Among the countless themes explored in anime, the intriguing trope of the popular girl falling for the main character stands out as a perennial favorite.
We have compiled a list of the best anime where the popular girl falls head over heels for the main character.
The main character, at first glance, may appear ordinary and unpopular. Yet, it is often their ability to see beyond the superficial, and perhaps their humility, that stirs something within the popular girl’s heart.
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The Dangers in My Heart
Starting our list is The Dangers in My Heart, a romantic comedy anime that introduces Kyotaro Ichikawa, who is the ordinary main character.
In the depths of the school’s social hierarchy, Kyotaro is placed at the bottom.
This young boy harbors a covert conviction that he is the struggling protagonist of a psychological thriller.
His mind brims with imaginative plots to disrupt the tranquil lives of his classmates.
Moreover, he is nursing a longing for Anna Yamada, the popular girl in class.
However, beneath Kyotaro’s façade of a troubled young teen lies a different reality.
And as fate would have it, Anna herself comes with a few interesting quirks. As the two spend time together in the library they form a deep bond.
READ MORE: Do Ichikawa and Yamada End Up Together?
Wolf Girl & Black Prince
Erika Shinohara engages in conversation with her friends about romance and boyfriends.
However, she has never experienced such relationships throughout her 16 years of existence.
She believes her lies have reached their limit, until one day when she discreetly records a video of an attractive young man.
Later, she claims he is her boyfriend, unaware that his actual name is Kyoya Sata and he is recently transferred to her school.
When Erika musters the courage to confess her falsehood, she discovers that behind his charming demeanor lies a malevolent sadist.
Exploiting Erika’s vulnerability, he manipulates her into becoming his subservient companion.
He demands that she becomes his obedient dog. Certainly, this is wrong on so many levels. But, in the anime, she starts seeing a side of Kyoya that is not close to what he projects.
Eventually, Erika starts falling for him.
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Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible
Junta Shiraishi, a freshman in high school, is a sketchy background character who effortlessly blends into the crowd.
However, there’s one exception – his classmate named Kubo, who is next-level beautiful akin to that of a heroine.
She never fails to spot him and takes pleasure in teasing him.
While it is possible for anyone to hold a special place in someone’s heart, it may be premature to call it – love.
Their friendship is a bit not-so-ordinary and he seems to be a bit confused by her actions.
However, she surely starts to develop some sort of feelings for Junta.
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Girlfriend, Girlfriend
Girlfriend, Girlfriend sees not one but two popular and beautiful girls falling for the main character.
The story revolves around Naoya who recently entered a relationship with the stunning Saki-chan.
Despite their passionate fights that resemble the forces of ice and fire, they find themselves madly in love.
Determined to never cheat on her, Naoya makes a solemn vow to never betray Saki.
However, unexpectedly, he comes across another confession out of the blue.
An adorable girl named Nagisa even goes the extra mile to prepare a homemade lunch for him.
Unable to succumb to temptation, also he cannot let someone as charming as Nagisa slip away.
In this moment of dilemma, he ends up taking the logical approach.
He talks to Saki and respectfully asks for her permission to pursue a relationship with both of them.
Yamada-Kun and the Seven Witches
In a fateful encounter, Yamada, a typical high schooler, runs into Shiraishi, the beautiful female honor student, on the stairs.
As they stumble and fall, their lips unintentionally meet. Shocked by the weird turn of events, they soon discover that their bodies have inexplicably switched.
But as they move through this peculiar predicament, they gradually uncover that their school has more such occurrences.
As they unravel the mysteries surrounding the powers they got, Yamada and Shiraishi’s relationship deepen, and they start getting fond of each other.
The mystery anime explores their romantic journey and the challenges they face while navigating their newfound powers.
Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro
Nagatoro, a mischievous girl, consistently pesters her upperclassman, Naota, leaving him uncertain about her actions.
Naoto is the main character who becomes the target of her playful antics.
Nagatoro enjoys teasing and torturing Naoto, but over time, her actions begin to show a deeper affection for him.
The anime showcases the evolving bond between Nagatoro and Naoto.
My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
An introverted high school student, Hachiman Hikigaya, possesses a cynical perspective on life.
He views his peer’s discussion about their teenage experiences as mere illusion.
When he is questioned about his own aspirations, he announces that he has no intentions of exerting any effort.
But a turn of events leads Hachiman to join the volunteer service club, which happens to have the school's prettiest girl named Yukino Yukinoshita.
Yukino initially appears cold and distant but as the story progresses she develops feelings for Hachiman.
3D Kanojo: Real Girl
This anime revolves around a high school otaku boy named Hikari Tsutsui who is content with the company of virtual girls he meets in anime and games.
He prefers the solitude of his own world but lacks meaningful connections and friendships.
However, everything changes when he finds himself assigned to pool cleaning duty.
It is during this seemingly mundane job that he encounters Iroha, a vivacious and popular “real girl” known for capturing the attention of boys.
Despite their contrasting personalities, Iroha develops feelings for Hikari and they enter into a relationship.
Masamune-kun's Revenge
This romance anime sees a bullied main character transforming into an attractive young man.
As a child, Masamune Makabe endured relentless bullying and mockery due to his weight, with Aki Adagaki being one of the main bullies.
Determined to exact his revenge, Masamune sets on a transformative journey, coming out as a striking, athletic, and intelligent young man.
After years of honing his personality, he transfers to the same school in hopes of finally confronting his bully – Aki.
In the series, both Aki and Masamune share mutual feelings for each other.
Masamune-kun’s Revenge does a great job of showcasing the complicated dynamics between Masamune, Aki, and other characters.
Osamake: Romcom Where The Childhood Friend Won't Lose
The story of Osamake: Romcom Where The Childhood Friend Won't Lose follows Sueharu Maru, a high school student who is confronted by his childhood friend, Kuroha Shida.
Kuroha ends up confessing her love for him. However, Sueharu’s heart is set on his crush named Shirokusa, who is a renowned writer.
Despite Kuroha’s popularity, she finds herself in a difficult position as Sueharu remains fixated on Shirokusa.
The series delves into the dynamics of this love triangle and the complex relationships that develop as Sueharu tries to understand his feelings and ascertain his true romantic path.
Horimiya
At school, Hori is the epitome of beauty and popularity, capturing the attention of her classmates. Meanwhile, Miyamura is an introverted boy who hides behind his eyeglasses.
However, a surprising revelation awaits as they explore deeper into their personal lives.
Contrary to her school persona, Hori enjoys being with her family.
On the other hand, beneath Miyamura’s ordinary appearance lies a young handsome man adorned with tattoos and piercings.
As they get to know each other’s sides, a genuine connection forms between Hori and Miyamura.
This connection leads to a blossoming romance. The series beautifully captures their evolving relationship.
Kaguya Sama: Love Is War
Within their esteemed academy’s student council, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya reign as two intellectual prodigies.
They command the highest positions of authority in their circle.
Despite their high status, a sense of solitude grows in their hearts as both have developed feelings for one another.
They both are infatuated with each other but are too proud to confess their feelings.
Instead, they engage in various schemes and mind games, trying to make the other person confess first.
Kaguya Sama: Love Is War follows their funny and often bizarre attempts to outwit each other in a battle of wits, all in the name of love.
More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers
More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers sees Jirou Yakuin, a junior high school, getting paired with his uber-popular and fashionable classmate Akari Watanabe.
They are paired for the marriage training project aimed at simulating the dynamics of a married couple.
Despite the stark differences, Jirou and Akari are driven by the idea of swapping partners to pursue their respective crushes.
They resolve to portray the facade of a flawless married couple. However, as the series progresses, the romantic tension between Jirou and Akari reaches new heights.
The chemistry between Jirou and Akari is initially awkward, but as they spend more time together, their bond starts to strengthen.
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
Rumors spread about a peculiar phenomenon called puberty syndrome. Among those affected is Sakuta Azusawaga, an ordinary high school boy whose world is shaken when he sees a bunny girl.
The bunny girl turns out to be Mai Sakurajima, an upperclassman and a famous actress who has taken a hiatus from acting.
As Sakuta starts investigating the causes and attempts to help Mai, they develop a close bond. Moreover, their relationship eventually evolves into a romantic one.
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai explores Sakuta and Mai’s unique connection and delves into themes of love and friendship in a supernatural romance.
My Dress-Up Darling
My Dress-Up Darling sees a shy, aspiring doll artisan bonding with the most fashionable girl in class.
Haunted by a childhood incident, Wakana Gojo, a budding doll maker, leads a solitary existence.
He seeks solace within the confines of the high school’s home economics room.
To Wakana, individuals like the radiant Marin Kitagawa seem like folks from a distant realm.
However, everything changes when the unabashed and cheerful Marin comes across Wakana engrossed in his sewing after school.
Driven by her friendly nature, she barges in with the intention of enlisting her quiet classmate into her clandestine hobby – cosplay.
During the series, Marin is not only mesmerized by how skilled Wakana is but is also moved by his gentle and kind nature.
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