Best Romance Anime of 2006

Haruhi Fujioka, a diligent scholarship student, enrolls at the prestigious Ouran Academy. Searching for a quiet place to study, she discovers a seemingly unused music room. Inside, she is greeted by the members of the renowned Host Club, a group of attractive boys who entertain female students across the school. When club founder and president Tamaki Suou startles her, Haruhi accidentally breaks an expensive vase. Unable to afford repayment, the Host Club members propose a solution: she must work for the club and become a Host herself. Mistaken for a boy by her peers, Haruhi must entertain various female students while navigating the extravagant personalities of her fellow Hosts.

After a mysterious fire kills his family, Shirou is rescued and adopted by Kiritsugu Emiya, who trains him in magic and the path of justice. Years after Kiritsugu's death, Shirou is cleaning the school one night when he gets caught in the middle of a deadly clash between two superhuman beings known as Servants. While trying to flee, he is caught by one of the Servants and sustains a life-threatening wound. Miraculously, he survives, but the same Servant returns to finish him off. In desperation, Shirou summons his own Servant—a knight named Saber. Now the two must take part in the Fifth Holy Grail War, a battle royale among seven Servants and the mages who summoned them, with the supreme prize being the all-powerful Holy Grail itself. Fate/stay night follows Shirou as he struggles to find the thin line between hero and killer, his ideals clashing with the harsh reality around him. Will the boy become a hero like his adoptive father, or die trying?

Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière is a proud mage in a world defined by wands, cloaks, and nobility. She attends the esteemed Tristain Academy for mages but fails at casting spells correctly, earning her the mocking nickname "Louise the Zero" from her classmates. During the required first-year familiar summoning ritual, Louise's attempt produces a massive explosion. Everyone dismisses it as another failure, but when the smoke clears, Saito Hiraga appears. He is treated like a slave, forced to clean Louise's clothes and eat off the floor. However, a strange mark resembling the legendary familiar Gandalfr appears on his hand, hinting that he is no ordinary summon. In this wild, adventurous, and explosive tale, Saito must adapt to his new life while Louise discovers she is far more than her humiliating nickname suggests.

Twenty-two-year-old Tatsuhiro Satou dropped out of college and has lived as a hikikomori for nearly four years. During his seclusion, he has developed a host of bizarre conspiracy theories, none stronger than his conviction that a secretive, malevolent organization called the Nihon Hikikomori Kyokai (NHK) is responsible for his NEK (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) condition and works to spread hikikomori culture. NHK ni Youkoso! is a psychological dramedy following Tatsuhiro's attempts to break free from the NHK's wicked schemes and the self-inflicted disease of isolation, all while struggling simply to leave his apartment and secure a job. His unexpected meeting with the enigmatic Misaki Nakahara may signal a turning point, but it comes at the price of confronting his greatest fear—society itself.

Two young women who share the same name leave their separate hometowns, driven by hopes for fresh starts. Both set their sights on Tokyo: Nana Komatsu dreams of a happy romance, while Nana Osaki chases a successful music career. The first Nana is bright and friendly, but her innocence has led her love life astray—until she finds a dependable boyfriend, Shouji Endo. Undeterred by his decision to move to Tokyo for school, she works hard to save money and follow him there. Her counterpart, meanwhile, is a solitary punk vocalist whose intense relationship with her band’s bassist, Ren Honjou, ends abruptly. Heartbroken but resolute, Nana Osaki looks ahead and journeys to the capital, determined to become a recognized artist. Soon after arriving in Tokyo, the two girls cross paths again through an unexpected twist of fate, ultimately ending up as roommates. As they grow closer, they strive to support each other through the challenges of forging their own futures.

Aizawa Yuuichi used to visit his cousin in the city frequently as a child, but a sudden event drove him away for seven years. When he finally returns, he has no recollection of that time. Settling into the snowy town, Yuuichi encounters a group of young women who are all linked to his forgotten past. As he builds friendships with them, the memories of his childhood start to gradually come back to him.

As Nanami Takahashi begins her first year of high school, she is optimistic about making plenty of new friends. She meets the timid Yuri Yamamoto and hears about a well-liked boy in their class, Yano Motoharu. Yuri holds a grudge against Yano because he once dated her older sister Nana, and Nanami initially finds his behavior unappealing as well. However, Nanami gradually develops feelings for Yano, and the two start spending more time together, eventually deciding to date. Their relationship faces obstacles, though: Yano has difficulty opening up to Nanami because his first girlfriend, Nana, passed away in a car accident the previous year, and she was with one of her ex-boyfriends at the time. Caught in the lingering influence of Yano's past with Nana, Nanami and Yano struggle to sustain their relationship through misunderstandings and heartache, all while holding onto their certainty of loving each other.

We still have no idea what's really going on with this show, beyond the fact that the weirdness is piling up! Curry-fiend Karasama remains oblivious to Tenma's crush, and Harima still hasn't confessed his true feelings to Tenma. But hey, the thug's got an excuse since he's caught up with his comic career and knee-deep in a blizzard of deadlines! Meanwhile, the love triangles are ever-shifting thanks to wannabe cupids and runaway brides. Even when you throw in a bit of cyborg love, a shipwreck, and a fugitive red panda–seriously, that ain't even scratching the surface. You are encouraged to scratch the pig, though. He likes it! And something rumbles in the next to last episode, no matter what I say next. School Rumble–The absolutely funniest show you’ll ever see that's not about anything that rumbles... Ever!

After traveling across Japan, Yuuta Takemoto looks back on his college experiences. He has grown a lot since his second year and feels ready to move ahead. With newfound confidence, he finally confesses to Hagumi Hanamoto, the girl he has loved since they first met. But Hagumi is still confused by her efforts to understand the enigmatic Shinobu Morita, who hides his own heavy burdens behind a playful facade. Meanwhile, Takumi Mayama has become a working adult and, as a friendly gesture, secures several pottery orders for Ayumi Yamada through his company. These five young people continue to struggle with their own challenges in school, work, love, and friendship, pushing each other toward the futures they are meant to find.

Syaoran, Sakura, Kurogane, Fai, and Mokona keep traveling across various worlds in their quest to recover Sakura's feathers. As they venture further, their destined journey gradually grows more complex, drawing them into increasingly perilous realms.

After being stood up for a movie date, marketing employee Fumihiko Matsumaru is about to throw away his tickets when a girl stops him and begs to go with him instead. Thanks to his upbeat and quirky companion Aka Onda, an aspiring voice actress, Fumihiko enjoys his evening. While walking home together, they discover they live in the same neighborhood. A few hours later, Fumihiko wakes from a nightmare to sirens outside his window. Going out to investigate, he sees that Aka's apartment has burned down, along with all her belongings. Fumihiko invites the distressed Aka to stay at his place, leading to them sleeping together. In the aftermath of that fateful night, their personal and professional lives become deeply intertwined. Not only do they begin living together platonically despite their one-night stand, they also discover that Aka will be voicing the mascot Fumihiko designed for his company's newest product. While trying to keep their living arrangement secret to avoid scrutiny, the two start supporting each other through the difficulties in their respective careers.

Ezaki Yuuichi is stuck in the hospital after catching hepatitis A, forced to stay away from his friends and family, which frustrates him. To fight his boredom, he often sneaks out of the facility, only to end up getting scolded or hit by his nurse. One day, he meets a girl his age who is also a patient there, and he is immediately drawn to her looks. However, Akiba Rika's personality is less appealing—she is selfish, moody, and bossy. Still, as they spend more time together, they grow closer, sharing the simple joys and challenges of a teenage romance, even as a dark cloud looms over them: Rika's illness means she doesn't have much time left.

Shuurei Kou is a bright young woman from a noble but impoverished family. She dreams of becoming a government official to serve her country, but this path is closed to her because women are not allowed to hold such positions. While her father works a low-paying job as a palace archivist, Shuurei takes on various odd jobs to support their household. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives a surprising summons. Shuurei is called to assist Ryuuki Shi, the new emperor, who is notorious for neglecting his duties and preferring the company of men. Drawn by the generous payment offered, she agrees to serve as the young emperor's consort for six months. Fortunately, she has support from Seiran Shi, her loyal friend, who joins her as Ryuuki's bodyguard. As Shuurei works to turn the irresponsible emperor into a capable ruler, she must navigate the complexities of court life and politics, facing numerous challenges along the way. Set in a fictional kingdom, Saiunkoku Monogatari explores the concept of meaningful leadership, the difficulties it entails, and the rewards that come with a thriving nation.

A reimagining of the Negima anime featuring a completely original plot. Though wizard Negi Springfield is still a boy, he has a grown-up mission on his hands! Fresh out of the Academy of Magic, Negi continues his apprenticeship as a teacher at Mahora Academy in Japan. But before he can earn his master's degree in sorcery, the 31 schoolgirls of Class 3-A will keep him up all night studying for a final test of sheer willpower. Temptation aside, Negi's syllabus includes more than just flirtation and magic. Shadows are closing in, and Negi will need help from his lovely students to drive the ghouls away from their school. These girls want to prove they're the top of the class, and extra credit awaits those cuties who aren't afraid of after-hours phantom battles!

Seiso Academy is a distinguished high school that divides its student body into two distinct tracks: the General Studies major, identified by grey uniforms, and the Music Studies major, recognized by white uniforms. One morning, while hurrying to class, General Studies student Kahoko Hino stumbles upon Lili, a tiny fairy seeking someone capable of perceiving her. After Lili departs, Kahoko remains bewildered by the strange encounter and proceeds with her day. Later, the roster for the school’s music competition is revealed, listing exclusively Music Studies students—until Kahoko’s name appears. Desperate for answers, she tracks down Lili, who presents her with a magical violin and urges her to enter the contest. Kiniro no Corda: Primo Passo chronicles Kahoko’s journey with Lili, depicting how she confronts the rigors of competition and clashes with talented rivals while exploring the complex realm of classical music.

For centuries, beings known as Shokujinki have secretly coexisted with humans. Though they appear human, Shokujinki can transform into uncontrollable monsters with massive claws and must consume humans to survive. The equally secretive Kifuuken dojo specializes in killing Shokujinki by severing their arms, and it stands as the sole force preventing unchecked Shokujinki dominance. Toshihiko Momota, the son of the Kifuuken's leader, is instantly captivated by a mysterious woman named Yuka Kamitsuki. Their relationship becomes complicated because, unknown to both of them, Yuka is a Shokujinki and Toshihiko is sworn to kill her. Meanwhile, the Kifuuken faces a crisis of confidence as Toshihiko's brother Kazuma pushes against tradition and attempts to modernize the dojo. As emotions grow strained and secrets of both the past and present are revealed, who will survive, and who will be devoured?

Kawahira Keita comes from a long line of Inukami tamers, but because he lacked the necessary skill, his family abandoned him. One day, an Inukami named Youko appeared before him. She looked elegant, obedient, and above all, beautiful. He quickly formed a contract with her, and she pledged her loyalty to him. However, she turned out to be a troublesome Inukami that no one had ever been able to control. This is a slapstick comedy about an Inukami tamer, Keita, and an Inukami, Youko. Keita is a man driven by worldly desires, with a strong fondness for money and women. On the other hand, Youko enjoys destroying things and is extremely jealous.

Koushi Inuzuka is an intelligent high schooler with dreams of becoming a public prosecutor. However, his life is complicated by his birth into a martial arts family where his father communicates exclusively through violence. As an infant, Koushi’s father struck a deal with his greatest rival to marry Koushi to the rival’s daughter, a union intended to produce the world’s most powerful martial arts clan. Years later, Koushi remains unaware of this arranged marriage until Momoko Kuzuryuu appears. She is a petite, ditzy martial artist who claims to be Koushi’s bride, boasting that she is the strongest on Earth. Momoko desires intimacy with him, but Koushi firmly rejects her advances; he has no interest in such matters with someone who looks like a child and whom he does not even recognize. Simultaneously, a conflict erupts among the martial arts families, forcing Koushi to face numerous fighters seeking to challenge or assassinate him. Compounding the danger is Koushi’s severe fear of combat stemming from a traumatic childhood event. It falls to Momoko and her extraordinary fighting abilities to defend her “husband.” The series asks whether the couple can endure the coming hardships and if Momoko will ever succeed in having a baby with Koushi.

A year after the goddess Belldandy emerged from Keiichi Morisato's mirror and promised to stay with him forever, a new threat to their happiness arises—one that could end their contract.

Mizuho is shocked to learn from his grandfather’s will that he must enroll in the very same academy attended by his mother. The problem is that the institution is exclusively for girls. Fortunately, with assistance from his friend Mariya, Mizuho undergoes a transformation so convincing that he can successfully deceive everyone at the school.

In this sequel, Kazusano Kazuki, a girl, joins the six girls and Ikko. Because of Kazuki's presence, Ikko will end up in even more embarrassing situations with these priestesses-in-training.

Kazuki has spent a decade anticipating the return of her neighbors to their former home. She harbors a crush on Yuuji, viewing him as her first love, though she never found the courage to confess before he left. In their childhood, Yuuji frequently visited to play with Kazuki, her older sister Hatsune, and Yuuji’s sister Marie. However, her idealized image of him is quickly shattered upon their reunion, as he behaves in an unexpectedly ecchi manner. With their parents away in South America, the two families must adjust to living together and reconnect with the feelings they shared in the past. The situation becomes even more chaotic when they end up attending the same school.

Samatarou is no ordinary high school student; he is actually the son of a god. His mother is a goddess, and his sisters are prospective goddesses. The divine family resides in the human world so that Samatarou can learn about human customs and the habits of the creatures they protect, aiming to make him a better god. Tenko, an angel assigned to watch over him, shares his birthday and has been his close friend since birth. Although life appears normal, it changes with the arrival of transfer student Kumiko. Samatarou falls for her, and his choice to win her affection without using his divine powers leads to significant trouble.

The moon and Earth are connected through a single point of contact known as "Mitsuru ga Sakichau Ouren Rakuniushi," where Tatsuya resides under the watch of Princess Feena Fam Earthlight of the Sphere Kingdom (Moon Kingdom), who is coming to stay at his home.

Aoba Riku transfers to a new high school due to his father's job, but the reality is far from what he anticipated. The headmaster's secretary runs the institution while preaching the ideals of academic freedom, the teachers are even more peculiar than usual, and half the student body sports animal ears. On his very first day, Riku is unlucky enough to become the focus of the student council's latest project, forcing him to flee for his life. Combined with the usual high school challenges of popularity contests, crushes, and homework, it remains uncertain whether Riku can make it through this school alive.

Living in poverty, detective Kurou Daijuuji is approached by Ruri Hado of the Hado Financial Group to find a specific magical tome. Although he initially declines, the promise of a substantial financial reward convinces him to take the job. During his search, Kurou encounters Al, a beautiful young woman who is secretly a potent grimoire. The two form a pact, granting Kurou access to formidable magical abilities. Shortly after, Al awakens Demonbane, a massive deus ex machina belonging to the Hado Financial Group, to fight against the mechanical forces of the Black Lodge. This confrontation marks the beginning of the conflict between the Hado Financial Group and the Black Lodge.

As a child, Kamizaka Haruhi was rescued by a mage, which sparked her own desire to become one. She enrolled in a specialized school that divides regular and magic classes into separate sections. Alongside her rival and best friend Hiiragi Anri, she studies magic while also searching for the boy who saved her years ago, hoping to give him a Valentine's chocolate.

Ayumi Mamiya, a witch, is under a curse that will cause her to lose her magical abilities, and only one particular boy can break this spell. Haruo Yoshikawa believes himself to be an ordinary boy, but he remains unaware that his three sisters possess magical powers, which they use to shield him and keep him oblivious to the existence of magic. Now Ayumi must awaken Haruo's dormant powers to save herself, but his sisters are determined to prevent that from happening.

Ordinary high school student Kyou Sogoru is passionate about swimming and lives in scenic Maihama City. His days are filled with time with friends, swimming, and video games. But his routine is shattered when a lovely and enigmatic girl named Shizuno Misaki makes an unusual proposal—jump into the school pool with her. That pivotal jump transports Kyou to a devastated world where humans pilot humanoid fighting machines called Zegas to battle hostile aliens known as Gards-Orm. To lead this effort, humans have formed Cerebrum, a resistance group working to stop the Gards-Orm from wiping out humankind. As Kyou engages in battle missions, comes to know his fellow Zega pilots, and sees many deaths, he starts to doubt the actual nature of this reality and his own existence.

Kirari Tsukishima is a 14-year-old beauty with an enormous appetite, whose thoughts are always consumed by food rather than idols or the entertainment world. Her obsession with eating makes her completely oblivious to romance. One day, after rescuing a turtle stuck in a tree, Kirari meets a kind and handsome boy named Seiji, who gives her a ticket to a concert by SHIPS, a popular idol group, as thanks for saving his pet. Kirari rushes off to the concert, but on the way she runs into another boy who tears up her ticket and warns her to stay away from Seiji, claiming she and Seiji belong to different worlds. Furious, Kirari sneaks into the concert anyway, only to discover that Seiji and the boy who tore her ticket—named Hiroto—are both members of SHIPS. Finally grasping what "different worlds" means—Seiji is a famous idol while she is just an ordinary middle school student—Kirari refuses to back down. Determined to be with Seiji, she declares that she will become an idol herself.

Amaumi Haruhiko is a high school student attending Shimano Academy in the town of Narasakicho, which is perpetually watched over by a mysterious rainbow. This rainbow is tied to a magical wish known as "Gift," a one-time present that can be exchanged between two people. Haruhiko grew up close with his childhood friend Kirino, but his life changed when he gained a new stepsister named Riko. He formed a strong bond with her, but they were sadly separated when Haruhiko's father could no longer afford to care for both children. After some time passes, Riko returns to Narasakicho, and along with Kirino, she begins attending Shimano Academy alongside Haruhiko. The story follows the relationships between these main characters, gradually uncovering the truth behind both the Gift and the rainbow.

"Beatrice" is a mysterious power that responds to people's will and can make any of their wishes come true. Tokyo Beatrice University Attached High School is the only institution where this power—referred to as "magic made manifest in the real world"—is taught. Yoshimura Mamoru is a high school boy who was miraculously saved by Beatrice when he was a child. On his first day of school, he encounters a girl beneath the cherry trees on his way to campus. She immediately orders him to go out with her. Her name is Takasu Ayako. She is a second-year student, one year older than him, and serves as the director of the student committee of discipline. She is also the granddaughter of a prominent politician, exceptionally beautiful, and a genius Beatrician capable of shooting down a satellite. Known as the Witch Beatrice or the Death Angel of Beatrice, she is, in truth, a pure-hearted girl.

Hiroko Matsukata is employed at a magazine publisher and pours everything into her job. Known as a tough, no-nonsense career woman, she can switch into what she calls "Hataraki man" (working man) mode at will. But for all her professional success, Hiroko's romantic life is a mess. She's a hard worker, but she'd cut out early at a moment's notice to go on a date. Unfortunately, her boyfriend is an even bigger workaholic than she is.

Kagemori Mamoru appears as an unkempt boy with messy hair and thick glasses, but in truth, he is the heir of a ninja bloodline. For four centuries, his family has secretly watched over their neighbors, the Konnyaku household. From their kindergarten days, Mamoru has been personally guarding their daughter, Konnyaku Yuuna. Whenever Yuuna finds herself in danger, Mamoru dons a ninja suit and transforms into a skilled ninja to assist her.

Nina Yamada's biggest wish is to have a protector just like the princesses in her fairy tales. That wish becomes urgent when she gulps down a mysterious pink sphere that she thinks is candy, causing many people to plummet from the sky. The sphere is actually the Crystal Pearl, a symbolic item that magic users from a different realm compete to obtain. Whoever wins the Crystal Pearl can pass a magic test and earn the esteemed rank of professional wizard. Two examinees, Zero and Ichii, realize the pearl is inside Nina and vow to guard her until the exam concludes. With numerous other candidates chasing the same prize, their mission is challenging—yet no more awkward than Nina's experience of showing up at school trailed by two attractive boys.

Ryota Aizawa is a third-year student at the preparatory division of the Central Military Academy. In the year 2045 AD, he travels to the Aries space station for training alongside classmates Nagase Saka and Kazuhiko Nittak. Their mission is abruptly interrupted when the station comes under attack by the terrorist organization Hallarax, forcing the group to devise a plan to return to Earth.

Haruma Kawagoe grew up as an only child. Many years ago, around Christmastime, his mother suffered a miscarriage of the baby who would have been his little sister. That night, a young Haruma knelt and sincerely prayed: "Please make my mother healthy again, and please give me a little sister." As time passed, Haruma all but forgot that prayer. But Santa did not forget... one Christmas, when Haruma least expects it, he receives an unusual gift—his sister.

On her first day at a new school, Sunao Konoe is shocked to discover that the institution lacks a drama club. Determined to change this, she resolves to establish one herself. However, her efforts are complicated by the sudden reappearance of a childhood friend, the eccentric nature of the student body, and the persistent obstruction of an arrogant student council president, making the task of founding the club far more challenging than she had anticipated.

Filiel's fifteenth birthday brought her mother's necklace as a keepsake from her stubborn astronomer father. Her ordinary, monotonous existence shifted into a world of intrigue and schemes. This new life sets the stage for countless adventures.

Pucca is the young daughter of a Chinese noodle house owner, and she is completely smitten with the ninja Garu. Garu desperately tries to dodge Pucca's romantic pursuits and usually does not reciprocate her feelings. This leads to many humorous situations, as Pucca will go to extreme lengths just to steal a kiss from Garu. The series is filled with comedic love antics that involve everything from noodles to deadly ninjas.

With enough money, anything can be bought, so there's no need to wait for a needed organ to become available. Ray was raised to be a donor and had already lost her eyes before being saved by the rogue surgeon Black Jack. A decade later, she has become a surgeon herself. Thanks to the unique artificial eyes she received as replacements, she is renowned for performing incredible medical operations that no one else would dare attempt. However, only a select few know that her surgical work is only part of a larger mission: to uncover the fate of the other children she grew up with, and to track down the men who took the eyes she was born with, bringing them to justice.

At Rikkyouin High School, a prestigious institution, a lottery is held once a year to determine the next year's Student Council members. On their first day, Chihiro Enomoto wins the presidency, while his childhood friend Tokino Akiyama draws the vice-president ticket. However, they must first complete a one-year apprenticeship under the current Student Council, and any failure—no matter how small—to carry out assigned tasks results in immediate expulsion.

A young girl named Ange is called to a Sacred Land, where she is selected as the Legendary Etoile—a role meant to rescue the newly formed Cosmos of the Holy Beast, which has recently plunged into peril. Supported by nine Guardians, each wielding the power of one of nine elements, she sets out on a quest to restore the dying land of the Holy Beast and find her own true self.

In the near future, a permanent super cyclone called the Grand Roar forms in the Western Pacific, drastically altering the climate and flooding most of the world's landmasses. As shipping and navigation become vital to global economies, ocean pirates emerge, forcing companies to hire escort cruisers to protect their cargo. System engineer Hyousuke Nagimiya is tasked with upgrading the Pascal Magi, a cruiser crewed entirely by women under the command of Captain Misaki Nanaha. The crew must work to prove to their skeptics that they are not just an "Alice Brand." However, as they carry out their missions, a larger global conspiracy begins to take shape, aiming to exploit the new world order for its own purposes.

Five girls enroll at a training school to become voice actresses, each carrying their own thoughts and motivations. Momoko wants to become a voice actress in order to meet her favorite voice actor. Rinka is an amateur voice actress but has no special purpose for pursuing the career. Yurika loves anime very much. Tsubasa is a girl in love and has been acting only as a boy. Amane hits a dead end as an actress and tries to find another path. They manage to overcome the difficulties on their way to becoming voice actresses, even though they cannot yet perform as main characters. There is also a romantic relationship with a boy who works for an anime company, and the story offers a glimpse into the situations within the anime industry.

In the year AD 3567, humankind has lost its once-thriving civilization, now surviving amid the wreckage of the past. Though their lives are constantly endangered by the Gardeners—mysterious unmanned mobile weapons of various ranks sent from the Moon—brave teenagers must become Gardener hunters to make a living. And while the broader human civilization has collapsed due to high-tech maintenance-free technology, some portions of the remaining cities still operate in limited ways, providing support to the people living there. One fateful day, Tokito Aizawa meets a girl named Tea, awakening a power far older and more formidable than the Gardeners, and inadvertently opening the door to a potentially much brighter future for the remainder of humanity.

A malicious monkey named Specter flees from a circus, wielding a mind-control device that boosts his intelligence and grants him power over other monkeys. A professor summons Kakeru to catch every monkey, especially the one in charge: Specter.

Saru Getchu: On Air sequel.