17 Anime Like ‘Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You’ To Watch Next

Share:

Kimi ni todoke is a shōjo manga by Karuho Shiina. It was published between 2005 and 2017 in Shueisha’s Bessatsu Margaret magazine and was compiled into a total of 30 volumes. An anime adaptation of Kimi ni Todoke was made by Production I.G studio and aired in Japan between October 6, 2009, and March 30, 2010. A second season was announced and aired in Japan between January 4, 2011, and March 30. 2011.

To honor the legacy of Kimi ni Todoke, we have decided to compose a list of the best anime series like Kimi ni Todoke that every fan needs to see. The list is going to include a total of 17 different titles that resemble the Kimi ni Todoke anime in one way or another.

1. Maid Sama!

Maid Sama is an anime that takes place in Seika High School, initially an all-boys school that later opens its doors to girls. Misaki Ayuzawa, the protagonist, becomes the first female student representative despite the challenging environment. Behind her strong demeanor, she grapples with personal issues, including her family’s financial troubles. To support her family, Misaki takes a job in a maid café, a fact she keeps hidden from her classmates. The plot revolves around her interactions with Takumi Usui, a distant heartthrob who rejects confessions, leading to resentment. However, Takumi discovers Misaki’s secret and decides to keep it, eventually developing genuine feelings for her.

As their love story unfolds, overcoming setbacks, misunderstandings, and societal expectations, Usui Takumi confesses his love to Misaki Ayuzawa at a school festival.

RELATED:

15 Best Anime Like Maid Sama! You Need to Watch

2. Fruits Basket

In the romance anime Fruits Basket, Tohru Honda, a 16-year-old high school student, finds herself living in a tent after her mother’s death. Unknowingly, she sets up camp on the property of the Sôma family. Upon discovering her situation, Yuki and Shigure Soma invite her to stay with them in exchange for household chores.

Tohru accepts the offer and moves in with Yuki, Kyô, and Shigure. As she settles into their home, she quickly learns the family’s secret: 13 members are under a curse that transforms them into one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, plus the cat, under specific circumstances. The transformations last a few minutes, and during these moments, the individuals appear naked, adding a humorous and sometimes awkward dynamic, especially for Tohru, who often witnesses these transformations.

3. Snow White with the Red Hair

The protagonist is an herbalist in the Kingdom of Tanbarun, known for her distinctive red hair. When Prince Raji demands she become his concubine because of her hair, she cuts it off and escapes to the nearby Kingdom of Clarines.

During her journey, Shirayuki encounters Prince Zen and his two guards, Mitsuhide and Kiki, who aid her in evading Raji. After saving Zen from poisoning, Shirayuki sets out on the path to becoming an herbalist in the royal palace of Clarines. Her life becomes entwined with court characters, particularly Zen, as she develops increasingly strong feelings for him.

4. Say I Love You (Sukitte Ii na yo)

The anime Say I Love You (Sukitte Ii na yo) centers around 16-year-old Mei Tachibana, who has never had a boyfriend and feels isolated. Her world changes when Yamato Kurosawa, a popular classmate, expresses interest in her. Mei falls in love with Yamato, and their friendship evolves into a genuine and meaningful relationship. As they navigate various challenges and share their first experiences together, they encounter opposition, particularly from Aiko Muto. Over time, Mei forms new friendships, and Aiko comes to accept their relationship. Say I Love You rightfully earns its place on our list of anime similar to Kimi ni Todoke.

5. Tsuki ga Kirei

The anime features Kotarō Azumi, a somewhat shy third-year middle school student, and Akane Mizuno, a sporty classmate, who become acquainted during preparations for the sports festival. As they exchange contact details, their friendship deepens through regular texting. Despite their differing interests—Kotarō’s involvement in a festival association and passion for writing contrasted with Akane’s dedication to running and athletic success—they eventually confess their love for each other. Akane and Kotaro’s evolving relationship is highlighted as one of the standout couples in anime.

6. Lovely Complex

The Lovely Complex anime revolves around the main characters, Risa Koizumi, a tall girl, and her short classmate, Atsushi Ōtani, both entering their first year of high school. Their noticeable height difference and frequent arguments earn them the nickname “All Hanshin Kyojin,” a famous Japanese comedy duo. Despite their contrasting statures, they share similar interests and develop a strong friendship, becoming a classic romance story akin to Kimi ni Todoke.

Surrounded by two couples among their classmates, Ryōji Suzuki, Chiharu Tanaka, Nobuko Ishihara, and Heikichi Nakao, Risa, and Ōtani decide it’s time for them to find love as well. Complications arise when Risa discovers that Ōtani had a previous girlfriend, Mayu Kanzaki. Additionally, Risa encounters her kindergarten friend Haruka Fukagawa, who now harbors feelings for her. The storyline takes a unique turn when a one-year-younger transsexual, Seishiro/Seiko Kotobuki, falls in love with Ōtani, only to face rejection when her true gender is revealed.

RELATED:

30 Best LGBTQ Anime That You Must Watch in 2023

7. CLANNAD

The CLANNAD anime narrates the story of Okazaki Tomoya, a reserved third-year high school student with a troubled past. After his mother’s death, Tomoya is left in the care of his father Naoyuki, who, devastated by the loss, turns to gambling and alcohol. Similar to Kimi ni Todoke, this anime features a withdrawn character.

Complications arise in their father-son relationship, leading Tomoya to distance himself from home, adopting a closed and indifferent persona filled with inner conflicts and a lack of motivation for self-improvement. Tomoya’s life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Furukawa Nagisa, a mysterious girl with unique qualities, during his journey to school. Their meeting sparks a friendship that sets the stage for new companions, challenges, and a mix of sad and happy moments. Together, they navigate through strange and unusual experiences that help them grasp the strength and fragility of life.

8. Hori-san to Miyamura-kun (Horimiya)

The next anime on our list, similar to Kimi ni Todoke, is about Kyōko Hori, a popular and cheerful high school girl. In contrast, her classmate Izumi Miyamura is a gloomy boy, perceived as an otaku wearing glasses. Outside of school, Hori lives a simple life, taking care of the house and her younger brother, Souta.

Their lives become intertwined when Souta is helped by a stranger with multiple piercings, revealed to be Miyamura. To Hori’s surprise, Miyamura is a different person at school. When Miyamura discovers Hori’s true appearance at home, she is initially upset, but they agree to keep their true selves a secret from their classmates.

9. Toradora!

Ryuuji Takasu, a Japanese student in the 12th grade, returns to school and lives alone with his mother. Despite his desire to be a typical high school student, his intimidating eyes give him an intimidating appearance. Rumors circulate about him being violent and ready to harm anyone, even though he is a sensitive young man.

Due to these misconceptions, Ryuuji struggles to make friends, and the absence of a romantic relationship weighs heavily on him. Fortunately, he shares a class with his best friend, Yūsaku Kitamura, and his crush, the lovely Minori Kushieda. The anime explores Ryuuji’s journey as he navigates friendships, romantic feelings, and the challenges that arise in high school life.

RELATED:

25 Best Anime Like Toradora! You Need to Watch in 2023

10. Ore Monogatari (My Love Story)

In the anime Ore Monogatari, Takeo Gōda and Makoto Sunakawa, childhood friends with significant physical and psychological differences, navigate the complexities of love. Takeo, behind his imposing physique, conceals great sensitivity and often falls in love unsuccessfully. His friend Makoto, despite being exceptionally beautiful, remains indifferent to the romantic pursuits he unknowingly sparks.

The story takes a turn when Takeo intervenes in the metro to protect Rinko Yamato, a young girl, from a pervert. Despite Takeo’s initial belief that Rinko is interested in Makoto, it becomes apparent that Rinko has fallen in love with Takeo. Ore Monogatari unfolds as a classic love story, brimming with heartwarming displays of affection.

11. The Wallflower (Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge)

In The Wallflower (Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge), four teenagers renting a villa face a unique challenge: transform Sunako, the owner’s niece, into a refined lady before her aunt returns. Sunako, reminiscent of the “girl from the ring” in Kimi ni Todoke, has a neglected appearance and a morbid fascination with skulls, skeletons, and horror films. Shunning beauty and social interactions after a love disappointment, she believes avoiding her own image will spare her from comparison with other girls.

Haunted by past words of love, Sunako is revolted by the beauty of others, claiming to be “dazzled” and experiencing nosebleeds when exposed to too much beauty. Despite her resistance, the four popular and attractive young men living with her are determined to transform Sunako into a true woman of the world. The Wallflower features a strong character challenging traditional beauty standards as she navigates the efforts of those around her to conform.

12. Komi Can’t Communicate

Komi Shouko, a beautiful and seemingly aloof student at Itan High Private School, is immensely popular among her peers. However, on the first day of class, she meets Tadano Hitohito, her neighbor, who uncovers a surprising truth. Despite her striking appearance, Komi suffers from a communication disorder that inhibits her ability to speak in front of others, making it challenging for her to form friendships.

To support her, Tadano pledges to help Komi achieve her goal of making a hundred friends, setting the stage for a heartwarming and comedic journey as they navigate the complexities of social interaction and personal connections.

13. ReLIFE

The anime follows Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old man who becomes unemployed after just three months of work, facing challenges in securing a full-time job. Forced to work part-time at a convenience store, Arata encounters Ryō Yoake, a mysterious man who proposes a deal. In exchange for participating in the “ReLIFE” project, Arata can secure a stable job by becoming a tester for one year. The experiment involves rejuvenating the tester by 10 years in appearance and sending them back to high school as a regular student.

Beyond the opportunity to relive his youth, the “ReLIFE” project presents a chance for Arata to bring order to his present and future life through this unique scientific experiment.

14. One Week Friends

The One Week Friends anime revolves around high school student Yūki Hase, who observes that his classmate Kaori Fujimiya always appears lonely and avoids connecting with others. Despite Kaori’s initial rejection, Yūki discovers that she is friendly and intelligent, prompting him to try to befriend her. However, Kaori reveals a unique challenge—she forgets all memories of her friends every weekend.

Determined to help Kaori, Yūki initiates weekly efforts to befriend her anew. He encourages her to keep a diary, allowing her to read about her experiences with him. Slowly, Yūki succeeds in making Kaori remember him to some extent. He enlists the help of his friend Shōgo Kiryū, initially hesitant about befriending Kaori, and together they embark on experiences that contribute to Kaori’s memory retention and the strengthening of their friendships.

15. Violet Evergarden

The story revolves around a young girl engaged in the trade of “automatic memory dolls.” These dolls, initially created by Professor Orland for his blind wife Mollie, are rented out to people who require their services. The term refers to individuals who function as public writers, tasked with transcribing the words and emotions of others.

Having endured four years of bitter warfare, the young girl, burdened by a heavy past, strives to rebuild her future by taking up this profession. However, despite her efforts, there is a particular wound from the war that proves challenging to heal. Violet Evergarden explores her journey of healing and self-discovery as she navigates the complexities of her past and endeavors to move forward.

RELATED:

Where to Watch Violet Evergarden?

16. We Were There (Bokura ga Ita)

Bokura Ga Ita follows Nanami Takahashi as she begins high school with hopes of making new friends and expanding her social circle. She encounters Yuri Yamamoto, a shy and withdrawn classmate who harbors resentment towards Yano Motoharu, a popular guy in their class. The source of Yuri’s dislike is Yano’s past relationship with Yuri’s older sister Nana, who is now deceased.

Initially sharing Yuri’s negative feelings toward Yano, Nanami is eventually compelled to spend time with him, leading to the discovery that Yano is more complex than his cold and disdainful exterior suggests. As Nanami and Yano grow closer, they embark on a romantic relationship. However, their journey is complicated by the shadow of Yano’s past with Nana, leaving scars that test Nanami’s resolve.

Navigating Yano’s insecurities and the lingering impact of his previous relationship, Nanami strives to maintain stability in her relationship while also addressing Yuri’s concerns. Bokura Ga Ita explores the challenges and complexities of love, trust, and the emotional aftermath of past relationships.

17. Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride)

In Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride), the protagonist, Futaba Yoshioka, goes to great lengths to avoid male attention due to rumors from her middle school days. She is determined not to repeat history and attempts to establish a new, more reserved identity.

However, Futaba’s resolve is challenged when her former flame, Kou Mabuchi (formerly Kou Tanaka), unexpectedly returns to her school as a popular boy. Despite her lingering feelings, Kou now behaves differently and appears somewhat withdrawn from her. Realizing that she needs to revert to her old style and habits to capture his attention, Futaba faces a dilemma.

The prospect of making yet another drastic change threatens her newfound “normalcy” and the solid friendships she has formed. Ao Haru Ride explores the complexities of identity, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating past relationships in the pursuit of genuine connection.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments