Romance anime have long dominated the anime industry with their effervescent narratives and relatable storylines. However, simple rom-com narratives aren’t always enough to satiate audiences, giving way to an entirely new subgenre – supernatural romance. Be it mysterious powers looming over the characters or otherworldly beings taking center stage, the supernatural romance category has much to offer in terms of versatile storytelling.
However, balancing the aspects of romance and supernatural is an arduous task, with many series failing to equally present both sides of the story. Despite the taxing nature of blending these two elements, some anime have mastered the blueprint of this dynamic subgenre. This has resulted in narratives that simultaneously embody the intrigue of supernatural storylines and the heartfelt sentiments of romantic chronicles.
7 Orange
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Year of Release |
2016 |
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Director |
Hiroshi Hamasaki & Naomi Nakayama |
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Number of Episodes |
13 |
Orange doesn't limit itself to romance as this dynamic story incorporates mature subtexts such as suicide and depression. The story primarily revolves around mysterious letters from the future that guide the main characters to alter the timeline and save their friend's life.
The unexplained supernatural elements of the show elevate the narrative, although Orange later unravels the time travel phenomenon with a scientific explanation, dampening the initial impact. Nevertheless, the series brings awareness to mental health issues while intermixing romance and supernatural elements, resulting in a surprisingly mature anime.
6 Kokoro Connect
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Year of Release |
2012 |
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Director |
Shinya Kawatsura |
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Number of Episodes |
13 |
Kokoro Connect is a deceptive anime that markets itself as a lightweight rom-com, yet it delves into some somber and heavy themes. Five high school friends experience an odd phenomenon where they randomly swap bodies for a brief moment, leading to their lives being entirely upended as they are forced to experience each other's lives.
The premise is initially akin to the lighthearted fun of any other rom-com, though the narrative soon turns grim as the group begins to discover each other's dark secrets and past traumas. Despite romance being embedded in the show's premise, Kokoro Connect also focuses on the platonic aspects of the group's friendship.
5 Fruits Basket
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Year of Release |
2019 |
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Director |
Yoshihide Ibata |
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Number of Episodes |
63 |
The premise of Fruits Basket may seem obscure at first with its odd supernatural phenomenon, yet the very same narrative adds a certain depth to the series’ romantic subplot. The Sohma family is riddled by a curse that transforms its 13 members into animals of the Chinese Zodiac, though only under times of distress or if they come in contact with a person of the opposite sex.
While the series initially focuses on Tohru’s dynamics with the entire family, her relationship with Kyou becomes a pivotal aspect later on. Being unable to embrace each other further adds a melancholic touch to the narrative, although the same romance ends up freeing Kyou from the curse.
4 Beyond the Boundary
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Year of Release |
2013 |
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Director |
Taichi Ishidate |
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Number of Episodes |
12 |
Beyond the Boundary’s supernatural elements lend Mirai and Akihito a unique bond, resulting in a romantic account that blends well with the overall premise. Mirai's role as a Spirit World warrior and Akihito’s permanence offer an interesting dynamic, allowing the two to grow together and form an unusual bond.
Mirai’s constant attempts at killing Akihito to practice her Spirit World warrior powers further deepen their bond, with the two eventually falling for each other. Beyond the Boundary’s supernatural aspects act as a stimulant for Mirai and Akihito’s romance, setting a benchmark for anime that wish to tread the path of supernatural romance.
3 Angel Beats!
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Year of Release |
2010 |
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Director |
Seiji Kishi |
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Number of Episodes |
13 |
Set in a purgatory-like world that sits in-between life and death, Angel Beats! Is a tragic story that showcases the remorse of unfulfilled lives. Despite the somber narrative, the anime delves into the romantic side of things with Otonashi and Kanade’s wholesome relationship. The revelation of their intertwined fate further adds a layer of depth to the show, allowing their tale to transcend time and space.
The supernatural elements naturally blend in with the series’ romantic aspects. Angel Beats’ gradual shift from a lighthearted action series to a melancholic tale adds a certain profundity to the narrative, and the afterlife’s mechanics serve as the perfect catalyst for this tonal shift.
2 Your Name
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Year of Release |
2016 |
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Director |
Makoto Shinkai |
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Run Time |
1h 47m |
Makoto Shinkai has long captivated audiences with his immersive artwork and heartfelt narratives, and Your Name stands as a testament to his genius. Boasting the title of the third highest-grossing anime film of all time, Your Name has mastered the framework of incorporating supernatural elements into romance, ensuring neither one becomes too overbearing.
Taki and Mitsuha's romantic chronicle transcends time and space, with the two defying all odds to meet once more. The supernatural phenomenon that causes them to swap bodies largely goes unexplained, yet fans find this very mystery to be an endearing part of the premise.
1 InuYasha
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Year of Release |
2000 |
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Director |
Teruo Sato & Masakazu Hishida |
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Number of Episodes |
167 |
InuYasha is a classic example of balancing two different genres with perfection, as this leading shojo anime features a thrilling supernatural adventure that is coupled with a heartfelt romance. Unlike other anime, however, InuYasha's romance is subtle and builds up over time, giving way to an endearing relationship that feels neither forced nor out of place.
While Kagome and Inuyasha's journey to find the Shikon Jewels remains at the forefront of the premise, their romance acts as a secondary plot that perfectly ties the show together. Furthermore, the anime community largely praises their journey as a couple as only a few anime series have offered audiences such a healthy relationship.