10 Anime with the most confusing relationships
Anime is known for its extravagant and often convoluted romances, reflecting the deep, tumultuous emotions that captivate its fans. This complexity is evident in recent releases like "More than a Couple, Less than Lovers," which continue to draw audiences with their intricate relationship dynamics. Here are ten anime series that showcase some of the most bewildering romantic entanglements.
1. Bloom Into You
10 Anime with the most confusing relationships
Image Courtesy: Bloom Into You Official X Account
Bloom Into You follows Yuu Koito, a shoujo manga enthusiast yearning for a classic love confession. However, when she finally receives one, she feels nothing and awkwardly rejects the boy. Disheartened, she encounters Touko Nanami, the elegant student council president, who shares a similar disinterest in conventional love confessions. Unexpectedly, Touko confesses her feelings to Yuu, leading Yuu to question her own emotions in this honest exploration of LGBTQ romance.
2. Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket is a cornerstone of shoujo manga, renowned for its dramatic romantic plots. The story revolves around Tohru, a homeless girl who stumbles upon the Sohma family's secret: they transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex. Tohru's relationships with Yuki and Kyo Sohma, complicated by the family’s dark history and abusive backgrounds, create a complex web of emotional and romantic turmoil.
3. Domestic Girlfriend
Domestic Girlfriend stands out for its provocative premise. Natsuo, heartbroken over his unrequited love for his teacher Hina, impulsively sleeps with a girl named Rui. Soon after, he learns that his father has remarried, and his new stepsisters are none other than Hina and Rui. This tangled scenario sets the stage for a series of dramatic and controversial romantic developments.
4. After the Rain
In After the Rain, high schooler Akira Tachibana falls for Masami Kondo, a 45-year-old divorcé and failed writer, after an injury ends her athletic career. Despite the problematic age gap, the series handles the relationship with surprising maturity. Kondo acknowledges the inappropriateness of a romantic relationship, but his loneliness and Akira’s persistence complicate their dynamic, showcasing the nuanced struggles of human connection.
5. Kokoro Connect
Kokoro Connect delves into the lives of five high school club members who experience bizarre supernatural phenomena, such as body-swapping and inhibition loss. These events force the characters to confront their true feelings and insecurities, adding layers of complexity to their relationships. The series explores how ordinary teenagers navigate extraordinary circumstances, testing the strength of their friendships and budding romances.
6. Kamisama Kiss
Kamisama Kiss introduces Nanami Momozono, who becomes homeless and is taken in by a man who turns out to be a god. She is appointed as the new guardian of his shrine, much to the chagrin of Tomoe, the fox familiar. The romance between Nanami and Tomoe, marked by their god-servant relationship and significant age difference, is filled with humour and heartfelt moments, creating a unique and endearing love story.
7. ReLIFE
ReLIFE centers on 27-year-old Kaizaki Arata, who is given a chance to relive his high school days through an experimental drug. While posing as a teenager, he must navigate high school life and relationships without revealing his true age. The romantic complications arise as Arata's mature perspective clashes with the high school setting, making his journey both poignant and complex.
8. Tatami Galaxy
Tatami Galaxy follows an unnamed college student trapped in a time loop, reflecting on his failed romantic endeavors. Alongside his mischievous friend Ozu, he sabotages other relationships out of spite, only to find himself repeatedly drawn to a girl named Akashi. The series' surreal narrative and time-loop mechanic add layers of confusion and introspection to the protagonist’s romantic pursuits.
9. Gamers!
Gamers! features a group of high school students bonded by their love for games, but their romantic misunderstandings drive the plot. The characters frequently misconstrue each other’s intentions, leading to a series of hilarious and absurd scenarios. The show plays with these misconceptions, creating a comedic yet intricate web of relationships that constantly keeps the audience guessing.
10. A Lull in the Sea (Nagi no Asu kara)
A Lull in the Sea tells the story of students from an underwater village attending school on land, leading to a complex series of romantic entanglements. The anime is known for its elaborate “love dodecahedrons,” as characters navigate their feelings amidst cultural differences and supernatural elements. This series weaves a rich tapestry of emotions and relationships, making it one of the most intricate romantic dramas in anime.
Each of these anime series presents a unique take on romantic relationships, blending drama, humor, and supernatural elements to create unforgettable stories that resonate with viewers.