Anime like Fruits Basket explores themes of friendship, love, self-discovery, and personal growth.
It also strongly focuses on the supernatural and features diverse characters. The Story follows a high school girl named Nanami who becomes homeless after her father leaves her in debt.
She ends up living in a shrine where she meets a fox familiar named Tomoe. If you are looking for anime like Fruits Basket, here are a few recommendations:
1. Lovely Complex (2007)
Lovely Complex is a Japanese romantic comedy manga series written and illustrated by Aya Nakahara.
The StoryStory follows Risa Koizumi and Atsushi Otani, two high school students who are taller than average and often teased by their classmates for being an odd couple.
Despite their constant bickering and disagreements, Risa and Otani become close friends and develop feelings for each other.
However, their insecurities and misunderstandings about each other’s feelings prevent them from taking the next step in their relationship.
As they navigate their way through high school, Risa and Otani experience a variety of ups and downs, including failed relationships, academic pressures, and family issues.
Throughout it all, they rely on each other for support and understanding and gradually realize that their differences and quirks make them perfect for each other.
With its hilarious antics, heartwarming moments, and relatable characters, Lovely Complex has become a beloved classic of the romantic comedy genre. This film is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
2. Ouran Highschool Host Club (2006)
Ouran High School Host Club is a Japanese romantic comedy manga series written and illustrated by Bisco Hatori.
The Story follows Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at the prestigious Ouran Academy, who accidentally stumbles upon the school’s host club.
They are attractive and charming male students who entertain female clients with their company.
Despite her initial reluctance, Haruhi joins the host club and poses as a male host to pay off a debt she owes to the club.
As she becomes more involved with the host club, Haruhi forms close friendships with its members, including the flamboyant and charismatic club president Tamaki, the mischievous twins Hikaru and Kaoru, and the stoic and reserved Mori.
Haruhi and the host club members encounter various challenges and adventures.
These challenges include navigating complicated romantic relationships, dealing with family pressures, and overcoming personal insecurities.
Ouran High School Host Club has become a beloved classic of the romantic comedy and slice-of-life genre with its humorous and heartwarming moments, engaging characters, and unique premise. This film is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
3. Kimi ni Todoke (2006-2007)
Kimi ni Todoke, which translates to From Me to You, is a romantic anime series that follows the Story of Sawako Kuronuma, a shy and misunderstood high school student.
Due to her appearance, which resembles that of the horror movie Sadako, Sawako has trouble making friends and communicating with others.
Despite her struggles, Sawako is kind-hearted and caring, and she develops a crush on Kazehaya, a popular and outgoing boy in her class.
With the help of her new friends, including the confident and cheerful Ayane and the quiet and supportive Chizuru, Sawako slowly begins to open up and express herself more freely.
As Sawako and Kazehaya grow closer, they must navigate the challenges of misunderstandings, miscommunications, and jealousy of other students who want Kazehaya’s attention.
Along the way, Sawako learns essential lessons about self-confidence, trust, and the power of communication.
Kimi ni Todoke is a must-watch for fans of romantic anime and those who appreciate stories about personal growth and overcoming obstacles.
It’s a beautiful and inspiring tale of love and friendship that will leave viewers warm and fuzzy. This film is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
4. Kamisama Kiss (2012-2015)
Kamisama Kiss, also known as Kamisama Hajimemashita, is a romantic anime series that follows the Story of Nanami Momozono, a high school student abandoned by her father and left to fend for herself.
One day, she saves a mysterious man from a dog, and he grants her the power to become the new land god of a local shrine.
As the new god, Nanami must learn how to perform her duties and gain the trust of the shrine’s guardian, a fox spirit named Tomoe.
Despite his initial reluctance, Tomoe becomes Nanami’s familiar and helps her navigate the challenges of her new role.
As Nanami grows more confident in her abilities, she develops feelings for Tomoe, who has a troubled past and is hesitant to open up to her.
The two must navigate the challenges of their different worlds and the interference of other spirits who want to harm them.
The show contains supernatural elements, Japanese mythology, humor, and romance.
Nanami’s journey to becoming a capable and respected god is inspiring, and her relationship with Tomoe is heartwarming and intense.
Kamisama Kiss is a must-watch for fans of romantic anime and those who enjoy stories about supernatural beings and ancient traditions.
It’s a charming and engaging series that will leave viewers feeling enchanted and satisfied. Kamisama kiss is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
5. Skip Beat! (2008-2009)
Skip Beat! is a shoujo anime series that follows the Story of Kyoko Mogami, a teenage girl betrayed by her childhood friend and crush, Sho Fuwa.
Determined to get revenge and make him regret his actions, Kyoko becomes a famous actress.
With the help of her new friend and mentor, Ren Tsuruga, Kyoko works hard to hone her acting skills and navigate the cutthroat world of show business.
Along the way, she must overcome her insecurities and confront the painful memories of her past.
Kyoko’s journey is filled with humor, drama, and romance as she encounters a colorful cast of characters and faces various challenges in her quest for success.
Ren, in particular, becomes a central figure in Kyoko’s life as their relationship develops from a professional one to a romantic one.
Skip Beat! is a must-watch for shoujo anime fans and those who enjoy stories about underdogs and pursuing dreams.
It’s a charming and engaging series that will leave viewers feeling motivated and uplifted. This film is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
6. Natsume’s Book of Friends
Natsume’s Book of Friends, also known as Natsume Yuujinchou, is a supernatural anime series.
The Story follows Takashi Natsume, a teenage boy who can see spirits.
After inheriting a mysterious book from his grandmother, Natsume discovers it contains the names of souls who have made contracts with her to become their friends.
With the help of a powerful spirit named Nyanko-sensei, who takes the form of a minor, fat cat, lovely does nothing wrong but not good.
Natsume sets out to return the names in the book and release the energies from their contracts.
Along the way, he learns more about his grandmother’s past and the true nature of the spirits he encounters.
The show contains supernatural elements, Japanese folklore, friendship, family, and self-discovery themes.
Natsume’s kind-hearted nature and desire to help those around him make him a lovable and relatable protagonist.
And likewise, his interactions with Nyanko-sensei are both humorous and heartwarming.
Natsume’s Book of Friends is a must-watch for fans of supernatural anime and those who appreciate stories about the magical world and the connections between humans and spirits.
It’s a beautiful and enchanting series that will leave viewers intrigued and comforted. This film is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
7. Orange (2016)
In the anime Orange, Naho receives a letter from her future self urging her to save a new transfer student named Kakeru.
She needs help understanding the letter’s contents and the potential consequences of her actions.
As she gets to know Kakeru, she learns about his tragic past and his struggle to overcome it.
Naho and her friends work together to support him, but their efforts are only sometimes successful.
Naho’s future self provides guidance and encouragement, but Naho must ultimately make her own choices.
As she navigates her feelings and relationships, she realizes the importance of living in the present and cherishing her moments with those she loves.
Through its heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters, Orange explores themes of regret, forgiveness, and the power of human connection.
Orange is one of the best anime, like Fruits Basket.
8. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou(2012)
The Pet Girl of Sakurasou follows Sorata, a high school student who lives in a dormitory for problem students.
He meets Mashiro, a brilliant artist who struggles with day-to-day tasks.
Sorata becomes her caretaker and develops feelings for her. However, Mashiro is one of many with problems.
The other residents of Sakurasou also face difficulties, including Nanami. Nanami dreams of becoming a voice actress but struggles to make ends meet, and Jin is a playboy who hides his insecurities.
As the Story progresses, Sorata and his friends work hard to achieve their goals while dealing with the challenges of living in Sakurasou.
Mashiro begins to develop feelings for Sorata, but he is torn between his feelings for her and his loyalty to the other residents.
Meanwhile, the residents of Sakurasou work together to overcome their struggles and support each other through thick and thin.
Overall, The Pet Girl of Sakurasou is heartwarming about friendship, perseverance, and finding one’s place. This film is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
9. Maid Sama! (2010)
Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama! Follows Misaki, the student council president of a formerly all-boys school.
She has a severe and strict personality and works part-time at a maid cafe to support her family.
However, her secret is discovered by Takumi, the most popular boy in school, who hides his secret of being the heir to a wealthy family.
Despite their initial animosity, Takumi secretly helps Misaki and eventually falls in love with her.
Misaki struggles to balance her school and work life and faces opposition from some students who disapprove of her part-time job.
She also faces challenges from her family, who believe women should focus on marriage rather than education and work.
As Misaki and Takumi’s relationship develops, they must navigate their different social classes and work together to overcome obstacles.
Misaki’s dedication and hard work inspire Takumi to pursue his dreams.
Meanwhile, Takumi’s support and understanding help Misaki to overcome her insecurities. Maid Sama is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
10. Your Lie in April (2014-2015)
Your Lie in April follows Kosei, a former child prodigy pianist who loses his ability to hear the sound of his playing after the death of his abusive mother.
He meets Kaori, a free-spirited violinist who helps him rediscover his love for music and overcome his trauma.
As Kosei and Kaori prepare for a competition, their relationship deepens, and Kosei realizes his feelings for her.
However, he soon discovers that Kaori is hiding a secret illness that threatens her ability to play music and even her life.
As Kosei and Kaori’s Story unfolds, they face challenges in their personal lives and pursuit of music.
Kosei must confront his painful past and learn to embrace his playing style, while Kaori struggles to balance her health issues with her passion for music.
Overall, Your Lie in April is a powerful story of love, loss, and the healing power of music.
It explores the themes of facing one’s fears, finding one’s voice, and the importance of living life to the fullest. This film is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
11. Senryu Girl (2019)
Senryu Girl follows the Story of Nanako, a high school girl who communicates primarily through senryu poetry.
She meets Eiji, a former delinquent who becomes her classmate and helps her navigate the challenges of high school life.
Nanako and Eiji’s relationship deepens as they share their thoughts and feelings through senryu poetry.
As Nanako and her friends navigate high school together, they face several challenges, including academic pressure, relationship troubles, and personal struggles.
However, they support each other through thick and thin, strengthening their bonds. Senryu Girl is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
Overall, Senryu Girl is a heartwarming story about the power of communication and connection.
It explores self-expression, friendship, and the importance of finding one’s voice.
12. Vampire Knight (2008)
Vampire Knight takes place in a world where vampires coexist with humans, but their existence is kept a secret.
The Story follows Yuki, a student at Cross Academy, where vampires attend classes at night while humans participate during the day.
Yuki, along with her childhood friend Zero, works as guardians to protect the students from any dangers that may arise.
As Yuki and Zero’s relationship develops, they uncover several secrets about the vampire community.
Yuki disclosed the existence of a powerful vampire named Kaname, who has a mysterious connection to Yuki’s past.
As the story folds, Yuki must navigate her feelings for Zero and Kaname while uncovering the truth about her identity and the dark secrets of the vampire world.
Along the way, she faces numerous challenges and dangers, including attacks from rogue vampires and the complicated politics of vampire society.
Overall, Vampire Knight is a thrilling and romantic story exploring love, power, and the struggle between light and darkness.
Vampire Knight is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
13. One Week Friends (2014)
One Week Friends follows the Story of high school student Yuki, known for being quiet and introverted.
He meets Kaori, a girl in his class with a unique condition where she forgets her memories of people every Monday.
Despite Kaori’s condition, Yuki is determined to become her friend and spends each week trying to get to know her better.
As they spend more time together, they begin developing feelings for each other.
However, their relationship is threatened by the recurring loss of Kaori’s memories.
Yuki must constantly reintroduce himself and their past interactions, which takes a toll on both of them emotionally.
Overall, One Week Friends is a touching story about friendship, love, and the power of memory.
It explores acceptance, forgiveness, and cherishing our moments with the people we love. This film is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
14. Azumanya Daioh (2002)
“Azumanga Daioh” follows the hilarious and heartwarming adventures of a group of high school girls in Japan.
The series focuses on the everyday lives of six main characters: Tomo, Yomi, Sakaki, Chiyo, Osaka, and Kagura.
As the girls navigate high school together, they experience various comedic and relatable situations, from preparing for exams to dealing with crushes and friendship dramas. This film is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
The girls grow and develop individually and as a group as the story folds. They support each other through challenges and celebrate each other’s successes, forming bonds that will last a lifetime.
15. A Silent Voice (2016)
A Silent Voice tells the Story of Shoya, a young boy who bullies a deaf girl named Shoko in elementary school.
Years later, Shoya is plagued by guilt and decides to make amends by reaching out to Shoko and forming a connection with her.
As they reconnect, Shoya and Shoko must navigate their past challenges, including the impact of Shoya’s bullying on Shoko’s life.
They both struggle with loneliness and isolation but find solace in each other’s company.
As the story folds, Shoya and Shoko’s relationship deepens, but they also face new challenges and obstacles.
They must confront their fears and insecurities, as well as the judgment and misunderstandings of others.
Overall, A Silent Voice is a powerful and emotional story that explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the impact of our actions on others.
A silent voice is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
16. Boarding School Juliet (2018)
Boarding School Juliet takes place in Dahlia Academy, a prestigious boarding school where students from two rival countries, the Touwa and the Principality of West, attend.
The Story follows Romio Inuzuka, the leader of the Touwa dormitory, and Juliet Persia, the leader of the West dormitory.
Despite being sworn enemies, Romeo and Juliet fall in love with each other and begin a secret relationship.
They must navigate their feelings for each other while trying to keep their relationship a secret from their fellow students and the school’s strict rules.
In the story folds, Romeo and Juliet face numerous challenges and obstacles.
They had interference from their respective dorm mates and political tensions between their two countries.
Overall, Boarding School Juliet is a romantic and action-packed story exploring love, loyalty, and the consequences of war. This film is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
17. Fly me to the Moon (2020-)
Fly Me to the Moon follows the Story of Tsukasa, a high school student who dreams of going to space.
He meets Nasa, a girl who is just as determined and ambitious as he is, and the two quickly fall in love.
As their relationship develops, Tsukasa and Nasa must overcome various obstacles and challenges, including Nasa’s overprotective parents and the difficulties of balancing school and their relationship.
The series is known for its charming and lovable characters, including the determined Tsukasa and the intelligent and resourceful Nasa. Each character brings a unique perspective and strengths to the story.
As the story folds, Tsukasa and Nasa face new challenges and opportunities, including the chance to participate in a real-life space mission.
Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about love, friendship, and pursuing one’s dreams.
Overall, Fly Me to the Moon is a heartwarming and uplifting story that celebrates the power of love and the beauty of chasing one’s dreams. It is a must-watch for fans of romance and adventure anime.
18. Kobato (2009-2010)
Kobato follows the Story of a mysterious girl named Kobato who is on a mission to heal the hearts of others.
She is aided by a grumpy stuffed animal named Ioryogi, who can transform into a human form.
Kobato must collect the hearts of people who need healing to fulfill her mission.
She does this by taking on various part-time jobs and interacting with people from all walks of life. This film is one of the best anime like Fruits Basket.
Kobato’s true identity and past are slowly revealed as the story folds, and she must confront her fears and insecurities.
She is also aided by a kind-hearted young man named Fujimoto, who has his struggles and challenges.
