20 Sad Anime Series About Unrequited Love (2024)

Few things hurt more than falling for someone who doesn’t feel the same way. When translated to screen, the experience resonates with us down to our bones. Watching the characters open their hearts up only to face obliviousness is both gut-wrenching and familiar. As a medium, anime has produced many tales that explore this unique yet universal feeling.

Within the broad genre of romantic anime, some of the most moving narratives focus on one-sided love. The protagonists are hopelessly devoted to their crushes, would go out of their way to make them happy, and embarrass themselves to get noticed despite knowing their affections will never be returned. These anime series aren’t built on tired plots of will-they-won’t-they. Rather, they boldly choose to walk the path showing a love that’s denied.

Whether it is the sublime animation and character development or gradual transformation of intimacy and emotion against the backdrop of a soulful soundtrack, certain anime series have elevated the unrequited love trope to high art. By giving voice to desires and feelings and longing, they recognize that love is never wasted, even when it isn't returned. These 10 series may be sad, but do an excellent job of portraying the bittersweet feeling of unrequited love.

20 Golden Time (2013)

Wholesome and hilarious, Golden Time follows Banri Tada, who is suffering from extreme memory loss due to an accident. All the memories of his childhood and past are faded. Now a freshman at Tokyo Law School, he is determined to start anew, so he befriends Mitsuo Yanagisawa. Soon, he encounters the dramatic Kouko Kaga and falls in love with her.

The anime features dynamic animation and well-developed characters that become fan-favorites in no time. While the focus lies on Banri’s heartfelt endeavor to make the most of his school years and understand the mysterious enigma that is Kouko, things take a turn when Linda, a friend from Banri’s childhood who has forever been in love with him, enters the picture.

Stream Golden Time on Crunchyroll

19 OniAi (2012)

Based on a light novel written by Daisuke Suzuki, OniAi (or Oniichan dakedo Ai sae Areba Kankeinai yo ne!) is a guilty pleasure anime that is predictable yet entertaining. It centers around two siblings, brother and sister Akito and Akiko Himenokouji, who reunite after six years of living apart. Now transformed into young and beautiful people, they have girls and boys vying for attention. It’s especially hard for Akito when three girls move into their apartment.

OniAi presents a moving tale about reconciliation and unrequited love between siblings and friends. From Akito and Akiko’s evolving connection to the many attempts by Anastasia, Arashi, and Ginbei Haruomi to seduce Akito, there’s an abundance of comic relief to keep you hooked. Moreover, the deep and meaningful narrative paired with themes of empathy and wisdom within family makes it rich and watch-worthy.

Stream OniAi on Crunchyroll

18 School Rumble (2004)

When you’re in high school, confessing your feelings seems as impossible as it is daunting. Balancing on the same relatable narrative, School Rumble takes you to the life of Tenma Tsukamoto, a second year student who has secretly been in love with her classmate for years but is too shy to confess her feelings. It’s not easy for the delinquent Kenji Harima either, for he, too, is unable to convey his feelings to the one he loves.

Related: The 20 Most Popular Anime Series on Crunchyroll

School Rumble uses vivid character animation and absurd comedic situations to bring out the humanity and humor of its main characters. With oblivious crushes on both ends, this adorable high school romance delivers rivalries, misunderstandings, complications, ridiculous failed attempts, and earnest confessions, standing out among the most memorable anime series about one-sided love.

Stream School Rumble on Crunchyroll

17 Mayo Chiki! (2011)

Kinjirou Sakamachi appears to be an ordinary 17-year-old student on the outside. But on the inside, he harbors a great fear of women due to growing up in a household where his sister and mother were obsessed with wrestling and would often use him as a practice dummy. Now, every time Kinjirou encounters a woman, his palm begins to sweat and he gets nosebleeds. One day, he meets the most popular student in school, Subaru Konoe — a girl.

Mayo Chiki!subverts expected gender expressions through its charming characters and flustered humor, finding wit and nuance as social prejudices clash together. The series starts off structured as a mystery, but soon develops into a romance. For its wise and lighthearted perspective on love and relationships, Mayo Chiki! rightly earns its place here.

Stream Mayo Chiki! on HIDIVE

16 Tokyo Ravens (2013)

Blending action, the supernatural and romance is this outstanding anime adapted from Kōhei Azano’s light novel series of the same name. The central character is Harutora, a young boy who comes from a long line of the prestigious Tsuchimikado family responsible for maintaining balance between the spiritual and physical worlds. A powerful magical technique called “onmyoudou” is now modernized, but Harutora remains without the ability to access it.

Enter Natsume, the heir to the Tsuchimikado and the primary reincarnation of Yakou. Harutora is determined to accept his destiny and harness a wild magic that would protect her at all costs — but is he doing it for his duty to the Tsuchimikado, or his unrequited love for Natsume? Tokyo Ravens immerses you in its well-balanced and intricately plotted world of spirits and action, while also delivering an authentic and affectionate love story.

Stream Tokyo Ravens on Hulu

15 Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun (2014)

In Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun, a cheerful high school student named Chiyo Sakura finally musters up the courage to confess her feelings to the enigmatic and oblivious Umetarou Nozaki, only to be met with a shocking truth — Nozaki is actually a shoujo manga artist. And he’s mistaken her confession for a fan letter. Soon, Chiyo gets entangled in his strange secret life as one of his assistants, and hopes that he will someday reciprocate her feelings.

The wry humor and zany characters of this 12-episode series never allow for a dull moment. As Chiyo navigates her growing affection for the uninterested mangaka, she befriends several others, and indulges in misadventures that lead her to develop a newfound love for manga. Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun is an offbeat and whimsical tale of unrequited love.

Stream Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun on Hoopla

14 Scum's Wish (2017)

A somewhat disturbing but relatable anime about teenagehood and navigating love at that age, Scum’s Wish introduces us to Hanabi Yasuraoka and Mugi Awaya, two high school students who pretend to be head over heels in love with each other, but in reality, are only benefiting off of each other until they can be with people they’re actually in love with.

Both aloof yet still physically intimate, Hanabi and Mugi hold a mirror to modern relationships and teens’ perilous attempts at finding meaning and belonging. The series handles its volatile and unsettling subjects with empathy and care. All because of its characters, who carry broken smiles and unfiltered desires. Overall, Scum’s Wish is one of the most realistic anime about love’s dark side.

Stream Scum’s Wish on Prime Video

13 The Story of Saiunkoku (2006)

Set in a fantasy kingdom where one’s worth depends on their family backgrounds and gender, The Story of Saiunkoku follows Shuurei Kou, who dreams of becoming a government official but is stuck doing odd jobs to bring food to the table because she is both poor and female. One day, an opportunity to assist the last new emperor Ryuuki Shi arrives, and she jumps at it. Ryuuki soon finds herself entangled in the royal intrigues and forbidden attractions.

Related: 20 Best Historical Romance Anime Movies And Series

First, the anime envisions a rich and lush secondary world where people of rank rule. And second, it populates that world with characters that feel real and are harboring feelings for one another. From the poetic maneuvering of events to the authentic ode to history’s rise and fall of emperors and those behind them, the series’ most resonant aspect is quiet love that endures beyond circumstances. Even if you’re not a fan of the devastating drama that is unrequited love, The Story of Saiunkoku is worth watching for its fantastical world building.

Stream The Story of Saiunkoku on Peacock Premium

12 Orange (2016)

Orange is a complicated yet highly intriguing anime that not only uses the one-sided love trope, but also a phenomenal time travel angle where the protagonist must re-do his present to secure his future. When Naho Takamiya receives a letter from her future self in 10 years, she’s understandably surprised.

Unsure of her mission, Naho watches helplessly as predictions from the letter come true, and she realizes that she must mend things in order to not be a pathetic and regretful person at 26. Naho has one significant goal: to treasure every moment she has with new student Kakeru Naruse, because he won’t be around in the future.

Especially because Hiroto, Naho’s best friend, is also in love with him. Orange portrays youthful love and loss with jarring realism. While the chemistry between the lead couple is genuine, the bittersweet emotions are evoked from Hiroto’s arc, whose love is fated to always be out of reach.

Stream Orange on Crunchyroll

11 Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea (2013)

In a world where civilization is divided between land and water, Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea follows the story of seven friends, four of whom belong to the submarine village of Shioshishio but are forced to attend school on land with the rest of the humans. As they navigate academics and friendships, feelings stir up that they never knew they had. Also, the hatred and discrimination land-people hold towards sea-people becomes an overarching narrative in the series.

Tackling genres like romance, slice-of-life and fantasy, the series explores the thrills and confusion between its main characters, who are clearly carrying unreciprocated feelings for one another. If you’re a true anime fan and cannot help but ship couples, the series is going to be a painful watch. But more than anything, Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea thrives upon its imaginative world-building and nuanced characters.

Stream Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea on Netflix

10 Re:Zero (2016)

One of the most beloved isekai anime of all time, Re:Zero centers around an unassuming teenager named Subaru Natsuki suddenly transported to a fantasy world where he’s attacked by thugs. An enigmatic silver-haired girl named Satella saves his life, and he vows to help her accomplish her mission. But every time Subaru saves her, he gets murdered and finds himself returning to the moment his world transitioned, only to relive the tragedy over again.

Re:Zero seems like a riveting fantasy anime shrouded in mystery, but at its core, the series depicts one boy’s relentless quest for a love seemingly beyond his reach. Subaru falls in love with Satella the moment he lays eyes on her, and despite their devastating struggles to stay afloat, that love is what keeps him going. The anime is not for the faint-hearted or romantics, because its end will leave you reaching for tissues.

Stream Re:Zero on Crunchyroll

9 Anohana (2011)

When it comes to sad romances, Anohana is among the few shows fans can name as a favorite almost immediately. The plot of it goes something like this: as children, the members of a friend group ‘Super Peace Busters’ were inseparable. But the death of Honma Meiko badly severed their close bond. Years later, Meiko’s ghost reappears in their lives, and they’re once again brought together as adults.

Almost every character in Anohana harbors deep feelings for another person, who is then chasing someone else. While Meiko’s reemergence stirs their forgotten friendship, it also fleshes out the emotions of their fractured hearts. The anime is all about nostalgia and regret from childhood, and how its aftermath permeates into our lives as adults.

Stream Anohana on Crunchyroll

8 Nisekoi (2014)

Beautifully weaving together its romance and subtle moments of humor, Nisekoi centers around Raku Ichijou, who leads a double life between his yakuza heritage and ordinary high school days. Despite not wanting to get involved in the family business, Raku is forced to pretend to be in a relationship with the fiery sharp-tongued Chitoge Kirisaki in order to resolve a feud between the rival American Bee Hive Gang. While Raku believes that he’s bound to be with the girl he loves, Chitoge finds him utterly ghastly.

Related: The 25 Best Romance Anime of All Time, Ranked

Based on the incredible manga series written and illustrated by Naoshi Komi, the anime comes to life in vibrant fashion through the eyes of its main characters. The contentious chemistry between Raku and Chitoge makes their fake relationship pulse with a captivating will-they-won’t-they energy. What’s more interesting is the layered trope of predestined love paired with the unrequited kind.

Stream Nisekoi on Hulu

7 The Devil Is a Part-Timer! (2013)

In an unexpected change of events, the Demon Lord Satan accepts his defeat against the hero Emilia and is forced to spend his life in modern Tokyo, devoid of any magical powers. Struggling to survive in a mundane job at a local fast food restaurant, he must also coexist with his nemesis. But as their alliances, identities, and purpose shifts, the two struggle to resist their fates.

A mythological action romance adapted from the light novel series written by Satoshi Wagahara, The Devil Is a Part-Timer! finds intrigue in the most bizarre of all premises. Both Emilia and Satan are wholesome, funny, sincere, and beautifully animated. From the subtle scenes to the profound ones, the anime wins praise for crafting a genuinely moving tale out of silly material.

Stream The Devil Is a Part-Timer! on Hulu

6 After the Rain (2018)

An earnest story about finding love in the most unlikely and unfavorable circumstances, After the Rain takes you to the dreary streets of Tokyo, where the charming and attractive Akira Tachibana is desired by all. But her heart lies in the company of the Garden Cafe’s manager, where she works part-time. The catch, however, is that Masami Kondou is a middle-aged man who is married and has a kid.

Despite being an age-gap romance, After the Rain handles its premise quite deftly. While showing intimacy, it is also mindful of the responsibility of the subject. When Akira confesses her feelings, Masami is respectful and maintains his distance. Through cityscapes and life’s passages, with gorgeous animation and a poetic exploration of human emotions, the anime boasts the lament of love denied, and it’s just as heartbreaking as it sounds.

Stream After the Rain on Prime Video

5 Your Lie in April (2014)

An anime that deserves its spot among immortal pieces of media, Your Lie in April tells the story of prodigious pianist Kousei Arima. After his mother’s death, Kousei lost the ability to hear his music and withdrew from the stage to live life as an ordinary high school student.

That is until a fascinating violinist named Kaori Miyazono waltzed into his life and insisted he become her accompanist on stage. Naturally, as their rapport grew deeper, it awakened Kousei’s dormant love for music, as well as new feelings.

Your Lie in April masquerades as a lighthearted romance, and is anything but. It cultivates beauty from tragedy and never gives the main couple the ending they deserve. Still, the performances resonate deeply. The haunting imagery and glorious soundtrack reminds you that love is measured by its depth and never the duration.

Stream Your Lie in April on Crunchyroll

4 Akatsuki No Yona (2014)

Akatsuki no Yona, or Yona of the Dawn, is a breathtaking anime that balances its intense fights and emotional moments. After having lived a life of luxury, being sheltered, and loving only Su-Won her entire life, her father’s cruel murder at the very hands of the man comes as a shock to Princess Yona.

With Su-Won on the throne, kingdom dynamics change and Yoan finds herself fleeing the palace with her loyal bodyguard and only confidant Son Hak, and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. The lavish animation of the series transports you to a brand-new world where injustice triumphs and compassion is non-existent.

Plus, the one arc that Akatsuki No Yona portrays incredibly well is the unrequited love Hak has for Princess Yona. Leaving you with chills at the end of every episode, the anime features a strong female lead, moments of humor, pulse-pounding action, and a hopeful, universally praised ending.

Stream Akatsuki no Yona on Hulu

3 Honey and Clover (2005)

Set against the backdrop of a fine arts academy, Honey and Clover explores the relationships between five students bumbling their way through classes and trying to pursue their big dreams. Among them is Yuuta Takemoto, a sophomore living in the same flat as two polar opposite seniors, Shinobu Morita and Takumi Mayama. When they meet and befriend the beautiful Hagumi Hanamoto and popular Ayumi Yamada, their bonds only grow to be more complex.

Related: 20 Anime Series That Suck You in and Don’t Let Go

Like any other high school drama, this one brings out the warmth and humor in the characters’ daily struggles while leaving plenty of room for poignant life lessons. Honey and Clover also features an unrequited love trope between two characters, which leads to melodrama and disappointments. The central message proves that sometimes even the greatest of loves simply aren’t meant to be.

Stream Honey and Clover on Prime Video

2 Tada Never Falls in Love (2018)

Another perceptive and self-aware anime on the list is Tada Never Falls in Love. It’s the story of an aspiring photographer and high schooler named Mitsuyoshi Tada who only cares about his career. He never thought of love as something he’d experience. That is until one day, while photographing cherry blossoms, he meets Teresa Wagner, who asks Tada to photograph her. Later, he discovers that Teresa is actually a transfer student at his school.

Rather than fiddling with the same predictable trope, Tada Never Falls in Love places its characters in situations where they’re encouraged to express their feelings. From constant one-sided persistence to achingly beautiful climactic moments, the anime leaves viewers with a profound sense of thought and wiser eyes.

Stream Tada Never Falls in Love on Hoopla

1 Toradora! (2008)

Two high school students who have a massive crush on each other’s best friends find a way to deal with their one-sided affection in Toradora! On one hand, there is Ryuuji Takasu, a guy who appears alarmingly scary but is a gentle softie with a big heart.

And on the other hand is Taiga Aisaka, nicknamed “Palmtop Tiger” for her small stature and feisty persona. Instead of taking the road many have taken, addressing their own crushes, the two decide to play cupids for one another.

Subtle, poignant, entertaining, and somewhat sad, Toradora! plays with the adolescent emotions of its characters. Ryuuki and Taiga may seem rigid to other students, but they’re incredibly genuine in compromising their dignity to help find romance. The anime is extremely popular in the genre because of sublime character studies, youthful romance, and immersive sound design.

Stream Toradora! on Netflix