2025 is shaping up as an exceptional year for romance anime, with highly anticipated manga adaptations finally reaching screens and beloved series returning for new seasons. The year offers everything from heartwarming high school stories to mature fantasy romance, with studios like J.C. Staff, Kinema Citrus, and CloverWorks bringing fresh energy to the genre. Whether you’re craving innocent shojo sweetness or complex relationship dynamics, this year’s lineup delivers quality storytelling across every romance subgenre.
The mix of new adaptations and returning favorites creates perfect entry points for both newcomers and longtime fans. From winter’s emotional debuts to summer’s fantasy epics, each season brings carefully crafted series that prioritize authentic relationships over tired tropes.
Must-Watch Romance Anime in 2025
- Honey Lemon Soda: Beloved shojo manga finally gets anime adaptation from J.C. Staff
- My Happy Marriage S2: Cinderella-inspired series returns with deeper romance and family drama
- The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity: Cross-class romance between delinquent baker and proper academy girl
- Anyway I’m Falling in Love With You: Multi-character high school romance exploring friendship dynamics
- I Want to Escape Princess Lessons: Fantasy romance with reluctant princess avoiding arranged marriage
- My Dress-Up Darling S2: Fan-favorite cosplay romance continues expanding Marin and Wakana’s world
Winter 2025’s Romance Lineup
Honey Lemon Soda (2025, 12 episodes) — J.C. Staff Vibe: Healing slice-of-life
Honey Lemon Soda tackles the aftermath of bullying through the lens of budding romance. Uka Ishimori enters high school determined to make friends after brutal middle school experiences, but anxiety holds her back until a chance encounter changes everything. J.C. Staff’s soft color palette and gentle character animation perfectly capture the series’ healing atmosphere. (Honey Lemon Soda’s opening scene where Kai accidentally drenches Uka with lemon soda creates an unexpectedly sweet first meeting that sets the tone for their entire relationship)
The series excels at portraying social anxiety authentically while showing gradual recovery through supportive relationships. Skip if you prefer faster-paced romance or dislike trauma recovery storylines.
My Happy Marriage Season 2 (2025, 12 episodes) — Kinema Citrus Vibe: Fantasy Cinderella
My Happy Marriage returns to explore Miyo and Kiyoka’s deepening relationship while introducing family complications and supernatural threats. Kinema Citrus continues the series’ stunning visual approach with traditional Japanese aesthetics and supernatural action sequences. The second season focuses on relationship growth rather than initial attraction, showing how couples navigate external pressures together. (My Happy Marriage S2’s family meeting scenes demonstrate how past trauma affects present relationships while showcasing gorgeous period-appropriate settings)
The series maintains its balance of romance, fantasy action, and emotional healing. Skip if you need modern settings or prefer pure romance without supernatural elements.
What fans are saying:
- “One of the better 2025 romance anime, I’m Getting Married to a Girl I Hate in My Class is notorious for having polarizing characters”
- “Honey Lemon Soda, a shojo romance between a quiet girl named Uka Ishimori and popular trouble-maker Kai Miura, is a high-school romance that fans won’t want to miss”
- Early reactions show strong anticipation for long-awaited adaptations, with fans particularly excited about faithful manga translations to screen.
Spring 2025 Must-Watch Releases
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity (2025, 12 episodes) — Studio Colorido Vibe: Cross-class romance
This Romeo and Juliet-inspired series pairs Rintaro, a gentle delinquent who works in his family’s bakery, with Kaoruko, a proper academy student who sees past his intimidating appearance. Studio Colorido brings their signature visual storytelling to explore how class differences and social expectations impact young love. The series avoids typical delinquent stereotypes by showing Rintaro’s genuine kindness from the start. (The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity’s bakery meeting scene where Kaoruko writes an apology note after running away showcases the series’ commitment to thoughtful character interactions)
The animation emphasizes the contrast between their different worlds through school uniform designs and environmental details. Skip if you prefer straightforward romance without social commentary.
What fans are saying:
- “This is easily my most anticipated romance coming in 2025… Think Romeo & Juliet; Rintaro’s a delinquent at an infamous school and Kaoruko’s a nice girl attending a school for proper young ladies”
- “Feel good romance, with a healthy dose of friendships being developed, topped off with a sprinkling of believable drama that’s resolved in the most natural of ways”
- Manga readers consistently praise the series’ handling of class differences and authentic relationship development.
High School vs Adult Romance in 2025
Anyway, I’m Falling in Love With You (2025, 12 episodes) — Studio TBA Vibe: Multi-perspective romance
This series explores how romantic feelings ripple through established friend groups when Mizuha’s childhood friend Kizuki confesses after her 17th birthday disaster. The story follows multiple male characters who’ve been friends for years, examining how romantic developments affect group dynamics. The series stands out by showing romance’s impact on friendships rather than treating friends as obstacles. (Anyway I’m Falling in Love With You’s birthday disaster scene where multiple relationship revelations happen simultaneously demonstrates the series’ complex emotional storytelling)
The multi-character approach allows exploration of different romance styles within one series. Skip if you prefer single-couple focus or dislike ensemble storytelling.
What fans are saying:
- “Mizuha’s 17th birthday was a complete disaster. Her parents forgot her birthday and her crush on her upperclassman wasn’t reciprocated, and to make matters even more complicated, her childhood friend Kizuki confessed to her”
- Fans appreciate the realistic portrayal of teenage relationship complications and friend group dynamics.
Fantasy Romance Takes Center Stage
I Want to Escape from Princess Lessons (2025, 12 episodes) — Studio TBA
Vibe: Fantasy comedy romance
Princess Leticia desperately tries to avoid her arranged marriage to Crown Prince Clarke, believing she’s found freedom when she witnesses him with another woman. However, Clarke continues pursuing her despite her escape attempts, creating a cat-and-mouse dynamic with genuine romantic development. The series balances comedy with sincere character growth as both protagonists learn about authentic love versus duty. (I Want to Escape Princess Lessons’ scenes where Leticia attempts elaborate escape plans showcase the series’ comedic timing while building romantic tension)
The fantasy setting allows exploration of duty versus desire themes while maintaining a lighthearted tone. Skip if you prefer realistic settings or dislike arranged marriage tropes.
What fans are saying:
- “Although she witnesses him bringing home another woman and believes that she has gained her freedom, Crown Prince Clarke still does his best to win Leticia’s heart over despite her many attempts to escape”.
Early buzz suggests strong comedic elements balanced with genuine romantic development.
Highly Anticipated Sequels
My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 (2025, 12 episodes) — CloverWorks Vibe: Passionate hobby romance
Marin and Wakana’s cosplay journey continues as their relationship deepens through shared creative projects and expanding social circles. CloverWorks maintains the series’ detailed costume design and expressive character animation that made the first season beloved. Season 2 promises new cosplay challenges and relationship developments as their bond grows stronger. (My Dress-Up Darling S2’s expanded cosplay friend group scenes show how shared passions create lasting relationships beyond the main couple)
The series continues balancing detailed craft appreciation with authentic romantic progression. Skip if you’re not interested in cosplay culture or prefer faster romantic development.
What fans are saying:
- “When Marin Kitagawa and Wakana Gojo met, they grew close over their love for cosplay. Through interacting with classmates and making new cosplay friends, Marin and Wakana’s world keeps growing”
Returning fans show high enthusiasm for continuing the beloved couple’s story with expanded supporting cast.
Animation Quality and Studio Choices
2025’s romance anime showcase impressive production values across different studios. J.C. Staff brings their shojo expertise to Honey Lemon Soda with soft, healing visuals. Kinema Citrus continues My Happy Marriage’s cinematic approach with detailed period settings and supernatural action sequences. CloverWorks maintains My Dress-Up Darling’s meticulous costume detail and expressive character work.
The variety in visual approaches reflects each series’ unique tone and target audience, from gentle slice-of-life healing to epic fantasy romance.
What fans are saying:
- “The gorgeous art does a great job of showcasing the genuinely heartwarming relationship between the two protagonists”.
Fans consistently praise 2025’s strong production values across multiple studios and series.
Release Calendar and Viewing Strategy
Winter 2025 launches with Honey Lemon Soda (January 9) and My Happy Marriage Season 2 (January 6), providing gentle healing stories perfect for the season. Spring brings The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity (April) for deeper social themes, while summer delivers My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 (July) for passionate hobby romance. This spread allows viewers to experience different romance styles throughout the year without overwhelming any single season.
Consider spacing out emotionally intense series like My Happy Marriage between lighter fare to avoid romance anime fatigue.
| Title | Release | Episodes | Studio | Where it shines |
| My Happy Marriage S2 | Jan 2025 | 12 | Kinema Citrus | Fantasy romance |
| Honey Lemon Soda | Jan 2025 | 12 | J.C. Staff | Healing trauma |
| Fragrant Flower Blooms | Apr 2025 | 12 | Studio Colorido | Class differences |
| My Dress-Up Darling S2 | Jul 2025 | 12 | CloverWorks | Hobby passion |
Frequently Asked Questions
What romance anime should I watch first in 2025?
Start with My Happy Marriage Season 2 if you enjoyed Season 1, or begin with Honey Lemon Soda for a gentle introduction to 2025’s romance offerings. Both premiere in early January and set the tone for the year’s releases.
Which romance manga are getting anime adaptations in 2025?
Notable manga adaptations include Honey Lemon Soda, The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity, and I Want to Escape from Princess Lessons. These represent long-awaited adaptations of popular romance series.
What romance anime are airing in winter 2025?
Winter 2025’s romance lineup includes My Happy Marriage Season 2, Honey Lemon Soda, and Anyway I’m Falling in Love With You. This season focuses on emotional healing and relationship development themes.
Is My Happy Marriage getting a season 2 in 2025?
Yes, My Happy Marriage Season 2 premieres January 6, 2025 on Netflix. The second season focuses on Miyo and Kiyoka’s deepening relationship while introducing family complications and supernatural threats.
When does Honey Lemon Soda anime release?
Honey Lemon Soda premieres January 8, 2025 on Crunchyroll. The 12-episode series adapts the popular shojo manga about overcoming bullying trauma through supportive relationships.
Methodology
This guide draws from official anime announcements, studio releases, and early fan discussions across Reddit and social media platforms. We prioritized series with confirmed 2025 release dates and substantial fan anticipation based on source material popularity. Our analysis focuses on series actually premiering or returning in 2025 rather than older recommendations, ensuring accuracy for viewers planning their 2025 anime schedules.
