Top 5 Romantic Anime movies that reminds of TRUE LOVE

Over the years anime movies have caught the attention of cinema goers worldwide unlike anything. Indeed they’ve been around since 1917’s but the recent attraction of this genre is phenomenal. According to Globe newswire report anime industry is projected to reach $69.8 Billion by the year 2030. Now that’s business that I’d want to invest in if I was a business tycoon.

Anime has genre like action & adventure, romance, drama, sci-fi fantasy, which makes is really exciting and engaging. However, today I’m talking about the greatest romantic anime movies of all time. So without much ado here is the list of Top 5 Best Romance Anime movies.

5 – WHISPER OF THE HEART (1995)
Director – Yoshifumi Kondo
Screenplay – Hayao Miyazaki, Cindy Davis Hewitt, Donald H. Hewitt

Whisper of the heart is based on 1989 manga of the same name by Aoi Hiiragi and published by Shueisha. The movie is directed by Yoshifumi Kondō and the screenplay is written by Hayao Miyazaki. This is story about a young teenage girl named Shizuku Tsukishima and a guy named Seiji. Shizuku lives in Tokyo with her parents Asako and Seiya and older sister Shino. One fine day she discovers that all of her library books are read by a guy named Seiji Amasawa and this leads her on a journey of a lifetime.

The movie does a splendid job of addressing topics like finding your passion in life and the importance of education. When Seiji tells Shizuku that he wants to be a violinist and travel Italy to learn music Shizuku realizes how uncertain she is about her future and goals. But hey isn’t everyone kind off lost when they are in their teens? This is one the my favorite romantic anime that I keep watching again and again.

BEST SCENES

1 – Seiji and Shizuku ride to watch the Sunrise

It’s a chilly morning and Shizuku is looking out of her window, to her surprise she sees Seiji below on a bicycle. Seiji asks her out as he wants to show Shizuku a view of sunrise up the hill. As he rides her up the hill he gets exhausted but he doesn’t give up. At this point Shizuku gets off the cycle and helps him by pushing it up the hill. This is also the point when she says “I’m no man’s burden! I want to be of use!” Isn’t that heartwarming and so wholesome. Later in this scene Seiji confesses his love to Shizuku and asks her to marry him.

2- Seiji’s Violin performance

In one of the pivotal scenes, Seiji, the aspiring violinist and love interest of the protagonist Shizuku, performs a mesmerizing violin piece. The scene not only showcases Seiji’s musical talent but also serves as a turning point in Shizuku’s journey of self-discovery and inspiration for her own creative endeavors. From here on she starts devoting time to her goal of becoming a writer. Yes she faces a lot of criticism and self doubt, but that’s the beauty of this story as it portrays the struggle of achieving your goals.

3 – The Cat’s Baron and the Antique Shop:

Shizuku discovers a beautifully crafted antique cat figurine called “The Baron” in an antique shop. This leads her to uncover the story of the figurine and its connection to a mysterious cat statuette named “The Baron.” This enchanting scene introduces elements of magic and imagination, adding a whimsical touch to the narrative and deepening Shizuku’s connection to her own aspirations. In fact you’ll find a similar style of narrative in most of Hayao Miyazaki movies.

4 – 5 CENTIMETER PER SECOND (2007)
Director – Makoto Shinkai
Screenplay – Makoto Shinkai

Written and directed by Makoto Shinkai, this is a story about Takaki and Akari who are classmates in elementary school. During their time together they become close friends. However, their relationship is tested when Akari moves to another city because of her parents jobs. As time and distance slowly pulls them apart both of them struggle to keep their friendship alive. When Takaki finds out that he is moving further away, he decides to visit Akari one last time. The movie focuses on the hardships lovers face in a long distance relationship.

Every moment and scene in this movie moved me emotionally and made me think about the first time when I fell in love. The animation is top notch and characters are well written. If you want to fall into nostalgia and experience the felling of first love, this romantic anime should be on your watch list.

BEST SCENES

1 – Cherry Blossom Scene

The film opens with a stunning sequence of cherry blossoms falling from the trees as the main characters, Takaki and Akari, walk to school. The delicate and fleeting nature of the cherry blossoms becomes a recurring motif throughout the film, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and relationships. This scene sets the emotional tone for the rest of the movie. Watching this scene made me happy and sad at the same time.

2 – Train station scene

This is one of the most emotional scene for me in the movie. Takaki and Akari are at station and he is about to leave. But due to heavy snowfall the train doesn’t arrive. While waiting for the train they chat and eat food which is cooked by Akari. Deep down they both know the distance is about to grow between them and they can’t do anything about it. Well, thanks to the weather due to which the train got cancelled they get to spend some more time together.

The next morning as Takaki boards the train he has a deep feeling of protecting Akari and not to leave her side. But life isn’t bed of roses, they grow apart and everything becomes a memory. I’m telling you this movie will emotionally shake you and it’ll forever be in your heart like an old wound.

3 – Kanae confesses her love to Takaki

Kanae is Takaki’s classmate and she has a big crush on him but she doesn’t say anything to him about her feelings. And as Takaki is madly in love with Akari, he never thinks about the affection or interest shown by Kanae. Finally one day Kanae gathers the courage to confess her love but Takaki is still lingering on Akari and can’t seem to move on. Kanae realizes this and she decides to remain silent. Even though she is heartbroken, she still thinks about Takaki and tries to get in touch with him further in the story.

Personally I thought Kanae deeply cared about Takaki more than Akari. I mean Kanae goes to extreme lengths to be in touch with Takaki.

3 – A SILENT VOICE (2016)
Director – Naoko Yamada
Screenplay – Yoshitoki Oima

Directed by Naoko Yamada and written by Yoshitoki Oima. This story revolves around Shoko Nishimiya, a grade school student who is hearing impaired. She is transferred into a new school, where she is bullied by her classmates, especially Shoya Ishida. Shoya constantly bullies her even though she tries to befriend him. Shoya thinks of her as some kind of an “alien”. He not only just abuses her but physically harms her and due to this Shoko leaves the school. Cut to Shoya who is now ostracized by his classmates and bullied himself. Years later he realizes his mistake and sets himself on path of redemption.

This movie does a phenomenal job of addressing issues like bullying, social anxiety, depression and suicide. The first time when I saw this anime I was completely blown away with the narration and the message it gives. I think everyone should watch this movie once in their lifetime. Now, I understand that it is not an ideal romantic anime movie that you expect. But, I think the main reason why Shoya and Shoko are able to pull themselves out of their depression is because of love.

BEST SCENES

1 – The X’s on Faces

As an adult Shoya the lead character faces difficulty in connecting with others as he thinks he is not worthy of any communication and love from others. When he starts to realize the effect of bullying and the pain he has caused to Shoko and others, he starts punishing himself. Everyone he meets is represented with an “X” mark on their face, and this visual metaphor is a recurring motif in story. Also it highlights the impact of bullying and barriers to communication. In the end of the story when Shoya redeems himself he starts seeing people without the “X” mark.

2 – Shoya saves Shoko Nishimiya

This is a moment when things come full circle for Shoya. Shoko is standing on the balcony and she is about to jump, Shoya realizes that she is about to take her life and he rushes to save her. With little time left he somehow manages to reach and grab her hand while she is hanging over the other side of the balcony. All the memories flash in front of his eyes as he is holding her hand and trying to pull her up. This is a poignant scene in the story as it truly defines the journey of these characters.

3 – Yuzuru supporting Shoko

Yuzuru is Shoko’s younger sister and she is a strong character in movie. As Shoko is emotionally broken due to the troubled events in her life, she feels like she is a burden on her family and people around. This thought never leaves her mind and therefore she gets suicidal thoughts. However, Yuzuru keeps reminding her that death is not the option and “even if it hurts, living is good”. In fact she also says that “I thought if she saw what death looked like, she’d stop saying she wanted to kill herself. I didn’t know what else to do.”

2 – I WANT TO EAT YOUR PANCREAS (2018)
Director – Shinichiro Ushijima
Story by – Yoru Sumino

Based on Yoru Sumino’s award-winning novel this movie is directed by Shinichiro Ushijima. It’s a story about a lonely high school student Haruki and her classmate Sakura. One fine day at the hospital Haruki discovers that Sakura is suffering from a fatal pancreatic illness. This secret brings them together and the story revolves around Sakura living her final days. Usually I don’t cry that easily but after watching this anime I cried like a baby.

Really this movie has a weirdest title of all the anime that I’ve seen. Yes there have been multiple romantic stories written around terminal illness but this one stands out because of the chemistry between the lead characters. The development of their relationship is subtle and not cliched. The writing is bang on and the dialogues resonate with you even after the movie is ended. What I liked about this anime is that it addresses issues like accepting mortality, self-discovery and the importance of human connection.

BEST SCENES

1- Sakura and Haruki playing Truth and Dare

During their school holidays Sakura and Haruki start going out and explore places. On day when they are at a hotel they decide to play Truth and dare. This is the moment when Sakura asks if he likes her or not. No points for guessing, off course he does. Seriously, girls are masters in these sort of things. Further on while playing the game Haruki gets to know a bit more about Sakura and the fact that she is somewhat afraid of dying, I mean who wouldn’t right? But, she has accepted her fate and she has no regrets.

2 – Beach Scene

I think romantic stories are incomplete without a beach scene, isn’t it ? Haruki asks Sakura why she doesn’t reveal her illness to her best friend and she says she doesn’t want pity. In fact her parents behavior changed when they got to know about her illness and this deprived Sakura of a normal life. She says “I can’t wait for summers to come. I definitely have to make the best of this year. It could be my last”

3 – Untimely death

This scene was really a shocker for me. Watching the movie yes I was prepared that Sakura will die but her untimely death came as a complete shock. I don’t want to give away spoilers but you’ll get it what I’m trying to say. This scene is also kind of reminder that sometimes we take life and people around us for granted. I love the dialogue in this movie which is “The most important thing is how you life your life. Not how long you live” which is absolutely true.

1 – THE WIND RISES (2013)
Director – Hayao Miyazaki
Written -Hayao Miyazaki

A classic tale of love and loss by Hayao Miyazaki. This is a story about Jiro Horikoshi who is highly passionate about airplanes. He is an aeronautical engineer and he is on a mission to make the best fighter plane for Japanese army so that they can win world war 2 against their enemies.

Now it may come across that how can a story with this backdrop have romance in it? Well with some wild imagination and great screenplay there is a beautiful love story blended in this anime. In a simple yet a moving tale The Wind Rises explores issues of war, the great depression, human emotions, passion and love. This truly is a masterpiece and one of the best visual anime movie that I’ve seen.

BEST SCENES

1 – Jiro’s passion for airplanes

Jiro dreams of designing airplanes, inspired by famous Italian aeronautical engineer Caproni. As he is nearsighted from young age he cannot become a pilot. He studies hard and becomes the most innovative airplane designer. His dedication is tested time and again but he fights all odds and makes one of the best airplane. Remember guys this movie is based on a true life events, off course some moments are written for the effect but the core story about Jiro and his hard struggle to make airplane is beautifully captured in movie.

2- The Earthquake scene

The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 is a pivotal event in the film, and it significantly influences Jiro’s life. The depiction of the earthquake is intense and evocative, showcasing the destructive power of natural forces. The aftermath of the earthquake brings Jiro and Naoko, the female lead, together in a powerful and emotionally charged sequence that shapes the course of their lives.

3 – The Dream Sequence

Jiro’s dreams are a recurring theme in the film, often taking the form of conversations with Italian aircraft designer Giovanni Caproni. The dream sequences are visually stunning and provide insight into Jiro’s creative process, his aspirations, and his internal conflicts. These scenes beautifully capture the blend of imagination and reality that defines Jiro’s character.

BONUS MOVIE

ANOHANA: THE FLOWER WE SAW THAT DAY -THE MOVIE (2013)
Director – Tatsuyuki Nagai
Screenplay – Mari Okada and Chouheiwa Buster

Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai this movie is written by Mari Okada and Chouheiwa Buster. The film is about five teenagers, haunted by the spirit of their dead childhood best friend, Menma. The ghost of Menma is trying to get into heaven but for that her wish needs to be granted. Easy right? NO. The problem is that Menma doesn’t remember her wish and that’s when her friends come into picture. They try to figure out her wish so that she can get into heaven. Seriously, this is the best story plot for an anime that I’ve come across. Plus the title of the story is way to cool.

The movie explores themes of friendship, love, loss and coming to terms with past.

BEST SCENES

1 – The opening scene

When Jinta Yadomi, the protagonist, starts seeing the ghostly apparition of his childhood friend Menma. He is initially shocked and frustrated but then he comes to terms with it. This scene sets the tone for the movie, introducing the supernatural element and the emotional weight of unresolved issues from the characters’ pasts. Menma tells Jinta she is unable to recall her wish and for that she needs her friends help.

2- The Fireworks Scene

The group decides to fulfill Menma’s wish by launching fireworks, a plan they had made as children. They work part times jobs to raise money and in this process Jinta risks his health. He takes up two jobs to get this done faster. Yes he likes Menma and in fact he loves her. The firework launch scene is poignant as the group comes together, facing their own inner struggles and expressing their feelings toward each other. The cathartic moment captures the essence of the movie and the impact Menma has had on each of their lives.

3 – Menma’s Goodbye

When Jinta tells his friends about Menma’s wish to talk to everyone they ask Jinta to get her to the base (their secret hide out). But as fate would have it, by the time JInta gets Menma to the place she stars fading and not even Jinta can see her now. Distressed with what has happened Menma finds some last supernatural powers that she has left and manages to leave a private message for all her friends. After reading the message their eyes are filled with tears and they get to see Menma for the last time.

CONCLUSION

Every year thousands of anime movies and series are released which entertain audiences worldwide. Tell us which romantic anime you loved the most? and why?