Romance anime has always been popular among anime fans. It’s a genre that tugs at our heartstrings, takes us on emotional journeys, and leaves us with a sense of warmth and happiness. But what about romance anime that features a girl who was or is bullied?
These types of stories can be particularly compelling and heart-wrenching, as they explore themes of resilience, redemption, and love in the face of adversity. It’s the kind of anime that’ll make you laugh, cry, and feel all kinds of emotions. So, if you’re in the mood for some serious feels, here are some titles you should definitely add to your watch list:
10. My Clueless First Friend
My Clueless First Friend is the real deal when it comes to showing bullying in a way that hits close to home.
Akane’s been ostracized and called “Grim Reaper” by her classmates since Elementary School.
But everything changes when Taiyou, a relentlessly positive and imaginative boy, transfers in.
He not only connects to her but he also constantly shuts down the bullies with logic, which is pretty satisfying to watch.
9. Peach Girl
Peach Girl is a shoujo anime that aired in 2005. The story follows Momo, a high school girl with a tan complexion who’s often misunderstood because of her appearance. She’s relentlessly bullied by her supposed “friend” Sae, who spreads rumors and sabotages her relationship with the boy she likes, Toji.
Despite the constant drama caused by Sae’s scheming, Momo finds comfort in her friendship with Kairi, a playful and kind-hearted boy who’s always there for her. Romance also blooms between Momo and Toji, but Sae’s interference threatens to ruin everything.
8. Itazura na Kiss
Another classic romance anime about a girl who is bullied is Itazura na Kiss. Surprisingly, the show starts with the female MC bullied by her crush in the form of public humiliation. Her name is Kotoko Aiahara and she is a bit of a klutz.
Kotoko’s love interest is Naoki Irie, a cold but very intelligent guy who doesn’t really pay any attention to her.
One day, Kotoko finally gets the courage to confess to him, but he rejects her in a humiliating way, which makes Kotoko feel even worse about herself. Despite this setback, Kotoko continues to pursue Naoki, and over time, they start to develop feelings for each other.
7. Lovely Complex
Lovely Complex is a romantic comedy about two high school students who are self-conscious about their height difference. The main character, Risa, is taller than the average girl, while her crush, Otani, is shorter than the average guy. They start off as rivals, but as they get to know each other, they develop feelings for each other.
In the classroom, Risa is often teased for her height and feels self-conscious about it. However, Otani stands up for her and tells her that he likes her just the way she is.
6. No Matter How I Look at It, It’s You Guys’ Fault I’m Not Popular!
Tomoko Kuroki is a middle schooler and a total social outcast. She’s incredibly awkward and unpopular, and she really wants to change that. But she doesn’t really know how. Tomoko tries all sorts of things to become more popular, but nothing seems to work.
As for bullying, she’s not really bullied in the traditional sense, but she is kind of picked on and ignored by her classmates. So, in a way, she is kind of a victim of bullying.
There’s not really any romance in the anime, but there are a few moments where Tomoko has crushes on guys and tries to get closer to them. But, you know, it’s kind of awkward and doesn’t really go anywhere.
5. Ao Haru Ride
Ao Haru Ride is a heartwarming anime that tackles the struggles of adolescence, from first love to bullying. The anime follows the story of Futaba, a high school girl who is determined to change her image after being ostracized by her female classmates in middle school.
Despite her initial efforts to keep a low profile, Futaba finds herself drawn to Kou, a boy she knew in middle school who has since become distant and reserved. As the two reconnect and navigate their feelings for each other, they also confront past traumas and confront the realities of growing up.
4. Say I Love You
Mei Tachibana is a super introverted high schooler who has a tough time making friends. Then she accidentally hurts this popular guy named Yamato Kurosawa, and he takes a liking to her and starts pursuing her romantically.
But of course, things can’t be that easy. There are mean girls at school who get jealous of Mei and start spreading rumors and picking on her. It’s really frustrating to watch, but it’s also kind of relatable if you’ve ever been bullied or felt like an outcast.
Say I Love You has a nice mix of romance and drama, and the characters are pretty well-developed. The bullying stuff isn’t the main focus of the show, but it does add some depth and realism to the story.
3. Boys Over Flowers
Boys Over Flowers is a classic romance anime that has captured the hearts of fans around the world. The story centers around a strong-willed girl named Tsukushi Makino who finds herself attending a prestigious high school for the wealthy elite. However, her life is made difficult by the “F4,” a group of handsome but arrogant boys who bully and torment those who cross them.
As she navigates the challenges of school life and the complicated world of love, Tsukushi begins to develop feelings for one of the F4 members, the kind-hearted and misunderstood Tsukasa Domyoji. But with the F4 and other obstacles standing in their way, their love story is far from easy.
2. Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You
If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming and feel-good romance anime, you can’t go wrong with Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You.
The story centers around Sawako Kuronuma, a high school student who looks a lot like a creepy horror movie character, so people tend to steer clear of her.
But things take a turn for the better when she meets Shota Kazehaya, a popular and well-liked guy in school. He’s totally cool with Sawako’s unique appearance and quickly becomes her best friend. The anime follows their journey as they deal with high school drama and try to figure out their feelings for each other.
1. A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice is probably the most popular romance anime movie with a girl who was bullied in middle school. It tells a heartfelt story about a deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya who gets bullied by her classmates, including the male protagonist, Shoya Ishida. The anime follows their relationship as they grow up and try to make amends for their past mistakes.
Not only does it have gorgeous animation, but it also tackles the heavy topic of bullying in a realistic and emotionally charged way. People have been raving about it, and it’s easy to see why!
