10 Best New-Gen Shojo Anime For Romance Lovers (2024)

It’s no secret that shojo anime has been seeing a decline for quite some time. However, in recent years, fans have noticed a slow comeback in the works. That said, many new shojo titles have recently been released, breathing life back into this classic demographic.

Like many other anime genres, shojo has evolved and changed a lot, and many new series better reflect the tastes of modern fans. With deeper storylines that go far beyond a simple romance, new-gen shojo branches out with a wide variety of themes that set each new series apart from the last. From character-driven stories with strong female leads to titles that blend multiple genres for a one-of-a-kind experience, shojo is back and better than ever thanks to these modern adaptations.

10 A Girl & Her Guard Dog Is A Guilty Pleasure Romance That Embraces Shojo Clichés

Though A Girl & Her Guard Dog was one of this year's most highly anticipated new titles, many fans are torn by its use of outdated and toxic shojo tropes, including an uncomfortable age gap relationship between protagonist Isaku and her bodyguard Keiya. But despite such glaring flaws, the series has become a guilty pleasure for many.

Shojo is no stranger to questionable clichés, and while they're a turn-off for some, their enticing appeal is undeniable. A Girl & Her Guard Dog embraces these tropes, indulging fans in its dramatic storyline and forbidden romance. Though controversial, the main couple share strong chemistry that audiences can't help but love, keeping them coming back for more.

9 Bibliophile Princess Feels Like A Classic Shojo Love Story

One of the sweetest new romance series in recent years, Bibliophile Princess centers around the arranged marriage of Elianna Bernstein and Prince Christopher Selkirk Ashelard. Though on the surface their union seems to be one of convenience, Christopher's true feelings and intentions towards Elianna are slowly revealed as the story unfolds.

The romance between Christopher and Elianna is slow-going, especially on Elianna's side, but they make for an endearing couple that fans can't help but adore. With its stunning visuals, lovable cast, and heartstopping romance, Bibliophile Princess is a classic shojo love story in the best way possible. The series' popularity has played a key role in shojo's recent comeback, allowing newcomers to experience the demographic for the first time.

8 Kageki Shojo!! Is A Dark & Dramatic Story Of Life In The Spotlight

Kageki Shojo!! is a 2021 series following a group of young artists at an all-girls theater arts academy as they rise through the ranks and work to find their place in the industry. However, they soon find that it won't be easy to make their dreams a reality, and each girl struggles through the harsh realities of showbiz and the world of entertainment.

Far from the typical idol series, Kageki Shojo!! is a raw depiction of the dark side of stage life. The series is surprisingly dark and full of intense drama that delves deep into each character's backstories. An impactful story full of depth, Kageki Shojo!! tells a realistic tale of what it takes to make it in the world of acting.

7 The Yuzuki Family's Four Sons Is An Underrated Story About Four Brothers

Premiering as part of the Fall 2023 lineup, The Yuzuki Family's Four Sons is a highly underrated series following the everyday adventures of four brothers. After tragically losing their parents, the Yuzuki brothers — Hayato, Mikoto, Minato, and Gakuto — must rely on each other to get by. Together, they work hard, encourage each other, and do whatever it takes to survive in the world as a family.

The Yuzuki Family's Four Sons follows the boys as they cope with their parents' deaths and adjust to their new family roles. Heartfelt, emotional, and full of depth, the series is a hidden gem among new-gen shojo titles. This heartwarming yet bittersweet tale realistically depicts the struggles of life and the strength of family to endure it all.

6 Sacrificial Princess & The King Of Beasts Features One Of Shojo's Best New Romances

Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts is a romantic fantasy series inspired by the classic fairytale, Beauty and the Beast. The series centers around Sariphi, a young girl who finds herself offered up as a sacrifice to the fearsome King Leonhart. But while he may appear frightening, Leonhart is gentle and treats Sariphi kindly, making her a part of his royal court.

A wholesome story of an unlikely pair, Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts is one of the sweetest modern shojo romances. Sariphi and Leonhart are easily one of the cutest new-gen shojo couples, and fans can't help but fall for their unmatched chemistry. The series has everything new-gen fans look for in a love story, depicting a healthy relationship that feels natural in its progression.

5 I'm The Villainess, So I'm Taming The Final Boss Is One Of The Best Titles In The Villainess Subgenre

Shojo owes its resurgence partially to the rise of the ever-popular villainess subgenre of anime. While countless titles following this trope have popped up in recent years, it's clear that some have resonated more with audiences than others. I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss is easily one of the most popular titles to make use of the villainess reincarnation trope.

The series is a perfect blend of fantasy, isekai, and comedy, following the typical reincarnation plot of most villainess stories. While the premise is nothing unique, the story is still fun and the characters are all very lovable, especially Aileen, the series' strong and capable female protagonist.

4 Sugar Apple Fairy Tale Is Shojo's Sweetest New Series

As new-gen shojo has gained momentum, there's been a distinct rise in fantasy and fairytale-based romances in anime lately. Among the best of these is Sugar Apple Fairy Tale, which encapsulates everything fans love about these classic love stories. Set in a magical world inhabited by humans and fairies, the series centers around the journey of Ann Halford and her fairy companion, Shall Fen Shall.

Though the two come from completely different worlds, Ann and Shall overcome these differences, forming an impenetrable bond. Through love, trust, and understanding, they slowly go from friends to possibly something more. Their swoon-worthy romance has swept fans off their feet, making them one of shojo's best new-gen couples.

3 My Next Life As A Villainess Brought A New Genre To The Forefront

Over the last few years, the "reincarnated as a villainess" trope has expanded into one of the hottest new subgenres. Though anime is full of villainess titles now, this popular subgenre wouldn't be where it is today without My Next Life as a Villainess. A pioneer of villainess anime, this beloved series brought a new genre of anime to the forefront and helped bring about a new era of shojo titles.

My Next Life as a Villainess has seen resounding success since its initial release, and it's not hard to see why. A fresh take on the classic isekai story, the series was one of the most unique reincarnation series to release in years. With its fun, wholesome story and endearing cast of characters, the series has a universal appeal that fans can't resist.

2 Fruits Basket (2019) Reignited Shojo Fans' Love For The Classic Manga

Since the 2000s, Fruits Basket has been regarded as one of the greatest shojo titles of all time. Though fans still love the original anime adaptation, it's widely agreed upon that the 2019 series is the superior of the two. Faithfully adapting the manga in its entirety, Fruits Basket 2019 is considered the quintessential anime adaptation of this beloved classic.

With a stronger emphasis on romance and a darker, more in-depth storyline, the 2019 Fruits Basket series delves into each character's stories and realistically depicts their trauma and struggles. The series introduces characters who never made it into the original anime, allowing the series to finally feel complete after all this time. While it's hardly a new story, this beloved reboot has helped fans rekindle their love of shojo and brought new popularity to the demographic.

1 My Happy Marriage Has Made Fans Fall In Love With Shojo Again

While many amazing shojo titles have come out in the last few years, few can compare to My Happy Marriage. A Cinderella story with a twist, the series follows Miyo Saimori, a young woman forced into servitude by her family and subjected to their constant mistreatment. While she's resigned herself to her miserable fate, Miyo's life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes engaged to the mysterious yet kind Kiyoka Kudo.

My Happy Marriage has taken the anime world by storm, charming fans everywhere with its heartfelt story. The series is complex and emotional, touching on heavy subjects such as trauma and abuse with the respect and sensitivity they deserve. Fans praise the story for how it handles mental health and the healthy and realistic depiction of Miyo and Kiyoka's romance.