Summary
The term “Shojo” refers to the manga and anime genre that centers its storytelling around an audience of young women and girls. That isn’t to say that other demographics can’t enjoyshojocontent, but that the target consumers of shojo are young women and girls.But what makes a shojo?
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Many will assert that for something to be shojo, it has to be originally published in a shojo magazine likeNakayoshiorRibon. Others might argue that this creates a gray area for original animes and animes that cater to young girls who are published by non-shojo magazines. Regardless, shojo’s popularity means that some of the best content is widely accessible with both subs and dubs on the market.
11Smile Down The Runway (2020)
After being fired from her father’s modeling agency, Chiyuki Fujito embarks on a journey to reach Paris Fashion Week as a top model. That is, if someone is willing to overlook her short stature and fiery attitude. Left to her own devices, Chiyuki must find her own route to Paris Fashion Week without her father’s agency’s support. This dub features the voices of Macy Anne Johnson, known forShikimori’s Not Just a Cutie,and Derek Snow,known for Fire Force.
10Kimi Ni Todoke (2009)
Based on the award-winning manga of the same name,Kimi Ni Todoketells the story of 15-year-old Sawako who is bullied for looking like a horror film villain. One day she is befriended by the popular boy from class, Kazehaya, and her whole world changes. Now she has friends, a potential romantic interest, and some slow-coming self-confidence.
This romantic comedy is sure to make anime lovers swoon as the romance between Kazehaya and Sawako patiently builds up. The Japanese live-action adaptation is on Netflix now.
9Romantic Killer (2022)
This animeis not like the rest. Although the manga was published inShonen Jump+, it adopts too many shojo tropes to be considered anything but shojo. Many will argue against this one making the list, but it ticks off all the shojo boxes other than where it was published.
Romantic Killerfollows Anzu Hoshino as her life is thrown into a reverse harem of which she wants no part. She would actually prefer anything to romance, but she would especially prefer video games and chocolate. Both of which are taken by the wizard named Riri. Luckily for Anzu, the harem of “ikemen” that Riri has collected for her are all standup guys with no ill intentions.
8Violet Evergarden (2018)
Based on the award-winning light novel,Violet Evergardenfollows Violet as she adapts to life with two prosthetic arms following the war.
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Voiced by voice acting legend Erika Harlacher, known as the voice of Panther inPersona 5and Kurapika inHunter X Hunter, Violet must come to terms with her new reality while the mystery of her past and the whereabouts of the man she loves looms.Violet Evergardennow has three movies as well as the miniseries.
7Monthly Girls' Nozaki-Kun (2014)
When Chiyo Sakura confesses to her crush, the last thing she imagines him doing is inviting her over to his house. Or wait, the last thing she imagined him doing was inviting her over to his house to ink his shojo manga for him.
Nonetheless, Chiyo finds herself in confusing situation after confusing situation as she navigates her new relationship with her crush, Nozaki. This one is better left going into with as few spoilers as possible.
6Skip And Loafer (2023)
Mitsumi Ikawura is a girl with a plan. After moving to Tokyo from a small town with only eight middle schoolers in her year, Mutsumi will go to high school, get into Tokyo U, go to law school, and graduate at the top of her class. But will she make it to her first day of high school after getting on the wrong train?
Thankfully Sousuke Shima found her on his comfortably-late journey to school and helped her out. Now that they are fast friends, will something more bloom out of this relationship? This anime will surely satisfy anyslice-of-life fan.
5Orange (2016)
When Naho receives a letter from her future self telling her that a new transfer student will die in just over a year, and that it is her future self’s biggest regret, Naho finds it hard to believe. That is until other things from the letter start to come true.
Orangewatches as Naho tries to save her new classmate from his imminent death, all the while typical high school hijinx ensues. This shojo anime tackles themes such as depression, and suicide, making it aheavier viewing experience.
4Kiss Him, Not Me (2016)
Afterfujoshi, or consumer of “Boy’s Love” manga and anime, Kae finds out her favorite character was killed off. She loses weight out of despair, only to discover that she is a total bombshell with a few pounds shed.
Next thing she knows, she is in a reverse harem of boys from her school. Many of her suitors are highly compatible with her, but unfortunately for them, all Kae wants is for her suitors to pair off with each other and not her.
3My Happy Marriage (2023)
In this Cindarella-esc story, Miyo Saimori is tormented by her abusive stepmother and step-sister. That is until she is married off to the head of the Kuduo family. In her new home she must grow accustomed to the warmth and care that Kiyoka Kuduo has to offer her; all the while, her stepsister and stepmom try to ruin the proposal.
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The classic feel of this anime makes it one of thebest romance animeon the list.
2Fruits Basket (2019-2021)
Fruits Basketis the story of Tohru Honda and the Soma family. Tohru is a homeless teenager who is taken in by the Somas when she finds out their family secret. When she gets closer to the family, she discovers their complex family dynamic and secrets darker than she ever imagined.
Voiced by Laura Bailey, Tohru must help keep the Soma family secret while maneuvering her own relationships as a high school student.
