If you’re looking for an anime like Rent-A-Girlfriend, then this list is just what you need! Kanojo, Okarishimasu follows the story of Kazuya Kinoshita who, after being dumped by his girlfriend, uses a rental girlfriend app to get revenge. But he soon finds himself in the middle of a complicated situation with Chizuru Mizuhara, his rental girlfriend. If you enjoyed Rent-A-Girlfriend, and are looking for more romance anime with similar themes and storylines, this article is here to help. Here are 12 anime like Rent-A-Girlfriend that will keep you entertained for hours on end!
1. Koi to Uso / Love and Lies (2017)
The story is about a high school student named Yukari Nejima who falls in love with his classmate, Misaki Takasaki. However, the government has mandated a new law that requires all citizens to pair up with their predestined partners by the time they turn 16. As Yukari’s 16th birthday approaches, he must decide whether to go against the government’s wishes and pursue his own happiness, or follow the rules and give up on love.
Koi to Uso is anime like Rent-a-Girlfriend in several ways. Both anime deal with the theme of young love, and both have protagonists who must choose between following their heart or following the rules. However, Koi to Uso is a bit more serious in tone than Kanojo, and Okarishimasu, and focuses more on the drama of its characters’ relationships. If you’re looking for an anime that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure, then Koi to Uso is definitely worth checking out.
2. Domestic Girlfriend (2019)
As the name suggests, Domestic Girlfriend is all about a high school student who decides to rent a girlfriend. The show follows the hilariously dramatic life of Natsuo Fujii as he navigates through the ups and downs of having a fake girlfriend.
If you’re looking for a similar anime in terms of its light-hearted and comedic approach to romance, then Domestic Girlfriend is a winner. While the premise may be slightly different, both shows offer a refreshing take on the classic love story.
3. Saekano: How To Raise A Boring Girlfriend (2015)
Tomoya Aki is a high school otaku who dreams of creating the perfect dating sim. One day, he meets a girl named Megumi Katou and decides to make her the heroine of his game. However, as he gets to know her better, he realizes that she is anything but exciting.
With its relatable protagonist and slice-of-life story, Saekano: How To Raise A Boring Girlfriend offers a unique and charming take on the otaku lifestyle. It also explores the complexities of human relationships.
4. Horimiya (2021)
The story follows high school student Hori Kyoko, who seems like a normal girl on the outside but is quite popular at school for her easy-going and friendly personality. However, she has a secret: she’s quite lazy and doesn’t like to do any work. One day, she meets Miyamura Izumi, a transfer student who is quite the opposite of her. He’s shy and doesn’t talk to anyone, but he’s very smart and hardworking. The two of them become friends, and Hori starts to see Miyamura in a new light.
It’s a good option if you are looking for an anime like Rent-A-Girlfriend in terms of its romance and comedy elements.
1. A Couple of Cuckoos (2022)
There was nothing that linked Nagi Umino and Erika Amano together… until they found out they were swapped at birth. This sudden news is revealed to their parents and soon quickly announce a proposition: to guarantee both of their family’s happiness and restore them to their rightful families, the two should get engaged. When informed of this plan, Nagi and Erika are quick to reject the absurd idea, refusing to play along with their parent’s wishes. But, neither party is willing to back down.
5. TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You (2018)
This is a rom-com anime that follows Nasa Yuzaki, a high school student who has had bad luck with girls. One day, he meets a beautiful girl named Tsukasa Tsukuyomi at the train station and falls in love at first sight. However, when he tries to confess his feelings to her, she rejects him.
Nasa doesn’t give up easily though, and he soon finds out that Tsukasa is looking for a boyfriend to rent. Not wanting to miss his chance, Nasa agrees to be her “rental boyfriend” although he has no idea what he’s getting himself into.
Tonikaku Kawaii is a light-hearted and feel-good anime.
6. Kanojo mo Kanojo / Girlfriend, Girlfriend (2022)
Naoya Mukai has found true love with Saki Saki after years of uncountable confessions. He showers her with affection, making sure the relationship stays strong so she never falls for another guy. But one day Nagisa Minase, who’s been crushing on him for months, confesses to Naoya out of the blue. Naoya politely rejects her at first, but soon falls victim to Nagisa’s charms and determination to date her. Daichi decides it’s his duty as a friend to make both girls happy by allowing them the opportunity to date him! From this unorthodox arrangement comes hilarious moments and antics that will leave you in stitches!
The show has been met with mixed reviews, with some people praising its unique concept and others criticizing its use of stale anime tropes.
7. The Quintessential Quintuplets (2017)
The lives of five identical sisters who are each in search of their unique happiness. The series was produced by Studio Pierrot and directed by Hiroshi Ikehata.
The story of The Quintessential Quintuplets revolves around the daily lives of the Nakano quintuplets, who are all attending high school together. Each sister has her distinct personality, and the series explores their individual stories as they go through the ups and downs of adolescence.
While The Quintessential Quintuplets may not be as light-hearted as Rent-A-Girlfriend, it is still a feel-good anime that will leave you with a smile on your face.
8. Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun (2021)
Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun is about a high schooler named Tomozaki who is considered the bottom of the barrel when it comes to living. He realizes that the world is a game, and if he wants to win, he has to level up his life. With the help of a girl named Aoi, who is considered the top of the barrel when it comes to living, Tomozaki starts on his journey to becoming the best at life.
Like Rent-a-Gorlfriend, Tomozaki-Kun is a slice-of-life anime that follows our main character as he tries to improve his life. Both anime are funny and heartwarming.
9. Nisekoi: False Love (2011)
The story follows Raku Ichijō, the son of a yakuza leader who made a childhood promise to a girl ten years ago that they would get married when they grow up. However, he forgets her name and face, and she re-enters his life as Chitoge Kirisaki, his new transfer student at school. The two eventually come to dislike each other but must pretend to be in a fake relationship to keep their families from warring with each other. As their forced relationship begins causing real feelings to develop between them, Raku starts remembering the details of his long-forgotten promise, which could lead to him finally finding the girl he made it with.
Nisekoi was one of my first introductions to the world of shounen romance, and it’s still one of my favorites in the genre. It’s got all the hallmarks of a classic shounen love story – two stubborn protagonists who butt heads constantly but can’t help but be drawn to each other, a cast of colorful supporting characters, and plenty of comedic hijinks along the way.
11. Seto no Hanayome / My Bride is a Mermaid (2007)
High school student Nagasumi Michishio, is saved from drowning by a mermaid named Sun Seto. However, in doing so, Sun accidentally reveals her identity to Nagasumi, and as per mermaid law, he must now marry her. The series follows the two as they attempt to keep Sun’s identity a secret from Nagasumi’s family and friends, while also dealing with the various challenges that come with their unique situation.
In terms of its quirky set-up and comedic moments, Seto no Hanayome is worth checking out. While the show does have its fair share of romantic moments between Nagasumi and Sun, it never takes itself too seriously and always manages to stay enjoyable throughout its 24-episode run.
12. Kishuku Gakkou no Juliet (2017)
Kishuku Gakkou no Juliet, also known as Boarding School Juliet, is a 2017 anime adaptation of a popular manga series of the same name. The story follows the adventures of Romeo, a student at a prestigious private school, and Juliet, a girl who pretends to be a boy to attend the same school. Together, they must navigate the challenges of adolescence and young love while dealing with the pressures of their respective families and societies.
The anime has been praised for its strong character development, touching romance, and comedic moments. It has become a fan-favorite among shoujo fans and has even garnered comparisons to classic works such as Romeo and Juliet. If you’re looking for an anime that’s both heartwarming and funny, then be sure to give Kishuku Gakkou no Juliet a try!
