Key Takeaways
- Some of the best “opposite” couples in anime show how different characters can work well together.
- Romances like Toradora and Fruits Basket highlight the dynamic between people who complement each other despite their initial differences.
- Shows like My Dress Up Darling and Nodame Cantabile show couples with opposite personalities who have a positive effect on each other.
One of the most common tropes in the romance genre is the idea of ”opposites.” This trope sets up two people who shouldn't love each other, or work romantically. However, their differences complement each other, and they make a wonderful couple.
Anime has a lot of “opposite” couples, which explore this trope very well. It should be noted that this list will look at couples who are different in character, not class, or status, so couples like Kiyoka and Miho from My happy marriage will not stand out. These love stories show that different personalities can work together in harmony.
8 Haru & Legosi (Beastars)
It's not opposites that attract them
Beastars were strange, tending to their excited voices. It was mostly done with CGI and followed anthropomorphic animals, which is not something anime fans thought they would enjoy in 2019. However, it turned out to be good.
The main attraction is the relationship between Haru and Legosi. Haru is a white rabbit, a herbivore with a dark shadow hanging over him. Legosi is a strong wolf who sticks to himself, but also struggles with dark impulses. Both seem dysfunctional at first glance, but they do. Legosi is portrayed as a strong character with a will to be better than his circumstances. 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 Well Done
Akane is dumped by her boyfriend for a girl he met in a video game. She suffers from it and eventually meets Yamada, her neighbor who wants nothing more than to sit at home and play video games, and romantic hijinks.
My love story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 depended on the opposites attract trope. Akane is a cute and popular girl, while Yamada is at the opposite end of the scene with a quiet demeanor. Yamada-kun does a good job of setting up the romance, as the two get to know each other better and grow as people. Akane became a more loyal person after breaking up with her ex-husband, while Yamada became more open and mature.
6 Ryuuji & Taiga (Toradora)
Double opposites attract situations
Ryuuji is a gentle person who finds himself trapped in the fiery Taiga, who can become violent when upset.
What is the opposite of attraction Toradora is its duality.
On stage, Ryuuji has a stern appearance and seems mischievous, which makes people avoid him. Meanwhile, Taiga seems like a normal little girl and maybe even weak. But, unfortunately, Ryuuji is the most handsome who likes to do housework, while Taiga is the wild and violent one. Both high and low are opposites.
5 Gojou & Marin (My Dress Up Darling)
Romance and Cosplay
The Dress Up Darling released in 2022 and is one of the best romantic anime of the year. It follows Gojou Wakana, a hina doll maker who wants to be a master craftsman like his grandfather.
She meets Marin, who also has a secret side to her: she likes to cosplay. The two work together and as they try on new clothes, their love grows. It is clear that the two are opposites in every way, and would never have met but for their own interests. Marin and Gojou are fun to watch. They both love what they do and don't judge each other for who they are, making 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 who were introduced to younger fans in the remake of Fruit basket was released in 2019. Tohru is a sweet girl who is kind to a fault, while Kyo is a broken boy who is afraid of hurting the one he loves.
Kyo and Tohru are complete opposites and at first it felt like an awkward relationship, but as fans got to know them more, they grew stronger. Tohru should make Kyo angry, while she could make Tohru be more honest with herself.
3 Hori & Miyamura (Horimiya)
Two lovers with something to hide
Miyamura Izumi has a rather daring fashion sense, but hides it at school. Meanwhile, Hori Kyouko is a combination of beauty and brains, but is actually a homebody who finds socializing difficult. The two, due to the situation, are combined.
Hori and Miyamura's relationship is great because they complement each other. There is an attractive sense of contrast, but there is a fundamental similarity between the two spirits. This makes them deeply connected. A key feature of a relationship is openness and honesty on both sides. There are many romance anime that thrive on dialogue and insecurity, but that was never the case with Miyamura and Hori.
2 Arima & Kaori (Your Lie in April)
A story of immortality
Arima Kousei stopped hearing her music after her mother died. His fingers on the keyboard just became clattering. But, when he meets Kaori Miyazono, his world begins to fill with color.
Your lie in April is an art show that explores the concept of life even after death. But, it is the romance between the two main characters that makes the show shine. The quiet and gentle Arima finds himself captivated by the more confident and outgoing Kaori. The love between the two is bittersweet. Anyone could see their perfection as a team, but the danger was hiding in the corner. In the end, there is sadness over the lack of potential for such a beneficial couple, but joy over their existence in the first place.
1 Shinichi & Noda (Nodame Cantabile)
Love And Classical Music Are A Perfect Mixture
Shinichi Chiaki should be a world-famous musician, but because of his fear of flying, he can't go beyond Japan. His life changes when he meets Megumi Noda, a talented pianist who absolutely hates the system.
Shinichi is a perfectionist who has to have everything just right, while Noda is happy to wallow in his mistakes. The two complement each other well, and begin to attract each other. Noda begins to appreciate the system more, while Shinichi begins to loosen up, albeit a little. It's definitely worth checking out. In addition, later seasons explored the couple's real problems.
