Best Fantasy Romance Anime

Some people take the ‘magical’ feeling of falling in love a bit too literally. While plenty of fantasy anime have romantic subplots, some series make the romance front and center, whether they’re set on Earth or in a fantasy realm the protagonist gets “isekai’d” to. Fantasy works provide fans with a world where anything is possible, so its settings are ripe for some truly spellbinding love stories.

As expected, a lot of these stories focus on the growing relationships between humans and supernatural or fantastical non-humans. Others barely acknowledge the ‘fantasy’ part, focusing more on character development and the characters’ romantic relationship(s). Let’s check out the best fantasy romance anime.

Updated on November 21, 2024, by Mark Sammut: Galleries have been added for every fantasy romance anime highlighted below. A new recommendation has also been added, along with more information for other series.

Does Fall 2024 Have Any Fantasy Romance Anime?

• The Do-Over Damsel Conquers the Dragon Emperor

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• I’ll Become a Villainess That Will Go Down in History

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• Nina the Starry Bride

  Japanese Title

  Hoshifuru Oukoku no Nina

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  Release Date

  October 10, 2024

  Studio

  Signal.MD

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  Creator

  Rikachi

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The current season has hit its stride, delivering dozens of good-to-great episodes per week. For the most part, 2024 has been an above-average year for anime, and Fall 2024 has the potential to be the most complete quarter yet. The lineup is packed with returning heavyweights and well-received newcomers that cover a wide spectrum of genres and themes.

As always, Fall 2024 has plenty of fantasy AND romance anime, some of which are comfortably among the season’s top series. However, a combination of the two can be hard to find. Dandadan almost qualifies, but it is a supernatural rather than a fantasy series. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? 5 has multiple girls who are in love with Bell, but it would be a stretch to describe the fantasy story as a romance. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- also does not qualify, despite Subaru constantly declaring his admiration for Emilia. Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles is a better option for isekai romance fans, although they would also need to enjoy harems. The same extends to Arifureta​​​​​​.

So, let’s highlight Fall 2024’s standout fantasy romance anime:

• The Do-Over Damsel Conquers The Dragon Emperor – Jill Savelle’s first engagement led to her incarceration and death. Fortunately, she travels back in time and gets a second chance; however, she kind of panics and declares her love for Hades, an emperor with a grim and bloody future. The Do-Over Damsel Conquers The Dragon Emperor has a great female protagonist in Jill, who is strong, proactive, and intelligent. Hades is more complex than he initially seems, and he is far more willing to expose his vulnerabilities than the typical “dark” male lead who tends to populate these stories.
• I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History – Nowadays, seemingly every season needs to have one villainess isekai anime, and they can threaten to blend. The Fall 2024 representative is not too unique, but it is shaping up to be a respectable example of this trope. Reincarnated as the otome game’s villainess, Alicia wants to fulfill her “baddie” role to help facilitate the heroine and male lead’s love story. However, she is so awful at being evil that she starts to attract the wrong type of attention, including the game’s main suitor.
• Nina the Starry Bride – Nina’s life has been rough, and it seems set to get even worse when she is cornered and essentially abducted by Prince Azure. Before she knows it, she is pretending to be the deceased Princess Alisha, who is expected to marry a foreign diplomat as a peace offering between the two countries. Naturally, Nina and Azure’s relationship gradually gets closer, all the while they are trying to keep up a ruse that, if exposed, could spell doom for themselves and their kingdom. Nina is pretty fun and mostly carries the story, and her relationship with Azure does not instantly start as romantic.

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14 Maoyu

MyAnimeList Score: 7.23

Sharing the scriptwriter and director for Spice and Wolf, Maoyu similarly follows the developing relationship between the two leads in a fantasy realm. However, unlike Holo and Lawrence, the romance between the Hero and the Demon Queen is more of a slow burn. The story is about a hero (who is never named) who sets out to defeat the ruler of the Demon World and bring peace to the world, which has been divided into two warring factions, the Human World and the Demon World.

To his surprise, the Demon Queen (who is also never named) is actually a kind and caring ruler, who lends assistance to the Hero to end the war between humans and demons. And thus begins the unlikely alliance between the Hero and the Demon Queen, working to come up with a plan that’ll benefit both realms.

13 The Saint’s Magic Power Is Omnipotent

MyAnimeList Score: 7.30

These days, most fantasy anime tend to be isekai stories, and The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent is no exception. Office lady Sei, after a long day at work, gets summoned to a fantasy world as a ‘Saint’ – someone who will restore peace to the kingdom. Unfortunately for her, she’s not the ‘true’ Saint. That title was bestowed upon Aira, a 16-year-old girl who was summoned alongside Sei.

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With no way to go back home, Sei decides to make the most of her situation, studying herbs and potions and discovering her exceptional magical talents in the process, even saving a commander named Albert Hawke with a healing potion she made. Slowly but surely, they develop feelings for each other.

12 My Happy Marriage

MyAnimeList Score: 7.78

My Happy Marriage is a heartwarming josei romance set in a fantastical version of the Taisho era. It follows Miyo Saimori, a woman seemingly destined to live a tragic life. Born with no magical talents, her stepmother and stepsister brutally mistreat her, and her hopes to finally escape are shattered when she discovers she is to marry an allegedly cold and cruel commander named Kiyoka Kudou.

Her hope comes back, however, when she discovers that Kiyoka is nothing like his reputation would suggest. After finally finding the kindness she has been craving all her life, Miyo slowly starts to build a new life with her husband-to-be. Miyo is the star of the show here, with her growth anchoring and driving the story forward. Kiyoka serves as a great support figure who gives her the confidence to overcome her trauma, which is depicted in quite graphic detail.

11 The World Is Still Beautiful

MyAnimeList Score: 7.60

The World is Still Beautiful tells the story of two lands: the Sun Kingdom and the Rain Dukedom. Nike Lemercier, the fourth princess of the Rain Dukedom, has the power to control the rain, and that makes her the top choice for a political marriage with the Sun Kingdom’s ruler.

The Sun King, Livius Ifrikia, is rumored to be a ruthless leader, making Nike apprehensive about the marriage. Much like Kiyoka from My Happy Marriage, however, Livius is not the tyrant he is rumored to be and actually cares deeply for his people. While the two initially get married for political reasons, they soon start to form an emotional bond with each other. The anime gradually chronicles their budding relationship, one that quietly transforms from a marriage of convenience to one of love.

10 Shakugan no Shana

MyAnimeList Score: 7.45

Shakugan no Shana has had a huge influence on fantasy romance light novels, specifically with its take on the ‘tsundere’ archetype. High school student Yuji Sakai gets caught in the middle of a conflict between powerful beings known as Flame Hazes and Crimson Denizens, leading him to encounter a Flame Haze named Shana.

Crimson Denizens feed on the essence of living beings, and Flame Hazes like Shana are tasked with eradicating them. Discovering that Yuji has the power to restore the essence consumed by the Denizens, Shana vows to protect him and, together, they embark on a journey to restore balance to the Crimson Realm.

Blending action and romance, Shakugan no Shana is just an awesome thrill ride that gives both leads ample moments to shine as individuals and as a couple. The anime ramps up the romantic aspect more than the manga as well, resulting in a different but still worthwhile story.

9 The Ancient Magus’ Bride

MyAnimeList Score: 8.06

Set in a fantastical version of England, The Ancient Magus’ Bride follows a fifteen-year-old orphan girl named Chise Hatori, who decides to sell herself at an auction just to find a home. She gets bought by an enigmatic mage named Elias Ainsworth, a centuries-old, seven-foot-tall humanoid with a deer skull for a head.

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The magus, impressed with Chise’s innate magical abilities, makes her his apprentice and future bride. They form a complex and multifaceted relationship, with Chise learning to hone her magical abilities and Elias learning about human emotions and behavior. With gorgeous artwork and animation, the series is a must-watch for fans of classic fantasy stories. Now, it should be said that romance is not necessarily the best way to describe Elias and Chise’s relationship. The magus does not experience emotions like humans, so he does not feel traditional romantic love towards Chise. They are still great partners though.

8 The Vision Of Escaflowne

MyAnimeList Score: 7.66

The Vision of Escaflowne has ignited many debates about what demographic it’s aimed at, since it features bishonen characters and a romance plot typical of most shojo series, along with the action and adventure elements common in shonen. It follows an ordinary 15-year-old girl named Hitomi Kanzaki, who gets transported into an alternate dimension named Gaea.

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Discovering a talent for fortune-telling, she soon becomes embroiled in a war and a love triangle between a young prince named Van Fanel and a knight named Allen Schezar. The anime has been praised for its genre-blending, production, and dramatic music.

7 Snow White With The Red Hair

MyAnimeList Score: 7.76

A modern classic in shojo anime, Snow White with the Red Hair tells the story of a herbalist named Shirayuki. Despite her name meaning ‘Snow White,’ she stands out in her kingdom because of her bright red hair, which has attracted some unwanted attention from the prince of a neighboring kingdom, who tries to force her to become his concubine.

Refusing to be treated as a possession, she cuts off her ponytail and flees her kingdom. During her escape, she meets Zen Wistalia, the prince of Clarines, who offers her sanctuary in his kingdom. Shirayuki, grateful for his help, decides to pursue her dream of becoming a court herbalist of Clarines while growing closer to Zen and his friends.

6 The Story Of Saiunkoku

MyAnimeList Score: 7.89

The Story of Saiunkonku is a bright, feel-good reverse harem series set in Saiunkoku, a fictional country inspired by ancient China. Shurei Hong, a descendant of a noble family in Saiunkoku, is an ambitious woman who dreams of becoming a government official, even though women are actively discouraged from seeking positions of power in this setting.

She gets appointed as a consort for the young Emperor, Shi Ryuki, who sees potential in her. Shurei then begins her new life as the king’s consort, uncovering the palace’s secrets and forming new alliances. While a slow-burn at times, the anime has likable characters and a fairly consistent sense of progress, all the while exploring a setting that is unique for the industry.

5 Inuyasha

MyAnimeList Score: 7.86

Like The Vision of Escaflowne, Inuyasha has managed to attract a large fanbase of all genders because it combines romance, fantasy, and action. Fifteen-year-old Kagome Higurashi, after being transported into the Sengoku era, finds out she carries the powerful, wish-granting Shikon jewel.

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She encounters a half-demon named Inuyasha pinned to a tree, and after trying to free him, accidentally shatters the Shikon jewel. Kagome and Inuyasha team up to track down its shards, finding themselves constantly bickering, but falling for each other nonetheless. While they initially detest each other (like many of Rumiko Takahashi’s iconic couples), the pair’s relationship develops organically throughout the series, even if it does somewhat stagnate during later arcs.

4 Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts

MyAnimeList Score: 7.95

While not as popular as The Ancient Magus’ Bride, Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts is arguably the superior romance, at least for those seeking a more conventional core relationship. Also, the anime is far better than it initially might seem, with the first few episodes paving the way to a political epic built upon a brilliant female protagonist who gradually finds a reason to exist after being told from a young age that death is her future.

In a world where humans are at war with monsters, the former have to give a sacrifice every year to the latter’s ruler, Leonhart. As she was born to fulfill this role, Sariphi has long since accepted her fate, only to be spared by Leonhart. Long story short, he takes her as his queen, which raises a lot of tension.

3 Kamisama Kiss

MyAnimeList Score: 8.10

Described as a mix between Fruits Basket and Inuyasha, Kamisama Kiss tells the story of a high school student named Nanami Momozono, who gets kicked out of her apartment due to her father’s gambling debts. After rescuing a man from a dog, she gets offered a place to stay.

Except that the place is actually a shrine, and the man is a former Land God. He passes the role onto Nanami, leaving her to take care of all the responsibilities of the shrine, as well as a familiar, a youkai named Tomoe. Despite their rocky start, Nanami and Tomoe develop feelings for each other amid Nanami’s new duties as the Land God.

2 Yona Of The Dawn

MyAnimeList Score: 8.03

Set in a fantasy world inspired by Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cultures, Yona of the Dawn follows Princess Yona of the Kouka kingdom, who, after witnessing her cousin murder her father, escapes the palace with her childhood friend and bodyguard Son Hak.

To reclaim their kingdom, Hak and Yona embark on a journey to recruit the four Dragon Warriors. Throughout her journey, Yona sheds her sheltered upbringing, learning to wield a bow, becoming a capable, responsible leader, and developing a romance with Hak.

1 Spice And Wolf

MyAnimeList Score: 8.22 (2008 Season)

• Spice and Wolf

  Japanese Title

  Ookami to Koushinryou

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  Release Date

  January 9, 2008

  Studio

  Imagin, Brain’s Base, Marvy Jack

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  Creator

  Isuna Hasekura

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• Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf

  Japanese Title

  Ookami to Koushinryou: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf

  Release Date

  April 1, 2024

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  Studio

  Passione

  Creator

  Isuna Hasekura

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Spice and Wolf is a series fans probably won’t be watching because of economics. The central plot revolves around a traveling merchant named Kraft Lawrence and a wolf deity named Holo, who’s taken the form of a young woman. Holo agrees to become Lawrence’s business partner and traveling companion in a town reminiscent of Medieval Europe.

The two navigate the intricacies of economics and medieval commerce, all while building some captivating chemistry. Holo’s wisdom is balanced out with Lawrence’s resourcefulness, and they develop a profound trust and respect for each other. Both the original version and the 2024 revival are great, chronicling the pair’s slow but rewarding relationship as they grow as both individuals and a couple.

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