Overview
- The harem genre, originating in the 1970s, maintains suspense about the protagonist’s romantic interests.
- Many popular harem manga exist without anime adaptations, despite some successful transitions to the screen.
- The manga “You Guys Are All Annoying!”has not been animated but has received a live-action drama version.
The harem genre adeptly captures audiences’ imaginations by introducing multiple potential love interests, sparking curiosity about whom the protagonist will ultimately end up with. This genre encourages dynamic storytelling and character development. Emerging in the 1970s, it gained immense popularity in later decades with iconic series like Urusei Yatsura and Tenchi Muyo.
Today, harem narratives continue to thrive, presenting various dynamics, from male leads surrounded by female characters (as seen in High School DxD) to female protagonists among male counterparts (like in Ouran High School Host Club). The genre even explores LGBTQ themes in works like Iono-sama. However, many outstanding harem manga have yet to receive an anime adaptation, highlighting a gap in the genre’s representation on screen.
Updated as of April 9, 2025, by David Heath: Notably, the most recognized harem manga often become animated, particularly those with a substantial fan base. A title that appeared to wane in popularity, Chitose Is in the Ramune Bottle, is set for an anime debut in July 2025. This transition may reignite interest in the series, similar to how other titles like The 100 Girlfriends and Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister previously graduated from this list.
This iteration of the list exclusively features reverse-harem series, showcasing stories where a singular female character is pursued by multiple attractive male figures. This formula has proven successful in titles like Fruits Basket and Fushigi Yûgi, and it will be fascinating to see whether these new titles will also earn a spot in the anime world.
35
Tensei Kenja wa Musume to Kurasu
Salaryman Gets Reborn in Another World with Built-in Cheats
- Creators: Ryu Kotohira (story), Uso Uzaki (art)
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.64
- 2019-Present
- Available only via fan translations
Distinct from Tensei Kenja no Isekai Life, which did receive an anime adaptation under the title My Isekai Life, Tensei Kenja wa Musume to Kurasu (The Reborn Sage Lives With His Daughters) presents a similar yet unique narrative. Kento, a salaryman exhausted by his demanding work environment, dies and is reincarnated by a god named Raidel. Requesting a tranquil life focused on farming, Kento unexpectedly discovers he possesses notable magical abilities that garner the attention of his new world.
34
Chitose Is In The Ramune Bottle
Popular Guy Uses His Charm to Help Shut-In Find Girls
- Creators: Hiromu (story), Bobcat (art)
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.65
- 2020-Present
- Available in English via Yen Press
Initially a light novel by Hiromu and raemz, Chitose Is in the Ramune Bottle has garnered significant attention since its Manga UP! debut in April 2020. So much so that the city of Fukui invested ¥6 million into a tourism campaign based on the series in mid-2022. Meanwhile, while the light novel maintains its popularity, the manga’s MyAnimeList score has steadily declined over the years. It is slated for an anime adaptation in 2025, marking its transition from this list.
The narrative follows Saku Chitose, Fuji High School’s most admired student, until he is tasked with helping Kenta Yamazaki, a withdrawn student, break out of his shell. Utilizing his social network, Saku endeavors to assist Kenta academically and socially, leading to moments that reflect the show’s blend of camaraderie and romantic tension.
33
29 And JK
Office Worker Ends Up as a Mentor to His Boss’ Granddaughter
- Creators: Yuuji Yuuji (story), Kakito Katou (art)
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.66
- 2017-2020
- Fan translations only
29 and JK transitioned from a light novel to a manga on Gangan Online, featuring a curious dynamic due to its titular characters: Eiji, at 29, and Karen, a high school girl. While maintaining a platonic relationship, Eiji mentors Karen after learning that she is his boss’s granddaughter. However, this mentorship quickly complicates his life as pressures from work, a childhood friend returning, and family drama unfold around him.
32
You Guys Are All Annoying!
Teacher Gets Pestered By 3 Girls
- Creator: TOBI
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.72
- 2014-2020
- Available digitally in English via Mangamo
Translated under various titles, You Guys Are All Annoying (originally Omaera Zenin Mendokusai) presents the trials of Kunihiko Kunitachi, a language and art teacher beset by the antics of his students, especially Kazumi Kazumiya. Kazumi, seeking friendship, complicates Kunihiko’s life, reinforcing the chaotic blend of humor and harem tropes. Despite not receiving an anime adaptation, the series was adapted into a live-action film in 2019.
31
Oukoku e Tsuzuku Michi: Dorei Kenshi no Nariagari Harem Life
Ex-Slave Turned Hero Aims to Make a Kingdom of His Own
- Creators: Kai Yumizu (story), Toshinori Itou (art)
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.79
- November 2019-Present
- Fan translations only
In contrast to many entries on this list, Oukoku e Tsuzuku Michi: Dorei Kenshi no Nariagari Harem Life delves into more mature content. It follows Aegir, an enslaved warrior who escapes only to be captured by a vampire named Lucy. Under her guidance, Aegir pledges to establish a kingdom, aiming to redeem his past while attracting the interest of several women along his journey.
30
Reiji Yonakano’s Harem
Ghost Helps Antisocial Kid Find a Girlfriend
- Creators: Akira Kojima (story), Yohei Kazama (art)
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.94
- 2018-2020
- Fan translations only
Reiji Yonakano’s Harem, known as Yonakano Reiji ni Harem wo, follows a high school boy who encounters a ghost that becomes determined to help him find love. Despite his resistance to romantic relationships, Reiji faces various potential partners with aid from his ethereal companion, ensuring the story blends supernatural elements with comedic romance.
29
Magika Swordsman and Summoner
Underachieving Male Summoner Aims to Prove His Worth
- Creators: Mitsuki Mihara (story), Lin Meng (art)
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.95
- 2013-Present
- Available in English via Seven Seas Entertainment
Magika Swordsman and Summoner started as a light novel and has been transformed into a manga. The narrative presents Kazuki, who, despite being an underdog in a world where summoning spells are typically bestowed upon women, aspires to prove himself as a capable Summoner against societal expectations. His unconventional path intricately blends fantasy and romantic tropes into an engaging storyline.
28
The Death Mage
Boy Reborn as Dhampir Raises his Harem from the Dead
- Creators: Densuke (story), Takehiro Kojima (art)
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.01
- July 2018-Present
- Available in English via One Peace Books
With an intriguing premise, The Death Mage combines isekai elements with a unique twist. Each time the main character Hiroto died, he faced new challenges, resulting in becoming a dhampir in a new life. With a determination to rewrite his destiny, he raises an army from the dead, inadvertently forming romantic ties with powerful figures from his past.
27
Dragons Rioting
Boy Must Keep His Cool Among Strong Women to Stay Alive
- Creator: Tsuyoshi Watanabe
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.08
- 2012-2016
- Available in English via Yen Press
Straddling the line between humor and precarious situations, Dragons Rioting follows Rintaro, a boy cursed with a condition that could be deadly if he experiences arousal. Upon enrolling in a recently co-educational school, he finds himself surrounded by formidable female students determined to be the strongest. Against this backdrop, hilarity and chaos ensue as he navigates teenage life while combating his unusual predicament.
26
Sekai no Owari no Encore
Fake Hero Proves He’s the Real Deal with His Party of Women
- Creators: Kei Sazane (story), Ryū Usui (art)
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.12
- 2015-Present
- Fan translations only
In Sekai no Owari no Encore, young Ren, resembling a legendary hero, embarks on an adventure to prove himself a hero in a fantastical world. Alongside a party of women, including a dragon princess and a demon lord, he navigates trials that test his abilities and determination. Their journey intertwines themes of camaraderie and the quest for identity in a world filled with perils.
25
BL Game Rebirth: My New Life as the Hero’s Younger Brother
Office Lady Ends Up as Her Videogame Crush’s Little Brother
- Creators: Yui Hanaka (story), Kana (art)
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.17
- 2021-Present
- First official English volume due for release in July 2025 via Seven Seas Entertainment
This genre-defying title, BL Game Rebirth: My New Life as the Hero’s Younger Brother offers a twist on traditional harem tropes, catering to audiences who enjoy male-centric narratives. The story follows Akira, an office worker reborn as Akira Amachi, the younger brother of a character from a BL dating sim. Grappling with the unexpected attention from rejected suitors adds depth to his character development within the game’s vibrant storyline.
24
Reborn As A Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting The Strongest Starship!
Salaryman Gets Isekai’d Into His Favorite MMORPG
- Creators: Ryuto (story), Shunichi Matsui (art)
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.23
- November 2019-Present
- Available in English via Seven Seas Entertainment
Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting The Strongest Starship! blends isekai and adventure as Takahiro “Hiro” Satou is suddenly thrust into the role of spaceship captain. With the advanced ship Krishna at his command, Hiro must navigate thrilling escapades while building a diverse crew of women who help him face unexpected challenges in an expansive universe.
23
Gun X Clover
A Seemingly Useless Bodyguard is Tasked with Protecting a VIP
- Creators: Mikoto Yamaguchi (story), D.P (art)
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.32
- 2012-2017
- Fan translations only
Gun X Clover offers a blend of martial arts and harem, featuring Morito, a bodyguard assigned to protect Kotonoha, a girl of extreme importance. The narrative challenges typical perceptions of strength as Morito must prove he is capable of handling his responsibilities while fending off threats eager to harm his charge.
22
Stardust★Wink
Girl Ends Up in a Love Triangle with Her Crush and Her Childhood Friend
- Creator: Nana Haruta
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.32
- 2008-2013
- Fan translations only
Stardust★Wink intricately weaves a tale of high school romance, showcasing Anna Koshiro’s tumultuous emotions as she finds herself caught between her crush, Enamoto, and her childhood friends, Sou and Hinata. The series explores the complexities of teenage relationships while not shying away from presenting real emotional stakes and uncertainties.
21
My Wife Is Wagatsuma-san
Boy Uses His Timeslips to Help Him Marry His Crush in the Future
- Creators: Yuu Kuraishi (story), Keishi Nishikida (art)
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.32
- 2011-2014
- Available in English via Crunchyroll and Kodansha Comics USA
My Wife Is Wagatsuma-san navigates the whimsical concept of time travel, featuring Hitoshi who finds himself slipping forward into a future where he marries Ai Wagatsuma, the prettiest girl in his school. As the time jumps increase, he must carefully manage his interactions with other potential suitors who threaten his newfound happiness, creating a captivating and humorous narrative.
20
Umi no Misaki
Boy Is Given Three Suitors and Chooses to Look After All of Them
- Creator: Kō Fumizuki
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.36
- 2007-2014
- Fan translations only
Umi no Misaki delves into Goto Nagi’s experiences as he navigates his newfound role as a revered figure on Okitsushima Island. Tasked with choosing one of three suitors, the series emphasizes emotional depth, illustrating Nagi’s growth and introspection rather than merely relying on conventional harem tropes.
19
Fujimura-kun Mates
Delinquent Gets Pursued by Four Crazy Women
- Creator: Seiichi Shiki
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.39
- 2009-2013
- Fan translations only
Fujimura-kun Mates takes a comedic approach to the harem genre, focusing on Haru, a delinquent who becomes the reluctant center of attention for his peers. As classmates such as the determined class president Eriko pursue him, the series balances humor with the stakes of teenage life, making for a uniquely entertaining read.
18
Now I’m a Demon Lord! Happily Ever After with Monster Girls in My Dungeon
Man Reborn as Demon Fortifies his Dungeon and Gets With Its Monster Girls
- Creators: Ryuyu (story), Noto Tono (art)
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.40
- 2018-Present
- Available in English via J-Novel Club
Now I’m a Demon Lord! Happily Ever After with Monster Girls in My Dungeon eschews traditional horror narratives of malevolent creatures, instead focusing on Yuki, who evolves into a monster lord tasked with protecting his dungeon from invaders. This story artfully explores themes of camaraderie, romance, and personal growth amidst a backdrop of fantasy adventure.
17
Gal Gohan
Female Delinquent Joins the Cooking Club to Get With Its Teacher
- Creator: Mari Taiyō
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.43
- 2016-2020
- Available in English via Seven Seas Entertainment
Gal Gohan presents an intriguing blend of culinary arts and romance, following Miku Okazaki, a delinquent who enrolls in a cooking class to impress her home economics teacher, Shinji Yabe. This fusion of food and relationships offers a refreshing take on romantic storytelling, with themes of personal growth and passion interwoven throughout.
16
Love Theory
Ghost Helps Loser Find a Girlfriend in Order to Preserve His Bloodline
- Creators: Keiya Mizuno (story), Masaki Satou (art)
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.44
- 2012-2014
- Fan translations only
Love Theory taps into supernatural elements to tell an engaging tale of Kanji Yarahata, a socially awkward young man guided by a ghost named Aiya to bolster his dating prospects before his bloodline faces extinction. This delightful premise combines humor and heartfelt moments as Kanji navigates the complexities of love through his often clumsy yet earnest attempts.