Timeless Crushes: The 10 Most Enduring Anime Love Interests

Anime has gifted fans with countless unforgettable love stories, but some romances stand the test of time, capturing hearts across generations. In our list of the 10 most enduring anime love interests, we explore the iconic couples whose connections continue to resonate, inspiring fans with their passion, complexity, and unforgettable charm. Now, let’s get started!

1. Hak: The Noble Protector in Yona of the Dawn

Son Hak, the heir of the Wind Tribe, is tasked with guarding Princess Yona of Kouka Kingdom. When a bloody coup orchestrated by Yona’s cousin threatens her life, Hak bravely steps in, becoming her steadfast shield against ruin. He then whisks her away, marking the true beginning of Yona’s journey to reclaim her throne. While Yona’s character arc is the backbone of Yona of the Dawn, fans adore Hak’s role as the irreverent balance to her naiveté. Even a decade after its release, Hak remains the gold standard for historical fantasy warrior romance.

2. Alucard: Castlevania’s Eternal Romantic Figure

The beloved video game franchise Castlevania made a successful jump to anime in 2017, and with it, Alucard continued his reign as a fan favorite. Burdened by his immortality, he’s a poignant figure, forming deep bonds with humans only to watch them succumb to war, sickness, and time. His bishonen beauty and gothic sensibilities give him an undeniably romantic presence. Fans eagerly speculated about his chemistry with Sypha Belnades in Castlevania Season 1, and subsequent seasons only deepened the romantic threads for Alucard, solidifying his appeal.

3. Kiyoka Kudo: The Perfect Kuudere in My Happy Marriage

Kiyoka Kudo starts as a traditionally cold and distant love interest in My Happy Marriage. The audience’s sympathy is already with Miyo Saimori when she’s introduced to him as her prospective fiancé. However, it doesn’t take long for Kudo to recognize their shared values, and he gradually falls for her. New-generation anime often features kuudere love interests, and Kiyoka Kudo stands out. He perfectly embodies the archetype: cold and austere on the surface, but harboring profound emotions, especially for his love interest. What truly makes Kudo beloved is his diligent effort to understand and express himself once he falls for Miyo, resulting in writing that’s both romantic and poignant.

4. Fukuo: Kiki’s Delivery Service’s Subtle, Enduring Favorite

Fukuo is the quiet, incredibly thoughtful, and gentle baker in Kiki’s Delivery Service. He happily bakes alongside his wife, serving their community, raising their family, and looking out for their young witch friend, Kiki. While not a central romantic hero from Studio Ghibli, Fukuo remains a benchmark of positive masculinity. He’s often celebrated as a perfect, fan-favorite himbo: strong, quiet, humble, and content with life’s simple pleasures. Above all, his deeply nurturing nature truly sets him apart, making him the perfect husband for Osono, the cheerful and strong-minded baker.

5. Howl Pendragon: Studio Ghibli’s Most Charming Romantic Lead

If anyone knows how to charm a lady in Howl’s Moving Castle, it’s Howl Pendragon. From their first meeting, he pulls out all the stops, dazzling Sophie Hatter with a magical promenade across the sky and leaving her with a flirtatious remark. Just as he captivates Sophie, he captures the hearts of audiences. Howl Pendragon remains the reigning favorite romantic lead of all Studio Ghibli films. His appeal extends beyond his dashing looks and courtesy; he’s a well-written character with humorous flaws and a convincing, sympathetic arc.

You may also like:

• 9 Best Anime Characters Who Deserved the Spotlight
• 5 Best Anime Movies To Watch If You Love Studio Ghibli
• 10 Best Anime Series Adapted from American Franchises

6. Loid Forger: Polite, Capable, and Courteous in Spy x Family

Loid Forger and Yor Briar’s marriage in Spy x Family initially begins as a matter of convenience. Each has their secrets: Loid maintains his spy cover, and Yor keeps her assassin identity hidden. Loid convinces himself he must keep an emotional distance, prioritizing his spy work above all. Yet, his actions constantly undermine this assertion. He and Yor share far too many telling blushes for their relationship to be solely transactional. Loid is universally adored for his exceptional politeness, self-control, and firm moral compass. Crucially, he’s not cold; it’s clear he’s battling some rather strong feelings for his wife.

7. Tomoe: Elevating the Tsundere Yokai in Kamisama Kiss

Tomoe undergoes a dramatic character arc in Kamisama Kiss, with the series delving into his past before he served the Land God of Mikage Shrine. When he first meets the human Nanami, his new Land God, Tomoe initially scoffs at her. He holds a special place in fans’ hearts not just for his ethereal good looks and fox yokai powers, but also for his hilarious personality and fierce protectiveness. Once he falls for Nanami, he falls hard, letting nothing stand between him and his lady Land God.

8. Nanami Kento: The Perfect Man in the Worst World in Jujutsu Kaisen

Nanami Kento is introduced as a stoic, by-the-book salaryman-archetype sorcerer in Jujutsu Kaisen’s first season, watching the clock and offering stern advice to Yuji Itadori. A deeper look reveals just how caring and conscientious he truly is. While Jujutsu Kaisen boasts an excellent cast, some fans observe that many characters seem perfectly suited for romance, yet are tragically placed in a dark fantasy anime. While Nanami has no confirmed canon love interest, a fleeting moment of chemistry with a lady in a bakery hints at what could be. Nanami remains a tragic, yet nearly universally adored, dark shonen “husbando.”

9. Satoru Gojo: Jujutsu Kaisen’s Enduring Icon

Satoru Gojo has rapidly become one of anime’s most beloved characters, recognizable even beyond the Jujutsu Kaisen fandom. His popularity is so immense that look-alike contests are held for him in city streets. This isn’t just a fleeting trend; Gojo’s appeal stems from several key factors. He’s a nuanced, well-written character. Despite the occasional inconsistencies in Jujutsu Kaisen’s power system, Gojo’s motivations are believable and complex. Characters whose immense powers come at a great personal cost are always compelling. Gojo also possesses delightful contradictions: he’s remarkably sanguine and laissez-faire, yet cares deeply for the sorcerer students. Another significant factor in his popularity is his deeply heartwrenching romantic chemistry with his former best friend, Geto.

10. Jinshi: Loving Maomao for Her Cleverness in The Apothecary Diaries

The Apothecary Diaries has been a standout anime since 2023, growing in popularity with each new season. The series’ love interest, Jinshi, is a complex character. Author Natsu Hyuga initially didn’t intend for him to be a love interest, but fans’ adoration led her to develop him further, making him Maomao’s romantic counterpart. Jinshi is renowned for his elegant beauty, often compared to that of legendary courtesans. While he often uses his looks as a tool, he’s not vain; instead, he’s utterly consumed by Maomao. Shojo and josei audiences consistently adore a romantic lead who is head-over-heels for a clever woman.