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While Western anime fans may recognize far more iconic shonen shows, shojo series are still immensely popular all over the world. Shojo anime tend to target younger female audiences but can have amazing stories for anyone of any age or gender to enjoy.

While some of the best shojo anime are stereotypical romantic stories, many break the mold by exploring deeper emotional stories and unique themes. These shows define the best parts of the genre and deserve to be watched by most anime fans.

An anime must be based on a manga published by a shojo magazine to be considered.

Upcoming Spring 2024 Shojo Anime

Spring 2024 is right around the corner, and the season has quite an impressive and eclectic lineup of shows. Unsurprisingly, shonen has plenty of huge names thanks to sequels like Black Butler, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer, along with newcomers like Kaiju No. 8, Go! Go! Loser Ranger, and Mission: Yozakura Family. Seinen representatives are not quite as plentiful, although both Bartender: Glass of God and The Fable have the potential to be among the quarter's nicest surprises. Delicious in Dungeon is scheduled for a second cour as well. As always, Spring 2024's shojo anime are in comparatively short supply. Still, a few shows will target the demographic.

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Vampire Dormitory

vampire dormitory
Vampire Dormitory
Romance
Supernatural

Release Date
April 7, 2024
Studio
Studio Blanc.
Based On
Manga
Creator
Ema Tōyama
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll

Based on a manga that has been around since 2018, Vampire Dormitory follows a girl, Mito, who becomes a vampire's object of affection (and his blood supply). However, Ruka, the vampire in question, thinks Mito is a boy, a secret the latter would like to keep up. The manga covers their unorthodox relationship, and it is a fairly lighthearted story for the most part.

Vampire manga (and anime) are eternally popular, even if they are not always a major part of the cultural zeitgeist. Vampire Dormitory leans into reverse harem and romance territory, so it should be a good pick for fans of either genre. Studio Blanc also seems like a decent candidate for this adaptation.

A Condition Called Love

A Condition Called Love anime image
A Condition Called Love
Romance

Japanese Title
Hananoi-kun to Koi no Yamai
Release Date
April 4, 2024
Studio
East Fish Studio
Based On
Manga
Creator
Megumi Morino
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll

A Condition Called Love is one of the year's most highly-anticipated romance anime, although the manga comes with a few challenges. While filled with cute moments, the story also revolves around a rather unhealthy dynamic, particularly in the early chapters.

Hotaru, a girl who doesn't get love, suddenly finds herself bombed with affection by Hananoi, a guy from her school. The latter can be very demanding, and his behavior is generally called out in the source material. Hopefully, the anime does not shy away from covering this material, allowing the main characters to grow in the process.

Best Winter 2024 Shojo Anime

Winter 2024 is almost done, and the season has been a positive one. Solo Leveling, The Dangers in My Heart, Delicious in Dungeon, and Mashle are just a couple of series that have been success stories, and they cater to wildly different audiences.

Compared to shonen and seinen, Winter 2024 anime based on shojo manga are in short supply, although they aren't completely impossible to find either. The Demon Prince of Momochi House is one such series, although it has not been great. While technically based on a light novel, Villainess Level 99 has a shojo manga, and the anime adaptation has been quite a delight so far.

A Sign Of Affection

a sign of affection episode 1
A Sign of Affection
Romance
Drama

MyAnimeList Score
8.30
Japanese Title
Yubisaki to Renren
Release Date
January 6, 2024
Studio
Ajia-do
Based On
Manga
Creator
suu Morishita
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll

In most seasons, A Sign of Affection would be hands down the best romance anime; unfortunately, it is airing alongside the second season of The Dangers in My Heart, which is shaping up to be an all-time great addition to the genre. However, that does not take anything away from Ajia-do's anime, which is also fantastic. A hearing-impaired college student, Yuki has led a sheltered life so far. One day, she has a meet-cute with Itsuomi, a guy who loves nothing more than to visit other countries and learn languages. As they feel an almost instant spark, they both take steps to get to know each other better. This chance encounter starts a wholesome romance about two people desperate to expand their worlds to make room for each other.

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A Sign of Affection features a refreshingly older cast than most romance anime, and they generally act their age. While not completely devoid of tension, the story is generally cute and uplifting, largely thanks to Itsuomi and Yuki's irresistible chemistry.

Other Winter 2024 Anime for Shojo Fans

While not technically shojo, the following Winter 2024 anime are worth watching for people craving some more options:

  • 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!
  • Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
  • Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp
  • Fluffy Paradise
  • The Foolish Angel Dances with the Devil
  • Metallic Rouge
  • The Way of Pon

Now, on to the best shojo anime ever...

16 Sugar Apple Fairy Tale

MyAnimeList: 7.44 (Season 1)

Sugar Apple Fairy Tale Part 2
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale
Adventure
Fantasy
Romance

Release Date
January 6, 2023
Studio
J.C.Staff
Number of Episodes
24
Based On
Light Novel
Creator
Miri Mikawa
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll

Except for a select few, seasonal shojo anime are almost always overshadowed by shonen or seinen properties, a fate that befell Sugar Apple Fairy Tale twice in the span of a year. Part 1 aired in the same period as Vinland Saga Season 2, Tomo-chan is a Girl, and The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten; meanwhile, Part 2 existed alongside Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, Bleach, Bungo Stray Dogs 5, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, and Zom 100. Compared to those shows, Sugar Apple Fairy Tale is fairly unknown, which is a shame as the series is good enough to share the spotlight with at least a few of those names.

The anime takes place in a fantasy world where humans live alongside fairies, although they are not exactly on good terms. Fairies are generally treated like property by most humans, a dynamic that Ann – a young girl who hopes to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a Silver Sugar Master – has no intention of replicating when she buys Challe, a warrior fairy. Season 2 continued to strengthen the pair’s friendship, all the while revealing new layers to this universe’s thought-provoking social structure. Ann is a great lead, and she is supported by almost exclusively memorable characters.

15 My Happy Marriage

MyAnimeList: 7.82

My Happy Marriage anime visual
My Happy Marriage
Romance
Drama
Fantasy
Historical

Japanese Title
Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon
Release Date
July 5, 2023
Studio
Kinema Citrus
Number of Episodes
12
Based On
Novel & Light Novel
Creator
Akumi Agitogi
Streaming Service(s)
Netflix

Akumi Agitogi’s My Happy Marriage has found success in a variety of forms since debuting as a light novel, and the anime adaptation is shaping up to be another triumph. Beautifully animated by Kinema Citrus, the Netflix-exclusive series is almost great enough to warrant a one-month subscription on its own, although people on the fence should probably wait until the full season is on the streaming service. Set during the Meiji Restoration era, the story revolves around an arranged marriage between Miyo Saimori and Kiyoka Kudou, two people who both have their baggage. Since the death of her mother, Miyo has lived in fear and isolation, a state-enforced by her uninterested father, domineering stepmother, and cruel half-sister. Forced to internalize the belief that she is worthless, the young woman’s mental scars are obvious.

Miyo is presented by her parents as a potential bride for Kiyoka, a military figure who has a reputation for scaring away his finances. Rejection would spell the end of the line for the protagonist, and while everyone expects that outcome, reality opts to take a different road. Miyo and Kiyoka slowly but surely hit it off, with the latter falling for the former. Heartwarming and tender, their relationship has blossomed into a beautiful love story that feels timeless. My Happy Marriage also has a supernatural element that further ties the leads together.

14 Maid Sama!

MyAnimeList: 8.01

Maid-Sama! anime manga Misaki Usui
Maid Sama!
Comedy
Romance

Japanese Title
Kaichou wa Maid-sama!
Release Date
April 2, 2010
Studio
J.C.Staff
Number of Episodes
26
Based On
Manga
Creator
Hiro Fujiwara
Streaming Service(s)
HIDIVE , Hulu

Although fairly dated in places, this minor classic is still a big name in the shojo scene, and its strengths are timeless enough to mask some of its weaknesses. As her school's student council president, Misaki runs a strict regime, particularly with guys. While most boys try to stay as far away from her as possible, Takumi Usui does the exact opposite, and he starts to visit the maid café that employs Misaki as frequently as possible.

Maid Sama! knocks its humor out of the park, and both Misaki and Takumi are big personalities who complement each other beautifully. Most of the time, the student council president comes across as a force of nature who is constantly pushing past her limits to help her family; on the other hand, Takumi is effortlessly cool.

13 Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me To You

MyAnimeList: 8 (Season 1)

Shōta Kazehaya And Sawako Kuronuma (Kimi Ni Todoke)
Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me To You
Romance
Slice of Life

Japanese Title
Kimi ni Todoke
Release Date
October 6, 2009
Studio
Production I.G
Number of Episodes
38
Based On
Manga
Creator
Karuho Shiina
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll

Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You is a romance anime about the friendship between an ostracized girl and her popular schoolmate. Sawako shares a striking similarity to The Ring's Sadako, something that her classmates notice and underline. As she is generally shy, the girl struggles to make friends and escape the unfair stigma placed upon her. However, things begin to change when Sawako attracts the attention of the charming Shouta.

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Kimi ni Todoke has awesome characters and a good blend of drama and comedy. While the central romance moves a bit too slowly, Sawako and Shouta are still adorable together.

12 Yona Of The Dawn

MyAnimeList: 8.03

yona-of-the-dawn-characters
Yona of the Dawn
Action
Adventure
Fantasy

Japanese Title
Akatsuki no Yona
Release Date
October 7, 2014
Studio
Pierrot
Number of Episodes
24
Based On
Manga
Creator
Mizuho Kusanagi
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll , Hulu

Mizuho Kusanagi's Yona of the Dawn has been running since 2009, and it is firmly established as one of the best shojo manga on the market. Pierrot's anime adaptation does not warrant the same level of praise, but that has largely to do with the fact the series only covers a small portion of the source material. When analyzed solely on the quality of the adapted content, Yona of the Dawn is pretty great.

Set in a small nation caught between more powerful countries, Yona is the sheltered princess of the realm's king. A shocking coup leaves the girl on the run, with her only companion being Hak, her bodyguard. At this point, the princess sets out to find four mythical warriors who will help her reclaim the throne and unite the kingdom. Yona is forced to mature quickly as she begins her transformation from pampered royalty to a capable warrior.

11 Skip Beat!

MyAnimeList: 8.08

skip beat kyoko
Skip Beat!
Comedy
Romance

Release Date
October 5, 2008
Studio
Hal Film Maker
Number of Episodes
25
Based On
Manga
Creator
Yoshiki Nakamura
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll

After doing everything to support her boyfriend's goal to become famous, Kyouko Mogami is crushed when Shou reveals that he has been simply using her. Rather than wallowing in self-pity, the protagonist embarks on a quest for revenge that involves taking the entertainment business by storm, an endeavor that introduces Kyouko to the handsome but stock Ren.

Skip Beat! has one of the best protagonists in shoujo anime. Energetic, likable, and hilarious, Kyouko is a force of nature who dominates every scene. She is also accompanied by two great male leads courtesy of Shou and Ren.

10 Sailor Moon

MyAnimeList: 7.73 (Season 1)

Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon
Magical Girl
Action
Romance

Japanese Title
Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon
Release Date
March 7, 1992
Studio
Toei Animation
Number of Episodes
200
Based On
Manga
Creator
Naoko Takeuchi
Streaming Service(s)
Hulu , YouTube

"Fighting evil by moonlight, winning love by daylight, never running from a real fight, she is the one named Sailor Moon!"

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With one of the catchiest theme songs of all time, no fan of anime that grew up in the 90s hasn't seen or at least heard of Sailor Moon. The adventures of the Sailor Scouts are iconic, so whether fans watched the original or the recent retelling of the story in Sailor Moon Crystal, they will surely remember this legendary adventure. Although there are superior Magical Girl anime out there, Sailor Moon is undoubtedly the most popular and (arguably) influential, and while some aspects of the original series have not aged well, the show is still overall charming.

9 Cardcaptor Sakura

MyAnimeList: 8.16 (Original Series)

Sakura Kinomoto in Cardcaptor Sakura
Cardcaptor Sakura
Comedy
Action
Adventure
Magical Girl

Release Date
April 7, 1998
Studio
Madhouse
Number of Episodes
70
Based On
Manga
Creator
Clamp
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll

The original Cardcaptor Sakura came out all the way back in 1998 and has proven its staying power with its sequel, 2018's Clear Card. Sakura's adventures to recapture the mystical Clow Cards are light-hearted and fun while featuring a rivals-to-lovers romance that isn't the usual cheesy affair found in other shojo anime.

The show generally bucks magical girl tropes (there aren't even transformation sequences) and offers something unique to fans of the genre. And, the series has stood the test of time well, provided viewers are not put off by romances between young characters. Still, the comedy, drama, and even action are all top-notch.

8 Kamisama Kiss

MyAnimeList: 8.10 (Season 1)

Kamisama Kiss Embarrassed Naname and Smirking Tomoe
Kamisama Kiss
Comedy
Romance
Supernatural

Japanese Title
Kami-sama Hajimemashita
Release Date
October 1, 2012
Studio
TMS Entertainment
Number of Episodes
25
Based On
Manga
Creator
Julietta Suzuki
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll , Hulu

Who hasn't suddenly found themselves suddenly homeless, saved a man from a dog, and then suddenly become a God? Kamisama Kiss is a romantic comedy with a dash of the supernatural that takes this wild premise and turns it into a fun and playful romp.

7:01
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Nanami's adventures with the fox spirit Tomoe are almost reminiscent of Inu Yasha but far more refined than that iconic show. The series has also inspired multiple OVAs showing just how much fans wanted more of this amazing story.

7 Ouran High School Host Club

MyAnimeList: 8.16

Haruhi Fujioka Tamaki Suoh Kyoya Ootori Hikaru Kaoru Hitachiin Honey senpai Mori senpai The Ouran Host Club (Ouran High School Host Club)
Ouran High School Host Club
Comedy
Reverse Harem

Japanese Title
Ouran Koukou Host Club
Release Date
April 5, 2006
Studio
Bones
Number of Episodes
26
Based On
Manga
Creator
Bisco Hatori
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll , Hulu , Netflix , Tubi

Ouran High School Host Club takes the main cast with incredibly stereotypical character archetypes and slowly grows them throughout the show. It also tackles many themes about gender and presentation as Haruhi is forced to become the errand "boy" of the host club after breaking a vase worth eight million yen.

The show came out in 2006 and its popularity is still going strong, which serves as a testament to its characterization and humor. The latter is especially great, cementing Ouran as one of the funniest anime comedies of all time.

6 Revolutionary Girl Utena

MyAnimeList: 8.20

Utena Tenjou the Prince from Revolutionary Girl Utena
Revolutionary Girl Utena
Magical Girl
Drama
Romance

Japanese Title
Shoujo Kakumei Utena
Release Date
April 2, 1997
Studio
J.C.Staff
Number of Episodes
39
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll

Winner of the Best TV Animation Award in 1997, Revolutionary Girl Utena was one of the first mainstream anime with lesbian romance to hit Western audiences and it did so with a serious splash. The series' reliance on surrealism and symbolism to tell its coming-of-age story has resonated with viewers to this day.

Utena's adventures at the Ootori Academy throw her into sword-fighting duels, gaining a surprise fiancee in Anthy, and a mysterious hidden mission to "revolutionize the world." It is incredibly satisfying to observe the mystery slowly unfold. The Adolescence of Utena movie is also worth watching as an alternative retelling of the series.

5 The Rose Of Versailles

MyAnimeList: 8.33

The Rose of Versailles anime
The Rose of Versailles
Drama
Romance
Historical

Japanese Title
Versailles no Bara
Release Date
October 10, 1979
Studio
Tokyo Movie Shinsha
Number of Episodes
40
Based On
Manga
Creator
Riyoko Ikeda

This anime is over forty years old yet is still one of the best historical shojo anime of all time. The Rose of Versailles alternate history of the events leading up to the French Revolution is just as good today as it was back in 1979.

The romance between Oscar François de Jarjeyes and her childhood friend Andre is powerful, with the two not only being from different social classes but Oscar having been raised "as a male" to be the leader of the royale guard. The Rose of Versailles tackles many themes of sexual and gender identity, finding one's place in the world, and brings everything to the table that fans of historical dramas have come to love.

4 Nana

MyAnimeList: 8.54

Nana and Nana in Nana
Nana
Drama
Romance

Release Date
April 5, 2006
Studio
Madhouse
Number of Episodes
47
Based On
Manga
Creator
Ai Yazawa
Streaming Service(s)
HIDIVE , Hulu

"Say, Nana... Do you remember the first time we met?"

The story of how the lives of the naive Nana Komatsu and punk-rock vocalist Nana Osaki intertwine is one of the most iconic in all of shojo anime. Viewers are likely to identify with the characters as they watch them deal with romance, heartbreaks, and all the challenges that life throws at them.

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The only unfortunate part about Nana is its ending, as the manga was put on indefinite hiatus in 2009 when author Ai Yazawa fell gravely ill and had a difficult recovery. In 2022, the mangaka provided an update on the possibility of continuing the story.

Nevertheless, the anime is worth watching, with the show providing 50 episodes of high-quality material. Both main characters are extremely well-defined, and their personalities are gradually expanded through their charming and realistic friendship.

3 Banana Fish

MyAnimeList: 8.48

Banana Fish anime
Banana Fish
Psychological
Action
Drama
Suspense

Release Date
July 6, 2018
Studio
MAPPA
Number of Episodes
24
Based On
Manga
Creator
Akimi Yoshida
Streaming Service(s)
Amazon Prime Video

Released as part of Akimi Yoshida's 40th-anniversary commemoration project, Banana Fish is not what most shojo fans might expect from the anime genre. How many shojo anime cover a boy raised by a mafia boss and unravel a mystery involving the Iraq War? Just one — Banana Fish.

The show also covers darker themes than most shojo anime like drugs, PTSD, sexual assault, and more. Make sure to check out some content warnings before giving Banana Fish a watch since it can be triggering. Importantly, the show handles these themes well and without pulling any punches, all the while telling a captivating tale brimming with tension and heartbreak.

2 Natsume's Book Of Friends

MyAnimeList: 8.31 (Season 1)

A young boy leans against a giant wolf-like creature.
Natsume's Book of Friends
Supernatural
Slice of Life

Japanese Title
Natsume Yuujinchou
Release Date
July 8, 2008
Studio
Brain's Base, Shuka
Number of Episodes
74
Based On
Manga
Creator
Yuki Midorikawa
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll

When Takashi's grandmother passes down a Yuujinchou, known as a Book of Friends, his entire life turns upside down. Natsume's Book of Friends follows his adventures as he tries to avoid being hunted down by the yokai who have had their spirits brought under his grandmother's control in the past.

At least he doesn't have to do it alone as he has a cat spirit and self-proclaimed bodyguard Madara by his side. This supernatural slice-of-life anime is one of the shojo greats for good reason, and it should be checked out by any anime fan. Similar to something like Mushishi, Natsume moves at a fairly slow pace and ventures into iyashikei territory. While the premise suggests action, the anime rarely features any high-octane sequences, instead preferring to focus on quieter but still important moments. Natsume gradually grows in confidence as the story progresses, and it is heartwarming to watch unfold.

1 Fruits Basket

MyAnimeList: 8.22 (Season 1)

Tohru Honda The Zodiac Members (Fruits Basket)
Fruits Basket (2019)
Comedy
Slice of Life
Romance
Supernatural

Release Date
April 6, 2019
Studio
TMS Entertainment
Number of Episodes
63
Based On
Manga
Creator
Natsuki Takaya
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll

While the original Fruits Basket series began airing back in 2001, a proper adaptation of the manga commenced in 2019, before coming to an end in the Spring of 2021; however, an epilogue eventually came out too. Fruits Basket is arguably the most beloved shojo anime of all time, one that represents the demographic's range, maturity, and complexity.

The story follows Tooru and her life while living at the Souma house. She discovers that each person who lives there when hugged by someone of the opposite gender turns into one of the animals from the Chinese zodiac and that there is a dark curse that causes this to happen. The show is filled with romance and drama that are built on intra- and interpersonal struggles. Tooru's journey throughout the three seasons is powerful and defined by self-discovery, and the same can be said for the Souma family's core members. Boasting stellar animation, impeccable writing, and endless heart, Fruits Basket is a masterpiece of any demographic.

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