10 Anime To Watch If You Liked My Happy Marriage

“My Happy Marriage” has swiftly ascended the ranks to become one of 2023’s standout romance anime, sharing the spotlight with “My Love Story With Yamada-kun.“

“My Happy Marriage” explores the life of a young woman who has endured hardship and has little hope for a brighter future. However, her life takes a turn when she meets a potential husband who could cherish her above all else. While the plot may sound familiar, its execution sets it apart.

If you’re on the hunt for an anime series akin to “My Happy Marriage” for your next binge-watching session, you’ve come to the right place.

Below, we’ve curated a list of ten incredible romance anime that will satisfy the craving that often follows a compelling romantic story.

10. Golden Time

“Golden Time” ranks high among the best romance anime series out there. With a compact run of just 24 episodes, it’s a perfect pick for those looking for a quick yet fulfilling watch. While the series leans more towards drama, it seamlessly incorporates elements of romance.

The female lead, Kouko, shares similarities with Miyo from “My Happy Marriage,” particularly in their complex pasts and struggles.

The anime follows Banri, a young man who suffers from amnesia following an accident. His life takes a turn when he befriends Mitsuo, and they both enroll in law school.

Enter Kouko, Mitsuo’s childhood friend who has been envisioning their future marriage. However, as Banri starts to develop feelings for Kouko, the romantic possibilities become endless.

9. Kimi ni Todoke

“Kimi no Todoke” is a friendship-centered anime series that carries its story for two seasons. Production I.G, one of Japan’s best animation Studios, animated the series and received praise from everywhere.

The female lead in the series “Sawako” faces a harsh background since childhood, just like “Miyo” from My Happy Marriage. She faces discrimination for her looks from the beginning.

“Kimi no Todoke” centers around our female protagonist “Sawako.” She has been discriminated against by others since childhood regarding her looks. Due to her simplistic face, she is compared to a horror character, “Sadako,” despite Sawako being a kind and honest girl.

In high school, she becomes attracted to Kazehaya, the class’s center of attention. Her admiration for him gradually evolves into something more, a feeling that Sawako must come to terms with before it’s too late.

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8. The Pet Girl of Sakura-sou

“The Pet Girl of Sakura-sou” is an anime that explores the difference between talent and hard work. While being talented has its advantages, the series shows that not everything comes easily for those who have to work harder.

The female lead, Shiina, has a challenging background similar to Miyo from “My Happy Marriage.” She’s a gifted painter who has spent her life focused on her art, often at the expense of making friends. The series’ protagonist supports her in a way that echoes the dynamics in “My Happy Marriage.”

The story centers on Sorata, a high school student who moves to Sakura-sou, a dorm known for housing the school’s problem children because he can’t abandon stray cats. Shiina arrives from abroad and also moves into Sakura-sou.

Since she can’t take care of herself, Sorata becomes responsible for her. What begins as a caregiving relationship evolves into a romance with its own set of challenges.

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7. Kaichou wa Maid-sama!

“Kaichou wa Maid-sama” is one of the best romance anime series because of its diverse plot. Unfortunately, the series ended after just one season, leaving fans wanting more.

The relationship between Miyo and Kiyoka is pretty reminiscent of the relationship between “Usui” and “Misaki” from Kaichou wa Maid-sama. Usui supports Misaka in every way possible, as she still lives an inferior life.

“Kaichou wa Maid-sama” is centered around Misaki, a strict student council president at her school. But after school, she works as maid in a cafe because she has to make money to finish the debt her father put her family into before leaving them.

Usui, the most handsome boy in school, gets attracted to Misaki after he finds out she is doing a job at a maid cafe. Initially, Misaki allows him to follow her out of fear he might expose her secret. However, she finds herself increasingly drawn to Usui as well.

6. Josee, The Tiger, and The Fish

“Josee, The Tiger, and The Fish” is an anime film that captivates audiences with its stunning animation. The movie strikes a perfect balance between romance and drama, making it a must-watch.

The story’s focus on Kumiko, a girl with a disability, and her transformative relationship with Tsuneo, bears a striking resemblance to the dynamics in “My Happy Marriage.”

The film revolves around Kumiko, who is confined to her room due to her inability to walk. She spends her days dreaming of the underwater world. Her grandmother hires Tsuneo to take her out daily and help her experience a more normal life.

Initially, Kumiko is resentful towards Tsuneo, envious of his ability to walk freely. However, Tsuneo’s persistence allows her to see the beauty of the world she’s been missing. As they spend more time together, their feelings for each other begin to grow.

5. Higehiro

“Higehiro” is an anime series that leans heavily into drama. It blends mature themes with a heartwarming narrative, making it a divisive experience for viewers.

The story centers on Sayu, who has endured ongoing emotional abuse from her mother. After leaving home, she continues to torment herself mentally. Her life takes a turn for the better when Yoshida takes her in, mirroring the dynamics in “My Happy Marriage.”

The series follows Yoshida, who encounters Sayu on the side of the road while returning home intoxicated. Sayu has run away from home and asks to stay with him, which he agrees to in his drunken state.

Upon waking up, Yoshida grasps the seriousness of his actions. He hears her story and decides to let her stay until he can reach out to her family. Sayu’s behavior remains erratic, driven by the stress of her situation.

4. Bibliophile Princess

“Bibliophile Princess” is an anime series that offers a unique spin on the romance genre. The plot unfolds at a leisurely pace, building up to an intriguing climax. Unfortunately, the series did not receive a sequel.

The female lead, Elainna, faces societal judgment for her love of books, much like Miyo from “My Happy Marriage.” Prince Selkirk marries her in a staged union, but his true intention is to fully support her reading hobby.

The story revolves around Elainna, a princess who loves reading so much that she earns the nickname “bibliophile princess.” Prince Selkirk proposes a sham marriage in exchange for rare books, which she accepts.

What begins as a pretend relationship starts to evolve into genuine affection as Elainna begins to notice her husband more. The unfolding drama leaves viewers wondering where this unusual relationship will go.

3. The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten

“The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten” is an anime series that will heal your heart and soul. Unfortunately, there is no sequel announced for it yet.

The female lead, Shiina, has had a difficult childhood due to her mother’s restrictive ways. Fujimiya steps in to show her the joys of life, echoing the dynamics in “My Happy Marriage.”

The story follows Fujimiya, a shy high school student, who encounters a girl sitting in the rain. He offers her an umbrella and later discovers she’s his neighbor and the school beauty, known as “Angel.”

Angel visits Fujimiya’s messy apartment to return the favor. She ends up cleaning for him and even prepares a meal, as Fujimiya lacks cooking skills. These interactions hint at the blossoming of deeper feelings between them.

2. Violet Evergarden

“Violet Evergarden” is an anime masterpiece in both plot and animation. Created by Kyoto Animation, the series features emotionally resonant music that may even bring you to tears.

Like Miyo from “My Happy Marriage,” Violet, the protagonist, faces a life of hardship. While Miyo deals with societal criticism, Violet is treated as a mere weapon, adding another layer of tragedy to her story.

“Violet Evergarden” around Violet, a little girl who was retrieved from the enemy’s side during the war. She was gifted to Gilbert by his brother as a weapon to use in battle. Though Gilbert couldn’t stop her from fighting, he still taught her the ways of a lady.

So, Violet starts to change gradually. But during the aftermath of a war, Gilbert gets crushed under debris and disappears. But his last words to Violet were, “I Love You.” This sets the girl on a journey to find the meaning behind these golden words.

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1. Taisho Otome Fairy Tail

‘Taisho Otome Fairy Tail” is a heartwarming anime series that follows the same plot as My Happy Marriage, without any change. It even takes place in the same era as My Happy Marriage, making this series a solid recommendation for you!

The only difference is that this series is not supernatural and more romance-centered. Also, instead of the female, the male lead faces criticism his whole life.

The series centers on Tamahiko, who is abandoned by his father after losing his right hand in an accident. Living in isolation, his life changes when Yuzuki arrives, claiming to be his wife.

His father purchased Yuzuki to help Tamahiko with daily tasks, as her family was in debt. Initially, Tamahiko is reluctant to accept her, but as he begins to see her true qualities, he finds himself falling for her.

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We hope you enjoyed our top 10 anime series that share similarities with “My Happy Marriage.” Each of these recommendations offers its own unique twist on themes of love, hardship, and personal growth.

Let us know what you think of this list. If you enjoyed these recommendations, you might also like our list of 10 Anime Like ‘Oshi no Ko’ That You Will Love Watching