Whereas western anime followers might acknowledge way more iconic Shonen shows, Shojo collection are nonetheless immensely well-liked everywhere in the world. Shojo anime have a tendency to focus on youthful feminine audiences however can have superb tales for anybody of any age or gender to get pleasure from.
Whereas some Shojo anime are stereotypical romantic tales many break the mould by exploring deeper emotional tales and distinctive themes. These reveals outline one of the best components of the style and are must-watch collection for any anime fan.
10 Sailor Moon
“Preventing evil by moonlight, successful love by daylight, by no means operating from an actual combat, she is the one named Sailor Moon!”
With considered one of the catchiest theme songs of all time, no fan of anime that grew up within the 90s hasn’t seen or not less than heard of Sailor Moon. The adventures of the Sailor Scouts are actually iconic so whether or not followers watched the unique or the current retelling of the story in Sailor Moon Crystal, they are going to absolutely bear in mind this magical lady journey.
9 Cardcaptor Sakura
The unique Cardcaptor Sakura got here out all the best way again in 1998 and has confirmed its endurance with its sequel, Clear Card, releasing in 2018. Sakura’s adventures to recapture the magical Clow Playing cards is light-hearted and enjoyable whereas that includes a rivals-to-lovers romance that is not the common tacky affair present in different Shojo anime.
The present usually bucks magical lady tropes (there aren’t even transformation sequences) and provides one thing distinctive to followers of the style.
8 Kamisama Kiss
Who hasn’t out of the blue discovered themselves out of the blue homeless, saved a person from a canine, after which out of the blue grow to be a God? Kamisama Kiss is a romantic comedy with a splash of the supernatural that takes this wild premise and turns it right into a enjoyable and playful romp.
Nanami’s adventures with the fox spirit Tomoe are almost reminiscent of Inu Yasha however way more refined than that iconic present. The collection has additionally impressed a number of OVAs exhibiting simply how a lot followers wished extra of this superb story.
7 Ouran Excessive College Host Membership
Ouran Excessive College Host Membership takes the primary forged with extremely stereotypical character archetypes and slowly grows them all through the present. It additionally tackles many themes about gender and presentation as Haruhi is pressured to grow to be the errand “boy” of the host membership after breaking a vase price eight million yen.
The present got here out in 2006 and its reputation continues to be so sturdy that it is even getting a new adaptation as a live-action musical.
6 Revolutionary Lady Utena
Winner of the Finest TV Animation Award in 1997, Revolutionary Lady Utena was one of many first mainstream anime with lesbian romance to hit Western audiences and it did so with a critical splash. The collection’ reliance on surrealism and symbolism to inform its coming-of-age story has resonated with viewers to at the present time.
Utena’s adventures on the Ootori Academy throw her into sword preventing duels, gaining a shock fiancée in Anthy, and a mysterious hidden mission to “revolutionize the world.” Watching the thriller slowly unfold all through the collection is extremely satisfying.
5 The Rose Of Versailles
This anime is over forty years previous but continues to be top-of-the-line historic shojo anime of all time. The Rose of Versailes‘ alternate historical past of the occasions main as much as the French Revolution is simply nearly as good right now because it was again in 1979.
The romance between Oscar François de Jarjeyes and her childhood good friend Andre is highly effective, with the 2 not solely being from completely different social lessons however Oscar having been raised “as a male” to be the chief of the royale guard. The Rose of Versailes tackles many themes of sexual and gender id, discovering one’s place on the earth, and brings every little thing to the desk followers of historic dramas have come to like.
4 Nana
“Say, Nana… Do you bear in mind the primary time we met?”
The story of the naïve Nana Komatsu and punk-rock vocalist Nana Osaki and the way their lives intertwine is without doubt one of the most iconic in all of Shojo anime. Watching the characters take care of romance, heartbreaks, and all the challenges life can throw at them is one thing many followers establish with wholeheartedly.
The one unlucky half about Nana is its ending, because the manga was placed on indefinite hiatus in 2009 when writer Ai Yazawa fell gravely in poor health and had a troublesome restoration. She has nonetheless mentioned the collection will proceed “ultimately” nevertheless it’s been over ten years so followers may be ready for a very long time.
3 Banana Fish
Launched as a part of Akimi Yoshida’s Fortieth-anniversary commemoration undertaking, the present isn’t what most Shojo followers would expect from the genre. What number of Shojo reveals cowl a boy raised by a mafia boss and unravel a thriller involving the Iraq Warfare? Only one — Banana Fish.
The present additionally covers darker themes than most Shojo anime like medicine, PTSD, sexual assault, and extra. Be certain to take a look at some content material warnings earlier than giving Banana Fish a watch simply in case.
2 Natsume’s E book Of Pals
When Takashi’s grandmother passes down a Yuujinchou, referred to as a E book of Pals, his whole life turns the wrong way up. Natsume’s E book of Pals follows his adventures as he tries to keep away from being hunted down by the yokai who’ve had their spirits introduced underneath his grandmother’s management previously.
At the least he would not should do it alone as he has a cat spirit and self-proclaimed bodyguard Madara by his aspect. This supernatural slice-of-life anime is without doubt one of the Shojo greats for good cause as is price testing by any anime fan.
1 Fruits Basket
Whereas the unique Fruits Basket collection started airing again in 2001, it wasn’t till Spring of 2021 when Fruits Basket: Final aired as a definitive finish to the supernatural romance.
The story follows Tooru and her life whereas residing on the Souma home. She discovers that every individual that lives there when hugged by somebody of the other gender turns into one of many animals from the Chinese language zodiac and that there’s a darkish curse that causes this to occur. The present is crammed with romance and drama and can go away followers glued to their screens till they end watching it.
About The Writer
