Among the many tropes found in romance anime, one of the most endearing is the portrayal of popular girls falling for nerdy or unpopular guys. These love stories explore the dynamics of unexpected connections and showcase the power of genuine emotions overcoming societal norms.

From the heartwarming tale of “Horimiya” to the comedic yet affectionate “My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999”, these anime bring two seemingly opposite individuals together. In this article, we will delve into the stories that beautifully depict the blossoming love between a popular girl and a nerdy guy. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. My First Girlfriend Is A Gal

My First Girlfriend is a Gal is a school-life rom-com harem anime about a hopeless virgin on his journey to step into the region of adulthood. The series centres on Junichi Hashiba who coerces himself into a relationship with Yukana Yame.

As Junichi begins to overcome his lack of self-confidence while suppressing his sexual urges, he’s thrust into a whole new school life full of lively girls and unpredictable mayhem! My First Girlfriend is a Gal is an anime that explores ecchi with bits of comedy in between.

9. Yamada-kun And The Seven Witches

Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches is a light-hearted and humorous anime with a dash of romance. The story follows Ryu Yamada, a delinquent student who is bored with his life until the day he stumbles upon Urara Shiraishi, the top student in the school.

The pair discover they can switch bodies with a kiss and decide to use this newfound ability to help others. Together, they embark on a journey to unearth the legend of the “Seven Witches of Suzaku High” who have obtained different powers activated by a kiss.

8. 3D Kanojo Real Girl

3D Kanojo Real Girl brings forward the wholesome and pure elements of the school romance trope featuring a popular girl falling for an otaku. The series tells the story of high school student Hikari Tsutsui who is socially awkward and has a hard time making friends.

After being forced to clean the pool as punishment for arriving late, Tsutsui meets Iroha Igarashi. The story sees an unlikely romance between these two outcasts as they attempt to awaken their heart to the feelings that they have been hiding from.

7. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

Oregairu, also known as “My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU”, offers a cynical take on adolescent love. Challenging the tropes of traditional high school romance anime, the series revolves around 16-year-old Hachiman Hikigaya who has a bleak view of life and believes that teenage romance is a farce.

However, his pessimistic life takes a turn when Hachiman is assigned to join the Volunteer Service Club – a place that forces him to interact with other students. As the story unfolds, the series explores various social situations faced by teens and the psychology driving their interactions.

6. Haruka Nogizaka’s Secret

Haruka Nogizaka’s Secret is a well-known anime with a dedicated fan following. The series explores the otaku culture through the eyes of the titular character who is the most popular and unparalleled beauty queen of the prestigious Hakujo Academy.

One day, she is caught in the library by timid Yuuto Ayase who discovers her well-kept secret of being an otaku. However, the two reach a mutual agreement with Yuuto promising to keep Haruka’s secret, sparking an unexpected friendship between them.

5. My Love Story With Yamada-kun At Lv999

Coming from the preeminent studio Madhouse, My Love Story With Yamada-kun at Lv999 is a modern shojo anime that follows college student Akane Kinoshita who breaks up with her long-time boyfriend after finding out that he has been cheating on her.

Akane is heartbroken, but she decides to get back at her ex-boyfriend through an in-person event for a game. In the process, she runs into Akito Yamada, a gaming legend who is initially cold and indifferent to Akane, but soon they find themselves falling for each other.

4. Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro

Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro offers a rom-com story highlighting bullying and sadomasochism. The anime is centered around the antics of Nagatoro, a first-year student who makes it her mission to constantly tease the shy and nerdy upperclassman Naoto.

At first, Nagatoro’s horseplays are more bothersome than anything and leave Naoto feeling embarrassed however, as they spend more time together, a strange sort of friendship develops between them leading to an uncalled-for romantic angle.

3. Horimiya

Horimiya created a spark in the high school romance genre with its anime debut in 2021. Lauded for its realistic portrayal of teen love, the series tells the story of two high school students, Kyoko Hori and Izumi Miyamura, who lead double lives that are different from their public personas.

While Hori is a popular and outgoing student, Miyamaru is seen as a quiet and reserved student however, their paths cross one day leading to the discovery of their hidden sides. As they spend more time together, a blossoming romance begins to develop between them.

2. My Dress-up Darling

One of the biggest hits of the popular girl fell for unpopular MC trope, My Dress-up Darling is a romantic comedy anime by CloverWorks that delves into the cosplay culture. The story follows Wakana Gojo, a high school boy who makes traditional Japanese Hina dolls and dreams of becoming a master craftsman.

One day, he bumps into Marin Kitagawa, a popular girl who is also a secret cosplay enthusiast. Marin is impressed by Wakana’s sewing skills and asks him to help her make her cosplay costumes. As they work together, they cannot help but grow close – even though their lives are worlds apart.

1. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

High school rom-com series, Bunny Girl Senpai is a psychological drama that deals with themes of adolescence, mental health, and relationships. The story follows Sakuta Azusagawa who by chance stumbles upon his celebrity classmate, Mai Sakurajima.

After finding out that Mai has a condition called “puberty syndrome”, which causes her to disappear from the sight of other people, Sakuta decides to help Mai find a way to overcome her syndrome so that she can return to her old self as an actress.

Which one of the following anime where popular girl falls for a nerd is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other anime, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.

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