Horimiya may show you the real portrayal of high school romance that urges you to feel like falling in love all over again, and you’re not wrong about that. It indeed blends in how the purest love forms amidst challenges. If you’re still hooked up with Horimiya’s depth and narrative, and you can’t seem to easily get over it, finding a similar anime that captures the perfect blend of both fate and romance would be the better option!
Although it can be challenging at some point—as there are a vast array of lists the internet will show you, you’re just in the right place. Below are the ten exceptional romance and slice-of-life anime like Horimiya that will surely scratch the itch you currently have! Offering their distinctive take on love, friendship, and self-discovery, don’t miss these series out!
The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten
Have you ever imagined if the perfect, intimidating classmate—someone seemingly out of reach—suddenly became your caretaker? Very much like the concept of Horimiya, this series explores more into the unexpected dynamic and relationship of a duo, when a sickly loner Amane is nursed back to health by his neighbor Mahiru. Their arrangement involves Amane cooking in exchange for Mahiru’s cleaning, which outright excites you about something neither anticipated, revealing the vulnerabilities beneath the disguise they have from the outside world, further challenging them both to open their hearts beyond comfort zones.
When we talk about the most similar one, one of the best anime like horimiya is The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten. But what makes it stand out over others isn’t just the adorable moments of care from the couple, but also the way it can portray healing through a deeper connection. Also, Mahiru’s persona isn’t like any typical perfectionist character tropes as she becomes a burden she gradually sheds, which makes their slow-burning relationship feel earned rather than an inevitably fated encounter.
Tonikawa: Over the Moon for You
In a near-death experience, who would have thought you would meet the love of your life? But it has conditions though. Minutes after surviving a near-fatal accident, Nasa Yuzaki finds himself proposing and falling in love to the mysterious woman, Tsukasa, who saved his life, with one condition: marriage first, dating later. With a weird and awkward setup, the story flips into the romance formula beginning with wedding bells as they navigate the genuine process of actually falling in love while already vested with each other.
In a romance genre where the story often relies on misunderstandings and drama for tension, Tonikawa builds a wholesome and emotional core through consistent communication between two protagonists. You will also appreciate the chemistry in them, as they manifest personalities perfectly fit for each other—one’s practical and one’s enigmatic. The series further proves a point that marriage is just a mere adventure rather than a destination at last—it conveys the reality over.
Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie
Shikimori is not just a cutie. Behind her sweet smile lurks a cool and protective side that only emerges whenever her catastrophically unlucky boyfriend, Izumi, faces danger. As the title itself starts to make sense, the duality Shikimori has—with shifting between an adorable girlfriend and a fierce protector in the blink of an eye—creates the overall irresistible core of this series.
This anime series, like Horimiya, perfectly captures how gender expectations must be in this society—equal and fair. Unlike many romance narratives where the main character—mostly a guy—constantly rescues his damsel in distress, Shikimori and Izumi share a relationship of both mutual appreciation and support. Their couple dynamics would never feel imbalanced because Izumi’s kindness absolutely complements Shikimori’s protective nature, creating a refreshingly modern take on high school romance.
My Dress Up Darling
Taking you into a unique and different dimension, follows the story of a reserved doll-maker, Wakana Gojo, who later on encounters the vivacious, cosplay-loving Marin Kitagawa. As they perfectly matched each other, their relationship blooms as Gojo’s sewing skills and Marin’s passion for cosplaying creates a connection that pushes them both beyond their comfort zones, deeply understanding one another.
What you will love about this series is the celebration and influence it has with normalizing vulnerability. Unlike most anime that usually treat cosplaying as something sexual, this series delves more into showcasing the art and dedication with genuine respect, that fully embrace the wholesomeness of the romance in it. Also, the chemistry goes over the brim with the characters’ differences in personalities, developing an emotionally intelligent bond.
More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers
Thrown together in their high school’s marriage training practicality where students must live as simulated pretend couples to earn relationship credits, Jirou and Akari find themselves playing house in between despite both pining for different partners. The goal is one thing: to earn enough points to potentially switch partners and be with their desired interests. As they spend more time together as a married couple, they develop a deeper relationship that blurs the lines between friendship and something more.
More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers premise focuses on how our idealized versions of others are often bland compared to real connections we establish. This trope-heavy romance evolves into something more thoughtful, as Jirou and Akari discover all by themselves that fake relationships for others’ approval cannot compete with how being truly seen by someone who knows your daily habits, flaws, and strengths.
Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Love is truly a war as two brilliant student council leaders, Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, engage in a psychological war to force one another to confess first. They are secretly in love with each other, but failed to admit it due to their pride, hence, doing the psychological warfare. Who will say “I love you” first?
What begins as psychological mind games evolves into a personal examination of how family expectations, social class, and fear of rejection can create barriers to a genuine connection. You will also like the comedic humor from the series, balancing romance with humor while exploring different relationship dynamics.
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
Misleading you with the title, this series comes to deliver one of the anime’s most psychological romance. The story follows when Sakuta Azusagawa encounters the school’s most popular girl, Mai Sakurajima, wandering the library in a bunny costume—invisible to everyone but him—and discovers that she’s actually suffering from Puberty Syndrome. This syndrome is a mysterious one where emotional trauma manifests as a phenomenon affecting her and others around them, pushing Sakuta to help and resolve her problem.
Sakuta and Mai’s relationship in this series feels refreshing and mature, as they communicate, respect boundaries, and support one another through trauma healing without much melodrama in between. The series uses its fantasy genre not for the convenience of the narrative, but as a powerful metaphor for adolescent struggles nowadays, creating an impactful anime series in the romance genre.
Rent a Girlfriend
Have you ever thought of seriously renting a girlfriend just because you think you have no longer hopes for being in a relationship? After being dumped, heartbroken college student Kazuya Kinoshita impulsively rents a girlfriend through an app and opts for Chizuru as being one. As they get used to each other, Kazuya navigates his growing feelings for his rental girlfriend, while also maintaining a nature of concealing it for real.
This series doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the premise, making it a more pure and genuine form of narrative to the viewers. You will appreciate more of Kazuya’s genuinely flawed personality, resonating to his experience in some sense—in reality. What makes this better is its authentic portrayal of romantic immaturity and growth, showing the side of a person you may once meet in your life.
Snow White with the Red Hair
When a herbalist Shirayuki cuts her distinctive red hair, she flees from her kingdom rather than becoming a prince’s concubine. But unexpectedly, she finds a refuge and purpose in a neighboring realm where her adventure begins. Dreaming of becoming a court herbalist, Shirayuki navigates the challenges she faces, and later on develops a relationship with Prince Zen, who values her in a sense of love rather than a possession to acquire.
Alongside romance, this series also highlights Shirayuki’s personal and professional growth as a person, which makes her an ideal protagonist to begin with. Also, Shirayuki and Prince Zen’s relationship develops genuinely, which offers a mature take on love that acknowledges individual identity within. This would be a great starter if you’re looking for something magical and charming.
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me To You
Misunderstood because of her great resemblance to the ghost from “The Ring,” kind and beautiful Sawako “Sadako” Kuronuma has spent her years being isolated from her classmates, not until a popular and handsome classmate, Kazehaya, simple kindness begins to change her life. Being shy and awkward for this gesture, Sawako gradually emerges from her social isolation and discovers what friendship is through Kazehaya, which nurtures her growing romantic feelings for him—as the only boy who first saw her true self.
With its slow burn pacing and wholesome vibes, watching Kimi ni Todoke will make you value the small moments that build connections between Sawako and Kazehaya. Sawako’s journey isn’t just about finding love, but also about finding her voice and purpose in the world.
Conclusion
Still in the dilemma of what to watch first? These ten anime like Horimiya share a special ability to keep you hooked, with its extraordinary meaning in ordinary moments to create romantic ambiance. Watching these will surely be relatable to your high school love experience, making you reminisce the memories you once had. Drop anything you’re doing at the moment, and watch all of these now!