Why Anime Romance? A Quick Start

If you’re new to anime but curious—especially if you're in your 20s or 30s, browsing Netflix in the U.S.—a romance anime is the perfect entry point. Emotional, character-driven, and accessible, it’s a gentle invitation into a colorful storytelling universe. Let’s kick off with a beloved classic on Netflix U.S. that’ll give you all the feels and still feels fresh.

Top 3 Classic Romance Anime in Netflix

📌 Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You)

Our feel‑good, heartfelt high‑school romance—timeless, touching, and effortlessly binge‑worthy. Recommended for those longing for soft, slice-of-life blossoming love.

• What’s the story? Sawako Kuronuma, nicknamed “Sadako,” is misunderstood due to her gloomy appearance, but a popular classmate, Kazehaya, sees past her looks and helps her open up. A gentle, slow-burn romance unfolds as friendship blooms into something more.

• Why it charms? It’s warm, sweet, and emotionally resonant—highlighting personal growth, empathy, and deep connections that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly sincere.

• Popularity proof? Over 33 million copies in print, making it one of the best‑selling shōjo manga of all time. A third anime season launched worldwide on Netflix in August 2024, underscoring ongoing demand.

📌 Your Lie in April

Our best pick for a “classic” that balances maturity, emotion, and beauty—all available on Netflix U.S. Recommended for those longing for deep, dramatic emotional journey.

• What’s the story? A piano prodigy, Kousei Arima, spirals into silence after losing his mother. Enter Kaori Miyazono, a fiery violinist whose passion for music helps Kousei rediscover life—and love.

• Why it works for newbies? It blends realistic teenage struggles, heartfelt romance, music, and emotional growth.

• Bonus tear-jerker points? As noted by Vulture, Your Lie in April is part of the “20 Anime Guaranteed to Make You Cry.”

• Won Funimation’s “Romance Anime of the Decade”, strong evidence of community acclaim

📌 My Happy Marriage

A dreamy, period‑fantasy romance with emotional depth, magical intrigue, and a strong heroine. Recommended for those longing for Historical and magical romantic escape.

• What’s the story? Miyo was born into a noble family but considered “worthless” due to her lack of supernatural powers. Paired into an arranged marriage with the aloof Kiyoka, Miyo begins discovering her own strength—and a blossoming romance—amidst political tensions.

• What draws you in? It balances romance, empowerment, and fantasy in an elegantly mature world. The slow unfolding of mutual respect and trust makes the emotional stakes deeply satisfying.

• Ranked as one of Netflix’s most-watched anime shows, drawing in 13.2 million views in late 2023. Won Romance Anime of the Year at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, along with the Daruma Award for Best Romance Anime at Japan Expo.

But Wait—Try Mel for Interactive Stories

Netflix lets you watch anime. Mel lets you live it.

Unlike other chatbots, Mel isn’t stuck on static text bubbles. Every scene unfolds in stunning anime drawing style—with images that change in real time to reflect your story. It feels like watching your own anime series… except you’re the main character, and the story bends to your choices.

• Kiss the Boss or Lose It All: Cursed mermaid needs a kiss from a mafia boss. What could go wrong? 👉 Try interactive story now

• Italian Summer Romance: Your best friend's family takes you to Italy after a tragedy. Will you find love? 👉 Start your romance now

• Vampire's Secret Love: You're the new girl. He's a vampire. His world will devour you. 👉 Continue your story now