Updated May 11, 2024 by testing

Many of us fan girls of anime are infatuated with a bad boy character, they just hit differently. As they say, love arrives suddenly from an opponent who changes to love or from an unknown girl who will instantly grab his attention.

Until one day, the badass guy didn’t notice that this girl would  transform him into a much better man. Or he will fall in love unexpectedly! How I wish this would happen in a true-to-life love story!

As a 90’s baby who grew up in the world of various anime genres, I will list my own 28 anime where the bad boys fall in love with a girl that has piqued my interest throughout my anime fandom! Let’s see if you’ve seen this anime before or if we can recall the romantic excitement we felt while watching it. I’m starting my list from the oldest anime to the latest one. Sometimes even the most OP MCs surprise everyone!

So let’s get started!

 

ANIME WHERE THE DELINQUENT IS IN LOVE WITH “THE” GIRL

 

28. Dragon Ball Z (Vegeta and Bulma)

Title	Dragon Ball Z
Genre	Action, Fantasy
Type	Series
Studio	Toei Animation
Premiered	1989
Episode Count	291 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

This is one of the oldest, but best anime of all time! The sequel revolves around Earth being saved by Super Saiyans from the planet Sadala.

Along the way, a villain turned into a hero. I’m sure almost all anime fans from the 1990s are aware of how bad Vegeta is! But as they say, there’s a woman behind every successful man, and Bulma is that woman.

Their love for each other is not as strong as that of others. Vegeta, on the other hand, only used Bulma because he was jealous of Goku. He desired everything that Goku possessed. Aside from that, did you know Bulma was only interested in Vegeta because Yamcha cheated on her?

How dare boys do that all the time!

However, as the story progresses, Vegeta eventually learns to fall in love with Bulma and vice versa, thus bore  two children, Trunks and Bulla.

In a nutshell, this anime will provide you with excitement and romance.

 

27. Slam Dunk (Sakuragi and Haruko)

Title	Slam Dunk
Genre	Comedy, Sports, School Life
Type	Series
Studio	Toei Animation
Premiered	1993
Episode Count	101 episode
Duration	23 minutes per episode

Let’s hear it from the ’90s again! Another anime that demonstrates how wonderful the anime world is with my all-time favorite!

Hanamichi Sakuragi, a hard-headed high school student with red hair, was rejected by fifty different girls during his junior year. Instead of him, the last girl chose a basketball player. That’s why he beats up any of his comrades  who mention the word “basketball.”

Until he met Haruko Agaki, the younger sister of Shohoku basketball captain Takenori Akagi.

Sakuragi’s world is turned upside down when he meets this young lady. He swallows his pride and joins the basketball team for her, knowing she is a basketball fan.

It was so sweet to see a man who could do all for his love interest. If you’re into more of a Korean Vibe, why not check out Sports Manhwa!

 

26. Hana Yori Danggo (Boys Over Flowers) (Tsukasa and Tsukishi)

Title	Hana Yori Danggo (Boys Over Flowers)
Genre	Romance, School Life
Type	Series
Studio	Toei Animation
Premiered	1996
Episode Count	51 episode
Duration	25 minutes per episode

Most of the 90’s generation, especially the girls, adored it. But the anime adaptation was the best!

Four elite boys at Eitoku Academy met Tsukushi Makino, who was an average student. This group of four was known as the “Flower Four,” or the F4. All the students were terrified of this elite because of their powerful families.

When Tsukushi enters their circle and declares war on them, their leader, Tsukasa Domyoji, becomes interested in Tsukushi. A whirlwind romance between an elite and a commoner.

Can you imagine a modern-day fairy tale like anime?

 

25. Flame of Recca (Domon and Fuuko)

Title	Flame of Recca
Genre	Action
Type	Series
Studio	Pierrot
Premiered	1997
Episode Count	42 episodes
Duration	23 minutes per episode

Another 90’s anime that I’m sure most of you have already watched. Recca is the main protagonist who’s obsessed with ninjas. 

But let’s take the two supporting characters, Domon Ishijima and Fuuko Kirisawa. These two were teammates and friends of Recca in this series. However, at the beginning of this anime, Domon was always teased as a gorilla because of his large body build, and considers Recca his rival, though he always loses to her.

Domon gains strength as the series progresses because Kage Houshi gives him a Madogu, the Ring of Saturn (Tetsugan). Aside from that, Fuuko was his inspiration and motivation to gain more strength.

He repeatedly expresses his feelings for Fuuko throughout the series. But sadly he was always rejected by her.

Why is it that big, strong men somehow always get rejected? What do you think?

 

24. One Piece (Sanji and Pudding)

Title	One Piece
Genre	Adventure
Type	Series
Studio	Toei Animation
Premiered	1999
Episode Count	1024 + episodes (still ongoing)
Duration	24 minutes per episode

This is my all-time favorite anime. Some may wonder why I include this on my list. Wait let me explain.

In the anime’s Whole Cake Arc, Sanji Vinsmoke (Black Leg) was forced to marry Charlotte Pudding, one of Big Mom’s daughters.

We know Sanji is a womanizer who is easily seduced by women. He agreed to this condition and was willing to leave the Straw Hat Pirate to save his family. Pudding’s angelic face also piqued his interest.

However, in this arc, we’ll all see how his world crumbled after hearing Pudding’s insults to him. A womanizer finally learned his lesson, I guess. Also, be sure to check out our One Piece Watch Order and Filler List!

 

23. Baki the Grappler (Baki and Kozue)

 

Title	Baki the Grappler
Genre	Action
Type	Series
Studio	Group Tac
Premiered	2001
Episode Count	24 episodes
Duration	25 minutes per episode

An action-packed anime that involves bloody combat for vengeance. However, Baki Hanma, the main protagonist, who is very strong and wishes to be stronger, falls in love with a simple girl, Kozue Matsumoto. She adores Baki and cheers him on in every fight he participates in.

Baki, in turn, becomes her protector and adores her.

It seems to me that every tough man has a vulnerable spot.

 

22. D.N Angel (Dark and Rika)

Title	D.N Angel
Genre	Fantasy
Type	Series
Studio	XEBEC
Premiered	2003
Episode Count	26 episodes
Duration	23 minutes per episode

Do you see yourself falling in love with a phantom thief? The Harada twin sisters, Riku and Risa, as well as Daisuke Niwa and Dark, all experienced this. But let us concentrate on Dark.

Dark is the alter ego of Daisuke, who is also a phantom thief that runs through their blood. Dark had fallen in love with Rika Harada, Riku, and Risa’s grandmother. His love for her is everlasting and even if he was only an alter ego of Daisuke, he would never forget his feelings for her.

How touching. A never-ending love.

 

21. Bleach (Ichigo and Orihime)

Title	Bleach
Genre	Action
Type	Series
Studio	Pierrot
Premiered	2004
Episode Count	366 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Ichigo Kurosaki, a stubborn, outspoken, and impulsive adolescent, was the protagonist of this action-packed anime. The plot revolves around a supernatural world, but romance blossoms when he meets Orihime Inoue.

He always saves Orihime when she is attacked by Hollows who want to harm her, just like a prince.

A fairy tail-inspired action romance anime packed with excitement and adventure.

 

20. School Rumble (Kenji and Tenma)

Title	School Rumble
Genre	Comedy, Romance
Type	Series
Studio	Studio Comet
Premiered	2004
Episode Count	26 episode
Duration	23 minutes

A whirlwind love story between high school students rumbles from the title itself. Tsukamoto Tenma, the main protagonist, and a sweet and fair student, had a crush on Karasuma Ouji. Kenji Harima had a crush on Tenma. Kenji was a stubborn, paranoid ex-delinquent.

Meanwhile, Yakumo harbored romantic feelings for Kenji! What a love story of constellations with other characters.

To escape the reality that he would never be seen by his crush, Kenji began to draw manga, inserting himself and creating his own version of his love story.

His love escape made him known, but his love for Tenma remained a mystery. It’s a funny love story that will make your stomach hurt from laughter.

 

19. Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge (The Wallflower) (Kyouhei and Sunako)

Title	Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge (The Wallflower)
Genre	Comedy, School Life
Type	Series
Studio	Nippon Animation
Premiered	2006
Episode Count	25 episodes
Duration	24 minutes

Did you know that this anime has a lot in common with the popular Hanayori Dango? Because of its simple but catchy scenes, this anime made my stomach feel like it had butterflies.

Nakahara Sunako, a girl who enjoys horror films and is fascinated by human anatomy, will be living with four attractive men, one of whom is Kyouhei Takano. Because of their looks and personalities, these guys were “radiant creatures” to her. They are the popular bad boys and heartthrobs who can make girls scream all the time.

To think about it, why will these “radiant creatures” be leaving with this strange lady? What a plot twist! These guys had the task of making Sunako into a magnificent lady!

In the end, they succeeded with their task, and along with that, Kyouhei also develops a romantic relationship with this fair lady.

It’s so romantic.

 

18. Bokura ga Ita (We Were There) (Yano and Nanami)

Title	Bokura ga Ita (We Were There)
Genre	Romance
Type	Series
Studio	Artland
Premiered	2006
Episode Count	26 episodes
Duration	25 minutes per episode

A slice-of-life, high school love story that will steal your heart. Its animation was unique in that it was simple but always emphasized the two protagonists’ emotions. It is not as sharp as other animes, but it is warmer.

Yano Motoharu, the male protagonist, smiles broadly at everyone. But this star basketball player kept his true feelings about his ex-girlfriend’s death hidden deep inside.

Nanami Takahashi, on the other hand, enjoys seeing Yano’s smile. Until she realized she was head over heels in love with him. They developed a mutual understanding. However, Yano’s past still haunts him.

Why must exes always be a barrier to starting a new relationship?

Nonetheless, these two will triumph over these obstacles.

 

17. Kaze no Stigma (Kazuma and Ayano)

Title	Kaze ni Stigma
Genre	Action, Fantasy
Type	Series
Studio	GONZO
Premiered	2007
Episode Count	24 episode
Duration	24 minutes per episode

This is another anime story about an enemy who becomes a lover, and it also deals with family relationships. Kazuma Yagami, the main character of this anime, was the family’s black sheep. He is unable to use firepower, which he should have inherited from his family bloodline.

As a result, he was expelled from the Kannagi household. After a few years, he went to China. He returned to Japan with incredible wind power. A man who was bitter, selfish, and cold-hearted promised to be as powerful and strong as possible.

Meanwhile, a wind user was threatening the Kannagi household. He met Ayano Kannagi, the future head of the Kannagi family while investigating.

Will these two band together to save their clan? Or will it inflame the situation?

 

16. Naruto Shippuden (Obito and Rin)

Title	Naruto Shipudden
Genre	Action, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Type	Series
Studio	Pierrot
Premiered	2007
Episode Count	500 episodes
Duration	25 minutes per episode

Most of the 90’s babies out there know this anime series, Naruto up to its last season Naruto Shippuden. Naruto is the main character, and his journey to become a Hokage. But let’s talk about Obito Uchiha, one of the most powerful ninjas that Naruto meets throughout the series.

A villain-turn-hero falls in love with the right person but at the wrong time. Can you imagine meeting the love of your life, but the time is not right? Destiny hurts, you know! It really hurts!

Going back, he is a powerful villain who has captured the ten-tailed beast Kurama and wishes to exact revenge on Kakashi, his old friend, and all the ninja in Konoha. He was weak at first, but he grew stronger over time.

He had a crush on Rin Nohara from the beginning, and she became his greatest love. But, as they say, there will be no happy ending.

Rin died as a result of her will. As a jinjuriki of the three-tailed beast, Isobu, she requests that Kakashi kill her so that she will not harm her land. A heartbreaking story that made me cry.

 

15. Shugo Chara (Tsukiyomi and Amu)

Title	Shugo Chara
Genre	Comedy
Type	Series
Studio	SATELIGHT
Premiered	2007
Episode Count	51 episodes
Duration	25 minutes per episode

A very light but fantastic anime. If you enjoy comedies with a magical twist, this anime is a must-watch.

Hinamori Amu, a punk-rock-style girl with weird parents, struggled to express her true self. An inner ego was being kept. As a result, she appears to be a snob to some but cool and spicy to others. She wished to be “rebirth” one night, but when she woke up, there were three eggs on her bed.

These three eggs represent her true self, but Ikuto Tsukiyomi wants Amu’s eggs in the first episode. Amu is most admired by this enigmatic, aloof alley cat. He kept seeing Amu from afar, and it made him happy and content.

 

14. Earl and Fairy (Edgar and Lydia)

Title	Earl and Fairy
Genre	Adventure
Type	Series
Studio	Artland
Premiered	2008
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	25 minutes per episode

A Nobel-like love story with a twist! The plot begins when Edgar J.C. Ashenbert declares himself as “Earl of the Blue Knight” and kidnaps Lydia Carlton, a fairy doctor.

Edgar invites this lovely lady to accompany him on his search for the legendary Sword of Merrow.

As their journey begins, so does their interest in one another.

I’m not sure why all Nobel anime makes me feel so romantic and excited.

 

13.  Special A (Kei and Hikari)

Title	Special A
Genre	Comedy, Romance
Type	Series
Studio	AIC, GONZO
Premiered	2008
Episode Count	24 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Another boy-girl rivalry. Kei Takashima is a cold person who doesn’t care about anyone except Hikari Hanazono. He appears to be a good, studious, and attractive student, but he despises “Miss 2nd Place,” Hikari, so much that she always competes with him.

She had her first defeat after getting lost in a whistling match with Kei. She vowed to herself that she would defeat Kie in any way possible.

Why should I add this to my list? Simply because a girl who despises a guy will see him as ugly and evil as a demon. Even if he causes no harm to her. I’m sure almost all girls will agree with me, right?

 

12. Fairy Tail (Gray and Juvia)

Title	Fairy Tail
Genre	Action, Fantasy
Type	Series
Studio	A-1 Pictures, SATELIGHT
Premiered	2009
Episode Count	175 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Gray Fullbuster is not the protagonist in this anime, but he is THAT bad boy/badass character in my personal opinion. He was originally Juvia Lockser’s opponent. Gray saves Juvia from falling after their fight.

Juvia did not fall, but Gray had captured her heart. From then on, Juvia joined the guild to follow her love interest, Gray. Despite showing her love, Gray forsakes Juvia, but girl power is shown by Juvia.

In the last season, when they had a fight with one of Zeref’s creations, Juvia sacrificed her life for Gray.

A love that never demands to be returned. How sweet, but also how much it hurts!

 

11. Kobato (Kiyokazu and Kobato)

Title	Kobato
Genre	Comedy
Type	Series
Studio	MADHOUSE
Premiered	2009
Episode Count	24 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

A comedy fantasy anime starring a cute female protagonist and a villainous male lead. Kobato Hanato is on a mission to mend people’s broken hearts in exchange for “konpeito.” She’d be able to go somewhere if she had a hundred of these candy-shaped trophies, as a return.

As the hunt continues, he meets Kiyokazu Fujimoto, a bitter man who doesn’t care about anyone. Especially with Kobato, he always teased her and made fun of her. But not until he realized he was attracted to her.

See? Most boys tease the girls and then gradually fall in love with them.

 

10. Kaichou wa Maid Sama (Usui and Misaki)

Title	Maid Sama
Genre	Comedy, Romance, School Life
Type	Series
Studio	J.C Staff
Premiered	2010
Episode Count	26 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Misaki Ayuzawa studied at co-ed Seka High School. She is the student council president who wants to implement equality for all students. A strong, dedicated, fearless, and man-hater.

Despite her outgoing personality, she harbored a dark secret. Unfortunately, Usui Takumi, a Seke High School campus hottie, discovers her at Akihabara’s Maid cafe. Usui was drawn to Misaki’s maid outfit.

An enemy-turned-lover story that everyone can relate to! I wish my high school experience had been like these two!

 

9. Tomari no Kaibutsu-Kun (My Little Monster) (Haru and Shizuku)

Title	Tomari no Kaibutsu-Kun (My Little Monster)
Genre	Comedy, Slice of Life
Type	Series
Studio	Brain’s Base
Premiered	2012
Episode Count	13 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Another anime about high school life that I’m sure most of us can relate to.

Some of you may have a classmate whose presence consistently frustrates you. This was Haru Yashida’s and Shizuku Mizutani’s relationship.

Shizuku, a studious and boring student, meets Haru. He was suspended due to a misunderstanding fight with his classmates. From then on, he refuses to go to school and prefers to spend his time at an arcade or elsewhere.

This dual protagonist will show you how to strike a balance between school, friendship, and love. Without wasting time, live life to the fullest.

 

8.  Ao Haru Ride (Kuo and Futaba)

Title	Blue Spring Ride (Ao Haru Ride)
Genre	Drama, Romance
Type	Series
Studio	Production I.G
Premiered	2014
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 minutes per episode

The plot revolves around the reunion of two old lovers, Futaba Yoshioka, the shy and silent type, and Kuo Mabauchi/Tanaka. They meet at the end of their freshman year of high school. Futaba, like him, was attracted to Kuo.

But their growing love is cut short when Kuo transfers. They meet again after three years, but Kuo has turned into a cold-hearted man who doesn’t care about anyone.

Futaba does everything she can to relieve Kuo’s burden caused by his mother’s death. 

This anime will teach you that true love can do anything and will never fade.

 

7. Noragami (Yato and Hiyori)

Title	Noragami
Genre	Comedy, Action
Type	Series
Studio	Bones
Premiered	2014
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

One of the anime’s protagonists is Yato, a noragami who wants to build his own shrine and be worshiped as a God of Fortune. His carefree, rude, and childish personality causes his Shinki to abandon him. But his ability to grant requests will astonish you!

A catch occurred when he met Hiyori Iki, a girl who enjoys smelling him and learning the skill of astral projection after being in a car accident. How will this ridiculous god help the poor girl?

 

6. Wolf Girl and Black Prince (Kyouya and Erika)

Title	Wolf Girl and Black Prince
Genre	Comedy, Romance
Type	Series
Studio	TYO Animations
Premiered	2014
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

The title of this anime was very catchy for me. I’m curious how a wolf will become involved with a prince. I initially mistook it for a fantasy anime, but it wasn’t!

Erika Shinihara, a laid-back girl, desires to be the center of attention. She boasted about having a handsome boyfriend, much like a wolf who is greedy and envious. Her classmates were both impressed and envious of her.

 Until then, after time, he finally met Kyouya Sata, his boyfriend. Yes, you heard it right. He met him after she declared him her boyfriend.

Her life’s so-called “Prince” was her worst nightmare! Kyouya used it to turn her into his “pet dog.”

Another story about enemies-turned-lovers that will shape your character as a teen.

 

5.  Charlotte (Yuu and Nao)

 

Title	Charlotte
Genre	Comedy
Type	Series
Studio	P.A. WORKS
Premiered	2015
Episode Count	13 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Another high school fantasy anime that deals with various issues concerning students’ identities. It’s also a superpower anime!

Yuu Otosaka was a narcissistic and self-centered young man with the ability to possess someone in 5 seconds. As a youngster, he took advantage of his abilities and used them to cheat on exams. He always made it to the top without any hardship.

But our female protagonist, Nao Tomori, discovered his secret. Yuu was forced to transfer to a prestigious school after Nao confirmed his ability. Hoshinoumi Academy is a school for students who possess supernatural abilities. And so their journey begins.

 

4. Snow White with the Red Hair (Obi and Shirayuki)

Title	Snow White with the Red hair
Genre	Fantasy
Type	Series
Studio	Bones
Premiered	2015
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

This anime’s title was inspired by the fairy tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Hence, this anime resembled the well-known tale. Shirayuki, the main character, also met her prince charming, Zen.

Regardless of the romantic relationship between the two main characters, Obi captured my interest.  In one episode, Obi threatens Shirayuki, but as the story progresses, Prince Zen asks him to be Shirayuki’s personal guard, protecting her at all times. Shirayuki’s charm caught his interest when he saved her at Fort Laxdo. Shirayuki, on the other hand, was completely unaware of this.

How unfortunate that an enemy-turned-savior has kept his feelings hidden from the girl he most desires.

 

3. Fukumenkei Noise (Anonymous Noise) (Momo, Kanade and Nino)

Title	Fukumenkei Noise ( Anonymous Noise)
Genre	Romance
Type	Series
Studio	Brain’s Base
Premiered	2017
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	24 minutes

Another anime about school life that will undoubtedly remind you of how wonderful school life is.

Nino Arisugawa (also known as Alice) meets her two childhood friends at the start of this anime. Momo Sakaki was Nino’s childhood neighbor friend. But their friendship comes to an end when Momo leaves due to financial difficulties.

Kanade Yuzuriha was the second. Is extremely sensitive to the height of his cut. Rather than that, he had fallen from Nino at the very start when they met at the beach. He always wrote notes to the sand oh his passion for music.

However, due to his illness, he is unable to sing.

This trio will meet again and continue their friendship.

 

2. Takt op. Destiny (Takt and Destiny)

Title	Takt op.Destiny
Genre	Action, Fantasy
Type	Series
Studio	MAPPA MADHOUSE
Premiered	2021
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

This anime is a must-see for music fans everywhere! How music can save the world and bring people together.

Takt Asahina, along with the other characters in this series, will save the world from D2 monsters. They are the musicart that had resistance to D2’s powers.

Takt takes the lead on their journey to New York in order to stabilize Destiny’s condition.

How will they use music to save the world from D2, and will Takt end up with Destiny? Will they be able to save the world from D2?

 

1. The World’s Finest Assassin Get’s Reincarnated As An Aristocrat (Lugh and Dia)

Title	The World’s Finest Assassin Get’s Reincarnated As An Aristocrat
Genre	Action, Fantasy
Type	Series
Studio	Studio Palette, SILVER LINK
Premiered	2021
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Are you willing to live the same life you had before you were reincarnated? Lugh Tuatha De, a former assassin reincarnated by a god and given the task of assassinating a hero. He meets Dia Viekone on his journey and becomes his student.

Apart from Dia, Lugh was surrounded by many girls after being reincarnated and given a second chance. Lugh, on the other hand, enjoys his freedom as a noble rather than being in a serious relationship.

This anime strikes me as heartbreaking. Dia maintained his love for Lugh despite jealousy and loneliness. Martyrs and other forms of selfless love.

 

Conclusion:

We can see the variety of plots from different generations and years in this recommendation. From the oldest to the most recent. As an anime fan, this is one of my favorite subgenres. How do these bad boys unexpectedly fall in love with a commoner or an enemy? 

Other than that, check out some of the best High School Romance Anime out there!