10 best fantasy romance anime that you must watch

Anime has something for everyone, from action to comedy to romance. For those who enjoy fantasy stories with a side of romance, there are some great anime options to consider. Fantasy romance anime creates magical worlds where love blossoms in exciting or unexpected ways.

The blend of supernatural elements with romantic subplots and endearing characters makes these shows a delight to watch. Creatures like vampires, demons, or merfolk allow animators to get creative with their character designs and adventures.

Some may feature love triangles, star-crossed relationships, or pursue the classic "they lived happily ever after." Here are 10 of the best fantasy romance anime to add to your watchlist.

10 must-watch fantasy romance anime

1) Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket (Image via TMS Entertainment)

This anime follows orphaned high schooler Tooru Honda who discovers a secret about the Souma family. Many of the Souma clan members are possessed by spirits of the Chinese zodiac and transform into their zodiac animal when embraced by someone of the opposite gender.

Though their curse fascinates Honda, she promises to keep it secret as she befriends clan members Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure. While living in a world of zodiac spirits, Honda also finds herself caught in a love triangle between brooding Yuki and hotheaded Kyo.

The classic shoujo art style and emphasis on character growth helps Fruits Basket stand out as a touching fantasy romance anime.

2) Inuyasha

The iconic half-demon protagonist Inuyasha has captured the hearts of fantasy fans for decades. Alongside time-traveling heroine Kagome, Inuyasha confronts various demons and spirits from Japanese folklore.

Kagome's ability to travel back through the mystical Bone Eater's Well connects present-day Japan to the Sengoku period setting. As Kagome aids Inuyasha on his quest for the Shikon Jewel shards, they begin to develop feelings.

But their bond gets tested when the resurrected priestess Kikyo, Inuyasha's former love, vies for his affection once more. These three and their elaborate love triangle are at the center of Inuyasha's plotline.

3) Snow White with the Red Hair

Snow White with the Red Hair (Image via Bones)

Snow White with the Red Hair anime centers around Shirayuki, a rare red-haired herbalist living in Tanbarun. After Prince Raji attempts to make Shirayuki his concubine, she escapes to the neighboring kingdom of Clarines. She befriends Prince Zen and works to become the court herbalist in his castle. Shirayuki's resolve and work ethics draw Prince Zen closer to her.

The two shyly begin showing affection as they spend more time together. Their relationship develops against the backdrop of Clarines' fantasy setting filled with monarchy drama and occasional use of rare herbal lore that borders on the mystical.

4) The Ancient Magus' Bride

The Ancient Magus' Bride (Image via Wit Studio/Studio Kafka)

Abandoned as a child, Japanese teenager Chise Hatori decides to sell herself at an underground auction thinking no one would miss her. She fetches a high price to become the apprentice and bride-to-be of Elias Ainsworth, a tall masked mage.

Elias brings Chise to live with him in the English countryside as he guides her into the world of fae folklore. Due to her troubled childhood, Chise struggles with low self-worth but Elias vows to help her realize her potential. Elias may appear cold yet cares deeply for Chise in his own ancient, inhuman way.

Watching their unlikely relationship develop into a romance makes for a captivating viewing experience.

5) Yona of the Dawn

Yona of the Dawn anime follows Princess Yona on a coming-of-age journey across the East Asian-inspired Kouka Kingdom. Her path takes an unexpected turn when her father King Il gets murdered by her beloved cousin Su-won.

With only her highly skilled bodyguard Hak by her side, the red-haired Yona flees the palace to begin a quest to reclaim the throne. Yona and Hak make an appealing duo with their strong personalities and combat skills. Hak has always loved Princess Yona since childhood.

While oblivious at first, Yona soon discovers new feelings blossoming for her protector as they travel together.

6) Vampire Knight

Cross Academy harbors a secret: it educates both humans and vampires. These species are kept separated for safety under the school's Guardian system.

But vampires still lurk in the woods nearby, ready to attack any humans who stray too far from the Academy's protective barriers. Among all this chaos blossoms a forbidden romance between a Guardian vampire named Zero Kiryu and his human companion Yuki.

Complicating matters further, Yuki must also confront her confusing feelings for the Night Class's dashing vampire leader Kaname. Known for its complex love triangles, Vampire Knight anime delivers dark supernatural intrigue alongside teen drama.

7) Kamisama Kiss

Kamisama Kiss (Image via TMS Entertainment)

When teenage girl Nanami Momozono's estranged father leaves her homeless, a stranger offers her refuge at a rundown shrine. She soon realizes Mikage Shrine's caretaker Tomoe is actually a powerful kitsune yokai fox spirit. With Mikage gone, the land god duties now fall onto Nanami. She must learn the responsibilities that come with divine powers in the supernatural world.

Initially annoyed with Nanami's clumsy mistakes, Tomoe starts warming up to her positive and kind nature. Kamisama Kiss anime stands out through its humorous tone and the chemistry formed between these two very opposite personalities forced together by unusual circumstances.

8) Spice and Wolf

Traveling merchant Kraft Lawrence finds more than he bargained for when his wheat cart gets inspected by a wolf goddess named Holo. Known as the Wisewolf, Holo has been living unseen in the village's wheat fields for centuries.

She bargains with the merchant to join him on his trades across the countryside under the guise of being his traveling companion. Lawrence's business savviness paired with Holo's wit makes for amusing banter.

Over long wagon rides through medieval villages, Holo and Lawrence's flirtatious conversations suggest a sweet romance may arise between them. But Holo hiding her wisewolf identity from suspicious villagers constantly threatens to jeopardize their fortunes.

9) Romeo x Juliet

Set in the fantastical floating city of Neo Verona, this anime reimagines the famous Shakespearean tragedy through the eyes of Juliet Fiammata Asta Capulet. She hides away from Prince Montague who killed her father and seized control as dictator 14 years ago.

Disguised as a vigilante named Red Whirlwind, Juliet acts in secret to help a resistance group oppose Montague's tyranny. On one of her nighttime exploits, she meets a handsome boy named Romeo who turns out to be none other than Prince Montague's son.

This only complicates their perilous romance full of deception. The fantasy elements and creative liberties on the original play's story interpret Romeo and Juliet's love in a fresh exhilarating way.

10) My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999

My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 (Image via Madhouse)

University student Akane Kinoshita turns to her favorite online RPG to cope after a tough breakup. There, she encounters a stoic pro gamer named Akito Yamada, a fellow guild member. Though their personalities clash at first, their friendship grows through in-game quests and real-life run-ins.

As they support each other through personal challenges and awkward moments, a slow-burn romance begins to bloom. My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 delivers heartfelt chemistry with a unique charm, as the narrative takes place within the backdrop of online gaming rather than traditional magic or isekai settings.

Conclusion

Beyond spell battles and magical kingdoms, many fantasy romance anime integrate romance plots that pull at viewer's heartstrings. These shows discussed above represent the genre's wide spectrum ranging from tender drama to love triangles and comedy.

Anime fans can immerse themselves in an exciting world woven from folklore, supernatural creatures and an unlikely hero fighting alongside their destined love interest. Exploring human connections and emotions even amidst the wildest fiction settings remains anime's greatest strength. So, viewers can pick their preferred flavor of fantasy romance anime to add to their watchlist.