No one writes magical shojo romance quite like Naoko Takeuchi in her classic series, Sailor Moon. The central romance about two star-crossed lovers somehow feels both timeless and relatable. Serena and Endymion struggle to find peace together as kingdoms collide and as they experience the growing pains of modern day.
Even the villains and side characters have convincing romance arcs. They may not get as much screen time as the central pairing, but audiences can’t help but feel for Zoisite and Kunzite as they care for each other above all else. Sailor Moon may be an action fantasy series, but it doesn’t forget sweeping romance, from grand displays of love and dedication to small acts of abiding affection.
10 Who Is That Masked Man?
Season 1, Episode 19
The Negaverse senses Sailor Moon‘s tender love for Tuxedo Mask and exploits it in the R season’s “Who Is That Masked Man?” The episode is in the first half of the season, so Tuxedo Mask always has a kind word for Sailor Moon, and she pines over him, but the two don’t interact much beyond that.
However, Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon get stuck in an elevator shaft together. The forced proximity doesn’t result in the kiss Sailor Moon hoped for, but the two do share a vulnerable moment as they escape the runaway elevator together and Sailor Moon clings to Tuxedo Mask’s back.
9 Usagi In Tears: A Glass Slipper For My Birthday
Season 3, Episode 12
Every girl wants to feel special on her birthday and Usagi is no different in “Usagi In Tears.” For a moon princess who had her happily ever after ripped from her so many times, it makes sense that she would dream of her prince giving her a pair of glass slippers before they rode off into a happily ever after.
At first, Mamoru drops the ball by forgetting Usagi’s birthday, and Haruka seizes the opportunity to flirt with her. Mamoru genuinely wants to make Usagi happy, though, and not only does he get her the slippers, he gets down on one knee to put them on for her as a true prince would for a princess.
8 Protect Mamoru: Ninja Usagi’s Jealousy
Season 4, Episode 9
In “Protect Mamoru: Ninja Usagi’s Jealousy,” Mamoru has to stay at Rei’s house and Usagi wrestles with feeling insecure and jealous. Chibi-Usa and Pegasus unpack why someone might feel jealous in a relationship in a healthy dialogue. The episode also showcases Yuichiro’s love for Rei.
While Yuichiro’s affections may not be fully requited, he is still a good guy who is protective of Rei and honorably chastens himself to keep “pure thoughts” about her. The romance in this episode may veer more on the side of romantic comedy, but it’s no less sweet.
7 Death Of Uranus & Neptune: The Talisman Appears
Season 3, Episode 21
Sailor Neptune and Uranus have one of the most heartfelt romances in the series. Though Haruka likes to flirt with Usagi, there’s no doubting their true love and devotion for the self-contained Michiru, especially in “The Death of Uranus and Neptune.”
Haruka connects with Michiru in a way that no other person can. Simple moments where Haruka wakes Michiru up from sleep and when Michiru tells Haruka she loves their hands are just as poignant as their moments in battle together. The entire episode has a soft, dreamlike quality with plenty of time spent on Michiru and Haruka.
6 Farewells & Encounters: The Transitioning Stars Of Destiny
Season 5, Episode 7
When Mamoru must go away for at least a year to finish his schooling in “Farewells and Encounters,” Usagi tamps down her feelings to be supportive, which would be difficult for any partner. It seems as if Usagi and Mamoru can’t catch a break, that something will always separate them, but they also know that they’re destined to have a long future together.
Mamoru shows Usagi his love for her and reminds her of that future by giving her an engagement ring before he leaves for school. The moment is bittersweet, but the couple has been through much worse, and now they have a wedding and a whole future to look forward to.
5 Worth A Princess’s Ransom / Act 4: Masquerade Dance Party
Season 1, Episode 18 (R) / Season 1, Episode 4 (Crystal)
Both the ’90s R version and the Crystal reboot of Princess Diamond’s Masquerade Party are huge turning points in Usagi and Mamoru’s romance. Though they don’t remember their past identities yet, they both can’t help but feel like they’ve met each other before.
Tuxedo Mask crashes Princess Diamond’s masquerade ball like the way Prince Endymion snuck a dance with Princess Serenity in the Moon Kingdom. Not only does the episode have a good old-fashioned hanging-from-a-balcony rescue, but Usagi also gets her very first kiss.
4 Wish Upon A Star: Naru’s First Love
Season 1, Episode 23
Episode 23, “Wish Upon A Star” is the first time when Kunzite and Zoisite are shown together as a couple. Nephrite and Zoisite are bickering about Queen Beryl’s plots, and Zoisite goes to his partner for comfort.
Though Kunzite is a stone-cold villain, his heart beats for Zoisite. He cradles Zoisite close and smiles gently, offering him comfort as they nestle into the seat of a twisted tree. He patiently offers Zoisite encouragement and advice. Their romance is like a pocket of sincere sunshine in the gloomy Dark Kingdom.
3 Returning Memories: Usagi & Mamoru’s Past
Season 1, Episode 35
Not only do Kunzite and Zoisite have the most tearful and heartfelt parting in “Returning Memories,” but Usagi also learns about her past as Princess Serenity with Endymion. In the previous episode, Tuxedo Mask was gravely injured protecting Sailor Moon, and the shock and horror awoke her memories.
The force and pain of her love give her the strength to be self-contained; she bats away Zoisite like a fly so that she can attend to Tuxedo Mask/Endymion. Their locket theme plays as they recall how they fell in love and subsequently perished. It’s that locket that will once again unite them. The force of that true love makes poor Sailor Moon faint dead away.
2 Act 20: Crystal Tokyo – King Endymion
Season 2, Episode 6
Serenity and Endymion have died and been reborn for the sake of the greater good so many times that seeing a glimpse into their future in “Act 20: Crystal Tokyo” is a welcome and hopeful reprieve. When Sailor Moon meets King Endymion’s astral projection, she’s shocked to discover that his wife is her future self, Neo-Queen Serenity, and Chibi-Usa is their daughter.
King Endymion describing his wife’s heroism to their daughter is so sweet and earnest. Tuxedo Mask may get guff for not having many battle powers, but he more than makes up for it by being an excellent father, husband, and ruler in the future.
1 Usagi’s Eternal Wish: A Brand New Life
Season 1, Episode 46
In “Usagi’s Eternal Wish,” each of the Sailor Scouts are picked off by Beryl’s minions. Alone, Usagi’s confronted by the brainwashed Prince Endymion. She tries and fails to heal him, but the simple tune from the locket he once gave her on the moon is all she needs to trip his memories.
There’s no magic, light or dark, strong enough to keep Usagi and Endymion apart. All they need are the memories of their true feelings. Usagi holds out the little star-shaped locket in her palms before Dark Endymion like she’s holding out her heart—and Endymion can’t help but awaken to its call.