8 Popular & Well-Regarded Romance Anime I Enjoyed Best in Subtitles

Are you a fan of romance anime, but only watch them in the English dub versions? As an avid viewer of romance anime, I've compiled a short list of very popular shows that have captivated many viewers, and have resonated with their emotions. After all, romance anime is a unique genre that blends love, friendship, and personal development. However, I find it important to note that many of the finest romance anime often excel in their original Japanese versions.

When it comes to romance anime, the original Japanese voice acting delivers a level of authenticity and emotion that's difficult to replicate in dubbed versions. While some dubs are well-done, they may not completely capture the essence of the characters and their stories, which can make the experience feel slightly off. Therefore, with this list of shows, I am putting forth SIX romance anime that are available in dub and sub, however, I believe these series should only be watched in the original Japanese audio with English subtitles. Please keep in mind that the anime below are ordered according to how much the series improves when you watch it in subtitles based on my own opinions, and are NOT ordered by overall ratings and popularity. With that in mind, allow me to present some of my favorite picks that I believe are best experienced in sub!

8 - Honey Lemon Soda (2025)

Sub-genres: Drama

Available on: Crunchyroll

Why give it a watch? Right away, Honey Lemon Soda intrigued me with its shy girl and popular boy romance trope. After falling in love with romance series such as Say "I Love You" and Kimi ni Todoke, I find this type of romance anime moving and sweet. So if you're like me and are easily swayed by the dandere achetype in romance anime, then I highly recommend this series.

Why watch it in sub? While the English dub is acceptable, it is my opinion that the Japanese version is far more likable mostly because the subtle nuances in meaning, and the emotional impact of the characters are far more enticing that way. Let me be clear that it's not that the English dub is bad, but rather that the characters feel more alive, and have more of an appeal in the original Japanese audio. The characters Uka and Kai almost come off as having more chemistry in the Japanese version than in the English dub version, which goes to show how much more inviting the original audio is. So honestly, I definitely recommend this anime in sub all the way!

7 - More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers (2022)

Sub-genres: Comedy, Drama, Ecchi

Availalbe on: Crunchyroll

Why give it a watch? This series genuinely surprised me, and initially, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to give it a try, let alone end up enjoying it. However, despite my initial disinterest, the first 10 minutes of the opening episode was enough to get me hooked! Honestly, I'm not usually inclined to watch anime series categorized as ecchi, primarily because I find this genre to be far too cliched for my taste. Fortunately, this series rises above the cliched genre it belongs to (mostly), thanks to its comedic value, plot development, and the likability of the characters. In addition, the series also provides some drama, which guides the story progression.

Why watch it in sub? Here's the thing: I generally appreciated the English dub cast for this series, EXCEPT for one particular aspect: the actor voicing Akari. The issue wasn't so much with the voice actor's talent or performance, which may have been commendable in other contexts, but rather with the awkward and unpleasant translation of Gyaru slang in English. Gyaru slang, which is known for its cropped style of wording and playful, often exaggerated expressions, loses A LOT of its charm in translation. Sorry...not sorry! So, once I switched to the original Japanese version with English subtitles, I became more engaged with the series and could overlook Akari's manner of speaking. Ultimately, this is my personal opinion, however, if you find the Kardashians' way of speaking cringe-worthy, then I highly recommend you watch this series in the original Japanese audio--the way it was intended to be heard!

6 - Say "I Love You" (2012)

Sub-genres: Drama

Available on: Hulu, Crunchyroll

Why give it a watch? Without a doubt, I would recommend this series to anyone who has never seen it, especially because at this point, I regard Say "I Love You" as a modern classic—a must-watch for anyone trying out the romance genre for the first time, and anyone who loves the dandere types of anime. The characters are deeply relatable, each carrying their own burdens, insecurities, and dreams. The lead character, Mei, embodies a blend of vulnerability and strength, allowing audiences to connect with her struggles and triumphs on a personal level. Whether you are a seasoned fan of romance stories or a newcomer to the genre, this series offers something for everyone.

Why watch it in Sub? Once again, while the dubbing is not terrible by any means, there is certain likability from the Japanese version that was not able to be replicated in the English dub version. This is especially true for the character Mei, who has many strange behaviors that I found a little odd to watch until I switched over to the Japanese audio. Also, the original audio is more fluid, coming off seamlessly with the characters. With that said, while the English dub is pretty decent, I recommend this beautiful series in its original audio.

5 - Special A! (2008)

Sub-genres: Comedy

Available on: Amazon Prime

Why give it a watch? By far one of my favorite series, Special A! (S.A.) is an anime I have loved for years for it's fun and engaging premise of two rivals that actually have a blossoming romance between them. Of course, there are other anime that follow this premise, but this one is another classic that deserves its recognition. In addition to it's adorable plotline, the comedic value of this series is top notch. If you have not scene this series, you have to give it a try!

Why watch it in sub? This is one of those situations where once you have seen it in the subtitled version, the English version just can't rise above it. I have to say, once again, that the dubbing is not bad at all, and may even be preferred by some, but for me, the Japanese audio is perfect. I will say the English voices for Hikari and Kei almost nearly replicate the Japanese voice actors, and therefore help the series stay aligned with its original intent. For me, it's the English voices for the supporting characters that I tend to not like, and find hard to listen to in the English dub version. So, if you are giving this series a try for the first time, I recommend subtitles all the way!

4 - A Sign of Affection (2024)

Sub-genres: Slice-of-life, Drama

Available on: Crunchyroll

 Why give it a watch? I've already stated this in a previous post, but for those who appreciate a lighthearted series and a charming romance story, A Sign of Affection is perfect. The story takes place in a beautifully crafted world, where the characters navigate the complexities of their relationships with sincerity and warmth. Also, every single relevant character in this anime series is likable, and I do mean EVERY SINGLE ONE, because each character adds their own perspective to the story, allowing us as the viewers to become a part of their world. This anime is truly enchanting, and I couldn't recommend it enough!

Why watch it in sub? To be clear, when I first watched this anime last year, I wasn't a big fan of the English dub, mainly due to the voices for Yuki and Emma. Despite this, I watched the entire season in English dub because it was more convenient, not better. This really underscores how significant a change in voice can be, and in this case, it truly matters. Having seen both versions now, I can confidently state that the original Japanese version is far superior. Here's why: the main protagonist, Yuki Itose, is more engaging, humorous, and matches the facial expressions better in the original version compared to the English dub. Unfortunately, the English version doesn't rise up to capture the emotional depth of the original, particularly in the case of the characters, Yuki and Emma (the other English voice actors are pretty great though!). So, do yourself a favor and watch the show in Japanese with English subtitles so you can start falling in love with A Sign of Affection!

3 - Yakuza Fiance (2024)

Sub-genres: Crime, Thriller

Available on:

Why give it a watch? Okay, I actually LOVEDYakuza Fiance, and I sincerely hope there are many more episodes to come in a possible season 2 release. I genuinely appreciated this series for its originality in plot development. While the characters themselves are not exactly original, they had a unique dynamic. There is just something oddly fascinating about two high school students having some affiliation with Yakuza, while exploring a fine line between like, love, and hate. This series truly had me hooked from start to finish!

Why watch it only in sub? First, let me say that I JUST found out an English dub was created for this, and I was over the moon about it! Having watched the subtitled version TWICE now (I loved it that much), I was so excited to find out how well the dubbing was for this series. Unfortunately, after giving it two episodes, I was less than pleased with the English dub. I could hardly get through it, not due to the performance of the voice actors, but rather the selection of English voice actors. For example, the Japanese voice actor for Yoshino, Hitomi Ueda, was absolutely perfect, as she aided the character in coming off in a darkly seductive, confident, and kind yet warrior-esque sort of way. Yoshino's characterization throughout the anime evolves constantly, demonstrating differing components of her personality, and Ueda was able to bring that to life. Unfortunately, Molly Searcy was unable to acheive this in the same way, so the series lacked its original elevation. Therefore, I just believe this anime deserves to be watched it its original audio only.

2 - The Dangers in My Heart (2023)

Sub-genres: Drama, Comedy

Available on: HIDIVE, Amazon Prime

Why give it a watch? The Dangers in My Heart  comes off strange at first, especially after learning that Ichikawa had "planned" to murder his whole class, but once you give it a chance, the series is surprisingly sweet, and the animation is truly incredible. In essence, however, the series stands out not just for its animation, but mostly for its exquisite character development--a feat that is not so easily done. While this anime is one that takes its time, with some patience, it becomes extensively clear why this show can surely top anyone's list.

Why watch it in Sub? I'm going to be very honest here: the English dub for this anime just sounds very off, and here's why. I watched the entire first season of this anime in the original Japanese version before I realized there was an English dub. In my attempt to switch to the English version, I noticed that everything sounded very off due to the changes in voice, tone, pitch, and of course language. In addition to that, while the English dubbing isn't terrible, the voice cast chosen for the English dubbing largely don't fit the role of the characters they are meant to portray, particularly the voices for the main characters. For example, the Japanese voice for Ichikawa is breathy, uneven, direct, and a bit hoarse at times. As for Yamada, the Japanese voice is bright, bubbly, soft, and sweet. These voice descriptions align well with the characters' personalities. Unfortunately, the English version just doesn't quite add up, especially for the character Yamada, as the English voice actor for the character has a voice that is not as delicate nor sweet, making it ill-suited for the character. Simply put, the English dub just doesn't even compare, let alone resemble what the original version has to offer. It's just best not to waste any time with the English version, because the original is just so perfect!

1 - The Ice Guy & His Cool Female Colleague (2023)

Sub-genres: Comedy, Fantasy

Available on: Crunchyroll

Why give it a watch? At first glance, I wasn't sure if this anime would captivate me, but I was proven wrong in worrying! With its vibrant animation style, the series manages to create a visually stunning world that draws you in from the very first episode. The character designs are charming and expressive, adding a layer of depth to the storytelling. Also, the sweet romance that takes place between the main characters is both heartwarming and relatable, capturing the essence of budding relationships in a unique way. The dynamic between the "Ice Guy" Himuro, who struggles with his icy powers and the challenges they bring, and his "cool female colleague" Fuyutsuki, who provides warmth and understanding, is humorous, light-hearted, and touching.

Why watch it in sub? Here's the thing: the English dub voice acting for The Ice Guy & His Cool Female Colleague (2023) is not terrible, but the sound quality itself is just not up to par. The first time I attempted to watch this series, it was in the English dub. The sound quality behind the voices sounded fuzzy, and other times sounded like an echo was behind it. At this point, I nearly gave up on watching the series until I realized that I should try watching the Japanese version. Once I did that, the sound quality was much improved, and I could finally enjoy this series in full. With that said, I would not even attempt to watch this series in English, because while the dubbing is not bad, the quality itself does not even compare to the original!

Reflection

Alright, so there you have it! Are you considering watching the series I recommended in their original Japanese versions? Furthermore, if you find this list intriguing, stay tuned for another post where I will recommend romance anime that are equally enjoyable in their English-dubbed versions. I hope these suggestions are The Wright Anime for you! Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below.