Key points
- Some of the best “opposites attract” couples in anime show how different personalities can work well together.
- Novels like Toradora and Fruits Basket highlight the dynamic between characters who complement each other despite their initial differences.
- Shows like My Dress Up Darling and Nodame Cantabile depict couples with contrasting traits influencing each other positively.
One of the most common clichés of the romance genre is the concept of “opposites attract.” This trope essentially brings together two characters who aren't supposed to like each other or work romantically. Yet, somehow, their differences complement each other and end up making a great couple.
The anime has a fair number of great “opposites attract” couples, which explore this trope very well. It should be noted that this list will look at couples differing in personality rather than class or status, so a couple like Kiyoka and Miho from My happy marriage will not be present. These love stories show that different personalities can work together in harmony.
8 Haru and Legosi (Beasts)
There are no more opposites attracting than this
Beastars was strange, leaning into its thriller tones. It was made mostly in CGI and followed anthropomorphic animals, which wasn't something anime fans thought they would appreciate in 2019. However, it did quite well.
The main attraction was the relationship between Haru and Legosi. Haru is a white rabbit, a herbivore with some dark shadows looming over her. Legosi is a strong wolf who keeps to himself, but also fights some of his dark impulses. The two may not seem to work at first glance, but they do. Legosi is shown to be a strong character with a will to be better than his circumstances dictate. Bestiaries got a second season and fans are waiting for the third.
7 Akane and Yamada (My romance with Yamada-Kun at level 999)
A simple but well done story
Akane was left by her boyfriend for a girl he met in a video game. She suffers from it and eventually meets Yamada, her polar opposite who wants nothing more than to sit at home and play video games, and romantic hijinks ensue.
My love story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 leaning on opposites attract trope. Akane is a lively and popular girl, while Yamada is on the opposite end of the spectrum with her quiet demeanor. Yamada-kun does a good job of sparking 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 and Taiga (Toradora)
A situation of double attraction of opposites
Ryuuji is a mild-mannered individual who finds himself entangled with the fiery Taiga, who can become quite violent when angry.
What makes opposites attract look so fascinating Toradora it is its dual nature.
On the surface, Ryuuji has a stern face and looks like a delinquent, which makes people avoid him. Meanwhile, Taiga seems like a simple and perhaps even fragile little girl. But beneath the surface, Ryuuji is the kinder one who loves housework, while Taiga is the wild and violent one. Both the surface and the underside are opposites.
5 Gojou and Marin (My disguise darling)
Romance and cosplay
My dress, darling came out with a bang in 2022 and was one of the best romance anime of the year. It follows Gojou Wakana, a skilled Hina doll maker who wants to be a great craftsman like his grandfather.
Meet Marin, who also has a secret side: she loves cosplaying. The two team up and as they try out new costumes, the romance between them grows. It's clear that the two are opposites in every sense and would never have reunited if it weren't for their 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, which makes them a great couple to root for.
4 Kyo and Tohru (fruit basket)
A simple hug turns him into an animal
Kyo Soma and Tohru Honda are a classic couple who were introduced to a younger fan base during the remake of Fruit basket was released in 2019. Tohru is a sweet and kind girl to a fault, while Kyo is a broken boy who is afraid of hurting those he cares about.
Kyo and Tohru are truly opposites and initially seemed like a relationship that wouldn't work, but as fans got to know them better, they fit in more and more. Tohru had to temper Kyo, while he was able to convince Tohru to be more true to herself.
3 Hori and Miyamura (Horimiya)
Two lovers with things to hide
Miyamura Izumi has a rather bold fashion sense, but hides it at school. Meanwhile, Hori Kyouko is a combination of beauty and intelligence, but in truth she is a housewife who has difficulty socializing. These are the two who, through circumstances, come together.
The relationship between Hori and Miyamura is cute as they complement each other. There is the feeling that opposites attract, but also an underlying similarity between the two souls. This is 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 miscommunication and insecurity, but this has never been the case with Miyamura and Hori.
2 Arima and Kaori (Your April Lie)
A story of immortality
Arima Kousei lost the ability to listen to music after his mother's death. His fingers on the keyboard simply became a dull thud. But when he meets Kaori Miyazono, his world begins to fill with color.
Your lie in April is a beautiful show that examines the concept of living even after death. But the romantic story between the two main characters is where the show shines. The quiet and gentle Arima finds himself fascinated by the more confident and extroverted Kaori. The love story between the two is bittersweet. Anyone could see how perfect they were as a team, but tragedy was lurking around the corner. In the end, there is the pain of the missed potential of such a healthy couple, but first and foremost the joy of existing together.
1 Shinichi and Noda (Nodame Cantabile)
Love and classical music are a perfect mix
Shinichi Chiaki is supposed to be a world-famous musician, but due to his fear of flying he cannot go beyond Japan. His life changes when he meets Megumi Noda, a brilliant pianist who absolutely hates structure.
Shinichi is a perfectionist who must have everything perfect, while Noda is more than happy to put up with his mistakes. The two complement each other and begin to influence each other. Noda begins to appreciate the structure more, while Shinichi begins to loosen up, even just a little. It's definitely worth watching. As a huge bonus, subsequent seasons have explored the couple as a couple with the real issues couples face.
