For years, shōnen anime has dominated the streaming landscape, capturing massive audiences with flashy battles, epic quests, and endlessly expanding universes. While these shows can be thrilling, they often overshadow the quieter, more emotional depth offered by shojo anime. Targeted primarily at a younger female audience, shojo series explore the nuances of love, self-discovery, friendship, and personal growth. And thanks to an influx of incredible new releases and revitalized classics, there has never been a better time to dive into shojo.

There are countless shojo anime series that are not only beautiful and emotionally resonant, they are also easily accessible on major streaming platforms. Whether fans are new to the genre or a longtime anime lover, each of these series offers a refreshing alternative to the typical action-packed fare. These series do not just entertain; they provide comfort, reflection, and often a sense of catharsis that action-heavy anime rarely deliver. From heartfelt confessions to quietly transformative moments, shojo proves that the most powerful stories do not always come with power levels.

10 Peach Girl: Super Pop Love Hurricane

Anime Series by Studio Comet; Based on the Manga by Miwa Ueda

Peach Girl is a quintessential early-2000s shojo drama that leans into all the messy emotional entanglements and social misunderstandings of high school life. The story follows Momo Adachi, a tan-skinned, bleach-blonde girl constantly misjudged by her peers. Momo battles not only prejudice but the manipulations of her so-called best friend Sae, who seems determined to sabotage Momo’s chances at love and happiness.

What makes Peach Girl so long-lasting is its unapologetic melodrama, layered characters, and the way it does not shy away from darker emotional themes. It is a rollercoaster of betrayal, heartbreak, and resilience, all wrapped in bold colors and early-aughts fashion. Peach Girl offers a nostalgic yet still relevant look at how difficult it can be for young women to navigate identity, reputation, and relationships.

9 My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999

Anime Series by Madhouse; Based on the Manga by Mashiro

A delightful modern rom-com, My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 stands out with its gaming-centric setting and refreshingly grounded characters. After getting dumped, college student Akane finds an unexpected connection with Yamada, a stoic, socially awkward pro gamer. What begins as an online acquaintance turns into a slow-burning romance that delicately explores healing and vulnerability.

The anime excels at balancing laugh-out-loud moments with tender emotional beats. My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 redefines what shojo romance can look like in the digital age, weaving in themes of online identity, loneliness, and emotional intimacy. With vibrant animation and relatable character arcs, this series is a standout among recent shojo releases.

8 Snow White with the Red Hair

Anime Series by Bones; Based on the Manga by Sorata Akiduki

Snow White with the Red Hair is a lush fairy-tale-inspired romance that subverts typical damsel-in-distress tropes. Shirayuki, a herbalist with striking red hair, escapes an unwanted royal engagement and carves out her own future, eventually forging a slow-burning romance with Prince Zen. The series chooses to focus on mutual respect and personal growth over melodramatic romance.

Snow White with the Red Hair is a calming yet empowering watch, making it perfect for fans who want romance that feels mature and aspirational.

What sets this anime apart is its emphasis on agency. Shirayuki is not waiting to be rescued, she is creating her own path. The relationship between Shirayuki and Zen evolves naturally, rooted in trust and shared experiences. Snow White with the Red Hair is a calming yet empowering watch, making it perfect for fans who want romance that feels mature and aspirational.

7 Fruits Basket

Anime Series by TMS Entertainment; Based on the Manga by Natsuki Takaya

Few shojo series have achieved the cultural impact of Fruits Basket. The story centers on Tohru Honda, an orphaned girl who ends up living with of the mysterious Soma family, who aer each cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. As Tohru becomes entangled in their lives, she begins to heal not only their emotional wounds but her own.

The recent reboot of Fruits Basket is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. It dives into themes of trauma, acceptance, and unconditional love with stunning depth. More than just a romance, it is a deeply human story about finding one's place in the world. Beautifully animated and powerfully acted, it is a must-watch that transcends genre.

6 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!

Anime Series by Studio Kai and HORNETS; Based on the Light Novel by Touko Amekawa

In 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy, the tired isekai reincarnation trope gets a refreshing twist. Protagonist Rishe has died six times and now lives her seventh life determined to make her own choices. Instead of avoiding the villainess role, she embraces it, while also striking up a deeply enjoyable and hilarious relationship with a former enemy prince.

What makes this series stand out is its clever genre subversion and strong, capable heroine. Rishe’s past lives give her the knowledge to shape her destiny, and the enemies-to-lovers romantic subplot adds depth without overshadowing her personal journey. Smart, strategic, and heartfelt, this series shows how shojo can reinvent even the most overused anime tropes.

5 Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You

Anime Series by Production I.G; Based on the Manga by Karuho Shiina

Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You is the epitome of wholesome shojo storytelling. Sawako Kuronuma, often mistaken for a horror movie character due to her appearance, struggles to connect with her classmates. Enter Kazehaya, a kind and popular boy who helps Sawako come out of her shell. Their relationship unfolds gently, filled with awkward moments, mutual , and genuine emotion.

The beauty of Kimi ni Todoke lies in its simplicity and sincerity. It is a slow-burn romance that takes the time to develop its characters and their relationships. Each episode feels like a quiet revelation, reminding viewers of the tenderness and courage it takes to reach out to others. It is a timeless shojo gem that every anime and romance fan needs to watch.

4 Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion

Anime Series by Typhoon Graphics; Based on the Web Novel by Milcha

Transported into the world of a romance novel, Raeliana is determined not to follow the script, especially since her character is destined to die. She strikes a deal with the aloof Duke Noah to pose as his fiancée, setting the stage for a delightful mix of intrigue, manipulation, and slow-burning romance.

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion is a prime example of how shojo can blend fantasy and romance with irresistible charm.

This series does an amazing job with its character dynamics and storytelling twists. Raeliana is clever and proactive, while Noah’s cold exterior slowly reveals deeper layers. The show plays with genre expectations in fun ways, offering suspense and humor alongside its romantic developments. Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion is a prime example of how shojo can blend fantasy and romance with irresistible charm.

3 Yona of the Dawn

Anime Series by Pierrot; Based on the Manga by Mizuho Kusanagi

Yona of the Dawn blends shojo romance with political intrigue and epic fantasy, following Princess Yona as she flees her kingdom after a coup. Forced to grow from a sheltered royal into a fierce warrior, Yona’s journey is one of self-discovery, loyalty, and courage. Along the way, she builds a loyal team and uncovers ancient secrets.

What makes Yona of the Dawn such an enjoyable shojo is its balance of action, romance, and drama. While it includes classic shojo themes like unrequited love and emotional growth, it also offers high-stakes drama and richly developed world-building. Yona’s transformation into a strong, capable leader is inspiring and thoroughly satisfying to watch.

2 A Condition Called Love

Anime Series by East Fish Studio; Based on the Manga by Megumi Morino

In A Condition Called Love, teenage protagonist Hotaru is uninterested in romance until she witnesses her classmate Hananoi being dumped in public and impulsively offers to comfort him. What follows is a thoughtful exploration of emotional vulnerability, boundaries, and what it really means to be in a relationship.

A Condition Called Love approaches young love with a maturity that is rare in high school romances. Rather than idealizing relationships, it interrogates them, showing how two people navigate misunderstandings, emotional baggage, and personal growth. With its soft art style and emotionally rich storytelling, A Condition Called Love offers a refreshingly honest look at adolescent feelings.

1 A Sign of Affection

Anime Series by Ajia-do Animation Works; Based on the Manga by suu Morishita

A Sign of Affection tells the story of Yuki, a college student who is deaf, and Itsuomi, a worldly classmate who becomes intrigued by her unique perspective. Their connection grows through shared experiences and the gradual development of mutual understanding, with sign language playing a key role in their communication.

This series is both visually and emotionally beautiful, using soft palettes and expressive animation to mirror its characters’ inner lives. It emphasizes empathy and communication in ways that go beyond traditional romantic tropes. A Sign of Affection is not just a love story, it is a story about being seen, heard, and understood, making it one of the most poignant shojo series available today.