15 Shoujo Anime, Classic or Not, You Need to Know!

Shoujo is a genre that spans generations because it speaks to universal feelings. Love, coming of age, loss, dreams, and identity appear in many forms, always handled with sensitivity and close attention to emotional detail.

In this list, we have selected stories that left a lasting impression not only because of romance, but also because of how they portray human experiences. Each one offers something unique.

The Rose of Versailles

The story follows Oscar François de Jarjayes, who is raised as a man to serve in the royal guard of France on the eve of the Revolution. Amid balls, political intrigue, and social conflict, she tries to reconcile duty, identity, and personal feelings in a world that allows no easy choices.

The narrative stands out for its emotional depth and intense historical context. Themes such as freedom, inequality, and impossible love are treated with dramatic weight, making this a striking and timeless work.

Fruits Basket

Tohru Honda is a kind girl who becomes involved with the Soma family, who are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex. Little by little, she begins to live alongside their secrets, pain, and deep traumas.

What begins lightly turns into a story about emotional healing. Each character carries invisible wounds, and Tohru’s affection works as a catalyst for confronting the past and learning how to move forward.

Nana

Two young women named Nana meet by chance and end up sharing an apartment in Tokyo. Despite having the same name, their personalities and dreams are completely different, but their lives become deeply intertwined.

The plot addresses friendship, love, ambition, and adult frustrations with rare honesty. The characters’ choices are not always easy to accept, but they reflect the complexity of growing up and dealing with real consequences.

Your Lie in April

Kousei Arima is a piano prodigy who loses the ability to hear his own music after a traumatic experience. His routine changes when he meets Kaori, a vibrant violinist who sees art in a free and passionate way.

Their relationship goes beyond romance, serving as a process of emotional rediscovery. Music becomes a language for unspoken feelings, while the story deals with loss, resilience, and the beauty of fleeting moments.

Natsume’s Book of Friends

Takashi Natsume has been able to see spirits since childhood, which caused him to grow up isolated and misunderstood. After inheriting a book that binds youkai to humans, he decides to free them, forming unexpected bonds along the way.

The narrative is contemplative and emotionally delicate. Each encounter brings reflections on loneliness, empathy, and belonging, creating a calm atmosphere that invites the viewer to slow down and feel.

Cardcaptor Sakura

Sakura Kinomoto leads an ordinary life until she accidentally releases magical cards that need to be recovered. With the help of friends, she embarks on a journey full of challenges and discoveries.

Behind the colorful magic, the story speaks about growing up, responsibility, and affection. The relationships are built with care, conveying a constant sense of comfort and hope.

Lovely★Complex

Risa and Otani form an unlikely duo because of their height difference, which leads to awkward situations and plenty of jokes. Despite the teasing, a strong friendship grows between the two.

The comedy makes room for real insecurities and confused feelings. The story addresses acceptance, self-esteem, and the fear of confessing, making the romance light, sincere, and easy to relate to.

From Me to You

Sawako Kuronuma is a shy and gentle girl who suffers from being constantly misunderstood. Her isolation begins to change when Kazehaya, a popular and sincere classmate, starts to see who she really is and gradually includes her in social life.

The story develops delicately, showing how small gestures can transform relationships. The romance grows slowly, respecting the characters’ insecurities, fears, and emotional timing, which makes everything feel even more genuine.

Revolutionary Girl Utena

Utena Tenjou decides to become a prince after a defining childhood event. When she enters a strange and symbolic school, she becomes involved in duels that seem to decide far more than simple victories or defeats.

The narrative is filled with metaphors and reflections on identity, maturity, and power dynamics. Nothing is direct or simple, and each character carries deep internal conflicts that invite the viewer to interpret and feel.

Ouran High School Host Club

Haruhi Fujioka ends up joining the eccentric Host Club of an elite school after an unexpected accident. To pay off her debt, she starts working as a host, dealing daily with wealthy, quirky, and highly distinctive classmates.

Behind the exaggerated comedy, the series talks about identity, social class, and expectations imposed by others. The relationships develop affectionately, balancing light humor with moments of genuine emotional connection.

Kamisama Kiss

After losing her home and being abandoned by her father, Nanami agrees to take care of a shrine and ends up becoming a local deity. In this new world, she meets Tomoe, a powerful and proud spirit who resists accepting his new master.

Their relationship grows gradually, marked by conflict, protection, and mutual learning. Between supernatural elements and everyday moments, the story speaks about belonging, responsibility, and love built over time.

Kaguya-sama: Love Is War

Kaguya and Shirogane are brilliant, proud, and completely in love with each other, but neither is willing to make the first move. The result is a psychological war full of absurd strategies and hilarious situations.

Behind the comedy, real insecurities and the fear of being vulnerable emerge. The lighthearted humor contrasts with surprisingly sensitive moments, making the romance fun and, at the same time, deeply human.

Skip and Loafer

Mitsumi Iwakura leaves the countryside to study in Tokyo, full of expectations and naivety. Her sincere and clumsy nature brings together very different people, creating unexpected bonds in everyday school life.

The story values small interactions, simple conversations, and the gradual growth of the characters. The romance emerges naturally, without haste, leaving room for maturity, friendship, and self-discovery.

My Love Story!!

Takeo Gouda has a huge heart, but believes he will never be loved because of his appearance. Everything changes when he meets Yamato, a sweet girl who is charmed precisely by his kindness.

The relationship is built in a positive and respectful way, without emotional games or forced misunderstandings. It is a comforting story that celebrates healthy love and the importance of accepting who you are.

Toradora!

Taiga Aisaka and Ryuuji Takasu seem incompatible, but end up teaming up to help each other with their romantic interests. Daily life together, however, causes more complex feelings to surface.

The plot balances humor and drama as it explores insecurity, loneliness, and communication difficulties. As the characters mature, the romance turns into something deep and emotionally memorable.

These shoujo anime show how stories centered on feelings can be just as impactful as grand adventures. Each work presents imperfect characters, carefully built relationships, and emotions that reflect real experiences.

We hope you found a new anime to watch here. See you next time!