Top 10 Best Anime Couples of All Time
Anime romance does not need a confession scene, matching keychains, or a perfectly timed sunset to get fans emotionally invested. Sometimes all it takes is a glance, a fight that feels a little too personal, or two characters standing next to each other and suddenly half the fandom is writing essays.
This list is for the pairings you root for the hardest, from confirmed romances to fan-favorite ships that refuse to leave the group chat. You might love slow burns, childhood friends, rivals with dangerous amounts of chemistry, or couples who actually communicate, which in anime is practically a superpower.
Vote for the anime couples and pairings you think deserve the top spots. Your picks help decide which duos have the best chemistry, the strongest story, and the kind of bond fans will keep arguing about long after the final episode.
-
Naruto Uzumaki & Hinata Hyuga - Naruto
I don't think this pair needs to be explained any more. Both of them hold opposite personalities, and those differences complete each other. They provide the other with what they don't have. Naruto gives Hinata the confidence she seeks, and Hinata gives Naruto the love he always wants. His words build her courage, and her words slap him back to reality. She can move forward bravely because of him, and he can stand strong when he is down because of her.
No matter how many shoujo manga or romance movies I read and watch, I couldn't find such true love as these two share. They stand for each other, ready to die to protect each other. Both of them respect and admire each other. Naruto and Hinata are the kind of couple everyone would envy. Well, at least for me.
-
Ichigo Kurosaki & Rukia Kuchiki - Bleach
Ichigo and Rukia go well together, but that's not the only reason I ship Black Sun & White Moon/Death & Strawberry. If you've read the manga or watched the anime, you would know that through each and every setback Ichigo has, Rukia is there to pull him out of his funk. Rukia, nobody else. And not only that, they have this 'speaking is not communication' thing going on that I absolutely adore. All they have to do is share a look and they get their point across. There isn't a need for words.
I could go on for hours about the reasons why I ship IchiRuki, but I'll stop here. Even if you don't take my word for it, just look at how much Kubo-sensei supports them with his comments, drawings, and so forth. This ship practically sails itself.
-
Edward Elric & Winry Rockbell - Fullmetal Alchemist
I love this couple. The relationship dynamic seen between these two throughout the entirety of the show was barely romantic in any traditional sense. They were childhood friends who grew up together, witnessed the bad things that happened in each other's lives, and stuck by one another. They supported each other with kind words and actions.
They bicker a lot, demonstrating how much Winry cares and worries for Edward's safety and health. Meanwhile, Edward keeps Winry in the dark about what happens so that she won't worry and get caught in the crossfire.
They are independent of each other, which is something you usually don't see in anime couples. Especially with the female characters, who are often so reliant on the hero that their world revolves around them. Winry, on the other hand, has other things in her life to keep her occupied, mainly her work as an automail mechanic.
Edward helps her strive to become better and better, because that's the only way she can help him. They care for one another - both of them do, unlike in other shows where it's one-sided love until the last second, just so a pairing can happen. These two have been battling with feelings for each other since the beginning, although it wasn't obvious. They are adorable, and their happy ending is incredible.
"The next time I make you cry, they'll be tears of joy!"
- Edward to Winry.
-
Jellal Fernandes & Erza Scarlet - Fairy Tail
Jellal and Erza. There is no denying they were born to be with each other. Fate brought them together ever since they were little. They share a horrid past which strengthens their bond even more.
They were split up when they got older, but of course, fate made a way to bring them back together, even if they ended up being enemies. They have their ups and downs, but they always find a way back to each other. There is no doubt Jellal and Erza were meant for each other. It's obvious. There's an unspoken truth between them that everyone (including them) knows about but is too precious to say out loud. This couple is truly remarkable, and I've never seen two characters that go so well with one another than these two.
-
Misaki Ayuzawa & Takumi Usui - Kaichou wa Maid-sama!
Misaki and Usui have a great relationship. Their characters are well-developed, and they have a perfect balance. While Misaki is the hotheaded and competitive Student Council president, Usui is a calm and collected guy. They are both athletic and smart, blending very well together. Misaki can see through Usui's dark past and comfort him, while Usui adds lightness and romance to Misaki's serious and exhausting lifestyle.
Their relationship is light but at the same time dramatic. It's a cute, flawless, unpredictable, unimaginable, extraordinary, perfect, and beautiful relationship where you experience everything. They can depend on each other, and that is something every couple should have. You are bound to love these two because they never disappoint.
-
Inuyasha & Kagome Higurashi - InuYasha
This couple should really be #1. Their love wasn't obvious, but when it showed, it was beautiful. They made it through everything you could throw at a couple and still came out together. So many people say that if Kikyo had lived, Inuyasha would have chosen her, but I don't think so.
Kagome accepted and loved Inuyasha exactly how he was, and didn't want him to change. Inuyasha could have left Kagome to go with Kikyo at any time, but he didn't. He always came back to her. Sure, he loves Kikyo because she was his first love, and she died thinking she was following him. He feels as if he owes her his life since she sacrificed hers. But in the end, it's Kagome, who has always stuck by his side and never asked for anything more, who is his true love and whom he spends his life with.
-
Natsu Dragneel & Lucy Heartfilia - Fairy Tail
Natsu and Lucy are meant to be together. They understand each other's dreams and pain. They are willing to sacrifice themselves for each other and the rest of Fairy Tail. In the Keys to the Starry Sky arc, all Natsu thinks about is Lucy, and Lucy fused herself into the Infinity Clock so Natsu wouldn't disappear in the fight against Brain II.
In the Grand Magic Games arc, Natsu gets revenge on Sabertooth for torturing Lucy and gives up his spot in the games to save her. (And all Fairy Tail fans know how much Natsu likes to fight.) As Happy would say, "They like each other!"
You see their bond change from strangers to allies, to companions, to friends, and then to best friends. There is so much background for these two that I'm honestly shocked they aren't officially together yet. The loyalty and downright love (whether that love is strictly platonic or romantic is up for debate, though I, for one, have no doubt that it's very close to romantic) between them is enough to literally make me smile, grin, and wish for a connection that deep with someone.
My only question is: Why aren't they canon yet?
-
Vegeta & Bulma - Dragon Ball Z
"MY BULMA!" "Thanks for your hard work, Vegeta." Bulma kisses him on the cheek.
Vegeta has come a long way. He accepted his love for Bulma and Trunks a while back but is finally getting comfortable showing it, albeit a little bit. He's still Vegeta and a badass, so he can't overdo it. But when he does, it's impressive.
It's clear why Bulma sticks around when she could clearly have anyone she wants, male or female. She's seen things we haven't and deemed Vegeta worthy of being around and being the father of her children. Bulma is a genius. She knows what she's all about, and Vegeta is one of those things. Never doubt this couple.
-
Kazuto Kirigaya & Asuna Yuuki - Sword Art Online
Unlike other couples, Asuna and Kirito never had an ounce of awkwardness between them. Because of the situation they were in, where either one of them could die, they didn't waste any time being awkward or fidgety. From fighting side by side to saving each other's lives countless times, and their deepening bond as they both struggled to return to the real world, they came to love each other. They figured that it would be foolish to waste any time not being together. They both knew they loved each other and got married because of it - in the game, I mean - and established their relationship as a couple.
But that's not all they are to each other. They're a couple, best friends, and each other's protectors and saviors. They have each other's backs and try hard to win the game so they can actually be together in the real world. Once they meet Yui, it really feels like they're a family, and it's so heartwarming that I felt like crying every time I saw them together, or when the three of them would reunite after being separated.
After more than two years, both of their characters develop significantly and learn so much. Honestly, when they reunited in the real world, I was actually crying tears of joy. Asuna and Kirito's relationship is much deeper than most, and it's simply beautiful. There's no other way to describe it. The funny thing is that this epic story, with its extraordinary couple, is not actually a romance anime. Its main theme is much more serious than some cliché love story that takes place in a random high school. Yet, its couple is far superior to any other. Anyone who says otherwise should try watching all 25 episodes and then claim that Asuna and Kirito aren't the most epic, amazing, sweet, and beautiful couple in the universe.
-
Haruhi Fujioka & Tamaki Suoh - Ouran High School Host Club
This was a well-done romance in the manga. I was slightly disappointed with this couple in the anime, but what else can you do in thirteen episodes? This was a nice break from other anime love stories. Tamaki is a nice and good-hearted person. He's the silly one in the relationship, and the pacing was slow. It wasn't love at first glance, and it wasn't at second laugh-out-loud.
While I think we all guessed they'd get together eventually, I thought it happened realistically without forcing it on the characters. One of the things I like most about this couple is that they aren't two halves of a whole. They can get by without each other. They developed in a way that they are their own person and weren't written for the sole purpose of having to be with the other, or else they can't achieve their full potential and blah blah blah. It's that they want to be with each other anyway.
-
?
Yuji Itadori & Momo Nishimiya - Jujutsu Kaisen
-
?
Shin'ichi Kanō & Elbia Hanaiman - Outbreak Company
-
Gajeel Redfox & Levy McGarden - Fairy Tail
This should honestly be way higher up on the list. I don't have anything against people shipping Jellal and Erza, but this ship is 1: canon, and 2: incredibly adorable and compelling. The way that their relationship started compared to the way it is now shows just how much both of these characters have developed, thanks in no small part to each other.
Gajeel has gone from being a cold-hearted brute who just wanted to destroy, to a caring, protective, and loyal person who fights to keep his loved ones safe. Levy has gone from being a damsel in distress early on in the series, to a quick-thinking and powerful girl who also does all she can to protect those she cares about. Their interactions are always so interesting to watch, whether they're cute and flirty or emotional and affectionate. And, spoilers: Levy is pregnant with Gajeel's child. They're just the best.
-
Roy Mustang & Riza Hawkeye - Fullmetal Alchemist
Compared to other anime, I honestly feel like their relationship is underrated. Trust me, I'm a huge Naruto fan and I really wanted to choose NaruHina. However, after thinking about it, I feel like Roy and Riza deserve my vote. Even if they've never said "I love you" to each other, I can truly feel their love just by their actions.
I do feel like they deserve to be in the top 10. Not to mention, FMA: Brotherhood made me cry so many times, and they're one of the reasons why. I honestly don't mind because I love them so much.
This anime couple is one of the best. They have never shown much physical contact or outwardly made any form of love declaration. Yet, their subtle ways of showing that they trust and care for one another are just amazing. It's a unique and very mature form of love.
Most anime couples I've seen are just tsunderes denying their love, much like teenagers in the midst of figuring out their love lives. There's nothing wrong with that, but seeing Roy and Riza, it's the kind of love story that is subtle, one-of-a-kind, yet so powerful and warm-hearted.
-
Tomoya Okazaki & Nagisa Furukawa - Clannad
It's a shame we have a lot of biased shounen fans here. Clannad had the best love story. A couple being "cute" isn't everything. There are components such as how they meet, what causes them to spend time with one another, and confessions.
There are trials and tribulations both before and after they decide to be together, as well as what they would do for each other. Just because they look cute on screen doesn't give them that many points. Clannad was all about trials and tribulations and breaking through with the help of others who believed in them. There's an emotional message and connection the audience shares with the characters. Cuteness means nothing. Get over your sexual excitement.
-
Renji Abarai & Rukia Kuchiki - Bleach
It's my favorite couple in any manga. The story of their relationship includes drama, separation, yearning, and reconciliation. These are some of the reasons that make it so interesting.
Another charismatic aspect of their relationship is the general closeness and intimacy they often show with each other. They are funny together too. They often tease each other, and sometimes it's hilarious. They have a lot of aspects that make their relationship attractive to me. Individually, they are very interesting characters as well.
"Leave her. Don't get in her way. That's what I keep saying because..." (Renji, Chapter 98)
It's because of Rukia that Renji decided to live a better life, and he chose to share that life with her. She was always there for him, even when they were little. Why does Renji train so hard? To get Rukia back! If fighting to make the one you love a part of your family isn't love, then I don't know what is.
Ichihime, also known as Ichigo and Orihime, is likely to happen with about an 89% chance. Since Ichigo is taken, Renji is probably the only option left, as he cares for her so much and vice versa.
-
Ryuuji Takasu & Taiga Aisaka - Toradora!
Ryuuji lives with his mom, and since she works, he takes care of the cooking and housework. He has developed an obsession with cleaning. Taiga is rich, but due to family problems, she lives alone in a large apartment right across from Ryuuji's bedroom window.
As part of the deal they made, Ryuuji uses his home skills to help Taiga, cooking and cleaning for her. She starts eating meals at his house on a daily basis and is even considered a family member by Ryuuji's bubbly mother.
Taiga initially treats Ryuuji very poorly, taking advantage of his kind nature while being physically and verbally abusive. However, the time they spend together allows them both to see sides of each other that no one else sees. They quickly begin to confide in each other on personal matters.
The series is extremely well-written. All the main characters have multi-layered personalities, and the voice acting is top-notch. It's a comedy with plenty of humor, but its overall driving force is a number of hard-hitting and emotional dramatic moments coupled with an excellent OST. (If listening to "Lost My Pieces" doesn't make you cry, you're not a human being.)
Overall, I love these two characters especially, and the complex, funny, and endearing relationship they develop throughout the series.
-
Haruka Tenou & Michiru Kaiou - Sailor Moon
I love this couple. This is just unique and I like how they care for each other. This is a lesbian couple and I love how they just stand out in Sailor Moon while most of the couples are straight. They just stay together, love each other, and have no shame about it.
Who doesn't love a beautiful transgender woman finding love? I ship it!
Pretty cute relationship between the two.
-
Tohru Honda & Kyo Sohma - Fruits Basket
They are just perfect together. I haven't read the manga yet, but I've seen the anime. As the anime progresses, you can see that Kyo becomes a better person, thanks to Tohru. He goes from pretending he doesn't care about her to loving her with all his heart.
She loves him so much that she accepts him even in his monster form. They understand each other so well and always seem to say the right thing when the other person is down. Yuki and Tohru are cute too, but they don't complement each other as well as Tohru and Kyo do. I could tell from the beginning that they would end up together, even when Kyo was trying to convince himself that he didn't like her. They are simply the most perfect couple ever.
-
Sasuke Uchiha & Sakura Haruno - Naruto
This is probably one of my favorite pairings in Naruto, and, even though I first found Sakura annoying, I do quite like this ship. Sasuke had a one-track mind. He was alone and angry, and he felt that he had to be better, achieve vengeance, and become so much stronger to feel like he was worth something. Sakura strove, not only for Sasuke's affection, but also for her own success. It seemed that, at first, her love for him was just as empty as any other girl's, but then she truly showed care for him, risking everything and wanting his happiness. Both have matured through the development of the series, and I can see them together in the future. There are plenty of moments that hint at their canon pairing, and I sincerely hope those hints become a whole picture.
-
Naruto Uzumaki & Sakura Haruno - Naruto
They would make the most fun couple in the manga. They actually know each other and enjoy each other's company. There are too many realistic flaws with any other couples, and depending on your tastes, Sakura is the most fun to read about when she is with Naruto. They make each other stronger by either talking to each other or by their own actions. Heck, the only thing they haven't done is kissed or truly confessed to each other.
The biggest thing is their relationship was built up naturally. Naruto loves Sakura while Sakura's feelings for Naruto constantly grow, mature, and become something more. Plus, it is usually nice to see the main character get the girl he likes, especially when that girl works well with him.
-
Son Gohan & Videl - Dragon Ball Z
I wanted to vote for this. This couple starts off incredibly strong and is the most genuine couple in the whole DBZ universe. Their affection feels real, and you can laugh at all their interactions. Videl herself is a great character, and I don't care what anyone says, Adult Gohan is a better character than Teen Gohan. Teen Gohan had an awesome moment, but his personality wasn't nearly as defined as Adult Gohan's.
This couple is perfect up to a point. That point being the middle of the Buu saga, and more notably, the end of the Buu saga. Why? Just why? Videl's character turns from complex and interesting, with so much to work with, and does a complete 180 into "I'm a wife, and that's my only personality." I miss the old Videl. Bulma got to keep her personality through marriage, so why couldn't Videl? This shift in character is what prevents me from ranking this as my number one. Just... why?
-
Gin Ichimaru & Rangiku Matsumoto - Bleach
How is this couple not up here yet? Not only are they the greatest pairing of all time, they're actually canon. They have such a deep, complex relationship that nothing can possibly surpass. I hope Gin resurrects himself so that he and Rangiku can at least have a reunion.
Plus, the anime is trying to make Hisagi, another character I really like, go out with her, which is pissing me off. Hisagi, you're awesome, but GinRan is meant to be. Get over it and go snog Nanao or something.
Even now, I'm still bitter that Gin died. Gin did what he did and became who he was just so he could kill Aizen for hurting Rangiku when she was young. They would've been so great together.
-
Shinichi Kudo & Ran Mouri - Detective Conan
I didn't think anyone else would actually vote for this! This was my first anime. A peer introduced it to me after discovering my love for murder mysteries. Maybe an 800+ episode anime wasn't the best starting point, but it worked for me, and now I'm totally hooked. Normally, I despise romance between characters, but this anime had such a long runtime that the romance was unexpectedly naturally paced and not rushed.
I love the whole "childhood friend" concept and soon became engrossed in not only the mystery aspects but also the romantic ones. Shinichi and Ran truly care for each other. Ran is not your typical damsel in distress, and Shinichi is a memorable protagonist motivated by his love for her. The tension that occurs when there's a chance of Ran figuring out Conan's true identity adds to their amazing bond.
Ran's incredible patience and trust in Shinichi is heartbreaking. Every fan of this anime wants them to get together desperately. They are undoubtedly the most adorable couple in the series, followed closely by Kaito and Aoko, and Takagi and Sato. The balance between romance and action makes this anime perfect for anyone looking for well-constructed, long-lasting relationships, drama, and action. It was my first anime and remains my favorite, largely because everything about it, except for the animation in the initial seasons, is flawless. ShinRan for life!
-
Zero Kiryu & Yuuki Cross - Vampire Knight
I don't even think that Kaname Kuran even liked the human Yuuki! He was only after the human Yuuki to turn her back into a vampire! Talk about self-centered! You're only thinking about what you think, Kaname Kuran! I get HE'S POPULAR WITH THE GIRLS, but he ain't popular with the boys! Well, the human ones. And all the vampire ones like him just because he's the prince of the pureblood family! But Kaname looks after Yuuki just to wait for the right chance to take her away from Zero! And anyway, Zero loves Yuuki! Everyone knows that! That ship will never end! Even though Kaname and Yuuki ended up together! We all know that this ship is actually between the fans of the ship!
-
Sakura Kinomoto & Syaoran Li - Cardcaptor Sakura
Sakura and Syaoran are so cute, both individually and together. I love that their relationship develops over time. The way they start as rivals, slowly become friends, and then start to have feelings for each other is adorable. Their relationship is cute and innocent, as they aren't teenagers yet. I love that Syaoran always blushes over Sakura and that Sakura is so oblivious to it, even though everyone else around them can see it. I'm sorry for going on and on about it, but I love them so much. They're so cute.
Aww. Two young lovers with different personalities. Sakura is so bubbly and cheerful, while Syaoran is always so serious and quiet. Despite their different personalities, they love each other just as they are, no matter what. Opposites attract as a couple, which is a plus point in my book.
The buildup of the relationship between the two is also adorable. They started off as rivals, then slowly became friends, and then they finally fell in love with each other. Syaoran was so cute with his blushing face every time Sakura got near him. And it was also quite hilarious to see Syaoran's jealousy every time he saw Sakura spending time with another guy, i.e., Eriol.
Sakura is also very cute with her heartwarming personality, which slowly warms up Syaoran's harsh and stoic tendency. Even though Syaoran is always harsh on her, Sakura is always so friendly and nice to him. Plus, I also love the moments these two share together, whether when they are capturing the cards or when they are not capturing the cards.
Syaoran also cares a lot for Sakura. He will do anything to protect her and keep her safe, even back when they were rivals. Sakura also can recognize what Syaoran did for her by saying to him, "Every time I get near you, I feel so safe."
It was also very heartwarming to see Syaoran console Sakura when Yukito rejected Sakura's feelings, while saying, "Don't worry, you will find your number one person someday. Just be patient, I know you will." Even though Syaoran once also competed with Sakura for Yukito's affection.
-
Gray Fullbuster & Juvia Lockser - Fairy Tail
The best couple in the whole show...
While Gray is a serious and cold guy, Juvia is a sweet, funny, and generous girl who loves Gray so much that she always tries to help him out.
I hate when people compare Juvia to Misa Amane!
Juvia can get a little annoying and creepy, but she is good, bubbly, clumsy, and one of the sweetest and cutest girls in anime. She also does nice things for Gray and protects him, even if he doesn't always reciprocate these feelings. She actually gives Gray a reason to love her.
While Misa's argument for anyone to like her is: "LOVE ME OR I'LL KILL YOU!" (Not that I care about Light's stupid life).
And while many people think that Juvia is a little stupid for loving someone who doesn't love her back, they're wrong. Gray actually loves Juvia but is too embarrassed to admit it. If he didn't love her, he wouldn't have protected her so many times, often risking his own life for her. He also wouldn't get so angry and jealous every time Lyon tried to flirt or make any other kind of romantic attempt with Juvia.
So that's it. They're one of the cutest couples in the entire anime world!