Oh, sweet romance anime. How can we make it even better? Just add a touch of history to the mix! Whether it’s the historical attire, customs, tools, or the setting, we can’t help but love it. Perhaps we just like to be transported to a different time and place with everything that comes with that?
This is why I set off on a journey to find some of the best historical romance anime, and I also focused on the ones that are less popular to keep it fresh.
10. InuYasha
- Episodes: 167
- Studio: VIZ Media
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Historical
Probably the most recognized historical romance anime, InuYasha follows Kagome Higurashi, a modern-day teenage girl, who gets accidentally transported through a well on her family’s shrine grounds. She finds herself in feudal Japan and frees a half-demon named Inuyasha who was pinned to a sacred tree by a magical arrow.
Inuyasha seeks to become a full demon by collecting shards of the powerful Shikon Jewel. Kagome, however, is the reincarnation of a priestess who placed the arrow on Inuyasha and is destined to help him gather the shards.
However, beware: Inuyasha is heavily centered around a love triangle. While the series hints at Inuyasha choosing Kagome, the resolution is subtle and leaves some viewers unsatisfied.
9. The Rose of Versailles
- Episodes: 40
- Studio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Historical, Military
The Rose of Versailles follows the story of Oscar, a woman raised as a man to serve as the commander of the royal guards at Versailles during the French Revolution. To this day, this classic historical romance is among the best-rated on MAL with a rating of 8.34.
So what makes The Rose of Versailles so good?
Fans have been vocal about the fact that the show strikes a perfect balance between drama and intrigue. It’s almost as if one is living the events at the start of the French Revolution. Plus, it’s definitely a must-watch for classic shojo fans.
8. Romeo x Juliet
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Gonzo
- Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Historical
A tale almost as old as humanity itself, people have been drawn to root for the star-crossed lovers who come from families of sworn enemies.
In this anime, the story takes place on a giant island floating in the sky, where the capital of Neo Verona is sharply divided between nobles and commoners.
Juliet Capulet is the sole survivor of an attack by the Montague family, who now control the kingdom. Disguised as the Red Whirlwind, she fights for the rights of the commoners.
During her adventures, she meets Romeo Montague, a kind-hearted noble, and they fall in love at first sight, unaware of each other’s backgrounds. But can their love withstand the challenges ahead?
7. Meng Qi Shi Shen
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Wawayu Animation
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Gourmet, Romance, Historical
Food and cooking are something we deal with daily, but anime centered around cooking are rather rare. Meng Qi Shi Shen fully understood this and filled this gap with a protagonist whose culinary prowess results in incredible yummy meals.
Of course, this is no coincidence. Our protagonist, Ye Jiayao, has been dreaming of opening the best restaurant in Huai Song for quite some time. However, her dreams take an unexpected turn when she finds herself transported back in time to medieval China, inhabiting the body of Ye Jinxuan.
6. Saiunkoku Monogatari
- Episodes: 39
- Studio: Madhouse
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Historical
Those who love intelligent, resourceful, and determined protagonists will fall in love with Saiunkoku Monogatari. After all, our protagonist is determined to succeed in a world dominated by men.
Despite being born into a noble family, Shuurei Kou struggles to support her family due to her father’s low income. One day, she receives an offer to become a concubine for a lazy emperor, tasked with teaching him how to become a great ruler. Shuurei accepts immediately, assuming her virtue will be safe because the emperor prefers males. However, as she spends more time in the palace, her dream of becoming a court official reignites.
5. Fushigi Yuugi
- Episodes: 52
- Studio: Pierrot
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Historical
Fushigi Yuugi is a historical romance that heavily focuses on friendship. Despite being almost three decades old, it can still rival other romance anime in the genre and has certainly served as inspiration for many.
The anime focuses on Miaka Yuki, an ordinary middle schooler, who stumbles upon a mysterious book called The Universe of the Four Gods in the school library. As she reads the book, she finds herself transported to the novel’s universe in ancient China, accompanied by her friend Yui.
4. Akatsuki no Yona
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Pierrot
- Genres: Drama, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Historical
Who doesn’t love good character development? Princess Yona’s journey from a sheltered princess to a strong and determined leader is nothing short of inspiring and will appease even the most demanding viewers.
However, what preceded this event was the betrayal of her beloved cousin and the sudden murder of her father. Forced to flee the kingdom with her childhood friend, if Yona wants to reclaim her kingdom, she must learn how to fight and outsmart the forces of the new King of Kouka.
3. Sheng Shi Zhuang Niang
- Episodes: 20
- Studio: Imagineer
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Historical, Video Games
After suffering a car accident and falling into a vegetative state in real life, the consciousness of a beauty blogger becomes trapped in a VR game where she must complete makeup-related tasks.
Now that’s a premise I haven’t seen yet. Clearly targeting a female audience, Sheng Shi Zhuang Niang is a typical reverse harem show that makes you feel invested in both the main and supporting characters. It features a quick-witted, charming heroine with a love for makeup.
2. Xie Wang Zhui Qi
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: iQIYI
- Genres: Action, Romance, Comedy, Drama, Historical, Martial Arts
If you’re not a fan of the damsel in distress trope, Xie Wang Zhui Qi is the exact opposite. Its heroine, Su Luo, is skilled and can stand her ground, making her an unforgettable, incredibly strong female character.
Her story is anything but ordinary—she gets reincarnated at the right moment into medieval China. The once useless Su Luo of medieval China transforms into a powerful fighter with amazing magic, all while accompanied by the demonic king.
1. Tong Ling Fei
- Episodes: 16
- Studio: Tencent Animation & Comics
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Historical
I’m a simple woman; I see a bishounen, a cold male protagonist, and a strong-willed, independent heroine, and I instantly like it. Even better if it’s a historical romance anime. Perhaps you’re the same?
Of course, there is more to this charming historical romance anime than just that one element, but it certainly makes it at least two times better.
The series follows Qian Yunxi, a beautiful girl who has always been considered weird because of her special powers. Upon turning 16, she took on her younger sister’s role to marry into Ye’s royal family. As if the forced marriage weren’t challenging enough, rumors depict Ye Youming as a cruel and cold individual. How will this situation unfold for Qian Yunxi?