Once again, it is time to prepare for the onslaught of cupid arrows, chocolate hearts, and unexpected romances. Regardless of one’s relationship status, thankfully we can all experience the love and excitement of Valentine’s Day in anime format from the comfort of our screens.
Unlike reality, there is no shortage of romance in the world of anime. These shows may be goofy, cheesy, emotional, or just downright sweet and borderline diabetic. Without further ado, let’s jump right into the feel good world of anime!
1. Dangerously and deceptively sweet — The Dangers in My Heart
Now in its 2nd season, The Dangers in My Heart is one of the new fan favourites of romcom lovers since its release in 2023. Its premise may not be completely original, and there are still awkward moments peppered throughout the show, but this does not make this anime less enjoyable. One of the more satisfying aspects of this anime is that we get to see the characters grow more and more confident in expressing themselves to each other, and how they have changed compared to their initial personalities. If you are interested in a wholesome high-school romcom, The Dangers in My Heart is the show for you.
2. Cinderella with powers — My Happy Marriage
What if Cinderella was set in 1800s Japan, and that she and those around her have super powers? This show is the answer to that story. However, unlike the story of Cinderella, My Happy Marriage focuses heavily on the main character’s discovery of her self-worth with the encouragement of those around her. This show also has impressive visuals and soundtracks, which adds to its enjoyment factor. While it has a darker and more serious undertone, the show does have a satisfying ending and character growth arc.
3. A powerful and smart princess — 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!
Do not let its long title distract you. While most romance anime usually have a slower pace, 7th Time Loop wastes no time and hits the ground running. Our main character is a smart, competent, and resourceful woman who knows what she wants and how to get it. Its combination of excellent directing, fun character dynamics, and enjoyable pacing makes this show something I look forward to watching every week.
4. Innocent and heart-warming — I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness
Heart-warming and funny, I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness is show with a straightforward plot where a misunderstood ‘Demon Lord’ tries to introduce an innocent young woman to the happier things in life. Despite its misleading title and suspicious premise, this show does not go down the more… adult route of romance. On the contrary, it’s funny to see how both the male and female leads get flustered whenever they find themselves in amorous situations.
5. Of cozy nights and starry skies — Insomniacs After School
Quiet, introspective, and thoughtful, few anime capture the struggles of being a teenager as wonderfully as Insomniacs After School. Having insomnia as the core theme is also a relatable struggle for its viewers, as I believe most of us have experienced the struggle of trying to fall asleep yet failing due to anxiety, stress or other struggles. Everything in this anime, from the starry night scenes to the expressions of the characters, are beautiful and raw. The pacing in this anime is a little slow, but the slow burn just makes the budding romance between the two main leads feel genuine and natural.
6. When the stars align — A Galaxy Next Door
Continuing with the slow burn romance theme but with a sci-fi twist, A Galaxy Next Door has a more cliché and forced start to the main characters’ relationship, but they eventually fall deeply in love as they discover more about each other. The romance in this anime is grounded, mature, and introspective. It is also noticeably more dialogue heavy compared to other anime on this list. While this show does not have the best visuals and animation, it has a sweet and simple charm and is suitable as a chill and light-hearted watch.
7. All’s fair in love and war — The Foolish Angel Dances with the Devil
On the other end of the quiet and grounded spectrum, we have The Foolish Angel Dances with the Devil. It is always amusing to watch a devil and angel fall in love as they try to outwit one another, although at times I wonder how can an angel be more devilish than a devil and vice-versa. The comedy is on point, the plot is straightforward, both characters ooze charm, and they constantly take turns to fail and succeed in seducing each other. This show might not be something that is completely original, but nevertheless it is still an entertaining and fun watch.
8. Actions speak louder than words – A Sign of Affection
A welcome yet new addition to this season, A Sign of Affection introduces the unique concept of a deaf protagonist falling in love with someone who lives in a completely different world. This anime also refuses to rehash negative stereotypes about deaf people, but is instead a heart-warming tribute to the deaf community as it celebrates them for the individuals they are. The sound design and visuals are also excellent, as the show constantly shifts between quiet moments and vibrant colours, allowing us to better see and hear through the eyes of the main character.
9. Harem on steroids – The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You
There is no sugar-coating this show — it is a harem show on steroids. While most male anime protagonists have at most 10 female partners, the god in Rentarou’s world decides to give him 100 girlfriends instead because… why not? This show knows it is a joke, and treats itself accordingly. There are no arguments on who the male lead will end up with, because he will end up with, well, everyone. Despite its outlandish premise, this show does not feel tacky or worn out. If ever there’s beauty in chaos, The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You is the perfect embodiment of this concept.
That is all for this special Valentine’s Day review. I hope you will enjoy the shows we included in this list. On that note, a very happy and sweet Valentine’s Day to all couples out there! For the singles, don’t give up as just like Rentarou, you might have a 100 girlfriends/boyfriends waiting for you!
Happy watching!
