10 best anime to watch if you like Honey Lemon Soda

The popular shoujo manga series Honey Lemon Soda recently received an anime adaptation in 2025. It follows shy student Uka as she enters high school, aiming to reinvent herself. She meets lively Kaidou, who helps bring her out of her shell. As they grow closer, their relationship faces challenges as Uka gains confidence.

With humor and warmth, the anime depicts their sweet romance and Uka's journey of self-acceptance. For viewers enchanted by the tender coming-of-age story portrayed in the Honey Lemon Soda anime, plenty more series capture the same youthful spirit and poignant charm.

The following 10 anime provide similar ingredients that make Honey Lemon Soda so endearing - school settings, eccentric personalities, and heartwarming relationships full of ups and downs. Whether fans crave more sweet romance, lighthearted humor, or stories of personal growth, these picks will satisfy them.

10 best anime for fans of Honey Lemon Soda

1) Ao Haru Ride

Like Uka, Ao Haru Ride’s protagonist Futaba was teased in middle school for her cute, girly nature and became closed off. But in high school, she decides to refresh her image just as Uka did. When she reconnects with her first love, Kou, he seems drastically changed—no longer the sweet, innocent boy from her memories.

But as Futaba opens her heart to new friends and rekindles her bond with Kou, glimpses of his past self emerge. Full of nostalgic moments and personal breakthroughs, Ao Haru Ride delivers a similar vibe to Honey Lemon Soda with another introverted heroine rediscovering herself through love.

Futaba and Kou’s multidimensional, growing relationship keeps viewers hooked as the plot navigates misunderstandings and reveals backstories that make the ultimate resolution cathartic.

2) Kimi ni Todoke

Kimi ni Todoke (Image via Production I.G)

Kimi ni Todoke focuses on the gentle romance between the kind but misunderstood Sawako Kuronuma and the popular Shota Kazehaya. For fans who loved Uka’s transformation in Honey Lemon Soda, Sawako’s journey from being a social outcast to having close friendships parallels her story.

Due to her resemblance to the ghost from The Ring, Sawako is shunned and feared by her classmates. But when Kazehaya sees past rumors and approaches Sawako, everything changes for her. With Kazehaya's encouragement, she slowly opens up, makes friends, and discovers newfound confidence.

Like Uka and Kaidou, Sawako and Kazehaya take their time getting to know each other while navigating adolescent struggles. Their pure, wholesome relationship develops naturally and touchingly. For another sweet high school romance about personal growth akin to Honey Lemon Soda, Kimi ni Todoke delivers.

3) Orange

Orange (Image via Telecom Animation Film)

For an emotional rollercoaster centered on the life-altering power of friendships, Orange is a must-watch. When Naho Takamiya receives a letter from her future self, it details her regrets regarding Kakeru, a new transfer student she falls in love with. As tragedy looms over Kakeru, Naho must find the courage to change the future and save him from despair with help from her close friends.

Similar to Honey Lemon Soda’s heartwarming narrative about the connections people form in high school, Naho and friends teach each other strength while dealing with struggles. Their touching bond and desire to protect Kakeru despite obstacles make this a poignant watch.

4) My Little Monster

My Little Monster (Image via Brain's Base)

For fans of oddball pairings like cheerful Kaidou and reserved Uka, My Little Monster offers another opposite-attracts couple with an initially one-sided, elevator-ride relationship.

Studious Shizuku only cares about grades until assigned to deliver class notes to chronically absent Haru. Hyper, blunt, and socially awkward, Haru confesses his love to a shocked Shizuku, who finds herself drawn to Haru against her better judgment.

As Shizuku discovers friendship and balances her feelings for Haru with her ambitions, Haru learns empathy and restraint most of the time. With unpredictable characters and relationships, this quirky rom-com mirrors some of Honey Lemon Soda’s charming weirdness.

5) Lovely Complex

Lovely Complex (Image via Toei Animation)

If hardcore Honey Lemon Soda fans crave another odd couple romantic storyline emphasizing self-acceptance, Lovely Complex delivers the awkward energy in spades.

When statuesque Koizumi and diminutive Otani are repeatedly mistaken for an unusual teen girl/middle school boy duo, these salty personalities start a contest to see who can get a boyfriend/girlfriend first. Reciprocal crushes add humor as they navigate pride, insecurities, and budding affection.

Like Kaidou helping Uka improve her self-image, Koizumi and Otani learn to embrace themselves while overcoming their personal insecurities. With over-the-top comedy rounding out emotional growth arcs, Lovely Complex mirrors some of the goofy, cringe-worthy, yet uplifting feels of Honey Lemon Soda.

6) Toradora!

This beloved comedy/drama excels at navigating complicated high school social dynamics like Honey Lemon Soda while spotlighting mismatched personalities who grow closer in unexpected ways.

After misunderstood Ryuuji helps petite yet vulnerable Taiga with a crush, Taiga agrees to assist kindhearted Ryuuji with his own romantic interest. But in the process of helping each other, the Toradora! duo realizes their mutual affection.

With misunderstandings, layered characters, and nuanced relationships, Toradora! features the signature heartfelt school-life moments Honey Lemon Soda fans love alongside gut-busting situational humor. Behind Ryuuji's threatening appearance lies a caring soul, much like Uka discovers about Kaidou.

7) Say "I Love You"

If watching shy, reserved Uka slowly open herself to cheerful Kaidou delighted viewers, this romance series offers a similar emotional ride.

Kind-hearted Yamato becomes enchanted by class loner Mei, who spurns all friendly advances due to past bullying. Yamato persists with understanding and patience until he uncovers the defense mechanisms and self-protective walls Mei has erected, similar to the emotional barriers that shield Uka's vulnerability.

As one-sided crushes become mutual affection, Say "I Love You" underscores embracing imperfections in oneself and others. Like Honey Lemon Soda, it features two endearing leads growing together through communicating fears, insecurities, and dreams—leading to tears and laughs galore for viewers.

8) Snow White With the Red Hair

Snow White with the Red Hair (Image via Bones)

For another warm-hearted fantasy love story oozing with whimsy, look no further than Snow White With the Red Hair. When Prince Zen discovers strong-willed herbalist Shirayuki and shows interest in her unique determination and kindness, this fairytale storyline avoids typical damsel-in-distress tropes.

Independent Shirayuki prioritizes her career goals even as she falls for Zen and navigates the unfamiliar politics of castle life with his guidance and protection. As obstacles challenge the red-haired couple, their sweet, respectful connection recalls Uka and Kaidou's supportive relationship.

This fantasy series emphasizes courage, being true to oneself, and embracing individual strengths, similar to Honey Lemon Soda.

9) Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket (Image via TMS Entertainment)

While Fruits Basket features supernatural elements, its core emphasis on character growth and relationships makes it appeal to Honey Lemon Soda fans. When orphan Tohru ends up living with the mysterious Soma family, she helps them confront dark secrets and pains from their past.

Through Tohru’s compassion and optimism, she guides others towards healing and self-acceptance. Additionally, her deepening bond with Soma clan member Kyo mirrors Uka and Kaidou’s central relationship in Honey Lemon Soda. Both shows are as heartwarming as they are emotionally powerful.

10) Horimiya

Horimiya, another fan-favorite high school romance, follows the relationship between academic Kyoko and aloof loner Izumi, who reveal different sides of themselves outside of school.

Horimiya excels in realistic character writing and capturing the butterflies of young love. Kyoko and Izumi’s interactions are as sweet and awkward as Uka and Kaidou’s, hitting on those same beats of personal growth and young romance.

For a show that balances humor and sentimental storytelling around two endearing leads, look no further than Horimiya to find the next Honey Lemon Soda fix.

Conclusion

With its relatable story and lovable characters, Honey Lemon Soda captures the emotional highs and lows of adolescence.

Fans of this sweet manga and anime series are bound to find plenty more shows that deliver the same poignant charm through themes of personal growth, heartwarming friendships, and sweet romantic moments.

From classic high school romances like Toradora! to fantasy love stories like Snow White With the Red Hair, these anime recommendations will leave fans with the same happiness and hopefulness as Honey Lemon Soda. Whatever flavor of coming-of-age tale fans crave, these picks guarantee hours of cozy viewing pleasure.