Image via Pixiv Comic, Sumiko Arai and Shueisha, Kōcha Agasawa
If you’re a big reader, then we have the perfect romance title list for you to bite into right now.
There are many romance anime series, both old and new, that have enraptured fans with their amazing storytelling and characterisation. However, unlike romance anime, romance manga series are not as widely talked about. This has caused many underrated gems to slip past the radar of hardcore romance lovers. However, if you want to add some amazing romantic manga titles to your reading list, then this list is just what you need.
10. On and Off: Work-Life Imbalance
Image via Square Enix, Shinnosuke Kanazawa
Starting off strong with Shinnosuke Kanazawa’s office rom-com to liven up your mood. The story revolves around office colleagues Akira Hanku and Soutarou Amata, who each harbour a secret. After office, Akira likes to dress up as a punk guy while her male colleague Soutarou dresses up in popular Lolita clothing. This gender-bending double life leads both of them into a hilariously sweet and romantic journey that everyone will enjoy.
9. My Summer of You
Image via Kodansha, Furuya Nagisa
This sweet high-school BL by Furuya Nagisa is a perfectly short read that will leave your heart filled with contentment and peace. Handsome and popular student Chiharu Saeki and his pretty normal best friend Wataru Toda are as different as one can be. However, they love hanging out and watching movies together. One day, when Saeki suddenly confesses his feelings for Toda, he doesn’t want his friend to answer or reciprocate him. In turn, Toda asks Saeki to tour filming locations of famous movies during the summer. Their journey to understand each other and their feelings is truly heartwarming and makes for a great cosy read.
8. You and I Are Polar Opposites
Image via Shueisha, Kōcha Agasawa
Written and illustrated by Kōcha Agasawa, this rom-com revolves around Miyu Suzuki and Yusuke Tani, who are, as the name suggests, polar opposites. Popular Gyaru girl Miyu always tends to follow the crowd and can’t always say what’s on her mind. She has a massive crush on her classmate Tani, who, despite being an introvert, bluntly says what he wants to. When she suddenly professes her love to him one day, Miyu doesn’t expect the stoic boy to return her feelings. The series delves into themes of love, friendship, and coming-of-age with great care. The comedic element makes it an enjoyable read for all readers. An anime series is set to come out in 2026.
7. How Do We Relationship
Image via Shogakukan, Tamifull
Now that we’re on the theme of opposites attracting, this Yuri manga by Tamifull is an absolute delight to anyone who enjoys this trope. Two university students Miwa Inuzuka and Saeko Sawatari meet and quickly become friends despite their different personalities. Saeko invites Miwa to join the music club, and there both of them confess that they’re gay. Again at Saeko’s insistence, Miwa and her start dating, but it proves to be quite hard to be in a relationship with someone who has a pretty conflicting personality to yours. You will love to see how the two protagonists handle their relationship, studies, and friendships as new adults.
6. Blue Flag
Image via Shueisha, Kaito
Less of a romance and more of a coming-of-age drama, Kaito’s popular manga series features a love triangle at the centre of its conflict. Taichi Ichinose, a quiet boy, finds himself in the same class as his popular childhood friend Touma Mita in the final year of high school. Taichi also wants to get closer to his clumsy and shy classmate Futuba Kuze, as he thinks they’re pretty similar. However, Futuba has an unrequited crush on Kaito, and after some deliberation, Taichi agrees to help her win him over. The relationship between the three unlikely friends blossoms into something beautiful as all of them start their own journey of friendship, love, sexuality, and the future. If you love some complex emotions in your romance drama, then you need to read this manga.
5. In the Clear Moonlit Dusk
Image via Kodansha, Mika Yamamori
Mika Yamamori’s Shoujo manga is another heartfelt addition to the list with an incredible art style. The story centres around a girl named Yoi Takiguchi, who has been touted as the ’Prince’ by her female classmates for her dashing good looks and casual demeanour. One day, the normal-ish beat of her everyday life is broken by the school’s other ‘Prince’, a guy named Kohaku Ichimura, who suddenly comes in and calls her beautiful. Unlike Mika, Kohaku is thoughtless and rash, but he still makes the protagonist blush every time he compliments her. This adorably sweet romance manga should definitely be on your reading list.
4. My Love Mix-Up
Image via Shueisha, Watary Hinekure, Aruko
If you enjoy a cute and fluffy BL with the perfect amount of miscommunication trope sprinkled on top, then Wataru Hinekure’s popular manga is perfect for you. High school boy Sota Aoki has a crush on his female classmate Mio Hashimoto. But one day he’s heartbroken to see their other classmate Kōsuke Ida’s name written on her eraser. However, when the eraser falls from his hand and Ida finds it, the quiet and handsome boy mistakenly thinks Aoki has a crush on him. Instead of letting him down, Ida asks for some time to think about it as Aoki desperately tries to clear the misunderstanding. Their awkward shenanigans turn into love the more time they spend with each other. The second couple of this story, consisting of Hashimoto and Aoki’s friend Aida, is also extremely adorable. Although there are multiple live-action adaptations, the manga adds a lot more details to the relationship and makes it a worthwhile read.
3. Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty
Image via Kodansha, Megumi Morino
Tetsu Misato, a hardworking high-school student, joins his father’s housekeeping agency. He is posted in the mansion that he always used to look up to as a child. The daughter of the house, Shizu Karasawa, lives in this massive house and seems to suffer from an unknown supernatural illness. When Tetsu meets this mysterious girl, their encounter first blossoms into friendship and then love. With only six volumes, Megumi Morino’s heartfelt manga is an easy and short read, perfect for Valentine’s week. Since it’s already finished, you don’t even have to wait for more chapters.
2. The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't A Guy At All
Image via Pixiv Comic, Sumiko Arai
If you haven’t seen this manga dominating the social media platforms, then the name alone must have given you the idea that this is a GL. Written and illustrated by Sumiko Arai, this series tells the story of bubbly Gyaru girl Aya Oosawa, who can’t share her love for rock music with her friends. She develops a crush on the guy who works at a music records shop, without knowing that the guy is actually a girl named Mitsuki Koga. More importantly, the extremely shy Mitsuki is Aya’s classmate! Stuck in an uncomfortable position, Mitsuki begins a friendship with Aya while trying to hide her real identity. The series mixes romance, music, art, and self-discovery in a perfect blend great for those who enjoy drama in their Yuri.
1. The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity
Image via Kodansha, Saka Mikami
Finally, we have Saka Mikami’s popular romance manga that has been making waves recently. The story follows Rintarō Tsumugi, a tall and awkward student of Chidori Public School, known for its delinquent boys. He meets sweet and kind Kaoruko Waguri, a student of Kikyo Private Girls’ Academy, known for their excellent academic performance. Despite being situated side-by-side, the two schools’ students hate each other, but Kaoruko and Rintarō are different. They try to hide their relationship from their friends, but it proves to be really hard. The series has some of the best character development in any manga and a loving side couple that will make you swoon. The series is also set to get an anime adaptation in 2025.
If you love 90s shows, then check out the best 90s anime list right here.
