Best Romance Anime of 2020

After a slow yet eventful summer break, Shuchiin Academy's second semester is fully underway. As the calendar turns from August to September, Miyuki Shirogane's birthday draws near, placing Kaguya Shinomiya in a serious dilemma over how to mark the occasion. Meanwhile, the 67th student council's term is approaching its end. With council members now in separate classes, the precious time Kaguya and Miyuki can spend together will soon vanish, jeopardizing all their clever schemes. A grueling election that determines the next student council awaits, as various contenders vie for the presidency.

Kazuya Kinoshita is a 20-year-old college student who is dating the bright and cheerful Mami Nanami, a wonderful girlfriend. But suddenly, without warning, Mami breaks up with him, leaving him utterly heartbroken and lonely. Trying to ease the pain, he hires a rental girlfriend through an online app. His date is Chizuru Mizuhara, whose unparalleled beauty and cute demeanor win over Kazuya's affection. However, after reading about other customers' similar experiences with Chizuru, Kazuya becomes convinced that her warm smile and caring personality were just an act meant to toy with his heart, so he gives her a low rating. Angered, Chizuru lashes out at him for his shameless hypocrisy, revealing her true blunt and fiery nature. This one-sided argument is cut short when Kazuya learns that his grandmother has collapsed. They rush to the hospital and find that Kazuya's grandmother is already in good condition. Baffled by Chizuru's presence, she asks who this girl is. On impulse, Kazuya instantly declares that they are lovers, forcing Chizuru to play along. But with Kazuya still hung up on his past relationship with Mami, how long can this difficult client and reluctant rental girlfriend keep up the charade?

Nasa Yuzaki is set on carving his name into the annals of history. Topping the national practice exam and targeting a prestigious high school, he feels certain his future is entirely planned. But fate has other ideas. Walking home one snowy evening, Nasa spots an incomparably beautiful girl on the opposite side of the road. Enchanted, he rushes toward her—only to get hit by a truck. His life is saved because the girl pulls him out of harm's way. Bleeding beside an ambulance, he watches her walk away under the moonlight, looking like Princess Kaguya returning to the moon. Refusing to let their encounter end there, he drags his wounded body after her and asks her out. Amazed by his reckless determination and pure will, she accepts his confession on one condition: they can only date if he marries her.

Yukino Yukinoshita commits to becoming more self-sufficient by first mending her relationship with her parents, with proving herself as the initial step. As the third-year students approach graduation, student council president Iroha Isshiki approaches the Volunteer Service Club to collaborate on a graduation prom. Yukino willingly takes on this task, seeing it as an opportunity to showcase her independence, but the challenges ahead may be tougher than expected. Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Kan centers on the graduation prom, with emotions invested in the event's planning. Meanwhile, a chance arises for the Volunteer Service Club members to deepen their understanding of one another. And so, Hachiman Hikigaya's busy and bittersweet high school life begins its final chapter.

One year has elapsed since Tooru Honda started residing at the Souma house, during which time she has forged deeper bonds with Shigure, Kyou, and Yuki. She has also drawn nearer to the rest of the family, learning of their ancestral secret and assisting them with various personal struggles. Yet, as her connection to them strengthens, Tooru begins to suspect that this hidden truth is far darker than she initially believed. As summer arrives, Tooru is invited to spend her days with the Soumas, particularly Kyou and Yuki. Although she longs for a relaxed holiday, her close ties with the two boys and the family may lead to complications. As intimacy grows, their carefree moments are interrupted by lingering hardships and past emotions that resurface. The Eternal Banquet soon approaches, requiring the zodiac members to fulfill their duties under the watchful eye of the unsettling Akito Souma. With the banquet nearing and numerous emotions demanding resolution, Tooru must face the question of whether her life with the Soumas will stay tranquil or if she will become trapped in an inescapable predicament.

Youkai, spirits coexisting with humans, generally maintain peace, though a dangerous minority threatens the fragile balance between their world and ours. Kotoko Iwanaga, bearing the title of God of Wisdom, serves as a mediator to settle these supernatural conflicts. She approaches university student Kurou Sakuragawa, whose recent breakup has left him vulnerable, suspecting he is connected to a hidden supernatural presence. Harboring feelings for Kurou, Kotoko recruits him to assist in handling youkai. Two years later, a tragic accident claims the life of an idol, but she returns as a faceless woman wielding steel beams. Kotoko and her partner investigate the haunting, only to uncover a case far more sinister and personal than they initially anticipated.

University student Tsuneo Suzukawa has a deep passion for diving and marine biology, and he works multiple part-time jobs to save up for studying abroad. His plans take an unexpected turn after a chance encounter with a girl in a wheelchair. The girl, Kumiko—who insists on being called "Josee"—initially comes across as rude and temperamental. When Josee's grandmother offers Tsuneo a paid position as her caretaker, he reluctantly accepts, seeing it as a way to boost his savings for his academic goals. However, Tsuneo grows increasingly frustrated with her bossy attitude and considers quitting. It is only then that he learns of Josee's own hidden dream: to experience the outside world and live a life unhindered by her physical limitations. Changing his mind, Tsuneo decides to stay and help Josee explore the wonders beyond her confined world. As they spend time together, both begin to understand that the very qualities that connect them might hold the key to achieving their individual aspirations.

Hana Uzaki, a freshman, locates Shinichi Sakurai, a senior she previously encountered during high school club activities, only to discover he has become a recluse who desires isolation. Resolute in her mission to keep him from feeling lonely, she persistently coerces him into attending movies and visiting his part-time workplace. While Sakurai views her as exhausting and annoying, he puts up with her behavior, aware that her cheerful disposition frequently results in chaotic and humorous situations. As their connection deepens, people start assuming they are dating. Every time Uzaki demands to hang out with her senpai, it leads to amusing and eccentric adventures.

While most individuals would favor playing as the protagonist in an adventurous game or isekai setting, one girl finds herself in a much less fortunate position. Upon recovering her memories from a previous life, she discovers that she has been reincarnated into the world of Fortune Lover, a title she enjoyed in her past existence. The problem lies in the fact that she has taken the place of Catarina Claes, the game’s primary antagonist destined for ruin in every possible ending. Determined to break free from this tragic fate, she relies on her detailed knowledge of the story to alter her course. Yet, avoiding this inevitable doom proves difficult, as she must carefully steer clear of any death flags that could accelerate her downfall. Despite the challenges, she pushes forward to create changes that impact those around her, striving not as the beloved heroine, but as the villainess.

In Alcia, every citizen is marked by a Count that determines their social rank and capabilities. If someone's Count reaches zero, they are sent to the Abyss—a horrifying place considered worse than death. Hina, a traveler whose Count reflects her journey's distance, is motivated by a promise to fulfill her mother's final wishes after watching her be dragged into the Abyss. She searches for the legendary Aces, warriors from a war three centuries ago who bear a white star beside their Count. On her path, Hina encounters Licht Bach, a masked man with a negative Count, and Nana, a tavern keeper. When a military soldier forces Hina into a fight, Licht steps in to save her, revealing that he has a second Count marked with a white star—proving he is one of the Aces. The story follows Hina and others as they uncover the hidden truths behind Alcia, the Abyss, and the Aces' legacy.

After the Scorched Halloween incident, the world learns of a Strategic-class magician with extraordinary power. To track down this individual, the United States of the North American Continent sends its elite magician unit, Stars, led by commander Angie Sirius, on a secret mission to Japan. At First High School, Tatsuya Shiba and his friends hold a farewell party for Shizuku Kitayama, who is leaving for an exchange program in the USNA. Her replacement is the striking Angelina Kudou Shields, also known as Lina. Around this time, Tatsuya discovers that the USNA is trying to uncover his true identity. Meanwhile, in Tokyo, a series of bodies drained of blood are found, blamed on a vampire. Tatsuya quickly connects the clues and concludes that these attacks are unlikely to be coincidental.

A common belief holds that science can provide rational explanations for the universe's countless phenomena, yet many aspects of existence remain unsolved and indecipherable through numbers. Among these, the concept of love is perhaps the most notorious. Though applying scientific theory to such a complex emotion might seem impossible, a clever duo of researchers at Saitama University decides to take on the challenge. One day, Ayame Himuro, a bold and beautiful scientist, publicly declares her love for Shinya Yukimura, her logical and level-headed colleague. Lacking experience in romance, Yukimura ponders what defines love and wonders if he shares these feelings for Himuro. As two individuals unfamiliar with romance, they begin conducting detailed experiments on each other to test for human characteristics associated with love and determine if they exhibit these traits toward one another. As Himuro and Yukimura delve into their intimate analysis, can the two scientists successfully apply scientific theory, with the help of their friends, to quantify the feelings they express for each other?

The world is powered by astral energy, harnessed by astral mages. Due to the threat this poses, the Empire persecutes anyone exhibiting such abilities. In retaliation, oppressed mages founded the Nebulis Sovereignty to escape this persecution, igniting a century-long conflict between the two sides. Iska, a talented knight, was jailed for freeing a witch. After a year, the Empire frees him on the promise that he capture the dreaded Ice Calamity Witch. Hoping this mission could bring the war to an end, Iska agrees. The Ice Calamity Witch, Aliceliese Alice Lou Nebulis XI, likewise yearns for peace and is prepared to dismantle the Empire. Both Iska and Alice strive for a crusade to forge a world without pain and hardship. Destiny brings them together, forming a bond that goes beyond simple coincidence.

Rikuo Uozumi has largely given up on a promising future, drifting through a dead-end job at a convenience store in Tokyo after finishing college. His dull routine gets shaken up when the eccentric Haru Nonaka bursts into his life, frequently stopping by his workplace to strike up a friendship. When Rikuo finds out that Shinako Morinome, a former college friend and the object of his affection, has returned to the area, he tries to reignite their connection. But Rikuo is unaware that Shinako is weighed down by painful memories from her past that prevent her from reciprocating his feelings. Meanwhile, as Haru gradually reveals herself to Rikuo, he realizes that she, like him, is living alone and yearns to break out of her comfort zone into an uncertain tomorrow. The past lingers stubbornly in the mind, and the future stays just out of reach. At a crossroads where their lives intertwine, these three individuals come to understand what it means to release the emotions of yesterday and welcome the changes that a new day brings.

Following a long war, humans and monsters have reconciled and now coexist peacefully. In this post-conflict era, the town of Lindworm was established and has become a center for interracial harmony. Glenn Litbeit, a human physician specializing in monster biology, operates a modest clinic with his partner, Saphentite Neikes, a half-snake lamia. He applies his expertise to treat any monsters that come to him for help. No matter the ailment, worry, or injury, he is always available to assist.

Five years ago, Earth was invaded by alien parasites called the "Kiseichuu." With their own species on the brink of extinction, the Kiseichuu aim to wipe out humanity by systematically destroying their sexual desire, causing the human race to die off naturally. To counter this threat, the HxEros device was created—a powerful weapon that can only be fully wielded by individuals with high levels of erotic energy. High school student Retto Enjou, who holds a deep grudge against the Kiseichuu, joins a team of HxEros users to fight back and protect humanity. Since their gear relies on erotic energy as a power source, the team must keep their libido levels high to stay battle-ready at all times. Living in a house full of passionate girls, Enjou won't have to worry about running out of power anytime soon.

Following the death of her father, a young woman takes over Miracle Entertainment and its flagship show, Miracle Finder, which has recently faded into obscurity. Desperate to prevent the program's cancellation, she seeks a fresh concept and discovers Evol, a mysterious gene that grants superhuman abilities and represents the next stage of evolution. Yet, this marvel could ignite a ruthless struggle for human survival. Her immersion into the world of Evolvers is interrupted by four men: Kira, a cheerful idol; Simon, a Loveland University professor and neuroscientist; Zen, the stoic CEO of Loveland Financial Group and Miracle Entertainment’s benefactor; and Haku, her high school senpai who transitioned from a delinquent to a police officer. Amidst a wave of bizarre incidents across the city, she must uncover the truth behind Evol and Black Swan, the shadowy organization linked to numerous attacks and her father’s demise. She must determine her role in their grand scheme and understand how the men surrounding her are tied to the mystery.

Numerous magical Artifacts were stolen and dispersed across the globe long ago. In the wrong hands, these objects brought misfortune to those who abused their power. The Hoshisato family of magicians possesses special access to these items and feels responsible for returning them to their proper places. Despite her lack of experience, Kana "Hatena" Hoshisato wants to assist her parents, Mamoru and Maeve, in their mission, striving to improve her skills. Her childhood friend, Makoto Shiranui, arrives at the mansion to study magic under her father’s guidance, honoring a promise made years prior. Hatena is thrilled to reunite with him but is crushed to discover that Makoto, whom she believed to be a girl, is actually a boy, resulting in a tense reunion. Makoto soon learns about the Artifacts and the true nature of the magicians he respects. Undeterred, he remains dedicated to keeping his promises and mastering magic for two reasons: to alleviate the sorrow of those around him and, most importantly, to become a worthy partner for Hatena.

A narrative centered on a handsome yet somewhat troubled elderly man who acts foolish to make his wife's heart skip a beat. It follows a couple marking their 50th wedding anniversary, still fostering a fresh romance. This is a chronicle of their everyday life, filled with pure bliss, that you could watch endlessly.