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 January 3, 2024, by Sarah Prado: Fans of romance manga and anime have plenty of options to read and watch. Even though there is a lot to pick from, there are still a lot of romance manga out there that don’t have an anime adaptation. Some of these mangas have live-action movies or shows, but it would be nice to see them as an anime. A few of them tackle some heavy issues that the anime world rarely talks about or shows or they have a nice, simple story for those who don’t want to invest in a long, dramatic story. While fans can only hope they’ll get an anime adaptation one day, these romance mangas are excellent reads.

25 Love Attack!

My AnimeList Score: 7.74

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

My AnimeList Score: 7.97

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

My AnimeList Score: 7.80

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 overexaggerated 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

My AnimeList Score: 8.33

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

My AnimeList Score: 8.10

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

My AnimeList Score: 7.56

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

My AnimeList Score: 7.84

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

My AnimeList Score: 7.47

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

My AnimeList Score: 7.98

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!?

My AnimeList Score: 7.80

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

My AnimeList Score: 8.28

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

My AnimeList Score: 8.16

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

My AnimeList Score: 7.75

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

My AnimeList Score: 7.56

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

My AnimeList Score: 7.83

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.

10 An Incurable Case Of Love

My AnimeList Score: 7.25

If readers are looking for a little medical drama, this manga is it. An Incurable Case of Love is about Nanase Sakura, a young woman who became a nurse after seeing a young and handsome doctor save someone’s life. By chance, she works at the same hospital as him, but it turns out he’s less than charming. However, Nanase doesn’t let this stop her from doing her job and genuinely loves being a nurse to her patients.

There are not many anime or manga that take place in a hospital, so this changes the setting a little. An Incurable Case of Love has some typical romance tropes like the “demon-king” male lead being harsh to the female lead to hide his feelings, but it's a fantastic read. It has a live-action version, but it hasn’t received an anime yet. An adaptation would offer a nice change from the typical high school setting.

9 Love In Focus

My AnimeList Score: 7.10

After losing someone dear to her, Mako decides to attend a high school and live in its dormitory which was recommended by her childhood friend Kei. Having a passion for photography, she joins the school's prestigious photography club where she meets a boy who hates having his picture taken. A love triangle forms and a short but sweet story plays out.

Love In Focus only has three volumes, but it has quality over quantity. The chances of this story being made into anime are low, but the manga is a great read and worth checking out.

8 Living Room Matsunaga-San

My AnimeList Score: 7.72

Miko Sonoda is a high school student who has to live with her uncle at a boarding house. She finds herself falling for Matsunaga, a hot-tempered designer. The two of them have a very rocky start and it seems like Miko’s living situation might be very uncomfortable. However, as time goes on, the two of them get closer and a romance starts to bloom.

The manga wrapped up in 2021 and is still a very popular manga for romance fans. The age gap might raise a few eyebrows, but readers can rest assured that Matsunaga is very respectful of Miko and doesn't try to make any moves on her. If anything, he tells her he'll wait for her after she's done some growing up and matures a little.

7 Honey So Sweet

My AnimeList Score: 7.55

This sweet manga teaches readers not to judge a book by its cover. High schooler Nao Kogure is asked out by Taiga Onise. Sounds simple, but she says "yes" mostly because she’s scared of him thanks to his looks. However, she quickly finds out that Onise is actually a very kind boy who is not at all what she first thought. Despite his tough exterior, Onise is very kind to others, formal to his teachers and elders, and only fights when he is left with no other choice.

The two start off as friends and slowly build a loving relationship while befriending other students along the way and helping them with their issues. A simple sweet manga that makes fans feel lovey-dovey would be great material to see come to life on screen. Even though an anime doesn't seem likely, fans can watch the live-action adaptation.

6 Changes Of Heart, AKA Honnou Switch

My AnimeList Score: 7.41

After her boyfriend of two and a half years ends their relationship, Koyori Hoshi is heartbroken and feels miserable about it. While out with her childhood friend Hijiri Akiyama, she vents to him and drinks a little too much. The next morning, they wake up next to each other and Koyori has to question if this is a rebound or the real thing.

The two of them agree to start a relationship, but it has its awkward moments after being platonic for so long. With only eight volumes, there is enough material to work with. If it’s ever made into anime, it could even be expanded and add more to the story.