Love and romance has been an integral part of any entertainment media. Anime is not an exception. The most important aspects of any romance are the characters that form these romantic couples. A pair of characters with good chemistry, interactions and/or personality can add different dimensions to their relationship as well as the anime itself. In this article Senpai is going to talk about the anime couples that he finds most appealing; his top 15 favorite anime couples.
But before we start, it is imperative to tell you all that these are NOT absolute and are purely personal opinions. If your favorite couple is not here, it doesn’t mean they are bad. It just means that it didn’t appeal to Senpai as much. Feel free to let Senpai know who your favorite anime couples are in the comment section. So without further ado, let us begin.
15. Naruto & Hinata (Naruto Franchise)
Number 15 on this list is Naruto and Hinata from the Naruto Franchise, the power couple of the Shinobi world. Yes, Senpai is a NaruHina shipper. So with that out of the way, it is not his absolute favorite anime couple. That is because their relationship has a lot of room to grow. Throughout the 15 years of the Naruto franchise it has been a one sided love with Hinata secretly admiring Naruto from the shadows. It was only recently that Naruto recognized Hinata’s feelings for him and his own feelings for her.
Even though in the end Naruto and Hinata went on to being an actual couple with a family of four, it felt like we didn’t get to see their relationship as a couple get a good opportunity to grow and develop. Obviously that doesn’t mean that it didn’t grow. What Senpai means is that the fans didn’t get to see them go through enough of the challenges as a couple to grow that stronger bond, which is understandable since it’s an action/shounen anime rather than romance/drama. But there was not enough NaruHina moments to make the fans of this ship feel satisfied. It only feels like their relationship just began. That said they are still one of Senpai’s favorite anime couples based on the sentimental value of shipping them for almost 10 years of following the Naruto franchise.
14. Kou & Futaba (Ao Haru Ride)
Have you ever loved someone from when you were little and then years later met him in the same school? Yes, Ao haru ride gives us an insight on that pure relationship. The Kou and Futaba couple is a breath of fresh air among tons of stereotype shoujo couples. It is how they deal with all their complexities and try to come out of the circle they are in that truly fascinated me.
Much happened in these 10 years that they were apart and both of them changed a lot due to unpleasant and challenging life experiences. So much so that they became completely different people from when they knew each other before. It is a great experience to see them work hard to align their feelings with the other’s. Though the anime leaves off at a displeasing point, the manga does justice to their relationship. It is by far one of the best shoujo mangas out their with a constructive, gradual and realistic development in romantic relationship between two people, aside from the typical shoujo melodrama. Kou and Futaba are definitely different from your typical shoujo couples and that’s what earned them a place in Senpai’s favorite anime couples list at number 14.
13. Tomoya & Nagisa (Clannad)
At number 13 is the couple from Clannad series. Tomoya and Nagisa are a portrayal of a pair in love who vow to stay together irrespective of the hardships they are faced with. They share their happiness and try to alleviate each other’s pain. Not only that, they build their life around it. They fight through their issues and support each other unconditionally. What makes the Clannad couple stand out is that we get to see not only the development of their relationship but also their ‘after story’, meaning what happens after they are together.
Favorite Anime Couples
Not only do they go through difficult trails before they become a couple but the real challenges start after they get married. Two young high-school graduates starting a family together trying to support each other, the challenges they face are too many to count. It would be fine if it ended there, but their relationship was again put to the test of separation. Especially for Tomoya, who had built his new life around their relationship. We get to see him as a broken man yet not being able to move on from the fated separation from Nagisa. This couple is worthy of praise and is just heartwarming to watch. Despite Senpai’s various complaints about the anime, the relationship between Tomoya and Nagisa and its development was one of the reasons Senpai watched this show. Thus earning them a place in his favorite anime couples list.
12. Tamahome & Miaka (Fushigi Yuugi)
At number 12 is Tamahome and Miaka from the anime Fishigi Yuugi. Now this couple on the contrary to Naruto and Hinata is a very strong and justifiably deserving couple. These two have gone through more than enough trials and challenges to be with each other; trials and challenges that far surpass the logic and varieties that normal world has to offer.
Favorite Anime Couples
Tamahome and Miaka had to withstand enough obstacles so far as to Miaka willing to sacrifice his home and being reborn in the real world, TWICE to be with Tamahome. That is quite the dedication and commitment. Moreover they have a brilliant dynamic with each other. It just soothes your heart and makes you feel good to see them together at the end of everything that they go through. Now Fushigi Yuugi is an old anime and might not be visually pleasing or might not be extravagant. But being an old timer that Senpai is, these two are one of his top favorite anime couples till date.
11. Otani & Risa (Lovely Complex)
The weird and cute comedy couple ‘All Hanshin Kyoujin’ from arguably the best romantic/comedy anime ever made, comes in at number 11 of Senpai’s list of favorite anime couples. One cannot but adore this couple. This is a very unusual couple where the boy is much shorter than the girl and this issue creates a lot of problems for them as their relationship develops from the school’s comedy duo to an actual couple.
Favorite Anime Couples
Despite the fact that being together would make them stand out socially in a bad way, they couldn’t help but fall in love. Their relationship went from funny comedy acts to a cute and adorable romantic relationship and it was plain to see how much in love and happy they were with each other. This pair just clicked. Their chemistry was perfect and their interests were so in tune as if two peas in a pod. This is what made this couple so adorable and unique. Thus making their way into list of Senpai’s favorite anime couples.
10. Sorata & Mashiro (The Pet Girl of Sakurasou)
At number 10 of Senpai’s favorite anime couples list is the weird and rather dysfunctional couple from Sakurasou dorm, Sorata and Mashiro. Mashiro, the genius artist, has no idea how to handle herself and so Sorata, the ordinary everyday guy, is given the responsibility of looking after her from brushing her teeth to washing her clothes, to feeding her. At one point they begin to have feelings for each other.
Favorite Anime Couples
Just like most things other than art and studies, Mashiro doesn’t understand what these feelings mean. These feelings are new to her and she doesn’t know how to deal with them or how to express them. On the other hand Sorata is seen to be trying very hard to do something with his life so that he can catch up to Mashiro and be worthy of her only to fail again and again as Mashiro drifts further out of his reach. This creates an inferiority complex within Sorata and creates a wall between them. These two, dealing with these very real human issues in a rather unrealistic plot setting and trying to overcome them to further develop their relationship, makes them a rather memorable couple.
9. Arima & Kaori (Your Lie in April)
The musical couple from Your Lie in April is at number 9. They are one of the most heart touching couples you are going to come across. With a heavy baggage and a flickering life force Kaori comes into the damaged and broken Arima’s life and changes it with that one lie she told in April. As time goes by Arima realizes that he doesn’t want to stay as only ‘Friend A’ in her life and pours his heart out.
Kaori: What did you have in your heart?
Arima: I had you.
Favorite Anime Couples
Their relationship grows as Kaori realizes that Arima is also changing her life giving her that strength to fight another battle just for that one chance to perform with him again. Both of them keep on motivating each other through their hardships and the depressions, good times and bad. The short time they spend together and the memories they create captures the hearts of the audience. Even though their love story met a tragic conclusion, their conversations and that special performance will keep on living in the hearts of anime lovers for years to come. Especially Kaori’s last words to Arima:
“I’m glad it was you. I hope this reaches you, Arima Kousei. I love you.”
Okay! Senpai will go lie down and cry himself to sleep now.
8. Edward & Winry (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Edward and Winry from the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood anime have a special place in Senpai’s heart as this is one his favorite anime and one of his first ships that sailed. These two are a very dynamic couple, always at each other’s throat and arguing; most of the time due to Edward’s recklessness. Winry is always kept in the dark about what Edward is up to and on the other hand she is always rough with him not to mention constantly having a go at him for his small structure.
Favorite Anime Couples
But their love for each other is evident even without saying it out loud. It’s like Maes Hughes said “Boys let their actions do the talking. They may not be good at expressing their feelings but when they need help you are the one they always turn to; isn’t it proof enough how much you mean to them?” On various occasions we can see how much Ed is protective of Winry. This anime also has one of Senpai’s most favorite confessions as Edward makes his feelings for Winry clear:
“It’s equivalent exchange! I’ll give you half of my life, so you give me half of yours!”
7. Syaoran & Sakura (The Reservoir Chronicle)
The tragic couple from CLAMP’s Reservoir Chronicle, Syaoran and Sakura comes in at number 7. They are one of Senpai’s all-time favorite anime couples. Every time Senpai thinks about what they went through, it makes Senpai’s heart ache. They are one of the most tragic couples in anime/manga.
Favorite Anime Couples
Their ability to love their counterparts and willingness to sacrifice their lives for each other without expecting anything in return is what makes them so special. The sheer amount of trials these two had to go through is just heartbreaking. Their love was put to the test, withstanding the trials of time, different worlds and dimensions over and over again yet it was not enough to make them give up. Even after all these, their suffering continued but they never gave up on each other till the very end. THAT is true love. Their trust in each other and their persistence is what makes them memorable and earns them a place in Senpai’s favorite anime couples list.
6. Araragi & Senjourahara (The Monogatari Series)
A personal favorite of Senpai and probably the most intriguing and unusual couple in his favorite anime couples list is Araragi and Senjougahara from the Monogatari Series. Their relationship is extremely unorthodox and unlike anything you will come across in anime. Yet it is so charming that you cannot but love them.
Favorite Anime Couples
Senjougahara is a self-proclaimed Tsundere and yet she is the one who takes the charge of their relationship most of the time. She is aggressive, possessive and is always making fun of Araragi, yet it is as clear as day to anyone including Araragi himself that her love for him is deep. She might sometimes come off as sarcastic but that is due to the malicious nature of her personality. Araragi on the other hand may appear to be subdued but he still shows some punch once in a while making his feelings for her clear putting them into words. When things get tough one is always willing to risk their life for the other. What makes them even more unique is that both of them are so very opposite of what they had always expected their counterparts to be that their relationship sometimes defies reason. As quoted by Araragi:
“Sometimes, I don’t know why I’m dating you. But I love you so much, I don’t need a reason.”
Their interactions and conversations are some of the most enjoyable parts of the show and everything about this couple is unique. Thus they get a well deserved spot on Senpai’s favorite anime couples list.
5. Mashiro & Miho (Bakuman)
A mere confession is not enough, you must show your feelings through your actions – Mashiro and Miho from Bakuman are probably one of the biggest examples of this belief. In Senpai’s opinion, they are also one of the greatest examples of innocent and untainted devotion. The relationship between Mashiro and Miho is essentially at the heart of the anime and one of the key driving forces of the show.
Favorite Anime Couples
The promise made between Mashiro and Miho to be together only after they have both fulfilled their dreams is what pushed them to keep striving to achieve those goal no matter what challenge and circumstance may befall upon them. They were so true to their promise to one another that they rarely talked or interacted (only texting or interacting on special occasions) lest they be tempted by the closeness and stray from their promised paths. This is their way of showing respect to their promise and also a way of showing their unwavering feelings for each other. Their sheer dedication to their relationship earns them a special place in Senpai’s heart and the list of Senpai’s favorite anime couples would be incomplete without the presence of these two.
4. Ren & Nana (Nana)
This is not really a surprise. Nana being Senpai’s favorite romance anime, the main couple from the show being on this list is pretty obvious. The relationship between Ren and Nana, similar to Mashiro and Miho are very much affected by their goals in life. But on the contrary to the star couple from Bakuman, Ren and Nana’s goals ironically put them against one another instead of aligning them. Two people brought together by fate and their love for music are separated when Ren decides to pursue his goals to become an established musician and Nana decides to let him go and pursue her own path instead of following him and being a burden to him.
Favorite Anime Couples
What makes them special though, is their sheer drive to protect their love even when they are apart and put against one another as rivals in the craft. They are only left with loving each other from afar. Both of them respect each other’s choices knowing they cannot be together, yet they decide not to move on and cherish their love. What is heartbreaking is that even after all these sacrifices their struggle never seems to end. Senpai’s heart aches every time with sadness and respect for these two. Ren and Nana are one of the most admirable couples according to Senpai thus earning them a place in Senpai’s list of favorite anime couples.
3. Okabe & Kurisu (Steins;Gate)
The eccentric mad scientist and the genius tsundere couple, Okabe Rintarou and Makise Kurisu comes in at number three in Senpai’s top favorite anime couples list. This unexpected and quite mismatched couple truly stand out as one of the most unique pairs in anime. Though they are always at each other’s throat it’s pretty obvious that they trust and care for each other.
Favorite Anime Couples
Their relationship truly blossoms when it’s put to the test of time. Struggling to save his best friend, Okabe travels through timelines repeating the days and trying to fix the fate that he had brought upon his loved ones by fiddling with forces that he shouldn’t have. With his back against the wall, Okabe relied on Kurisu because he knew that she would be the only one to truly believe in his mad ramblings and help him solve this predicament. Not only does Kurisu believe him but even goes as far as to sacrifice herself just to help Okabe get out of this seemingly never ending loop of suffering. What makes them even more memorable, is that even after all that suffering Okabe again goes down the rabbit hole of time just to save Kurisu. This couple is truly special and is deserving to be in the top 3 of Senpai’s favorite anime couples list.
2. Kiritsugu & Irisviel (Fate/Zero)
Ah, the tragic couple from the Fate/Zero masterpiece gets the 2nd spot in Senpai’s list of favorite anime couples. Kiritsugu and Irisviel will not give you those intense romantic lovey-dovey vibes but they are the kind of couple Senpai loves the most; the mature, understanding and dependable kind. They are unique in their own way. Their feelings for each other are not always put into words but it is more than clear what they feel for each other through the very atmosphere they create when they are together.
Favorite Anime Couples
The foundation of their relationship is based on a very special type of give-and-take or exchange. Irisviel, being an artificial humanoid created to be sacrificed as a vessel for the Holy Grail war, was nothing but an empty shell of a human being. Everything she knows and all the emotions she feels was given to her by Kiritsugu. This created an irreplaceable sense of respect, admiration and affection for Kiritsugu and his goals in her heart. On the other hand she was able to bring out the affectionate side of the broken and cold Kiritsugu; something which no one else could do. She became the only person Kiritsugu could truly rely on. Though both of them were aware of their fates, they truly felt for each other and respected each other as individuals. Even though this couple will not shove lovey-dovey romance down your throat, the mere interactions and dialogues among the two are enough to convey their mutual feelings for each other more effectively than any romance anime couple ever could. This is why they are so high up on Senpai’s list of favorite anime couples.
Before we move on to Senpai’s most favorite couple, here are a few honorable mentions; couples that are great but just missed out on being in the top 15:
Favorite Anime Couples
Yusuke & Keiko (Yu Yu Hakusho)
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Himura & Kaoru (Rurouni Kenshin)
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Lawrence & Holo (Spice & Wolf)
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Chiaki & Nodame (Nodame Cantabile)
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Shinra & Celty (Durarara!)
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Zen & Shirayuki (Akagami no Shirayuki Hime)
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Usui & Misaki (Kaichou Wa Maid Sama)
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Akihito & Mirai (Kyoukai no Kanata)
FINALLY with that out of the way, we can move on to the number one place holder in Senpai’s top 15 favorite anime couples list. Drum roll please!!!
1. Inuyasha & Kagome (InuYasha)
This might be unexpected for many of you but when someone says romantic couple, the couple that automatically pops up into Senpai’s mind is Inuyasha and Kagome. InuYasha is an old time favorite anime of Senpai so it has a lot of sentimental value. Inuyasha and Kagome were one of the very first anime couples that truly represented the concept of love, trust and dependability to Senpai. Thus till this very day, Inuyasha and Kagome hold an irreplaceable position in Senpai’s heart.
Favorite Anime Couples
The chemistry that Inuyasha and Kagome share between them is rivaled by very few. Despite all the complexities and the hardships they were faced with, their feelings did not wane. They are funny, they always fight but in the end they always turn to each other when they need a shoulder to lean on. Inuyasha and Kagome are probably one of the best and realistic examples of how couples should be (Even though the concept of a human falling in love with a demon is far from realistic). Their relationship is so simplistic yet so charming. This is what makes this couple shine. Senpai, without hesitation, considers Inuyasha and Kagome as his most favorite anime couple.
Every individual has different definitions, standards and expectations of love and romance. But every romantic relationship shares a few things in common; trust, dependability, compromise and respect. These are prevalent in both the real world as well as the anime world and Senpai believes that these anime couples represent some of the best examples of those qualities. Hope you enjoyed this list. Please feel free to let Senpai know who your favorite anime couples are.
Disclaimer: None of the images used in this article belong to Senpai Knows. All rights belong to the receptive creators and are not for commercial use.
