These anime like Ouran Host Club, romance, comedy, and drama. They all feature a strong female protagonist who becomes involved with a group of boys and learns more about herself.
Ouran Host Club is an anime series about Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at the prestigious Ouran Academy.
While searching for a quiet place to study, Haruhi accidentally breaks a valuable vase belonging to the school’s Host Club, and ends up working as a host to pay off her debt.
Haruhi and the Host Club face various challenges and obstacles as the series progresses.
If you want to enjoy anime like Ouran Host Club, here are some plots of anime that have similar themes and elements:
1. Kaichou was maid-sama
Kaichou wa Maid-sama! is an anime series that follows the story of Misaki Ayuzawa, the first female student council president at the formerly all-boys Seika High School.
Misaki was determined to make the school a safe and welcoming place for female students.
However, she has a secret job at a maid cafe to support her family, which she keeps hidden from her schoolmates.
One day, Misaki’s classmate Takumi Usui discovers her secret and starts visiting her at the maid cafe.
Despite their initial animosity towards each other, Misaki and Takumi develop a complex relationship.
How be Takumi helping Misaki with her duties as the student council president, and Misaki slowly opening up to him.
Throughout the series, Misaki faces various challenges, such as dealing with a rival school and her growing feelings for Takumi.
The show combines romance, comedy, and drama. This film is one of the best anime like Ouran Host Club.
2. Fruits Basket (2019)
Fruits Basket is an anime series based on the popular manga by Natsuki Takaya.
The story follows Tohru Honda, a kind-hearted and selfless high school girl living with the mysterious and cursed Sohma family.
As Tohru becomes more involved with the Sohma family, she learns about their dark secrets and the curse that affects many family members.
This curse turns them into animals of the Chinese zodiac when a member of the opposite sex hugs them.
Tohru becomes determined to help the Sohma family break the curse while developing close relationships with several family members. Fruits Basket is one of the best anime like Ouran Host Club.
Throughout the series, Tohru faces dealing with family drama, helping the Sohmas overcome their past traumas she did also try figuring out her feelings towards some of the Sohma family members.
The show combines romance, drama, and fantasy elements and is known for its complex and nuanced characters.
The anime also tries its exploration of themes such as trauma and healing and its emotional depth.
3. Skip Beat! (2008)
Skip Beat! is an anime series based on the manga by Yoshiki Nakamura.
The story follows Kyoko Mogami, a 16-year-old girl who moves to Tokyo with her childhood friend, Sho Fuwa.
Kyoko had dreams of becoming a famous idol. However, she supported Sho in his music career.
Later, she discovers that he has been using her as a servant and has no intention of helping her achieve her dreams.
Heartbroken and betrayed, Kyoko seeks revenge by becoming a famous actress and surpassing Sho’s success.
She starts working at the LME Talent Agency, where she meets Ren Tsuruga. Ren was a famous actor who became her mentor and helped her hone her acting skills.
Throughout the series, Kyoko faces various challenges, including intense acting competitions, difficult roles, and personal demons from her past.
She also starts to develop romantic feelings for Ren, but her single-minded focus on her acting career often gets in the way of her personal life.
4. Kamisama Kiss (2012)
Kamisama Kiss is an anime series based on the manga by Julietta Suzuki.
The story follows Nanami Momozono, a high school girl who is abandoned by her father and left to fend for herself.
One day, she saves a strange man from a dog, and he offers to let her stay at his shrine as a thank you.
Nanami soon discovers that the man is a kami, or a Shinto god, and has given her his powers and responsibilities as the new land god of the shrine.
As the new land god, Nanami must learn to navigate the world of the supernatural and deal with various challenges.
The challenges include the unruly spirits, vengeful yokai, and her growing feelings for the fox yokai Tomoe, who serves as her familiar.
Throughout the series, Nanami faces various obstacles and makes many new human and supernatural friends.
She learns to harness her powers and becomes a beloved deity among the area’s residents.
However, she also discovers that being a kami comes with great responsibilities, and Kamisama Kiss is one of the best anime like Ouran Host Club.
5. Special A (2008)
Special A is an anime series based on the manga by Maki Minami.
The story follows Hikari Hanazono, a high school student who has always been second best to her childhood friend, Kei Takishima.
Kei is the only person who has ever beaten Hikari in anything, and she is determined to finally surpass him in something, no matter what it takes. Special A is one of the best anime like Ouran Host Club.
Hikari and Kei attend Hakusenkan, a prestigious school for the wealthy and elite.
They are both part of the school’s Special A class, which is made up of the top seven students in the school.
The members of the Special A class are all extremely talented and competitive but also deeply loyal to each other.
Throughout the series, Hikari and Kei face various challenges, including difficult competitions and personal issues.
They also develop romantic feelings for each other, but their intense rivalry often gets in the way.
6. Toradora! (2008)
Toradora! is an anime series based on the light novel by Yuyuko Takemiya.
The story follows Ryuji Takasu, a high school student who is often feared and misunderstood due to his delinquent appearance.
Ryuji secretly loves his classmate, Minori Kushieda, but he is drawn to her best friend, Taiga Aisaka.
Taiga is a small, fiery girl with a reputation for being violent and aggressive.
Ryuji and Taiga form an unlikely alliance to help each other pursue their romantic interests.
They work together to try to get Minori and Taiga crush, Yusaku Kitamura, to notice them.
However, as they spend more time together, Ryuji and Taiga begin to develop feelings for each other, leading to a complicated love triangle. Toradora is one of the best anime like Ouran Host Club.
Throughout the series, Ryuji and Taiga face various challenges, including personal issues and misunderstandings.
They also become involved in their friends’ romantic lives, leading to even more complications.
7. Kimi ni Todoke (2005)
The story of “Kimi ni Todoke” follows the life of a high school girl named Sawako Kuronuma.
This girl is often misunderstood and feared by her classmates due to her resemblance to the horror movie character “Sadako.”
Despite her gentle nature and kind heart, Sawako struggles to make friends and connect with others. This film is one of the best anime like Ouran Host Club.
One day, she meets a popular boy in her class named Shota Kazehaya, who sees through her scary exterior and reaches out to her.
Over time, Sawako starts to develop feelings for Shota, and the two of them form a close bond that helps Sawako come out of her shell and make new friends.
The series is set in modern-day Japan and explores friendship, romance, and self-discovery themes.
It portrays the struggles and joys of adolescence, and the importance of communication and understanding in building strong relationships.
Overall, “Kimi ni Todoke” is a touching and inspiring story that celebrates the power of human connection and the importance of being true to oneself.
Its timeless message of love, acceptance, and perseverance continues to captivate audiences today.
8. Princess Jellyfish (2008)
“Princess Jellyfish” is a beloved manga and anime series first published in Japan in 2008.
It was written and illustrated by Akiko Higashimura and centers around a group of young women who live together in an apartment building called the “Amamizu-kan.”
The story follows Tsukimi Kurashita, a shy and introverted girl passionate about jellyfish.
She meets a stylish and confident woman named Kuranosuke Koibuchi, who helps Tsukimi and her friends fight to save their home from being redeveloped into a hotel.
The series tackles themes such as gender identity, societal expectations, and the importance of self-acceptance.
It celebrates individuality and encourages viewers to embrace their passions and quirks rather than conforming to societal norms.
9. The Wallflower (2000)
“The Wallflower,” also known as “Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge,” is a popular Japanese manga and anime series.
It was first published in Japan in 2000 and was written and illustrated by Tomoko Hayakawa.
The story follows a group of four handsome boys tasked with transforming a gloomy and reclusive girl named Sunako Nakahara into a refined and elegant lady.
Sunako is a self-proclaimed “horror girl” who loves all things dark and creepy and is not interested in conforming to society’s expectations of beauty and femininity.
The series tackles themes such as self-acceptance, beauty standards, and the importance of inner beauty.
It celebrates individuality and encourages viewers to embrace their quirks and unique qualities.
“The Wallflower” stands out from other manga and anime series for its message of self-love and acceptance.
It encourages viewers to be confident in their skin and to celebrate their unique qualities rather than striving to conform to societal expectations.
10. Baka and Test (2010)
“Baka and Test,” also known as “Baka to Test to Shokanju,” is a popular Japanese light novel, manga, and anime series.
It was written and illustrated by Kenji Inoue and Yui Haga, respectively.
The story follows a group of high school students who attend Fumizuki Academy.
The academy is where students are divided into different classes based on their academic performance.
The series centers around the antics of Class F, a group of students considered the lowest of the low and constantly ridiculed and bullied by the other classes. Baka and Test is one of the best anime like Ouran Host Club.
The series is known for its humor, parody, and use of fantasy elements. The students of Class F can summon avatars, or “Shokanju,” in battles against other classes.
The battles are often humorous and ridiculous, with the students using their wits and creativity to overcome their opponents.
“Baka and Test” stands out from other anime series for its unconventional approach to the high school genre.
11. Kaguya-Sama (2019)
Kaguya-sama: Love is War is a popular romantic comedy manga and anime series that has gained a dedicated fan following worldwide.
The story centers around Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, who are the top two students of the prestigious Shuchiin Academy.
Despite having feelings for each other, they are too proud to confess their love and engage in a series of mind games and tactics to make the other confess first. Kaguya-Sama is one of the best anime like Ouran host club.
Overall, Kaguya-sama: Love is War is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good romantic comedy with a unique twist.
Its clever writing, lovable characters, and stunning animation make it a standout in the genre.
12. La Corda D’Oro (2006)
La Corda D’Oro is a romantic musical anime and manga series that follows the story of a high school student named Kahoko Hino.
One day, she discovers a magical violin that leads her to participate in a music competition in her school.
Despite not having any prior experience in playing an instrument, she is chosen to compete alongside the school’s top musicians.
She is then mentored by a group of handsome young men, each of whom plays a different instrument.
Overall, La Corda D’Oro is a must-watch for anyone who loves classical music and romance.
Its beautiful music, lovable characters, and stunning animation make it a standout in the genre. This film is one of the best anime like Ouran Host Club.
13. Kids on the Slope (2012)
Kids on the Slope is a coming-of-age anime series that revolves around the lives of three high school students in 1960s Japan.
The story follows the life of Kaoru Nishimi, a shy and introverted transfer student.
He does find solace in playing the piano and his friendship with the wild and free-spirited Sentarou Kawabuchi. Kids on the Slope is one of the best anime like Ouran Host Club.
The two become close friends and begin to play music together, forming a jazz band.
Also the wealthy and talented Ritsuko Mukae, whom they both have feelings for, was in the band too.
Overall, Kids on the Slope is a captivating and heartwarming anime that explores the complexities of adolescence through the lens of jazz music.
14 My love story (2015)
My Love Story!! It is a romantic comedy anime series that centers around an unlikely love story between two high school students.
Takeo Gouda, is a tall and muscular boy who is often misunderstood due to his intimidating appearance.
Whereas Rinko Yamato is a sweet and gentle girl with whom Takeo falls in love at first sight.
The series follows the two as they navigate the ups and downs of their blossoming relationship with the help of Takeo’s best friend, Makoto Sunakawa.
Makoto is a popular and handsome boy who has been the object of affection for many girls, including Rinko.
The show is known for its heartwarming and humorous storylines and charming and relatable characters.
The love story between Takeo and Rinko is refreshing and endearing.
The two overcoming obstacles and misunderstandings to build a strong and genuine connection. My love story is one of the best anime like Ouran Host Club.
15. Paradise Kiss (2005)
Paradise Kiss is a dramatic and romantic anime series that follows the story of Yukari Hayasaka.
She is a high school student who is struggling to find meaning and purpose in her life.
She is approached by a group of fashion design students from a nearby art school, who convince her to become their model for their senior project.
Yukari is initially hesitant but soon becomes fascinated by the world of fashion and begins to fall in love with the charming and enigmatic designer George Koizumi.
The series explores themes of self-discovery, creativity, and the complexities of romantic relationships.
The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, with unique personalities, quirks, and struggles.
The relationships between them are also complex and nuanced, with each character bringing their baggage and insecurities to the table. Paradise Kiss is one of the best anime like Ouran Host Club.
Paradise Kiss is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged anime that delves into fashion and the human psyche.
16. Kiss Him, Not Me (2016)
Kiss Him, Not Me is a romantic comedy anime series that follows the story of Kae Serinuma, a high school otaku obsessed with anime and manga.
After her favorite anime character dies, Kae becomes so depressed that she locks herself in her room and stops eating.
When she finally emerges, she has transformed from an overweight fangirl to a beautiful and slim girl, much to the surprise of her classmates.
As a result of her new appearance, Kae attracts the attention of four of her male classmates.
Each has distinct personalities and reasons for being interested in her.
Kae, however, is more interested in the boys’ relationships with each other than in forming a romantic relationship with any of them.
The series explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the complexities of romantic relationships. Kiss Him is one of the best anime like Ouran Host Club.
17. Yona of the Dawn (2014)
Yona of the Dawn, also known as Akatsuki no Yona, is a fantasy adventure anime series that follows the story of Princess Yona.
Yona was the only daughter of the ruling monarch of the Kouka Kingdom.
She witnessed her father’s assassination by her childhood friend and crush, Soo-Won.
Because of that, Yona is forced to flee the palace with the help of her loyal bodyguard, Hak.
Yona and Hak embark on a dangerous journey to reclaim the throne and restore order to the kingdom.
She was accompanied by the carefree pirate captain, Sinha, the scholarly priest, Ik-su, and the skilled archer, Yun.
The series explores loyalty, betrayal, self-discovery, and the complexities of power and governance.
The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, with their unique backstories, motivations, and struggles.
Yona undergoes a significant transformation from a sheltered, naive princess to a fierce and determined warrior.
The transformation made her willing to do whatever it took to protect her people and reclaim her rightful place on the throne.
Overall, Yona of the Dawn is a captivating and emotionally charged anime that combines fantasy, adventure, and romance to tell a compelling story of self-discovery and redemption.
Yona of the Dawn is one of the best anime like Ouran Host Club.
