Shonen anime aren't exactly known for their adorable romances, as they are targeted towards teen boys who just want to see other boys beat each other up. However, there are a few battle shonen series with romance, and they feature the sweetest love stories amid the treacherous violence that surrounds the plot.
From the classic tropes like "enemies to lovers" to powerful duos who can wipe out their enemies together, there are some notable shonen couples that can make any fan of their shows swoon. A couple that fights together, stays together, and that is proven true in these iconic battle shonen anime with romance.
Updated on November 28, 2022, by Ritwik Mitra: Shonen anime features everything from bombastic action set pieces to incredible thought-provoking moments that are a blast to check out. Of course, given the wealth of characters in most successful shonen anime, it's only a matter of time before some of them are paired up romantically. Though it certainly isn't the priority of shonen animes, pairings and couples are still typically bound to happen. Here are some of the best romances in shonen anime that fans absolutely love to see blossom on screen.
16 Yu Yu Hakusho — Yusuke x Keiko
Fans of Hunter X Hunter should check out another manga penned by Yoshihiro Togashi, Yu Yu Hakusho. This classic shonen anime hooks viewers from the very first episode and has one of the most remarkable tournament arcs of all time.
While the ending of the series was pretty underwhelming, that's still no reason to not check out this amazing series. The relationship between Yusuke and Keiko in the series is pretty engaging, with their dynamic progressing quite a bit across the series.
15 Naruto — Naruto x Hinata
It would be impossible to talk about romances in shonen anime without mentioning Naruto and Hinata's relationship. The fact that this romance got its very own movie is proof enough of just how iconic this pairing really is.
Hinata's confession of love during the Pain arc was a source of great joy for many fans, so many were perplexed that Naruto never addressed this moment after defeating Nagato. It was a source of great annoyance in the series that was finally rectified with The Last: Naruto the Movie.
14 Dragon Ball — Goku x Chi-Chi
Dragon Ball is a series that needs no introduction, featuring several iconic characters that have become a staple of pop culture. Goku is one such character whose powerups are still emulated by people all over the world.
His fateful meeting with Chi-Chi near the start of the anime planted the seed for their romance that would culminate in marriage during Dragon Ball's first timeskip. While Chi-Chi might be a bit hard on Goku at times, her behavior is somewhat understandable — if a bit overblown — and there's no denying that she loves Goku with all her heart.
13 Boruto — Sarada x Boruto
The kids of the main characters from Naruto show a lot of similarities to their parents throughout Boruto, and it makes the relationships between them even sweeter than they already are. Boruto and Sarada are still a bit young to get into an established relationship, but they care deeply for each other and can easily get each other flustered.
The two have been through a lot together, protecting and motivating one another as they tackle each challenge. Their friendship-turned-romance is going to be so satisfying when it eventually happens.
12 Demon Slayer — Tanjiro x Kanao
There's no doubt that Demon Slayer has become one of the most popular anime of the 2000s, gaining a devoted fanbase since its debut in 2019. Though this shonen anime focuses more on heart-racing action, high-intensity battles, and terrifying demons, there is romance tucked in between some characters.
The sweet relationship between Tanjiro and Kanao is one that has not been fully fledged in the anime yet, but the manga has fully explored how their love blossoms and grows over their time knowing one another. They are truly a top anime couple to fan over.
11 Gurren Lagann — Simon x Nia
This exciting, action-packed shonen anime features romantic relationships in an effective and powerful way. The beautiful connection between Simon and Nia took a lot of time and effort for the two to figure out, as they are two very different people.
Their ending may not be as satisfactory or traditionally happy as other shows, but it shows how pure and real their love for each other was in the end. Not all battle shonen romances have a perfect ending, and Gurren Lagann shows fans the realistic outcomes of finding love in a dangerous, threatening world.
10 Fairy Tail — Natsu x Lucy
Though by the end of the anime, the Fairy Tail favorite Natsu and Lucy weren't officially paired together romantically, fans of the show insist they are. The two share so many powerful emotional moments together, saving each other's lives on multiple occasions and ending up in overly sensual situations too many times for it to not mean anything.
Their instant connection is admirable and their hilarious bickering and sweet friendship moments make it obvious that they are a perfect match. The writer of the manga even admitted that he likes Natsu and Lucy together.
9 Dragon Ball — Vegeta x Bulma
The Dragon Ball franchise definitely needs some help when it comes to portraying healthy, romantic relationships, however, Bulma and Vegeta's pairing is one that fans continue to love.
They play out the popular trope of two strong partners who don't need to express too much obvious romance in order to be in love. Bulma, the incredible scientist, paired with her husband, a powerful Saiyan, makes this couple one not to mess with.
8 Akame Ga Kill — Tatsumi x Mine
Tatsumi takes on the role of the classic main male protagonist that multiple female characters fawn over in Akame Ga Kill. Fans of the show and manga are torn between Tatsumi ending up with Mine or with Akame, but in the canon manga, Mine is the one who wins the young fighter's heart.
The duo begins their relationship as rivals who fight and bicker over everything, but their time together allows their antsy friendship to bloom into something softer and full of love. The characters are faced with different endings in the anime and the manga, so those that are suckers for Tatsumi x Mine might want to stick to the manga.
7 Fullmetal Alchemist — Riza Hawkeye x Roy Mustang
These two are never established as a true, canon relationship, though the author did admit that they only can't get married because they wouldn't be able to stay in their ranks in the military as a superior officer and subordinate.
Riza and Roy share so many touching moments together as partners, working together seamlessly after getting to know each other so well. They are more powerful when they're together and they will always protect each other when faced with danger.
6 Future Diary — Minene x Nishijima
This romance is truly unlike any other. Minene is a holder of a future diary and is a terrorist with a love for bombs. She faced a tragic upbringing and aims to cause destruction to religious individuals and places. She ends up faced with the kind, cheery Nishijima who grows intense feelings for the woman over their dangerous cat-and-mouse chase.
Their relationship budding from enemies to lovers is beautiful among the psychotic plot lines of the anime. And compared to the main romance in the show between Yuno and Yuki, this one is a lot more satisfying and less creepy.
5 Inuyasha — Inuyasha x Kagome
This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning the most dramatic and popular love story in a classic shonen anime. Though Inuyasha and Kagome had their fair share of emotional trials and difficulties, they always knew they were meant to be with one another.
The two become very close with each other over their journey together and do everything to protect the other. Kagome and Inuyasha's relationship might have started off on rocky footing, but it end's up being a sweet and romantic one fitting for a half-dog demon and a girl from another era.
4 Rurouni Kenshin — Kenshin Himura x Kaoru Kamiya
Kaoru and Kenshin come into each other's lives while they are facing a low point in their lives. Their relationship begins as a platonic one, with both of them seeing the other as a highly respected partner.
After spending so much time together, the two overcome their hardships through the motivation of the other, and they easily fall in love. A partner that overlooks a shameful past and helps their love work toward a better future is a keeper.
3 Darling In The Franxx — Hiro x Zero Two
There isn't a mecha, battle-based anime that has a more intense love story than Darling in the Franxx. Zero Two unexpectantly enters Hiro's life and changes him into a person he never thought he could become. The two give each other a reason to keep living and fighting for their freedom.
Though other love interests are pushed onto Hiro, his total admiration, love, and passion for the beautiful Zero Two never fade. Their story is touching, emotional, stunning, and everything a fan of action and romance animes could ever ask for.
2 Attack On Titan — Ymir x Historia
Attack on Titan is not exactly good to its romances. So many characters are killed in the islands' battle for freedom from their threats, and couples don't last very long. The story of Ymir and Historia/Christa is so inspiring and powerful, it stands out as the best pairing in the series and throughout all shonen anime.
From the very first moments the two girls are introduced, Ymir is already declaring she wants to marry Historia. They are joined at the hip and only have eyes for one another. They live to motivate and bring out the best in each other. Neither young woman would be the same without love from the other.
1 Seven Deadly Sins — Meliodas x Elizabeth
What starts out as a pervy main male protagonist being overly comfortable with his instant love interest, transforms into one of the deepest and most incredible love stories. Elizabeth was determined to follow the leader of the Seven Deadly Sins, Meliodas, to the ends of the earth from the moment she met him.
As the story progresses and hidden truths come out, it is revealed that their souls are intertwined in ways that were never to be expected. All fans of the series want is for these two to be together in peace forevermore.