Key insights
- Some of the best “opposites attract” couples in anime show how different personalities can work well together.
- Novels like Toradora and Fruits Basket emphasize the dynamics between characters who complement each other despite initial differences.
- Series like “My Dress Up Darling” and “Nodame Cantabile” show couples with opposite characteristics that influence each other positively.
One of the most common tropes in the romance genre is the concept of “opposites attract.” This trope essentially brings together two characters who don't like each other or should work together romantically. But somehow their differences complement each other and in the end they are a great couple.
There are a number of great “opposites attract” couples in anime that explore this idea very well. It should be noted that this list deals with couples who differ in personality rather than class or status, so a couple like Kiyoka and Miho My happy marriage is not presented. These romances show that different personalities can work together in harmony.
8 Haru & Legosi (Beastars)
More opposites don't attract
Beastars was a strange film that leaned into its thriller tones. It was made mostly with CGI and featured anthropomorphic animals, which anime fans in 2019 didn't think they would like. However, it turned out quite well.
The main attraction was the relationship between Haru and Legosi. Haru is a white rabbit, a herbivore, with some dark shadows hanging over her. Legosi is a strong wolf who is reserved but also fights some of his dark urges. The two may not seem to work at first glance, but they do. Legosi proves to be a strong character with a desire to be better than his circumstances require. Beasts has a second season and fans are waiting for the 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 through it and ends up meeting Yamada, her polar opposite, who wants nothing more than to sit indoors and play video games, and romance ensues.
My love story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 leaned into the opposites and attracted tropes. Akane is a peppy, popular girl, while Yamada is the exact opposite of the spectrum with his calm demeanor. Yamada-kun does a good job of moving the romance forward 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)
A situation in which double opposites attract
Ryuuji is a gentle person who becomes entangled with the fiery Taiga, who can become quite violent when angered.
What makes the opposites so fascinating? Toradora is the dual nature of it.
On the surface, Ryuuji has a stern face and looks like a delinquent, which causes people to avoid him. Taiga now looks like a simple and perhaps even frail little girl. But beneath the surface, Ryuuji is the nicer one who loves housework, while Taiga is the wild and violent one. Both on the surface and underneath they are opposites.
5 Gojou & Marin (My Dress Up Darling)
Romance and cosplay
My dress-up favorite came out with a bang in 2022 and was one of the best romance anime of the year. He was Gojou Wakana, an experienced Hina doll maker who wants to become a great artisan like his grandfather.
He meets Marin, who also has a secret side to her: she loves doing cosplay. The two bond and as they try out new costumes, the romance between them grows. It is clear that the two are opposites in every way and would never have come together without 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, 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 that returns with the remake of ” Fruit basket was published in 2019. Tohru is a sweet girl who is extremely kind, while Kyo is a broken boy who is afraid of hurting those he cares about.
Kyo and Tohru are true opposites and initially felt like a relationship wouldn't work, but as fans got to know them better, they became more compatible. Tohru was supposed to temper Kyo while he managed to get Tohru to become more true to herself.
3 Hori & Miyamura (Horimiya)
Two lovers who have things to hide
Miyamura Izumi has a pretty daring fashion sense but hides it at school. Meanwhile, Hori Kyouko is a combination of beauty and smarts, but in reality she is a homebody who has a hard time socializing. These are the two who come together through circumstances.
The relationship between Hori and Miyamura is sweet as they complement each other. There is a sense of opposites attracting, but also an underlying similarity between the two souls. That's what connects them so deeply. A great feature of the relationship is the openness and honesty with which the two communicate. Many romance anime thrive on misunderstandings 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 lost the ability to hear his music after his mother's death. His fingers on the keyboard just became dull and dull. But 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 living on even after death. But the romantic story between the two main characters is the highlight of the series. The quiet and gentle Arima is fascinated 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 was already lurking. In the end there is sadness over the missed potential of such a healthy couple, but also joy that they existed together at all.
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 Japan because he's afraid of flying. His life changes when he meets Megumi Noda, a brilliant pianist who absolutely hates structure.
Shinichi is a perfectionist who has to make sure everything is right, while Noda is happy to accept 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 loosen up, if only a little. It's definitely worth a look. As a big plus, the later seasons highlighted the couple as a couple with the real issues that couples face.
