Masamune-kun’s Revenge (2017) combines romantic tension, comedic misunderstandings, and a revenge-driven plot as Masamune transforms himself to win over his childhood crush.
These underrated series mirror its themes of hidden identities, social contrasts, and satirical takes on romance tropes.
1. Lovely Complex (2007)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Tall Risa and short Otani form an unlikely bond, navigating societal judgment and mutual feelings while parodying height-based insecurities3.
- Similarities: Odd-couple dynamics, humor-driven romance, and subversion of traditional shoujo tropes.
- Rating: MAL 8.0 | 24 episodes
- Studio: Toei Animation
2. Oreshura (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Masuzu blackmails Eita into a fake relationship and threatens to expose his embarrassing journal entries unless he complies.
- Similarities: Forced romantic arrangements, hidden motives, and comedic power struggles.
- Rating: MAL 7.2 | 13 episodes
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
3. My Little Monster (2012)
- Streaming: Limited availability (Region-dependent)
- Plot: Studious Shizuku is drawn into the chaotic world of Haru, a socially inept troublemaker, blending academic rivalry with quirky romance.
- Similarities: Polar-opposite leads, slow-burn emotional growth, and deadpan humor.
- Rating: MAL 7.8 | 13 episodes
- Studio: Brain’s Base
4. Osamake: Romcom Where The Childhood Friend Won’t Lose (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Childhood friend Kuroha fakes a relationship with Maru to make his crush jealous, echoing Masamune’s revenge tactics.
- Similarities: Revenge-driven romance, layered deceptions, and meta-commentary on rom-com clichés.
- Rating: MAL 6.5 | 12 episodes
- Studio: Doga Kobo
5. A Couple of Cuckoos (2022)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Nagi and Erika discover they were switched at birth and must navigate an arranged engagement while hiding their true feelings.
- Similarities: Forced proximity, identity crises, and satirical takes on family expectations.
- Rating: MAL 7.0 | 24 episodes
- Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
6. Say “I Love You” (2012)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Socially isolated Mei learns to trust others after popular Yamato confesses to her, challenging her self-doubt.
- Similarities: Introvert-extrovert dynamics, gentle character growth, and low-stakes emotional stakes.
- Rating: MAL 7.8 | 13 episodes
- Studio: Zexcs
7. Recovery of an MMO Junkie (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Thirty-year-old Moriko reinvents herself in an MMORPG, forming bonds that blur virtual and real-life identities.
- Similarities: Hidden identities, adult-oriented romance, and witty dialogue.
- Rating: MAL 7.5 | 10 episodes
- Studio: Signal.MD
8. Hatsukoi Limited (2009)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Interconnected stories of middle and high schoolers exploring first loves, with misunderstandings and comedic mishaps.
- Similarities: Ensemble cast, episodic romantic arcs, and lighthearted tone.
- Rating: MAL 7.3 | 12 episodes
- Studio: J.C.Staff
9. Engaged to the Unidentified (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: High schooler Kobeni learns she’s engaged to a stranger, leading to chaotic cohabitation and hidden familial agendas.
- Similarities: Arranged relationships, comedic tension, and quirky character quirks.
- Rating: MAL 6.9 | 12 episodes
- Studio: Doga Kobo
10. Masamune-kun’s Revenge R (2023 Sequel)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: The continuation of Masamune’s schemes, delving deeper into Aki’s past and introducing new rivals.
- Similarities: Direct sequel with heightened stakes, retaining the original’s blend of humor and emotional payoff.
- Rating: MAL 7.5 | 12 episodes
- Studio: Silver Link
11. Komi Can’t Communicate (2021)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Socially anxious Komi teams up with classmate Tadano to make 100 friends, blending slapstick humor with heartfelt moments.
- Similarities: Social outsiders, comedic misunderstandings, and gradual relationship development.
- Rating: MAL 7.9 | 24 episodes
- Studio: OLM
12. Mayo Chiki! (2011)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Kinjirou discovers his crush, Subaru, is a girl disguised as a male butler, leading to blackmail and chaotic antics.
- Similarities: Gender-bending secrets, exaggerated humour, and tsundere dynamics.
- Rating: MAL 7.3 | 13 episodes
- Studio: feel.
13. Gamers! (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Miscommunication spirals as gaming club members mistake casual interactions for romantic interest.
- Similarities: Over-the-top misunderstandings, meta humor about otaku culture.
- Rating: MAL 7.0 | 12 episodes
- Studio: Pine Jam
14. Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Scientists Ayame and Shinya attempt to quantify love through experiments, blending romance with absurd logic.
- Similarities: Analytical approach to relationships, quirky leads, and comedic pacing.
- Rating: MAL 7.1 | 24 episodes
- Studio: Zero-G
15. The Troubled Life of Miss Kotoura (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Kotoura, a mind-reading outcast, finds acceptance in a club president who embraces her powers, balancing drama and slapstick.
- Similarities: Social redemption arcs, contrasting humor and emotional depth.
- Rating: MAL 7.3 | 12 episodes
- Studio: AIC Classic
Why These Anime Work for Masamune-kun’s Revenge Fans
- Deceptive Relationships: Fake engagements, hidden motives, and revenge plots drive character interactions.
- Social Satire: Many series critique societal norms (e.g., height discrimination in Lovely Complex, class divides in Maid Sama!).
- Tonal Balance: Blend humor with emotional beats, avoiding excessive melodrama.
- Underdog Protagonists: Outsiders like Komi or Kotoura mirror Masamune’s journey of self-reinvention.
These titles offer fresh twists on romantic comedy tropes while maintaining the charm and wit that define Masamune-kun’s Revenge.
