Theanimeindustry is in the middle of a reboot renaissance. From beloved classics to underrated cult favorites, more and more series are getting a second chance through modern reimaginings. These remakes are not just nostalgia plays, they are opportunities to update animation, expand on source material, and introduce powerful stories to a whole new generation. For shojo anime in particular, many series from the early 2000s and 2010s were cut short or never adapted fully, leaving fans yearning for the complete picture.
As studios pour fresh energy into reviving older franchises, shojo deserves a bigger piece of the pie.With strong heroines, compelling romance, and emotionally rich storytelling, the genre is more than worthy of modern remakes.Whether these shows were limited by old animation standards, pacing issues, or incomplete endings, there are many shojo titles that stand out as top candidates for high-quality reboots. Each one has the potential to thrive in today’s anime landscape, and the fanbase to back it up.
Originally released in 2004,Gakuen Alicewas a whimsical, heartwarming story with surprising emotional depth. It follows Mikan Sakura, a country girl who enrolls in a mysterious academy for children with supernatural powers. While the early episodes lean heavily into lighthearted comedy, the manga eventually veers into darker, more serious territory. Unfortunately, the anime barely scratched the surface. It ended after just one season, leaving out critical character arcs and plot developments that transformed the story into something much more complex and rewarding.
A reboot could finally do justice toGakuen Alice’sfull narrative. With today’s improved animation technology, the whimsical powers and unique setting could be visually stunning, while the deeper emotional themes could be handled with greater nuance.The characters, especially Mikan and her bond with the aloof Natsume, deserve proper development.Plus, the manga’s dramatic twists would hit harder with the pacing and tone a modern adaptation could offer. A full remake that follows the manga through to its bittersweet end would be a dream come true for longtime fans.
Peach Girlhas always been a polarizing title that is loved for its messy drama and hated for its frustrating love triangle.But underneath the chaos lies a rare shojo anime that tackles the toxic pressures of beauty standards and rumors head-on.Momo, the tanned and athletic protagonist, constantly faces judgment and manipulation from her so-called friend Sae. The 2005 anime adaptation embraced the melodrama but often veered into over-the-top territory, which undercut the more important messages about identity, self-worth, and trust.
A reboot could reframePeach Girlwith a more grounded, character-driven approach. With more room to explore Momo’s inner struggles and a slower pace to develop the love triangle, the story could feel more emotionally resonant and less like a soap opera. Sae’s manipulations could be portrayed with more subtlety, adding layers to her motivations instead of painting her as a one-dimensional villain. Done right, a modern remake could elevatePeach Girlfrom guilty pleasure to genuinely compelling drama.
Lovely Complexremains a beloved gem among shojo fans thanks to its lovable leads and perfect blend of comedy and romance. It tells the story of Risa, a tall girl, and Otani, a short boy, who bicker their way into love while challenging societal expectations about height and appearance.The 2007 anime adaptation captured their dynamic well but rushed through major emotional moments and skimmed over deeper character development from the manga.
A reboot would allowLovely Complexto unfold more naturally.
A reboot would allowLovely Complexto unfold more naturally. The series thrives on timing, both comedic and romantic, and a longer format would give more space for their relationship to grow. Today’s animation could better express the physical humor and expressive reactions that define Risa and Otani’s chemistry. More importantly, it could take its time diving into their insecurities and growth, creating a story that feels as mature as it is hilarious. A full adaptation could make this rom-com classic shine even brighter.
Skip Beat!is one of the most requested shojo remakes of all time, and for good reason.The 2008 anime adaptation only scratched the surface of Kyoko Mogami’s transformation from a heartbroken teenager to a rising star in the acting world.The manga continues far beyond the anime’s ending, weaving a layered story about personal growth, revenge, and finding one’s true path. With compelling psychological themes and a unique take on fame, Skip Beat! is ripe for a full reboot.
A second chance could finally giveSkip Beat!the scope it deserves. The original anime ended just as Kyoko’s career began to take off. A remake could dive deeper into her evolution as an actress and the complexities of her relationships with Ren and Sho. With better pacing and an expanded episode count, the show could balance its humor and darker moments more effectively. Visually, the performances Kyoko delivers could be made more striking, highlighting the emotional weight behind her roles. Fans old and new wouldno doubt flock to a proper adaptation of this shojo classic.
Ouran High School Host Clubis a fan favorite, known for its genre-bending humor, gender commentary, and unforgettable characters.Haruhi Fujioka’s journey through the absurd world of elite socialites remains one of the most iconic shojo stories ever told.But despite its popularity, the 2006 anime never got a second season, and the manga’s more emotional and romantic developments were left untouched. The series deserves a remake that follows it to its natural conclusion.
A modern reboot could strike a perfect balance between the original’s sharp comedy and the more sincere, heartfelt moments that come later in the manga. It would allow the relationship between Haruhi and Tamaki to fully bloom and give characters like Kyoya and Hikaru more meaningful arcs. Visually, a fresh coat of animation would bring out the lush setting and theatricality that define the host club. With the right treatment,Ouran High School Host Clubcould evolve from cult classic to all-time shojo masterpiece.
Kamisama Kisswas one of the few shojo anime from the 2010s that managed to get more than one season, but even with two seasons and some OVAs, the story still felt unfinished.Nanami’s journey as a land god and her slow-burn romance with the fox familiar Tomoe charmed fans, but large parts of the manga’s plot, including major revelations and emotional payoffs, were left out. The anime only hinted at the story’s full depth.
A complete reboot wouldbe the perfect way to revisit this fantasy romance anime. The manga’s final arcs explore reincarnation, Tomoe’s tragic past, and the full scope of Nanami’s divine duties. A remake could expand on the lore of the spirit world and provide more layered storytelling. With modern animation, the fantasy elements could look breathtaking, and the emotional highs and lows would hit even harder.Kamisama Kisshas all the ingredients for a successful remake with its heart, humor, and a love story that deserves proper closure.
4Blue Spring Ride (Ao Haru Ride)
Anime Series by Production I.G; Based on the Manga by Io Sakisaka
Blue Spring Ride(orAo Haru Ride) is one of the most emotionally resonant shojo series of the past decade. Its grounded depiction of teen romance and personal change made it a standout in 2014. However, the anime only covered a fraction of the manga’s story, ending before many of the characters could fully evolve. With unresolved tensions and no second season in sight, the adaptation felt more like a teaser than a complete narrative.
A reboot would allowBlue Spring Rideto fully explore its themes of loss, guilt, and healing. Futaba and Kou’s relationship only begins to deepen toward the end of the anime, and later manga arcs further challenge their bond and personal growth.A full adaptation could provide more space for the supporting cast as well, giving characters like Shuuko and Kominato richer development.With a more mature tone and improved animation, this coming-of-age romance could finally receive the emotional depth it always deserved.
Kaichou wa Maid-sama!has always been a divisive shojo anime.It is part empowering feminist comedy, part problematic romance, and the 2010 adaptation doubled down on its goofy, high-energy charm.Misaki, the no-nonsense student council president who secretly works at a maid café, is a great protagonist, but the anime never made it to the parts of the manga where her character truly grows. Likewise, her relationship with Usui left many fans wanting more resolution and emotional payoff.
AMaid Sama!remake could smooth over some of the series’ rougher elementsand give Misaki the full arc she deserves. The original anime skimmed over key storylines involving Usui’s complicated family background and Misaki’s vulnerability beneath her tough exterior. A longer adaptation could balance comedy with drama more effectively, while also revisiting the gender dynamics from a more modern perspective.Maid Sama!remains popular, and with a thoughtful reboot, it could appeal to both nostalgic fans and new viewers looking for a romantic comedy with heart.
Nanais a shojo series that transcends the genre, often called a josei masterpiece thanks to its raw depiction of love, ambition, and heartbreak.The 2006 anime became a cult favorite, praised for its emotional storytelling and unforgettable soundtrack. But tragically, it was never finished.TheNanamanga went on hiatus, and the anime left fans hanging with no resolution for its central characters. Despite the uncertainty surrounding its ending,Nanastill deserves a remake.
The emotional resonance ofNanaremains as potent as ever, and its themes of fame, friendship, and self-destruction are still incredibly relevant.
A reboot could delve even deeper into the characters’ struggles and update the animation to reflect the gritty realism of the story. Even if it caught up with where the manga left off, a reboot could end with a respectful, open-ended conclusion or even work with creator Ai Yazawa’s input for closure. The emotional resonance ofNanaremains as potent as ever, and its themes of fame, friendship, and self-destruction are still incredibly relevant. A remake would not only honor the original but potentially introduce the series to a whole new generation of anime fans.
Yona of the Dawn(Akatsuki no Yona) is a rare fantasy shojo anime that blends romance, action, and political intrigue with incredible finesse. The 2014 adaptation was widely praised but only adapted the earliest parts of the manga, ending just as the story started to expand into deeper lore and more intense conflicts. Fans have been begging for a continuation or reboot ever since.
A remake that adapts the full manga would be a gift.Yona’s journey from sheltered princess to determined warrior is one of the most satisfying character arcs in shojo.A full adaptation could showcase her growing leadership, the complex dynamics with her companions, and the ever-changing political landscape of her kingdom. With modern animation, the fight scenes could be more impactful, and the emotional beats more powerful. Given the manga’s rich content,Yona of the Dawnhas more than enough material for a multi-season reboot that could easily become a fan favorite all over again.
