Shonen is one of the widely recognized genres in anime. However, many people overlook some immersive shows that fall under the shoujo category. This genre of anime tends to target younger female audiences but can have amazing stories for anyone of any age or gender to enjoy.
Typically, some of the best shoujo anime consist of romance plots. However, there are several stories that cover more emotional and unique themes, making their plot immaculate and intriguing. Here are some of the shows that will redefine your perspective on this genre and are must-watch series for any anime fan.
Banana Fish
Banana Fish is far from what people might consider a shoujo anime. This was released as part of Akimi Yoshida’s 40th-anniversary commemoration project. The plot revolves around a young boy whom a mafia boss raises. Sounds quite intriguing, right?
The show also delves into mature topics like substance abuse, PTSD, sexual assault, and more. It is one of the best new-generation anime that everyone must check out.
Fruits Basket
The original Fruits Basket was released back in 2001. However, after two whole decades, Fruits Basket: Final aired in Spring 2021, which served as a definitive conclusion to the widely loved supernatural romance.
The series follows the story of Tooru and her life while living at the Souma house. There is a secret of the Souma house, where each person who lives there turns into an animal from the Chinese zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite gender. The show is quite fun and full of drama that’ll keep you wanting more.
Nana
Nana is one of the most iconic shoujo anime to date! The plot delves into how the lives of Nana Komatsu and rock vocalist Nana Osaki intertwine with each other. The audiences will be able to relate with the characters as they face issues with romance, heartbreak, and other life challenges.
However, the manga of Nana went into a hiatus as the author, Ai Yazawa, fell highly ill in 2009. In 2022, the Mangaka provided an update on the possibility of continuing the story.
Akatsuki no Yona
Akatsuki no Yona, popularly known as Yona of the Dawn, is Mizuho Kusanagi’s work that has continued since 2009. It is one the most successful shoujo series out there. Studio Pierrot’s adaptation of the manga was widely frowned upon as it covered only a small portion of the source material.
The story follows the life of Yona, who is a protected princess of a small nation caught between more powerful countries. A coup d’etat against the king leaves Yona running for her life with her bodyguard, Hak. As life throws challenges at her, Yona is forced to mature quickly and deal with the situations. Watch her journey of becoming a capable warrior from a pampered princess.
Maid-sama!
This is a classic shoujo series and happens to be one of the best series to get into the world of romance anime. Also, the series is packed with humor, drama, and well-timed romance sequences as love develops between two people with contrasting personalities.
The plot delves into the story of Misaki, who is the student council president at her school. Due to her strict demeanor, the boys at her school despise her. Takumi Usui, the effortlessly cool guy of the school, stumbles upon her while she is working at a cafe, and the story between them sparks from that point onwards.
