In a world of good versus evil, it’s not uncommon for the lines to blur. After all, love knows no bounds.
This article will go over eight anime where the hero and villain fall in love. This is a list of shows that differ from traditional shounen tropes by focusing on a more mature relationship between the two leads.
While they may not always have happy endings, these stories offer a different perspective on what it means to be a hero or villain.
Related:
Maoyu: Archenemy & Hero
The war between humans and demons has lasted fifteen years. Unhappy with his companions’ slow progress into the Demon Realm, the Hero abandons them to rush ahead to the Demon Queen’s castle.
The Hero finds a startling discovery upon his arrival at the royal abode: not only is the Demon Queen a woman of unparalleled beauty, but she also seeks the Hero’s help and support. Baffled by this unexpected turn of events, the Hero refuses to join forces with his enemy, claiming that the demons’ war is tearing the Southern Nations apart.
The Demon Queen, on the other hand, argues that the war has not only brought humanity together, but also wealth and prosperity, and she provides evidence to back up her claims. Furthermore, she explains that if the war ended, the Central Nations’ aid to the Southern Nations would stop, leaving hundreds of thousands to starve. Fortunately, she offers the Hero a way to end the war while also bringing hope to the rest of the world, though she will need his assistance to make this a reality.
Why it belongs on this list:
Maoyu: Archenemy & Hero belongs on this list because it explores the complex relationship between a hero and a villain who, despite their opposing roles, find themselves drawn to each other. Their growing connection challenges the traditional hero-villain narrative.
Love After World Domination
Yes, a love story in a tokusatsu story, but not between the hero or sentai, but between two rivals. One is a ranger attempting to protect the world, and the other is attempting to rule the world; their love languages are most likely “I WILL PROTECT THIS WORLD” and “WORLD DOMINATION.”
While this anime clearly isn’t taking itself too seriously, and it isn’t the first or last riff on the “Romeo and Juliet” plot line, the romance hits you right in the feels. The voice acting is excellent, and I believe the art style perfectly captures the characters.
Why it belongs on this list:
Love After World Domination makes the list due to its playful take on the hero and villain dynamic. The romance between the rivals adds a fresh twist to the traditional hero-villain relationship, making it a fitting addition to this list.
Toradora!
Ok, this one is a little difficult to explain why I put it on this list, but our MC Ryuuji Takasu is a gentle high school student who enjoys housework and has a pretty scary face, which often leads to him being labelled as a delinquent.
Taiga Aisaka, on the other hand, is a small, doll-like student who is anything but a cute and fragile girl. Taiga, armed with a wooden katana and a raging personality, is known as the “Palmtop Tiger” throughout the school.
An embarrassing mistake brings the two students together one day. Taiga has a crush on the popular vice president, Yuusaku Kitamura, who also happens to be his best friend, which Ryuuji discovers. But things get even crazier when Ryuuji admits to having a crush on Taiga’s best friend, Minori Kushieda!
Why it belongs on this list:
Toradora! is included because it explores the idea that even in a high school setting, individuals with seemingly opposing personalities and roles can find love. Ryuuji and Taiga’s evolving relationship challenges stereotypes and showcases the power of love to bridge differences.
The Familiar of Zero
This one was an easy choice for me because not only is our MC Isekaied into a fantasy world, but he is also treated like a slave, pet, and subhuman creature. However, things quickly progressed and became a typical fantasy isekai anime with a lot of comedy, little action, and a lot of drama.
Why it belongs on this list:
The Familiar of Zero earns its place on this list because it portrays a hero who starts as an outsider but ultimately forms connections, including romantic ones, with those who initially viewed him as a villain.
A Silent Voice
This is a difficult choice for me to list this anime, but our MC Shouya Ishida begins bullying newly transferred Shouko Nishimiya, who is also deaf; after school notification, he is singled out and blamed for everything done to her.
Shouya is at the mercy of his classmates now that Shouko has transferred out of the school. Throughout elementary and middle school, he is heartlessly vilified, while teachers turn a blind eye.
Shouya, now in his third year of high school, still believes he is evil. He sets out on a journey of redemption, hoping to meet Shouko again and atone for his actions in the past.
Why it belongs on this list:
A Silent Voice explores the theme of redemption and love that can develop even in the face of past villainous behavior. Shouya’s journey to reconcile with Shouko and seek forgiveness is a central element of the story.
Kaze no Stigma
This anime has been one of the most irritating experiences for me, not only because our guy got kicked out of the house as a kid because of being weak.
Returning from such a brutal exile already causes multiple conflicts. Then there’s Ayano, who believes Kazuma is the criminal of a recent murder of family members, so after all he’s been through, he now has to indulge with this annoying character who believes he’s some kind of evil murderer.
Why it belongs on this list:
Kaze no Stigma is included because it features a hero who has faced adversity and is initially perceived as a villain. The dynamic between Kazuma and Ayano reflects the idea that love and understanding can develop even between those with opposing roles.
Eden of The East
Akira Takizawa saves Saki Morimi from unexpected trouble during her graduation trip to America three months later. Takizawa is cheerful, but odd in many ways—he is completely naked and has amnesia, believing himself to be a terrorist. He also has a strange cell phone with 8.2 billion yen in digital cash.
Saki quickly befriends Takizawa despite his suspicious features. However, she has no idea that this is just the start of a thrilling death game involving money, cell phones, and the salvation of the world. Higashi no Eden follows Saki’s quest to uncover the mysteries surrounding her saviour, while Takizawa battles other people armed with similar cell phones and recalling memories that reveal his possible connection to the event from months ago.
Overall, Higashi no Eden is a very enjoyable and entertaining anime with a rather unique and interesting plot that will keep your interest throughout its unique 11 episode run.
Why it belongs on this list:
Eden of The East is on this list because it explores the theme of two individuals from different backgrounds and roles coming together to address a global crisis. The complex relationship between Akira and Saki forms the heart of the story.
The World is Still Beautiful.
Sunshine is a part of its citizens’ daily lives in the Sun Kingdom, and rain is unheard of. In a faraway land known as the Rain Dukedom, however, the weather is reversed, and everyone has the ability to create rain with their voices.
In the three years since he was crowned king, Livius Ifrikia has conquered the entire world and expanded the Sun Kingdom’s influence. Livius decides to marry Nike Remercier, one of the Rain Dukedom’s princesses, after discovering her ability to create rain.
However, rumours have spread that Livius is a cruel, ruthless, and tyrannical ruler, and as word gets to the princess, she begins to brace herself for the worst. But when Nike finally meets her fiancé, she discovers that he is not the person she expected.
Why it belongs on this list:
The World is Still Beautiful is included because it portrays a love story between a ruler and a princess from opposing kingdoms. The anime explores how love can transcend political differences and lead to understanding and compassion.