Romantic Killer (2022) User Reviews

Hilarious at it's best, emotionally messy at it's worst

[talking_about_movies · 7/10 · 29 October 2022]

This was sort of a mixed experience for me. I did find many scenes funny but the show is a bit unsure about the emotions it's aiming for and the conclusion doesn't feel earned given how serious they made certain matters.

First of all I really liked the main character. Her character designs during comedic sequences were hilarious and Takahashi Rie did a great job voicing her. I think friendships between all characters are nice too. The plot of the show is that a wizard comes to this introverted girl and says that she's selected as a test subject to help her in her romance developments. Naturally, this girl retaliates and that too in a hilarious manner. So this show is at its best when it's a romance parody.

Obviously, with a plot about affecting romance in your life using magic, you don't expect it to get emotionally serious since it won't fit at all. But, from time to time it gets serious and that doesn't work since obviously the romance feels forced. And I'm not a fan of love-triangle drama either. And then the final 4 episodes completely changed the tone into some very serious matters, which felt sudden. And though it's good that they explored a few backstories, if you've seen enough animes you have probably seen the same backstories done before. And after they establish these very serious problems, the way they end them doesn't feel very convincing.

I didn't think something like this...

[babraham-26811 · 8/10 · 30 October 2022]

....could set the standard for the romantically comedic anime genre.

I just finished binge watching the whole 1st series because of they way Romantic Killer kept me wanting more. This is largely due to the comedic talent of the screenwriters' dialogue, which I always find to be a bright spot in anime as long as it doesn't feel overused. Here, some lines do tend to find themselves recycled in and out of each episode, however that's only due to how consistent Anzu, the female MC, and Riri, her personal romantic wizard/demon, get into over-the-top confrontations, which in itself makes for a feel-good type of humor, especially as you progress through the storyline.

As we're introduced to new characters along the way, we get to know more about their backgrounds, which I enjoy as a good anime shouldn't always be centered around the MC, making everyone else feel 2-D to whoever's watching. It does surprise me though how deep some serious topics got into playing a role intertwining amongst each character's backstory. This is a bold move by the writers, and I did feel that it did improve the anime's standards beyond that of a cliché romantic-harem-comedy where fan-service is a painful reminder of how borderline an anime can get to an uncomfortable, hentai-like atmosphere.

I will say though, one thing about the cast did surprise me: The voice actor for the bodyguard, Tsuchiya, for the rich & 3rd possible romantic partner, Hijiri Kokanei, is Kenjirô Tsuda, the same guy who voiced Tatsu, the MC for another Netflix original anime, "The Way Of The Househusband".

It's cool to see Netflix's Anime department feature his character as a little Easter Egg in homage to his original as Tsuchiya seems to embody the skills of Tatsu as well as his calm-&-collected nature when it comes down to serious matters. However, if Netflix even TRIES to make this kind of tweak to further promote the Househusband series further, I will be shaking my head in disbelief as they STILL tend to neglect their original anime, having to produce fewer new anime rather than build up on the handful of well-rounded anime that deserve a second chance/season. It BETTER BE THE ROMANTIC KILLER that DESERVES a 2nd season over that comic-strip-like awkwardness of an anime that should have never even had the characters not move around!!!

Ahem*

Anyway, going back to the Romantic Killer, it has succeeded in producing a variety of animation styles, depending on the scenes, whether comedic or serious. Each act/scene really sets the tone and doesn't tend to eradicate the flow of the anime in general, thanks to the visuals, subtle music, and a well-rounded supporting cast. Besides, by providing each of the characters with different personalities AND background stories, it really transforms the Romantic Killer (AKA Anzu) into a more insightful and more open MC as the story progresses.

One of my few issues about this anime is the pacing of the storylines and of how rushed different {serious} subjects/topics tend to present themselves and leave, especially later on in the anime; hopefully, when Netflix approves of season 2, I won't have to get caught off guard off of the sudden developments that are packed within 2-3 episodes.

Overall, for those who are looking for a good story about love going against the clichés of other romantically-comedic, fan-service-riddled anime, this is one I MUST recommend to you. Because, at the end of the day, many streaming platforms, like Netflix, tend to be hit-or-miss with each individual catalog of their own original series. However, when it comes to anime, I can say for sure that this one shouldn't be missed out on! Give it a try; you'll never know what you might find!

Slow start stronger ending, fun and non typical rom com

[hanalisss · 7/10 · 7 November 2022]

It took a few tries for me to get hooked to this and I ended up enjoying it.

It was too predictable but I ended enjoying because the plots got a bit more deep and emotionally twisted.

I liked the female lead and how she literally behaves the opposite of most of female leads. She just runs away of any romance moments and she keeps being loyal to herself and her personality. I enjoyed how caring, strong, faithful she is, putting friendship always first and standing strong against injustice.

Very short and enjoyable to pass the time, now I am sure it will have more seasons so I hope they are also fun.

Amazing anime !

[lacrez · 10/10 · 27 October 2022]

I'm in love !, the best shoujo anime. Animation is awesome too! I can't wait for season 2. I might start reading the manga I'm hooked on this story! The characters and friendships are very cute. This is a typical romance in shoujo anime but it's nice seeing them building their own personality/characteristics, Highschool kids can pretty much relate to this. I kinda I miss being in high school. I don't know what to say anymore but it's a must watch you guys if you're into anime. I have to finish typing because it has to be 600 characters what the heck !!!! Hahahahaha. Must watch now y'all it's super good the dub and sub is pretty good and accurate and so funny. Lmao aight this is it. Bye.

I honestly loved this

[ccmiller-00571 · 10/10 · 31 October 2022]

Such a gem here. Really wasn't sure at first but this sarcastic take on rom-com's is actually hilarious plus in the end we still get some romance like we all want. I am rooting for so many outcomes and I pray that Netflix renews this for a season 2. There is still so much source material they could do. Plus it was left open for more scenarios for a few more seasons. If you like romance, romance comedy, plain old comedy, slice of life type things then you will adore this anime. Just the humor in it was so effortless and I found myself binge watching it over two days. Even my grumpy husband was excited to see what happens next and shipped her with a certain guy. Too good. Keep them coming!!!

Annoying at Times

[lipnusis · 7/10 · 5 June 2023]

Romantic Killer is an intriguing anime that offers a unique blend of romance and suspense. While it doesn't quite reach the level of greatness, it still manages to deliver an engaging story and compelling characters, making it an enjoyable watch overall.

One of the highlights of Romantic Killer is its captivating storyline. The anime explores the complex relationship between the protagonist and their love interest, weaving in elements of mystery and danger. The plot keeps you guessing and wanting to know what happens next, creating a sense of anticipation and suspense throughout.

The characters in Romantic Killer are well-developed and layered, adding depth to the overall narrative. The protagonist, in particular, undergoes a significant transformation, evolving from an ordinary person into a formidable and conflicted individual. Their growth is portrayed convincingly, allowing viewers to connect with their struggles and emotions.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the anime's visuals. The animation quality is solid, with vibrant colors and detailed character designs that enhance the overall viewing experience. The action scenes are well-choreographed, delivering thrilling moments that keep you on the edge of your seat.

However, Romantic Killer does have its shortcomings. The pacing, at times, feels uneven, with certain episodes dragging on while others rush through important plot points. This inconsistency can make it challenging to fully immerse yourself in the story, as you may find yourself wanting more from certain aspects of the narrative.

Additionally, some viewers may find the romance aspect of the anime a bit underdeveloped. While the chemistry between the main characters is evident, the depth of their emotional connection could have been explored further. As a result, the romantic elements feel somewhat superficial, leaving you wanting more depth and complexity in their relationship.

Lastly, the ending of Romantic Killer leaves a bit to be desired. Without spoiling anything, it feels somewhat rushed and lacks the closure that many viewers might have been hoping for. It leaves several loose ends and unanswered questions, which can be frustrating for those who invested their time and emotions into the story.

In conclusion, Romantic Killer is an anime that falls just shy of greatness but still manages to provide an entertaining and engaging experience. Its intriguing storyline, well-developed characters, and visually appealing animation make it worth checking out. However, the uneven pacing, underdeveloped romance, and somewhat unsatisfying ending prevent it from reaching its full potential. If you're a fan of romance and suspense, Romantic Killer may be worth a watch, but be prepared for a few flaws along the way.

Surprisingly great!

[lilaphowells · 10/10 · 31 October 2022]

Highly recommend watching. It was fun and engaging and honestly couldn't ask for more! The main character is really entertaining and it flows well with the rest of the show. Also the animation style is perfect and adds to a comedy in an unexpected way. Although a lot of the characters are clique due to the characters premise they all were endearing in their own way in the end. The show also managed to always keep me on my toes switching up and adding in new comedic moments I didn't see coming. I honestly really hope that there is a season two because in anime we rarely see this type of show so I hope this sets a new trend.

Took some time, but really got into it!

[alexandermarchack · 7/10 · 10 December 2022]

I wasn't too sure about this one when I saw it for the first time, but definitely grew on me as we watched the episodes! Didn't particularly binge it, but each episode is quite fun and the main heroine isn't just dainty and is quite fun to watch as she fights being in a romantic relationship.

Surprisingly the show also went into deeper themes and problems with finding someone, whether it be someone forcing themselves on you, childhood crushes, rejection, and having a stalker! Having the main heroine as strong and helpful with everyone made the show very enjoyable.

The animation surprisingly goes hard depending on what was going on, and they used it very well at certain points. Overall was very funny, and was nice to watch a comedy/slice of life for the first time in awhile!

You have to watch it!

[richardjonathan · 10/10 · 29 October 2022]

Amazing anime!

Plot twist and you wont regret it. The story really start funny and behind that.. there is good background stories

No one perfect anyway... the stories.. want you to watch more and more.

Love the opening songs and the main character development.

Amazing anime!

Plot twist and you wont regret it. The story really start funny and behind that.. there is good background stories

No one perfect anyway... the stories.. want you to watch more and more.

Love the opening songs and the main character development.

You wont regret it!!

Amazing anime!

Plot twist and you wont regret it. The story really start funny and behind that.. there is good background stories

No one perfect anyway... the stories.. want you to watch more and more.

Love the opening songs and the main character development.

Must watch romantic comedy

[reeshubojamma · 10/10 · 27 October 2022]

It's been so long since I've watched a rom-com this amazing. I binge watched the whole season in half a day. It has a great opening song and all the characters are just awesome. The heroine is not your typical shoujo girl, and the male leads are all unique with different personalities. I've usually seen such stories mostly in comics, so I was really looking forward to this since I watched the trailer and it didn't disappoint me at all. It has a lot of funny scenes, especially between the heroine and the game Wizard. It's ultimately a fun watch, and I really hope there's a 2nd season, there's so much more to the story. DON'T THINK TWICE, JUST WATCH IT, IT'S WORTH IT.

A show that barely delivered

[applesapplesoranges · 3/10 · 30 October 2022]

I think that this show had a lot of potential and being a fun comedic satire on the shoujo genre and otome games that includes some great feminist ideas but it ends up failing in every catergory. The premise itself is very off putting with the magical fairy Riri trying to solve Japan's birthrate problem by forcing people to fall in love. Not even taking in the fact that Anzu is a freshmen in highschool, this feels extremely problematic and almost like a commentary on what women should be doing with their lives. This premise is immediately off putting but it can still be seen as a satirical play on conditions other protagonists are put in other stories. But from no main story line, to being forced to live with two guys in her house, to having Kazuki's creepy stalker storyline which doesn't add any value to show, this anime is incredibly confusing, annoying, and convoluted. At least if the writers had kept a light hearted theme, maybe the anime would be more enjoyable but when it takes a serious and disturbing tone with the stalker, the entire show goes downhill. I wouldn't recommend this show to shoujo lovers or haters because it doesn't deliver in any aspect other than having some likeable characters. Having the first half of the show be decent and the next half be so different from the original plot line, teasers, and trailers feels like such a waste of time. I would instead recommend shows like Monthly Girl's Nozaki kun, Kiss him not me, and Ouran High School Host club for doing a better job at going against gender stereotypes, having better feminist ideals, being comical, having loveable characters, having a good storyline, and being an overall enjoyable and valuable experience.

Series of 2022

[dushmarupasinghe · 10/10 · 5 November 2022]

Romantic killer anime is funny and very entertaining. I Laughed like an idiot thorough out 12 episodes. Really like this series. The way it develops it's story is remarkable. I haven't seen god one like this in a while. And at the end they gave us a ending that we will not even think of.

I'm eagerly Waiting for season 2 And definitely recommend others to watch. We have all in one romance, comedy, friendship,hot guys,cats, chocolate, games and action. I really really enjoyed watching this show.

One more thing, for me most liked thing here is Anzu's behavior and how she help others all while avoiding romance( that's the best part ).

Not perfect, but consistently entertaining

[pearlinasilverbasin · 9/10 · 27 November 2022]

Dry humour, entertaining situations with occasional fluff, and vibrantly expressive animation all combine to make a highly entertaining meta-parody on romcoms and dating-sims.

Being ace myself, I was especially interested in the series' premise. I was pleased to find out that the protagonist is likeable (whose voice actress has impeccable comedic timing), and that the show lives up to its premise without falling into overdone "fanservice" clichés that anime is infamous for.

The last three episodes shifted in tone rather abruptly, from a previously comedic setup to a quite tense dramatic one. Nevertheless, I found these well executed. My only big annoyance comes from the final episode's lack of commitment: instead of having a satisfying answer to "will she, won't she", we conclude with the status quo unchanged and a teaser for a (possible) second season.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this

[tinybatmaster · 10/10 · 12 December 2022]

Okay, the first episode is a bit strange. The premise is strange. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy watching this show immensely. I feel like the message (that is only really clear closer to the end of the season) was nice, even if the series is a bit cheesy. It's good cheesy. Usually I'm not big on the character trope the heroine portrays, but I loved watching her. The animation is very pleasing, while still being funny at times. There were quite a few times I laughed out loud at the dialogue and animation. The series also allows itself to be wholesome when it needs to be! It's a nice satire of romance anime tropes, while still managing to be more than that. I definitely recommend this one for anyone familiar with romance anime (especially if you, like me, were once obsessed with trashy harem anime as a tween).

This show is great

[babymanperson · 8/10 · 13 December 2022]

Its about a nerdy introverted high schooler named Anuz. The things she loves most are video games, her cat, and chocolate. She is not interested in romance. One day she turns on a magical dating sim game and a wizard named Reri comes out. They take away her 3 greatest desiers. Chosolate, video games and her cat. Anzu is determined not to fall in love so she does everything she can to avoid romantic stiuations. She is basically trapped in a rom com. This shoe is hilarious and is full of heart warming moments. The animation is really good. Its really fluid and Anzu's expressions are always funny.

Unexpectedly Amazing

[collectible · 9/10 · 26 November 2022]

I don't generally like anime that is focused on romance. I mostly like comedy anime, slice of life, and iyashikei.

I am not even sure why I decided to give this a try, but it really had me hooked from the first episode. The characters are much more deep and nuanced than they seemed at first, and how they interact together is always interesting.

Spoilers follow:

I love Anzu's character. She is strong, independent, and she knows what she wants in life (mainly her three most important things). She does not want a relationship, and no matter how heart-touching the situation with all of these "ikemen" that surround her - she sticks to her convictions. AND has fun, interesting, deep, and meaningful relationships with all of them without it being romantic at all.

I saw another review that complained about Anzu not getting together with anybody in the end. Personally, that was the saving grace of this show for me. Maybe it's just that I'm so not into romance that it makes me roll my eyes when the main character of a show kisses their love interest at the end, but this show was incredibly refreshing.

The "romantic" setups kept coming, and that made me almost feel like rolling my eyes again and giving up on the show, but Anzu shows us time and again that you can care deeply about somebody and have close, intimate interactions with them without being romantic.

I absolutely love this show! Anzu is strong, kind, and knows how to stand up for herself and others.

This show was nicely animated, and it's great for us jaded souls who don't want the typical shallow "romance" animes (but who also enjoy heartfelt moments).

Romantic Killer Indeed !

[vigneshvinod-55471 · 5/10 · 26 February 2024]

Romantic Killer is a 12-episode anime. Each episode may range sometimes from 24-30.

The premise is that The main female lead, Anzu have all her 3 greatest desires taken away by a wizard to make her more concentrated in her romantic life.

The start of the anime was very good. In the first few episodes, they built the male lead and the female lead. They established the dynamics between the characters. Then slowly, new and new characters are introduced with each of them having an influence on the plot but not having any characteristic trait or backstory. Sometimes, they are there just for the sake of the story.

For example, The second male lead, Junta have no characteristics. He has no personality and even his dynamic with Anzu at the ending makes us feel like it's poorly written which it is.

One of the positives is that the anime discusses many serious issues like harassment, bullying, and theft all in a comic way. We are getting both the morale as well entrainment.

Another positive is the comedy. This is a rom/com anime. Even though I haven't enjoyed the comedy in all of the rom/com I've watched, This anime was different. The voice acting with the funny visuals and the best choice of words may deliver the comedy perfectly.

The main female lead may seem perfectly written but her character has many faults. Her decisions and dialogues are sometimes contrary. In one episode she may say she doesn't like this and in this very next episode, she acts contrary to her earlier statement. Such irregularities are one of the main problems with many of the characters in the show.

The main subplot which I loved was the Kazuki-Stalker plot. It adds well to his character and was thrilling to watch. It discussed another serious fact males could also be the victims of stalking.

A tragically under-recognized gem that should not be missed at any cost.

[ninjawizard-07308 · 10/10 · 31 July 2023]

This anime was a rollercoaster of emotions. Take your average slice-of-life romcom, add an train-wreck female protagonist, then implement a sentient yellow ball that throws the lead's entire life into a spiral.

Romantic Killer juggles comedy, romance, and drama, creating a masterpiece that knows when to be entertaining and when to be sincere. The show is self-aware, it knows (and at times, embraces) clichés. All the characters are written beautifully, each having their own unique traits and backstories. Though most episodes revolve primarily around romantic aspects, the interactions between the lead and dominant side character are never disappointing. They yield surprisingly well-rounded comedic elements, although goofy at times. Despite not making huge leaps and turns every episode, Romantic Killer's dramatic elements are exposed slowly throughout the episodes, without giving away too much at once.

The story truly reaches its peak when all the drama is made known and embraced, leading to a genuinely serious and dire plot. Riddled with character progression, this arc is pivotal to the overall enjoyment of the series.

Broadly speaking, Romantic Killer was a very entertaining and worthwhile watch. Balancing many story elements at once, it still managed to maintain a believable chain of events. All the characters are written exceptionally, the story doesn't drag for too long, and various forms of humor are scattered about.

Certainly a grossly underappreciated anime, please do yourself a favor and watch Romantic Killer. You won't regret it, I promise.

I, hopefully alongside you soon, will be awaiting for season two in the meantime.

LOVED THE SHOW!!!!!

[sarahalshaikh-16070 · 10/10 · 1 September 2023]

I loved the show! It's truly a romcom at its finest. The characters are funny and likable. At first I was skeptical and didn't think I would truly enjoy an anime from Netflix. But, after giving it a chance, I liked the premise of the story. I hope Netflix picks it up for a SECOND AND EVEN THIRD SEASON! I'm tried of watching unfinished anime....... Please help us get this show picked up after its first season. It's entertaining and the ending of the first season got me hooked. I need to know what will happen. Will she give in to love? And will she pick the character I feel understands her as much as she understands him. Please help us get this series going.

I am honestly surprised by how good this show is

[botta-75402 · 9/10 · 3 August 2023]

The show I thought would be predictable and boring, but along the way there were so many plot twists that had me gasping. I would recommend this show to anybody that wants to get into romance anime but doesn't know where to start because it literally gives you a little crash course on all ship dynamics. I really wish they hadn't canceled the show because it left off open ended, meaning it ended on a cliff hanger. I binged the show within a day and ngl I don't regret it. It was hilarious subbed AND dubbed, I usually watch my anime subbed but I felt the need to watch it dubbed and I was shocked by how good the freaking English voice acting is. I would also recommend this show to any Toradora fans.

I AM IN LOVE!!! (There isn't really any spoilers, I just put that there because I described the girl in the showa little).

[adelynnriley · 10/10 · 28 June 2023]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! I am in LOVE with this show. It was tooooooooooooooooo..... good!! It was so good that I am going to cry because I finished the show, 😭😭! It was never boring and I love the connections between the characters. It just kept getting better as I continued. I especially love the main character girl. They didn't put her as a weak girl, including the romance that she was involved in. It made things interesting and different. This show seperates from other shows making her be the hero and support everybody needed. It was the perfect show that I wanted to watch! It made me laugh plenty of times and I got so excited to watch it every time😁. It was so good that I don't know what else to say. It was just AMAZING!!!! I REALLY HOPE THERE IS A SEASON 2 of this show!!! I will CRY if there is no season 2. Hopefully there will be!!!

Sweet and Funny!

[zoeycheeko · 10/10 · 2 March 2024]

I'm no Anime critic, by any means. Normally and especially with the romance genre, every anime I watch can be a hit-or-miss for me. But recounting my experience waiting Romantic Killer, I have nothing but good things to talk about.

This anime approaches our protagonist with a classic "Magically Forced Romance" trope, which she actively fights against. Anzu is a female protagonist who knows what she wants, and she isn't going to let anyone tell her what she needs. When pushed into romantic meet-cutes and reunions, she's always managed to twist the situation into one that makes her more comfortable and most likely has the viewer chuckle. Anzu's relationships with her 'love interests' very clearly blossom into friendships that are supportive, sweet, and fun to watch.

Genuinely, give this a try.

Didn't get what we were promised...

[TheZodiacDozenBooks · 5/10 · 15 November 2022]

The first few episodes literally had my wife and I laughing out loud at times, ready for 12 episodes of fun and cute! However, the laughs seemed to end there, and by the season finale, we felt almost as if we'd been duped.

To us, the whole point of the series was to get the main character a boyfriend, and we stayed on for the whole ride waiting for that conclusion. It never came! Instead, we got the introduction of more and more characters, increasingly hard to care about.

I don't believe the show will have enough momentum to keep many viewers coming back for a possible Season 2, including my wife and me.