10 Anime Relationships That Should Have Remained Platonic

Many anime narratives introduce romantic elements that often complicate or overshadow the established dynamics of a powerful friendship. The evolution from platonic partners to a romantic couple can sometimes feel unearned or detract from the characters’ individual journeys. These relationships began with a strong foundation of camaraderie and mutual respect that arguably peaked before any romantic feelings were introduced. These ten pairings would have been more memorable and effective if the central bond had remained a deep and complex friendship.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Eren and Mikasa’s bond was established from a brutal childhood trauma where Mikasa developed an intensely protective instinct toward Eren. This dynamic often leaned more toward familial devotion than a healthy romantic partnership. The constant overtones of romance created an awkward codependency that overshadowed their growth as individual soldiers. Wit Studio handled the series’ initial action but this emotional core was consistently presented as a one-sided devotion. The strength of their relationship truly lay in their shared trauma and dedication to a greater military cause.

‘Naruto’ (2002–2007)

Team 7’s dynamic centered on a classic trio of rivals and friends often complicating the narrative’s focus on the trio’s growth. Naruto’s enduring crush on Sakura was generally unrequited for most of the original series run. The decision to pair them romantically felt like a move to resolve a lingering plot thread rather than a natural emotional progression. Studio Pierrot’s vast adaptation struggled to make the final coupling feel earned after years of Sakura’s focus being elsewhere. Their greatest moments were always when they acted as professional deeply loyal teammates fighting side-by-side.

‘Sword Art Online’ (2012–YEAR)

Kirito and Asuna’s relationship quickly became a central pillar of the Aincrad arc moving them swiftly from partners to a fully established couple. This rushed progression sacrificed many opportunities for character exploration and development outside of their pairing. While the relationship provided a strong emotional anchor their individual arcs often suffered from a lack of independence after being paired so early. A-1 Pictures produced the smooth animation but the focus shifted almost entirely away from Kirito’s lone wolf persona too quickly. They functioned best as equal partners in a perilous game setting before the intensity of the romance took over.

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)

Misa’s intense admiration and devotion to Light Yagami was born out of gratitude for his actions as Kira. Their relationship was never one of true romance but rather a manipulative alliance built on Misa’s blind loyalty and Light’s cold pragmatism. The talented team at Madhouse animated this thriller but the pairing felt more like a master-servant dynamic than anything else. Misa was consistently used as a tool to further Light’s goals diluting the powerful psychological warfare of the main narrative. The sinister undertones meant any potential for healthy romance was entirely absent from the start.

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995–1996)

Shinji and Asuka shared a relationship defined by mutual antagonism and deep psychological barriers as fellow Evangelion pilots. Their interactions were a fascinating study in conflicting defense mechanisms and deeply seated insecurities. The dynamic was most powerful when exploring their inability to connect rather than any romantic potential. Gainax created a masterpiece of psychological deconstruction and their volatile arguments highlighted the series’ themes of alienation. Any attempt to force them into a conventional pairing fundamentally misunderstands the core of their character arcs.

‘Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion’ (2006–2008)

Lelouch and C.C.’s bond was rooted in a contract and a shared understanding of their extraordinary burdens and powers. C.C. was Lelouch’s accomplice and confidante a crucial partnership built on trust rather than emotional intimacy. The relationship worked best as an intellectual and strategic partnership driving the central conflict forward. Sunrise brought this complex political drama to life but any romantic suggestion felt secondary to their mutual goals. Their quiet moments of mutual acceptance made them one of the strongest non-romantic duos in modern anime.

‘My Hero Academia’ (2016–YEAR)

Ochaco’s initial crush on Deku introduced a sweet element to their interactions but their greatest strength lies in their unwavering mutual support. Their relationship thrives when they act as earnest heroes in training pushing each other to be better. Bones’ detailed animation shows their heroic growth as parallel paths of hard work and selflessness. Their friendship provides a wholesome anchor to the high-stakes action without needing the complexities of a teenage romance. The narrative is at its most engaging when focusing on their shared dream of becoming professional heroes.

‘Black Clover’ (2017–2021)

Noelle’s initial high-handed attitude slowly gave way to respect and affection for Asta’s relentless determination. This affection often manifests as typical anime tsundere behavior which created a running gag more than a serious emotional development. Studio Pierrot handled the rapid pacing but the core of their relationship remains focused on their roles in the Black Bulls squad. Their chemistry shines brightest when they are battling together as equals proving their worth as magical knights. The romantic subplot sometimes distracted from Noelle’s own impressive journey of self-acceptance and power.

‘Yu Yu Hakusho’ (1992–1995)

Keiko acted as Yusuke’s lifelong anchor providing a stable sense of morality and normalcy in his increasingly chaotic life. Their relationship was based on the easy familiarity of childhood friends and constant unwavering loyalty. The core narrative focuses on Yusuke’s journey from delinquent to Spirit Detective and his friendship with Keiko is his motivation for remaining human. Studio Pierrot’s adaptation of this classic series made their bond a quiet foundation for the action. While a romantic element was always present their connection was most effective as a grounding force rather than an emotional spectacle.

‘Inuyasha’ (2000–2010)

Inuyasha and Kagome’s pairing involved a constant back-and-forth tension often revolving around the protagonist’s past feelings for another character. While they eventually form a strong bond their continuous bickering often overshadowed moments of genuine romantic connection. Sunrise captured the feudal-era fantasy perfectly but the relationship’s constant drama sometimes felt repetitive. Their adventures were most compelling when they focused on recovering the shards of the Shikon Jewel and working as a unified team. A clear friendship and co-worker dynamic would have simplified the love triangle and strengthened the main quest.

Which anime relationship do you think should have stayed purely platonic share your thoughts in the comments.