8 shoujo anime you should watch this summer 2025

Shoujo anime is all about tender moments, swoony confessions, and characters growing into themselves. It serves as the perfect chill-out fix when summer gets sticky. Summer 2025 presents an ideal opportunity to revisit recent shoujo masterpieces that have defined the genre over the past few years.

Fans will experience the Sohma family’s bittersweet resolution in Fruits Basket: The Final and witness a blossoming arranged marriage in My Happy Marriage. Meanwhile, the fresh-off-the-press vibes of The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity prove that CloverWorks still excels at crafting stolen-moment glances.

Whether reliving old feels with concluding seasons or discovering brand-new romances, these eight picks offer heartfelt drama that resonates deeply. From tear-jerking farewells to soft, slow-burning sparks, this selection features stories sure to make viewers’ hearts race and eyes water.

Disclaimer: The article solely reflects the author's opinion and not Sportskeeda as a whole.

Summer swoons: Shoujo anime showcase

1) Fruits Basket: The Final

Still from Fruits Basket (Image via TMS Entertainment)

TMS Entertainment wrapped up this shoujo anime remake with an emotionally charged ending that fans dreamed of. After seasons of curse-breaking and family drama, episode 8’s Kyoko flashback hits hard, and episode 13’s showdown between Tohru and Akito delivers all the catharsis viewers have been craving.

The rooftop confession scene between Tohru and Kyo in the finale? Grab tissues. Even the side characters get closure, so fans won’t miss a single story thread. All episodes are available for streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation.

2) Taisho Otome Fairy Tale

Still from Taisho Otome Fairy Tale (Image via SynergySP)

Underappreciated yet utterly charming, this SynergySP shoujo anime is set in the Taisho era. After an accident, Tamahiko Shima’s life becomes quiet. Losing the use of one arm is enough for his family to ignore him, and the days blend together until Yuzuki Tachibana arrives. She’s there to care for him and, eventually, to become his wife. Episode 7 explores her past, revealing the quiet strength hidden behind her soft smile.

The tone shifts in episodes 10-12 with a family reconciliation that leaves a warm, lasting impression. In between, there are small, almost everyday moments like helping her into a kimono and watching fireworks that let their bond grow unnoticed until it runs deep. Streaming options include Crunchyroll and Funimation.

3) Kageki Shojo!!

Still from Kageki Shojo!! (Image via Pine Jam)

Pine Jam’s unique shoujo anime shifts its focus from romance to ambition and friendship within the Kouka Revue School. Prospective stars Ai Narata and Sarasa Watanabe navigate ruthless auditions and personal trauma, forming bonds that go beyond typical romance narratives.

The audition arc delivers high-stakes tension, and the final performance ends in a cathartic triumph. This series highlights female solidarity and artistic passion. Funimation streams the entire series.

4) My Happy Marriage

Still from My Happy Marriage (Image via Kinema Citrus)

Kinema Citrus captured the essence of Taisho-era romance in this visually stunning shoujo anime. Miyo Saimori’s marriage to military commander Kiyoka Kudou begins cold, driven more by duty than anything else. Over time, it evolves- small glances and quiet pauses develop into something genuine.

In episode 5, there’s a garden tea scene where fans can almost feel the tension in the air. By episode 12, a family confrontation heightens the emotional stakes. Lantern-lit nights and the delicate folds of kimono fabric give the whole story a cozy, period charm. Netflix holds exclusive streaming rights for this series.

5) Skip and Loafer

Still from Skip and Loafer (Image via P.A. Works)

No over-the-top tropes here, just pure, realistic shoujo vibes. Mitsumi’s move from rural Ishikawa to Tokyo High feels awkward, sincere, and highly relatable. Episode 6 reveals Sousuke’s stoic facade with a raw family moment, and episode 10’s cultural festival performance? Absolutely Goosebumps-worthy.

It’s all in the small details: rushed bus rides, whispered study sessions, shy smiles in crowded hallways. P.A. Works captures that slice-of-life charm perfectly without any fluff. All episodes are available on Crunchyroll.

6) A Sign of Affection

Still from A Sign of Affection (Image via A-1 Pictures)

A-1 Pictures adapted Suu Morishita’s manga into a shoujo anime that’s all about communication, and miscommunication, in the sweetest way. Yuki, who lost her hearing in middle school, meets world-traveling linguist Itsuomi; love blossoms through sign language and written notes.

Episode 3’s rainy train station sign lesson is peak swoon, and episodes 6-7’s planetarium date unfolds in quiet silence but still delivers a powerful punch. It’s romance stripped down to pure emotion. Netflix offers both subtitled and dubbed versions.

7) The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity

Still from The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity (Image via CloverWorks)

CloverWorks premiered this new shoujo anime in July 2025, and it’s already winning hearts. Rintaro’s delinquent attitude vs. Kaoruko’s scholarship-girl poise makes for absolute sparks.

Episode 4’s school festival chaos is pure adorable mayhem, and episode 6’s family-pressure hurdle adds real stakes to their secret library meetups. CloverWorks captures every stolen glance with flawless animation (watch those blushes in HD). Netflix releases new episodes weekly, so enjoy this bloom as it unfolds.

8) Honey Lemon Soda

Still from Honey Lemon Soda (Image via J.C.Staff)

J.C. Staff’s Winter 2025 hit isn’t just another feel-good shoujo anime; it explores bullying trauma and healing with surprising honesty. Uka Ishimori’s nickname “Rocky” stings, but watching her find confidence alongside Kai Miura is incredibly satisfying.

Episode 8’s rooftop admission is raw and genuine, and episodes 9-11’s school festival scenes let her finally shine. The lemon motif? A perfect symbol for sweet renewal after sour pasts. Crunchyroll streams the entire series, perfect for binge-watching under a fan’s gentle hum.

Final thoughts

Ready for a summer of heart-pounding romance, whispered confessions, and cozy slice-of-life moments? These eight shoujo anime picks will guide fans through lazy afternoons and late-night binge-watching alike. Each series offers a unique perspective on love, resilience, and personal growth, promising an unforgettable journey through the art of romantic storytelling. Let the summer swoons begin!

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About the author

Jayshree Gupta covers anime at Sportskeeda, with over 1.5 years of experience in entertainment writing. She has previously contributed to platforms like Desi Rap Network. Recently completed a Master's in English Literature, she also holds a degree in Physics, which she believes sharpens her analytical skills and helps her to draft content that resonates with diverse audiences.

One of the aspects Jayshree loves about anime is its ability to tell deeply resonant stories that transcend cultural and language barriers. She feels that anime not only entertains but also inspires and connects people from all walks of life. She admires mangaka Eiichiro Oda for his exceptional world-building and comedians like Ravi Gupta and Abhishek Upmanyu for their impeccable comic timing.

To ensure accuracy in her work, Jayshree conducts thorough research, cross-checks facts, and relies on trustworthy sources. When not writing, she finds solace in nature through gardening, enjoys magical films and series, and immerses herself in books, which has always been her favorite hobby.

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Edited by Shreya Das