10 best anime to watch if you like True Beauty

The recent anime adaptation of the hit Korean webtoon True Beauty has enraptured viewers with its one-of-a-kind story following Lim Jugyeong on her inspiring journey towards self-love and confidence. With vibrant visuals, the show explores embracing one’s true self beyond beauty standards.

If you found yourself connecting deeply to the messages in True Beauty or simply can’t get enough of its captivating romantic comedy charm, you’re in luck. There’s a wealth of anime exploring self-acceptance, compassion, and inner growth over appearances.

From quirky high school-set comedies to emotional sci-fi thrillers, the following 10 anime all share True Beauty’s heart and should be next up on your watchlist. Get ready to laugh, cry, and sink your teeth into meaningful stories sure to speak to any fan of Jugyeong’s journey.

Disclaimer: The article is speculative in nature.

10 best anime for fans of True Beauty

1. Kimi ni Todoke

Kimi ni Todoke (Image via Production I.G)

An atmospheric story filled with hope and heart, Kimi ni Todoke focuses on Sawako Kuronuma, a sweet but misunderstood high school girl rumored to curse others like the ghost from The Ring due to her faint resemblance.

Socially ostracized, Sawako's lonely life transforms when the most popular boy in school, Shouta Kazehaya, attempts to befriend her. Sawako’s gradual metamorphosis from a withdrawn loner to more confident in sharing her true self conveys an inspirational message that external appearances aren't everything.

Her journey towards long-awaited friendships mirrors True Beauty’s belief in seeing the best in others despite gossip. An emotional soundtrack and empathetic characters further cement Kimi ni Todoke as a must-see.

2. My Little Monster

My Little Monster (Image via Brain's Base)

A fun-loving slice-of-life romp perfect for True Beauty fans, My Little Monster delivers laughs and heartfelt connection through the odd yet charming romance between polar opposites, Shizuku Mizutani and Haru Yoshida.

Known for her exceptional grades but few social skills, Shizuku’s orderly world flips upside down when she’s tasked with delivering schoolwork to classmate Haru, rumored to be a scary delinquent. But his surprisingly gentle soul challenges her preconceived notions.

Like True Beauty’s subversion of facial appearances reflecting inner character, Haru’s true caring spirit contrasts with his rough exterior. Similarly to Jugyeong, hanging out with Haru helps buttoned-up Shizuku emerge from her shell for captivating character growth.

3. Lovely★Complex

Lovely★Complex (Image via Toei Animation)

If it's a fun-loving romance centering on a tall girl/short boy dynamic, fans can't miss Lovely★Complex.

Heroine Risa Koizumi is much taller than an average Japanese girl, which has made her incredibly self-conscious, especially when standing next to her petite best friend. But things look up when she falls for a surprisingly short boy named Atsushi Otani.

Full of hilarity and heart as Risa contends with her complex about her height, Lovely★Complex shares True Beauty’s empathy about insecurities and learning to feel comfortable in your own skin. The bond between besties Risa and Nobu will also appeal to fans of Jugyeong and Soo-ah's friendship.

4. Horimiya

For a more grounded slice-of-life story in the same vein as True Beauty, don't skip Horimiya. This sweet, cozy series follows Kyoko Hori and Izumi Miyamura, two high school classmates who harbor surprising secrets underneath their seemingly ordinary exteriors.

Horimiya resonates with its message that there's more below the surface than initial impressions suggest. Like Jugyeong's eventual realization that makeup isn't everything, both Hori and Miyamura learn to embrace their true selves outside of appearances. Grounded character dynamics keep the show thoroughly addictive.

5. Orange

Orange (Image via Telecom Animation Film)

For fans who would relate to the underlying pain beneath Jugyeong's insecurities, the sci-fi school drama Orange provides a gripping, emotional journey that further explores regret and self-forgiveness.

When Naho mysteriously receives a letter from her future self warning her of future regrets, she begins changing her behavior to save her friend Kakeru before tragedy strikes.

The frank exploration of anxiety, depression, and survivor's guilt in Orange aligns with True Beauty’s honest look at bullying and self-image, wrapped up in an exciting time travel twist.

6. Ao Haru Ride

For another sweet, nostalgic school romance like True Beauty, don't overlook Ao Haru Ride. Futaba Yoshioka must contend with insecurities of her own when she re-encounters her first love Kou Mabuchi years later, now under the shadow of an estranged reputation.

Like Jugyeong, Futaba once faced ostracization from girls who were jealous of her popularity with boys, driving her to adopt a standoffish persona to protect herself. But letting people in again proves challenging.

Through poetic visuals and a soothing soundtrack, Ao Haru Ride captures the quiet tenderness of young romance.

7. Fruits Basket (2019)

Fruits Basket (2019) (Image via TMS Entertainment)

While the original manga took audiences by storm, this recent adaptation of the beloved classic Fruits Basket finally does the sprawling family saga justice.

When orphan Tohru Honda learns that several members of the Soma family transform into animals from the Chinese Zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex, she promises to keep their secret.

Mirroring True Beauty's themes of accepting one's true self, many Soma family members struggle with the darker psychological burdens of their Zodiac curse. Tohru's unwavering kindness ultimately helps them heal. Brimming with earnest life lessons, this remake will entice fans.

8. Wolf Girl and Black Prince

Wolf Girl and Black Prince (Image via TYO Animations)

Fans who relate to Jugyeong's early attempts to impress her friends with a pretend relationship in True Beauty would love Wolf Girl and Black Prince. Teenager Erika tricks the aloof Kyoya into pretending to be her boyfriend to impress her friends until he insists on treating her as his pet "dog."

Though the setup leans absurd, Wolf Girl and Black Prince share True Beauty’s interest in appearances versus reality and explore the line between truth and fabrication. As with Lim Jugyeong, Erika goes on a journey of self-discovery beyond worrying what others think.

9. Kokoro Connect

Blending drama with supernatural mystery, Kokoro Connect follows five high schoolers bound together after an encounter with a mysterious being causes them to randomly swap bodies. Violent emotions and long-hidden secrets spill out during the inexplicable phenomenon.

Like True Beauty's look at the roles we feel pressured to play versus our true selves, the metaphysical body swapping in Kokoro Connect manifests hidden internal struggles. With trips down memory lane and compassionate glimpses into each character's emotional baggage, it will give True Beauty fans lots to mull over.

10. Ouran High School Host Club

Ouran High School Host Club (Image via Bones)

For a lighter, funnier ensemble comedy to cleanse your palate, look no further than the iconic reverse harem parody Ouran High School Host Club.

Broke commoner Haruhi Fujioka winds up mingling with the flashy hosts of her elite academy's Host Club after accidentally breaking a valuable vase. To repay them, she agrees to pose as a male host herself.

It shares True Beauty's ability to both send-up and thoughtfully engage with superficiality and elitism. You'll adore Haruhi's self-assurance as she interacts with the satirical rich boy characters. And like Jugyeong's makeup skills, Haruhi uses resilience and resourcefulness to make her mark against the odds.

Conclusion

Whether fans relate most to Jugyeong's insecurity struggles or her fake girlfriend schemes on True Beauty, themes of self-acceptance and looking past superficial judgements resonate through all these excellent anime picks.

From high school comedies exploring found family support like Kimi ni Todoke to gripping sci-fi looks at regret like Orange, there's an engrossing watch here for every True Beauty fan.