My Dress Up Darling sets itself apart from other anime shows by creating realistic main characters with an easygoing and enjoyable storyline, alongside an in-depth exploration of cosplay culture. And while anime often stereotypically depicts female figures, Marin Kitagawa breaks that mould with her outgoing personality and genuine interests that aren’t exclusively tied to the love interest of the story, Gojo. She is comfortable in being a “gyaru” outside and doesn't hesitate to call out men who tease her for being an otaku.

Gojo, on the other hand, is just a regular guy. While he may be a bit of a pushover, he is genuinely interested in developing his skills as a craftsman. The show uses his focus and passion for doll-making as a comedic effect but doesn't make fun of it. And the attraction between Marin and Gojo is also depicted in a way that's easy to see them as a couple, which is a bit unique in a genre where compatibility is usually not taken into consideration. Overall, My Dress Up Darling is a refreshing take on romance that's worth checking out.

The spring anime season features a fun and enjoyable story of a secret relationship between Fudo and Desumi, the two protagonists of the show. Fudo is the leader of a group of heroes, while Desumi works with a notorious gang of villains bent on world domination. As natural enemies, the two must keep their love a secret, throwing them both into some of the most hysterical situations as they try to cover up their true feelings.

Throughout the show, Fudo and Desumi fight battles and have many firsts in their relationship. They are both likeable, and the show does a good job of giving both characters opportunities to be the one stumbling through a situation, as well as being the one to save the other. The animation also delivers all the whacky energy that leans into every joke and crazy battle fully aware of what it is and what it is striving to accomplish.

Young love is a tale as old as time, and one that we can't help but swoon over. And when it comes down to it, there's no denying that Izumi and Shikimori from “Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie” takes that particular cake. From the very first episode, these two lovebirds have been going strong and at first, even seem like your average high school couple. But as we follow along, there's a big difference: Shikimori is more or less a cool-girl superhero who saves her boyfriend from all sorts of trouble.

That said, there's plenty of heart to be found between these two. Although Izumi might be the more passive one in the relationship, that doesn't stop him from supporting his girlfriend in all her badass endeavours. And when he does take charge, it's nothing short of heartwarming. All in all, Izumi and Shikimori are the epitomai of what a great anime couple should be: quirky, protective, and utterly charming.

Loid and Yor Forger from Spy x Family have got it all – looks, brains, and a chemistry that could put any real couple to shame. But here's the snag: they're not really a couple, at least not in the traditional sense. Loid is actually a spy, while Yor is an assassin, and to carry out Loid's Operation Strix, they have to pose as a married couple.

And despite the fake nature of their relationship, Loid and Yor have an authenticity that is hard to come by. They support each other through the ups and downs of a budding relationship and even manage to make time for some tender moments amidst all the chaos. It technically might be fake, but with the way they both ensure that Anya’s happiness comes first and how they look after each other, it's hard not to root for them to become an official couple.

Vanitas and Jeanne have a love-hate relationship that's as complicated as it is entertaining. They're the epitome of the classic "enemies-to-lovers" trope, with Jeanne attempting to assassinate Vanitas when they first met. But as the series progresses, their tension-filled interactions give way to a deeper and more vulnerable connection.

As the story unfolds, we see that their relationship is more than just surface-level flirtation. They both bring something unique to the table and it starts to become clear that it's not just about two people falling in love; it's about two people helping each other heal from their past traumas. It's no wonder why they've become our favourite anime couple of 2022.