Key Takeaways
- Discover the emotional journey of Mahiru & Amane in
The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten
. - Similar high school settings and character dynamics in romance anime like
A Galaxy Next Door. - Explore themes of relationships and self-discovery in various anime series included in the list.
The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten is an entertaining animated series that follows the exploits of a young adolescent named Mahiru Shinna, or “Angel,” as she is known at school. As a result of her attractiveness, intelligence, and athletic prowess, she is held in high esteem and is sometimes compared to an angel.
Amane, a classmate of Mahiru’s, lives next door to her. Mahiru encounters some odd scenarios with Amane as she makes her way through high school. They first became friends after he lent her his umbrella, and they’ve lived next door to each other ever since. This anime is emotional as she discovers more about herself and the world around her.
Updated September 27, 2024 by Oluwatokiloba Folami:With Fujimiya Amane and Mahiru Shiina at its center, The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten portrays an unlikely relationship between two individuals who have very little in common. Amane is a lonely individual who has very little going for him, while Mahiru excels at virtually everything she does, earning her the nickname “Angel.”
With the show’s portrayal of realistic slow-burn relationships where the leads explore themselves and their potential partners, The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten has become popular among fans of romantic, high school slice-of-life shows. With the end of the first season, fans who want something with similar themes have a ton of other options to try. Some shows might even prove more intriguing and emotionally gripping.
1 Toradora!
Similar Themes Of Romance And Comedy
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When it comes to romantic comedies with high school themes, Toradora! is one to look out for. The series portrays the unlikely pairing between Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka. Initially, these high school students strive to help each other get with their respective best friends, who are their crushes. However, the narrative quickly changes from helping each other with their respective crushes to developing crushes on each other.
As the duo spend time together, they gradually develop an emotional bond that results in an unlikely pairing and self-discovery. The premise of Toradora! differs from The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, but in terms of unlikely pairings and subtle romance, the series couldn’t be more similar.
2 Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included
Female Lead Portrayed As An ‘Angel’ In Both Series
The circumstances surrounding Amane Fujimiya and Shintaro Tokumitsu are immensely similar. Both male leads were living on their own in small apartments until angels were added to the equation. For Amane Fujimiya, “Angel” was merely the nickname given to Mahiru Shiina. However, Shintaro Tokumitsu had to deal with an actual angel who dropped from heaven on a mission to learn more about humanity.
In learning about humanity, Towa, the Angel sent from heaven, becomes heavily attached to the first person she comes into contact with—Shintaro. After that, it doesn’t take long for their relationship to become complicated, particularly with the involvement of other young females, all while having to hide Towa’s real identity.
3 The Ice Guy And His Cool Female Colleague
Socially Awkward Male Protagonists
- Release Date: January 4, 2023
- Genre(s): Romance
- Studio(s): Zero-G, Liber
- Number of Episodes: 12
Himuro-kun is not the most confident of men. Unfortunately, whenever he gets anxious, stressed, or excited, Himuro involuntarily releases snowstorms into the environment, freezing anything around him. While struggling with his overall emotional state, Himuro comes across Fuyutsuki, a beautiful and caring co-worker. As she helps Himuro deal with his various unconventional situations, he can’t help but fall in love.
With a focus on daily life, this anime series bears many similarities with The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, particularly through the slow-burn romance between its male and female leads. Unlike Himuro, who’s sure about his feelings, Fuyutsuki is not, and so the duo takes things slowly.
4 Fruits Basket
Presence Of Caring Female Protagonists Who Help Male Counterparts
Featuring Tohru Honda and Sohma Kyo, this anime series explores different relationships between Tohru and the accursed Sohma family. Rather than run away or feel weirded out whenever the curse of the Sohma family turns one of them into a zodiac animal, Tohru accepts the Sohma family curse and helps them navigate their overall emotional growth.
Tohru’s willingness to help Kyo and his family makes the series very similar to The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten. While they feature differing storylines, both series feature caring female protagonists who help their male counterparts confront their traumas, and emotional scars, and heal from them.
5 A Galaxy Next Door
Both Female Protagonists Focus On Helping The Male Leads
- Genre: Romance, Supernatural
- Studio: Asahi Production
- Creator: Gido Amagakure
- Number of Episodes: 12
A Galaxy Next Door tells the story of how Shiori comes into Ichiro’s life to make it easier. Ichiro is out of high school, and not long after, his father dies, leaving him to take care of his two younger siblings. Ichiro is not ready for these unexpected responsibilities, but he tries his best. Unfortunately for him, his best is not enough, as he struggles to make ends meet. Luckily for him, Shiori comes to work for him as an assistant. As she renders help and takes some burden off his shoulders, they find themselves betrothed to each other, and they eventually fall in love.
Living close to each other is what makes the protagonists fall in love in A Galaxy Next Door and in The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten. Mahiru is kind to Amane and helps him with basic things like cooking and cleaning, which, to Amane, is a lot. On the other hand, Shiori’s presence as Ichiro’s assistant brings sales to his business, and he can overcome challenges and tackle his stress.
6 The Dangers In My Heart
Time Spent Together Made Their Hearts Grow Fonder
Kyoutarou has nothing but evil and inhumane thoughts towards Anna. As a bloodthirsty killer, he plans to see Anna’s pretty face filled with fear and pain before he ends up taking her life. After Kyoutarou runs into Anna in the library, he realizes there is more to her than just a pretty face. He realizes that she is not smart, and over time, they fall in love, and he feels a need to protect her.
Even though they attended the same school, Kyoutarou and Anna were strangers until they were not, just like Mahiru and Amane. A chance encounter brings these protagonists together, and they start spending time with each other, getting to know more about each other. Soon after, as expected, they start developing romantic feelings.
7 Insomniacs After School
High School Setting
Sleep is a necessity, but to some people, it is a luxury that they cannot afford, and it takes a toll on them. Ganta is a high schooler who finds it hard to fall asleep, and because of that, he goes to school very cranky, irritable, and looking for a quick fix to his sleeping problems. He thinks he is alone in his predicament, but his search for a quiet place to sleep causes him to meet Isaki, a fellow student who is also suffering from the same sleeping disorder.
These anime both take place in high school settings, as both protagonists attend the same high school and are not aware of each other until a chance encounter. High school is a place to meet a variety of people, and Ganta definitely met his kind, Isaki, just as Amane met Mahiru, and they later became a significant part of each other’s lives.
8 Rent-A-Girlfriend
Similar Focus On Relationships
After getting dumped by his girlfriend, Kazuya Kinoshita employs an online dating app to rent a girlfriend and find solace. While he did have fun on the date with his rented girlfriend, Kazuya leaves her a low rating. Afterward, Kazuya meets Chizuru, his rented girlfriend, and she bursts out at him for leaving her a poor rating. Shortly after that, the duo meets up with Kazuya’s ill grandmother in the hospital.
From then on, the duo’s fates get intertwined as they discover they are next-door neighbors and attend the same school. As Kazuya continues to rent Chizuru, he decides to turn his rent-a-girlfriend relationship with her into an authentic one. Rent-a-Girlfriend is far more over-the-top and melodramatic than The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, and its characters tend to be an acquired taste with most viewers; nevertheless, the show can be a fun watch for those who like messy relationships.
9 3D Kanojo: Real Girl
Both Male Protagonists Learn To Develop Their Social Skills
The socially inept Hikari Tsutsui spends most of his time indoors, as he believes interacting with video games is simpler and more enjoyable than interacting with people in the 3D world. While he enjoys living in the 2D world, Hikari quickly gets involved with Iroha Igarashi, a girl whose notoriety precedes her.
While Hikari would prefer to stay clear of her, fate has other plans as she suddenly asks him to enter into a relationship with her. Although stunned, Hikari accepts, and Iroha begins her mission to draw him out of his 2D world. As the duo begin dating, they each discover various parts of themselves that they’ve come to enjoy; however, Iroha will be transferring to another school in six months.
10 Loving Yamada At Lv999
Both Share A Similar High School Setting
Akane Kinoshita is suddenly left heartbroken after her boyfriend breaks up with her. Planning to get back at him through an in-game event, Akane involves Akito Yamada, a gaming legend who also attends her school.
Seeing him as the perfect candidate for her plan, Akane and Yamada suddenly get closer as Akane begins to weave many schemes. However, as the duo gets closer, their relationship begins to leave the boundaries of a schemer and her helper, and they find themselves in a situation that neither of them expects. As the duo try to navigate their newfound feelings, a plot unfolds.
11 Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai
Portrays Similar Themes Of Acceptance And Identity
The adolescence syndrome is often seen as a myth by many; however, when it begins to affect Mai Sakurajima, Sakuta Azusagawa’s life is also affected. Mai Sakurajima was very well known as someone who garnered much fame in her childhood as a child actress. However, after she decides to go on a hiatus, she realizes that fewer and fewer people notice her presence.
To test her theory, she dresses in a bunny costume and wanders through a library. Interestingly, only Sakuta Azusagawa notices her, and from then on, their fates become intertwined. As Sakuta begins to help Mai figure out adolescence syndrome, they get closer and love blossoms between them. However, various other cases of adolescence syndrome threaten their relationship.
Although the mysteries are quite interesting as they shine a light on their central characters’ insecurities, Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is primarily worth watching for Sakuta and Mai’s dynamic, as it is endlessly charming and witty.
12 Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You
Character Relationships Have A Similar Pattern
Nasa Yuzaki, a typical high school student, encounters the stunning Tsukasa Tsukuyomi out of the blue in this anime series. He has never even spoken to her, and yet he is already head over heels in love and planning their wedding. They quickly wed and moved in together, where they had to figure out how to adjust to life as a married couple.
Nasa and Tsukasa’s lives are chronicled in the anime as they go about their daily routines, socialize, and deal with the typical pressures of adulthood. They had to contend with Nasa’s overbearing family and uncover the secrets of Tsukasa’s history, among other things, on their journey. The series shows how hard Nasa and Tsukasa have tried to make their love last, despite all the problems they’ve had.
13 Shikimori’s Not Just A Cutie
Similar Female Characters
Shikimori, Izumi’s girlfriend and the protagonist is a lively and active young woman. During their senior year of high school, Shikimori and Izumi began dating. They’ve learned to lean on one another through thick and thin, and now they enjoy a supportive, comforting friendship.
Despite their differences, they love and understand each other deeply. However, they also experience difficulties in their relationship. They argue and misunderstand all the time but always manage to work things out and become closer as a consequence. Very much a slice-of-life romance, Shikimori makes at a pace similar to The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, and both shows center around relationships defined by mutual support (even if it takes a while to become apparent).
14 Horimiya
Similar Character Dynamics
High school student Kyoko Hori and the well-known and enigmatic Izumi Miyamura are the main characters in Horimiya. Miyamura is a shy, introverted loner, while Hori is a popular and handsome student.
The two begin to get to know one another more as Miyamura learns that Hori is a kind and compassionate person in private. The two become closer and ultimately fall in love as their relationship develops. Along the journey, they support one another as they work through their challenges and discover more about themselves.
15 My Love Story!!
Both Revolve Around Similar Slice Of Life Elements
Takeo Gouda, a large and intimidating high school student who is often mistaken for a delinquent, and Yamato Rinko, a shy and gentle girl, are the protagonists of the romantic comedy anime. They start as friends, then get close, and eventually fall in love.
Their ups and downs are chronicled as they travel together. The series shows the ups and downs of the couple’s relationship as they deal with obstacles, including Takeo’s self-doubt about his worthiness of being with Rinko. Through the course of the story, Takeo develops self-assurance and a secure sense of his bond with Rinko. Unlike many other romance anime, My Love Story brings the leads together fairly quickly, allowing the audience to see them grow as a couple.
16 The Helpful Fox Senko-san
Comparable Heart-Warming Stories
Kuroto Nakano, a young salaryman, is the protagonist of the story. Senko, a fox girl who is 800 years old, shows up at his door one day and offers to help him out around the house.
Despite his initial skepticism, Nakano soon came to rely on Senko for help with the mundane tasks of daily life. As their bond grows stronger, they learn more about one another and their ways of life. While the supernatural element sets it apart from The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten‘s relatively grounded nature, The Helpful Fox Senko-san‘s core dynamic is not that dissimilar since it also focuses on two people as they learn to help and support each other.
17 Momokuri
Similar Slice Of Life Moments
The series chronicles the daily happenings of Yuki Kurihara and Shinya Momotsuki, two high school students who have just started dating. The anime depicts their trials and tribulations as they learn to decipher and negotiate the complexities of their relationship. Yuki is a bubbly young lady who is hopelessly smitten with Shinya and will do anything to see him smile. However, Shinya is shy and has problems finding the right words to describe how he feels.
Through opening up and communicating their emotions to one another, the couple develops trust and strengthens their relationship. As they travel together, many romantic and funny things happen, and they get closer to each other and themselves.
18 Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved And Took In A High School Runaway
A Similar Theme On The Exploration Of Identity
When Yoshida, a 26-year-old office worker, is rejected by the woman he has a crush on, he decides to visit the local tavern to drown his sorrows. In his drunken state, he encounters Sayu, a girl in high school.
Yoshida adopts her out of compassion, and they become good friends despite their age difference. Sayu helps Yoshida come to terms with his past while she grows into a confident young woman. Throughout their journey, they encounter a wide variety of characters, from Yoshida’s boss to Sayu’s old classmates, from whom they will get insight into the nature of friendship, love, and acceptance.
19 Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid
They Share Themes Of Acceptance
Kobayashi, a lonely office worker, ends up saving a dragon named Tohru in Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid. In return for her kindness and bravery, Tohru wants to be her personal maid. As Kobayashi finds it difficult to get along with her new roommate, she finds herself taking in an increasing number of dragons, each with a unique personality and set of peculiarities.
The show follows their routines as they adjust to human society and form bonds with their new neighbors. Along the way, Kobayashi and the dragons face several challenges, such as dealing with Tohru’s obsessive love for her and trying to fit in at school and work. Meanwhile, they have the added responsibility of keeping humans safe from the perils of sharing a habitat with a troop of dragons that might not always play by the book.
20 More Than A Married Couple, But Not Lovers
Two Very Different People Are Forced To Live Together
Jiro Yakuin, the protagonist, is a high school student who likes to spend his time alone playing video games rather than interacting with his peers. Shiori Sakurazaka, his childhood best friend, was the object of his affection, but she only saw him as a friend.
To help students learn to communicate more effectively with their varied partners, the school has instituted a “couples program” structured like a marriage counseling session. As the plot progresses, Jiro begins to develop feelings for Akari, his current partner in the couple’s program. When Shiori reveals her feelings for Jiro, things get sticky since now the latter has to decide between his “wife” and Akari.
Similar to The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, More Than A Married Couple, But Not Lovers largely revolves around its protagonists slowly growing comfortable around each other as they have more and more conversations. The latter leans quite a bit into fanservice, but it handles its relationship well.
