10 best romance manga that you should read

Romance Manga has enthralled readers globally thanks to engaging narratives depicted through visual storytelling. Unlike brief comic strips, these romance manga explore love's euphoria and trials over hundreds of pages.

Relatable high school crushes appear alongside supernatural star-crossed bonds; slice-of-life firsts bloom into lifetime commitments. These diverse romance manga range from adolescent dreams to adult complexities, offering short life lessons or long-running epics for every reader.

This list covers all-time greats across demographics, past and present, that display hallmarks of the medium's finest romance manga. Grab chocolate and a tissue box as we dive deeper into some of the must-read romance manga.

Disclaimer: the opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

10 must-read romance manga for every fan

1. Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya (Image via Hakusensha and Yen Press)

In this classic shoujo series, orphan high schooler Tohru Honda's life becomes entwined with the mysterious Soma family after learning their ancestral secret — 13 clan members transform into animals from the Chinese Zodiac when embracing someone of the opposite sex.

Tohru promises to guard their shapeshifting conditions after kind outsiders Yuki Soma and his cousin Shigure offer her lodging on Soma's property following Tohru's tent home collapsing. Their innocent cohabitation then unpacks buried trauma and inner demons plaguing certain Somas.

As deeper bonds develop between Yuki, hot-headed cousin Kyo, and gentle Tohru, so too does a hesitant love triangle amid found family themes. Moments of joy, sorrow, and self-reflection outshine romance itself to deliver an enduring, character-driven saga spanning 23 volumes.

2. Kimi ni Todoke

Kimi ni Todoke by Karuho Shiina (Image via Shueisha and Viz Media)

Sawako Kuronuma has a spooky persona in Kimi ni Todoke that earns her the nickname "Sadako" after the Ring horror movie villain. But behind her long black hair and quiet demeanor is a sweet, misunderstood girl longing for friendship.

When popular boy Shota Kazehaya begins talking to Sawako, new social opportunities arise — as does a potential romance. This heartwarming romance manga follows Sawako's school life transformation through likable characters and touching moments.

While many shoujo romance manga series focus solely on dramatic love triangles, Kimi ni Todoke explores friendship's importance in relationships. Its uplifting themes of self-acceptance and seeing people's true selves have inspired millions of readers.

3. Horimiya

Horimiya by HERO and Daisuke Hagiwara (Image via Square Enix and Yen Press)

For those seeking a more grounded take on high school romance manga, Horimiya delivers. It chronicles the unexpected but relatable relationship between "cool" Miyamura and "average" Hori as their initial friendship blossoms into first love.

Unlike many school-set manga, Horimiya emphasizes realistic characterization — Hori manages domestic responsibilities rarely depicted for female leads, while Miyamura hides his passions to meet social expectations. As their true personalities emerge, so do tender moments of playful teasing and quiet intimacy.

While supernatural elements commonly drive shoujo plots, Horimiya, a manga originally serialized in a shounen magazine, uses a slice-of-life style to immerse readers in authentic teen romance. Its natural progression gives the love story an accessible quality with emotion and humor along the way.

4. Ao Haru Ride

Ao Haru Ride by Io Sakisaka (Image via Shueisha and Viz Media)

A complicated past paves the way for romance in Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride). Futaba Yoshioka must navigate high school life after losing friends due to her cute, girly persona. But fellow student Kou Mabuchi sees through her newfound abrasiveness to the sweetheart still inside.

Second chances drive this shoujo romance manga series as Futaba and Kou reconnect after a regrettable middle school misunderstanding. Their rekindled bond explores adolescence complexities — the struggle to be one's true self, evolving friendships, and reconciling memories with reality.

These rich themes resonate while retaining lighthearted and comedic moments. With dynamic leads, a thoughtful plot, and a youthful art style, Ao Haru Ride captures the joy and turbulence of young love. Readers are drawn to Futaba and Kou's romance through their intricate past and gradual reconnection.

5. Lovely★Complex

Lovely★Complex by Aya Nakahara (Image via Shueisha and Viz Media)

At respective heights of 172 cm and 156 cm, Risa Koizumi and Atsushi Ootani certainly stand out from their classmates — and each other. However, shared interests and witty banter help Risa and Ootani see past their superficial dissimilarities to a genuine connection underneath.

Lovely★Complex mines comedy from its exaggerated character designs while developing Risa and Ootani's friendship into a bumpy romance. Ootani's immaturity especially complicates matters alongside cast misunderstandings and love triangles that maintain narrative momentum.

Ultimately, though, its central duo must confront their true feelings to make a relationship work against unusual odds. Through all the laughter and drama, Lovely★Complex crafts a memorable take on star-crossed love conquering judgments — literal and figurative.

6. Orange

Orange by Ichigo Takano (Image via Futabasha and Seven Seas Entertainment)

What if you could rewrite your biggest regret? This compelling premise drives Orange, a sci-fi-infused romance manga lauded for emotional impact. When Naho receives a letter from her future self, she learns heartbreaking news — new transfer student and love interest Kakeru will die by suicide.

The letter implores Naho and her friends to watch over Kakeru, who is struggling with the aftermath of his mother's death. Honoring future Naho's plea sparks concern for Kakeru's well-being, and Naho's feelings shift from cautious interest to selfless devotion.

While the suicide plot lends necessary weight, author Ichigo Takano crafts an uplifting story filled with youthful exuberance too. Vibrant art and sympathetic characters further allow readers to enjoy Orange's hopeful themes despite the darkness at the narrative's edge.

7. My Little Monster

My Little Monster by Robico (Image via Kodansha and Kodansha USA)

Studious Shizuku Mizutani's world gets upended when tasked with delivering class notes to Haru Yoshida, a volatile boy prone to fighting. As Shizuku becomes more entwined in Haru's complicated life, what begins as obligation transforms into something deeper.

Unconventional protagonists give My Little Monster signature flair through Yoshida's dangerous temper and Mizutani's no-nonsense personality. Consequently, humor stems from energetic characters rather than fabricated scenarios.

Robico's artwork vividly captures comedic moments while nailing emotional poignancy as Haru and Shizuku traverse friendship, understanding oneself, and the line between sympathy and first love.

8. Skip Beat!

Skip Beat! by Yoshiki Nakamura (Image via Hakusensha and Viz Media)

Protagonist Kyoko Mogami undergoes a profound personal transformation after being betrayed by her childhood friend and longtime crush Sho Fuwa. Once devoted to supporting Sho's dreams of pop stardom, Kyoko now seeks vengeance by debuting as an actress meant to rival and surpass Sho's fame.

But as Kyoko adjusts to the entertainment industry — and newly emerging feelings for co-star Ren Tsuruga — she realizes inner strength and independence are greater than beating Sho. Still, Kyoko pours astonishing passion into her work, thrilling readers witnessing the journey.

Fan-favorite mangaka Yoshiki Nakamura, known for eccentric female leads, infuses unique flair into typical narrative beats. Come for the showbiz drama, and stay for self-discovery twists and subtle romantic buildup in this engaging romance manga.

9. Kaguya-sama: Love is War

Kaguya-sama: Love is War by Aka Akasaka (Image via Shueisha and Viz Media)

At the prestigious Shuchiin Academy, "Ice Queen" Kaguya Shinomiya and brilliant Miyuki Shirogane rule the Student Council but conceal mutual crushes. In Kaguya-sama: Love is War by Aka Akasaka, mind games commence as Kaguya and Miyuki devise manipulative schemes hoping the other will confess first.

This unconventional setup births an uproarious rom-com brimming with psychological battles of pride and attraction. Akasaka executes slapstick with cinematic grandeur while undercutting tension with the characters' internal embarrassment.

Fan favorite Chika Fujiwara also hilariously hijacks plots gone awry through ditzy whimsy. Though seemingly cynical about romance's pretense, Kaguya-sama suggests trickery can forge genuine bonds when two tsunderes meet their clever match.

10. A Silent Voice

A Silent Voice by Yoshitoki Oima (Image via Kodansha and Kodansha USA)

A Silent Voice follows Shoya Ishida on his path to redemption after severely bullying deaf classmate Shoko Nishimiya. While seeking forgiveness years later, residual trauma haunts both teenagers from isolation borne out of cruelty. Their painful history complicates reconnecting, despite feelings rooted in shared trauma.

What separates A Silent Voice from typical indie darlings is the refusal to sugarcoat Shoya's past sins even as he transforms into the protagonist. Sensitively crafted characters drive home realism absent in most romance manga.

Thus, Shoko and Shoya's eventual friendship cuts sharply yet touchingly through redemption themes via visual metaphor and signed language displays further humanizing the marginalized experience.

Conclusion

The romance manga genre variability allows for entertaining fantasy premises or relatable realism — often within the same series through dimensional characterization.

While high school crushes characterize many manga leads, more nuanced tales like A Silent Voice tackle societal issues intersecting relationships. Nonetheless, central romantic development anchors fans through externally driven plots or standalone relationship growth.

The titles here represent shining examples of manga storytelling techniques applied to romance's dramatic flair. Rich inner lives, destined partners, fated bonds, and heart-racing confessions define the most beloved romance manga across demographics.