by “Once, a wise shoujo monk said — some shoujo stories are simply too beautiful to stay trapped in the pages forever.”
And yet, many of those beautiful stories remain hidden, untouched by the magic of animation.
Shoujo manga has gifted us unforgettable stories, but sadly, not all of them make it to the anime screen. Many incredible shoujo titles are still waiting for their moment to shine.
In this list, we’re celebrating the best shoujo manga without anime adaptations (yet!)-hidden gems that deserve to be brought to life.
12 Shoujo Manga That Haven’t Been Adapted (But Should Be)
Whether you’re a dedicated shoujo fan or someone looking to explore beyond the mainstream, this list will introduce you to some incredible titles waiting for their chance to captivate a wider audience.
This list is in no particular ranking order – each of these manga shines in its own special way, waiting for the right moment to bloom.
1. Fall in Love, You False Angels
By: Uzuki Coco
Otogi Katsura has always been admired as the beautiful, graceful girl at school and is even elected as the class committee president. But behind her flawless public image, she’s a fiery, outspoken martial artist who isn’t afraid to throw a punch. Her classmate Toki Ninomae, the charming vice president, seems just as perfect, but Otogi can’t help but wonder: does he have a hidden side too?
This manga is a standout in the shoujo world. The art is absolutely gorgeous, blending a bold, graphic style with stunning art nouveau influences – far from the typical soft, sketchy shoujo look. The chibi moments and over-the-top dumb faces are hilarious and perfectly balance the intense moments, making the story both emotionally rich and genuinely funny.
If you’ve read a lot of shoujo, this one will feel refreshingly unique. It’s stylish, it’s distinctive, and it definitely deserves an anime adaptation.
2. Namaikizakari. (Cheeky Brat)
By: Miyuki Mitsubachi
As the eldest in a large family, Yuki Machida grew up learning to suppress her own feelings for the sake of others. Calm, composed, and always in control, she becomes the manager of the school basketball team, initially to be close to her quiet crush. But her carefully balanced world is soon turned upside down when Shou Naruse, an energetic and relentlessly forward new player, sets his sights on her.
Naruse is, as the title suggests, a total brat — but one who’s impossible to ignore. His playful persistence, bold confessions, and sudden kisses make it increasingly hard for Yuki to keep her cool. What makes Namaikizakari? So addictive is the sharp, funny, and often touching dynamic between the two leads. Yuki’s emotional walls and Naruse’s open-hearted brashness create a slow-burn romance that keeps readers hooked.
Although some story arcs (like the Hakamada incident) might not land for everyone, the series still shines for its strong comedic timing, entertaining character growth, and genuinely heartfelt moments. It’s the kind of shoujo that leaves you wanting to see the chemistry, the chaos, and the charm animated on screen.
It’s long overdue for an anime adaptation.
3. My Girlfriend’s Child
By: Mamoru Aoi
Sachi and her boyfriend Takara are your typical high school couple; attending class together, spending weekends hanging out, and quietly navigating the early steps of love. But their world changes when Sachi, feeling that something isn’t quite right, takes a pregnancy test in the bathroom of a distant family restaurant. Two red lines. One life-changing moment.
My Girlfriend’s Child is one of the most realistic and emotionally grounded shoujo manga in recent years. It delivers a compassionate and unflinching look at teenage pregnancy, exploring the emotional weight, social pressures, financial struggles, and the quiet, internal battles of a young girl facing an adult decision far too soon.
What makes this story stand out isn’t just the subject matter -it’s how incredibly human every character feels. Sachi is not perfect; she’s scared, overwhelmed, hopeful, and heartbreakingly real as she tries to hold on to what little remains of her normal teenage life.
It’s refreshing and essential that My Girlfriend’s Child was published in a mainstream shoujo magazine like Betsufure, because it challenges outdated ideas about what shoujo manga can be. This is not just about fluffy romances – it’s about life, choices, and the complexity of growing up.
This series deserves to stand alongside shoujo heavyweights like Kimi ni Todoke and Fruits Basket – and it absolutely deserves an anime adaptation.
4. Living Room Matsunaga-san
By: Keiko Iwashita
When high schooler Miko Sonoda is suddenly forced to move into her uncle’s boarding house, she expects an awkward adjustment—but definitely not a terrifying first encounter with a man she thinks is following her.
That “stalker” turns out to be Jun Matsunaga, one of her uncle’s tenants—a sharp-tempered, gorgeous 27-year-old designer with nerdy glasses and a chiseled face that’s a breath of fresh air in a genre often filled with the same pretty-boy clichés.
As Miko settles into life with the quirky adults at the boarding house, her relationship with Matsunaga slowly shifts from awkward to something more meaningful. Their age gap may be a dealbreaker for some readers, but for those who enjoy this trope handled with care, the story is a beautifully written, slow-burn romance that gives both characters room to grow.
Living-Room Matsunaga-san stands out for its smart pacing, believable character development, and fluffy, heartfelt moments that never feel rushed or forced. If you enjoy romance stories that respect the characters’ emotional journeys while still delivering cozy, sweet vibes, this one is a must-read.
5. Mars
By: Fuyumi Soryo
Kira Asou is a shy 16-year-old who prefers sketching quietly on her own over dealing with the noise of her classmates, especially the boys she believes are nothing but trouble.
But everything changes when she meets Rei Kashino, a rebellious motorcyclist and notorious playboy. Their first encounter seems forgettable: she gives him directions and quickly leaves. But Rei finds one of her sketches on the back of the map—and is instantly captivated.
When Rei recognizes Kira at school, he persistently tries to talk to her, breaking through her walls with genuine praise and curiosity about her art. Their relationship starts with distance and mistrust, but slowly unfolds into a deep, complicated bond. It’s a story of two broken people—one quiet and guarded, the other loud and reckless-finding healing in each other.
Mars is more than just a shoujo romance. Because there’s no anime adaptation, people who haven’t read it have no idea, but it’s up there with all-time best romance titles.
It’s an intense, emotionally rich journey that tackles bullying, trauma, motorcycle racing, child abuse, and even darker themes like sociopathy and murder. And yet, at its heart, it remains a beautifully told love story with some of the most stunning artwork and expressive paneling in shoujo manga.
It doesn’t rely on cheap twists or flashy storytelling—it simply tells a love story exceptionally well. All in all, Mars is a classic shoujo masterpiece that deserves to be animated and reintroduced to new generations.
6. Tokyo Crazy Paradise
By: Yoshiki Nakamura
From the creator of Skip Beat! comes another shoujo classic that sadly never made it to the anime screen. Set in a crime-ridden Tokyo in the year 2020, Tokyo Crazy Paradise follows Tsukasa, a girl raised as a boy to protect her from the dangers of a violent society where crimes against women are rampant.
After her police officer parents die in the line of duty, Tsukasa takes on the responsibility of supporting her brothers. Her path leads her to work as a bodyguard for her classmate, who also happens to be Ryuji, the young leader of Tokyo’s most powerful yakuza group.
This manga is wildly different from most shoujo stories. It’s packed with action, crime, intense romance, and a surprising amount of violence for the genre. The relationship between Tsukasa and Ryuji isn’t light or fluffy-it’s complicated, mature, and at times deeply restrained, yet there’s an undeniable, uncontrollable pull between them.
Sure, the art is very 90s-the wavy bangs, the sparkling shoujo eyes-but that’s part of its old-school charm. It’s a story that blends action, humor, and romance so seamlessly that you’ll wonder why it never got an anime adaptation.
Tokyo Crazy Paradise is an underrated gem that deserves a modern spotlight, both for its unique story and its bold, fast-paced energy that still holds up today.
7. High School Debut
By: Kazune Kawahara
High School Debut was one of the best-selling manga in Japan during its run, and for good reason. Haruna Nagashima spent her middle school years obsessed with softball and completely clueless about love. Now in high school, she’s determined to start fresh and finally get a boyfriend. There’s just one problem: she has no idea how.
Enter You Komiyama—the effortlessly cool and popular guy who Haruna believes is the perfect love coach. He reluctantly agrees to help her under one strict condition: she absolutely cannot fall in love with him. (Naturally, you know where this is going.)
This story is everything you’d want from a classic shoujo romance. It’s lighthearted without being shallow, funny without sacrificing emotional beats, and fresh enough that it doesn’t feel like you’ve read it all before. Haruna is one of the most lovable shoujo heroines—she’s hilarious, headstrong, and wonderfully relatable, not just a self-insert for the reader.
High School Debut is wholesome, sweet, and a perfect reminder of why many of us fall in love with shoujo manga in the first place. It was a hit in its time, but strangely, it never received a proper anime adaptation.
Honestly, it’s long overdue.
8. Sonnan ja Nee yo
By: Kaneyoshi Izumi
Shizuka Mamiya has always felt like the odd one out in her own family. Compared to her twin brothers, Retsu and Tetsu—two of the most popular, heartthrob boys at their high school-Shizuka sees herself as painfully average.
Life gets even more complicated when her brothers tease her with the idea that they may not actually be related by blood. Suddenly, Shizuka is caught in a whirlwind of school gossip, pushy classmates, and the confusing possibility of love, possibly with one of her so-called brothers.
While the premise might sound dangerously close to a sappy, borderline incest story, it’s thankfully handled with humor, lightheartedness, and a surprising emotional core. The manga thrives on its fast-paced comedy, messy but addictive love triangle (or maybe square), and Shizuka’s refreshingly straightforward personality. There are plenty of playful, slightly dirty jokes, but the story keeps its footing without tipping into uncomfortable territory.
One of the best parts is the nervous tension of not knowing who is actually related until the very end, which keeps readers hooked. The brothers themselves—Retsu, the wild type, and Tetsu, the cool, calm one—are charming, well-developed, and make the love rivalry genuinely entertaining.
Sonnan ja Nee yo is one of Kaneyoshi Izumi’s standout works, full of chaotic family dynamics, heartfelt moments, and laugh-out-loud humor. It’s a story that could easily make a fun, fast-paced anime—if only it ever got the chance.
9. Sand Chronicles
By: Hinako Ashihara
When 12-year-old Ann Uekusa’s parents divorce, she and her mother leave Tokyo and move to a small town in rural Shimane. There, Ann meets Daigo—her first love and the boy who helps her adapt to the quiet countryside and, eventually, helps her navigate the devastating loss of her mother. What starts as a simple story about young love slowly unfolds into a deeply emotional, coming-of-age journey.
Sand Chronicles stands out from typical shoujo manga. It brings together familiar themes—love, family, heartbreak—but tells them in a way that feels honest, raw, and refreshingly free of clichés.
It’s not afraid to explore grief, life’s harsh realities, and the complicated ways people grow and sometimes fall apart. The characters are beautifully flawed, their relationships feel real, and the manga gracefully balances moments of humor with heavy, dramatic beats.
While it has some pacing issues along the way, Sand Chronicles is ultimately a beautiful, bittersweet story that lingers with you long after you finish it. It’s one of those shoujo works that feels more like a life story than just a romance.
Sadly, the manga world lost its creator, Hinako Ashihara (Ritsuko Matsumoto), in 2024. But her work continues to resonate, reminding us of the quiet power of storytelling that doesn’t need to be loud to leave an impact.
Sand Chronicles deserves an anime adaptation—not just to honor the story, but to introduce it to a new generation of shoujo fans who might otherwise miss this incredible gem.
10. House of the Sun (Taiyou no Ie)
By: Taamo
After her mother abandons her and her father remarries, high schooler Mao Motomiya is left feeling like she no longer has a place to call home. One night, she crosses paths with her childhood friend Hiro Nakamura, who finds her eating alone at a shrine and invites her to dinner. Their honest conversation leads Hiro to make a life-changing offer: come live with him.
For Hiro, who has been living apart from his siblings since losing his parents, rebuilding the Nakamura household starts with giving Mao a place where she truly belongs. What follows is a beautiful, slow-burning story about piecing together broken families, facing personal struggles, and learning what “home” really means.
House of the Sun is one of the sweetest, most comforting shoujo manga you’ll ever read. It’s lighthearted without being shallow, funny without losing its emotional depth, and the pacing, though steady, feels just right. The characters grow in ways that feel natural and grounded—not everything revolves around romance, which makes their personal journeys even more satisfying.
It’s a story that gently explores themes of love, family, forgiveness, and belonging, all wrapped in a soft, wholesome atmosphere. Even the ending delivers a rare sense of closure that many shoujo fans will appreciate.
House of the Sun is a hidden gem that deserves an anime adaptation to share its warmth with a wider audience.
11. Cat Street
By: Yoko Kamio
Keito Aoyama was once a famous child actress, but after freezing on stage during a musical, her career—and her life—came to a halt. Now a reclusive 16-year-old, Keito drifts through her days without purpose. Everything changes when she stumbles upon El Liston, a free-spirited high school where students like her, each carrying their own scars, are welcome to start over.
At El Liston, Keito slowly builds friendships with a quirky, lovable group: Kouichi, a tech genius; Rei, a former soccer star; and Momiji, an aspiring fashion designer. Through these connections, she finds the courage to step out of her isolation, rediscover her passions, and even open her heart to love.
Cat Street is a short but powerful series from Yoko Kamio, the creator of Hana Yori Dango—and interestingly, the final pairing here is almost the opposite of what HYD fans might expect. The art style is a bit old-school, but the characters and their growth make it absolutely worth the read. It’s not a completely happy story, but it’s one that leaves you feeling hopeful and quietly satisfied.
Cat Street is one of the all-time great shoujo gems that deserves an anime adaptation. It’s a story about second chances, self-discovery, and finding your place when you’ve been lost.
12. How I Met My Soulmate (Unmei no Hito ni Deau Hanashi)
By: Anashin
We began this list with a fresh, modern shoujo—and it’s only fitting to end with one of the latest standouts. Yuuki Honda dreams of meeting her soulmate, the perfect man straight out of her favorite manga. But real life proves to be a bit more complicated. When she reluctantly tags along to a club with her friend, she meets Iori Souma—a brash, slightly scary guy who bluntly tells her things no one else would dare to say.
But as Yuuki soon learns, first impressions can be wildly misleading. Iori is kind, thoughtful, and far more supportive than she expected. When she opens up about her hopeless search for true love, Iori offers to help her find “the one.” Yet the more time they spend together, the more Yuuki wonders if her soulmate has been right beside her all along.
How I Met My Soulmate is a beautifully illustrated, quick, and addictive read that captures the sweet tension and emotional shifts of falling in love for the first time. The story feels grounded, the characters are in their 20s, and their emotional growth is portrayed with a delicate touch.
This series has already won the Women’s Comic Prize at the 2025 Digital Comic Awards, and with its sharp artwork, lovable characters, and relatable pacing, it’s practically calling for an anime adaptation.
If you’re looking for something fresh, heartfelt, and easy to binge, this is a must-read.
Whether you’re a longtime shoujo fan or just starting to explore the genre, these stories deserve your attention—and, hopefully, one day, a chance to be animated. Who knows? Maybe one of these titles will be the next to capture hearts on screen.
If you’re also looking for more mature, emotionally rich stories, don’t miss our list of the Best Josei Anime—you might just find your next favorite there.
