Anime fans were extremely excited for Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie to premiere in the Spring 2022 anime season. While it may unfortunately be delayed due to COVID-19, what has been shown so far has already captured the hearts of many.While people may be waiting to see more episodes, it's possible for fans to slake their thirst for similar anime. There are thankfully a few excellent choices that still have vibes a lot like Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie.
8 TONIKAWA: Over the Moon For You
The protective nature of Tsukasa who is surrounded at times with a powerful aura is quite similar to Shikimori herself when she's in the zone. Plus, TONIKAWA: Over the Moon For You also features the main characters already in a relationship together — something not extremely common in romance anime. Both series are lovely slice of life comedies with a heaping helping of romance for viewers to enjoy.
7 Witch Craft Works
Those who want a bit of role reversal with a powerful female character and a far weaker male one may enjoy Witch Craft Works. Ayaka is a powerful fire witch who had kept her powers hidden until she was forced to save Honoka Takamiya from the Tower Witches who wish to steal the power inside him. The show is quite a bit more action-packed than Shikimori but fans who like the character dynamic in that show will likely enjoy this one.
6 My Dress-Up Darling
An amazing woman falling for what is otherwise a rather shy guy? My Dress-Up Darling took this particular trope found in Shikimori and other anime and pulled it off to perfection. Marin slowly falling for Wakana as he helps create cosplay for her is wonderfully wholesome while managing to be a tiny bit risque.
While the show may have some problematic elements with ganguro being featured, it is overall a fantastic show that took the world of anime by storm. This is one of those shows that people will be talking about for years to come and is a must-watch.
5 Horimiya
Horimiya was the most-watched romantic comedy anime premiere of all time and it's easy to see why. The show doesn't take too long bringing the main couple together, doesn't create contrived scenarios to make the couple angry at each other, and has characters that are easy to fall in love with. Folks looking for a semi-light romance with real emotional moments will absolutely adore this show.
4 My Love Story!!
Takeo Gouda is an incredibly bulky and quite intimidating high school student who truly has a heart of gold. This makes it hard for him in the world of romance, especially with his best friend seeming to attract every girl he ends up liking. This is the case after Takeo saves Rinko Yamamoto only to find her falling for his friend once more. He still decides to play cupid to help her out despite how badly he wants to be a part of a love story of his own.
3 Nyaruko: Crawling With Love!
Not many people get to meet a creature straight out of H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos in the form of a young silver-haired girl. This is exactly what happens to Mahiro Yasaka who is swept up in an epic adventure after the evil deity falls head over heels for him and demands to live in his house.
The show has a powerful female love interest similar to Shikimori and quite a bit of comedy to boot. Those who might like their shows to have a bit of a sci-fi twist should check this one out.
2 Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Not only does Kaguya-sama have some of the best opening songs of all time, but it's also an absolutely hilarious comedic romance that deserves all of its popularity. Its latest season, Ultra Romantic, is already a massive success as anime fans want to see more of the antics between Kaguya and Miyuki become increasingly more over-the-top. The two fight to make the other confess their love first, but who will ultimately be the victor?
1 Girlfriend, Girlfriend
Girlfriend, Girlfriend has a main male protagonist who is just as pure in his affections as Yuu in Shikimori. It's also quite the comedic romance as Naoya tries to navigate what is essentially a polyamorous relationship with two girls he's fallen madly in love with. The show is wonderfully goofy and it's heartwarming to see the throuple slowly become closer as the series goes on. Its rather unique romance premise makes it different than most harem anime which makes it stand out all the more as a great choice to watch.