whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Romance

The best school romance anime you can start from the beginning

345 anime that are both romance and school, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso, Kimi no Suizou wo Tabetai, Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku.

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The list

1. 1 Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso Your Lie in April TV · 2014 · 22 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #92 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
2. 2 Kimi no Suizou wo Tabetai I Want To Eat Your Pancreas Film · 2018 · Studio VOLN · #139 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
3. 3 Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity TV · 2025 · 13 episodes · CloverWorks · #179 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
4. 4 Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen Kaguya-sama: Love is War TV · 2019 · 12 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #233 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
5. 5 Cross Game TV · 2009 · 50 episodes · SynergySP · #259 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
6. 6 Sakamichi no Apollon Kids on the Slope TV · 2012 · 12 episodes · Tezuka Productions · #342 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
7. 7 Seihantai na Kimi to Boku You and I Are Polar Opposites TV · 2026 · 12 episodes · Lapin Track · #366 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
8. 8 Koori no Jouheki The Ramparts of Ice TV · 2026 · 14 episodes · Studio KAI · #390 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
9. 9 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
10. 10 Fruits Basket 1st Season TV · 2019 · 25 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #444 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
11. 11 Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu The Dangers in My Heart TV · 2023 · 12 episodes · Shin-Ei Animation · #459 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
12. 12 Cardcaptor Sakura TV · 1998 · 70 episodes · Madhouse · #461 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
13. 13 Horimiya TV · 2021 · 13 episodes · CloverWorks · #484 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
14. 14 Chihayafuru TV · 2011 · 25 episodes · Madhouse · #500 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
15. 15 Ouran Koukou Host Club Ouran High School Host Club TV · 2006 · 26 episodes · Bones · #516 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
16. 16 Ao no Hako Blue Box TV · 2024 · 25 episodes · Telecom Animation Film · #521 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
17. 17 Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru My Dress-Up Darling TV · 2022 · 12 episodes · CloverWorks · #576 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
18. 18 Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Film · 2006 · Madhouse · #622 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
19. 19 Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia Insomniacs After School TV · 2023 · 13 episodes · LIDENFILMS · #629 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
20. 20 Make Heroine ga Oosugiru! Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! TV · 2024 · 12 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #651 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
21. 21 Sakura-sou no Pet na Kanojo The Pet Girl of Sakurasou TV · 2012 · 24 episodes · J.C.Staff · #694 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
22. 22 Fujimoto Tatsuki 17-26 Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 ONA · 2025 · 8 episodes · P.A. Works · #702 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
23. 23 Lovely★Complex Lovely Complex TV · 2007 · 24 episodes · Toei Animation · #709 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
24. 24 Toradora! TV · 2008 · 25 episodes · J.C.Staff · #720 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
25. 25 Kimi ni Todoke Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You TV · 2009 · 25 episodes · Production I.G · #737 on MyAnimeList 88% 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.