Ask John: What are the Best Shoujo Anime?

Question:
Out out all the shoujo shows that have been released in Japan, what, in your opinion, are the top 10 shoujo titles released so far? I am a big shoujo fan and with little shoujo coming to America, I would like a guide of the top shoujo shows that are getting released over here.

Answer:
Before attempting to pose an answer to this question, I should preface my statements with the fact that I haven’t seen every shoujo anime available, and may forgot some very worthwhile suggestions. In fact, I would argue that it’s simply impossible to have seen every shoujo anime title ever created, just as it would be virtually impossible to be familiar with every romance film or every drama released by Hollywood in the past 40 years. Commentary and additions or exclusions to my response are welcome from all through the AnimeNation Forum.

Since the term “shoujo” covers such a wide range of genres and styles, and due to my limited knowledge of shoujo anime, I’ve create two separate lists of shoujo anime that I’ve personally found to be exceptional viewing. The first list is one of romantic dramas, which are often the first thing thought of when mentioning “shoujo.” The second list is one of everything else that fits under the category, including girls’ shows, comedies and magical girl series.

List One, in no particular order:
Fushigi Yuugi
Shoujo Kakumei Utena
Hana Yori Dango
Oniisan E…
Marmalade Boy
Maison Ikkoku
Kimagure Orange Road

List Two, in no particular order:
Sailormoon
Kodomo no Omocha
Akazukin Cha-Cha
Princess Nine
Hime-chan’s Ribbon
Minky Momo
Card Captor Sakura

While there are relatively few shoujo series available in America, the selection available represents some of the best of the field. Fushigi Yuugi, Utena, Rayearth, the X movie, Tenshi ni Narumon, Sailormoon, Ayashi no Ceres, and Card Captor Sakura are all currently available in the US, and Princess Nine, Kareshi Kanojo no Jijoo, and possibly Wedding Peach are on the way. And if you’re looking into import shoujo anime, there’s almost no end to the selections available, ranging from Osamu Tezuka’s 1967 Ribbon no Kishi (Princess Knight) and Takahata/Miyazaki’s 1974 Heidi of the Alps, to current programs such as Doremi, Super GALS! Kotobuki Ran, Comet-san, Angelic Layer, Fruit Basket, Dr. Rin ni Kitemete, and upcoming series including Chitcha na Yukitsukai Sugar and Tenshi no Shippo.