Kimi ni Todoke quietly captured hearts with its delicate portrayal of teenage romance, introverted protagonists, and the slow, sincere process of opening up to others. Its strength lies not in dramatic twists but in authentic emotional growth, gentle storytelling, and heartfelt character arcs.
While many romance and slice-of-life series exist, few truly mirror its narrative softness, nuanced relationships, and emotional pacing. Here’s a curated list of 15 underrated anime that echo Kimi ni Todoke’s emotional depth, whether through similar themes, character journeys, or understated storytelling.
1. My Little Monster (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.41
- Studio: Brain’s Base
Plot: Shizuku, a cold, grade-focused girl, gets drawn into the chaotic world of Haru, a misunderstood boy with violent tendencies but a kind heart.
Why It’s Similar: Like Sawako and Kazehaya, the central pair are social outcasts navigating vulnerability and emotional growth. It balances awkward innocence with subtle romantic beats.
2. Lovely★Complex (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.02
- Studio: Toei Animation
Plot: A tall girl and a short boy form an unlikely friendship that slowly blossoms into something more amid comical misunderstandings.
Why It’s Similar: Features a relationship that grows from friendship, overcoming insecurities and stereotypes. Its humor and warmth parallel Kimi ni Todoke’s gentle vibe.
3. Say “I Love You.” (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.39
- Studio: Zexcs
Plot: Mei, a socially withdrawn high school girl, unexpectedly captures the attention of the most popular boy in school.
Why It’s Similar: A shy girl learning to connect with others mirrors Sawako’s arc. It also handles teen insecurities with a quiet, emotional tone.
4. Tsuki ga Kirei (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.14
- Studio: feel.
Plot: Two middle school students cautiously step into their first romantic relationship, navigating change and self-discovery.
Why It’s Similar: Slow-burn romance with emotional realism, unspoken feelings, and earnest progression. Its soft animation style complements the heartfelt storytelling.
5. ReLIFE (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13 + 4 OVA
- MAL Rating: 8.00
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot: A 27-year-old man gets a chance to redo a year of high school to fix his adult regrets.
Why It’s Similar: Though its premise is unique, it shares emotional development, subtle romance, and themes of personal growth and second chances.
6. Ao Haru Ride (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.63
- Studio: Production I.G
Plot: Futaba reunites with her middle school crush, only to find he’s changed drastically.
Why It’s Similar: Both anime explore rekindled connections and misunderstood protagonists, with heavy focus on emotional maturing.
7. Nijiiro Days (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24 (short format)
- MAL Rating: 7.34
- Studio: Production Reed
Plot: Follows four high school boys and their romantic escapades, with a focus on the sweet, awkward relationship of Natsuki and Anna.
Why It’s Similar: Emphasizes genuine teen emotions, blooming love, and social anxiety, all delivered in bite-sized, heartfelt episodes.
8. Just Because! (2017)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.33
- Studio: Pine Jam
Plot: A transfer student’s return disrupts the quiet days of a group of high schoolers, sparking old feelings and unresolved tension.
Why It’s Similar: Captures emotional hesitation, realistic dialogue, and soft, ambient storytelling similar to Kimi ni Todoke’s subtle progression.
9. Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.62
- Studio: Brain’s Base
Plot: A high school boy moves into a boarding house filled with eccentric residents and falls for a quiet, book-loving girl.
Why It’s Similar: Romantically awkward leads, a sweet tone, and charming humor round out this lighthearted but meaningful show.
10. Orange (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.62
- Studio: Telecom Animation Film
Plot: A girl receives letters from her future self, guiding her to prevent the regrets of her high school years.
Why It’s Similar: Deep emotional themes, personal regret, and romantic undercurrents echo Kimi ni Todoke’s maturity and slow character exploration.
11. Itazura na Kiss (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 7.59
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot: After her house is destroyed, clumsy Kotoko ends up living with her stoic school crush.
Why It’s Similar: Though more comedic, it follows a shy girl’s pursuit of love and growth in a slow-developing romance that deepens with time.
12. Kokoro Connect (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13 + 4 OVA
- MAL Rating: 7.77
- Studio: Silver Link
Plot: A group of students experience supernatural phenomena that force them to confront their true feelings and past traumas.
Why It’s Similar: Explores emotional honesty, inner turmoil, and relationship growth through a character-driven lens.
13. Hatenkou Yuugi (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 10
- MAL Rating: 7.22
- Studio: Studio DEEN
Plot: A witty girl, a moody priest, and a mysterious boy travel a fantasy world unraveling secrets and building trust.
Why It’s Similar: While set in a fantasy world, it’s grounded in strong character dynamics, gradual relationship building, and soft emotional arcs.
14. Kimi to Boku. (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.78
- Studio: J.C. Staff
Plot: Follows a group of boys navigating adolescence, friendship, and first love with gentle introspection.
Why It’s Similar: Low-drama, character-focused slice-of-life with heartfelt interactions and emotional realism.
15. Hiyokoi (2010)
- Streaming: YouTube (official)
- Episodes: 1 (OVA)
- MAL Rating: 7.12
- Studio: Production I.G
Plot: A tiny, shy girl returns to school and meets a loud, outgoing classmate who helps her open up.
Why It’s Similar: The protagonist’s social anxiety and emotional awakening closely mirror Sawako’s arc in both tone and storytelling.
Why These Anime Work for Kimi ni Todoke Fans
Each of these series offers a heartfelt, often slow-paced look into young love, social growth, and emotional connection. Whether through introverted protagonists, underdog themes, or tender storytelling, they share Kimi ni Todoke’s soul: vulnerability, kindness, and the beautiful awkwardness of love. These underrated gems prove that quiet stories often leave the loudest echoes in our hearts.
