Best Love Rivalries In Anime

Everyone loves a good romantic story. But, what people seem to like more is a love story with some spice, some obstacle, or a pivotal decision for the protagonist. This is where love triangles come in whereby two perfectly excellent relationship candidates are vying for a character’s affection.

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Anime is replete with these, but not all love rivalries are equal. While there are some that are painfully obvious, there are others where viewers are torn on who would make a better mate for the protagonist and the rivalry is fierce enough to spark reasonable debate.

10

Akari Watanabe vs Shiori Sakurazaka (More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers)

Yakuin’s Choices Are Challenged By The Stunning Akari

More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers was a 2022 show that many would have dismissed as a trashy anime love triangle. But, as it turned out, it was way more fun than it had any right to be.

A lot of the appeal came from the pseudo competition between Akari, the bright-haired, daring girl paired with Yakuin, and his initial crush, Shiori who is more down-to-earth and subdued. Two two girls have their strong suits which has made the fans split over who they would prefer to be with Yakuin.

9

Yor Forger vs Fiona Frost (Spy x Family)

Barely A Competition But Fun To Watch Regardless

To complete Operation Strix, Loid Forger must put together a pretend family which also includes deadly assassin Yor. The two are married but their love story is just beginning and the adventures they go on together makes them grow closer than ever.

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However, there is also Frost, Loid’s protoge and a consummate professional— unless Loid is involved, then she is a bit of a case. Her affections for Loid are usually played for laughs, but it is also true that the two make a good pair when together and could make a pretty decent romantic partnership.

8

Taichi Mashima vs Arata Wataya (Chihayafuru)

Two Excellent Boys Via For Chihaya’s Love

Chihayafuru is ostensibly a sports anime, but it does tell a great josei story of a girl falling in love with the game of Karuta and also trying to navigate her feelings around the two boys that fall for her.

Taichi is Chihaya’s childhood friend and starts off as a bit of a bully before growing into a strong karuta player himself. Arata is another childhood friend who introduces Chihaya to the game and is a prodigy. Both like Chihaya and one could see the appeal of both with Arata’s more brainy personality and dependability and Taichi’s steady reassurance.

7

Yukino Yukinoshita vs Yui Yuigahama (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU)

The Ice Queen Faces Off Against The Fiery Princess

Yukino and Yui are both the love interests to Hikigaya Hachiman, a nihilistic, pessimist who is willing to help people in the worst ways possible. While Hachiman’s personality could make him endearing, his relationship with his club colleague, Yui and Yukino is always fascinating.

Yukino is typically closed off, but is trying to figure out how she feels for Hachiman, while Yui already likes him, but finds it a little hard to articulate. Both feel like great partners for Hachiman and people were torn on who it would be.

6

Asuka Souryuu vs Rei Ayanami (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

The Original Red Head Vs Blue Head

Neon Genesis Evangelion did not have a lot of time for romance considering that the fate of the world was in the balance, but people were still team Asuka or team Rei. Asuka was a fiery personality who liked Shinji, but was unable to really figure out herself, while Rei is something of a clone of Shinji’s mother.

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With all that said, there were some indications towards Shinji liking both of the female love interests, but ultimately, there would be no real happy ending for anyone, it was just that sort of anime.

5

Kaori Miyazono vs Tsubaki Sawabe (Your Lie In April)

This Just Hurt

Anyone who has seen Your Lie In April knows the painful circumstances of its end which points to an obvious winner. But Kaori and Tsubaki were a great love rivalry. On one hand, Kaori was using a very roundabout way to spend time with Arima, while Tsubaki took him for granted as someone who would always be there.

While Kaori represented a very exciting choice and Tsubaki the more common sense one, the two were excellent female leads. Kaori’s impulsiveness and genius made her a perfect fit for Arima, while Tsubaki’s strong support and resourcefulness made her a character that would also work well with the talent of Arima.

4

Rukia Kuchiki vs Orihime Inoue (Bleach)

The Childhood Friend Against The New Girl

Rukia Kuchiki is the reason Ichigo was able to become a Soul Reaper and it was also because of her that Ichigo underwent the hell he went through to save her from Soul Society where she was set to be executed.

Orihime has known Ichigo for years and she was the reason he went into Hueco Mundo to save her. Ichigo shares tender moments with both and the case for an Ichigo/Rukia pairing is really strong, but it seems Tite Kubo wanted to go with another route.

3

Erina Nakiri vs Megumi Tadokoro (Food Wars)

Megumi Seems To Get Souma On A Basic Level That Erina Might Not

In Food Wars, young chefs from all over Japan are vying to be the best. Souma, the show’s protagonist has something of a harem, but the two most interesting individuals in it are Erina and Megumi.

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Megumi is a simple girl from a small town that really gets Souma due to the fact that they both have a working-class background, and can enjoy a wider selection of food. That said, Erina, the ‘god tongue’ is also an intriguing proposition for Souma with their connection through Souma’s dad.

2

Kana Arima vs Akane Kurokawa (Oshi No Ko)

Aqua Had A Hard Time Deciding Between The Two

Kana Arima is a genius child star who has had a fixation on Aqua for a while while Akane was saved by Aqua during her problem when they starred in a reality show together. Aqua was interested in both, but could, of course, only go with one.

Akane seemed like an excellent choice and she even had a bit of a dark side that sounds like she would hide a body for the person she loves. Meanwhile, Kana is earnest, steady, and is incredibly cute. Anyone would be torn choosing between the two actresses.

1

Yuki Souma vs Kyo Souma

One Of The Most Legendary Love Rivalries

Tohru Honda is embroiled in the life of the Sohmas and their weird curse where they turn into an anime in the zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex. Tohru comes to like the relatives Yuki and Kyo. Both with differing personalities with Yuki more reserved and Kyo more explosive.

The two guys are both interested in Tohru, but she seems more interested in Kyo. She does share some truly heartfelt moments with Yuki, and one could easily believe that the two getting together would have worked.

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Best Love Triangles In Anime

These anime series handled the classic romance trope of love triangles the best, making them the top love triangle anime to watch.