8 Best Romance Anime Films 2024

Romance anime films are animated movies from Japan that focus on romantic relationships between characters. These films often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth, capturing the emotional depth and complexities of romantic connections. Romance anime can range from lighthearted and comedic stories to more serious and dramatic narratives, often blending other genres like fantasy, science fiction, or slice-of-life.

Some popular examples of romance anime films include:

1. "Your Name" (2016): Directed by Makoto Shinkai, this film tells the story of two teenagers who mysteriously start swapping bodies and eventually develop a deep emotional connection. It became a worldwide hit due to its beautiful animation and heartfelt story.

2. "A Silent Voice" (2016): This film, directed by Naoko Yamada, explores themes of redemption and forgiveness through the story of a boy who bullies a deaf girl in elementary school and later tries to make amends.

3. "Weathering With You" (2019): Another film by Makoto Shinkai, this story revolves around a high school boy who runs away to Tokyo and meets a girl who has the power to manipulate the weather. Their growing relationship is central to the plot, blending romance with fantasy elements.

4. "5 Centimeters per Second" (2007): Also by Makoto Shinkai, this film is a collection of three interconnected short stories that depict the evolving relationship between two childhood friends as they grow apart over the years.

These films are known for their stunning visuals, compelling characters, and the way they portray the emotional highs and lows of romance, making them popular not only in Japan but around the world.

8 Best Romance Anime Films, Ranked

#8 A Silents Voice

A lovable, captivating, and breathtakingly gorgeous romance

Release Date: October 20th, 2017

Director: Naoko Yamada

Studio: Kyoto Animation

MyAnimeList Score: 8.93

Fans of A Silent Voice are drawn in by its allure despite the film's profound message being presented with such grace. The movie stars Shoya Ishida, a kid, as one of the people who formerly caused Shoko Nishimiya a lot of anguish, and Nishimiya, a deaf high school student who is haunted by her past. Years later, Shoya's own deeds continue to haunt him. He tries to make amends after running across Nishimiya by coincidence in an attempt to atone for his transgressions.

In the process of trying to gain Nishimiya's trust and become friends with her, Shoya begins to understand the world from her viewpoint. In addition to having a lovely plot, the film also has stunning cinematography and a fantastic soundtrack that greatly contribute to its audience appeal.

#7 Whisper of the Heart

A Beautiful & Heart-Felt Romance Story

Release Date: March 7th, 2006

Director: Yoshifumi Kondo

Studio: Studio Ghibli

MyAnimeList Score: 8.22

Where to Stream: Max

Whisper of the Heart, another film from Ghibli's catalog, is one of the few love stories that takes place in Tokyo. The two main characters, Shizuku and Seiji, are both elderly souls who play the violin and are creative writers, respectively. They both enjoy reading and going to antique stores. After meeting in the store, the two become closer because they have similar book tastes.

Whisper of the Heart stands out as a lovely and poignant film, while having a more straightforward plot than other entrants. The two young main characters have a genuine love for one another, and their romance begins with a meet-cute. It is a satisfying romantic picture to see, and the movie's last scene promises a happy ending.

#6 Weathering With You

Convincing Romance & Terrifying Supernatural Dangers

Release Date: January 17th, 2020

Director: Makoto Shinkai

Studio: CoMix Wave Inc.

MyAnimeList Score: 8.27

Where to Stream: Max, Hoopla

The main character of the lovely romantic adventure Weathering With You is Hodoka, a high school student. After leaving his small Tokyo town, Hodoka meets Hina, a girl with the ability to manipulate the weather. The two become more intimate, but Hina's unexplained powers start to take a toll on them. They need to come up with a plan to deal with the unusual event involving Hina's ability to change the weather while warding off evil forces.

The film makes the most of its weather-centered theme, full of design and engaging animation. Love and friendship are put to the test in Weathering With You, a film that lovers of Makoto Shinkai's work must not miss.

#5 Howl's Moving Castle

A Charming Tale of Love & One of Studio Ghibli's Greatest Movies

Release Date: June 17th, 2005

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Studio: Studio Ghibli

MyAnimeList Score: 8.66

Where to Stream: Max

Howl's Moving Castle, a wonderful addition to Ghibli's filmography, is based on the novel of the same name. It tells the story of Sophie, an average lady, and the renowned wizard Howl, who become entangled and reside in the wizard's namesake moving castle.

This movie centers on magic, drama, war, and romance, with Howl and Sophie's relationship building gradually. The two begin to fall in love despite being cursed and transformed into an elderly woman. Not to mention that the happy ending is on par with any of Disney's Princess films. The values of this film are what really set it apart: true love is stronger than appearances.

#4 Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light

A Fantasy Anime Movie With a Heartbreaking Climax

Release Date: September 17th, 2011

Director: Takahiro Omori

Studio: Brain's Base

MyAnimeList Score: 8.27

Hotarubi no Mori e, also titled To the Forest of Firefly Lights, delves into the peculiar and ethereal developing bond between Hotaru, a human girl, and Gin, a humanoid entity. They first meet in the wilderness, and she goes back to spend more time with the enigmatic being after being led away. As Hotaru gets closer to adulthood, their friendship eventually develops into something more, but it is strained because Gin is unable to touch others or he will vanish.

This is when the tragedy occurs, as Gin, while out on a date with Hotaru, inadvertently touches someone else, leaving her grieving and making her move on. To the Forest of Firefly Lights is a tragic example of how not all anime love stories end happily.

#3 Your Name

One of the Most Strikingly Beautiful Romance Movies With a Touching Story

Release Date: April 7th, 2017

Director: Makoto Shinkai

Studio: CoMix Wave Inc.

MyAnimeList Score: 8.83

Where to Stream: AppleTV, Crunchyroll, Vudu

One of the most well-known and significant anime movies to date, Your Name significantly contributed to the globalization of the anime film industry. The film, which has received critical acclaim, is directed by Makoto Shinkai and follows the touching story of Mitsuha and Taki, two high school classmates who suddenly begin to trade bodies. The two then attempt to navigate their own lives while trying to make sense of this bizarre experience.

The relationship between the two main leads—who fall in love before ever meeting—will appeal to romance fans. This love story is made even more captivating towards the end by the story's intense turns. With its exquisite storytelling and striking visuals, Your Name is an anime movie that is a must-see and has solidified its status as a contemporary classic of the genre.

#2 Josee, The Tiger And The Fish

This Romance Movie Has Some Very Real & Important Lessons to Teach

Release Date: July 12th, 2021

Director: Kotaro Tamura

Studio: Bones

MyAnimeList Score: 8.39

Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

With a very realistic but powerful premise, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is a sweet and endearing romance anime film. The movie is about Tsuneo, a college student, who takes on the role of caregiver for Josee, a wheelchair user. Despite getting off to a bad start, the two quickly get close and start encouraging one another to follow their aspirations.

The movie does an excellent job of showing how challenging life can be for those who have physical disabilities, but it also emphasizes how important it is to never give up on your aspirations in the face of seeming obstacles and disappointments. Another breathtaking feature film that will astonish viewers with its breathtaking winter landscape is Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish.

#1 I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

A Tragic but Grounded Love Story

Release Date: October 29th, 2019

Director: Shin'ichiro Ushijima

Studio: Studio VOLN

MyAnimeList Score: 8.55

The movie I Want to Eat Your Pancreas makes clear that not all loves are meant to be together forever. Given its numerous weighty topics, this romance anime is an emotionally taxing ride from beginning to end. Sakura, a high school student with a fatal illness, and her typical classmate Haruki are the main characters in the movie.

Haruki makes the decision to assist Sakura in fulfilling her last wishes before passing away as her health worsens. As nothing is ever certain, the film is a celebration of life and aims to highlight the significance of the present. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas' poignant yet realistic conclusion is sure to bring many fans to tears.