Key things
- Some of the best “opposites attract” pairings 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 their initial differences.
- Shows like My Dress Up Darling and Nodame Cantabile depict couples with contrasting traits that positively influence each other.
One of the most common tropes of the romance genre is the concept of “opposites attract”. This trope is basically putting two characters together who shouldn't like each other or have a romantic relationship. Yet somehow their differences complement each other and they end up making a great couple.
The anime has a lot of great “opposites attract” couples that explore this trope very well. It should be noted that this list will deal with couples that differ in personality rather than class or status, so a couple like Kiyoka and Miho from My happy marriage will not represent These romances show that different personalities can work together in harmony.
8 Haru & Legos (Beastars)
It doesn't get more opposites attract than this
Beastars was odd, leaning on its thriller tones. It was mostly done with CGI and followed anthropomorphic animals, which was not something anime fans in 2019 thought they would enjoy. It turned out pretty well though.
The main draw was the relationship between Haru and Legosi. Haru is a white rabbit, a herbivore, with dark shadows hanging over him. Legosi is a strong wolf who keeps to himself but also struggles with some of his dark desires. At first glance, these two might not seem to work, but they do. Legosi proves to be a strong character with a will to be better than his circumstances dictate. Beastars got a second season and fans are waiting for a third.
7 Akane & Yamada (My love story with Yamada-Kun at Lv999)
A simple story that is well done
Akane was dumped by her boyfriend for a girl he met in a video game. She suffers from this and ends up meeting Yamada, her opposite, who wants nothing more than to sit at home and play video games, and romantic outings ensue.
My love story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 leaning into the opposites attract trope. Akane is the cheerful, popular girl, while Yamada is on the opposite end of the spectrum with his quiet demeanor. Yamada-kun it does a good job of pacing the romance as the two get to know each other better and grow as people. Akane develops into a more trusting person after breaking up with her ex, while Yamada becomes more open and mature.
6 Ryuuji & Taiga (Toradora)
Double opposites attract situation
Ryuuji is a mild-mannered individual who finds himself involved with a fiery taiga who can be quite violent when angered.
In what opposites attract aspect so fascinating Toradora is the dual nature of it.
On the surface, Ryuuji has a stern face and looks like a delinquent, which makes people avoid him. Meanwhile, Taiga seems like a simple and maybe fragile little girl. But underneath the surface, Ryuuji is the kinder one who loves chores, while Taiga is the wild and violent one. Both the surface and underneath are opposites.
5 Gojou & Marin (My Dress Up Darling)
Romance and Cosplay
My dress with 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 hina doll maker who wants to be a great craftsman like his grandfather.
He meets Marin, who also has a secret side to her: she loves cosplay. The two bond and as they try on new costumes, their romance grows. It's clear that the two are opposites in every way and would never have gotten together if it weren't 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, which makes 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 the remake Fruit basket was released in 2019. Tohru is a sweet girl who is kind, while Kyo is a broken boy who is afraid of hurting those he cares about.
Kyo and Tohru are true opposites and at first felt like a relationship that wouldn't work, but as fans got to know them better, they became more and more compatible. Tohru was to be softened by Kyo while he was able to make Tohru be more loyal to herself.
3 Hori & Mijamura (Horimiya)
Two Lovers With Things To Hide
Miyamura Izumi has quite a bold sense of fashion, but she hides it at school. Meanwhile, Hori Kyouko is a combination of beauty and brains, but is actually a domestic who finds it difficult to socialize. These are the two who come together through circumstance.
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 these two souls. This is what connects them so deeply. A great quality of the relationship is the openness and honesty with which the two communicate. A lot of romance anime thrive on misunderstanding and uncertainty, but that was never the case with Miyamura and Hori.
2 Arima & Kaori (Your Lie in April)
The Story of Immortality
Arima Kousei lost the ability to hear his music after his mother's death. His fingers just thudded dully on the keyboard. However, when he meets Kaori Miyazono, his world begins to fill with color.
Your lie in April is a beautiful show that explores the concept of life after death. But the romantic story between the two main characters is where the show shines. The quiet and humble Arima finds himself captivated by the more confident and outgoing Kaori. The romance between the two is bittersweet. Everyone could see how perfect they were as a team, but tragedy lurked in the corner. At the end, there is sadness over the wasted potential of such a healthy couple, but mostly joy that they existed together.
1 Shinichi & Noda (Nodame Cantabile)
Love and classical music are a perfect mix
Shinichi Chiaki should be a world-famous musician, but he can't go beyond the borders of Japan because of his fear of flying. His life changes when he meets Megumi Noda, a brilliant pianist who absolutely hates structure.
Shinichi is a perfectionist who has to get everything just right, while Noda is more than happy to roll over her mistakes. The two complement each other perfectly and begin to influence each other. Noda begins to appreciate the structure more, while Shinichi begins to give in, if only a little. Definitely worth a look. A huge plus was that the later seasons explored the couple as a couple with real issues that couples face.
