Some anime couples are so well-crafted that they stand the test of time, even if they were written ten or twenty-plus years ago. Other, newer romance arcs are so thoughtfully written and refreshing that fans fall in love instantly with the characters’ journey. Various elements go into an excellent romantic depiction.
There needs to be something memorable about the two characters’ dynamic that draws them together: enemies or rivals who fall in love despite themselves, a shared past, common goals, traits that complement one another, a similar vision of the future. Their road may not always be smooth, but their romance arc is just as strongly written as any external conflict in the plot.
10 Sariphi & Leonhart (Sacrificial Princess & The King Of Beasts)
Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts may have one shameless fan service moment after another in the form of longing looks, impromptu bridal carries, rosy blushes, and dramatic declarations, but that doesn’t mean the writing isn’t aware of the tropes it so fully leans into. Leonhart is intrigued by Sariphi from the first moment he meets her.
Sariphi does have the annoying tendency to disregard her own life too often, but luckily this doesn’t take away from her positive traits. She takes the time to learn about the people around her, from her new kingly consort to the Holy Beast. And likewise, there is much more than meets the eye with Leonhart. They’re two well-matched, surprisingly complicated characters.
9 Striga & Morana (Castlevania)
It’s important to portray couples past the courtship phase and the relationship between Morana and Striga in Castlevania has continued for many years by the time they’re introduced to the audience. Their connection is intimate and nuanced. No matter who they ally themselves with, their ultimate loyalty is to one another.
Morana and Striga bolster each other’s strengths. Morana is wise and circumspect while Striga is protective and honorable. Their relationship stood the test of time, a war, and shifting alliances, and it will continue as they find new adventures together with the rest of their long lives.
8 Haruhi & Tamaki (Ouran High School Host Club)
Just because Ouran High School Host Club is a madcap romance that (lovingly) parodies shojo tropes doesn’t mean it can’t have a well-crafted romance. Tamaki is delightfully flawed. On the surface it seems like he doesn’t take much seriously, and that he prefers to indulge in pure frivolity.
But when it’s important, Tamaki doesn’t drop the ball. Not only does he look out for Haruhi’s safety at a baseline, which all her friends should do, he’s always reaching out to her to help or bolster her spirits. Haruhi has been through a lot, and she brings out a selfless side of Tamaki; the two complement each other well.
7 Meier Link & Charlotte (Vampire Hunter D)
Some well-written couples don’t even need that many scenes together to capture the audiences’ hearts, like Meier Link and Charlotte in Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. In many ways, they are a classic tale of a dangerous vampire who falls in love with a delicate human.
It’s Charlotte that makes Meier Link the compelling character that he is. Not his strength nor even his noble aesthetic would be enough to set him apart without his lovely Charlotte. His blood may have run cold centuries ago, but Charlotte holds his beating heart. Love doesn’t always mean sacrifice, but these two give up so much just to be together. Their star-crosse romance is believable and heartfelt.
6 Yona & Hak (Yona Of The Dawn)
Yona of the Dawn builds fantastic romantic tension, from an almost-kiss that turns into an awkward headbutt, to the infamous scene where Hak pours honey on Yona’s hands. Hak and Yona take turns denying their growing feelings for each other, but it never gets tired or old-hat.
Their misunderstandings and banter are excellent fodder for giggles and heel-kicking, but the true spirit of their romance is in their real life choices. Hak may pretend to be self-serving, but it’s a thin facade. He doesn’t hesitate to throw himself into harm’s way to spare Yona. Yona may vehemently deny her feelings, but that’s because she’s overwhelmed by her life turning on its head. Their relationship grows as Yona becomes a stronger warrior and leader.
5 Kenshin & Kaoru (Rurouni Kenshin)
Kenshin and Kaoru make a gorgeous couple in Rurouni Kenshin, but they have more going for them that just their elegant looks. Good relationships are defined by much more than passion and grand gestures. They are defined by how a couple goes through little moments together: how they relate to each other, how well they listen, and how they support one another. Rurouni’s central romance is a classic friends to lovers arc.
That’s not to say that Kenshin and Kaoru don’t have their fair share of big moments, too. A great tear-jerking scene is when Kaoru realizes Kenshin regained his sight, and the first thing he says is that he’s happy to see her face.
4 Yuri & Victor (Yuri On Ice)
The relationship between Yuri and Victor may seem imbalanced because it begins between a mentor and the skater who hero-worships him in Yuri!!! On Ice. However, their relationship is completely heartfelt where both partners have something to learn from each other.
Their softer, flirtatious moments are adorable, like when Yuri dedicates his skating number to Victor and Victor gives a soft, approving whistle. Victor also puts a name to their feelings when Yuri is too shy to, promising he’ll be the best boyfriend he can be. Their relationship is sweet, honest, and symbiotic.
3 Usagi & Mamoru (Sailor Moon Crystal)
Mamoru and Usagi’s relationship has a clear, believable progression in Sailor Moon Crystal. Their relationship feels natural with or without their unlocked memories, though of course they sensed their connection on some level from the start. In short, they were always meant to be.
Usagi and Mamoru are much more like equals in the new reboot than in the ’90s series. A romance doesn’t need anger and constant bickering to be compelling, and the Crystal version of the couple proves that point. This Mamoru would never break up with Usagi out of nowhere like the previous Mamoru did.
2 Takeo & Yamato (My Love Story!!)
Many in his school don’t see Takeo for the diamond he really is in My Love Story!! but he was right to be patient because from the moment she meets him, Yamato is head over heels for him. Once Takeo is triply certain that Yamato has feelings for him, he makes absolutely sure that she knows exactly how he feels about her.
Yamato and Takeo are a joyful couple who date very happily after they get through a simple misunderstanding. Takeo knows how to be a gentlemanly boyfriend, and Yamato adores everything about him.
1 San & Ashitaka (Princess 70zl6d8″ title=”mononoke”>Mononoke)
Studio Ghibli produces some of the best romances, from the quieter and more understated to the over-the-top. Princess 70zl6d8″ title=”mononoke”>Mononoke is the best one because of the way San and Ashitaka become allies during a war, and find their true selves through their relationship.
San has understandable trouble trusting humans, and Ashitaka is strong and generous enough to extend a branch to her. He even gives her the dagger necklace which is his last tie to his village. It’s also the dagger he once gave to his former bride-elect (which she gave back to him when he had to leave home). A crystal dagger seems a fitting bride gift/engagement token for someone like San.
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