19 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Kaguya-sama: Love is War

Kaguya-sama: Love is War might have stolen your heart with its hilarious battle of love, but now it's time to expand your movie repertoire. Get ready for a curated list of 19 must-watch movies that share the same thrilling mix of animation, comedy, romance, and thriller. From cunning confessions to heart-pounding plot twists, these films will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you yearning for more.

1) Kaguya-sama: Love Is War - The First Kiss That Never Ends

Kaguya-sama: Love Is War - The First Kiss That Never Ends takes the beloved characters from Kaguya-sama: Love is War and delves deeper into their relationship. Now that Kaguya and Miyuki have shared their first kiss, the movie explores their journey of truly understanding each other and admitting their feelings. This cinematic masterpiece surpasses all previous parts of the series, with its stunning animation and voice acting from A1 Pictures. The emotional scenes are intensified by the deeper exploration of the main characters, making this movie one of the most entertaining and intense experiences in recent cinematic anime history. If you enjoyed the witty battles of love and the charming dynamics between Kaguya and Miyuki in the original series, this movie is a must-watch. Get ready to be thrown from ecstatic highs to tear-jerking lows as you witness the undeniable chemistry between these two unforgettable characters.

Release date: December, 2022
IMDB Rating: 8.5

2) Horimiya

Horimiya, released in 2021, is reminiscent of Kaguya-sama: Love is War. Both series fall under the genres of Animation, Comedy, and Romance, with a touch of high school life. While Kaguya-sama revolves around the intense battle of wits between two top students vying for a confession of love, Horimiya takes a different approach. It explores the unlikely friendship between an academically successful schoolgirl and a quiet loser schoolboy. Despite their contrasting personalities, they develop a heartwarming bond. Horimiya offers a refreshing take on the slice of life genre, with its focus on character development and relatable high school experiences. So if you enjoyed the clever romantic comedy of Kaguya-sama, give Horimiya a shot for its endearing portrayal of friendship and its ability to capture the essence of youth.

Release date: January, 2021
IMDB Rating: 8.1

3) TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You

TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You, also known as Tonikaku Kawaii, is a delightful anime series that reminds me of Kaguya-sama: Love is War. Both shows explore the theme of love, but in different ways. While Kaguya-sama focuses on the hilarious battle of wits between two top students trying to make each other confess their love, TONIKAWA takes a more romantic approach. It tells the heartwarming story of a young prodigy who accepts a sudden proposal from a mysterious woman he falls in love with after she saves him from a near-death experience. The similarities lie in their shared genres of Animation, Comedy, Romance, and their slice-of-life elements. However, TONIKAWA adds a twist of Sci-Fi to the mix, giving it a unique flavor. If you enjoyed the witty banter and the charming romance in Kaguya-sama, then you should definitely give TONIKAWA a watch.

Release date: October, 2020
IMDB Rating: 7.8

4) The Dangers in My Heart

The Dangers in My Heart" is reminiscent of "Kaguya-sama: Love is War" in its portrayal of young love and the slice-of-life atmosphere. Both series explore the complexities of teenage romance, with characters navigating their feelings and trying to understand each other. However, "The Dangers in My Heart" takes a slightly different approach by focusing on a protagonist who believes he is the tortured lead in a psychological thriller. This unique twist adds a layer of intrigue and unpredictability to the story, making it a refreshing watch for those who enjoyed "Kaguya-sama: Love is War." The characters in "The Dangers in My Heart" are also well-developed, with the series building their relationships in a believable and satisfying way. Additionally, the show cleverly incorporates intelligent "sexual innuendo" jokes and scenes, showcasing its impressive comedic writing.

Release date: April, 2023
IMDB Rating: 8

5) Komi Can't Communicate

"Komi Can't Communicate" is reminiscent of "Kaguya-sama: Love is War" in its portrayal of high school romance, but with a unique twist. While "Kaguya-sama" focuses on the competitive nature of love between two top students, "Komi Can't Communicate" takes a more heartfelt approach. It tells the story of a seemingly aloof girl who struggles with communication and an ordinary boy who befriends her to help her open up. The similarities lie in their shared themes of young love and the challenges faced by teenagers in high school. However, "Komi Can't Communicate" distinguishes itself with its portrayal of severe withdrawal and anxiety, which adds depth and a sense of empathy to the narrative. The charming storytelling and great art make it a delightful watch for anyone seeking a heartwarming and funny anime series.

Release date: October, 2021
IMDB Rating: 7.8

6) The Pet Girl of Sakurasou

The Pet Girl of Sakurasou is a delightful series that will remind you of Kaguya-sama: Love is War. Both shows explore the complexities of relationships within a high school setting, but with their own unique twists. While Kaguya-sama focuses on the battle of wits between the two main characters, Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo takes a more heartwarming approach. It tells the story of Sorata, a boy who is forced to move into the eccentric Sakuraso dormitory after being kicked out for having a cat. The residents of Sakuraso are all incredibly gifted and have their own quirks, making for an entertaining and endearing cast of characters. The show beautifully captures the ups and downs of everyday relationships, showing how they can transform into something truly special. If you enjoyed the clever humor and romantic tension in Kaguya-sama, you'll definitely find yourself falling in love with the charm and warmth of The Pet Girl of Sakurasou.

Release date: October, 2012
IMDB Rating: 7.7

7) Murenase! Seton Gakuen

Murenase! Seton Gakuen bears a resemblance to Kaguya-sama: Love is War, but with a twist. While Kaguya-sama focuses on the humorous battle of wits between two top students, Seton Academy takes a more lighthearted approach by introducing a world where the human population has dwindled, and animals now interact as equals. In Seton Academy, Jin Mazama, the only human male, unexpectedly falls for Hino Hitomi. This charming series follows Jin's amusing misadventures as he navigates his newfound love interest and the various animal students who vie for his attention. With its delightful characters and comedic moments, Murenase! Seton Gakuen offers a fun and enjoyable watch, especially for those who appreciate a touch of romance with their comedy.

Release date: January, 2020
IMDB Rating: 6.6

8) 7 Days War

"7 Days War" is reminiscent of "Kaguya-sama: Love is War" in its portrayal of young love and rebellion. While "Kaguya-sama" focuses on the humorous and intricate tactics used by two top students to extract a confession of love from each other, "7 Days War" takes a more action-packed approach. In "7 Days War," a group of first-year male students rebels against the adults by hiding in an abandoned factory and launching unexpected operations. The female students play a significant role in this rebellion, creating chaos and entangling the adults in a web of confusion. Both movies explore themes of teenage rebellion and the desire for autonomy, but "7 Days War" takes it to a more extreme level with its liberation broadcast and barricades. While "Kaguya-sama" keeps the tone light and comedic, "7 Days War" infuses elements of mystery and satire into its narrative.

Release date: December, 2019
IMDB Rating: 6.1

9) Rent-a-Girlfriend

Rent-a-Girlfriend, also known as "Kanojo, Okarishimasu," is a series that bears a striking resemblance to Kaguya-sama: Love is War. Both shows fall under the slice-of-life, comedy, and romance genres and revolve around the lives of young protagonists navigating the complexities of love. In Rent-a-Girlfriend, we follow the story of Kazuya Kinoshita, a college student who, after being dumped by his girlfriend, decides to rent a girlfriend through a dating service. Little did he know that his rented girlfriend, Chizuru Mizuhara, would turn out to be his fellow student and neighbor. The similarities between the two shows lie in their humorous and relatable portrayal of young love and the awkward situations that arise from it. However, Rent-a-Girlfriend distinguishes itself through its college setting, giving it a different dynamic compared to Kaguya-sama's high school backdrop.

Release date: July, 2020
IMDB Rating: 7.1

10) Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!

Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! is reminiscent of Kaguya-sama: Love is War because both shows revolve around the theme of relationships and love in a school setting. While Kaguya-sama focuses on the intense battle of wits between two top students trying to get the other to confess their love, Uzaki-chan takes a lighter approach by showcasing the playful and comedic dynamic between an introverted college student, Sakurai Shinichi, and his boisterous underclassman, Uzaki Hana. Despite their differences in tone and plot, both shows explore the ups and downs of young love, offering viewers an enjoyable and relatable experience. So if you enjoyed Kaguya-sama's clever humor and romantic tension, Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! is definitely worth a watch for its hilarious interactions and heartwarming moments between the two main characters.

Release date: July, 2020
IMDB Rating: 6.9

11) The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten

The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten is reminiscent of Kaguya-sama: Love is War in several ways. Both anime series fall under the genres of Animation, Comedy, and Romance, and share common key topics such as slice of life and school life. However, they differ in their plot and character dynamics. Kaguya-sama: Love is War revolves around two top students competing to make the other confess their love, while The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten tells the story of Mahiru, an angelic girl, and Amane, an average boy, who develop an unlikely and beautiful relationship. Unlike Kaguya-sama: Love is War, which focuses on the intense rivalry between the main characters, The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten takes a slower approach, allowing the relationship between Mahiru and Amane to develop gradually.

Release date: January, 2023
IMDB Rating: 7.5

12) Tomo-chan Is a Girl!

Tomo-chan Is a Girl! is reminiscent of Kaguya-sama: Love is War. Both anime series fall under the genres of Animation, Comedy, and Romance, and share key topics such as slice of life and school. While Kaguya-sama focuses on the battle of wits between two top students trying to make the other confess their love, Tomo-chan Is a Girl! centers around Tomo, a tomboy who is in love with her childhood friend and aims to win his heart. The similar themes of young love and the dynamics between the main characters make Tomo-chan Is a Girl! an enjoyable watch for fans of Kaguya-sama. Moreover, the comedy in Tomo-chan Is a Girl! is praised for being genuinely funny without resorting to cringe-worthy jokes. The side characters also add depth to the story, with notable mentions being Mizuru and Aizawa's dad.

Release date: January, 2023
IMDB Rating: 7.6

13) Chihayafuru

Chihayafuru, released in 2011, is a series that shares some similarities with Kaguya-sama: Love is War. While Kaguya-sama focuses on the romcom trope of two top students trying to make the other confess their love, Chihayafuru takes a different approach. It revolves around Chihaya, a high school student who discovers a passion for karuta, a traditional Japanese card game. Chihaya meets Arata, a talented player who believes she has the potential to become the best. The anime delves into the journey of Chihaya and her teammates as they improve their skills and participate in tournaments. What makes Chihayafuru reminiscent of Kaguya-sama is the immersive storytelling that hooks you from the first episode. The characters' passion for karuta is infectious, and the series manages to make an obscure card game exciting to watch.

Release date: October, 2011
IMDB Rating: 8.1

14) YuruYuri

YuruYuri is a delightful series that will remind you of Kaguya-sama: Love is War. While Kaguya-sama focuses on the battle of wits between two elite students trying to make the other confess their love, YuruYuri takes a more lighthearted approach with its daily comedic escapades. Both shows share the genres of Animation, Comedy, and Romance, but YuruYuri adds a touch of Drama to the mix. The characters in YuruYuri are incredibly cute and lovable, making it a joy to watch. And let's not forget the hilarious moments, like Chitose's wild fantasies whenever she takes her glasses off. With its well-written episodes and polished humor, YuruYuri is a must-watch for anyone starting on their anime journey.

Release date: July, 2011
IMDB Rating: 7.6

15) Super Lovers

Super Lovers is reminiscent of Kaguya-sama: Love is War as both are animated series that revolve around relationships and have a slice of life aspect. However, while Kaguya-sama focuses on the comedic and romantic rivalry between two top students, Super Lovers delves into the forbidden love between adoptive brothers. The main characters in Super Lovers, Haru and Ren, share a complex bond that evolves as Haru tries to gain Ren's trust. The series combines humor, drama, and family bonding, providing a unique and engaging storyline. Although Super Lovers might not be suitable for younger audiences due to some mature scenes, it has received high praise for its art, sound, and music. If you enjoyed the lightheartedness and romance of Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Super Lovers offers a different take on relationships and family dynamics that is worth watching.

Release date: April, 2016
IMDB Rating: 6.9

16) March Comes in Like a Lion

March Comes in Like a Lion is a charming and heartwarming series that shares similarities with Kaguya-sama: Love is War. Both shows fall under the slice of life genre and explore the complexities of teenage life. While Kaguya-sama focuses on the lighthearted and comedic aspects of young love, March Comes in Like a Lion takes a more introspective and somber approach. It delves into the struggles of a socially awkward orphaned shogi player, including themes of depression, loneliness, and financial difficulties. Despite their differences in tone, both series offer a captivating glimpse into the lives of their characters. If you enjoyed the witty banter and romantic tension of Kaguya-sama, you'll find solace and inspiration in the emotional journey of March Comes in Like a Lion.

Release date: October, 2016
IMDB Rating: 8.3

17) Aggretsuko

Aggretsuko, released in 2018, is a series that offers a unique perspective on modern life through the eyes of a 25-year-old red panda named Retsuko. While Kaguya-sama: Love is War focuses on the humorous and competitive nature of young love in an elite school, Aggretsuko takes a different approach by exploring the challenges of adulthood and the workplace. Both shows share the "slice of life" genre, offering a glimpse into the daily struggles of their relatable protagonists. However, Aggretsuko stands out with its humorous yet poignant portrayal of Retsuko's frustrations with her thankless office job. Through her heavy metal karaoke sessions, she finds solace and channels her emotions. The series delves into themes of identity, friendship, and the facades people put up in their lives.

Release date: April, 2018
IMDB Rating: 8

18) Wataten! An Angel Flew Down to Me

Wataten! An Angel Flew Down to Me is reminiscent of Kaguya-sama: Love is War in its depiction of young love and slice of life themes. Both series explore the complexities of relationships in a lighthearted and comedic manner. However, while Kaguya-sama focuses on the battle of wits between two top students, Wataten! takes a different approach by centering around a shy college student named Miyako and her interactions with adorable grade school kids. The main similarity between the two shows lies in their ability to capture the awkwardness and excitement of young love. Wataten! offers a unique twist with its portrayal of Miyako's infatuation with her sister's friend, Hana-chan. The series delves into the challenges Miyako faces as she tries to connect with Hana-chan, resulting in a delightful sketch comedy that is both heartwarming and entertaining.

Release date: January, 2019
IMDB Rating: 6.7

19) Hitori Bocchi's OO Lifestyle

Hitori Bocchi's OO Lifestyle, released on April 6, 2019, is reminiscent of Kaguya-sama: Love is War. While Kaguya-sama revolves around a high school setting and the pursuit of love confessions, Hitori Bocchi's OO Lifestyle focuses on a shy girl's attempt to befriend everyone in her middle school class. Both shows fall under the genres of Animation, Comedy, and Drama, offering delightful and humorous moments. Although Kaguya-sama's characters are driven by their competitive natures, Hitori Bocchi's OO Lifestyle takes a more heartwarming approach, showcasing the protagonist's growth as she strives to reconnect with her childhood friend. With its endearing storyline and charming characters, Hitori Bocchi's OO Lifestyle provides a lighthearted and relatable experience that fans of Kaguya-sama are sure to enjoy.

Release date: April, 2019
IMDB Rating: 7.2

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