Building tension is essential for romance in anime. The progression of two characters getting together tends to make up the bulk of romantic plot lines, from enemies-to-lovers arcs to slow burn will-they-won’t-they dynamics.
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Some relationships are formed out of drama and conflict, set against the backdrop of war or interpersonal misunderstanding, and it’s up in the air whether they may last into the future. Other anime couples are so well-suited for each other that it’s easy to imagine their relationship lasting for the rest of their lives, well beyond the conclusion of their courtship and the events of the anime series.
Updated on June 10th by Maria Remizova: In recent years, feel-good anime romance saw an unexpected revival. Unfortunately, many romance series were drenched in toxic clichés and abusive tendencies that don’t spell a long-living partnership. Thankfully, some iconic couples would stay together, and their love stories are surely continuing to this day. We’ve updated this list to include even more anime relationships whose happily-ever-after raises no questions.
20 Tohru Honda & Kyo Sohma (Fruits Basket)
Despite Kyo’s initial coldness toward Tohru, their iconic union swiftly blossomed into a compassionate friendship and, later, an unbreakable romantic love. Fruits Basket pairs a rough-around-the-edges bad boy with the most good-natured and kind shojo heroine.
At first, such love might seem one-sided and potentially toxic. Yet, both Kyo and Tohru eventually forge an equal relationship built on mutual support and understanding. The couple marries and grows old side by side, so fans have no doubts that Kyo and Tohru will love each other forever.
19 Makise Kurisu & Okabe Rintaro (Steins;Gate)
In every timeline of Steins;Gate, the stoic scientist Makise Kurisu and the eccentric genius scientist Okabe Rintaro end up drawn to each other, forming an unbreakable romantic bond when things go their way. Despite their polar opposite personalities, Okabe and Kurisu have palpable chemistry that makes them an iconic couple.
The two gradually grow from dorky and distant to learning to trust each other. After all the sacrifices Okabe and Kurisu made to save their love, there’s no doubt they will continue walking side by side.
18 Touya Kinomoto & Yukito Tsukishiro (Cardcaptor Sakura)
While Sakura and Syaoran hold the title of Cardcaptor Sakura’s main couple, their innocent love often gets outshined by Touya and Yukito’s compelling relationship. Best friends who have obvious feelings for each other, Touya and Yukito are one of CLAMP’s best pairs, as the couple finds each other in every universe and timeline.
Depending on the story’s version, Touya and Yukito don’t always transition from friends to lovers. However, their caring, gentle bond would surely prevail to this day if they decided to cross that threshold.
17 Misaki Ayuzawa & Usui Takumi (Maid Sama!)
One of the most iconic shojo romances of all time, Maid Sama! made fans fall in love with Misaki and Takumi’s unconventional love story. The pair got off to a rough start, squabbling and butting heads throughout the early stages of their relationship.
However, manga readers know that Misaki and Takumi eventually resolve their differences and proceed to love and care for each other on equal footing. Upon properly confessing to each other and entering a relationship, Takumi and Misaki marry to share the rest of their lives with each other.
16 Miria Harvent & Isaac Dian (Baccano!)
True love doesn’t always have to be conventional, and the eccentric duo of Isaac and Miria from Baccano! could testify to that any day. Isaac and Miria are an immortal pair of thieves who might seem too odd and over-the-top to others.
However, the couple sees nothing wrong with their shared quirks, wreaking havoc with wide smiles on their faces wherever they go. They seem positively infatuated with each other even decades into their never-ending hijinks. Considering their immortal nature, Isaac and Miria will surely stick together well into eternity.
15 Holo & Kraft Lawrence (Spice And Wolf)
An ancient fox deity surely knows a thing or two about love, so Holo’s devotion to spending her life by Lawrence’s side speaks volumes about the strength of their relationship. Spice and Wolf’s main couple travel the countryside as merchants, forming an intimate bond as their journey progresses.
While Holo is much more experienced than Lawrence, his wise perspective influences the goddess more than any other mortal could. Eventually, Holo settles down with her lover and even has a daughter with him, who inherits her mother’s unusual traits.
14 Ash Lynx & Eiji Okumura (Banana Fish)
One of shojo’s most tragic couples, Ash and Eiji from Banana Fish never got their happy ending in the canon story. After Ash’s untimely death, Eiji lost a chance to spend the rest of his life with the one person he truly cared for without asking for anything in return.
Although, if their tale played out differently, Ash and Eiji would surely be together today. Their personalities complemented each other perfectly, and their bond was a comfort both men couldn’t find in their ordinary lives.
13 Yona & Son Hak (Yona Of The Dawn)
As the childhood friend of Yona of the Dawn’s titular heroine, Hak had a lot of time to forge a strong bond with Kouka’s princess. Nevertheless, he never felt like Yona was a burden or a maiden in need of constant protection.
Even if their personalities clash from time to time, Yona and Hak will risk it all in a heartbeat for each other. Their respective strengths compensate for their partner’s weaknesses, making Yona and Hak a perfectly balanced pair that values each other’s resolve and free will.
12 Risa Koizumi & Atsushi Otani (Lovely Complex)
The classic shojo romcom Lovely Complex introduces the relationship between its main couple as a bitter rivalry. The dramatic height difference between the unusually tall Risa and her short classmate Otani isn’t the only contrast fueling their initial distaste for each other.
Yet, their competitiveness soon turns playful, signaling a shift in their relationship. After all, Otani and Risa suit each other better as friends and lovers than enemies, even if their relationship takes time to bloom. However, once they begin dating, no one questions that they’ll stay together forever.
11 Taiga Aisaka & Ryuuji Takasu (Toradora!)
A modern classic of romance anime, Toradora! is the genre’s best case for opposites making the best couples. The ruthless “Palmtop Tiger” Taiga and her mean-looking classmate Ryuuji were equally infamous for their quirks long before their relationship bloomed.
Yet, while Taiga was rightfully feared for her short temper, Ryuuji proved himself as a kind and thoughtful individual upon closer inspection. Ryuuji’s patience and attentiveness helped Taiga to come out of her shell, prompting a relationship that will surely live long after the heroes earn their happy ending.
10 Victor Nikiforov & Yuri Katsuki (Yuri!! On ICE)
Victor and Yuri’s relationship in Yuri!! On ICE began with Yuri looking up to Victor as an idol. While this may not typically be the most egalitarian start for a relationship, Yuri and Victor admire and encourage each other in their pursuits.
Victor and Yuri have a beautiful relationship where they push each other to reach their artistic potential and celebrate each other’s victories with genuine alacrity. They fall in love in the most charming and realistic way, forming a bond through their mutual love of competitive figure skating throughout Yuri!! On ICE.
9 Renji Abarai & Rukia Kuchiki (Bleach)
Renji and Rukia of Bleach had known each other since childhood, and though their lives parted when the Kuchiki Clan adopted Rukia, she was never far from Renji’s thoughts. Though he was sad to see her leave, Renji pushed those feelings aside and wanted the best for her. Rather than holding her back, Renji works hard to find a way to position himself closer to her.
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Renji’s devotion to Rukia lasts through years of separation. Their shared experiences and aspirations are what keep them connected, and it makes sense that they would eventually marry and have a daughter together.
8 Kenshin Himura & Kaoru Kamiya (Rurouni Kenshin)
Rurouni Kenshin‘s Kaoru first meets Kenshin when he rescues her. From the start, the two uplift each other equally and have mutual respect. The flames of their love start as a slow kindling flame as they interact and get to know each other.
Kaoru is a motivating force for Kenshin, and he learns to value himself as a person through his closeness with her. Relationships built on friendship tend to be the sweetest because the two people learn to appreciate each other for their true selves from the very beginning, and these romances also last a long time.
7 Sakura Kinomoto & Syaoran Li (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Sakura and Syaoran meet as rivals who are competing for the Clow Cards. While Sakura is cheerful and enjoys playing sports, Syaoran is extremely introverted and prefers academic pursuits like studying. Because they were so young when Syaoran started to develop feelings for Sakura, their interactions weren’t peaceful.
Sakura wanted to be friends with Syaoran, but he would resist. However, he couldn’t stop himself from saving her a few times. Though they have little in common aside from the Clow Cards, they eventually become allies. Their rapport begins when Syaoran grows more compassionate and calm. When Sakura becomes master of the Clow Cards, Syaoran respects her skill and worthiness, which shows a healthy foundation for a relationship.
6 Striga & Morana (Castlevania)
Castlevania’s Striga and Morana are both members of Carmilla’s council and have seen many centuries pass together. They’re both tested by the events of Carmilla’s ill-conceived war, but this gives them more opportunities to show up for each other rather than falter and divide.
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Striga considers herself a warrior who acts with honor, but there is no one she prioritizes more than Morana. When Morana was in danger, Striga had already planned ahead with ways to protect her above all else. Morana is an excellent listener and strategist, and the couple works well together. When Striga and Morana leave the war effort to find their own futures, it’s easy to imagine them together until the end of time.
5 Takeo Gouda & Rinko Yamato (My Love Story!!)
Rinko fell in love with Takeo immediately in My Love Story!! when he came to her rescue on a train. Takeo liked her instantly, too, but when their relationship began, Takeo wanted to take things slow.
Rinko is sweet, and Takeo is so conscientious that the two form a genuine bond built on trust, kindness, and mutual admiration. The two need some help from an outside source when they encounter miscommunication and self-consciousness. Still, they learn from the situation and settle easily into a healthy relationship that will undoubtedly last well into the future.
4 Narumi Momose & Hirotaka Nifuji (Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku)
Hirotaka and Narumi from Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku met as children and bonded over their shared love of video games. Hirotaka is normally incredibly stoic, but he dotes on Narumi and promises to treat her like a treasure.
Their relationship brings out a softer side of Hirotaka, and he isn’t afraid to be vulnerable with Narumi. Narumi is incredibly thoughtful and observant, though sometimes she can be impulsive. Their shared love of video games, manga, and cosplay goes beyond childhood into their adulthood.
3 Yusuke Urameshi & Keiko Yukimura (Yu Yu Hakusho)
Keiko can resurrect Yusuke by kissing him when he’s on the brink of death in Yu Yu Hakusho. Not only are the two romantically involved, but they’re eventually allies in the demon world. No matter what happens, Yusuke finds a way to reach out to Keiko, and Keiko is patient and willing to wait for him while he’s in the demon world.
They have a connection that runs so deeply that Keiko can recognize Yusuke when he’s in demon form. No matter what obstacles this couple comes across, they find ways to transcend them to be together and help each other.
2 Sailor Moon & Tuxedo Mask (Sailor Moon)
Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion first fell in love when he came to the Moon Kingdom in Sailor Moon. They live, die, and are reborn again many times as they try to save the universe from evil. Not even death can keep them apart, as they always manage to find each other again and remember their past lives.
Usagi and Mamoru go through some growing pains in their relationship when they’re younger, but after they have some space to mature, they get back together and live out their destinies with each other. Usagi is soft, sweet, and driven by good intentions, while Mamoru encourages her and loves her endlessly.
1 Sawako Kuronuma & Shouta Kazehaya (From Me To You)
Sawako in From Me to You is lonely because she’s socially awkward and has difficulty communicating. It doesn’t help that she’s constantly compared to a horror movie character her classmates think she looks like. However, Sawako is beautiful in Shouta’s eyes, and he starts to fall for her once he catches a glimpse of her smile.
Shouta goes to great lengths to communicate with shy Sawako and show her that he finds her extraordinary. Sawako becomes a better communicator as Shouta gives her the space to trust and feel comfortable opening up to others. The best relationships are built on people seeing each other for who they really are deep down.
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