Let’s be honest, is there anything more frustrating than getting completely hooked on a story, falling in love with the characters, and then hitting a brutal “To Be Continued…”? The weekly or monthly wait for the next chapter can be torture. That’s why there’s a special kind of magic in diving into a romance manga that’s already reached its conclusion. You get the whole emotional rollercoaster—the meet-cute, the pining, the drama, the confession, and the happily-ever-after—all without the agonizing cliffhangers.
If you’re ready to binge-read a love story from start to finish, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve put together a list of the absolute best completed romance manga that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in love all over again. So grab a cozy blanket and a cup of tea, because we’re about to explore 15 unforgettable tales.
15. My Little Monster (Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun)
Kicking off our list is a romance that’s anything but ordinary. If you’re tired of shy female leads and predictable plots, meet Shizuku Mizutani. Her only interest is studying and getting the top grades. Then there’s Haru Yoshida, a boy who sits next to her in class but hasn’t shown up since he got into a fight on the first day.
My Little Monster is a whirlwind of chaotic energy, exploring the relationship between two socially awkward geniuses who understand very little about emotions but are drawn to each other anyway. It’s quirky, hilarious, and surprisingly sweet.
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14. Kamisama Kiss (Kamisama Hajimemashita)
Ever dreamed of escaping your problems and stumbling into a world of magic and spirits? That’s exactly what happens to Nanami Momozono. After her dad’s debts leave her homeless, a chance encounter makes her the new land god of a local shrine. The catch? She now has a very handsome, very grumpy fox yokai named Tomoe as her familiar.
Kamisama Kiss is a delightful blend of supernatural fantasy, comedy, and a slow-burn romance that will absolutely melt your heart. Watching Nanami and Tomoe’s relationship evolve from begrudging partnership to deep, profound love is a truly enchanting journey.
13. Special A
For fans of over-the-top rivalries and hilarious antics, Special A is a must-read. Hikari Hanazono has spent her entire life trying to beat one person: Kei Takishima. He’s effortlessly perfect at everything, and she’s relentlessly determined to claim the number one spot. Their rivalry lands them in their high school’s elite “Special A” class, a group of the seven best students.
This manga is pure, unadulterated fun. It’s a classic rivals-to-lovers story filled with ridiculous competitions, lavish settings, and a core group of friends you’ll adore.
12. Orange
Prepare your heart, because this one is an emotional heavyweight. Orange brings a unique sci-fi twist to the high school romance genre. One day, Naho Takamiya receives a letter from herself, written ten years in the future. The letter details a series of events that will happen, all revolving around a new transfer student named Kakeru Naruse. The future Naho is filled with regrets and asks her younger self to watch over Kakeru and save him.
It’s a poignant and beautiful story about friendship, mental health, and the power of small actions. The romance is tender, bittersweet, and will stick with you long after you finish.
11. His and Her Circumstances (Kare Kano)
Before there was Kaguya-sama, there was Kare Kano. This manga is a classic for a reason. Yukino Miyazawa is the perfect student representative—elegant, intelligent, and admired by all. But at home, she’s a tracksuit-wearing, lazy slob who only puts on the “perfect” act for the praise.
Her world is turned upside down when she discovers her academic rival, Soichiro Arima, has a similar secret. His and Her Circumstances is a brilliant deconstruction of public personas, exploring what happens when two people let their masks fall and show their true, flawed selves to each other.
10. Lovely Complex
This one is for anyone who has ever felt insecure about their appearance. Risa Koizumi is taller than the average Japanese girl, and Atsushi Otani is shorter than the average boy. Their height difference makes them the school’s resident comedy duo, but behind the bickering lies a growing, and often complicated, affection.
Lovely Complex is a masterclass in comedic timing and heartfelt emotion. It tackles the theme of self-acceptance with incredible warmth and humor, proving that love can blossom in the most unexpected of places. Their dynamic is simply iconic.
9. Maid Sama! (Kaichou wa Maid-sama!)
A true titan of the shoujo genre! Misaki Ayuzawa is the ferocious and respected student council president of a formerly all-boys school. She rules with an iron fist to make the school safer for its new female students. But she has a secret: she works part-time at a maid cafe to support her family.
Her carefully constructed double life is threatened when the most popular and maddeningly handsome boy in school, Takumi Usui, discovers her secret. What follows is a hilarious and thrilling cat-and-mouse game that evolves into one of manga’s most beloved romances.
8. Blue Spring Ride (Ao Haru Ride)
Have you ever wondered about “the one that got away”? Blue Spring Ride captures that feeling perfectly. Futaba Yoshioka is determined to reinvent herself in high school, leaving her “unladylike” past behind. Her world is shaken when she reunites with Kou Tanaka, her first love from middle school who disappeared without a word. But the Kou who has returned is not the same gentle boy she once knew.
This manga beautifully explores themes of second chances, nostalgia, and the pain of miscommunication. It feels incredibly real and grounded, capturing the messy, beautiful reality of growing up and falling in love.
7. Toradora!
Don’t let the high school setting fool you; Toradora! is one of the most emotionally mature romances on this list. Ryuji Takasu looks like a delinquent but is actually a gentle soul who loves to cook and clean. Taiga Aisaka is tiny and cute but has the fiery temper of a tiger.
These two misunderstood outcasts form an unlikely alliance to help each other get with their respective crushes. Of course, things don’t go as planned. Toradora! is a slow-burn masterpiece about finding the one person who sees you for who you truly are.
6. Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku
Finally, a romance for the grown-ups! Wotakoi steps away from high school and drops us into the world of working adults who are also massive geeks (otaku). Narumi is a fujoshi (a fan of boys’ love manga) who hides her hobbies, while Hirotaka is an avid gamer who doesn’t care who knows it.
They’re childhood friends who decide to try dating, figuring it would be easier with a fellow otaku. This series is refreshingly relatable, hilarious, and heartwarming. It explores the joys and challenges of a relationship between two adults who are passionate about their hobbies and each other.
Related:
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5. Ouran High School Host Club
Welcome to the dazzling world of Ouran Academy, where the super-rich come to play. Haruhi Fujioka, a pragmatic honor student, stumbles upon the school’s Host Club—a group of six ridiculously handsome boys who entertain female clients. After accidentally breaking an expensive vase, Haruhi is forced to work as a host to pay off the debt.
The only problem? They all think she’s a boy. Ouran is a brilliant parody of shoujo tropes that simultaneously perfects them. It’s hilarious, charming, and has a surprising amount of emotional depth and a fantastic central romance.
4. Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You
If you’re looking for a story that feels like a warm hug, this is it. Sawako Kuronuma is a sweet, gentle girl who is feared by her classmates because her name and appearance resemble the ghost from The Ring. Her life changes when Shota Kazehaya, the most popular and cheerful boy in class, starts talking to her.
Kimi ni Todoke is the ultimate slow-burn romance. It’s a meticulous, heartfelt story about breaking out of your shell, the power of kindness, and the beauty of first love. Watching Sawako blossom is one of the most rewarding experiences in all of manga.
3. Horimiya
Horimiya takes the “secret identity” trope and makes it feel incredibly fresh and modern. Kyoko Hori is a popular and capable girl at school, but at home, she’s a dressed-down homebody who takes care of her younger brother. Izumi Miyamura is a gloomy, quiet otaku at school, but outside, he’s a friendly guy covered in tattoos and piercings. When they accidentally discover each other’s secret lives, they form an instant bond.
What makes Horimiya so special is how it skips the needless drama. It’s a story about two people who accept each other completely and build a healthy, loving, and realistic relationship. It’s pure comfort food for the soul.
Related:
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2. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
What if a love confession wasn’t a romantic moment, but an all-out battle of wits? That’s the premise of Kaguya-sama. Student council president Miyuki Shirogane and vice president Kaguya Shinomiya are two geniuses who are hopelessly in love with each other. But their pride is so immense that they refuse to be the first to confess.
Instead, they engage in elaborate, hilarious psychological warfare to try and trick the other into confessing first. What starts as a brilliant comedy evolves into one of the most well-developed and genuinely touching romances in modern manga. It’s a masterpiece of a rom-com.
1. Fruits Basket
Placing Fruits Basket at number one might seem obvious to some, but it has earned this spot a thousand times over. This isn’t just a romance manga; it’s an epic saga about healing, trauma, and the incredible power of found family. The story follows Tohru Honda, a kindhearted and eternally optimistic orphan who finds herself living with the mysterious Soma clan.
She soon discovers their family secret: they are cursed to turn into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex.
While the romance between Tohru and Kyo is the beautiful, beating heart of the story, Fruits Basket is so much more. It’s a profound exploration of breaking generational curses and finding the strength to love yourself. No other series on this list balances humor, heartbreak, romance, and deep character development so perfectly. It’s a life-changing story that you will never forget.
Conclusion: Your Next Great Read Awaits
And there you have it—15 complete romance manga, each offering a unique and unforgettable love story. Whether you prefer laugh-out-loud comedies, supernatural fantasies, or heart-wrenching dramas, there’s a finished tale on this list just waiting for you. The best part? You can read them from the first page to the last without a single agonizing wait. So, what are you waiting for? Pick a story that speaks to you, dive in, and prepare to fall in love. Your next favorite story is just a page-turn away.
