5 Slow Burn Anime Like the Apothecary Diaries

The Apothecary Diaries has made a name for itself by portraying an excruciatingly slow-burn romance that will test your patience. However, that very aspect is the thing that attracted so many fans who are tired of fast romance and unrealistic commitments.

Fans relate to the characters of The Apothecary Diaries because of how realistic their thought process is when it comes to matters of the heart. Thankfully, there are other romance anime out there that give off a similar vibe and take their time to showcase love in its most organic state.

Kamisama Kiss

Kamisama Kiss is hands down one of the best fantasy romance anime you can watch that dabbles into the magical and mystical world of Japanese folklore. You trace the journey of Nanami, who by a stroke of luck, becomes the God of a shrine housing Tomoe, a fox familiar.

Tomoe does not want her there, and she has no other option but to be there. Their relationship starts on the wrong foot, but slowly and surely, they find each other’s presence more special than anything. The best part here is that the romance develops gradually, like The Apothecary Diaries.

Toradora!

This anime is a true gem that shines not because of its romance but because of its very likable stack of characters. Here, you find the ultimate tsundere, Taiga, and the best boy, Ryuuji, becoming lovers from pretty much enemies.

The highlight here is definitely the dynamic between the protagonists and their friends, whose antics are hilarious. However, you also get a fair share of emotional moments as both the male and female leads experience good and bad aspects of life.

Tsuki ga Kirei

Despite being a typical school romance, this anime doesn’t feel like something you have watched before. Both Akane and Kotarou fall for each other but also share a common apprehension for confrontation.

This inability to be clear to each other forms much of the basis of their slowly developing romance that goes through many ups and downs. The pure and pragmatic aspect of Akane and Kotarou is very similar to the relationship Maomao and Jinshi share.

Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket is an absolute package that comes with a storyline so complex that romance becomes an afterthought in a good way. The beginning is deceptively simple, with Tooru finding herself living with the Soumas, who are quite an intriguing bunch.

However, slowly, she discovers there is more to them than meets the eye, as her housemates can actually turn into animals after getting hugged by someone of the opposite gender. There is some comedy here and there, but the story mostly focuses on its complicated characters. Tooru’s soft yet strong personality might remind you of Maomao.

Snow White with the Red Hair

From the name itself, it might seem like this is an adaptation of the fairy tale of Snow White, but it is actually not. The female lead’s name, Shirayuki, might mean Snow White, but she is a self-sufficient and independent apothecary rather than a Princess.

Her situation was going well until she attracted some unwanted attention and had to flee, only to be rescued by her very own Prince Charming. The aspect of an apothecary getting involved with a royal member while still being awesome at her job is identical to The Apothecary Diaries.

The Apothecary Diaries has surely ruined romance for its viewers by setting such high standards for love. At least one thing is clear, those who like these stories would not settle for anything less.

Watch all the latest episodes of The Apothecary Diaries season 2 on Crunchyroll.