When it comes to anime, some of the best series are those that masterfully combine romance with heart-pounding action. These are the shows that keep viewers on the edge of their seats with intense battles but also tug at heartstrings with deep romances between the characters.
Whether it is through epic sword fights, magical duels, or futuristic mech battles, the added layer of romance to an action anime enhances the stakes, making it an even better watch. Ranging from classic love stories with fierce action to modern anime that push the boundaries of genre, there are many shows that blend both action and romance to incredible results.
15
Chivalry Of A Failed Knight
Anime Series By Silver Link & Nexus; Based On The Light Novel By Riku Misora
Chivalry of a Failed Knight
- Release Date
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October 3, 2015
- Network
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AT-X
- Directors
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Shin Oonuma, Kazuo Nogami, Keisuke Inoue
- Writers
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Shogo Yasukawa
Chivalry of a Failed Knight follows the story of Ikki Kurogane, who is a “failed” knight at an academy where students battle using their magical abilities. Despite being ranked the worst in his school, Ikki’s determination and swordsmanship catch the eye of Stella Vermillion, a powerful princess who also happens to be his roommate.
The anime blends action-packed battles with the slowly developing romance between Ikki and Stella, where they are growing from friends to lovers. As the stakes rise with each tournament, their bond strengthens, adding emotional depth and intensity to each fight.
14
Maoyu: Archenemy And Hero
Anime Series By Arms; Based On The Light Novel By Mamare Touno
Maoyu: Archenemy & Hero
- Release Date
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January 5, 2013
- Network
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Tokyo MX
- Directors
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Takeo Takahashi
- Writers
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Takao Yoshioka
Mayou: Archenemy and Hero is a fantasy story with a twist, focusing on the strategic and political consequences of war. The story begins when the Hero confronts the Demon Queen, only to find that she wants an alliance to bring true peace to their world.
Their partnership blossoms into a deep and smart romance as the two work together to improve the world. The action comes from their strategic battles and moves in the face of resistance from both human and demon factions, but what truly sets Mayou apart as one of the best action-romance anime is the growing affection between the two main characters and their philosophical discussions.
13
Romeo x Juliet
Anime Series By Gonzo; Written By Reiko Yoshida
Romeo X Juliet
- Release Date
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2007 – 2006
- Writers
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Reiko Yoshida
Romeo x Juliet is a fantasy reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tale, set in a world where political turmoil and rebellion are out of control. The anime centers around the love story of Juliet, the last surviving member of the Capulet family, and Romeo, the son of the tyrant who destroyed her family.
As Juliet fights for justice and the freedom of Neo Verona, the romance between her and Romeo is both tender and heartwarming. The action-packed sword fights and revolutionary battles make each moment of their love even more intense, as the couple faces insurmountable odds in their fight for a better world.
12
Sword Art Online
Anime Series By A-1 Pictures; Based On The Light Novel By Reki Kawahara
Sword Art Online is an anime that takes place in a virtual reality MMORPG video game where players are trapped, and death in the game means death in real life. Kirito, a skilled solo player, forms a romantic bond with Asuna as they fight to survive. Their love story unfolds amid dangerous boss battles and high-stakes combat, giving each fight an emotional weight.
As Kirito and Asuna grow closer, their relationship becomes the driving force behind their determination to escape the game, blending thrilling action with heartfelt romance. Even after the setting moves to another virtual reality game, the bond between Kirito and Asuna remains the glue that keeps the story together, making this a great example of how to blend romance and action in an anime.
11
Re:Zero – Starting Life In Another World
Anime Series By White Fox; Based On The Light Novel By Tappei Nagatsuki
This anime combines brutal action with an emotional rollercoaster of romance and despair. Subaru Natsuki, the main character, is thrust into a fantasy world where he has the ability to return to a specific point in time after dying. As he faces horrific challenges and increasingly brutal deaths, his feelings for Emilia, a half-elf girl, keep him sane.
Subaru and Emilia’s romance develops amid dangerous battles, but the series does not shy away from showing the darker sides of Subaru’s devotion, making this anime a mix of intense action, psychological tension, and tender romantic moments. As one of the most successful isekai anime out there, Re:Zero has well earned its reputation thanks to its mix of heavy themes and light-hearted moments.
10
The Ancient Magus’ Bride
Anime Series By Studio Kafka; Based On The Manga By Kore Yamazaki
The Ancient Magus’ Bride is about Chise Hatori, a young girl sold into slavery, and Elias Ainsworth, an ancient and powerful mage who purchases her with the intent of making her his apprentice and future wife. The anime blends fantasy action with a growing, unconventional romance.
Chise’s journey is filled with magical battles and supernatural creatures, but the main story is the bond between her and Elias. Chise and Elias’ relationship, though slow to develop, is deeply emotional and intertwined with Chise’s own path to self-discovery. While the setup, based on slavery, is understandably controversial, the series develops in a more heartfelt and respectful direction quickly.
9
Fate/Stay Night
Anime Series By Studio Deen; Based On The Visual Novel By Type-Moon
Fate/Stay Night
- Release Date
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January 7, 2006
- Directors
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Yūji Yamaguchi
Fate/Stay Night is an iconic anime that is known for its mix of epic battles and romances. The story revolves around the Holy Grail War, where mages summon heroic spirits to fight for the ultimate prize. At the center of this conflict is Shirou Emiya, a young mage, and Saber, his summoned servant.
While their relationship starts as a traditional master-servant dynamic, it soon evolves into something deeper throughout their battles side-by-side. The romance between Shirou and Saber is both tragic and beautiful, heightening the emotional stakes of each battle as the two struggle to protect each other.
8
Yona of the Dawn
Anime Series By Studio Pierrot; Based On The Manga By Mizuho Kusanagi
Yona of the Dawn tells the story of Princess Yona, who was forced to flee her kingdom after a coup led by her childhood friend and crush, Su-Won. With the help of her loyal bodyguard, Hak, Yona sets out on a journey to reclaim the throne. The anime combines Yona’s personal growth as she transforms from a sheltered princess into a fierce warrior with the slow-burning romance between her and Hak.
The action sequences are breathtaking, but it is the emotions and magical moments of Yona’s evolving relationship with Hak that truly set this fantasy romance anime apart.
7
Darling In The Franxx
Anime Series By Studio Trigger; Directed By Atsushi Nishigori
Darling in the Franxx is set in a dystopian future where children are trained to pilot giant mechs in a war against monstrous creatures. The story focuses on Hiro and Zero Two, two pilots with a complicated and intense relationship. As they fight together in their Franxx unit, their bond deepens, and the romantic connection becomes the main part of the story.
The action scenes are fast-paced and filled with high stakes, but it is the emotional tension between Hiro and Zero Two that makes each battle feel even more meaningful.
6
Beastars
Anime Series By Orange; Based On The Manga By Paru Itagaki
Beastars
- Release Date
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October 10, 2019
- Network
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Fuji TV, Netflix
Orange’s Beastars takes place in a world of anthropomorphic animals filled with constant tension between carnivores and herbivores. That tension has escalated into the sudden murder of a student at the illustrious Cherryton Academy, and as people scramble to solve the crime and keep things from spiraling further out of control, a wolf named Legoshi tries to work through his confusing feelings for a rabbit named Haru.
While Beastars doesn’t have a lot of action, the few action scenes it has are filled with great choreography and emotion, and when combined with the great development Legoshi and Haru get as individuals and as a couple, Beastars has one of the most unique handlings of action and romance of any modern anime. There are few anime quite like Beastars, and with it in its third and final season, there’s plenty more of its unique charm for fans to enjoy.
5
The Garden Of Sinners
Anime Film Series By Ufotable; Based On The Novel By Kinoko Nasu
The Garden of Sinners
- Release Date
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2013 – 2012
- Network
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Tokyo MX, Niconico
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Maaya Sakamoto
Shiki Ryougi (voice)
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Takako Honda
Touko Aozaki (voice)
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Kenji Takahashi
Gakuto (voice)
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Rie Tanaka
Kirie Fujou (voice)
Ufotable’s The Garden of Sinners is a film adaptation of the first story in Type-Moon’s Nasuverse. The films star Shiki Ryougi, a descendant of demon hunters who, after a near-death experience, awakens to the powerful Mystic Eyes of Death Perception, and from there, she joins the supernatural detective agency Garan no Dou to both master her powers and gain the strength to protect her lover, Mikiya Kokutou.
The romance between Shiki and Kokutou is never made to be anything dramatic after the first few films, but oddly enough, Shiki and Kokutou’s relationship is one of the strongest in the entire Nasuverse because of how casual it is, combined with the great chemistry and growth it’s given in every film. Add in every film finding ways to surpass its predecessor in terms of action and animation, and the films are great to watch on both a visual and narrative level.
4
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Anime Series By Studio Trigger; Based On The Video Game By CD Projekt Red
Studio Trigger’s Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a spinoff prequel of Cyberpunk 2077 starring David Martinez, a young boy who’s grown up in poverty within the dystopian Night City. After the death of his mother, David takes his life into his own hands with a powerful cybernetic implant, leading to him finding a new life for himself within a gang of criminals called edgerunners.
As Cyberpunk: Edgerunners goes on, the romance between David and Lucy slowly becomes the heart of the story, and with how well their relationship is handled, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners does a perfect job of selling David and Lucy’s relationship as beautifully tragic amid some of Studio Trigger’s most gorgeous action to date. Edgerunners is probably the best thing to come out of Cyberpunk 2077, and its balance of action and romance is a big part of why that is.
3
Inuyasha
Anime Series By Sunrise; Based On The Manga By Rumiko Takahashi
Inuyasha
- Release Date
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2000 – 2009
- Network
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ANIMAX, Nippon TV, YTV
InuYasha is a beloved classic from Rumiko Takahashi that blends romance, historical fantasy, and action. Kagome, a modern-day high school girl, is transported to feudal Japan, where she meets InuYasha, a half-demon. Together, they set out on a quest to recover the shards of a powerful jewel, battling demons and other threats along the way.
The slow-burn romance between Kagome and InuYasha has become iconic among anime fans, creating one of the most heartwarming dynamics in the medium, by far. Their journey is filled with funny moments, tension, and emotion, and their growing relationship adds layers of complexity to the series’ many action-packed battles.
2
Ranma 1/2
Anime Series By Studio Deen & MAPPA; Based On The Manga By Rumiko Takahashi
Ranma 1/2
- Release Date
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October 6, 2024
Ranma ½ opens with the tomboyish Akane Tendo getting ready to meet her fiancé, Ranma Saotome, only to find a girl with a panda at her doorstep, instead. As it turns out, however, Ranma fell into a cursed spring while training in China, and now he’ll be forced to turn into a girl whenever he’s hit with cold water. What follows is an episodic comedy of martial arts hijinks and increasingly complicated love dynamics all centered around a cast of largely selfish people.
Ranma 1/2 does a great job of balancing stellar fight scenes with great romantic arcs, with Ranma and Akane’s relationship being one of the best romances in anime thanks to their incredible chemistry, even when they’re fighting each other. The reboot already has a second season in development, and when it comes out, those strong points will only become more apparent to fans old and new.
1
Dandadan
Anime Series By Science Saru; Based On The Manga By Yukinobu Tatsu
Dandadan
- Release Date
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September 13, 2024
Science Saru’s Dandadan stars Momo Ayase and Okarun, two teenagers obsessed with aliens and spirits who end up permanently changed by an encounter with both, with both teens gaining supernatural powers and Okarun losing his genitalia. Momo and Okarun work together and with others to get them back while fighting any supernatural threat they come across, all as a budding romance develops between the two.
It’s one thing for Dandadan to have some of the best action and animation in modern anime, but more than that, the biggest reason why Dandadan is such a great show is how great the romance between Momo and Okarun is handled, with the two of them always coming off as equal partners in every arc. Dandadan season 2 releases in July 2025, and when it does, it will become all the more apparent why it’s the best anime to blend romance and action.
