Anime couples and romance go together, hand in hand. Even when the anime’s primary genre may not be romance, fans will always find a way to ship characters. Unfortunately, just because we ship anime couples together does not always mean they will end up together.
Some couples don’t get to be together because of unspoken feelings, tragic endings, or simply the creator’s character choices. Nonetheless, some anime couples that should have happened will still live in our hearts or fan fiction. Here are our op ten anime couples that have the potential for love and romance and should have happened.
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10. Ash & Misty – Pokémon
Ash and Misty’s relationship throughout the Pokémon has always been filled with playful banter, teasing, and deep trust. As childhood companions, they traveled together, grew as Pokémon trainers, and showed clear hints of deeper feelings. Particularly on Misty’s end, who often gets jealous or annoyed by Ash’s comments when complimenting other girls.
There might be a more profound affection beneath both characters’ teasing and jealousy. Unfortunately, their love story never became a reality. Ash’s never-ending Pokémon master adventure and Misty’s absence in later seasons did not leave much room for romance to develop.
Pokémon is available to stream on Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video.
9. Eren & Mikasa – Attack on Titan
Mikasa’s love for Eren is the strongest emotional thread in Attack on Titan. Mikasa expressed this by vowing to protect Eren since childhood and repeatedly putting his well-being above hers. While appreciative of her loyalty and friendship, Eren initially seems too dense or oblivious to reciprocate her feelings fully.
Eventually, it was revealed that Eren did care for Mikasa the same way but pushed her away with harsh words before he started the Rumblings as a part of his plan to protect her and his friends. In the end, Eren’s feelings for Mikasa are confirmed in the series finale, but it is too late for them to have a life together. Mikasa is tragically forced to say goodbye to Eren in the most painful way possible, killing him to save what was left of the world.
Attack on Titan is available to stream on Crunchyroll and Hulu.
8. Piccolo & Miss Janet – Dragon Ball Super
Miss Janet is a recent addition but a lesser-known character within the Dragon Ball franchise. However, her interactions with a certain stoic Namakien in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and the manga series have sparked a new ship within the series. There is just something so charming and wholesome about them as a couple.
Piccolo, often depicted as cold and solitary, rarely forms close bonds outside of his mentor-like role with Gohan, Pan, Trunks, and Goten. Piccolo’s bond with Pan shows he has a more tender and caring side. Now, Miss Janet’s presence as Pan’s teacher brings a unique dynamic to his character, making it easy to imagine a scenario where he could have experienced something akin to romance.
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
7. Misa & L – Death Note
Misa Amane and Light’s dynamic as a couple in Death Note was always a bit icky. Their relationship was built on Misa’s deep obsession with Light as Kira and Light’s manipulation to use Misa in his schemes. Though Misa was deeply devoted to Light, her interactions with L often carried a specific wholesome nature to them.
Making it easy to imagine an alternate scenario where L and Misa were in a relationship if their lives had been a bit different. L’s sharp intellect and Misa’s eccentric energy could have made for an unconventional but adorable pairing.
Death Note is available to stream on Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Peacock.
6. Kagome & Koga – Inuyasha
Adding to the list of anime couples that should have been, Kagome and Koga could have been great together. Koga, the wolf demon, had a deep affection for Kagome. He declared his desire to make her his mate from their first meeting. Unlike Inuyasha, who constantly wavers between Kagome and Kikyo throughout the series, Koga is consistent in his affection and intentions towards Kagome.
Koga was affectionate and loyal, always ready to protect and cherish her. These traits were precisely the kind of guy Kagome deserved. Unfortunately, Kagome was only flattered and never returned Koga’s love. If things had played out differently, Koga could have given Kagome the dedication and passion she lacked from Inuyasha initially.
Inuyasha is available to stream on Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+.
5. Nami & Sanji – One Piece
Sanji has never been shy about showing affection and undying love towards Nami or any woman. Nami is the number one in his heart, from showering her with compliments, cooking at her beck and call, and prioritizing her needs over his own. Although Nami appreciates Sanji’s loyalty and dedication to her, it is also clear that she does not share the same feelings towards him. Nami often brushes off or outright ignores his flirtatious nature toward her.
However, Nami has been shown to care deeply for Sanji as a crewmate, so it is not impossible that she ever has romantic feelings towards him. The creator, Eiichiro Oda, also stated that he never plans to include any serious romances in his series and that his manga is not the place for romance.
That is not to say that One Piece is completely anti-romance because there have been canon couples throughout the series. That said, even though many fans would love to see Sanji and Nami’s romantic relationship develop, it is doubtful that it will turn into anything beyond their current dynamic.
One Piece is available to stream on Crunchyroll, Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu.
4. Light & L – Death Note
Light Yagami and L’s battle of wits in Death Note is possibly one of the most infamous rivalries in anime. Their intense rivalry stems from their competitive nature to battle their genius intellect with one another. It always seemed like if they had met in different circumstances, they could have been great friends, if not great lovers. No one challenged Light’s mind quite like L did, and honestly, maybe that is what Light needed all along. An equal that he could go toe to toe with that would keep him with him and keep him on his toes.
Although L’s investigation caused much trouble for Light’s plans as Kira, deep down, it seemed L appreciated having another person on the same intellectual level as him. Light and L’s obsession with outsmarting one another was mixed with some rare moments of surprising intimacy. For example, L tenderly washing Light’s feet led many fans to interpret their bond as more than enemies. Nonetheless, their relationship dynamic remains one of anime’s most intriguing and complex.
Death Note is available to stream on Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Peacock.
3. Kishu & Ichigo – Tokyo Mew Mew
Who didn’t have a little forbidden bad body crush on Kishu (also known as Dren) from Tokyo Mew Mew? The green-haired, yellow-eyed, playful, and jealousy-proved alien always had a certain charm to him as an anime crush. Granted, Kishu’s infatuation and downright obsession with Ichigo is intense and a smidge problematic. He tries to kill Ichigo’s love interest, Mayasa, to make her only love him.
As one of Ichigo’s primary antagonists, Kishu often switches between tormenting and flirting with her, believing she belongs to him. Despite his problematic actions, Kishu does show genuine concern and feelings for Ichigo, but sometimes, that is not enough. At the end of the series, Ichigo’s heart belongs to Masaya, leaving our alien bad boy with unrequited love.
Tokyo Mew Mew is available to stream on HIDIVE, Prime Video, and The Roku Channel.
2. Mugen & Fuu – Samurai Champloo
Mugen and Fuu’s relationship throughout Samurai Champloo is full of teasing, humorous moments, and hints of unspoken love. Despite their constant bickering and Mugen’s insults, he is highly protective of Fuu, often stepping in to save her in critical moments. Fuu also cares deeply for Mugen and seems drawn to wild and unpredictable nature. Although many fans debated that Fuu belonged with Jin, it was clear that she only saw him as a prominent brother figure.
In the climactic final episodes, where Fuu is kidnapped and Mugen nearly dies while saving her, it is abundantly clear that he has always cared deeply for him. Unfortunately, Samurai Champloo’s bittersweet ending sees them part ways without either Fuu or Mugen confessing their love to one another. However, the open-ended finale left a little room to imagine their potential reunion and romance. Fuu and Mugen’s dynamic was full of unhinged energy and tenderness, making them a perfect couple for many fans to root for.
Samurai Champloo is available to stream on Crunchyroll, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, and The Roku Channel.
1. Ichigo & Rukia – Bleach
The chemistry between Ichigo and Rukia is undeniable. The connection between the two was one of Bleach’s most substantial relationships. Rukia crashes into Ichigo’s life and forever changes it by giving him the power of a Soul Reaper. Throughout the series, their trust and understanding of one another deepen.
The life-or-death adventures, bickering, and deep trust always made Ichigo and Rukia seem like a match made in heaven. Unfortunately, the series ends with Ichigo marrying Orihime and Rukia marrying her childhood friend Renji. While Renji and Rukia’s pairing makes sense, it always felt like Rukia and Ichigo were the endgame.
Bleach is available to stream on Hulu, Disney+, and Prime Video.
Although these anime couples were never considered canon, their potential romances and chemistry make fans root for them. These couples left a lasting impact through yearning feelings, strong bonds, or bittersweet moments. Anime couples remind us that the best love stories are left to our imaginations, fan art, or fan fiction.
