Key conclusions
- Some of the best opposites attract anime couples show how different personalities can work well together.
- Novels such as Toradora and Fruit Basket highlight the dynamic between characters who complement each other despite their initial differences.
- Shows like My Dress Up Darling and Nodame Cantabile portray couples with different traits that positively influence each other.
One of the most common tropes of the romance genre is the notion of “opposites attract.” This trope essentially brings together two characters who aren't meant to like each other or work romantically. Yet somehow their differences complement each other and they end up making a great couple.
There are a number of great opposites attract pairings in anime that explore this trope very well. It should be noted that this list will be looking at couples who differ in character rather than class or status, so a couple like Kyoko and Miho from My happy marriage will not be presented. These novels show that different personalities can work together in harmony.
8 Haru and Legacy (Beasts)
Opposites don't attract more than that
Beastars was awesome, leaning towards its thriller tones. It was done mostly with CGI and stuck to anthropomorphic animals, which was not something anime fans thought they would enjoy in 2019. However, it turned out quite well.
The main attraction was the relationship between Haru and Legacy. Haru is a white rabbit, a herbivore with dark shadows hanging over him. Legacy is a strong wolf who keeps to himself but also struggles with his dark desires. At first glance, it may seem that they do not work, but they do. Legacy is shown as a strong character with a will to be better than the circumstances require. Animals received a second season and fans are waiting for a third.
7 Akane and Yamada (My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999)
A simple well done story
Akane was dumped by her boyfriend because of a girl he met in a video game. She suffers through this and eventually meets Yamada, her complete opposite, who wants nothing more than to sit at home and play video games, and romantic shenanigans ensue.
My love story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 leaned towards the opposites attract trope. Akane is the bubbly, popular girl, while Yamada, with his quiet demeanor, is on the opposite end of the spectrum. 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 becomes a more trusting person after breaking up with her ex, while Yamada becomes more open and mature.
6 Ryuuji & Taiga (Toradora)
Double opposites attract situation
Ryuji is a soft-spoken person who finds himself in contact with the fiery Taiga, who can become quite violent when upset.
What makes opposites attract is such an exciting aspect Toradora it is the dual nature of it.
At first glance, Ryuji has a stern face and looks like a criminal, which makes people avoid him. Meanwhile, Taiga looks like a simple and maybe even frail girl. But deep down Ryuji is kinder who likes housework, while Taiga is wild and cruel. Both on the surface and below they are opposite.
5 Gojou & Marin (My Dress Up Darling)
Romance and cosplay
My Dress Up Darling came out to great acclaim in 2022 and became one of the best romantic anime of the year. He followed Gojou Wakana, a skilled hina doll maker who wants to become a great master like his grandfather.
He meets Marin, who also has a secret: she loves cosplay. The two team up and as they try out new costumes, the romance between them grows. It is obvious that they are opposites in every way, and would never have united if it were not for their common interests. Watching Marin and Goja is a pleasure. 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 and Toru (fruit basket)
A simple hug turns him into an animal
Kyo Soma and Toru Honda are a classic couple that young fans were introduced to during the remake Fruit basket was released in 2019. Toru is a sweet girl who is kind to a fault, while Kyo is a broken boy who is afraid of hurting those he cares about.
Kyo and Tohru are complete opposites and at first it didn't seem like the relationship would work, but as fans got to know them better, they became more and more compatible. Toru had to temper Kyo until he could get Toru to be more true to herself.
3 Hori and Miyamura (Horimiya)
Two lovers who need to be hidden
Miyamura Izumi has a pretty bold fashion sense, but hides it at school. Meanwhile, Hori Kyoko is a combination of beauty and intelligence, but is actually a homebody who finds it difficult to communicate. These are the two who, due to circumstances, converge together.
The relationship between Hori and Miyamura is cute as they complement each other. There is a sense of opposites attracting, but also a deep similarity between the two souls. That's what makes them so deeply connected. A great feature of the relationship is the openness and honesty with which they communicate. Many romance anime thrive on misunderstandings and insecurities, but this was never the case with Miyamura and Hori.
2 Arima & Kaori (Your Lie in April)
The story of immortality
After the death of Arima's mother, Kusei lost the ability to hear his music. His fingers on the keyboard just began to thump dully. But when he meets Kaori Miyazono, his world begins to fill with colors.
Your lie in April is a wonderful show that looks at the concept of life even after death. But the romantic story between the two main characters is where the show shines. The quiet and gentle Arima admires the more confident and outgoing Kaori. The romance between them is bitter. Anyone could see how perfect they were as a team, but there was tragedy lurking around the corner. In the end, there is sadness at the lost potential of such a good couple, but joy at the fact that they existed together.
1 Shinichi and Nodame (Nodame Cantabile)
Love and classical music are a perfect combination
Shinichi Chiaki should be a world-famous musician, but he can't travel outside of Japan because of his fear of flying. His life changes when he meets Megumi Noda, a brilliant pianist who hates structure.
Shinichi is a perfectionist who has to have everything just right, while Noda is more than happy with her mistakes. They perfectly complement each other and begin to influence each other. Noda begins to appreciate the structure more, while Shinichi begins to relax, even just a little. It's certainly worth a look. A big plus is that the following seasons treated the couple as a couple with real problems that couples face.
