Key Takeaways
- Some of the best “opposites attract” couples in anime showcase how different personalities can work well together.
- Romances like Toradora and Fruits Basket highlight the dynamic between characters who complement each other despite initial differences.
- Shows like My Dress Up Darling and Nodame Cantabile depict couples with contrasting traits who influence each other positively.
One of the most common tropes of the romance genre is the concept of “opposites attract.” This trope essentially puts two characters together that shouldn’t like each other, or work romantically. Yet somehow, their differences compliment one another, and they end up making a great couple.
Anime has a fair number of great “opposites attract” couples, which explore this trope very well. It should be noted that this list will look at couples that are different in personality rather than class, or status, so a couple like Kiyoka and Miho from My Happy Marriage will not feature. These romances show that different personalities can work together in harmony.
8 Haru & Legosi (Beastars)
It Doesn’t Get More Opposites Attract Than This
Beastars was a weird one, leaning into its thriller tones. It was done predominantly with CGI and followed anthropomorphic animals, which was not something anime fans thought they would enjoy in 2019. However, it turned out quite 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 keeps to himself, but also fights some dark urges of his. The two might not seem to work at first glance, but they do. Legosi is shown 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 That’s Well Done
Akane was dumped by her boyfriend for a girl he met in a video game. She suffers through that and eventually meets Yamada, her polar opposite who wants nothing more than to sit indoors and play video games, and romantic hijinks ensue.
My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 leaned into the opposites attract trope. Akane is a peppy, popular girl, while Yamada is at the direct opposite end of the spectrum with his quiet demeanor. Yamada-kun does a good job at pacing the romance, as the two get to know each other better and grow as people. Akane develops into a more trusting person following her breakup with her ex, while Yamada grows more open and mature.
6 Ryuuji & Taiga (Toradora)
A Double Opposites Attract Situation
Ryuuji is a mild-mannered individual who finds himself entangled with the fiery Taiga, who can get pretty violent when she’s upset.
What makes the opposites attract aspect so fascinating in Toradora is the double nature of it.
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 frail little girl. But beneath the surface, Ryuuji is the nicer one who loves housework, while Taiga is the wild and violent one. Both the surface and beneath, they are opposites.
5 Gojou & Marin (My Dress Up Darling)
Romance And Cosplay
My Dress Up Darling came out with a bang in 2022 and was one of the best romance anime of the year. It followed Gojou Wakana, a skilled maker of hina dolls who wants to be a great artisan like his grandfather.
He meets Marin, who also has a secret side to her: she loves to cosplay. The two team up and as they try out new costumes, the romance between them grows. It is clear that the two are opposites in every way, and would never have come together but for their shared 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 (Fruits Basket)
A Simple Hug Turns Him Into An Animal
Kyo Soma and Tohru Honda are a classic couple who were introduced to a younger fanbase when the remake of Fruits Basket was released in 2019. Tohru is a sweet girl who is nice to a fault, while Kyo is a broken boy who is afraid of hurting the ones he cares about.
Kyo and Tohru are truly 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 was to temper Kyo, while he was able to get Tohru to be more true to herself.
3 Hori & Miyamura (Horimiya)
Two Lovers With Things To Hide
Miyamura Izumi has a rather daring sense of fashion, but hides it away at school. Meanwhile, Hori Kyouko is a combination of beauty and brains, but in truth is a homebody who finds it difficult to socialize. These are the two who, through circumstances, come together.
The relationship between Hori and Miyamura is cute as they complement each other. There is a sense of opposites attract, but also an underlying similarity between the two souls. That’s what makes them connect so deeply. A great feature of the relationship is the openness and honesty with which the two communicate. A lot of romance anime thrive on miscommunication and insecurity, but this was never the case with Miyamura and Hori.
2 Arima & Kaori (Your Lie In April)
A Story Of Immortality
Arima Kousei lost the ability to hear his music after the death of his mother. His fingers on the keyboard simply became dull thudding. But, when he meets Kaori Miyazono, his world starts to fill with color.
Your Lie In April is a beautiful show that examines the concept of living on even after death. But, the romantic story between the two leading characters is where the show shines. The quiet and meek Arima finds himself 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 was lurking in the corner. At the end, there is sorrow at the missed potential of such a wholesome couple, but the delight that they existed together in the first place.
1 Shinichi & Noda (Nodame Cantabile)
Love And Classical Music Are A Perfect Mix
Shinichi Chiaki should be a world-famous musician, but due to a fear of flying, he cannot go beyond Japan. His life changes when he meets Megumi Noda, a brilliant pianist who absolutely hates structure.
Shinichi is a perfectionist who must have everything just right, while Noda is more than happy to roll with her mistakes. The two are a great complement to one another, and they start to influence each other. Noda starts to appreciate structure more, while Shinichi starts to loosen up, even just a little bit. It is certainly worth a watch. As a huge plus, the later seasons explored the pair as a couple with the real problems couples face.
