As someone who thoroughly enjoys romance stories with hints of fantasy, I came across the Witch Watch series, and I am so glad that I did. What started as a whimsical read quickly became a highlight of my manga rotation, and I was hoping to watch this as an anime because it is just that good.
This isnβt your typical high school rom-com with a sprinkle of magic. Witch Watch is a genre-blending masterpiece that perfectly balances humor, heart, supernatural chaos, and genuine romantic tension.
While Witch Watch begins with a common setup, the protagonist moves in with her childhood best friend, and they are supposed to live in the same house and attend the same school. Interestingly, nothing goes according to plan. We have Nico Wakatsuki, a trainee witch, and Morihito, who is an oni, and every day in their life is full of chaos.
From the very first episode, the anime does an excellent job of translating the mangaβs blend of chaos and charm into a fluid visual medium. Also, as someone who has read and watched countless romantic anime and manga, I can tell when a love story is being forced, and this series does not come close to this feeling.

She doesnβt hide her feelings, but Moi, being the ever-responsible and stoic guardian, holds back as he is convinced that he has to protect her from harm, including heartbreak. You can tell he cares deeply, but he hides it behind his duties and a stone-cold face.
In my opinion, this anime has captured their relationship perfectly. Also, one of the mangaβs greatest strengths in becoming popular was its humor, and the anime brought that comedy to life. It has nailed the comedic timing from the first episode.
From the second Nico crashes into Moiβs house, everything that is covered in the manga is depicted with perfection. Also, the animation takes visual gags to a new level. What was once a funny panel in the manga becomes a full-blown laugh-out-loud moment with clever transitions and sound effects.
Finally, the best part of this series is that there is almost no dull moment. Nico and Moi may be the center of the series, but every other character introduced has their own importance. Each character adds a unique flavor, and no one feels like filler. I found myself genuinely excited each time a new character joined the cast because I knew it meant more drama and more laughter.
Witch Watch series is shonen with a shojo soul
One of the most unique things about Witch Watch is its genre-defying nature. While this series does not lack in action, it has a heart that feels much closer to a shojo manga. That said, some of the later arcs are surprisingly intense and even delve into darker themes.
Notably, the central theme of the story is the romantic tension and emotional intimacy, and it does not lose sight of Nico and Moiβs bond, and even the battle arcs feel like extensions of their emotional journeys. What I truly love about this is how it is a shojo series but is hidden under the shonen genre.
And now that I am currently watching the Witch Watch anime, it has reminded me why I fell in love with magical romance stories in the first place. Thereβs something timeless about the blend of spells and crushes, of secret pasts and hopeful futures.
In conclusion, Witch Watch is an exceptionally good series because it is fun without being shallow. As a longtime fan of both shonen and romance manga, I can confidently say that Witch Watch is one of the most refreshing and rewarding anime series out there. It follows the kind of story that sneaks up on its viewers and keeps them hooked. Finally, this series has embraced everything fans love and delivers with sincerity, humor, and heart.