10 Rom-Com Anime That Do It Better Than Toradora

1. Lovely Complex (2007)

Have you ever felt complexed about your height? Well, Risa and Otani, the main characters of Lovely Complex, certainly do. Risa is unusually tall for a Japanese girl, and Otani is quite short for a guy. This anime is an emotional rollercoaster that masterfully combines romantic angst with comedic timing. Their mutual support and constant bickering will have you rooting for them in no time. Did you know that Lovely Complex was inspired by the author's own experiences? It's like they say, the best inspiration is drawn from life.

2. Kare Kano (His and Her Circumstances, 1998)

From the director of Neon Genesis Evangelion comes Kare Kano, a high school romantic comedy that's less about giant robots and more about the masks we wear. Yukino Miyazawa and Soichiro Arima are both perfect students on the surface, but they hide their true selves to maintain their reputations. This anime unravels their facades as they navigate the ups and downs of teenage life, love, and identity. Kare Kano won the Best TV Series Award at the 3rd Animation Kobe in 1998. Who knew the mastermind behind Eva's existential dread could deliver such a heartwarming rom-com?

3. Nodame Cantabile (2007)

Music and love often go hand-in-hand, and Nodame Cantabile hits the perfect note. The story revolves around two aspiring classical musicians: Shinichi Chiaki, a perfectionist with a fear of flying, and Megumi Noda (aka Nodame), a pianist with a freewheeling approach to both life and music. Their contrasting personalities create a symphony of romantic tension and comedy. There's something captivating about watching Chiaki cringe and laugh at Nodame's quirks. This anime spawned a real-life wave of interest in classical music in Japan, nicknamed the Nodame Effect.

4. School Rumble (2004)

Ever found yourself stuck in a love triangle? Try a love dodecahedron (yep, it's a whole thing.) School Rumble presents high school life with an exaggerated twist. With a wide cast of colorful characters, each nursing their own crushes and misunderstandings, you'll be hard-pressed not to laugh at their romantic misadventures. Interestingly, despite its focus on comedy, School Rumble received a surprisingly high drama rating on MyAnimeList, hinting at the unexpected depth beneath the humorous facade.

5. Arakawa Under the Bridge (2010)

Imagine falling in love with a girl who claims to be a Venusian. That's the daily life of Kou Ichinomiya in Arakawa Under the Bridge. After being saved from drowning by a homeless girl named Nino, Kou promises to fulfill any wish of hers as gratitude. Her wish? To fall in love. What follows is an absurd yet endearing romance amidst a community of eccentrics living under a bridge. Arakawa Under the Bridge is an unconventional love story that's as much a social commentary as it is a comedy. It has a imdb score of 6.1/10, making it popular enough despite its oddball premise.

6. Kimi ni Todoke (2009)

Say hello to Kimi ni Todoke, a series that explores the concept of misjudgments and the power of genuine connections. Our protagonist, Sawako Kuronuma, is an introverted and sweet girl who, due to her resemblance to a horror movie character, is often misunderstood and feared by her classmates. Enter Shouta Kazehaya, the popular guy with a heart of gold, who sees Sawako for who she truly is. This anime explores their growing relationship, filled with laughter and heartfelt moments. Bbeneath the comic veneer, Kimi ni Todoke delivers a beautiful story of acceptance.

7. Working!! (2010)

Ever wonder what it's like to work in a family restaurant in Hokkaido? No? Well, Working!! may still grab your attention. It introduces us to Souta Takanashi, a 16-year-old boy who ends up working at Wagnaria due to his soft spot for small, cute things, as embodied by Popura Taneshima, the pint-sized senior staff member. The romantic comedy unfolds amongst the diverse and eccentric staff members, making the restaurant a backdrop for hilarity and blossoming relationships.

8. Chihayafuru (2011)

Let's shift gears with Chihayafuru. While it may appear to be a sports anime on the surface, revolving around the traditional Japanese card game 'Karuta,' it's a romance-comedy at heart. The story follows Chihaya Ayase, a spirited girl whose life changes when she meets the Karuta prodigy, Arata Wataya. As they get older, a love triangle develops between Chihaya, Arata, and their friend Taichi Mashima. Their interactions provide a multitude of comedic moments while showcasing a deep, emotional storyline. Chihayafuru has a commendable score of 8.28 on MyAnimeList as of 2023, testifying to its perfect balance of romance, comedy, and competitive spirit.

9. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou (2012)

For a rom-com anime that delves into themes of talent, hard work, and personal growth, turn to The Pet Girl of Sakurasou. It centers around Sorata Kanda, a normal student living in Sakurasou, a dormitory for misfits. His life takes a wild turn when the artistically brilliant but day-to-day incompetent, Mashiro Shiina, moves in. As Sorata is tasked to look after her, we witness a blend of humor, romance, and a touch of existential crisis. On a side note, despite the controversy over its portrayal of certain characters, the anime boasts an impressive 7.7/10 rating on imdb.

10. Ouran High School Host Club (2006)

In Ouran High School Host Club, the pinnacle of romantic comedy, the story revolves around Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at a prestigious school who stumbles into a club of boys who entertain girls in their free time. After breaking an expensive vase, Haruhi is forced to work for the club, leading to a series of hilarious and charming episodes. Amidst the extravagant setting and over-the-top characters, the anime subtly addresses themes of gender and social status.