8 Best Romance Anime Movies Of 2023, Ranked

In the vibrant world of anime, 2023 was full of charming romantic stories that captivated audiences across all demographics. From poignant tales to complex love stories, the anime scene has been graced with a plethora of romance anime movies that have left a lasting impact. Among the standout romance anime movies of 2023, several gems shine brightly, each offering a unique blend of emotion and storytelling.

Notable among these are “Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid,” “Maboroshi,” and “Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom,” each of which contributes to the rich tapestry of romance in anime.

08 Volicia of Pluto: Vapor Trail Another Age 2006

Release Date: Jul 3, 2023

Genres: Action, Mecha, Romance, Sci-Fi
Episodes: 1
Studios: Studio Pierrot
The anime revolves around Akio Hoshigami, who due to a leg injury was forced to give up her dream of becoming a track and field star. Akio and her friend Ayano Umisoe go to high school together. The film touches on the complexities of human existence and the impact of advanced technology on individuals. It was released on July 3, 2023, and has a duration of 32 minutes. You can watch “Volicia of Pluto” on Aniwatch for free.

07 Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom

Release Date: Jan 27, 2023

Genres: Adventure, Romance, Fantasy
Episodes: 1
Studios: MADHOUSE
The story revolves around two kingdoms separated by a large wall for 100 years. A dispute between the two kingdoms – one rich in gold mines, the other in nature – brought them to the brink of war. This is a love story between a boy and a princess who met by chance. It was released on January 27, 2023, and has a duration of 117 minutes. You can watch “Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom” on Aniwatch for free.

06 GRIDMAN UNIVERSE

Release Date: Mar 24, 2023

Genres: Action, Mecha, Romance, Sci-Fi
Episodes: 1
Studios: Trigger
One year has passed since the events of SSSS.GRIDMAN. The world is at peace and no one except Rikka and Utsumi remembers the Kaiju, Gridman, or Akane Shinjou. This includes Yuuta, who despite being Gridman’s host, has no memory of the most important moments of his life. It is about 118 minutes long and you can watch it on a platform like Aniwatch. It was released on May 23, 2023.

05 Collar×Malice: Deep Cover

Release Date: May 26, 2023

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Thriller
Episodes: 2
Studios: Studio DEEN
A dangerous shadow organization wages a campaign of fear and violence in the city of Shinjuku, pushing society to the brink of chaos. As a young police officer tasked with restoring order, Ichika Hoshino becomes the target of an attack and has a poison collar attached to her neck. The film is rated PG-13, and each episode is 55 minutes long. It was released in two parts, with the first part airing on May 26, 2023, and the second part airing on June 23, 2023. You can watch “Collar×Malice: Deep Cover” on platforms like Aniwatch For Free.

04 My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Movie

Release Date: Dec 8, 2023

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Slice of Life
Episodes: 1
Studios: SILVER LINK.
The story is about a young girl who dies and is reincarnated in a video game. But when she discovers that her role is that of a destined villain, she takes action to change the game and avoid that fate. The film follows Catarina Claes as she meets a mysterious boy from the country of Mutrac during a visit to a circus caravan, which leads to unexpected events. The film was released in Japan on December 8, 2023. The duration of “My Next Life as a Villain: All Roads Lead to Death! The Film” is 90 minutes. You can watch the movie on platforms like Crunchyroll.

03 Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation

Release Date: Feb 17, 2023

Genres: Romance, Slice of Life, Comedy
Episodes: 1
Studios: Studio DEEN
The film follows the story of Shumei Sasaki and Yoshikazu Miyano as they navigate the next phase of their relationship as a couple, with Sasaki’s graduation approaching. The film delves into their romantic journey, as they reminisce about their time together as they walk the halls of their school for the last time. It was released on February 17, 2023, and has a duration of 59 minutes. You can watch “Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation” on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

02 Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid

Release Date: Dec 1, 2023

Genres: Romance, Psychological, Drama, Supernatural
Episodes: 1
Studios: CloverWorks
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid is a film adaptation of the popular anime series Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai. The story follows the protagonist, Sakuta Azusagawa, as he meets a mysterious girl who appears to be a baby carried in a backpack. Together, they uncover the secrets behind its existence and the challenges it faces. It was released on December 1, 2023, and has a duration of 75 minutes. The movie is available on Aniwatch.

01 Maboroshi

Release Date: Sep 15, 2023

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Drama, Supernatural
Episodes: 1
Studios: MAPPA
After a factory explosion mysteriously freezes a town in time, two students encounter a mysterious feral child, sparking a burst of love fueled by the frustration in their daily lives that begins to turn their world upside down. The story explores themes of adolescence, loneliness, and insecurity in the context of a city stuck in time and space. The ending reveals a poignant twist involving the characters Masamune, Atsumi, and their daughter, Itsumi, highlighting the challenges of growing up and the importance of living life to the fullest. The duration of the film is 111 minutes and the film is available on Netflix. Maboroshi was released on September 15, 2023.

Conclusion

As the curtains draw on the year 2023, the legacy of romance anime movies continues to resonate with fans worldwide. From the heartfelt connections in “Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid” to the enchanting narratives of “Maboroshi,” “Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom,” these anime have left an indelible mark on the genre. The year 2023 will be remembered for its diverse array of love stories that touched hearts and kindled emotions, showcasing the enduring power of romance in the realm of anime.