this post was submitted on 01 Nov 2024
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Mine's Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

Honorable mention to Clannad's Tomoyo OVA/VN route + Tomoyo After

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[–] wjs018@ani.social 6 points 2 months ago (1 children)

In addition to the already mentioned Sakuta from Bunny Girl and Rentaro from 100GF, there are a couple others that I like:

  • Bravern - This one is two guys that are both strong-willed. Not really sure you can call this strictly a romance though considering all the robots and apocalypse.
  • Endo and Kobayashi - This is actually two romances in one. One of them (in the game world) has an assertive male character. The other (in our world) a bit less so, but it was a great series that got majorly overlooked.
  • Girlfriend, Girlfriend - You can call Naoya many things, but timid is not one of them.
  • Love After World Domination - A criminally underwatched series that features the Red Ranger character falling in love at first sight, and he will strive to overcome all obstacles to make it happen.
  • Tomo-chan Is a Girl - Jun might be dense, but he is a man of action.
[–] Unboxious@ani.social 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Now that you mention it, I'm not sure whether to call Bravern a romance either. Romance is kind of the focus, but it kind of isn't. Either way it's one of the greatest things I've ever seen.

[–] wjs018@ani.social 2 points 2 months ago

Absolutely! I was completely blown away by Bravern. One of the most fun series out there.

[–] Mercuri@lemmy.world 5 points 2 months ago

Hmm... if it has to have an assertive male character I'd probably have to say Toradora or Horimiya.

It is interesting how much romance doesn't have an assertive male lead. Like my absolute favorite romance is My Dress Up Darling but I wouldn't call the male lead in that one assertive. And a lot of romance have the male lead completely panic any time a girl is on the same planet as them, lol.

[–] recursive_recursion@lemmy.ca 4 points 2 months ago

The best one that comes to mind for me is:
Ouran High School Host Club

[–] Endmaker@ani.social 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is a good choice

best romance animes with an assertive male protagonist

Since the question used "animes" (though I've heard plural of anime is "anime"), looks like it's fine to list multiple shows😈 In no particular order:

In fact, my top favourite romance anime tend to have an assertive male protagonist. I can't stand wimpy, indecisive, weak-willed male protagonists.

[–] wjs018@ani.social 2 points 2 months ago

Rentarou is really the best answer to this question.

[–] ReluctantZen@feddit.nl 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

If by being assertive you mean knowing what they want, then I'd say Wotakoi. One of my favourites in general.

[–] Endmaker@ani.social 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I briefly considered listing Wotakoi in my comment, but then

Wotakoi spoiler

like you said, Hirotaka was assertive only when it comes to games. After the first episode, he just went with the flow and as such, Narumi was taking the lead 90% of the time.

[–] ReluctantZen@feddit.nl 2 points 2 months ago

True, it depends on where you want them to be assertive.