10 most iconic love-triangles in anime, ranked least to most popular

Love triangles in anime have long been a cornerstone of compelling storytelling, pulling viewers into the emotional chaos and drama that keeps us hooked. These tangled relationships aren’t just about romantic choices; they often serve as powerful catalysts for character growth, unexpected plot twists, and deep emotional journeys.

Whether it’s the tension between childhood friends or the intensity of star-crossed lovers, these love triangles in anime capture the messy, unpredictable nature of real-life relationships with a unique anime flair.

From high school hallways to epic fantasy realms, love triangles in anime transcend genres and offer something for every type of fan. These love triangles in anime make the fan feel the heartache of unrequited love, the tension of difficult choices, and the thrill of rooting for your favourite pairing. In this ranking, we’ll explore ten of the most iconic love triangles in anime.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion.

Sekai, Makoto, and Kotonoha from School Days, Guts, Casca, and Griffith from Berserk and others are among most iconic love-triangles in anime

10. Sekai, Makoto, and Kotonoha fromSchool Days

Sekai, Makoto, and Kotonoha fromSchool Days (Image via TNK Studio)

Among the list of love-triangles in anime that scarred an entire generation, this show is a perverted take on the conventional high school romance where the lead female falls for her charming male teacher, and the twist, the two end up in. It’s not the usual lovey-dovey perfect ending.

This is the story of Makoto Ishiwaka torn between Kotonoha, his girlfriend, and Sekai, a girl with ‘fluid’ morality, Adult themes included betrayal, jealousy, and questionable morality. It’s like witnessing something that is painfully embarrassing but at the same time, one cannot turn around for moving your eyes away.

9. Hiro, Zero Two, and Ichigo from Darling in the Franxx

Hiro, Zero Two, and Ichigo from Darling in the Franxx (Image via A-1 Pictures, Trigger, CloverWorks)

Picture this: a post-apocalyptic world where teens pilot giant robots by, assuming some questionable positions. Enter Hiro, a failed pilot who finds his mojo with the mysterious, horned beauty Zero Two. His childhood friend Ichigo is not about to let him go without a fight.

This triangle's got it all—childhood promises, a dash of xenophobia, and enough sexual tension to power a small city. Zero Two and Hiro's bond is the stuff of destiny, while Ichigo's devotion tugs at the heartstrings. Unlike other love-triangles in anime, it's not just about who ends up with who; it's about finding your place in a world that's falling apart.

8. Yuki, Zero, and Kaname from Vampire Knight

Yuki, Zero, and Kaname from Vampire Knight (Image via Studio Deen)

Vampires, high school, and enough brooding to fill a Hot topic—welcome to Vampire Knight. Yuki's caught between two fanged boys : the mysterious pureblood Kaname and her childhood friend turned vampire hunter, Zero. It's Twilight with better hair and more blood tablets. Kaname's all dark allure and ancient secrets, while Zero's the classic bad boy with a heart of gold.

Poor Yuki's stuck in the middle, trying to figure out her past while navigating enough sexual tension to fuel a small country. This triangle's got fans split down the middle, arguing over Team Zero vs. Team Kaname like it's their job. Among other love-triangles in anime, this one shows us why one needs simple romance when you can have centuries-old vampire drama.

7. Nobu, Nana, and Takumi from Nana

Nobu, Nana, and Takumi from Nana (Image via Madhouse)

A love triangle with a side of rock 'n' roll and a sprinkle of adult life crisis, Nana's got you covered. Sweet, naive Nana (aka Hachi) finds herself torn between the Nobu and the] bassist Takumi. It's like choosing between a warm hug and a rollercoaster ride—comfort or excitement?

This triangle is different from other love-triangles in anime because it feels so real. No magical girl transformations or vampire bites here, just messy emotions and life-changing decisions. Hachi's struggle between her heart and her head resonates with anyone who's ever had to choose between the safe bet and the wild card. Nana reminds us that sometimes in love, there are no clear winners—just learning experiences.

6. Yu Ishigami, Miko Iino, and Tsubame Koyasu from Kaguya-sama: Love Is War

Yu Ishigami, Miko Iino, and Tsubame Koyasu from Kaguya-sama: Love Is War (Image via A-1 Pictures)

In the battlefield of love that is Kaguya-sama, even the side characters get their emotional warzone. Ishigami, our favourite emo boy, crushes hard on the sweet upperclassman Tsubame. But that isn't it. The uptight Miko's secretly catching feelings for him too. It's the classic tale of the guy falling for the kind senpai while the tsundere childhood friend watches from the sidelines.

What makes this triangle special is how it grows everyone involved. Ishigami learns to value himself, Tsubame grapples with guilt and kindness, and Miko slowly defrosts her icy exterior. It's like watching awkward butterflies emerge from their cocoons, bumping into each other as they learn to fly.

7. Kousei, Kaori and Tsubaki from Your Lie in April

Kousei, Kaori and Tsubaki from Your Lie in April (Image via A1 pictures)

Among the other love triangles in anime, this one brings out the waterworks! Your Lie in April is a love triangle and its narrative is not about who end up with the man but focuses on how they grow, change and learn. Kousei is a once-famous piano-playing child prodigy who has isolated himself because of his parents’ deaths, Kaori – an exotic violinist with a life-threatening illness; and Tsubaki - a girl who has been in love with Kouse's depression since childhood.

Kaori comes into Koushi’s monotonous life and introduces colours and music back into it while Tsubaki quietly cheers him on as she has always done. It can only be seen to as sad, beautiful, and without any doubt, heart-wrenchingly moving in the most teary and jerky way. This triangle helps one understand that in this world it is not who loves this person or which person loves the other but the effect or change each brings to the other.

4.Guts, Casca, and Griffith from Berserk

Guts, Casca, and Griffith from Berserk (Image via Studio 4°C)

Forget your fluffy high school romances—Berserk's love triangle is as brutal as they come. Guts, Casca, and Griffith form a trio bound by loyalty, ambition, and eventually, betrayal. Guts is just trying to figure out where he belongs; Casca is the fierce warrior torn between two men, and Griffith is the charismatic leader admired by both.

This isn't the typical "who will she choose" scenario. It's a powder keg of complex emotions, political intrigue, and good old-fashioned sword-swinging action. And when it finally explodes? Let's just say it changes everything. Berserk's love triangle shows us the dark side of love and ambition, reminding us that sometimes the greatest dangers come from those closest to us, which is the polar opposite of the other love triangles in anime.

3. Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo from Fruits Basket

Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo from Fruits Basket (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Fruits Basket provides the love triangle we never get tired of debating and theorizing about. Tohru, a virgin and as sweet as the amount of sugar which the popular saying alleges causes the rotting of teeth, is residing with the cursed zodiac family of soma. Yuki is the princely speaking of rat, whereas Kyo is the fiery speaking of cat and they both are in love with the rice ball-looking heroine. But that’s not all, this triangle is about love, yes, but it’s about forgiveness, it’s about being accepted for who you are and about finding your identity.

The love Tohru has for both boys helps them both come to terms with and overcome their internal struggles and be better people in the end. It is as cute as hell to even try saying it; it makes hilarity out of cheez-whiz and as cheesy as two characters hugging a rice ball.

2. Inuyasha, Kagome and Kikyo from Inuyasha

Inuyasha, Kagome and Kikyo from Inuyasha (Image via Sunrise)

Here is a high school girl who travels through time—with a hot-blooded demon half as a rival and his ex-girlfriend as a zombie. Inuyasha treats us to Kagome, Kikyo’s reincarnation, the woman who was destined to kill Inuyasha but then changed her mind

It is sad for Inuyasha, who finds himself helping both of them to come to terms with their feelings as well as dealing with his feelings. It’s a blend of past lives, sacred jewels, and lots and lots of action, fighting off demons to be precise. This triangle had fans divided for years—Kagome or Kikyo—who does Inuyasha love? Finally, it can be judged that, in general, Inuyasha shows that a person cannot live in the past to create a better future for her or him. So maybe it’s time to invest in a good therapist.

1. Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto

. Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto (Image via Pierrot Studios)

For decades, fans have been shipping the three characters of Naruto and arguing over who should end up with who. Naruto, who is a goofy, free-wheeling ninja who is loved by everyone and who has a major crush on Sakura. This one has Sakura, who is in love with the angry-looking boy Sasuke but who is so preoccupied with his mission of revenge that he cannot be bothered with love.

It is the complicated relationship between love, friendship, and enough teenage drama for approximately one emo band’s discography. What makes this triangle different from other love-triangles in anime is the classic transformation of the triangle throughout the series.

To Conclude

Love-triangles in anime captivate audiences by creating emotional tension and driving character growth. From the tragic outcomes in Berserk to the heartwarming journey in Fruits Basket, these love-triangles in anime explore love, loyalty, and personal development in diverse ways.

Some, like School Days, act as cautionary tales, while others, like Your Lie in April, focus on transformation. Whether set in high schools or fantasy worlds, these love-triangles in anime resonate with universal experiences of unrequited love and tough choices. The love-triangles in anime will continue to be a powerful storytelling device, bringing drama and emotional depth to future narratives.

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Edited by Bharath S