Top 10 Best Shoujo Anime of All Time
Vote for your favorite shoujo anime or add one you like!
I loved Kaichou wa Maid-sama! It will always be my favorite anime of all time. It was funny, cute, and sweet. I love the story, the characters (especially Usui), and mostly the romance. There were so many cute scenes! It's just the best!
I expected it to be full of cheesy, stereotypical romance, but I fell in love with this anime halfway through the first episode. I always recommend this anime. It's filled with humor, romance, and fun fillers.
This was the first shoujo anime I've watched, and I've never felt the same way with others as I do for Maid-sama! I never got tired of watching it, and I hope they make a season two. It's never too late!
Ouran High School Host Club is a manga series by Bisco Hatori, serialized in Hakusensha's LaLa magazine between the September 2002 and November 2010 issues. The manga has been adapted into a series of audio dramas, an animated television series directed by Takuya Igarashi and produced by Bones, a Japanese... read more The art is better than the manga, and there are lessons shown through the endearing cast at the end of every episode. What I love about Ouran is that it's not just about "a girl and some hot guys." Instead, it asks the viewer to look deeper beyond appearances. Despite its cuteness and seemingly over-the-top moments, it never strays from its main themes.
I think out of recent shoujo series, Ouran is the most well-made and classic. Not to mention, the music is just amazing. It has that extra something that you'd have to watch to find out.
Kamisama Kiss (Japanese: 神様はじめました, Hepburn: Kamisama Hajimemashita, lit. "I Became a God", "God Began" or "Debut as a Deity") is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Julietta Suzuki and serialized by Hakusensha in the shōjo manga magazine Hana to Yume. The series is licensed... read more How can anyone not like this show? I mean, Tomoe is just... squeals!
And I like how strong-willed, courageous, and amazing of a person Nanami is. While watching the show, you can kind of understand why both characters like each other so much.
Their romantic moments are just so lovely and heartwarming. Whenever there is a Nanami x Tomoe moment, my heart starts beating so fast! Asdfhhgjkkl, can't get enough of them!
It remains my favorite shoujo anime/manga of all time. It's classy and humorous, with an equally amazing and captivating storyline. Truly a must-watch show!
Special A is a Japanese manga and anime series created by Maki Minami. The series focuses on the lives of students in the elite "Special A" class at a private high school. Themes of rivalry, friendship, and romance are central to the story. Special A has been noted for its romantic elements and has... read more At first, I stopped watching because the art was (in my opinion) horrid. I continued watching about a month later, and I wished it would have lasted longer. Great anime.
Funny, however extremely unrealistic at times and quite dull and repetitive.
This anime is funny, but the art could be better.
Well, realistic when the main characters have no real issue having a boyfriend and friends from the beginning, while she rejected all humanity all her life... I don't think so. At least Sawako was just misunderstood, but Mei makes no sense to me.
I loved this anime so much! The characters are very relatable, and it's quite a touching anime.
According to me, it's an anime you must watch before you die. I love it. Seriously, it's my request to watch it because it's simply amazing!
Kimi ni Todoke is a Japanese manga and anime series created by Karuho Shiina. The story revolves around Sawako Kuronuma, a high school student who is often misunderstood because of her resemblance to the character from the horror movie "The Ring." The series explores themes of friendship, romance, and... read more What makes this anime interesting is the fact that it deals perfectly with a combination of subjects that we all can relate to. It's interesting to watch the development in Sawako's character, see her gain friends, and become more open and confident. She appears to be a creepy and scary girl when she's actually the sweetest person ever. It shows how people can be easily fooled by looks.
The secondary characters also have interesting stories, which enriches the anime and makes it more appealing.
Yona of the Dawn is a Japanese manga series by Mizuho Kusanagi, serialized in Hakusensha's shōjo manga magazine Hana to Yume from August 2009. It has been collected in twenty tankōbon volumes... read more This anime is sooo good! The girl isn't like typical shoujo anime girls. She's got guts. There's some reverse harem involved, but the plot is really good and I love all of the characters. It has some slight romance, and I'm always wishing for more. This is also hilarious! I couldn't watch it in a public place because I was afraid I'll look too weird suddenly bursting out laughing.
I'm really hoping for a second season because this is one of the best animes I have ever watched. The manga is still ongoing, though, so if you like the anime, check that out!
Why isn't this at the top? I love how the main character actually grows and changes, and how the male leads aren't perfect. I just find it hilarious how Kyoko renounces all love and decides to conquer the acting industry. In the manga, it gets so good. Kyoko isn't one of those "No matter what happens, I will be positive!" characters. She has ups and downs, gets hurt and cries, and she learns.
This is the only shoujo anime and manga I have watched and read over and over again, and I never get bored. I agree that this should be at the top. I haven't seen any shoujo anime or manga better than Skip Beat!
The best shoujo anime ever! The main character is so sweet! They never fight and keep loving each other no matter what! I love that anime so much and will watch it three times. Haha, it's very interesting in every episode and funny too! I laugh so much at this anime! This is highly recommended from me! You guys must watch it and will probably fall in love with the couple!
While I love many of the shows on this list, Snow White with the Red Hair takes my heart. The love in this story is so pure. Even aside from the story, the art style is so beautiful with all of the vibrant colors. Also, those openings are amazing.
Ao Haru Ride is the anime adaptation of the manga series written and illustrated by Io Sakisaka, which was serialized in the shoujo magazine Bessatsu Margaret between 2011 and 2015. It has sold over 5.84 million copies, and released in Germany, France, Italy, Taiwan and Poland. It was adapted into a... read more This anime is heartbreaking, cute, and has a slight touch of reality. It shows that people change and that you can learn to love the new them along with the old them. Of course, some scenes just make you want to strangle the characters, but that's just the life of an anime lover for you.
In all seriousness, put this on your list of "need to watch" because this anime is full of feels. Get out your tissue boxes, y'all. This is gonna be a roller coaster of emotions!
This is my favorite anime ever. I don't watch shoujo. I watch action, adventure, and horror. This anime, however, is tied first with Cowboy Bebop and Elfen Lied. It's sooo good. And trust me, if you liked the anime, you have to read the manga. It is actually better. Not being that guy who's like, the manga's way better, anime is trash (you know the type). The manga is actually so much better and the anime is amazing too.
The Newcomers
Independent shoujo main character who puts herself first before romance. Original storyline, with progressive and cumulative romance development between the two leads. Developed, quirky, non-generic characterization of the main cast and side characters. Very few, if any, overused tropes or common misunderstandings usual in shoujo. Quality animation with bold colors matched with fantastic voice actors, which flesh out genuine emotion.
Oh God, I never thought I'd find this on this list. I thought I was the only one who liked this. Oh, and I'm a guy by the way. The plot is amazingly thought out. The lead character is kind of badass in her own unique way. Haru's funny and badass at the same time. The story is kind of rare for typical shoujo. Well, I never read manga and I really haven't seen a lot of shoujo, but this type of storyline is kind of new to me, but still, it was awesome.
But the ending kind of sucks, and yes, Special A sucks too.
I love this anime so much! I hope there will be a second one, though.
It was so beautiful! It was sad, but you just cannot stop loving it.
I cry every time I see this, but somehow I keep coming back.
My Little Monster (Japanese: となりの怪物くん, Hepburn: Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun, lit. "The Monster Sitting Beside Me") is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Robico about the relationship between a girl named Shizuku Mizutani and a boy named Haru Yoshida. It was serialized in Kodansha's... read more This anime has my favorite heroine so far! She is not wishy-washy or a damsel-in-distress who falls in love easily, especially with hot guys. She's cynical, practical, cold, or emotionless, and she prioritizes herself and her studies more than anything because she wants to be successful and earn lots of money in the future, which I can totally relate to!
She doesn't care if she's always alone since she can manage herself, and she does not depend on others. I just really love her. She also "grows" throughout the series and learns from her mistakes.
That male lead with the chicken was also funny as hell. I loved that he's always bugging her. You guys should watch this as it deserves to be watched.
Shugo Chara! is a Japanese manga and anime series created by Peach-Pit. The story centers around Amu Hinamori, a student who discovers three magical eggs that hatch into guardian characters. These characters help her transform and realize her true potential. The series combines elements of magical girl... read more This was my first anime and I really love it. It's still one of my favorites. It was the one that got me into anime. It doesn't only focus on romance, but on friendship and backstories. It's really funny and it taught me to be happy.
The characters are awesome. It's kind of a harem, and I recommend the manga because the anime is very different and it doesn't make any couple really canon in the end. So if you're here for romance, I recommend you read the manga first. I love this anime.
Absolutely loved this one! I know there's a ton of episodes, but it's worth the watch! I did hate the cosplayers in the last season, though. That's just annoying.
Your Lie in April, known in Japan as Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso or just simply Kimiuso, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Naoshi Arakawa. Best love anime I've ever seen. I haven't cried like that since Clannad. The point of view is centered on the male character, but the plot is perfect. Plus, there is classical music, which is very enjoyable. Really, the best love story I've ever seen in an anime. Watch it!
I saw the first opening on YouTube one day and decided to watch this. I cried my eyes out at the ending, but I will never regret watching this! It was so good.
This isn't too romantic, but it leaves something in your heart. It was breathtaking. Watch it to your heart's content.
After the accident in which she lost her mother, 16-year-old Tooru moves in with her grandfather, but due to his home being renovated, is unable to continue living with him. Claiming she will find someone to stay with but also fearing the criticism of her family and not wanting to burden any of her... read more Fruits Basket has two anime versions: the original in 2001 and the ongoing reboot in 2019. Fruits Basket 2019 follows the manga, which was not yet complete in 2001, and it is glorious. One of the most beautiful stories ever, it begins like a typical shojo story - sweet, with one of the funniest premises ever, and with the hint of a love triangle.
But this is more than a romance. It's about family, forgiveness, letting go, and growing up. The writer very subtly and cleverly deconstructs shojo tropes while honoring them. Such a great anime with a lot of heart. It is unforgettable and will stay in your heart forever. Plus, the animation is gorgeous. Watch Fruits Basket 2019 and read the manga!
She loved him even though he literally told her he still loved his ex. Then he got mad at her for breaking up with him and was an annoying bugger. I remember this one episode where he said, "What did I do to you?" when he literally pushed her to the ground 5 minutes ago. Yano and the main characters are crappy. Worth watching if you enjoy criticizing it.
The first shoujo anime that made me cry so hard! I'm still hoping for the next season!
This is one of the best romantic comedies of anime I've seen so far, and it's a little more unique from the rest. It's about two high school students, a tall girl and a short boy, who are self-conscious about their height. Together, they are a comedy duo to their classmates and the viewers. It will make you laugh, cry, and care deeply for the characters. It also has catchy opening and ending songs.
I believe this anime does not get enough attention. The storyline is beautiful, and it is one of my favorite anime. This anime will give you feels. Yes, feels. You will die of laughter. This anime is so adorable. But at times, it can be so sad. It shows determination. Simply beautiful.
I loved the female character. She's just a big masochist-hearted girl. I have to admit that you simply fall in love with them for no reason. He treats her so badly, literally like a pet, and it's fun to watch. Throughout the episodes, he starts liking her and protects her. Really sexist, no comments about that. Still, really cute anime. I wouldn't miss the opportunity to watch it!
It's adorable. I am seriously in love with this anime.
Sailor Moon is a Japanese shōjo manga series by Naoko Takeuchi. It was originally serialized in Nakayoshi from 1991 to 1997; the 52 individual chapters were published in 18 tankōbon volumes... read more Got many people interested in anime and manga. The best show. Wish they didn't English dub it. Too many dubs. Wish they had it in English original.
This show is the heart of anime. It is an amazing show!
This is the best anime I have ever watched!
This was honestly very adorable. Memorable main characters. Kind of hated Irie.
Cardcaptor Sakura, abbreviated as CCS and also known as Cardcaptors, is a Japanese shōjo manga series written and illustrated by the manga group Clamp. This should be #1. This anime, by far, has the most well-written characters and story (innocent play to drama between the kids) than any other shoujo anime!
Chihayafuru is a manga series written and illustrated by Yuki Suetsugu, serialised in Be Love and published by Kodansha. Hands down one of the best anime I've ever watched. A must-see for those looking for a good shoujo anime! You'll fall in love with all the characters. The story is amazing and it completely sucks you in. I can't say enough nice things about it. Watch and see. You won't get enough!
What attracted me at first was the beautiful art (for both the anime and manga), then the story, which shows great character growth for all of the team members. They recently made movies out of this, too. :) Can't wait to see them!
The animation is a bit outdated, but it's still adorable and surprisingly darker than expected. (Not Puella Magi Madoka Magica dark, though.) If you can't handle the animation, the manga is very beautiful.
Really cute anime with adorable animation and a plot definitely worth watching.