There’s a reason this archetype is popular: it’s just incredibly fun to watch.
Over the years, tsunderes have become a classic anime trope. As with many other archetypes, tsunderes (which are characterized by acting coldly and/or aggressively on the outside, while actually being in love with the character) have their share of fans and haters.
If you’re a fan, however, these are some of the shows you should check out.
Taiga Aisaka from Toradora! has become the face of the archetype. It makes perfect sense: she perfectly showcases both sides of a tsundere, being aggressive to others, but loving on the inside. She’s a great character as well — her backstory explains this seemingly erratic behavior. Often praised for setting the standard for modern anime romcoms, Toradora! is definitely a series to watch.
The Fate franchise may be confusing to some, so before you ask — yes, you can start with this one (the TV series by ufotable, not the movie by Deen). Adapting the UBW route of the Fate/stay night novel, the anime focuses on Rin Tohsaka, the tsundere girl who’s in the same school year as the protagonist. A battle royale between mages who summon Servants, spirits of the heroes of the past, this show contains amazing action while also having time to develop romance between the characters.
This series used to be huge back in the day. An urban fantasy action show with an elaborate world, it spans 3 whole seasons, as well as multiple OVAs and a movie which re-adapts the first arc of the anime. Shana herself is considered one of the most iconic tsunderes. While the show is less popular nowadays, it still occasionally gets referenced by newer works. And don’t forget that it actually has a conclusive ending in anime, something light novel adaptations don’t usually get.
The Devil is a Part-Timer!
Being one of the staples of the mid-2010s, The Devil is a Part-Timer! (Hataraku Maou-sama!) actually got two more seasons in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Combining comedy, slice-of-life and action moments, it’s a fun show to chill — and Emi, one of the main girls of a show, is a very entertaining tsundere character and a fan favorite of the fans. The show itself is quite a rare example of a reverse isekai anime as well.
Okay, this one might be a bit of a stretch, but it is a personal favorite of mine. Hitagi Senjougahara might not fall under all the signature tsundere tropes, but she is still more often can be considered a tsundere than not. As for what the show is about… it’s complicated, really. Basically, it’s a supernatural story about human problems and their solutions, heavily focused on witty dialog with a ton of wordplay. The abstract, borderline arthouse visuals only add to it. Seriously, check it out, there’s no description for it that does it justice. You have to see it for yourself.
There’s a reason this archetype is popular: it’s just incredibly fun to watch.
Over the years, tsunderes have become a classic anime trope. As with many other archetypes, tsunderes (which are characterized by acting coldly and/or aggressively on the outside, while actually being in love with the character) have their share of fans and haters.
If you’re a fan, however, these are some of the shows you should check out.
Taiga Aisaka from Toradora! has become the face of the archetype. It makes perfect sense: she perfectly showcases both sides of a tsundere, being aggressive to others, but loving on the inside. She’s a great character as well — her backstory explains this seemingly erratic behavior. Often praised for setting the standard for modern anime romcoms, Toradora! is definitely a series to watch.
The Fate franchise may be confusing to some, so before you ask — yes, you can start with this one (the TV series by ufotable, not the movie by Deen). Adapting the UBW route of the Fate/stay night novel, the anime focuses on Rin Tohsaka, the tsundere girl who’s in the same school year as the protagonist. A battle royale between mages who summon Servants, spirits of the heroes of the past, this show contains amazing action while also having time to develop romance between the characters.
This series used to be huge back in the day. An urban fantasy action show with an elaborate world, it spans 3 whole seasons, as well as multiple OVAs and a movie which re-adapts the first arc of the anime. Shana herself is considered one of the most iconic tsunderes. While the show is less popular nowadays, it still occasionally gets referenced by newer works. And don’t forget that it actually has a conclusive ending in anime, something light novel adaptations don’t usually get.
The Devil is a Part-Timer!
Being one of the staples of the mid-2010s, The Devil is a Part-Timer! (Hataraku Maou-sama!) actually got two more seasons in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Combining comedy, slice-of-life and action moments, it’s a fun show to chill — and Emi, one of the main girls of a show, is a very entertaining tsundere character and a fan favorite of the fans. The show itself is quite a rare example of a reverse isekai anime as well.
Okay, this one might be a bit of a stretch, but it is a personal favorite of mine. Hitagi Senjougahara might not fall under all the signature tsundere tropes, but she is still more often can be considered a tsundere than not. As for what the show is about… it’s complicated, really. Basically, it’s a supernatural story about human problems and their solutions, heavily focused on witty dialog with a ton of wordplay. The abstract, borderline arthouse visuals only add to it. Seriously, check it out, there’s no description for it that does it justice. You have to see it for yourself.
