10 must-watch underrated romance anime to add to your watchlist now

Romance anime have a special way of capturing hearts through emotional storytelling, memorable characters, and tender moments, but unfortunately, many promising series never make it past their first season.

While hits like Kaguya-sama: Love is War and Toradora have gone on to receive sequels, several lesser-known gems remain unfinished, despite strong narratives and fan demand. Whether it’s because of limited studio budgets or niche appeal, these titles have yet to receive the continuation they truly deserve.If you're a romance anime enthusiast looking for stories that need closure or more screen time, here are 10 underrated romance anime that you must add if you love anime romance.

10 underrated romance anime you must add to your watchlist

Romantic Killer

With its clever premise and genre-subverting humour, Romantic Killer follows Anzu, a girl who actively avoids romance but is forced into clichéd dating scenarios by a magical being. Instead of a traditional love story, the show explores themes of friendship, autonomy, and emotional healing beneath its comedic surface. The characters develop surprising depth, especially toward the final episodes, where emotional stakes increase dramatically.

Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie

This romantic comedy reverses traditional gender roles by giving us Shikimori, a cool, competent girl with action-hero charm, and Izumi, her accident-prone but lovable boyfriend. The show playfully explores their high school life as a couple, blending humour with heartfelt moments. Shikimori’s dual personality, feminine and fierce, adds a unique twist to the genre. While the anime offers a refreshing take on relationship dynamics, it ends before exploring the depth of their bond or the emotional vulnerability behind Shikimori’s protective nature.

The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague

Set in a workplace rather than a school, this supernatural romance offers a refreshing change of pace. Himuro, a descendant of a snow spirit, literally freezes things when he's emotional, while his co-worker Fuyutsuki remains calm and supportive. Their budding relationship unfolds through small interactions that gradually reveal deeper feelings. The supernatural element adds whimsy without overshadowing the gentle romance.

What’s missing is a continuation that moves their connection from mutual admiration to open affection while also delving into the lives of their unique co-workers.

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun

This light-hearted romantic comedy centres around Chiyo Sakura, a high school girl who confesses her feelings to her crush, only to discover he’s a popular shojo manga artist. Mistaking her confession for fan enthusiasm, Nozaki recruits her as his manga assistant instead.

The result is a hilarious meta-commentary on romantic tropes, complete with eccentric characters and situational comedy. While consistently funny and charming, the series never quite advances the central romance.

With so much chemistry and comedic potential left unexplored, a second season could finally push the relationship forward while continuing its brilliant satire of the shojo genre.

Insomniacs After School

This emotional slice-of-life series revolves around Ganta and Isaki, two students who bond over their shared struggle with insomnia.

As they begin spending late nights together in the school observatory, their friendship slowly deepens into a quiet romance. The anime beautifully captures the isolation of sleeplessness, teenage anxiety, and the comfort of finding someone who truly understands. It’s visually soothing and emotionally grounded, but the first season concludes abruptly without fully exploring their feelings or future.

With the manga offering a complete story, a second season could bring satisfying closure to their heartfelt journey.

Bloom Into You

Delicate and introspective, Bloom Into You follows Yuu, a girl who has never experienced romantic feelings, and Touko, a student council president who hides her vulnerability behind a strong facade. Their connection develops slowly as both wrestle with identity, expectations, and emotional intimacy. The anime is a rare example of a queer romance handled with grace and depth. However, it ends before the characters fully come to terms with their desires or their place in each other's lives.

Given the powerful emotional growth in the original manga, a second season would provide essential resolution and representation.

Sugar Apple Fairy Tale

Set in a richly imagined fantasy world where fairies are bought and sold, this anime follows Anne, a sugar artisan trying to honour her mother’s legacy, and Challe, a warrior fairy she purchases as a bodyguard. Their relationship begins with tension and mistrust but slowly evolves into mutual respect and romantic tension.

The series combines themes of freedom, compassion, and social justice with a budding romance that leaves viewers wanting more.

The world-building is vast, and many plot threads remain open.

Yona of the Dawn

This epic fantasy romance remains one of the most critically acclaimed anime to never receive a proper continuation. It follows Princess Yona, who is forced to flee her palace after a coup and begins a journey to reclaim her kingdom.

Along the way, her relationship with her loyal bodyguard Hak deepens, filled with unspoken feelings and emotional tension. The anime masterfully balances action, character growth, and slow-burning romance.

But with the manga continuing far beyond the anime’s timeline, fans have been waiting for years to see the story and its romantic developments brought to life.

The World is Still Beautiful

This fantasy romance blends political intrigue with magical realism, telling the story of Princess Nike, who has the power to summon rain, and King Livius, a young monarch with a troubled past.

Their relationship begins with resistance and cultural differences but gradually blossoms into mutual respect and affection. What makes this anime stand out is its emotionally mature romance, layered characters, and lush, fairy-tale-like world.

However, one season only scratches the surface. There’s so much more potential to explore their evolving bond, court politics, and Nike’s homeland.

The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten

This wholesome, slow-burn romance follows Amane, an ordinary high school student, and Mahiru, his beautiful and seemingly perfect neighbour.

When she starts helping him with daily chores after a chance encounter, their friendship slowly transforms into something more meaningful. The anime thrives on soft, everyday moments, subtle gestures, and emotional intimacy rather than dramatic plot twists. Its calming tone and realistic portrayal of young love make it a fan favourite.

But the first season ends just as their feelings begin to surface more openly, making a second season essential to fully realise the romantic payoff and character growth.Romance anime doesn't always get the sequels it deserves, especially when the titles are underrated or appeal to niche audiences. But these 10 series have proven they have the storytelling power, character development, and fan support to justify a return. Whether you're craving heartwarming moments, deeper relationship arcs, or closure to beloved storylines, these anime are well worth a second season. With more attention and viewer demand, perhaps we’ll see them continue the stories we’ve fallen in love with.Also Read: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc opens to sold-out shows in Japan: Massive fan buzz, reactions, and and India release date