The magic of My Dress-Up Darling lies in its heartwarming ‘opposites attract’ romance between the introverted, traditional doll-maker Wakana Gojo and the vibrant, extroverted gyaru Marin Kitagawa. Their shared passion for cosplay blossoms into an adorable connection, proving that love can spark between the most unexpected individuals. If you’ve been enchanted by Marin’s bold spirit and Gojo’s earnest dedication, and you’re craving more sweet, relatable romantic comedies with unique pairs, you’re in luck! While classics like Horimiya, Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, Monthly Girls Nozaki-kun, Princess Jellyfish, or Paradise Kiss are excellent choices, we’ve curated a list of 10 additional romance anime that capture the delightful spirit of My Dress-Up Darling and might just become your next obsession.
Aharen-san wa Hakarenai
Premiered: 2022 | Episodes: 24
Much like My Dress-Up Darling, this sweet romantic comedy celebrates the beauty of unlikely connections. Meet Aharen and Raido, two high school first-years who couldn’t appear more different: she’s tiny and adorable, while he’s tall and seemingly ordinary. Yet, beneath their exteriors, they share a wonderfully quirky and imaginative nature. Aharen’s habit of invading Raido’s personal space is met not with annoyance, but with unconditional acceptance, forging a fast friendship that brightens their school days. It’s a must-watch for anyone who cherishes stories where characters embrace each other’s unique quirks wholeheartedly. Keep an eye out for the shy gyaru Riku Tamanaha in their second year!
DON’T TOY WITH ME, MISS NAGATORO
Premiered: 2021 | Episodes: 24
Just as Wakana Gojo conceals his passion for Hina dolls, the timid manga artist Senpai in DON’T TOY WITH ME, MISS NAGATORO dreads revealing his art. His worst fears come true when a group of girls discovers his work, leading to relentless teasing, especially from Nagatoro. What begins as apparent cruelty slowly evolves into something more. Nagatoro, the titular female lead, relentlessly teases Senpai, but as they spend more time together, he notices her energetic and playful side is reserved only for him. This dynamic, reminiscent of My Dress-Up Darling‘s initial awkwardness, explores whether her teasing hides genuine affection, making for a compelling watch for fans of evolving relationships.
Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!
Premiered: 2024 | Episodes: 12
This romantic comedy shares My Dress-Up Darling‘s core appeal: a thoughtful, ordinary high school student meeting a dazzling, self-assured gyaru. However, Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! distinguishes itself with its unique setting in the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido. Follow Shiki Tsubasa as he relocates from bustling Tokyo to the charming town of Kitami. On his very first day, a chance encounter with the vibrant Fuyuki Minami sets the stage for a heartwarming romance. Her openhearted nature and confidence immediately draw Shiki in, especially as she helps him navigate his new, colder environment with her infectious warmth and enthusiasm, promising a truly adorable journey.
Medaka Kuroiwa is Impervious to My Charms
Premiered: 2025 | Episodes: 12
If you thought Marin Kitagawa had charisma, prepare to meet Mona Kawai! Mona, a second-year high school student, is effortlessly charming, cute, cheerful, and popular – a true heart-stealer. Yet, her world is turned upside down when she encounters Medaka Kuroiwa, a boy immune to her charms. Despite her every attempt (and she tries hard), she can’t win him over, a dynamic that challenges her confidence. This ‘unimpressed’ dynamic, where Mona finds herself falling for the stoic Medaka, offers a unique spin on the ‘opposites attract’ trope. Medaka, training to inherit a temple, resists relationships due to his religious obligations, but even he can’t deny Mona’s presence in his thoughts. How long can he possibly resist her captivating allure?
More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers
Premiered: 2022 | Episodes: 12
Get ready for a classic ‘forced proximity’ romance! Jiro Yakuin, a self-proclaimed gamer and social outcast, is horrified to be partnered with the popular, outspoken gyaru Akari Watanabe for their high school’s marriage practical course. Adding to the drama, their respective crushes are also paired together! To graduate, Jiro and Akari must live together (in separate rooms, of course) and learn to get along. Akari’s bold gyaru fashion and forthright personality echo Marin Kitagawa’s captivating charm. If you adore the adorable blushing and subtle romantic glances from My Dress-Up Darling, you’ll find an abundance of those heartwarming moments as Jiro and Akari navigate their unconventional arrangement.
My Love Story with Yamada-Kun at Lv999
Premiered: 2023 | Episodes: 13
For fans who adored the ‘opposites attract’ charm of Gojo and Marin, My Love Story with Yamada-Kun at Lv999 delivers a fresh take on online romance. Heartbroken after a breakup, college student Akane Kinoshita seeks solace in an online game. A chance meeting at a live gaming event introduces her to her guildmate Yamada – an introverted, aloof, yet surprisingly caring individual. Though initially seemingly uninterested in her personal drama, Yamada’s quiet support helps Akane heal. Watch as their bond strengthens, both within the virtual world and in real life, as friendship gently blossoms into affection. You’ll find Akane’s expressive personality a delightful contrast to Yamada’s quiet demeanor, much like our favorite My Dress-Up Darling duo.
Our Dating Story: The Experienced You and The Inexperienced Me
Premiered: 2023 | Episodes: 12
This anime offers another delightful ‘shy boy, popular girl’ dynamic! Ryuto Kashima, a high schooler with limited social graces, is dared by his friends to confess to the school’s most popular girl, the stylish and outgoing Runa Shirakawa. To everyone’s surprise (especially Ryuto’s), she accepts! Runa proposes they get to know each other while dating, leaving Ryuto in a blissful disbelief. Is she serious, or is this just a prank? This series explores the heartwarming awkwardness and genuine growth as an inexperienced boy tries to keep pace with a girl who has a vibrant social life and past relationships. Runa, with her fashionable flair and friendly demeanor, shares a kindred spirit with My Dress-Up Darling‘s Marin, making her an instantly lovable character.
Pseudo Harem
Premiered: 2024 | Episodes: 12
For a dose of truly sweet high school romance that will leave you smiling, Pseudo Harem is an excellent follow-up to My Dress-Up Darling. First-year student Rin Nanakura, a passionate actress, joins the drama club where she meets upperclassman Eiji Kitahama. Eiji, a self-proclaimed ‘drama dork,’ harbors a whimsical dream of having a harem of girls vying for his attention. As a playful gesture, Rin invents various characters, each with their own distinct personality, to playfully flirt with and confess to a flustered Eiji. The twist? Rin’s hidden feelings for Eiji are very real, masked by her theatrical performances. Can she find the courage to drop the act and reveal her true self and affections?
Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie
Premiered: 2022 | Episodes: 12
Much like the perfectly complementary dynamic between Gojo and Marin, Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie presents another adorable pairing! Izumi is charmingly accident-prone and clumsy, while Shikimori is effortlessly gorgeous and graceful. This drama-free romantic comedy showcases Shikimori’s transformation from merely cute to undeniably cool as she vigilantly protects her sweet, yet hapless, boyfriend. Filled with laughter, shy blushes, and genuine affection, this slice-of-life anime beautifully captures the simple joys of high school romance and friendship. It’s the perfect series to watch when you need a heartwarming pick-me-up and a guaranteed smile.
Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible
Premiered: 2023 | Episodes: 12
If you loved the vibrant girl-meets-shy-boy dynamic of My Dress-Up Darling, prepare to be charmed by Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible! This series features high school student Shiraishi, who is so unremarkable that he’s practically invisible to his teachers and classmates. No one notices him – except for Kubo, the outgoing and perceptive girl who sits right beside him. Kubo, with her playful teasing, takes it upon herself to transform Shiraishi from a background character into the star of his own story. Witness their delightful friendship gradually blossom into something wonderfully more in this endearing and amusing romantic comedy.
Honorable Mention: Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
Premiered: 2024 | Episodes: 12
Though an office romance with adult protagonists, Cherry Magic! perfectly embodies the ‘grumpy x sunshine’ and ‘opposites attract’ spirit found in My Dress-Up Darling. Adachi, a quiet man in his thirties, gains the ability to read minds upon turning thirty, a power he initially deems useless. That is, until a chance encounter with the charismatic office heartthrob, Kurosawa, reveals a shocking truth: Kurosawa harbors a deep, secret crush on Adachi! Like Gojo and Marin, this delightful series features a vibrant character falling for their seemingly opposite counterpart, filled with wholesome, hilarious moments of burgeoning affection. Witnessing Adachi slowly come out of his shell, much like Gojo, to embrace his connection with Kurosawa is incredibly heartwarming, reminding us that everyone is worthy of love.
These fantastic series offer similar charms to My Dress-Up Darling, whether it’s the heartwarming ‘opposites attract’ dynamic, the delightful high school setting, or the joy of seeing characters discover love in unexpected places. Happy watching!
