I've Watched Tons of School Romance Anime: Here Are the Only 3 Not Cringeworthy
As these projects prove, anime about school is not always overly expressive or childish.
It is during the school years that the first significant victories and unfortunate losses occur. Most importantly, this is the time when people often fall in love for the first time, and these feelings stay with them for the rest of their lives.
That's why anime dealing with these topics are usually very touching and heartfelt, but sometimes they seem too childish and naive, or too excessive in the spirit of classic anime.
These three projects will show you touching and deep school love.
1. Say I Love You, 2012-2013
During her junior year, Mei Tachibana experienced bullying and cruelty that destroyed her faith in the possibility of true friendship. The girl became a voluntary hermit.
In high school, it was her silence and inaccessibility that attracted the attention of Yamato Kurosawa, the most popular boy in school. His constant attempts to get closer to Mei gradually make her believe in herself and in the possibility of being open to those who sincerely want to go through life with her.
The anime is an adaptation of the manga of the same name about how it is never too late to believe in true friendship and love. The school is seen here as a place where everything is possible: from silly conspiracies to sincere devotion and support.
2. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, 2019-2023
Miyuki grew up in a poor family, but that did not stop him from studying hard and becoming the president of the student council of one of the most prestigious schools. Kaguya, a girl who captivates others not only with her intelligence but also with her beauty, is appointed vice president.
Gradually, the ambitious duo begins to feel a strong sympathy for each other. But being the first to admit their feelings seems like a failure for both of them. Thus begins their unusual battle for first confession, which they will subtly push each other into.
3. A Silent Voice, 2016
In junior high, Shoya was a bully who followed the opinions of others. The victim of his bullying was the quiet Shoko, whose deafness became a reason for ridicule and bullying. Years later, Shoya realizes that he made his classmate's life a living hell. Having found the strength to admit his own mistakes, he will try everything to reach the girl's heart and win her forgiveness.
Watching anime brings mixed feelings. In A Silent Voice, the ugly is mixed with the beautiful, physical mutilation is the path to understanding the essence of humanity, and even the most unpleasant individuals may not be such bad people after all.