Top 10 Best Shoujo Anime of All Time

It's not just about hearts pounding or cherry blossoms falling in slow motion. Shoujo anime is where emotions take the front seat, characters wear their flaws like badges, and eye sparkles are practically a second language. You're not just watching a love story. You're watching someone trip over their feelings, fumble through awkward silences, and sometimes fall flat on their face, emotionally and physically.

At its core, shoujo is about growth. Romantic, yes, but also deeply personal. You'll see characters go from shy to bold, clueless to self-aware, and occasionally from mortal to god's bride in three episodes flat. You can expect storylines steeped in drama, humor, and heart-squeezing sincerity. There are moments that make you want to scream into a pillow, then immediately rewatch.

This list is built by votes from fans like you, and it keeps shifting with each new favorite discovered or old favorite rewatched for the hundredth time. Scroll through, vote for the ones that made you cry, swoon, or yell at your screen. Think something's missing? Add it. This list lives and breathes on your choices.

The Top Ten

Maid Sama!

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

Ouran High School Host Club is a manga series by Bisco Hatori, serialized in Hakusensha's LaLa magazine from September 2002 to November 2010. The story follows a group of attractive male students who entertain female clients in a host club setting at the prestigious Ouran Academy.... 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.

Ouran has every element that is needed to make a classic series. The others on this list are good, but Ouran is widely known as the "gateway drug" for people who wouldn't normally touch shoujo anime with a ten-foot pole.
The fact that it can successfully appeal to such a wide audience is what makes it so good. Plus the story, the music, the characters, the art, the voice acting, and everything in between. This is an overall package kind of anime that you'll never get tired of watching.
Kamisama Kiss

Kamisama Kiss (Japanese: 神様はじめました, Hepburn: Kamisama Hajimemashita) is a manga series written and illustrated by Julietta Suzuki. It was serialized in the shōjo manga magazine Hana to Yume and ran from 2008 to 2016. The series has been released in North America by Viz Media under their Shojo Beat imprint.... 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!

The most unique plot when it comes to shoujo anime. It doesn't have annoying drama, and it has the best soundtrack. Tomoe is also hot, and Mizuki is the cutest sweetheart. The female lead isn't annoyingly weak like most shoujo leads. Must watch!
Say I Love You

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!
Special A

Special A is a Japanese manga and anime series created by Maki Minami. The series follows the lives of students in the elite "Special A" class at Hakusenkan, a prestigious private high school. Themes of rivalry, friendship, and romance are central to the story.... 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.
From Me to You

Kimi ni Todoke is a Japanese manga and anime series created by Karuho Shiina. The story follows Sawako Kuronuma, a shy high school girl often misunderstood because of her resemblance to the horror film character Sadako. The series explores meaningful themes such as friendship, romance, and personal growth... 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.

I love that this anime is not entirely focused on the love between the two main characters. Other characters have interesting stories too, and it's also about friendship.
My Little Monster

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.
Blue Spring Ride

Ao Haru Ride is the anime adaptation of the manga series written and illustrated by Io Sakisaka. The manga was serialized in the shoujo magazine Bessatsu Margaret from 2011 to 2015 and has sold over 5.84 million copies.
The series has been released in countries including Germany, France, Italy... 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.
Skip Beat!

Skip Beat! is a Japanese shōjo manga series created by Yoshiki Nakamura. The series began serialization in 2002 in Hana to Yume magazine and has become one of the longest-running shōjo manga. It follows the story of Kyoko Mogami, a teenager seeking revenge on her ex-boyfriend by entering the entertainment... read more

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!
Snow White with the Red Hair

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.

The Newcomers

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The Star of Cottonland
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Kaze to Ki no Uta

The Contenders

Yona of the Dawn

Yona of the Dawn is a Japanese manga series by Mizuho Kusanagi, serialized in Hakusensha's shōjo manga magazine Hana to Yume starting in August 2009. It has been collected into twenty tankōbon volumes.
A 24‑episode anime television adaptation produced by Studio Pierrot aired between October 2014... 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!

It has literally everything you wish for in an anime. The characters' personalities are realistic, and so are their stories. It will keep you hanging and begging for more.
There was never a dull moment in this anime and manga, and the storyline was delivered well. The only thing you would wish for is for the female protagonist to stop being so dense, although that itself is an amazing factor in the story.
Shugo Chara!

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 express her inner desires and realize her true potential. The series blends magical... 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.
Itazura na Kiss

This was honestly very adorable. Memorable main characters. Kind of hated Irie.
We Were There

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!
Hotarubi no Mori e

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.
Wolf Girl and Black Prince

Wolf Girl and Black Prince is a Japanese shōjo manga series written and illustrated by Ayuko Hatta. It was serialized in the magazine Bessatsu Margaret from 2011 to 2016. The manga was adapted into a 12-episode anime series that aired in 2014 and was later made into a live-action film in 2016.

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.
Fruits Basket

After losing her mother in a tragic accident, 16-year-old Tohru Honda goes to live with her grandfather. However, when his house undergoes renovations, she chooses not to trouble her friends or extended family. Instead, she secretly moves into a tent in the nearby woods and tries to maintain her normal... 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!
Kamichama Karin

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.
Lovely Complex

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.
Sailor Moon

Sailor Moon is a Japanese shōjo manga series written and illustrated by Naoko Takeuchi. The series was originally serialized in Nakayoshi magazine from 1991 to 1997. The story was collected into 18 tankōbon volumes containing 52 individual chapters.... 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!
Cardcaptor Sakura

Cardcaptor Sakura, abbreviated as CCS and also known as Cardcaptors, is a Japanese shōjo manga series written and illustrated by the manga group Clamp. The series follows Sakura Kinomoto, a young girl who discovers magical powers after accidentally releasing a set of magical cards. It was first published... read more

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!
Gakuen Alice

One of the first anime that I watched has me captivated still. It has such amazing characters, although compared to the manga, this seems more like a prequel than the story. It is the anime that has me now following so many more.

It has been 10 years since I watched this and it's still got this giddy effect on me. I still wish for more.

It is my absolute favorite anime/manga of all time.
Vampire Knight

Vampire Knight is a Japanese shōjo manga series written by Matsuri Hino. The series premiered in the January 2005 issue of LaLa magazine and officially ended in May 2013. Chapters were collected into nineteen volumes published by Hakusensha in Japan, and the series was adapted into a two-season anime... read more

I fell in love with this anime. Usually I don't like vampire anime in general, and though it's a bit cheesy at times, it really has an amazing storyline.
This is great if you love action and a bit of romance.

If you like anime where the girl is always saved by the two guys that follow her, and gets bitten by one, this is totally the anime for you.
Personally, I loved it.
Kiss Him, Not Me
The World Is Still Beautiful

It is very touching, with heartwarming and romantic comedy. It is one of my favorite shoujo anime ever!