Although some male protagonists in shoujo anime are toxic, bad boys, or misogynists, their appeal remains strong. The genre now features more decent heroes, but fans are still attracted to “bad boy” characters.
A recent example of a bad boy shoujo anime is Kirishima Miyama from Yakuza Fiancé. This anime is a favorite thanks to his destructive behavior, charming looks, and annoying personality.
Kirishima is an interesting character, with a mischievous nature and an obsession with Yoshino. While his controlling nature may annoy Yoshino, many fans are charmed by his charm. For those who like characters with morally gray personalities, Kirishima makes an interesting addition to their list of favorite characters.
Best Shoujo Bad Boy Anime Recommendations
Below is a list of shoujo anime with main characters who seem toxic and bad boy, but still attract anime lovers.
12. Yakuza Fiance
A bad boy shoujo anime is Yakuza Fiance, where Yoshino Somei lives with his fiancée, Kirishima Miyami, who was chosen by his grandfather, Renji Somei, the leader of the Somei Group. Kirishima comes from the Miyama family, which is part of the Togusa Group, one of the largest groups in Kanto.
Kirishima greeted Yoshino warmly. He was a handsome and friendly young man, not really looking like someone from a Yakuza family. Although Yoshino was initially worried about living in a new neighborhood, she now feels more at ease. However, an unexpected incident reveals Kirishima’s true side to Yoshino.
11. Horimiya
Horimiya anime tells a fun teenage romance with a touch of comedy. The story focuses on Kyoko Hori, who keeps two different sides of her personality. One day, Hori’s secret is revealed by her friend Miyamura.
Hori and Miyamura keep secrets from each other, which makes them best friends. When Tohru, a student, confesses her love to Hori, she is rejected as Hori turns out to have started liking Miyamura. Their love story develops sweetly, evoking memories of school days.
10. Maid Sama!
Usui, the most popular student in school in the anime Maid Sama!. He loses his mind when he falls for Misaki Ayuzawa, who is confident and brash. Usui, who was originally polite and graceful, changes drastically after learning Misaki’s secret.
Although not to an alarming degree, Usui began to have an excessive attraction towards Misaki after he realized that Misaki did not want her friends to know that she worked at Made’s cafe.
Like Kirishima, Usui exhibits problematic behavior in romance. Instead of approaching Misaki honestly, he tends to stalk and manipulate, similar to what Kirishima did to Yoshino. Despite loving Misaki, Usui has trouble expressing his feelings in the usual way. Despite being well-loved as one of the shoujo boy characters, Usui still carries serious emotional problems.
9. Skip Beat!
Ren Tsuruga is often perceived as rude and arrogant, but his commitment to professionalism makes him seem unapproachable. This is what makes the shoujo anime Skip Beat! seem bad boy because of Ren.
As a famous celebrity, he respects his profession, which led to a dispute with Kyoko Mogami for considering his behavior unprofessional. Although Ren is not as hardened as Kirishima, the two have similarities in character.
Kirishima may not be an ideal human being, but he is very concerned about protecting the family name and business. Ren can be thought of as a softer version of Kirishima, both in appearance and personality, without the harshness and stalking. Ren is a complex, passionate and honorable character.
8. Diabolik Lovers
Shu Sakamaki is a handsome but troubled vampire. Despite his high position, Shu prefers to live a simple life because he feels that everything in life is “too tiring.”
Shu’s laid-back attitude is similar to Kirishima’s, especially when it comes to his taste in women. Kirishima initially looks down on Yoshino as a “damsel in distress” and useless, but starts to like her when she stands up for herself.
Shu also opposes and dislikes seeing Yui’s weakness. Shu and Kirishima’s personalities are similar due to their shared childhood trauma.
7. 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!
Rishe managed to charm Arnold Hein and soon proposed to him. Arnold, impressed by Rishe’s courage, ignored her authority.
Arnold has a mysterious and unapproachable personality, though not as dark as Kirishima. Although both have a dark side, Arnold treats women better than Kirishima.
Arnold respects and supports Rishe in her business ventures, in contrast to Kirishima who harasses Yoshino. He gives Rishe room to grow and does not force her to open up emotionally, showing that despite being pragmatic, Arnold is not weak like Kirishima.
6. Yona of The Dawn
Hak may not have a position of authority like Kirishima, but he has tremendous physical strength and charisma. As Yona’s childhood friend and protector, Hak trained himself to be a warrior ready to sacrifice for his daughter. His stature and demeanor remind fans of Kirishima, as Hak also has a bit of pride and arrogance.
Hak has a firm and courageous attitude on the battlefield, especially when it comes to protecting women precious to him. Despite his cold and cynical looks, he respects Yona’s boundaries. Hak may love her, but he is patiently waiting for Yona to realize his feelings.
5. Vampire Knight
Kaname Kuran was Yuki’s first love since she was a little girl. Who could blame Yuki? With her charming looks and irresistible personality, Kaname is the ideal choice for a passionate love story.
Although he never dared to do anything that could put Yuki in a difficult situation, his attitude was still problematic. He has two sides of his personality that often conflict, similar to Kirishima, who usually switches between being a loyal partner and a merciless cheater.
4. Fruits Basket
Kyo Sohma is a much-loved shoujo anime character. With his mischievous nature, this shoujo anime manages to attract viewers because he seems like a bad boy. However, what makes him interesting is the soft side of his personality.
As a tsundere character, Kyo struggles to express his feelings for Tohru, whom he initially rejects as too cheerful. Despite having deep childhood wounds, Kyo still has a pleasant and caring personality.
Kyo is similar to Kirishima in his somber appearance and stoic personality, but Kyo shows more development. He stays away from Tohru because of her curse, but still treats her kindly and considerately, understanding the grief Tohru is going through. Kyo has a balanced personality, in contrast to Kirishima who still has a lot of potential to be considered a shojo hero.
3. Kamisama Kiss
Tomoe is a tsundere character who has a complex personality and is difficult to control. Although his arrogance can make him unlikable, his layered character keeps viewers interested in him. He is often sarcastic and teases the girl he likes.
Despite initially denying his feelings, he eventually devotes his life to Nanami. Kirishima and Tomoe love each other and are fiercely protective of their partner, despite trying to overcome their jealous nature. Tomoe, while not a yakuza member, has a strong gangster charm.
2. Wolf Girl and Black Prince
Kyouya Sata could be considered Kirishima’s lost brother, although they have different backgrounds. Both have a bad habit of treating women, especially those they like, as if they are worthless.
The two charming princes initially hypnotized the maidens, but were later humiliated for their meek demeanor. When the ladies began to stand up for themselves, warm feelings arose in the hearts of the princes.
They are trapped in an unhealthy relationship and are unable to appreciate each other’s feelings. Kyouya, while not behaving violently, has a misunderstanding of love, similar to Kirishima, making him a dangerous boyfriend.
1. A Girl and Her Guard Dog
Keiya Uto is similar to Kirishima Miyama in personality and character development. Both were raised in a yakuza environment, but Keiya is not as manipulative and arrogant as Kirishima who often tormented Yoshino. Despite not intending to, Keiya eventually falls into the world of romance.
Keiya and Isaku, despite the difference in age and circumstances, feel a strong chemistry that develops into a serious relationship. The maternal and protective instinct Keiya feels turns out to be a deep love.
Keiya will catch the attention of Kirishima fans thanks to his protective attitude and nonchalance. Although not as cunning as Kirishima, Keiya is powerful and ruthless in the underworld.
Those are the ten best shoujo anime recommendations with characters that are quite bad boy and toxic, but still attract otaku. Hope this helps!
