Best Romance Anime of 2021

On the surface, it appears improbable that Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura would ever form a bond. Hori is celebrated for her beauty and academic prowess, whereas Miyamura is perceived by his peers as a quiet and distant individual. However, a chance meeting exposes their true selves. Although Hori is a popular and high-achieving student, she is burdened by domestic duties that leave her with little opportunity for socializing. Conversely, Miyamura maintains a composed exterior that masks his numerous tattoos and piercings, suggesting a more rebellious nature beneath. Despite their apparent differences, they discover shared interests that rapidly bring them together. They begin spending significant time at Hori's residence, shedding their public personas to reveal aspects of themselves hidden from the rest of the world.

Naoto Hachiouji crosses paths with first-year student Hayase Nagatoro in the library. Upon discovering his manga sketches and noticing his timid demeanor, she immediately begins relentlessly teasing him, addressing him solely as Senpai. Initially, her playful jabs prove humiliating and irritating, forcing Naoto to comply with her demands. However, as they continue to spend time together, a strange bond develops, and Naoto finds himself genuinely enjoying Nagatoro's company. He comes to realize that his daily life is about to be filled with fun and unexpected surprises.

Fuutarou Uesugi continues his duties as the tutor for the Nakano quintuplets, observing slight improvements in their grades. However, their path to graduation is still fraught with hurdles, as the sisters consistently generate new problems that disrupt their studies. Fuutarou finds himself increasingly entangled in their personal lives, making their already complicated dynamics even more intricate. At the same time, Fuutarou starts to discover a possible connection between his own past and one of the quintuplets. As feelings within the group grow stronger and intertwine, a crucial question arises: will their relationship stay strictly within the bounds of teacher and students, or will it transform into something deeper?

After his confession to Airi Gotou is rejected, ordinary office worker Yoshida returns to his small apartment in a dejected state. Having already failed to propose to his boss, he spent the evening drinking with his friend Hashimoto and arrives home intoxicated, where he encounters Sayu Ogiwara, a runaway high school student. She requests to stay, and in his drunken condition, he agrees. The following morning, Yoshida wakes up with a severe hangover and no recollection of the prior night's events. Sayu explains how she came to be in his residence. Although he initially intends to make her leave, learning that she traveled all the way from Hokkaido makes him unable to turn her away. Reluctantly, he permits her to stay, and the two begin their life of sharing the apartment.

Devoted his entire life to the organization that raised him, the world's greatest assassin is ultimately betrayed and killed by that very group. Burdened by lingering regrets, he encounters a goddess who admires his abilities. She grants him a second chance in a fantasy world filled with magic and combat, entrusting him with a crucial mission: eliminate the hero destined to bring ruin upon this world. Reborn as Lugh Tuatha Dé, the heir to a noble lineage of assassins serving the Alvan Kingdom, he trains under his father, learning techniques that differ from his previous lethal methods. As he hones his other skills and forms new bonds, Lugh remains keenly aware of his current limitations. To fulfill his sacred duty, he must achieve ultimate mastery to overcome his formidable foe.

Centuries past, the spirits of the Chinese zodiac and their deity swore an eternal vow to remain united. This oath dictates that the Souma family members, each inhabited by a zodiac animal, are destined to reunite at any cost. Yet, these ties often transform into a heavy burden, denying them normal lives. Akito, the clan head, obsessively maintains that he holds a unique bond with the other Soumas, while the rest of the family endures isolation and the terror of punishment. Tooru Honda, having grown deeply attached to the Soumas, is resolved to shatter the curse binding them. Bolstered by her friends and her new family, she finds the strength to challenge the curse. However, shocking revelations threaten to undermine her determination. As time dwindles, Tooru must steer through an uncertain future, hoping to discover peace beyond the chaos.

In "How Not to Summon a Demon Lord Ω," Diablo, the Demon King, returns, now posing as a deity. After a chance meeting with High Priest Lumachina Weselia, Diablo and his companions decide to accompany the young woman on her mission to root out the deep-seated corruption within the Church. Lumachina mistakenly believes Diablo is the true God, a misunderstanding he uses to his advantage while protecting her during her first task to find the righteous head paladin, Batutta. The journey adds Horn, the grasswalker, and Rose, the Magmatic Maid, to the group. As they continue traveling, the central questions emerge: can Diablo fulfill Lumachina's wishes, and will the Demon Lord from another world be able to maintain his divine deception?

Following his grandfather's death, Kazuya Souma, a nineteen-year-old aspiring civil servant, is transported to another world as a supposed "hero" to assist the struggling Elfrieden Kingdom. Called upon as a political move during an impending conflict with demonic forces, Kazuya refuses to be a sacrificial pawn and instead chooses to revive the kingdom's failing economy through administrative reforms. After being crowned king and engaged to the princess, this "Realist Hero" assembles a team of talented advisors to help him in his goal of restoring the nation's wealth.

Haruto Amakawa, a 20-year-old university student, dies in a car accident and is reborn as a young boy named Rio in a different world. As his past and present selves merge, Rio finds he has magical abilities. Driven by his desire to avenge his mother's murder, which continues to motivate him in his new life, he begins a new journey. Soon after, Rio impulsively saves the kidnapped princess of the Bertram Kingdom. The grateful king offers him a place at the prestigious Bertram Royal Academy. Though excited for this chance, Rio struggles to adapt to life among the nobility at the academy, having grown up in the city's poor areas.

In the online game Attack Families, or Tackfam, Fumiya Tomozaki is the top-ranked player in Japan. While he excels in the virtual world, his real-life social awkwardness and lack of charisma leave him isolated at school with no friends. Convinced that life is governed by unfair and complicated rules, he accepts his role as a bottom-tier character in reality. This outlook changes when he meets Aoi Hinami, a classmate who is both socially skilled and a top-tier Tackfam player. Impressed and surprised by Fumiya's complete ignorance of everyday social dynamics, Aoi decides to mentor him through the ultimate game—life. As Fumiya tackles the challenges of social interactions and relationships, he slowly improves his position in the grand scheme of existence.

In "Girlfriend, Girlfriend," Naoya Mukai rejoices when his long-time friend Saki Saki finally agrees to become his girlfriend after multiple confessions. Committed to nurturing their bond, Naoya dedicates himself to showering Saki with affection. However, his world turns chaotic when Nagisa Minase, who has been planning for months, also confesses her feelings to him. Despite turning down Nagisa, Naoya finds himself captivated by her irresistible charm and persistence. Wanting to satisfy both Saki and Nagisa, Naoya comes up with a bold plan: all three will date each other simultaneously, with complete honesty. This unusual arrangement sparks a series of amusing and bizarre situations as the trio navigates their unique relationship.

In "The Detective Is Already Dead," Kimihiko Kimizuka keeps getting caught up in criminal incidents against his own wishes. His life is thrown into chaos when he is kidnapped and placed on a hijacked plane. During this crisis, he encounters Siesta, a mysterious silver-haired woman who single-handedly resolves the situation. Siesta, who reveals herself as a legendary detective, asks Kimihiko to become her partner. Though he initially refuses, her persistent persuasion eventually leads him to join her on a worldwide journey to confront various threats to humanity. Three years of thrilling and joyful adventures come to an abrupt end when Siesta unexpectedly dies. Heartbroken, Kimihiko tries to erase all memories of her, but as he interacts with new people, he realizes that Siesta's influence on his life remains unforgettable.

In the peaceful countryside far from Zoltan's demon-infested borders, Red, a D-Rank adventurer, finally achieves his long-held dream of running an apothecary and enjoying a quiet life through his own efforts. This tranquility is disrupted when Rit, the princess of the Duchy of Loggervia and also an adventurer, abandons her royal duties to live with him and help at his shop. Though Red appears to be a genuine and friendly person respected by everyone, he hides a secret connection to Rit—Red is actually Gideon, the older sibling of Ruti Ragnason, the Hero. After their victory over the Demon Lord, Red was cast out of the Hero's party by Ares Drowa, the Sage, who deemed him insufficiently powerful and insignificant. Even though Red left the party to start a new life with Rit, his past continues to resurface and cast shadows over his present.

Kyouya Hashiba is in a bind. At 28, after leaving his stable office job to pursue his dream of working in video games, he is now unemployed and back living with his parents. He regrets not choosing an arts college and feels resentment toward his former peers, who have become part of the successful Platinum Generation. When he mysteriously wakes up ten years in the past, Kyouya sees this as an opportunity to change his fate. In this new timeline, Kyouya decides to study art at Oonaka University of Art. There, he meets Eiko Kawasegawa, who was once his intern supervisor, and becomes friends with his new roommates: Aki Shino, a talented but secretive artist; Nanako Kogure, a naturally gifted singer and actress; and Tsurayuki Rokuonji, a prolific writer. Together, these future members of the Platinum Generation collaborate on various creative projects, inspiring each other to reach their full artistic potential and achieve the success they have always dreamed of.

In a trading company, saleswoman Futaba Igarashi has held her job for nearly two years, thanks mostly to the support of her senpai, Harumi Takeda. Because of her small stature, Takeda frequently teases Igarashi and treats her like a child, which frustrates her greatly. Still, Igarashi recognizes Takeda's dependability, as he is always prepared to assist when problems arise at work. As they spend more time together, their bond grows beyond a simple professional relationship.

Sueharu Maru has been close friends with Kuroha Shida, one of Hozumino High School's most popular students, since childhood. Kuroha, admired for her charm, kindness, and caring nature, perfectly fits the role of an ideal older sister and draws many admirers. When she suddenly confesses her feelings to Sueharu, he turns her down, explaining that he cannot return those emotions. Additionally, Sueharu is deeply in love with Shirokusa Kachi, the school's renowned idol and a published author. After a short but meaningful encounter with Kachi, Sueharu believes he might have a chance with her. His hopes are dashed, however, when he discovers that Kachi is already in a relationship. As Sueharu grieves this loss, Kuroha proposes a plan: "Let's get revenge."

Observing fragile flower petals crumble into ash, the young duke is starkly reminded of the curse that torments him—the power to kill any living thing he touches. Exiled by his own family, he spends most of his days in near isolation. Yet he finds comfort in the unwavering loyalty of his butler, Rob, and the mischievous maid, Alice, who stand by him. As his affection for Alice deepens, his anguish over the fatal curse grows more intense. Determined to rid himself of this burden, he sets out on a journey to break the curse that has haunted him since childhood. His resolve is strengthened by his desire to keep Alice safe and to achieve a future where he can hold her without inflicting harm.

After escaping her previous brushes with death, the cheerful but naive Catarina Claes looks forward to a peaceful life with her friends and family. Ready to enjoy this newfound calm, she focuses on having fun at the school festival without any worries. But Catarina doesn't realize that the story of the game Fortune Lover is still going. New characters appear, each with their own reasons, and new mysteries start to unfold, putting Catarina and those close to her in danger. Since she has no memory of what's coming next, can she find a way to avoid a tragic ending?

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop follows Yui "Cherry" Sakura, a boy who discovers a passion for writing haiku and posts them online, though they receive hardly any attention. With his family planning to move in August, Cherry takes a summer job at a welfare center. Meanwhile, Yuki "Smile" Hoshino, an aspiring influencer determined to spread happiness, feels insecure about her prominent front teeth with braces and often hides her smile behind a disposable mask. Their paths cross by chance, and Smile also begins working part-time at the welfare center. There, they help an elderly resident named Fujiyama find a cherished vinyl record that he has forgotten. Armed only with the record sleeve and the cryptic clue "yamazakura," Cherry and Smile embark on a quest through the sweltering summer days to locate the record and fulfill Fujiyama's wish.

Following a visit to the school pool, the elite students of Shuchiin Academy turn to leisure pursuits outside their usual responsibilities. Kaguya Shinomiya and Chika Fujiwara go to the showers, where a dropped bar of soap creates an unforeseen slippery situation. Meanwhile, Miyuki Shirogane and Yuu Ishigami stumble upon an abandoned adult magazine with images eerily resembling their council peers. Later, a heated contest over who is the best at cooking fried rice breaks out between Chika and Miko Iino, showcasing their culinary skills. These unconventional events reveal a new side of the student council's everyday experiences.

Love can blossom in the most unexpected circumstances, and this is especially true for Ryou Amakusa, a wealthy and brilliant playboy. One rainy morning, he nearly falls down a staircase but is saved by a girl named Ichika Arima. That same evening, Ryou coincidentally meets Ichika again, and it turns out she is the best friend of his younger sister Rio. Wanting to show his gratitude, Ryou tries to win her over with his usual flirtatious charm, only to be instantly rejected because she finds his behavior off-putting. Far from being discouraged, Ryou becomes even more captivated by her. He begins putting in effort to gain Ichika's affection, even though she consistently shows disgust at every encounter. However, as time passes, will Ichika eventually stop being put off by Ryou's relentless, yet unsettling, attempts?

For generations, the kingdom of Slantania has been plagued by a miasma that spawns monstrous creatures, threatening the land. The Order of Knights fights valiantly against these dangers, but the Grand Magus seeks divine aid by summoning a sacred maiden known as the "Saint" to destroy the monsters and restore peace. One evening after her workday ends, Sei Takanashi is suddenly transported by magic to a strange realm. Upon arriving in Slantania, she learns that the Grand Magus accidentally summoned two Saints—herself and a brunette girl. Since only one Saint is needed, the prince selects the other woman for the role, freeing Sei from any official duties. Choosing to explore her new environment, Sei joins the Medicinal Flora Research Institute, a facility focused on studying herbs and creating potions. During her time there, she meets the leader of the Third Order of Knights. Unbeknownst to Sei, her hidden abilities as a Saint continue to affect her life in this unfamiliar world.

A self-proclaimed deity uses a school's intercom system to order students into forming pairs for an expedition to a parallel world, where they will receive special powers and be destined to defeat the Demon King terrorizing that realm. The students are successfully transported, but Seiichi Hiiragi, frequently targeted by bullies due to his unremarkable appearance, is abandoned by his classmates and left without a partner. Despite this, the deity still sends Seiichi to the alternate world, where he ends up isolated in a remote forest, separated from his peers and any human settlement. Struggling to improve his situation, Seiichi's hardships intensify. However, just as all hope fades, he stumbles upon a peculiar fruit called the "Fruit of Evolution," which could potentially transform his fortunes.

When Koushi Nagumo turns twelve, his life is shattered when his father abandons him after their home is destroyed by a fire. Forced to survive on his own, Koushi eventually collapses on the street, where he is rescued by a peculiar woman named Mineru Wachi. She takes him to Megami-ryou, a girls' dormitory. Serving as the temporary manager, Mineru learns of Koushi's situation and gives him the job of official dormitory mother. Koushi must now navigate a turbulent new existence surrounded by the dorm's eccentric residents: Atena Saotome, who is both kind and fearful of men; Kiriya Senshou, a tomboy with a feminine side; and Mineru herself, whose wild scientific experiments are infamous. Amid all the disorder, Koushi commits himself to handling his strange new duties.

Tsukasa Yuzaki is overjoyed when her husband Nasa presents her with a brand-new smartphone. She quickly gets the hang of the LINE app and delights in sending stickers to her friends. But her happiness fades when a former coworker calls Nasa away for urgent work, hinting that he might be gone the entire night. Facing her first night apart from Nasa since they got married, can Tsukasa’s newly acquired tech savvy help her stay connected with her husband and overcome her loneliness?

Tamahiko Shima, who sees himself as a pessimist, resides alone in the mountains of Chiba after a car accident took his mother and the use of his right hand. His wealthy family has cast him out as unsuitable, leaving him to spend his days reading while his nights are consumed by restless anxiety. Driven by the Shima family's honorable name and a determination not to bring shame to it, Tamahiko has accepted his fate—staying isolated until death claims him. One snowy evening, his sleepless nights are broken by a knock at the door. Tamahiko meets 14-year-old Yuzuki Tachibana, who declares she has come to be his bride. This encounter triggers Tamahiko's memory of his father's promise to send someone to aid him with his daily struggles. Though she was sold as a bride to clear her family's debts, Yuzuki displays remarkable care, diligence, and devotion toward Tamahiko. Can this weary young man maintain his detachment in the face of such genuine warmth and support entering his desolate life?

Announced on Yom's Twitter, a web anime adaptation of Ganbare, Douki-chan is in the works. The story centers on an office lady named Douki-chan, who works alongside Douki-kun. While Douki-kun remains unaware, Douki-chan harbors secret feelings for him. As she struggles to confess, her rivals, including both a kohai and a senpai, continue to compete for his affection.

Unaired episodes included in the third and fourth Blu-ray/DVD releases. This entry contains: 1) Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki: Post-game equipment for girls is a little different than usual - The group stops for lunch at the café where Kikuchi works, and she attempts to eavesdrop on their conversation about love and dating while staying hidden. 2) Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki: Most strange spell names have unknown origins - Aoi, Mimimi, and Tama recall the early days of their friendship and a fireworks display that inspired Tama's nickname.

In Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal The Movie Part 1, the Dead Moon Circus sets its sights on Juban, aiming to free their queen, Nehellenia, by obtaining the Legendary Silver Crystal. Through their "Lemures," the Circus transforms people's dreams into nightmares, gathering energy to shroud Earth in darkness and turn it into a barren wasteland. To counter this threat, Usagi Tsukino and her allies must once again take up their roles as the Inner Sailor Guardians. After a total solar eclipse, Mamoru Chiba falls severely ill. Usagi and Chibiusa meet a pegasus named Helios, who desperately tries to activate the Golden Crystal, believing it is key to saving their world from destruction. Yet, the Sailor Guardians find they cannot transform following the eclipse and start succumbing to the Circus's Lemures. Can they reclaim their abilities before darkness consumes everything?

Prior to crossing paths with Catarina Claes, each of her close companions endured their own individual struggles. However, through her radiant smile and considerate gestures, Catarina's companionship gradually soothed their solitary grief.

The Dead Moon Circus continues to threaten Usagi Tsukino and the Sailor Guardians. As Earth sinks deeper into darkness and nightmares multiply, the Outer Sailor Guardians become alarmed when they see young Hotaru Tomoe rapidly aging after a total solar eclipse. Believing their prince and princess are in danger, the four Outer Guardians reignite their powers and unite to support their comrades. The eclipse worsens Usagi and Mamoru Chiba's conditions, draining their strength and leaving the Guardians unsure of their next step without their leader. Discouraged by this, Hotaru and Chibiusa decide to face the Amazoness Quartet alone, as the quartet has been the main source of recent upheaval. With Queen Nehelenia's imminent release, the Sailor Guardians must act quickly to stop her plans.

Nozomi Onda, a 14-year-old girl passionate about soccer, aspires to play the game without any mistakes. But she struggles to do so in official matches, where she must compete against male players who have a physical advantage. Her outlook changes when an older male acquaintance suddenly approaches her on the street, forcing her to confront her ambitions directly.

In "Fights Break Sphere 4," Xiao Yan travels to the capital to take part in a large gathering of pill masters, aiming to bring his mentor Yao Cheng back to life. His skills quickly draw notice, and certain individuals attempt to use them for their own benefit. Yet, when it matters most, Xiao Yan prevails, upholding the empire's honor. Along the way, he looks forward to a confrontation he has spent three years carefully planning.

This theatrical short belongs to the Macross Frontier series and was released together with the film Macross Δ: Zettai LIVE!!!!!!. Several years after the war against the Vajra, Ranka Lee is on an interplanetary concert tour. During the tour, she goes to see the ruins of a temple called the Well of Souls, a location once used to reach out to gods and the dead. As Ranka approaches the ruins, she is suddenly pulled deep inside.

After Mount Fuji erupts, much of Japan becomes buried beneath a layer of ash, with particles continuing to drift down like snow. Fears of another eruption grow, prompting many to evacuate, but a few—including high school student Rui Satou—choose to stay, mostly confined indoors. Rui spends his time chatting with people online, where he meets Michiru. Their conversations quickly blossom into a deep connection, and despite the danger, Rui decides to meet her in person, even though she lives closer to the disaster zone. When they finally meet, Rui realizes their bond is far more profound and mysterious than he ever expected.

Music video that was available for a limited time on YouTube and then included in the limited Blu-ray/DVD edition.

In "Kindan Joshi," Hanako, an employee at a small publishing company, struggles with a minor communication problem. She frequently finds herself drawn to men she knows she cannot get close to, especially those who have never had a romantic relationship with a woman. Nevertheless, Hanako finds fulfillment in her lively fantasies, where she envisions herself falling in love with various men she encounters on a daily basis.

The narrative follows a human girl named Mashiro, who was rescued by the demon chieftain, Shuten Douji. In order to become his meal, she marries him at the age of 17 when she is prepared to be devoured. However, Shuten Douji cherishes her deeply and has no plan to consume her as food. Their mutual misunderstanding arises from loving each other too intensely.