30 Best Romance Manga That Have No Anime

The romance genre is vast and has been a part of a lot of shows. From popular titles like Yona of the Dawn, Maid Sama!, and Kamisama Kiss to smaller hits like Wotakoi: Love is Hard for an Otaku and The Duke of Death and His Maid. Romance just adds a little something to the story and the characters.

While there are plenty of romance anime shows to watch, there are even more manga that have yet to receive an adaptation. Some have had live-action adaptations or stage plays, but for some reason, they still haven’t received their time as an anime show. Even if the day never comes for them, readers might find some of these mangas entertaining to read.

Updated on April 28, 2024, by Sarah Prado: There are plenty of romance manga that have gotten anime adaptations yet there are still quite a few who haven’t gotten one. Most of them have gotten live-action adaptations, but for some reason haven’t gotten an anime. These romance mangas are some of the most popular out there and deserve an anime that can include all the things a live-action can’t. Some talk about heavy issues that anime rarely shows while others are just a sweet and simple story. Maybe one day they’ll get an anime, but until then, romance fans can check out some of these best romance manga if they’re looking for something new.

30 Beast Master

A Girl Helps Tame The Wild Beast With Love And Understanding

Yuiko Kubozuka is a high school girl who is a huge animal lover, which is ironic because animals hate her. One day, she meets Leo Aoi, another student at her school and the two of them become friends. Leo is seen as unapproachable because of his wild looks and he becomes animalistic whenever he’s attacked or sees blood. Despite this coupled with his scary looks, Leo is actually a big softy who is very gentle to animals and Yuiko. As their relationship develops, she is the only one who can calm him down.

A sweet story that’s perfect for anyone who wants to read about two very sweet people who love animals and want a little drama. With only two volumes, this would make for not only a quick read but also a good anime movie. It has a good story with loveable characters

29 L – DK

Two Students Find Themselves Living In The Same Apartment

Aoi Nishimori is a sixteen-year-old high schooler whose friend confesses her feelings to the most popular boy in school, Shusei Kugayama. Shusei turns her down and Aoi isn’t happy that he did, but learns he’s her new neighbor, making things a little awkward. Things get even more awkward when his apartment becomes inhabitable after a kitchen and he moves into her apartment. Both of them must keep this a secret so no rumors at school will spread.

This manga received a live-action adaptation, and both movies are nice to watch. But an anime show would be nice to see since it can include any missing details that didn’t make it into the live-action movies.

28 Kitchen Princess

A Girl Looks For Her “Flan Prince” After He Saves Her Life

Najika Kazami is a thirteen-year-old girl who loves food. Whether she’s cooking or eating, Najika is happiest when she’s around food and aspires to be a pastry chef. She leaves home to attend a special academy in order to find a boy she knows as the “flan prince.” Life isn’t going to be easy as she’s seen as an outcast by her peers because of her love for eating, but she’s determined to find him.

The manga might feel a bit childish at times, but it has everything that shojo fans would want. Najika shares some similarities with Tohru Honda from Fruits Basket as both girls have tragic pasts, but still maintain a positive attitude and change the lives of people around them for the better. An anime adaptation of this manga would make for a great show as it has a cute story, drama, and a good group of characters.

27 Swan

A Student Navigates The Complicated And Competitive Ballet World

Masumi Hijiri is a sixteen-year-old girl who loves ballet and whose life is turned upside down overnight. After winning a ballet competition, she is now a student at a prestigious ballet academy and begins her training to best ballet dancer. Being the weakest dancer out of the eight finalists, Masumi is determined to become the best ballerina in the academy.

While the manga does have some romance in it, it does focus on Masumi and her growth. It’s also one of the first works to depict mental health issues as Masumi tends to shut down and is unable to hear anything when she’s doubting herself. This plus with non-toxic rivalries and adding some modern-day elements, Swan would make an excellent anime for today’s audiences.

26 Crimson Hero

A Girl Finds Herself In Drama On And Off The Volleyball Court

Fifteen-year-old Nobara Sumiyoshi is a tomboy who loves playing volleyball much to her mother’s displeasure. After moving in with her aunt, Nobara sets off to reinstate the girls’ volleyball team and drama ensues shortly after. Between volleyball and finding herself falling for the star player of the boys’ team, Yushin Kumagai, Nobara has a lot going on in her life.

Having a sports drama is something that never gets old and this manga has a lot of it that fans will love. Plus, the relationship between Nobara and Yushin has some enemies-to-lovers elements that would be entertaining to see play out in an anime.

25 Love Attack!

A Female Student Helps A Delinquent Clean Up His Act So She Doesn’t Get Expelled

Chiemi Yusa is a high school freshman who often gets into fights protecting bullied students. Because she’s gotten into so many fights, she is being threatened with expulsion by her teacher. However, her teacher is giving her a chance to clean her record. All she has to do is get her classmate, Akifumi Hirata, to clean up his act. Sounds simple, but Akifumi is known as the “Deranged Devil” since he gets into a lot of fights at school. After a rough introduction that resulted in Chiemi kicking Akifumi in the face, the two of them begin spending time together, and a romance blooms between them.

Most girls in a rom-com anime are a little more demure, but Chiemi is a breath of fresh air as she’s not a typical female lead. She does have a sweet side to her, but she’s not afraid to get violent when she feels it’s necessary. There’s more to Akifumi than meets the eye and readers will enjoy seeing that he’s a delinquent with a heart of gold and much kinder than some would expect.

24 Dawn of the Arcana

A Princess Who Can See The Future Sets Out To Change It With A Demon’s Help

Nakaba is the princess of Senan and has been locked away almost all her life because of her hair color. In a society where black hair is the standard of beauty and pride, she is seen as a source of shame for her family. Married off the arrogant second prince, Caesar, of a rival kingdom, Nakaba’s only ally is Loki, an ajin – a race of people with animalistic traits. She learns that she has the bloodline of the Arcana of Time, a power that was feared by many and resulted in the bloodline being wiped out. Being able to see the past and the future, Nakaba sets out to change the future as tension rises between her and Caesar’s families.

A fantasy romance manga that has amazing art, characters, and storyline. The ending was a bit rushed and could’ve been stretched out a little to fix loose ends, but Dawn of the Arcana fans still enjoy it very much. An anime adaptation could remedy this and introduce it to new fans.

23 Bonnouji

Two Adults Find Love Through Opening Packages Together

After breaking up with her boyfriend of five years, 26-year-old Michiyo Ozawa goes out drinking with her friends to feel better. When she returns to her apartment building, she finds that the elevator is broken, and has to use the bathroom. Knocking on a random neighbor’s door, she meets Zenji Oyamada. He’s a pretty ordinary guy in every sense except that he has an ungodly amount of boxes in his apartment. Learning that his brother sends him random stuff almost every week and Zenji invites Michiyo to open the boxes. From here, a sweet relationship builds between the two.

A short and sweet manga that doesn’t have any drama and it’s a more realistic story. Readers won’t have to worry about Oyamada and Ozawa having exaggerated conflicts or being dramatic. It’s just two people who form a bond and fall in love the more they get to know each other.

22 Mars

Two High School Students Help Each Other Heal From Past Trauma

Kira Aso is a young high school student who keeps to herself and loves drawing. One day, a classmate of hers, Rei Kashino, asks her for directions and she draws a map of how to get there instead of telling him. On their first day of school, Rei rescues her when he sees their teacher harassing her and promises to protect her after that in exchange for her art. Kira asks him to be a model for her and a close friendship forms that eventually blossoms into something more.

This manga is a classic bad boy meets nice girl, but it deals with a lot of heavy topics such as assault and harassment. Even though it’s a manga that’s older than most on this list, it does a pretty good job of handling these topics with finesse and care. Some moments might be a little melodramatic, but readers will not be disappointed with this emotional rollercoaster.

21 High School Debut

A Tomboy Learns How To Attract Boys From The Most Popular Boy In School

Haruna Nagashima is a girl who dedicated all her middle school years to softball. Now that she’s starting high school, she has a new goal: get a boyfriend. It’s much easier said than done and she finds herself struggling to attract boys. Having never been a fashionable girl, she doesn’t know where to begin. Enter Yoh Komiyama, the most popular boy in school and someone who knows how to impress others. Haruna asks for his help and Yoh agrees to on the condition that she doesn’t fall in love with him.

High School Debut was a pretty popular manga back in the late 2000s and early 2010s so it’s a little surprising it never got an anime. If readers are looking for a lighthearted romantic comedy manga, this one is a good read. Both Haruna and Yoh are amazing protagonists and subvert most tropes found in romance manga characters. Readers might find them to be a breath of fresh air as they don’t have to worry about Haruna being a clumsy girl who needs protection or Yoh being an overly charming guy.

20 Midnight Secretary

A Secretary And Her Vampire Boss Fall In Love

Kaya Satozuka is a young woman who works as a secretary for the mysterious director of the Touma Company, Kyouhei Touma. Though he considers her the “perfect secretary”, he is usually criticizing her conservative way of dressing. One day, Kaya finds out that Director Touma is a vampire and continues to remain loyal to him. The two of them eventually begin a relationship and go through a lot of obstacles to stay together.

For any reader wanting to read a supernatural romance story that’s a little more mature, Midnight Secretary is a good choice. It has some enemies-to-lover elements that’ll keep readers entertained, but Kyouhei and Kaya do work on their flaws to be better partners to each other.

19 It Takes Two Tomorrow, Too

A Couple Adjusts To Moving In Together

After dating for over a year, Yuuya Aida and Rio Ahara have taken the huge step of moving in together. Though their schedules are different and keep them apart, the couple cherish every moment they spend together and have adjusted well to their at-home habits. Whether they’re playfully fighting over who gets the last pudding or having conversations about the future, their love remains strong.

It’s a sweet slice-of-life manga that shows a wholesome, loving relationship between two adults. This manga shows them working through their issues and having some serious conversations, but it doesn’t skimp on the cute moments either. With only five volumes, this manga would make for a great anime that doesn’t overstay its welcome and gives some wholesome viewing.

18 Everyone’s Getting Married

Two People Find Love Despite Their Opposing Views On Marriage

Asuka Takanashi is a successful career woman who dreams of getting married and becoming a housewife. It seems like she’s on the right track, as she and her boyfriend have been dating for five years. Unfortunately, he breaks up with her to pursue his own goals and leaves Asuka back at square one. She meets Ryu Nanami, a charming newscaster who seems to be everything Asuka wants in a man. There’s just one problem: Ryu is strongly opposed to marriage.

The manga has been around since 2014. There are a lot of ups and downs that Asuka and Ryu go through since they have very different views on marriage. While it does have its cliché moments, the manga has a more mature take. There is a live-action adaptation, but it would be nice to see a more adult romance take place in anime.

17 Strobe Edge

High School Students Find Themselves In Multiple Love Triangles

Ninako Kinoshita is a first-year high school student who falls in love with a popular student, Ren Ichinose. However, Ren is already in a relationship with Mayuka Korenaga, a model and the older sister of Ninako’s best friend Daiki. To make matters more complicated, Daiki is in love with Ninako while Sayuri, another friend of theirs, is in love with him. Though Ninako knows Ren is in a relationship, the two can’t help their growing feelings for one another.

This manga has everything that fans would want in a romance anime. With all of the love triangles, there is no shortage of drama. There is a live-action film based on the manga, but an anime could show some scenes that couldn’t be in the movie.

16 Happy Marriage!?

A Couple In A Contract Marriage Makes It Work And Genuinely Fall In Love

Chiwa Takanashi is a 23-year-old woman who works full-time at an office and part-time as a hostess. After losing her job at the hostess bar, she agrees to a contract marriage with 28-year-old Hokuto Mamiya, the boss at her office, to the marriage to pay off her father’s debts. This might not be the traditional beginning of a relationship, but both Hokuto and Chiwa are willing to put in the effort to make it work.

This manga has the perfect blend of comedy, drama, and romance. There aren’t that many out there with adult-age characters, so this would be a great anime to add to the romance genre.

15 Hana Kimi

A Girl Enters An All-Boys School To Help Her Favorite High Jumper

A girl named Mizuki Ashiya disguises herself as a boy to attend an all-boys school to be closer to Izumi Sano. He’s a high jumper that Mizuki would watch on TV until he stopped for personal reasons. Mizuki plans to get closer to Sano and encourage him to high jump again. From here, it’s hilarious shenanigans and encounters with other classmates that she must survive. Mizuki finds out very quickly just how tough living as the lone female in a male-dominated world is.

This manga has had plenty of live-action adaptations, but it has yet to receive an anime adaptation. With 23 volumes, there is a lot of material to work with that the live-action shows couldn’t do. While the buildup between Sano and Mizuki is slow and steady, the interactions and side stories of the supporting characters make this manga a great and hilarious read.

14 Sweat And Soap

Two People Bond Over Their Love Of Scent And Soaps

Asako Yaeshima works at her favorite toiletry company. She suffers from excess sweat and body odor (because of the sweat) and the company’s products are the only things that help her control it. One day, Kotaro Natori, the company’s lead product developer, catches her scent and tells her he loves it. He asks if he can sniff her since it gives him inspiration. She nervously agrees to it and the two of them begin a relationship that starts off weird but becomes very sweet.

The title might sound a bit strange, but readers shouldn’t let that stop them from reading this manga. Despite the odd start, Yaeshima and Natori develop a pretty healthy relationship. They talk their problems out like mature adults, aren’t toxic, and are very loving towards one another. It would be nice to see a relationship like this come to life with an anime adaptation.

13 Waiting For Spring

A Shy Girl Somehow Becomes Friends With The Four Most Popular Boys In School

Waiting for Spring is about a shy girl named Mitsuki Haruno. She just started high school and is having a hard time making friends, but is still determined. Mitsuki ends up forming a friendship with the four most popular boys in the school when they visit her at her job. She develops feelings for Towa, but he’s not allowed to date due to being a part of the basketball team. To make matters more complicated, Mitsuki’s childhood friend Aya returns and Towa has had feelings for her for years.

This manga is a sweet read that is reminiscent of Kimi ni Todoke and Hana Yori Dango/Boys Over Flowers. With a perfect blend of romance, drama, and the reverse-harem trope, this manga has a lot going for it. Waiting for Spring has a really great story and characters that would be perfect for an anime.

12 Perfect World

A Couple Faces The Challenges Of One Of Them Being Disabled Together

26-year-old Tsugumi Kawana reunites with her high school crush Itsuki Ayukawa. Her feelings for him are still there, but there is something she must be willing to accept: he’s disabled and has to get around in a wheelchair. It’s not going to be easy, but Tsugumi and Itsuki work through the challenges that come up in their relationship. From helping him with everyday things to discussing heavy subjects, Tsugumi has to figure out how to make things work as smoothly as possible if she wants to keep Itsuki in her life.

It’s not every day that there are disabled characters in manga or anime. Perfect World tackles real-life issues head-on and doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges that Itsuki and Tsugumi face. Making an anime adaptation of this would not only be great, but it would be a progressive move for the industry.

11 Lovesick Ellie

A Girl’s Secret Social Media Is Discovered By Her Crush

Eriko Ichimura is a high school girl who isn’t popular. However, thanks to Twitter, she is known as “Lovesick Ellie” a girl who shares her daily fantasies on Twitter, mostly revolving around Akira “Ohmi-kun” Ohmi. Things turn upside down for her when she witnesses Ohmi-kun’s true self, which is the complete opposite of her fantasy. Plus, Ohmi-kun finds her phone and discovers her Twitter account which leads to some trouble.

Lovesick Ellie is a strange love story, but an entertaining one nonetheless. The manga doesn’t have too much drama and overall keeps things between the two characters pretty lighthearted. It’s more of a rom-com read and would be pretty entertaining if it were to ever get an anime adaptation.