of the best romance anime series of all time).
5. Howl’s Moving Castle / Howl no Ugoku Shiro
- Release Date: June 17th, 2005
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.66
What is it about? One of Studio Ghibli’s more popular animated films, Howl’s Moving Castle, is set in a complete fantasy world. The story follows a young girl, Sophie, who a witch curses and turns into an old woman. She then meets a wizard named Howl, who attempts to help her while she is dragged into his fight for resistance. This one is for you if you enjoy historical fiction and magical world-building.
Why we love it: In this world, magic exists alongside early twentieth-century technology, which reinforces the historical feel. There is also an ongoing war (hence Howl’s fight for resistance) and other kingdoms and lore to explore. Finally, the film has heavy feminist themes that resonate well in today’s society.
The kiss between Sophie and Howl made it onto our list of the 11 best anime kisses of all time.
4. 5 Centimeters Per Second / Byousoku 5 Centimeter
- Release Date: June 25th, 2007
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Studio: CoMix Wave Inc.
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.57
One of Makoto Shinkai’s best films to date, this one offers a look into the heartbreak of growing apart.
What is it about? It is a different take on romance as it tells the story of two people who are determined to be together but are constantly separated by their respective circumstances. The film features three shorts that depict different points in Takaki and Akari’s lives. First, it details them as children, teenagers, and, eventually, young adults.
Why we love it: This is a heartbreaking film with beautiful animation and a score to match. Despite its melancholic tone, fans appreciate the film’s ability to evoke genuine empathy. 5 Centimeters Per Second won multiple awards and was critically acclaimed for its heart-wrenching take on “the right person at the wrong time.” This film is definitely one of the best anime romance movies of all time.
3. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas / Kimi no Suizou wo Tabetai
- Release Date: October 29th, 2019
- Director: Shin’ichiro Ushijima
- Studio: Studio VOLN
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.55
Although the name is a bit morbid, the film is one of the best romance movies. Watch the trailer here.
What is it about? It follows the story of a high school boy who is emotionally stunted. He is at odds with his former best friend and does not hold many deep emotional connections. However, he one day discovers the diary of a popular girl in his class, Sakura Yamauchi, and finds out she does not have long to live due to pancreatic cancer. Thus begins the romance between these two unlikely individuals. They set out on a journey of self-discovery to help each other find themselves and form emotional connections.
Why we love it: I Want to Eat Your Pancreas deserves a spot on our list of best anime romance movies mostly because of the authenticity of the relationship between the lead characters, which evolves organically throughout the story, navigating themes of friendship, love, and loss with a lot of sensitivity and depth. You’ll laugh, cry and, most importantly, care about the character’s journey.
2. Your Name / Kimi no Na wa
- Release Date: Aug 26, 2016
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Studio: CoMix Wave Inc.
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.39
Your Name is second on our list of best anime romance movies. This is yet another film by Makoto Shinkai, and it is the third highest-grossing anime film in the world. It is a must-see. Watch the trailer.
What is it about? It follows the story of teenagers Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana, who live completely different lives. Taki is a city boy who resides in Tokyo, and Mitsuha lives out in a small town in the country. They wake up one day and discover that they have switched bodies. The film follows a light-hearted tone as the two fall in love. However, the film takes a tragic turn when they discover that meeting up is not as easy as they initially thought.
Why we love it: Your Name was praised for its stunning animation and beautiful score. It was nominated for a multitude of awards, many of which it won. However, there is a reason this film was critically acclaimed and is so high up on this list. It is the perfect romance to bring you to tears.
Your Name also made it onto our list of best sad anime romance movies of all time.
1. To the Forest of Firefly Lights / Hotarubi no Mori e
- Release Date: Sep 17, 2011
- Director: Takahiro Oomori
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.28
At the top of our list of best anime romance movies is Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light. Watch the trailer here.
What is it about? This heartbreaking tale tells the story of Hotaru Takegawa, a six-year-old girl who gets lost in the woods while spending summer vacation at her grandfather’s house. The forest is said to be inhabited by spirits, one of whom helps her find her way to safety. The spirit’s name is Gin, and this quickly blooms into a long-lasting friendship between the unlikely pair. Hotaru returns every summer to spend time with Gin, and their friendship quickly blossoms into a romance.
Why we love it: The story is weighed down when it is discovered that humans cannot touch Gin, or he will disappear. The pair find their way around this, but it can be difficult caring about someone you cannot physically feel. The movie offers beautiful animation and an innocent story that ends in tragedy. It explores the concept of being held back and how important physical touch is in a relationship.
To the Forest of Firefly Lights also made it on our list of 12 sad anime movies to watch for a good cry.
What do you think are the best anime romance movies?
