If My Happy Marriage hit you hard, in that warm, quiet, slowburn way, you’re not the only one. The show had something special: romance that felt earned, a setting that mixed history with just enough fantasy, and two characters figuring out how to heal with someone else by their side.
But if you’re now wondering what to queue up next, here are six anime that hit similar emotional notes. They all feature strong character development, relationships that evolve over time, and emotional weight that sticks with you after the credits roll.
1. Taisho Otome Fairy Tale (2021)
IMDb Score: 7.6
Set in early 1900s Japan, this anime focuses on Tamahiko, a guy who’s become pretty withdrawn after an accident. Enter Yuzuki, a cheerful girl who’s been sent to be his bride. It’s an arranged marriage, but over time, the two build a real connection.
The emotional arc is all about Tamahiko learning to open up again and Yuzuki finding stability after being basically sold into marriage. The setting is calm, the visuals are soothing, and the story is a slow, steady climb toward mutual love and support.
If you liked how Mio and Kiyoka learned to trust each other, this one has that same kind of quiet emotional payoff.
2. Emma: A Victorian Romance
IMDb Score: 7.9
This one jumps to 1800s London, where a maid named Emma and a well-off guy named William fall in love. The problem? The massive class difference between them.
Emma isn’t dramatic in the usual anime sense, it’s very understated. Their feelings develop gradually, and you can feel the weight of every tiny moment. It’s a romance built on eye contact and silent longing rather than big confessions.
It’s also super well-researched. The clothes, buildings, and social rules of the time are on point. If you liked My Happy Marriage because of the historical realism and romantic tension, this one will probably click with you.
3. The Ancient Magus’ Bride
IMDb Score: 7.6 | MAL Score: 8.05
This is a fantasy story, but don’t expect flashy battles. Chise, a girl with a traumatic past, sells herself at an auction and ends up with Elias, a powerful non-human mage. He says he wants to train her as his apprentice, and also make her his bride.
Weird setup? Definitely. But it works. Their relationship starts off awkward, but over time, it becomes about healing and learning. Both Chise and Elias are emotionally damaged, and they help each other grow.
The fantasy elements aren’t just for show, they reflect the characters’ inner struggles. It’s beautifully animated, and the vibe is often quiet and melancholic. If you liked the emotional progress in My Happy Marriage, give this one a try.
Also Read: Top 10 Must-Watch Romance Anime of All Time
4. Raven of the Inner Palace (2022)
IMDb Score: 7.3
This one’s got a cool setting inspired by ancient China. It follows a mysterious woman named Shouxue, the Raven Consort, who lives in the imperial palace and solves strange problems using spiritual abilities. She’s distant and reserved, but that starts to change when the young emperor starts visiting her.
Their relationship grows from formality into trust and eventually a subtle romance. The story mixes politics, ghost stories, and emotional drama really well. The visuals are beautiful too, lots of traditional robes and palace architecture.
If you liked My Happy Marriage for its quiet romance and slow emotional growth, this is another solid pick.
5. Spice and Wolf
IMDb Score: 8.2
Ever wanted a romance anime that’s also about economics? Sounds weird, but it works.
Spice and Wolf follows Lawrence, a traveling merchant, and Holo, a wolf goddess in human form. They team up to help each other with business and trade, but their relationship grows deeper as they travel together.
It’s a mature, slow-developing romance. The dialogue is sharp, the banter is great, and their emotional development feels real. You won’t get explosive drama here, it’s more about building trust and respect.
If you liked the grounded romance in My Happy Marriage, this is one to look up. Plus, the anime got a recent reboot, so now’s a great time to start.
6. Snow White with the Red Hair
IMDb Score: 7.6
This is probably the most “fairy tale” of the bunch, but it still keeps things grounded. Shirayuki is an herbalist with striking red hair. When a prince named Zen meets her, he’s immediately impressed, not just by her looks, but by how independent and capable she is.
Their romance is built on mutual respect, not some fate-driven attraction. She’s not a damsel, and he’s not a brooding prince. It’s sweet, clean, and full of heart.
The visuals are really pretty, and the show is relaxing to watch. If My Happy Marriage left you wanting another strong female lead who grows through her relationship, this one’s a good match.
All six of these anime offer stories where love is something that grows, not something that explodes into existence. They’re about emotional support, healing, and navigating tough circumstances, whether that’s a strict society, personal trauma, or supernatural baggage.
If you’re looking for something heartfelt and emotionally engaging, give these a shot. They might not all have the same tone, but they share that sense of real, patient connection that made My Happy Marriage so compelling.
