4 Best Enemy-Turned-Lover Anime Stories You Can't Miss

Whether it's childhood rivals who can't stand each other, or sworn enemies who clash throughout the series, these compelling stories keep fans hooked. Below, we have highlighted a selection of some must-watch anime that showcase the captivating enemies-to-lovers trope.

4 Best Enemy-Turned-Lover Anime Stories

‘Whisper Of The Heart’

Shizuku Tsukishima and Seiji Amasawa are one of Studio Ghibli's most memorable couples and stand out as one of the few explicitly romantic pairings from the studio. However, their journey to admitting their feelings takes the entire movie. Shizuku initially develops a romantic curiosity about Seiji after noticing his name on the checkout cards of all her library books, only for her idealised image of him to be shattered when they meet.

Despite their knack for getting on each other’s nerves, their growing connection reveals that they are each other’s biggest support system. With an IMDb rating of 7.8, this heartwarming anime is streaming on Netflix.

‘Maid Sama!’

Misaki Ayuzawa is juggling a lot as the first female student council president of her school, while also working part-time at a maid café in ‘Maid Sama!’ Her life takes an unexpected turn when Takumi Usui, the school's heartthrob, discovers her secret job. What begins as a strange, secretive friendship evolves as Misaki desperately tries to keep Usui from exposing her secret, while he enjoys teasing her and getting to know her true self.

Over time, their close encounters lead to a heartfelt romance, with Misaki reluctantly falling for the charming Usui, who is equally smitten with the strong and determined Misaki. With an IMDb rating of 7.9, this delightful anime is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

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‘Princess Mononoke’

In ‘Princess Mononoke,’ Ashitaka is determined to remain neutral, refusing to become anyone's enemy. As one of the most endearing princes in anime, he strives to bridge the gap between the humans of Iron Town and the spirits of the forest. However, for San, the fierce and vengeful daughter of the wolf god, his neutrality makes him just as culpable as any other human.

Over time, both Ashitaka and San come to realise that life is far more complex and beautiful. As the stakes escalate, they save each other’s lives repeatedly, building an unspoken bond. By the end of the film, although San cannot fully forgive humans for their destruction of the forest, she acknowledges her love for Ashitaka and chooses to return it. With an IMDb rating of 8.3, ‘Princess Mononoke’ is a masterpiece anime available for streaming on Netflix.

‘A Silent Voice’

Shouko and Shouya from ‘A Silent Voice’ represent a complex take on the enemies-to-lovers trope, though they never officially become a couple despite Shouko's feelings for Shouya. As children, Shouya and his friends bullied Shouko for being deaf, forcing her to transfer schools due to the severity of the bullying.

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Years later, Shouya, burdened with guilt, tries to make amends by befriending Shouko upon her return. Their relationship is layered, as Shouko has no resentment toward Shouya and even develops feelings for him after witnessing his genuine efforts to right his wrongs. This touching story of redemption and connection has an IMDb rating of 8.1 and is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Crunchyroll.

Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.

Credits: Youtube