Who doesn’t love mangas? Well, we do. So, in this article, we will compile a list of the 10 best romance manga in 2024. Romance manga, also known as shoujo manga, has been popular in Japan since the 1950s..
Although romance manga is typically targeted at shoujo manga enthusiasts, it has a far wider audience than you may think!
Even though many people prefer watching romance shows to reading manga, these titles will catch you right away.
That’s because they feature lovely artwork, interesting narratives, and fantastic characters. The new manga series this year provides a wide range of content, whether you seek a beautiful romance or a tragic drama.
10. The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You
This manga’s main character Aijo is very unlucky in love. After asking out his 100th girl (and promptly failing), he seeks guidance from heaven…only to find out that the god made an error, and Aijo’s rejections were a celestial mistake.
To resolve the situation, the god makes each girl Aijo’s soulmate, but there is a catch – he has to return their feelings, or else they’ll die.
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You
Due to the high stakes involved in the series, Aijo is not just a plucky protagonist, but almost unlucky because of the supernatural twist.
We’ll be surprised if there is not an anime announcement anytime soon, since the series has been selling well in Japan (with eight volumes already published) and has a growing online following!
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You English version release date was February 22, 2022
9. Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside
As a result of a wealth of light novels already available, as well as an excellent first season of anime, (Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside) is now advancing into manga form.
Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside
Despite its epic fantasy overtones, this series is best known for the romantic relationship between the main characters Red and Rit, who used to be his traveling companion.
Red is a former hero rejected from the Hero’s party when it seemed he was holding them back.
The English version of the Hero’s Party was published in March 2022, so if you’re interested in reading the manga adaptation, it’s available now.
8. Witch Watch
A romantic comedy with the classic tropes of childhood sweethearts and oblivious male leads. Morihito, who has the blood of an ogre, has been friends with Nico since they were three years old.
When Morihito becomes Nico’s sworn protector, he must live with her under the same roof…but he’s completely unaware of Nico’s crush on him!
Witch Watch
While Witch Watch was serialized on Shonen Jump (Manga Plus), we read a few chapters, and can tell you it is a manga you should check out – it’s sweet, enjoyable, and funny all at the same time.
Nico is utterly endearing in a clumsy-love-interest way, and Morihito is stubborn and serious. Witch Watch Volume 6 was already released on 3 June 2022.
7. Chitose Is in the Ramune Bottle
It adapts the light novel Chitose-Kun wa Ramune Bin no Naka (Chitose Is in the Ramune Bottle). However, the titular Chitose Saku is doing pretty well: he is a member of the school’s top social caste, the “normies,” surrounded by pretty girls and handsome boys.
Chitose Is in the Ramune Bottle
Even though Chitose is the leader of his second-year class, he has a tough time acclimating to a fellow student who has been holed up in his room for months.
Chitose is in the Ramune Bottle isn’t your typical romantic comedy, with moments reminiscent of Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru.
Readers who are curious about the reference to Ramune soda might be interested to know that the marble that blocks the top of the Ramune bottles cannot be removed without breaking them.
6. I’m a Wolf, but My Boss is a Sheep!
The first chapter of Ookami Buka-Kun to Hitsuji Joushi-san was released on September 21, 2019, on the author’s Twitter account. The manga was serialized in Comic Bunch on September 19, 2020.
Seven Seas Entertainment has published the series in English since February 22, 2022, under the title I’m a Wolf, but My Boss Is a Sheep.
I’m a Wolf, but My Boss is a Sheep!
There’s no doubt office romance is a growing genre, and Ookami Buka-Kun to Hitsuji Joushi-san adds a fresh take on the concept of “wolf among sheep”.
Oogami is a salaryman with a crush on his supervisor, and when he gets transferred to her department, he realizes that he’s a literal wolf.
5. Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish
Interested in a love story that’ll make you cry your eyes out? Then we have a manga for you: Josee to Tora to Sakana-Tachi (Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish), which arrived last year following the similarly titled 2020 movie.
Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish
There is something heartwarming about Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish, which stars a student studying marine biology and a paraplegic woman who hopes to overcome her fears.
You’ll end up in tears whether you read the original story, watch the film, or read the manga.
4. My Happy Marriage 01
Akumi Agitogi’s first novel, My Happy Marriage, originally released as a light novel series in Japan, was inspired by Cinderella, but with a paranormal twist set in Taisho-era Japan.
A daughter is sent to audition as a bridal candidate for the heir of one of the world’s most powerful families… Because she failed to inherit the superhuman powers of her bloodlines, Miyo Saimori lives her days unwanted and unloved.
Much like her stepmother, her father has little time or affection for her, and her half-sister is treated as a servant by her mother who, unlike Miyo, possesses the unusual abilities of their bloodlines.
My Happy Marriage 01
As nothing more than a nuisance and drain on family wealth, Miyo is sent to the Kudo house to marry its heir, Kiyoka Kudo.
Whispers abound about the Kudo clan, the most powerful in all of Japan, but will the allegedly cold, cruel house where Miyo is moving prove much warmer than her home?
3. Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included
An amazing set of artwork is included in this sweet romantic comedy manga called One Room, Hiatari Futsuu, and Tenshitsuki (Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included).
Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included
In Sweet and Endearing Romantic Comedy, Shintaro and Towa’s sweet and endearing romance begins when Shintaro encounters the mysterious girl, Towa, on his balcony.
2. Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii
Mangaka Konishi Asuka, the man behind Haru no Noroi (Haru’s Curse), won the Tsugi ni Kuru Manga Taishou in 2018 for his manga Raise wa Tanin ga Ii (Yakuza Fiancé).
Despite being a granddaughter of Osaka’s mafia boss, Yoshino hasn’t been able to attract a boyfriend despite having a reputation to uphold.
That all changes when her grandfather arranges a marriage for her with the grandson of another yakuza… but Yoshino’s new partner isn’t just a gangster, he’s also a masochist. Can their strange relationship find happiness?
Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii
There are a lot of positive reviews for Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii, a manga that provides a look at the real world of Japan’s yakuza, without over-emphasizing certain elements.
This is much more complex than the typical romance manga we recommend, but a great read for mature readers.
1. Hunting in Another World With My Elf Wife
This rom-com adventure between a Hokkaido hunter and a gorgeous elf takes place in a world with beautiful elves and some pretty vicious wildlife.
Shin Nakajima begins his new life along with Saran, who shares his similar interest in nature, hunting, and adventure.
Hunting in Another World With My Elf Wife
A surprisingly in-depth discussion of Japanese firearm laws is discussed in Hokkaidou no Geneki Hunter ga Isekai ni Hourikoma Rete Mita (Hunting in Another World With My Elf Wife).
Readers have praised the book for avoiding some of the standard isekai tropes (such as a vastly overpowered main character).
Honorable Mention
Osabori Jouzuna Koumukai-san wa Ore wo Nogasanai
Summer Mist
Private Tutoring in These Difficult Times
Thirteen ending had all the runs teary-eyed and we are here to explain it all to you. This is a coming-of-age film that shows us a plot about abuse and physical relationships. Catherine Hardwicke directed the story When asked about the film after its release during on her interviews, the director talked about how this film is somewhat based on her life when she was around 12 to 13 years old. In the focus, we see two girls who are studying in the seventh grade. The film revolves around how one of them adopts a completely new lifestyle and this obviously worries her closest ones.
Thirteen was released back in 2003. Generally, the film got positive reviews from the critics but we saw how the story displays drugs and substance abuse. It portrayed young teenagers using marijuana and various other LSD which was kind of triggering to some watchers. More of that, some critics even claimed that the film has the power to influence young minds and they may get the wrong idea from it. Well, depute all that, the film was a success. It perfectly showcases the aftermath of drug abuse as well which might be enough for anyone who is getting influenced by the culture to understand how disappointing it is.
The was made on a budget of 2 million dollars. It grossed more than 19 million dollars after its release. The cast includes actress Holly Hunter reprising the role of Melanie Freeland. She is her mother of Tracy and is in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend. Then we have Tracy Freeland who is a good kid at the start of the film but her age deteriorates slowly throughout the story. Her character is enacted by Evan Rachel Wood.
A still of Evie, Tracy, and Melanie from Thirteen
Nikki Reed does the part of Evie Zamora. She is the most popular girl in the entire seventh grade. Evie becomes the bad influence everyone has always warned Tracy about, on her. Jeremy Sisto reprises the role of Brady. Then we have Brady Corbert enacting the character of Mason Freeland. He is their older brother of Tracy and is trying to help her through her depression.
Thirteen Ending Explained
The film starts with us seeing Tracy starting school in Los Angeles. She is in the seventh grade and everyone appreciates her for her smartness. Well, here enters Evie who makes fun of Tracy and bullies her. She says how her clothes look like a cabbage patch. This affects her self-image and Tracy begins to spiral. She lives in a household with her mother Melanie who is struggling with alcoholism herself.
Melanie works very hard in order to support her two kids, Tracy and Mason. Tracy often feels like her mother does not care about her because she is always too busy with her fellow ex-addict boyfriend named Brady. Well, after this, she decides to turn her life around and goes shopping at the store owned by her mother’s friend. Here, she gets new and trendier clothes for cheap and wears them to school the next day.
The next day at lunch she observes Evie, the way she talks and behaves among everyone. Tracy follows Evie to the bathroom and compliments her on her outfit. Evie gives her fake number to Tracy and asks her out for a shopping date. Nevertheless, Tracy shows up to the spot despite being pranked. Here, she sees that Evie and Astrid are shoplifting and excuses herself out of the deal, and sits on a bench.
Did Tracy Save Herself From Evie in the End?
Here, a strange woman comes and sits next to her and drops her purse. Tracy picks it up and goes off shopping with the stolen money. Soon after this, we see that Tracy and Evie have become best friends. Evie introduces her to the world of drugs and boys where Tracy gets skinny deep. This destroys her reputation even more and pulls her into depression. Soon, Evie starts living with them after manipulating Tracy. She also gives her drugs and marijuana along with some other harmful substances.
During the end scene, we see that Melanie tries to send Evie away and Tracy agrees. This hurts Evie and she comes to her home with her mother and starts blaming Tracy for changing her and being a bad influence. Tracy stands up for herself and argues that everything that is wrong with her is because of Evie. The guests leave and Melanie and Tracy share a hug. Tracy struggles to get out of it but Melanie, who has been yearning to spend time with her daughter pulls her in closer, and the two fall asleep.
