Romance anime films have been gaining more and more prominence, making the task of ranking them a real challenge. With exciting stories, stunning visuals and remarkable soundtracks, the genre has won millions of fans around the world, resulting in a huge variety of memorable titles. The growth of this segment makes choosing the best a difficult but also exciting task.
To make your search easier, we’ve gathered the 7 best romance anime films, ranked according to IMDb. Each one promises to thrill and enchant with captivating narratives and captivating characters. Is your favorite on the list? Keep reading and find out which are the highlights of this genre!
The Garden of Words – 2013
Among the most notable romance anime films, Kotonoha no Niwa (Garden of Words) stands out for its delicacy and visual beauty. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, renowned for works such as 5 Centimeters per Second, the film received a rating of 7.4 on IMDb. The story follows Takao Akizuki, a young aspiring shoemaker who, on a rainy morning, decides to skip class to draw in a garden.
There, he meets Yukari Yukino, a mysterious woman with whom he forms an unexpected connection. As the rainy season progresses, Takao and Yukari continue to meet, sharing moments that help ease their worries.
However, each of their personal challenges threatens this fragile relationship, leading to a heartbreaking ending. With stunning animation and a melancholic atmosphere, Kotonoha no Niwa is an engaging and touching experience. The film is available to watch on Crunchyroll, ready to thrill fans of the genre.
Weathering with You – 2019
Among the films of romance anime Most impactful, Weathering With You captivates with its beautiful animation and moving narrative. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the same creator of Your Name, the film received a rating of 7.5 on IMDb. The story follows Hodaka, a young man who moves to Tokyo and finds it difficult to support himself until he gets a job at an occult magazine.
Amidst the city's incessant rain, he meets Hina, a girl with a special gift: the ability to control the weather and bring sunny days. Hodaka and Hina's friendship grows stronger as they explore this mysterious power, but they soon discover that it comes at a price.
With a captivating soundtrack and stunning visuals from CoMix Wave, Weathering With You delivers a heartwarming journey about love and sacrifice. If you’re looking for one of the best romance anime movies to get you emotional, it’s available on Max.
Whisper of the Heart – 1995
Among the romance anime films that have marked generations, Whisper of the Heart stands out as an old and timeless romance anime. The film, released by Studio Ghibli, tells the story of Shizuku Tsukishima, a young girl who loves books and discovers that all the books she takes out of the library were read by Seiji Amasawa. Intrigued, she decides to find him, and this search leads to a delicate and inspiring romance. With an engaging plot, the film received a rating of 7.8 on IMDb.
Directed by Yoshifumi Kondô and written by Hayao Miyazaki, Whisper of the Heart is moving with its beautiful animation and sensitive story. The relationship between Shizuku and Seiji develops naturally, exploring themes such as dreams and growing up. Considered one of the best romance anime films, it continues to enchant audiences even after so many years. To watch it, just access the Netflix catalog.
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas – 2018
Among the most moving romance anime films, Kimi no Suizō o Tabetai (I Want to Eat Your Pancreas) stands out for its touching plot. The story follows an introspective young man who discovers, by chance, the diary of Sakura Yamauchi, his classmate who suffers from a terminal illness.
Even though they are complete opposites, he decides to accompany her in her final months, resulting in a deep and unforgettable connection. The film received an 8.1 rating on IMDb. Directed by Shinichiro Ushijima, the film features a sensitive narrative and well-developed characters, exploring the fragility of life and the importance of human connections.
With beautiful animation and a moving soundtrack, the film won over audiences and became one of the most memorable romance anime films in recent years. It is currently not available on any streaming service in Brazil.
A Silent Voice – 2016
Among the most impactful romance anime films, A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi) stands out for its moving narrative about redemption and overcoming. The story follows Shoko Nishimiya, a hearing-impaired student who is bullied at school. Years later, one of the people responsible for her suffering, Shouya Ishida, decides to look for her to redeem himself. The sensitive and touching plot won over the audience, earning an 8.1 rating on IMDb.
Directed by Naoko Yamada and animated by the renowned Kyoto Animation studio, the film stands out for its beautiful art direction and deep character development. A Silent Voice is not only a romance, but also a story about empathy and second chances, being one of the most praised school romance anime films in recent years. It is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Howl’s Moving Castle – 2004
Among the most iconic romance anime films, Howl’s Moving Castle stands out with its immersive fantasy and thrilling narrative. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli, the film follows Sofî, a young girl cursed by a witch and transformed into an old woman. Her only hope is the mysterious wizard Hauru, who lives in a magical castle. Together, they embark on a journey filled with adventure and discovery.
The film received critical acclaim, earning an 8.2 rating on IMDb and an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. With stunning visuals and an unforgettable soundtrack, Howl's Moving Castle is a masterpiece that goes beyond romance, addressing themes such as self-confidence and courage. For those who want to watch it, the film is available on Netflix.
Your Name – 2016
Among the most beloved romance anime films, Your Name stands out as one of Makoto Shinkai's masterpieces. The story follows Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana, two young people who mysteriously start switching bodies. Despite being distant, they create a deep connection, which leads them to investigate what is happening. The love story between the protagonists is full of twists and turns that keep the audience's attention.
With an impressive 8.4 rating on IMDb, Your Name has been acclaimed by both critics and audiences. The animation and moving soundtrack contribute to the immersion in the story, making it unforgettable. The film is available to watch on Netflix, making it easy to access for fans of the genre.
Conclusion
And with that, we conclude our list of the best romance anime movies according to critics. But what about you? Do you agree with the titles here? Have you found your favorite anime? Share your opinion with us in the comments! Take the opportunity to check it out too our article on the most powerful dojutsus in Naruto and the video below! You will definitely be interested!
