Sometimes it feels like it is, and sometimes it feels like it isn’t one at all.
Summary:
Romance plays a prominent part in the story of Re:Zero.
Despite that, it’s still not the main focus of the series.
It’s an anime with romance elements, not a romance anime.
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- (Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu) is definitely one of the most iconic isekai series of modern day. It’s more than just your usual isekai — it has an incredibly detailed world, as well as a unique (for isekai) premise of a protagonist who dies over and over and comes back in time.
As such, the main genres of Re:Zero are pretty obvious: it’s an isekai time travel series, and it is set in a fantasy world (as most isekai are, to be fair). Still, some fans wonder if it should also count as a romance anime — and there are good arguments both for and against this.
Romantic Subplots Are Important
On one hand, one of the main plot points of Re:Zero is Subaru’s love for Emilia. In fact, that’s his main motivation, and one of his wishes is for her to love him back.
Emilia herself feels something about Subaru as well, although at first, this definitely can’t count as love — until Season 2, at least, at the end of which they officially become a couple.
There’s also Rem, who has feelings for Subaru — and that in itself is an important plot point. Rem’s motivational speech in S1 EP18 is considered one of the best moments of the series, and it inspired Subaru to not give up.
On the other hand, romance is definitely not part of the main plot of Re:Zero. While Subaru’s love for Emilia is important, at this point, the more important part is the royal election — and arguably, that can wait as well.
That’s because of all the dealings with the Witch Cult and other threats to Emilia. It feels like romance is sprinkled here and there sometimes, but it definitely isn’t the main focus.
In fact, if you consider Re:Zero a romance anime, you should also consider it a mystery anime. After all, Subaru often has to deal with the unknown, and figure out what exactly is threatening him in any particular time loop.
These elements are much more important than romance, and not many people refer to Re:Zero as a mystery series.
Do you think Re:Zero should count as a mystery anime?
It’s Not a Romance Anime
Overall, while there is definitely romance in Re:Zero, its existence doesn’t automatically make it the main genre of the series. You can definitely have love triangle subplots and characters entering a romantic relationship without focusing on the romance entirely. At most, it’s an anime with romance elements.
Sometimes it feels like it is, and sometimes it feels like it isn’t one at all.
Summary:
Romance plays a prominent part in the story of Re:Zero.
Despite that, it’s still not the main focus of the series.
It’s an anime with romance elements, not a romance anime.
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- (Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu) is definitely one of the most iconic isekai series of modern day. It’s more than just your usual isekai — it has an incredibly detailed world, as well as a unique (for isekai) premise of a protagonist who dies over and over and comes back in time.
As such, the main genres of Re:Zero are pretty obvious: it’s an isekai time travel series, and it is set in a fantasy world (as most isekai are, to be fair). Still, some fans wonder if it should also count as a romance anime — and there are good arguments both for and against this.
Romantic Subplots Are Important
On one hand, one of the main plot points of Re:Zero is Subaru’s love for Emilia. In fact, that’s his main motivation, and one of his wishes is for her to love him back.
Emilia herself feels something about Subaru as well, although at first, this definitely can’t count as love — until Season 2, at least, at the end of which they officially become a couple.
There’s also Rem, who has feelings for Subaru — and that in itself is an important plot point. Rem’s motivational speech in S1 EP18 is considered one of the best moments of the series, and it inspired Subaru to not give up.
On the other hand, romance is definitely not part of the main plot of Re:Zero. While Subaru’s love for Emilia is important, at this point, the more important part is the royal election — and arguably, that can wait as well.
That’s because of all the dealings with the Witch Cult and other threats to Emilia. It feels like romance is sprinkled here and there sometimes, but it definitely isn’t the main focus.
In fact, if you consider Re:Zero a romance anime, you should also consider it a mystery anime. After all, Subaru often has to deal with the unknown, and figure out what exactly is threatening him in any particular time loop.
These elements are much more important than romance, and not many people refer to Re:Zero as a mystery series.
Do you think Re:Zero should count as a mystery anime?
It’s Not a Romance Anime
Overall, while there is definitely romance in Re:Zero, its existence doesn’t automatically make it the main genre of the series. You can definitely have love triangle subplots and characters entering a romantic relationship without focusing on the romance entirely. At most, it’s an anime with romance elements.
