whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Drama · Romance

The best romance drama anime you can start from the beginning

309 anime that are both drama and romance, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen, Howl no Ugoku Shiro, Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso.

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The list

1. 1 Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal OVA · 1999 · 4 episodes · Studio Deen · #72 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
2. 2 Howl no Ugoku Shiro Howl's Moving Castle Film · 2004 · Studio Ghibli · #80 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
3. 3 Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso Your Lie in April TV · 2014 · 22 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #92 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
4. 4 Nana TV · 2006 · 47 episodes · Madhouse · #124 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
5. 5 Kimi no Suizou wo Tabetai I Want To Eat Your Pancreas Film · 2018 · Studio VOLN · #139 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
6. 6 Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity TV · 2025 · 13 episodes · CloverWorks · #179 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
7. 7 Prism Rondo Love Through a Prism ONA · 2026 · 20 episodes · Wit Studio · #188 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
8. 8 Josee to Tora to Sakana-tachi Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Film · 2020 · Bones · #251 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
9. 9 Cross Game TV · 2009 · 50 episodes · SynergySP · #259 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
10. 10 Versailles no Bara The Rose of Versailles TV · 1979 · 40 episodes · Tokyo Movie Shinsha · #279 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
11. 11 NHK ni Youkoso! Welcome to the N.H.K. TV · 2006 · 24 episodes · Gonzo · #311 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
12. 12 Sakamichi no Apollon Kids on the Slope TV · 2012 · 12 episodes · Tezuka Productions · #342 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
13. 13 Tenki no Ko Weathering with You Film · 2019 · CoMix Wave Films · #369 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
14. 14 Hotarubi no Mori e Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light Film · 2011 · Brain's Base · #380 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
15. 15 Tsubasa: Tokyo Revelations Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE: Tokyo Revelations OVA · 2007 · 3 episodes · Production I.G · #384 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
16. 16 Koori no Jouheki The Ramparts of Ice TV · 2026 · 14 episodes · Studio KAI · #390 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
17. 17 Sennen Joyuu Millennium Actress Film · 2002 · Madhouse · #394 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
18. 18 Planetes TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Sunrise · #409 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
19. 19 Mimi wo Sumaseba Whisper of the Heart Film · 1995 · Studio Ghibli · #417 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
20. 20 Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai TV · 2018 · 13 episodes · CloverWorks · #418 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
21. 21 Maison Ikkoku TV · 1986 · 96 episodes · Studio Deen · #424 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
22. 22 Ookami to Koushinryou Spice and Wolf TV · 2008 · 13 episodes · Imagin · #439 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
23. 23 Fruits Basket 1st Season TV · 2019 · 25 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #444 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
24. 24 Cardcaptor Sakura TV · 1998 · 70 episodes · Madhouse · #461 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
25. 25 Bakuman. TV · 2010 · 25 episodes · J.C.Staff · #499 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend

Why this is not a MyAnimeList search. Every entry here is one you can start from the beginning. Anything with a prequel or a parent story is left out, as are recaps and compilation editions — about half of what MyAnimeList ranks. Ordered by MyAnimeList position. The percentage is the share of MyAnimeList scorers who rated a title 7 or higher.