If fans are still enchanted by the emotionally rich, slow-burn romance of My Happy Marriage, they are not alone. The series captivated viewers with its blend of period drama, supernatural elements, and heartfelt character moments. Watching Miyo Saimori and Kiyoka Kudou's relationship unfold with such tenderness and sincerity felt like stepping into a fairy tale steeped in restraint, tradition, and deep emotional stakes. But once the final credits rolled, many fans found themselves wondering what to watch next.

Fortunately, anime offers a treasure trove of historical romance stories, each with its own blend of drama, fantasy, and lovable relationships. From tragic love stories and political intrigue to whimsical adventures and strong heroines, there is something for every fan of the genre. But among those, there are a select few anime series that echo the emotional and aesthetic qualities of My Happy Marriage, making them perfect next watches.

10 Romeo x Juliet

Anime Series by Gonzo; Based on the Play by William Shakespeare (with Original Story Elements by Reiko Yoshida)

Romeo x Juliet reimagines Shakespeare's classic tragedy in a fantastical, airborne city ruled by tyranny and rebellion. This adaptation does not just retell the original tale; it gives Juliet a sword and a mission, empowering her as the last living member of the Capulet family to fight back against the oppressive Montague regime. Meanwhile, Romeo, the gentle and kind son of the ruthless Lord Montague, finds himself torn between duty and the love he feels for Juliet. Their romance is achingly doomed, yet infused with ion and urgency.

The show leans heavily into its dramatic setting, using sweeping music and richly designed architecture to evoke a feeling of grandeur and despair. Like My Happy Marriage, the romance is gripping but never easy; it grows amidst political chaos and the shadow of war. Both series have strong female leads learning to navigate brutal worlds with grace and determination, making Romeo x Juliet an amazing companion piece.

9 Earl and Fairy

Anime Series by Artland; Based on the Light Novel Series by Mizue Tani

Set in Victorian England, Earl and Fairy follows Lydia Carlton, a fairy doctor who can see and communicate with fae creatures. Her quiet life changes when she crosses paths with Edgar J.C. Ashenbert, a mysterious noble claiming a right to an ancient title and seeking Lydia's help to claim it. What starts as a tenuous partnership slowly builds into a complex and layered romance, filled with mistrust, secrets, and moments of surprising vulnerability.

Much like Miyo in My Happy Marriage, Lydia is a woman whose gentle exterior belies inner strength. She is not swept away by Edgar's charms immediately, and their dynamic brims with tension and slow-growing affection. The period setting, supernatural undertones, and the emotionally cautious relationship echo many of the best aspects of My Happy Marriage while introducing a rich lore of Celtic and British mythology.

8 Spice and Wolf: MERCHANT MEETS THE WISE WOLF

Anime Series by ione; Based on the Light Novel Series by Isuna Hasekura

Spice and Wolf trades nobility for economics, but that is not a bad thing because the series' emotional moments are just as powerful. Set in a pseudo-European medieval world, the story follows Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant, and Holo, a wolf goddess in the form of a young woman with ears and a tail. Their partnership begins as a business arrangement but slowly evolves into a relationship marked by banter, emotional intimacy, and mutual respect.

The historical setting, careful attention to dialogue, and the graceful pacing make Spice and Wolf a deeply satisfying slow-burn romance for anyone craving mature storytelling and historical texture.

What makes Spice and Wolf especially appealing to fans of My Happy Marriage is its exploration of companionship and personal growth. Holo and Lawrence's journey is filled with subtle emotional beats, as they learn to rely on and trust one another. The historical setting, careful attention to dialogue, and the graceful pacing make Spice and Wolf a deeply satisfying slow-burn romance for anyone craving mature storytelling and historical texture.

7 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!

Anime Series by Studio Kai and HORNETS; Based on the Light Novel Series by Touko Amekawa

In the crowded field of isekai and "villainess" anime, 7th Time Loop stands out by infusing its story with a surprising depth of emotion and clever storytelling. Rishe, the protagonist, has been reincarnated six times, each life ending in tragedy. On her seventh loop, she chooses to marry Arnold Hein, the prince responsible for her previous deaths. But this time, she is determined to use her knowledge to craft a peaceful and fulfilling life.

What follows is a delightful and emotionally charged story of strategic romance, where Rishe and Arnold gradually come to understand and trust each other. Their relationship, like Miyo and Kiyoka's, is built on patience, emotional nuance, and mutual growth. The historical setting, laced with political complexity and past regrets, offers a rich backdrop for a romance that is as intricate as it is heartfelt.

6 Emma: A Victorian Romance

Anime Series by Studio Pierrot and Ajia-do Animation Works; Based on the Manga by Kaoru Mori

Emma is a gentle and gorgeously animated love story set in Victorian London. It tells the tale of Emma, a housemaid, and William, a member of the gentry, as they navigate the rigid class distinctions that threaten to keep them apart. The anime meticulously portrays the era's social structures and expectations, grounding its romance in historical realism and emotional subtlety.

Much like My Happy Marriage, Emma is a story of quiet resilience and understated ion. Emma herself is demure but dignified, echoing Miyo's strength through silence. The slow, deliberate pacing allows the viewer to savor every glance and tender moment. If fans loved the restrained, meaningful interactions in My Happy Marriage, Emma will speak directly to their hearts.

5 Nina the Starry Bride

Anime Adaptation; Based on the Manga by Rikachi

Nina the Starry Bride is about a young orphan, Nina, who is taken in by the royal family after she is found to resemble the recently deceased princess. Forced to play the role of royalty, Nina finds herself entangled in palace politics and an unexpected romance with the cold and powerful Prince Azure. As she tries to survive this high-stakes masquerade, she also struggles to understand her own feelings and worth.

This series shares many emotional parallels with My Happy Marriage. Both Nina and Miyo come from backgrounds of neglect and find themselves thrust into unfamiliar and intimidating roles. Their relationships with emotionally distant men gradually evolve into deeply moving romances that challenge their sense of identity. The lush historical setting and fairy-tale aesthetic only deepen the appeal.

4 Yona of the Dawn

Anime Series by Studio Pierrot; Based on the Manga by Mizuho Kusanagi

Yona of the Dawn blends sweeping historical fantasy with an intense coming-of-age tale. Princess Yona begins as a sheltered royal, only to be forced into exile when her cousin stages a bloody coup. Accompanied by her loyal bodyguard Hak, Yona embarks on a journey to reclaim her kingdom and understand the world beyond the palace walls. Along the way, a slow-burning romance simmers beneath the surface.

Fans of My Happy Marriage will appreciate Yona's emotional transformation. Like Miyo, she begins timid and unsure but grows into a woman of formidable will and heart. The romantic development between Yona and Hak is rich with unspoken feelings, loyalty, and trust forged through adversity. The historical fantasy setting further enriches this gripping and emotional epic, making it one of the best shojo series of all time.

3 Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion

Anime Series by Typhoon Graphics; Based on the Web Novel by Milcha and Webtoon by Whale

This anime begins with a familiar twist of a modern woman reincarnating into the world of a romance novel. But instead of the heroine, she wakes up as Raeliana, a minor character doomed to die. Determined to survive, she makes a deal with the cold and mysterious Duke Noah Wynknight, pretending to be his fiancée to escape her fate. What begins as a convenient arrangement slowly evolves into a complicated, slow-burn romance.

The setup mirrors My Happy Marriage in tone and structure with a reluctant relationship that grows into something sincere. Raeliana, like Miyo, must navigate a dangerous, high-society world with grace and caution in order to survive. Her developing bond with Noah is full of charming moments, mistrust, and growing affection, making this series a rewarding watch for romance fans.

2 Howl's Moving Castle

Animated Film by Studio Ghibli; Based on the Novel by Diana Wynne Jones

Though technically a feature film rather than a series, Howl's Moving Castle deserves a spot for its magical blend of historical fantasy and romantic development. Sophie, a young woman cursed with an old woman's body, finds herself drawn into the mysterious life of the wizard Howl. As they travel through war-torn landscapes in his enchanted, mobile castle, their relationship deepens from convenience to genuine love.

The dynamic between Howl and Sophie is very similar to the themes of My Happy Marriage in its depiction of inner healing, emotional growth, and learning to trust.

The dynamic between Howl and Sophie is very similar to the themes of My Happy Marriage in its depiction of inner healing, emotional growth, and learning to trust. Howl, like Kiyoka, hides vulnerability behind a cold exterior, while Sophie gradually asserts her strength and kindness. The richly imagined setting and breathtaking animation only elevate this timeless romantic journey.

1 The Apothecary Diaries

Anime Series by TOHO Animation and OLM; Based on the Light Novel Series by Natsu Hyuuga

Set in an imperial Chinese-inspired palace, The Apothecary Diaries, though mainly a drama instead of a romance, follows Maomao, a clever and unassuming apothecary who is taken into the inner court after demonstrating her medical knowledge. As she solves mysterious illnesses and court intrigues, she draws the attention of the enigmatic and elegant Jinshi. Their relationship, filled with tension, humor, and growing trust, is a subtle but powerful emotional thread throughout the series.

Maomao’s intelligence and independence make her a standout heroine, much like Miyo in My Happy Marriage. Both stories focus on women who rise above difficult circumstances to find self-worth and love. The historical setting, court politics, and gradually unfolding romance make The Apothecary Diaries a perfect match for those seeking a smart, slow-burn love story in a rich, period backdrop.