Key recommendations
- Some of the best “opposites attract” anime couples show how different personalities can work well together.
- Romances like Toradora and Fruits Basket highlight the dynamic between characters who complement each other despite their initial differences.
- Shows like My Dress Up Darling and Nodame Cantabile feature couples with contrasting traits who positively influence each other.
One of the most common tropes of the romance genre is the concept of “opposites attract.” Essentially, this trope puts two characters together who shouldn't like each other or make it work romantically. Yet somehow their differences complement each other and they end up making a great couple.
The anime has quite a number of great “opposites attract” couples that explore this trope very well. It should be noted that this list will look at couples who are different in personality rather than class or status, so a couple like Kiyoka and Miho from My happy marriage will not present. These romances show that different personalities can work together in harmony.
8 Haru & Legosi (Beastars)
Opposites don't attract more than that
Beastars was an odd one, leaning into its thriller tones. It was made predominantly with CGI and followed anthropomorphic animals, which was not something anime fans thought they would like in 2019. However, it turned out pretty well.
The main draw was the relationship between Haru and Legosi. Haru is a white rabbit, a herbivore with some dark shadows hanging over her. Legosi is a strong wolf who stands alone, but also struggles with some dark urges of his own. The two may not seem to work at first glance, but they do. Legosi proves to be a strong character with the will to be better than his circumstances dictate. Beastars got a second season and fans are waiting for the third.
7 Akane & Yamada (My Love Story with Yamada-Kun at Lv999)
A simple story, well done
Akane was dumped by her boyfriend for a girl he met in a video game. She suffers through this and eventually meets Yamada, her polar opposite, who wants nothing more than to stay indoors and play video games, and romantic moves begin.
My love story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 leaning towards opposites attracts tropes. Akane is a lively and popular girl, while Yamada is on the opposite end of the spectrum with his quiet demeanor. Yamada-kun it does a good job pacing the romance as the two get to know each other better and grow as people. Akane becomes a more confident person following her breakup with her ex, while Yamada becomes more open and mature.
6 Ryuuji and Taiga (Toradora)
A doubly opposite situation attracts
Ryuuji is a mild-mannered individual who finds himself tangled up with the fiery Taiga, who can become quite violent when angered.
Which is what makes opposites attract such a fascinating aspect Toradora it is its dual nature.
On the surface, Ryuuji has a stern face and looks like a delinquent, which makes people avoid him. Meanwhile, Taiga looks like a simple and maybe even fragile little girl. But underneath the surface, Ryuuji is the cutest one who loves housework, while Taiga is the wild and violent one. Both above and below are opposites.
5 Gojou and Marin (My Dress Up Darling)
Romance and cosplay
Dress my dear successfully came out in 2022 and was one of the best romance anime of the year. It followed Gojou Wakana, a skilled hina doll maker who wants to be a great craftsman like his grandfather.
She meets Marin, who also has a secret side to her: she likes to cosplay. The two team up and as they try on new costumes, their love grows. It is clear that the two are opposites in every way and would never have come together except for their common interests. Marin and Gojou are a joy to watch. They both love what they do and never judge each other for who they are, making them a great couple to root for.
4 Kyo & Tohru (Fruit Basket)
A simple hug turns him into an animal
Kyo Soma and Tohru Honda are a classic couple that was introduced to a younger fan base in its remake Fruit basket was released in 2019. Tohru is a sweet girl who is cute to a fault, while Kyo is a spoiled boy who is afraid of hurting the ones he cares about.
Kyo and Tohru are really opposites and initially felt like a relationship that wouldn't work, but as fans got to know them better, they fit more and more. Tohru had to temper Kyo while he was able to make Tohru be more true to herself.
3 Hori and Miyamura (Horimiya)
Two lovers with things to hide
Miyamura Izumi has a pretty bold fashion sense, but she hides it at school. Meanwhile, Hori Kyouko is a combination of beauty and brains, but in truth, she's a homie who finds it hard to socialize. These are the two who, by circumstances, come together.
The relationship between Hori and Miyamura is cute because they complement each other. There is a sense of opposites attracting, but also an underlying similarity between the two souls. That's what makes them connect so deeply. A great characteristic of the relationship is the openness and honesty with which the two communicate. A lot of romance anime thrive on miscommunication and insecurity, but that was never the case with Miyamura and Hori.
2 Arima and Kaori (Your Lie in April)
A story of immortality
Arima Kousei lost the ability to listen to his music after his mother's death. His fingers on the keyboard simply became dull thuds. But when he meets Kaori Miyazono, his world begins to turn colorful.
Your lie of April is a beautiful show that examines the concept of living even after death. But, the romantic story between the two main characters is where the show shines. The quiet and gentle Arima finds herself captivated by the more confident and outgoing Kaori. The romance between the two is bittersweet. Anyone could see how perfect they were as a team, but tragedy lurked around the corner. In the end, there is sadness at the missed potential of such a healthy couple, but delight that they existed together in the first place.
1 Shinichi & Noda (Nodame Cantabile)
Love and classical music are a perfect mix
Shinichi Chiaki is supposed to be a world-renowned musician, but because of his fear of flying, he can't go beyond Japan. His life changes when he meets Megumi Noda, a brilliant pianist who absolutely hates structure.
Shinichi is a perfectionist who has to get everything right, while Noda is more than happy to own up to her mistakes. The two are a great complement to each other and begin to influence each other. Noda begins to appreciate the structure more, while Shinichi begins to relax, even a little. Definitely worth a watch. As a huge plus, later seasons explored the pair as a couple with the real issues that couples face.
