Find out the top 10 anime where the MC is forced into marriage or a relationship, with unexpected twists and turns. Here are our top picks.
If you are a fan of romance anime and are looking for something different within the same genre, then we have brought to you the 10 best romance anime where the MC is forced to marry or in a relationship. These anime come with unexpected twists such as forced marriages, unexpected love interests, wives or fiancées, forced relationships, and arranged marriages.
After watching almost all of these romantic anime with their unexpected twists and turns, here are my top 10 recommendations for the best romance anime where the MC is forced into marriage or relationships.
10. The Eccentric Family
Let’s begin with something eccentric. Eccentric Family is a TV series that initially presents itself as a comedy but eventually delves into the realm of the supernatural. The anime’s setting features Tanuki and Tengu living among humans, unbeknownst to them.
The story follows Yasaburou Shimogamo, a shape-shifting Tanuki, as he navigates his life in the human world and interacts with a mysterious woman named Benton. The plot thickens when Yasaburo is compelled to enter an arranged marriage with Kaisei, his own cousin. Though they start off with a platonic relationship, as the series progresses, we see their bond deepen.
The Eccentric Family boasts numerous components that contribute to its brilliance, with romance being just one of them.
| Japanese Name | Uchouten Kazoku |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll |
| Studio | P.A. Works |
| Dubbed | No |
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09. Love and Lies
What would you do if you were obliged to wed one woman while loving another? Would you continue to appear as foolish as our protagonist or devise a strategy to ditch one and marry the other? Allow me to delve into the premise here.
Love and Lies take place in a society where young people are obligated to marry to increase the country’s population. On the very day that Yukari Nejima, our lead character, confesses his love to his crush, he receives a proposal for marriage. Tough luck, right? The conclusion of this animated series might be a love or hate situation for you, but I guarantee that the journey leading to the conclusion is wholesome.
Love and Lies anime is full of love and hate, scenes where the arranged couple is compelled to behave as a genuine couple, and moments of intense emotions, which add to the series’ charm. As for the ending, well, I’m not at liberty to disclose it.
| Japanese Name | Koi to Uso |
| Where To Watch | HIDIVE |
| Studio | LIDENFILMS |
| Dubbed | Yes |
08. My Bride is a Mermaid
Did you know that if you accidentally sink deep into the ocean, a mermaid will come to your rescue? Just kidding, please don’t jump into oceans with the hope that mermaids will save you.
However, that’s precisely what occurs in this animated series. A young man falls into the ocean, and a mermaid rescues him. Later that evening, the same girl appears at his house and demands that he take responsibility for his actions by marrying her in front of his parents. This guy’s life isn’t going to be a walk in the park. As if things couldn’t get any worse, the mermaid’s father isn’t thrilled with his new son-in-law.
My Bride is a Mermaid is a program that handles the concept of landing in the wrong place and ending up with a waifu perfectly while also incorporating comedy at just the right moments. Like every romantic comedy, the middle of the series may not be as captivating as the beginning and the end. However, if you’re searching for excellent comedy and some romance, this is the show for you.
| Japanese Name | Seto no Hanayome |
| Where To Watch | Funimation |
| Studio | Gonzo, AIC |
| Dubbed | Yes |
07. To Love Ru
To Love Rue is well-known for many things, but arranged marriage isn’t one of them, despite being how the basic plot of the story starts. It’s all about a timid high school student named Rito Yuuki who meets Lala Satalin Deviluk, a girl from a planet of devils who’s running from an arranged marriage. Lala declares Yuki as her true love, and later, in Love Rue Darkness, her two sisters come to live with Yuki as well.
This anime is all about ecchi and fan service, so if that’s your thing, then give it a shot. There isn’t much of a story going on, mostly because the plot isn’t the main focus of this anime. It’s all about the premise. This is one of those long-running, ecchi programs that somehow managed to avoid changing studios midway through. But other than that, it’s considered lucky.
| Japanese Name | To LOVE-Ru |
| Where To Watch | HIDIVE |
| Studio | Xebec |
| Dubbed | Yes |
06. My wife is the student council president!
She’s not just your wife; she’s also your student council president, as the title suggests. So what’s the issue here?
Firstly, it’s an arranged marriage, so the man had no idea he was going to get a wife until she appeared on his doorstep. Secondly, the wife is his school rival, so can two rivals finally become lovers? It turns out they can. Like To Love Rue, the primary focus here appears to be on fan service rather than the actual plot.
However, there are a few tense moments scattered throughout. The episodes are also too short, which is another issue. Aside from that, it pretty much delivers everything it promises. Just don’t expect any masterclass storytelling.
| Japanese Name | Okusama ga Seitokaichou! |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll |
| Studio | Seven |
| Dubbed | Yes |
05. Ranma 1/2
In this anime, we follow the story of Ranma, a person who falls into a cursed spring and turns into a girl whenever they come in contact with cold water. Things get even more complicated when Ranma is forced to marry one of the three daughters of a wealthy family. Ranma’s conflicting personalities add to the comedy element of the show, which also features action and romance.
Despite the animation being from 1989, the story strikes a nice balance between humor and romance, with engaging characters and enjoyable slice-of-life moments. If you are a fan of old OG anime then you must give Ranma a shot.
| Japanese Name | Ranma Nibun-no-Ichi |
| Where To Watch | Hulu |
| Studio | Studio Deen |
| Dubbed | Yes |
04. Taisho Otome Fairy Tale
This anime series follows the story of a despondent man and a lively woman, with the former undergoing a transformation towards a happier disposition. While this may sound like a familiar plotline, Taisho Otome Fairy Tale presents it in a unique way.
The male protagonist is a member of the nobility who has been disowned by his family, leading to his melancholic state. One day, he meets a girl who claims to be his new wife. Initially skeptical, he gradually warms up to her as he witnesses her kindness.
The show employs a tried-and-true formula but adds intriguing supporting characters to the mix. It doesn’t strive to be groundbreaking, but it’s an enjoyable watch – especially when paired with a delicious box of chocolates.
| Japanese Name | Taishou Otome Otogibanashi |
| Where To Watch | Funimation |
| Studio | SynergySP |
| Dubbed | No |
03. Nisekoi: False Love
Upon viewing the opening sequence of this show, it becomes clear that it falls within the harem genre – a formula you may have witnessed several times before. But despite its lack of novelty, Nisekoi manages to deliver satisfying drama in each episode.
The storyline revolves around a young man and woman from rival gangs who are forced into a marriage they do not desire. In order to placate their respective gang members, the couple must pretend to be romantically involved. Nisekoi may not offer groundbreaking ideas, but it reminds us that originality isn’t everything.
By assembling a cast of endearing characters, crafting a romantic comedy, and building tension, the show still manages to create a fulfilling viewing experience.
| Japanese Name | Nisekoi |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll |
| Studio | Shaft |
| Dubbed | No |
02. Here Comes Miss Modern
Here Comes Miss Modern is an anime that is often overlooked, but it deserves a spot on your must-watch list. The show tells the story of Benio Hanamura, a young woman who lost her mother at a young age and was raised by her father.
As a result, she grew up as a tomboy who wears western clothing, enjoys drinking sake, and practices kendo. She is also adamantly against the idea of marriage, which serves as the main focus of the series. Meanwhile, one man tries to win her heart, leading to an intriguing dynamic between the two. The film can be viewed in one sitting, which makes for a convenient and immersive experience.
If you enjoy the movie, there are also two sequels that you can check out.
| Japanese Name | Haikara-san ga Tooru |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu |
| Studio | Nippon Animation |
| Dubbed | No |
01. Engaged To The Unidentified
Engaged to the Unidentified follows the story of Kobeni Yonomori, who discovers that she has a fiancé and sister-in-law on her doorstep one day. The plan was orchestrated by her late grandfather, who couldn’t resist meddling in her life even after his passing. Kobeni’s fiancé brings along his younger sister, Mashiro, adding another dynamic to the mix.
The anime stands out by focusing on Kobeni’s efforts to adapt to her new family life, rather than relying on the typical love triangles and rectangles found in other romance shows. The engaged couple must learn how to live together, making for a refreshingly realistic and endearing storyline. This is a must-watch romance anime that should not be missed.
| Japanese Name | Mikakunin de Shinkōkei |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll |
| Studio | Dogakobo |
| Dubbed | Yes |
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