If you’re all about those fun stories where one main character gets surrounded by a bunch of cute or quirky love interests, then harem anime is totally your thing. We’ve rounded up the top 20 harem anime ever, ranked from 20 down to 1.
This list pulls from stuff like popularity on MyAnimeList scores, fan votes on sites like Ranker and Reddit, and what people are buzzing about on YouTube. We’ll break each one down with quick facts, a short plot rundown, why it’s worth your time, who it’ll appeal to most, and who might want to pass. Let’s jump right in and start the countdown!
20. Monster Musume no Iru Nichijou (Daily Life with Monster Girls)
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 12 (2015, Lerche studio)
- MAL Score: 6.92 (~449k ratings, #4911 rank)
- Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem
- Source: Manga by Okayado (ecchi monster girl slice-of-life)
Kimihito Kurusu ends up as the host for a bunch of monster girls, like a slithery lamia, a feathery harpy, and a speedy centaur, all part of a government program to mix humans and monsters.
His everyday life turns into total Harem Anime chaos with all the flirty moves and wild behaviors from these different species. It’s a mix of awkward moments and heartwarming bonds as he tries to keep everyone happy.
Why It Makes the List: This show kicked off the whole ecchi harem trend with its fresh take on monster girls as love interests, packed with funny fanservice that keeps you laughing and hooked.
Best For: Fans who love a good mix of comedy and ecchi elements.
Who Can Skip It: Anyone who isn’t into lots of fanservice or suggestive humor.
19. Love Hina
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 24 (2000, Xebec studio)
- MAL Score: 7.09 (~140k ratings, #4158 rank)
- Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Romance
- Source: Manga by Ken Akamatsu (classic rom-com at all-girls dorm)
Keitaro Urashima takes over managing an all-girls dorm while chasing his dream of getting into Tokyo University after failing the entrance exam a few times. He’s surrounded by a group of tsundere girls who are tough on the outside but soft inside, leading to tons of funny mishaps, misunderstandings, and classic Harem Anime budding romances. As he deals with daily dorm drama, he starts forming real connections amid all the chaos.
Why It Makes the List: It’s a total classic from the early 2000s that set the stage for so many harem tropes we see today, like the clumsy guy in a house full of girls.
Best For: People looking for that nostalgic feel from older anime.
Who Can Skip It: Viewers who want slick, modern animation styles instead of the older look.
18. Trinity Seven
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 12 (2014, Seven Arcs Pictures studio)
- MAL Score: 7.03 (~482k ratings, #4404 rank)
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem
- Source: Manga by Kenji Saito & Akinari Nao (magic academy with demon lord protagonist)
Arata Kasuga’s world gets flipped when a magical disaster wipes out his hometown, and he joins a top magic academy to fix it. There, he teams up with seven super-strong witches, each with their own powers and personalities, building a harem while learning to control “breakdown” magic. Action-packed battles and flirty Harem Anime interactions keep things exciting as he uncovers deeper mysteries.
Why It Makes the List: It mixes high-stakes action and magic with some really fun, layered harem relationships that go beyond the usual setups.
Best For: Folks who dig fantasy worlds mixed with harem vibes.
Who Can Skip It: Those who prefer stories focused purely on plot without the romance distractions.
17. Haganai (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai)
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 24 (2 seasons, 2011-2013, Brain’s Base / Ai4 studio)
- MAL Score: 7.13 (~469k ratings, #3942 rank)
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School, Slice of Life
- Source: Light novels by Yomi Hirasaka (loners club forming friendships/romance)
A group of awkward high school kids who struggle to make friends start a club called the Neighbors Club to practice social skills. What starts as innocent hangouts turns into jealous rivalries and crushes as the main guy, Kodaka, finds himself in the middle of a classic Harem Anime situation. Their misadventures highlight the ups and downs of trying to fit in.
Why It Makes the List: The humor hits home for anyone who’s ever felt like an introvert, wrapped up in a clever harem framework that’s more about laughs than drama.
Best For: Comedy lovers who enjoy relatable, slice-of-life stuff.
Who Can Skip It: People who want straight-up romance without the friendship focus.
16. Date A Live
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 59 (5 seasons, 2013-2022, AIC+/J.C.Staff studios)
- MAL Score: 7.16 average (~617k ratings, #3865 rank)
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Harem, Mecha, Romance, Sci-Fi
- Source: Light novels by Kōshi Tachibana (sealing spirits via dating)
Shido Itsuka discovers he has the power to seal away dangerous “Spirits” – powerful girls who cause earthquakes and disasters – but only by going on dates with them and making them fall for him. As he builds up a growing Harem Anime cast of these Spirits, he has to juggle romantic outings with intense battles to save the world. The stakes keep rising with each new girl and threat.
Why It Makes the List: It’s a long-runner that amps up the action while delivering sweet date scenes, making it a standout in the genre for its epic scale.
Best For: Fans of action-packed stories with a side of romance.
Who Can Skip It: Anyone who likes shorter series and doesn’t want to commit to multiple seasons.
15. To Love-Ru
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 78+ (4 main seasons + specials/OVAs, 2008-2015, Xebec studio)
- MAL Score: ~7.0-7.8 range (avg. 7.12 for S1, ~350k ratings total)
- Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, Sci-Fi
- Source: Manga by Saki Hasemi & Kentaro Yabuki (alien princess harem chaos)
Ordinary high schooler Rito Yuuki’s life goes nuts when alien princess Lala crash-lands in his bathtub and decides she’s in love with him. Soon, more alien girls show up, each with their own wild abilities, leading to endless ecchi mishaps and Harem Anime romantic tangles. Rito tries to navigate school, family, and interstellar drama all at once.
Why It Makes the List: This is the gold standard for fanservice in harem anime, with over-the-top humor and situations that set the bar high.
Best For: Those who crave maximum ecchi and don’t mind the chaos.
Who Can Skip It: Audiences who prioritize deep stories over fun antics.
14. High School DxD
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 48 (4 seasons + OVAs, 2012-2018, TNK / Passione studios)
- MAL Score: 7.32 avg (~949k ratings, #2870 rank)
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Romance
- Source: Light novels by Ichiei Ishibumi (demon peerage oppai battles)
Issei Hyoudou, a total pervert, gets killed on a date but is revived as a devil by the beautiful Rias Gremory, becoming her servant. Now part of a supernatural world, he fights angels, fallen angels, and other threats while building a Harem Anime squad of powerful girls who help him level up his devil powers. Romance and epic battles mix with his quirky personality.
Why It Makes the List: It nails the balance between steamy ecchi scenes, intense action, and actual character development that keeps you invested.
Best For: Fans of supernatural themes with a heavy dose of ecchi.
Who Can Skip It: People looking for milder content without the mature elements.
13. Nisekoi
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 40 (2 seasons, 2014-2015, Shaft studio)
- MAL Score: 7.55 (~689k ratings, #1681 rank)
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School
- Source: Manga by Naoshi Komi (fake dating yakuza heir rom-com)
Raku Ichijo, the son of a yakuza boss, has to fake a relationship with Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of a rival gang leader, to keep the peace between their families. While dealing with this pretend romance, Raku is also trying to find the girl from his childhood who gave him a locket with a promise of marriage, and more girls enter the picture claiming to have keys that might match. Jealousies flare up as secrets unfold in this classic Harem Anime mix of comedy and heartfelt moments.
Why It Makes the List: It’s got a solid rom-com vibe with some mystery thrown in, making the harem dynamics feel fresh and exciting.
Best For: Lovers of harem stories that blend romance and comedy perfectly.
Who Can Skip It: Folks who hate open-ended harems without a clear winner.
12. Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 24 (2 seasons + movie, 2015-2017, A-1 Pictures)
- MAL Score: 7.48 avg (~300k ratings, #1842 rank)
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance
- Source: Light novels by Fumiaki Maruto (otaku builds dating sim VN)
Tomoya Aki, a hardcore otaku, recruits his dream team of girls to create the ultimate visual novel game, including his childhood friend, a talented artist, and a popular writer. As they work together, real feelings start to mix with their fictional storylines, leading to meta moments where life imitates art. The group navigates jealousy, deadlines, and personal growth within this unique Harem Anime world of game development.
Why It Makes the List: The show pokes fun at otaku culture in a smart way, with harem elements that feel self-aware and hilarious.
Best For: Fans who enjoy meta stories about anime and gaming.
Who Can Skip It: People who aren’t into gaming or otaku references.
11. Bokutachi wa Benkyou ga Dekinai (We Never Learn)
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 26 (2 seasons, 2019, Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest’s Studio Silver Link)
- MAL Score: 7.04 (~250k ratings, #3705 rank)
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School
- Source: Manga by Taishi Tsutsui (tutor crushes on genius students)
Nariyuki Yuiga, a smart but poor student, gets a scholarship by tutoring three genius girls who are terrible at the subjects they love most. As he helps them chase their dreams, romantic Harem Anime tensions build with each girl vying for his attention in their own quirky ways. Study sessions turn into funny and flirty adventures that test everyone’s limits.
Why It Makes the List: It puts a clever spin on the harem genre by tying it to school and academics, keeping things light and fun.
Best For: Anyone up for a light-hearted romantic comedy.
Who Can Skip It: Viewers who want more serious or dramatic plots.
10. Rosario + Vampire
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 26 (2 seasons, 2008, Gonzo studio)
- MAL Score: 7.14 / 6.73 (~300k ratings avg ~6.9)
- Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, Supernatural
- Source: Manga by Akihisa Ikeda (monster school harem)
Tsukune Aono accidentally enrolls in a school for monsters, where humans aren’t allowed, and he has to hide his identity to survive. He gets protected by the vampire Moka Akashiya, and soon a Harem Anime cast of other mythical girls like succubi and witches join in, leading to fights and flirty encounters. The group battles school threats while dealing with their growing attractions.
Why It Makes the List: It’s an iconic take on a monster school setting with harem fun that’s hard to forget.
Best For: Fans of early ecchi anime with supernatural twists.
Who Can Skip It: Those who avoid older animation styles that feel dated.
9. OreSuki
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 12 (2019, Connect studio)
- MAL Score: 6.90 (~150k ratings, #4925 rank)
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School
- Source: Light novels by Rakuda (twisted love confessions twist)
Amatsuyu “Joro” Kisaragi thinks he’s got it all figured out when his childhood friend, the student council president, and a quiet bookworm all confess their love to him – but it turns out they’re all playing games. As he uncovers their real motives, he navigates a web of deceptions and starts building unexpected relationships. The story flips typical Harem Anime expectations on their head with twists and turns.
Why It Makes the List: It cleverly subverts common harem tropes, making it a fresh and surprising watch.
Best For: People who like stories that break away from the usual formulas.
Who Can Skip It: Traditional harem fans who prefer straightforward romance.
8. Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 12 (2015, Liden Films studio)
- MAL Score: 7.54 (~400k ratings, #1487 rank)
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, School, Supernatural
- Source: Manga by Miki Yoshikawa (body-swap witch comedy)
Ryu Yamada, a troublemaking student, discovers he can swap bodies with others by kissing them after an accident with the top student Urara Shiraishi. They team up to find seven witches in their school, each with unique powers triggered by kisses, leading to a unique Harem Anime dynamic amid mysteries. Solving the school’s secrets brings comedy, romance, and supernatural fun.
Why It Makes the List: The supernatural mystery angle adds depth to the harem setup, making it more than just romance.
Best For: Blends of comedy and mystery with a touch of magic.
Who Can Skip It: Those seeking pure romance without the fantasy elements.
7. Fruits of Grisaia
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 13/season (multi-season VN adapt, 2014+, 8bit studio)
- MAL Score: 7.03 avg (~200k ratings, #3770 rank)
- Genres: Drama, Harem, Psychological, Romance
- Source: Visual novels by Frontwing (traumatized girls academy)
Yuuji Kazami transfers to Mihama Academy, a school for just five troubled girls, each with dark pasts and emotional scars. As the only guy there, he forms deep bonds while helping them confront their traumas through intense stories and relationships. The Harem Anime structure builds on real emotional connections amid heavy drama and action.
Why It Makes the List: It brings serious character drama and depth to the harem genre, standing out for its maturity.
Best For: Fans who want emotional depth in their stories.
Who Can Skip It: People who prefer only lighthearted and fun anime.
6. The Familiar of Zero
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 49 (4 seasons, 2006-2012, J.C.Staff studio)
- MAL Score: 7.20 avg (~250k ratings, #2650 rank)
- Genres: Adventure, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Romance
- Source: Light novels by Noboru Yamaguchi (mage summons human familiar)
Saito Hiraga gets pulled from modern Japan into a fantasy world as the familiar of Louise, a tsundere mage who’s not great at magic. He ends up in a classic Harem Anime situation with other girls in this magical academy, fighting enemies and dealing with Louise’s jealous outbursts. Adventures mix with romance as Saito adapts to his new role and helps Louise grow.
Why It Makes the List: It’s one of the early pioneers of isekai harem stories, setting up tropes like the summoned hero and fantasy romance that influenced tons of later shows.
Best For: Fans of classic fantasy anime with harem elements.
Who Can Skip It: People who don’t like tropes involving character abuse or tsundere dynamics.
5. The World God Only Knows (Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai)
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 37 (3 seasons, 2010-2013, Diomedéa studio)
- MAL Score: 7.64 avg (~350k ratings, #1531 rank)
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, Supernatural
- Source: Manga by Tamiki Wakaki (gamer captures runaway spirits)
Keima Katsuragi, a master of dating sim games, gets roped into a contract with a demon to capture runaway spirits hiding in girls’ hearts by making them fall in love with him in real life. He uses his gaming strategies to “conquer” each girl, building an emotional Harem Anime cast along the way. The story dives into heartfelt moments as Keima learns about real feelings beyond his virtual world.
Why It Makes the List: The clever mix of gaming mechanics with romance creates genius conquests and genuine emotional payoffs that elevate the genre.
Best For: Fans who enjoy strategy mixed with romance.
Who Can Skip It: Those who aren’t into gaming references or concepts.
4. Ouran High School Host Club
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 26 (2006, Bones studio)
- MAL Score: 8.16 (~719k ratings, #481 rank)
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School, Shoujo
- Source: Manga by Bisco Hatori (rich host club cross-dressing comedy)
Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at an elite school, accidentally breaks a vase and joins the Host Club – a group of handsome boys who entertain girls – to pay off her debt, all while disguising her gender. The club turns into a unique Reverse Harem Anime dynamic as the guys develop feelings for her, filled with over-the-top comedy and heartwarming twists. Blurring gender lines adds to the fun and chaos.
Why It Makes the List: It’s a timeless comedy gem that excels in reverse harem storytelling with sharp wit and memorable characters.
Best For: Fans of reverse harems or light-hearted school stories.
Who Can Skip It: People who prefer stories with a male protagonist at the center.
3. The 100 Girlfriends Who Really Love You (Hyakkano)
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 24+ (2 seasons ongoing, 2023+, Bibury Animation Studios)
- MAL Score: 7.52 avg (~100k ratings, #1600 rank)
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance
- Source: Manga by Rikito Nakamura & Yaki (god-approved 100-girlfriend harem)
Rentarou Aijou learns from a god that he’s fated to have 100 soulmates, and if he doesn’t make them all happy, they’ll die – so he sets out to date and love every single one. The Harem Anime cast grows massively with girls of all types, leading to absurdly hilarious situations and heartfelt commitments. Rentarou’s dedication turns the over-the-top premise into pure fun.
Why It Makes the List: It fully embraces the absurdity of a huge harem with nonstop humor that keeps escalating in the best way.
Best For: Lovers of over-the-top, ridiculous harem comedies.
Who Can Skip It: Fans who stick to monogamous or realistic romance stories.
2. The Quintessential Quintuplets
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 37 (3 seasons + movie, 2019-2024, Tezuka Productions/Bibury)
- MAL Score: 7.92 avg (~800k ratings, #800 rank)
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School
- Source: Manga by Negi Haruba (tutor falls for quintuplet sisters)
Fuutarou Uesugi takes a tutoring job for five identical quintuplet sisters who are all failing school, each with their own personality and secrets. As he helps them study and chase their goals, romantic feelings develop, turning it into a unique Harem Anime guessing game about who he’ll end up with. Family bonds and rivalries add layers to the rom-com chaos.
Why It Makes the List: It perfectly balances rom-com elements with harem intrigue, making the “who wins” mystery super engaging.
Best For: Enthusiasts of waifu wars and sibling dynamics in romance.
Who Can Skip It: Those who avoid slow-burn stories that build up over time.
1. Rent-A-Girlfriend (Kanojo, Okarishimasu)
Quick Stats
- Episodes: 36+ (4 seasons, 2020-2025, TMS Entertainment studio)
- MAL Score: 7.10 avg (~1.5M ratings, #500 rank)
- Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School
- Source: Manga by Reiji Miyajima (rental girlfriend rom-com)
Kazuya Kinoshita impulsively rents girlfriend Chizuru after a brutal breakup, but their fake relationship spirals when family pressure, exes, and real feelings collide with more rental girls entering the mix. Endless awkward dates, jealous outbursts, and heartfelt confessions turn his life into full-blown Harem Anime chaos. He juggles multiple “girlfriends” while questioning what’s genuine amid the drama.
Why It Makes the List: This modern hit dominates harem popularity charts with relatable dating mishaps and escalating romantic rivalries that hook viewers through ongoing seasons.
Best For: Fans craving realistic rom-com tension and slow-burn harem developments.
Who Can Skip It: Viewers tired of indecisive protagonists or drawn-out fake-dating plots.
There you have it, our ultimate countdown of the top 20 harem anime that have captured hearts, sparked debates, and delivered endless fun over the years. From classic rom-coms packed with tsundere charm to over-the-top ecchi adventures and heartfelt stories with a supernatural twist, there’s something here for every fan of the genre.
Whether you’re new to harem anime or a longtime watcher revisiting old favorites, these picks show why this style keeps drawing in audiences with its mix of humor, romance, and wild scenarios.
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