“Don’t judge a book by its cover!” Tell that to Sawako Kuronuma’s classmates! In the anime Kimi ni Todoke, Sawako’s appearance is often mistaken as the scary girl from the film “The Ring,” thus giving her the nickname, Sadako. The gossip about Sawako deters people from getting to know who she really is. Consequently, those who know her can say that she is opposite from this fictitious film character. Sawako is very timid, kind and sweet. As Sawako yearns for friends and a sense of fitting in, she is drawn to Shouta Kazehaya, the most popular boy. Incidentally, when Shouta starts talking to her, Sawako’s spirit is overjoyed. Over the course of time, Sawako and Shouta venture on to new endeavors, both individually and together.

In comparing Kimi ni Todoke with Sukitte Ii na yo (Say "I Love You"), they share a similar character complex where the shy and outcast female lead seeks refuge in the popular, coveted lead male. Additionally, both opposing natures grow to embrace different aspects of life through each others’ perspectives.

Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun (My Little Monster) documents the growing relationship between the very isolated, distant and ice cold Shizuku Mizutani and the carefree yet emotional Haru Yoshida. Their relationship begins when Shizuku is tasked with delivering homework assignments to Haru’s house. As such, their romance proceeds slowly, but the two of them begin to discover new aspects of themselves and each other despite what others have observed. With each episode, this anime presents the needed close connections one must chance upon in order to develop and grow.

In comparing Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun (My Little Monster) with Sukitte Ii na yo (Say "I Love You"), both are romantic comedies highlighting the buildup of a friendship among two opposites into something more. Also, My Little Monster and Say “I Love You” have strong, dynamic characters that provide significant support to an already fantastic storyline.

Nanami Takahashi begins her first year in high school. Mentally prepared, Nanami has her mind set that her school life will go as typically portrayed in teen movies, which consists of making tons of friends and gaining popularity rapidly. Further along, Bokura ga Ita revolves around the budding relationship between Nanami and Yano Motoharu, a boy from her school. Collectively, we journey through the struggles and joys of blossoming romance, drama, and comedy between Nanami and Yano.

In comparing Bokura ga Ita with Sukitte Ii na yo (Say "I Love You"), the animation is very similar between the two, displaying very light and delicate artistry. Moreover, the development of the characters and storyline are very simplistic and easy to follow.

Hiyokoi highlights the adventures of Hiyori Nishiyama, a very shy and awkward girl starting off at a new school. Hiyori is quickly drawn towards the very attractive and charismatic Yuushin Hirose. In this three episode special, Hiyori and Yuushin navigate the school year before Christmas holiday. Additionally, these two very visually dissimilar characters provide an interesting and exciting plot.

In comparing Hiyokoi with Sukitte Ii na yo (Say "I Love You"), again the element of “opposites attract” is demonstrated. Furthermore, there are components of realism to each story.

Misaki Ayuzawa is the first female school president in a school that newly transitioned from being all-boys to co-ed. As she is deemed “Demon President” by a majority of males at the school, she is not afraid to lay down the law and stick up for her fellow female classmates. Strong and strict, Misaki appears to be running the show. However, as she appears as nothing short of perfection among her schoolmates, she embarrassingly works part-time as a café maid in order to support her family. No one at her school knows about this shameful secret until the most popular boy in school, Takumi Usui catches her on her work shift. Caught in a bind, Takumi holds the power of whether to bring the president down or take advantage of the situation to get closer to her.

In comparing Kaichou wa Maid-sama with Sukitte Ii na yo (Say "I Love You"), they share familiar aspect of characters falling in love with each other in very cute and funny ways. Also, the main characters share identically close personality traits.

Ao Haru Ride also known as Blue Spring Ride follows Yoshioka through her life in high school. Recognized as the “cute girl” in middle school, Yoshioka is on a mission to revamp her image due to the hate she received from her female peers and the popularity and awe from the boys. As such, Yoshioka is faced with the many issues and obstacles of being a teenager: love, romance, friendship, etc. On top of that, her new, contrasting image disrupts how she really is naturally. Correspondingly, her friend from middle school also joins her in high school, Kou Mabuchi. Kou’s appearance too has greatly changed from middle school. Taken together, Ao Haru Ride, channels Yoshioka and Kou discovering themselves and the development of their relationship.

Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride) and Sukitte Ii na yo (Say "I Love You") both are about romance, friendship, school life and the triumphs and failures of each. They are also both heart-tugging, enjoyable anime that succeeded incredible manga. The stories mean for the audience to truly be engaged, really feeling what the characters do.