Anyone who loves to explore a world filled with stories inspired by young girls should watch our best Shoujo anime series, which focuses on individual growth, relationships, and romance, along with elements of humor and comedy. This anime category mainly showcases relatable young girl characters with a lot of emotions, love, friendship, and self-discovery.
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7 Best Shoujo Anime
1- Nana
- Release Date: April 5, 2006
- IMDb: 8.5/10
- Genre: Drama, Music, and Romance
The popular Nana leads the list of best Shoujo anime, featuring the element of passion that connects the two main characters who share a deep love for music. This story centers on two 20-year-old women, both named Nana. However, these women possess opposite personalities and aspirations, yet they cultivate a strong bond of friendship throughout the series.
Nana Osaki, a passionate punk rock singer, desires fame and freedom. She also wants to prove herself after her boyfriend, Ren, leaves her for a successful band. On the other side, Nana Komatsu, a romantic and honest girl, affectionately known as Hachi, dreams of living a simple and loving life as she follows her boyfriend to the city. On this journey, the two meet each other on a train to Tokyo and somehow become roommates, building a deep emotional connection. Throughout this, they explore different challenges of love, ambition, and personal growth to attract the audience.
2- Kamisama Kiss
- Release Date: October 1, 2012
- IMDb: 8.1/10
- Genre: Romantic Comedy and Supernatural
The next series is Kamisama Kiss, also known as Kamisama Hajimemahita, which delivers a story about an innocent girl who loses her family with a touch of magic and a surprise element. This narrative follows a high school girl named Nanami Momozono, who becomes homeless after her father gambles away from their home.
One day, while Nanami was sitting in a park, she saved a man named Mikage from a dog, and he offered her his home in gratitude. After that, her life took a turn when she discovered that his home was a shrine, and she unconsciously inherited the title of Land God. As she entered into this new world, she met Tomoe, a fox yokai who eventually became her family. Despite, their different natures- humans and yokai the bond between them started with some tension. Namami’s kindness and good soul made it possible while also fostering a romantic bond with Tomoe. The themes of love, friendship, self-discovery, and supernatural elements engage the viewers.
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3- Fruits basket
- Release Date: April 6, 2019
- IMDb: 8.6/10
- Genre: Romance, Slice-of-life, and Supernatural
Another high school girl story, Fruits Basket reveals Tohru Honda’s life struggles filled with loneliness, hardships, and several challenges. The narrative begins with Tohru Honda, who lives in a tent without parents after her mother dies and her father abandons her.
Her life changes when she encounters Yuki Sohma, one of her classmates, who invites her to live with his family. After she starts living with them, Tohru discovers a dark secret about his family, whenever a member of the opposite sex hugs them, that person transforms into an animal of the Chinese zodiac. Tohru’s kindness and pliability help her form relationships with Yuki, Kyo Sohma, another cousin who struggles with her own demons, and other members of the Sohma family. Throughout the series, the audience can easily enjoy the themes of friendship, love, and acceptance. With different family dynamics, personal growth, and the healing power of love this story is also on the list of best Shoujo anime.
4- Ouran High School Host Club
- Release Date: April 5, 2006
- IMDb: 8.2/10
- Genre: Drama, Romantic Comedy, and Reverse Harem
In high school, many students form official or unofficial clubs that provide individuals with similar interests a space where they enjoy and entertain themselves. Ouran High School Host Club is centered around an unofficial high school club plot that showcases the prestigious Ouran Academy scholar student named Haruhi Fujioka’s journey.
As Haruhi struggles to find a quiet or silent place to study, she randomly enters the Host Club, a group of charming and attractive male students who work to entertain female clients with their charm and elegance. Since they all mistakenly think Haruhi is a boy because of her short hair and androgynous appearance, she quickly immerses herself in the club activities. However, when she accidentally breaks an expensive club vase, the club members force her to repay the cost by becoming a host. After she joins, she discovers the uncommon personalities of the club members, such as the cool and composed Kyoya Ootori and the flamboyant Tamaki Suoh. Additionally, Haruhi also learns about the complexities of social class, romance, and friendship. The series fully explores humor, love, identity, and acceptance.
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5- Yona of the dawn
- Release Date: October 7, 2014
- IMDb: 8.0/10
- Genre: Adventure, Epic Fantasy, and Romance
The best Shoujo anime list also takes you to the monarchy period, where the king is the most desirable position and someone betrays their loved ones to hold that position. This story start with the life of a adventurous princess Yona, who lived a beautiful and comfortable life in the palace under her father’s peaceful rule. In the series, she has two very close friends Su-won, her childhood crush, and Hak, a loyal bodyguard.
However, on Yona’s 16th birthday, her life takes a shocking turn when Su-won kills her father for the throne, forcing Yona and Hake to leave the Kingdom of Kouka. They then embark on a journey to discover legendary dragon warriors who can help redeem her kingdom and restore peace. This transformation turned Yona from an innocent princess into a powerful leader as she learned about the cruel realities of the world, along with the responsibilities and challenges that accompanied power. This story of friendship, betrayal, and personal development reveals the harsh truth of this society.
6- Chihayafuru
- Release Date: October 4, 2011
- IMDb: 8.1/10
- Genre: Romance, Slice-of-life, and Sports
Similar interests people can also attract each other, which we can see in Chihayafuru, the story of three high school students who share the same passion for playing Karuta, a traditional Japanese card game based on poetry. Their journey begins when they form a Karuta club at their school.
The plot unfolds around a high school girl named Chihaya Ayase, who is deeply into Karuta. One day, she meets Arata Wataya, a brilliant Karuta player, who inspires her to become the Karuta queen. To achieve this, she creates a Karuta Club with Arata and her childhood friend, Taichi Mashima. There they performed, practiced, and competed in several matches, which led to the building of rivalries, friendships, and personal growth of these characters.
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7- Kimi ni Todoke
- Release Date: October 6, 2009
- IMDb: 7.8/10
- Genre: Coming-of-age, Slice-of-life, and Romantic Comedy
The last series on the best Shoujo anime list is Kimi ni Todoke, which means From Me to You. As per the name, this showcases the sweet romantic journey of a girl named Kuronuma Sawako, a shy and short-hearted girl who deals with an embrace situation.
In high school, we often tease one of our classmates because of their appearance, behavior, or background. Similarly, Sawako faces this kind of situation. Her classmates find her similar to a horror movie character and call her Sadako, thinking she can see ghosts. Because of this misunderstanding, she struggles to make friends. However, when Kazehaya Shouta, the famous friendly boy in her class, initiates a conversation with her, everything changes. His kind nature helps Sawako make more friends like Ayane and Chizuru. Throughout this, Sawako develops feelings for Kazehaya, and as they build this beautiful romance, they encounter misunderstandings and struggle with their emotions.
Wrap Up!
Here, we conclude our top seven picks for the best Shoujo anime, featuring an exciting storyline, relatable characters, and deep emotional relationships. Enjoy these powerful female character stories!
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We also include one more must-watch anime, Honey Lemon Soda, which promises an engaging high school story with a great narrative set to release in January 2025. Currently, you can watch its trailer, preview its story, and learn about its characters.
