Anime Like Netsuzou Trap: 10 Series Exploring Complex Relationships and Forbidden Love

If Netsuzou Trap intrigued you with its story of complex relationships and forbidden romance, this list of anime will capture your interest. Each of these shows delves into themes of love, personal struggle, and unspoken emotions, delivering heartfelt and thought-provoking narratives. Here are 10 anime like Netsuzou Trap to check out!

1. Citrus

When fashionable high schooler Yuzu Aihara transfers to a new school, she finds herself clashing with her strict student council president, who turns out to be her new stepsister, Mei. Their initial animosity soon gives way to unexpected romantic feelings, leading to a story filled with intense emotions and family dynamics.

Release Date: January 2018
Studio: Passione
Genres: Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo Ai
MyAnimeList Link: Citrus

2. Sakura Trick

Best friends Haruka and Yuu make a pact to set their friendship apart by sharing a kiss. However, this innocent decision leads to a deeper exploration of their feelings as they begin a secret romance, navigating the complexities of love in a lighthearted yet tender way.

Release Date: January 2014
Studio: Studio Deen
Genres: Comedy, Romance, School, Shoujo Ai
MyAnimeList Link: Sakura Trick

3. Bloom Into You (Yagate Kimi ni Naru)

Yuu Koito has never experienced romantic feelings, but everything changes when she meets the charismatic student council president, Touko Nanami. Together, they explore what it means to love and be loved, making Bloom Into You a moving journey of self-discovery and complex emotions.

Release Date: October 2018
Studio: TROYCA
Genres: Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo Ai
MyAnimeList Link: Bloom Into You

4. Whispered Words (Sasameki Koto)

Murasame Sumika harbors deep, unrequited feelings for her best friend, Kazama Ushio, who only has eyes for “cute” girls. The anime beautifully captures the pain and challenges of one-sided love, delivering a relatable story that resonates with fans of Netsuzou Trap.

Release Date: October 2009
Studio: AIC
Genres: Comedy, Romance, School, Shoujo Ai
MyAnimeList Link: Whispered Words

5. Strawberry Panic

Set in a prestigious all-girls Catholic school, Strawberry Panic follows Aoi Nagisa as she navigates a world of deep friendships and budding romances. With its dramatic and sometimes tumultuous relationships, this anime offers fans a classic take on complex emotions and forbidden love.

Release Date: April 2006
Studio: Madhouse
Genres: Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo Ai
MyAnimeList Link: Strawberry Panic

6. Sweet Blue Flowers (Aoi Hana)

Fumi Manjoume reunites with her childhood friend, Akira Okudaira, after ten years apart. As they reconnect, Fumi begins grappling with her feelings for another girl, while Akira supports her along the way. Sweet Blue Flowers is a gentle exploration of identity and acceptance.

Release Date: July 2009
Studio: J.C.Staff
Genres: Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo Ai
MyAnimeList Link: Sweet Blue Flowers

7. Adachi and Shimamura (Adachi to Shimamura)

High school girls Adachi and Shimamura skip classes together and grow close through shared experiences. As they spend more time together, their bond begins to deepen into something more. The anime captures the subtle yet powerful development of their relationship.

Release Date: October 2020
Studio: Tezuka Productions
Genres: Slice of Life, Romance, School, Shoujo Ai
MyAnimeList Link: Adachi and Shimamura

8. Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl

After an accident with an alien spaceship, Hazumu Osaragi is transformed into a girl. This change brings complications, especially with her relationships with her childhood friend, Tomari, and her classmate, Yasuna. Kashimashi dives into themes of identity and love, with a touch of humor.

Release Date: January 2006
Studio: Studio Hibari
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo Ai
MyAnimeList Link: Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl

9. Maria Watches Over Us (Maria-sama ga Miteru)

Set in Lillian Girls’ Academy, the series follows Yumi Fukuzawa as she becomes the “sœur” (little sister) of the elegant Sachiko Ogasawara. Maria Watches Over Us explores themes of loyalty and companionship, offering a nuanced look at relationships within an all-girls school setting.

Release Date: January 2004
Studio: Studio Deen
Genres: Drama, School, Shoujo Ai, Slice of Life
MyAnimeList Link: Maria Watches Over Us

10. Simoun

In a world where everyone is born female and chooses their gender at 17, Simoun follows the priestesses of Simulacrum, who pilot ancient aircraft. With its intricate relationships and societal themes, Simoun provides an introspective look at identity and love.

Release Date: April 2006
Studio: Studio Deen
Genres: Adventure, Drama, Magic, Military, Shoujo Ai
MyAnimeList Link: Simoun

Final Thoughts

If Netsuzou Trap resonated with you, these anime are sure to deliver similar themes of complex relationships, hidden emotions, and the journey of self-discovery. Whether it’s exploring friendship, love, or the fine line between the two, these series provide both drama and heart.