If you are a fan of anime and of creator Shinji Aramaki, don’t miss Harlock.
In the future, mankind has discovered a way to travel faster than light and has built colonies on thousands of planets. With humanity fading and the resources of the universe starting to dwindle, some five hundred billion humans began the long journey back home, Earth. However, humanity has outgrown its capacity to repatriate that many people and thus began the “Homecoming War,” where the many factions of humanity battled for a stake on Earth. The war was long and bloody, things wouldn’t subside until an authoritarian universal government by the name of the Gaia Sanction declares Earth a sacred planet, and thus forbidden for humanity to repopulate.
To prevent various factions of humanity from immigrating back to Earth, an elite wing of the Gaia Fleet was tasked to defend Earth: The Deathshadow Martyr Fleet, led by Harlock. With the assistance of his scientist friend, Tochiro ?yama, Harlock helped saved a dying advanced alien race called the Nibelung. In return for their help, the Nibelung gave Harlock their advanced technology and helped create the four Deathshadow-class ships with dark matter engines to defend Earth. Harlock’s ships were unstoppable and he successfully defended Earth from humanity’s influence, until the Gaia Sanction broke their own rules.
A peace treaty was created to prevent future bloodshed from various factions of humanity, however, it was under the condition that the diplomatic elite would be allowed to immigrate. Unfortunately, this didn’t sit well with Harlock as he felt it was a betrayal of what he believed in as well as the hypocrisy of the Gaia Sanction. Enraged, Harlock broke rank and killed all the immigrants and set his guns upon his own fleet. With only the Arcadia in his command, the ship was badly damaged and was being boarded. In a high-risk gamble for survival and protection of the Earth, Harlock asked Miime (Nibelung observer and engineer of his ship) to unleash dark matter upon the Earth to protect it from humanity. Sadly, the gamble was made at a terrible cost.
The dark matter was uncontrollable and it decimated the Earth and life was no longer sustainable. Engulfed in dark matter, the Arcadia managed to survive the incident, but returned out of the dark clouds forever changed. Harlock’s body has been immortalized, Tochiro is now one with the ship’s computer, Miime is a prisoner (for unexplained reasons) of the ship, and the ship itself emerged as a powerful supernatural pirate ship. Vowing to atone for his sin, Harlock is now a rogue pirate with a personal mission to turn back the hands of time.
100 years has passed and Captain Harlock remains at large. Gaia had covered up the real condition of Earth with a giant holographic optical camouflage to maintain their power. With his own crew of rogues, Harlock has taken 100 dimensional oscillators from the Gaia Sanction in attempts to “start over.” In between, Praefectus of the Fleet, Isola, manipulated his younger brother, Yama, to help him take down Harlock. Several years earlier, Yama’s desperation to maintain the beauty of their mother’s favorite flower in their greenhouse caused a structural collapse. The accident paralyzed Isola and reduced their mutual childhood love, Nami, severely broken and survives through a medical pod. However, through their advanced technology, she’s able to live and interact with the brothers as a living hologram. Desperate to atone for Isola, Yama agreed to infiltrate the Arcadia and its crew to stop Harlock’s schemes, but things became complicated.
Yama successfully infiltrated Harlock’s crew, but unknown to him, Harlock and Miime always knew he was a mole. During a mission to install the 99th dimensional oscillator, Yama learned from Kei (crew member) that Harlock’s plan to “start over” is by opening the time nodes to alter history and create a better time line. The mission turned awry when they realized they landed on a giant worm and Harlock came to rescue Yama. It was then Yama was about to execute Harlock, but in a life and death situation, Yama cooperated with Harlock so both could survive and escaped the planet. Back on board the Arcadia, Harlock gave his gun to Yama, telling him to use it against him if he still wants to kill him later. Yama’s undercover identity was never exposed and Harlock’s words convinced Yama to follow in Harlock’s plans, causing Yama to defect.
The Gaia Sanction learned of Harlock’s intentions of heading towards Earth and they permitted Isola to have command over a large fleet of ships to stop Harlock. Due to Harlock’s military brilliance, he single-handedly pulled advanced guile tactics to throw Isola’s counter-offensive fleet off and successfully defeated the fleet. To prevent further intervention, the Arcadia held Isola and his flag ship, the Oceanus, in tow as hostages to prevent the Gaia Sanction to act. Once at Earth and passed the great illusion, the crew was horrified at what has become of their Earth. It was during this time that both Isola and Miime divulged the origins of Harlock and true nature of “starting over”: Harlock intends to unlock the Nodes of Time to destroy the current universe and rebirth a new one, genesis

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five quintessential Indian love stories that have left an indelible mark on audiences.
I’ve curated a list of five quintessential Indian love stories that have left an indelible mark on audiences. Each film is a testament to the rich tapestry of romance in Indian cinema, blending compelling narratives with stellar performances.

1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Runtime: 3 hours 9 minutes
Actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol
Writer: Aditya Chopra
Director: Aditya Chopra
Studio: Yash Raj Films
Synopsis: A timeless tale of love, the film follows Raj and Simran, who meet during a European vacation and fall in love, only to face familial opposition upon returning to India.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

2. Jab We Met (2007)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Runtime: 2 hours 18 minutes
Actors: Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor
Writer: Imtiaz Ali
Director: Imtiaz Ali
Studio: Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.
Synopsis: A heartwarming story of a depressed businessman who finds a new lease on life after meeting a spirited and talkative girl on a train journey.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

3. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Runtime: 2 hours 40 minutes
Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone
Writer: Ayan Mukerji, Hussain Dalal (dialogues)
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Studio: Dharma Productions
Synopsis: The film explores the journey of four friends, focusing on the evolving relationship between Bunny and Naina, as they navigate love, dreams, and friendship.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

4. Barfi! (2012)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Runtime: 2 hours 31 minutes
Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ileana D’Cruz
Writer: Anurag Basu
Director: Anurag Basu
Studio: UTV Motion Pictures
Synopsis: Set in the 1970s, the film tells the story of a mute and deaf man named Barfi and his relationships with two women, highlighting love beyond societal norms.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

5. Manmarziyaan (2018)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Runtime: 2 hours 35 minutes
Actors: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal
Writer: Kanika Dhillon
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Studio: Phantom Films, Aanand L. Rai
Synopsis: A contemporary love triangle that delves into the complexities of modern relationships, commitment, and the choices individuals make in love.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
These films encapsulate the essence of Indian romance, each offering a unique perspective on love and relationships. They are readily available for streaming, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in these captivating tales.
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the Top 10 List of Korean Romance Dramas with details on where you can stream them


1. Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)
Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin
Director: Lee Jung-hyo
Writer: Park Ji-eun
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: A South Korean heiress crash-lands in North Korea and is rescued by a North Korean officer. Their love transcends borders in this heartfelt drama.
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2. Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) (2016–2017)
Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook
Director: Lee Eung-bok
Writer: Kim Eun-sook
Episodes: 16 (+ 3 special episodes)
Where to Watch: Viki, Amazon Prime Video
Summary: A goblin cursed with immortality seeks his bride, the only one who can end his eternal life. This story is packed with humor, heartache, and breathtaking visuals.

3. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Cast: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo
Director: Lee Eung-bok
Writer: Kim Eun-sook, Kim Won-seok
Episodes: 16 (+ 3 special episodes)
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A soldier and a doctor navigate love amidst war zones and life-threatening decisions.

4. Itaewon Class (2020)
Cast: Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi
Director: Kim Sung-yoon
Writer: Gwang Jin (based on a webtoon)
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: A determined young man opens a bar in Itaewon to seek revenge against a corrupt company while discovering unexpected love.

5. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)
Cast: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young
Director: Park Joon-hwa
Writer: Jung Kyung-yoon (novel), Jung Eun-young (screenplay)
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A narcissistic CEO is baffled when his loyal secretary announces her resignation, leading to a romantic and comedic journey.

6. My Love from the Star (2013–2014)
Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Jun Ji-hyun
Director: Jang Tae-yoo
Writer: Park Ji-eun
Episodes: 21
Where to Watch: Viki, Hulu
Summary: A centuries-old alien living on Earth falls for a famous actress, creating a love story that blends sci-fi with romance.

7. Hotel Del Luna (2019)
Cast: IU, Yeo Jin-goo
Director: Oh Choong-hwan
Writers: Hong Jung-eun, Hong Mi-ran
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A mystical hotel for ghosts, run by a cursed and captivating woman, sets the stage for a love story that spans lifetimes.

8. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk
Director: Jung Ji-hyun
Writer: Kwon Do-eun
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: Set during the 1997 financial crisis, a teenage fencer and a young man bond over dreams and hardships in this nostalgic romance.

9. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016–2017)
Cast: Lee Sung-kyung, Nam Joo-hyuk
Director: Oh Hyun-jong
Writer: Yang Hee-seung
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A young weightlifter navigates love, friendship, and self-discovery in this charming romantic comedy.

10. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho
Director: Yoo Je-won
Writer: Shin Ha-eun
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: A big-city dentist moves to a seaside village and finds love and healing with a local handyman in this heartwarming tale.
These dramas are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Viki, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, making them easy to access for fans worldwide.
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Top-five list of romantic Japanese anime


1. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)
Director: Kyohei Ishiguro
Writer: Takao Yoshioka (screenplay), Naoshi Arakawa (manga)
Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures
Genre: Romance, Drama, Music
Runtime: Approx. 22 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 22
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
Synopsis: A talented young pianist, Kosei Arima, loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother’s death. His world changes when he meets the spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono, who teaches him to embrace music and life again.

2. Fruits Basket (2019 Reboot)
Director: Yoshihide Ibata
Writer: Taku Kishimoto (screenplay), Natsuki Takaya (manga)
Animation Studio: TMS Entertainment
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 23 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 63 (3 seasons)
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
Synopsis: Orphaned Tohru Honda moves in with the mysterious Soma family, who harbor a magical curse: members transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Amid unraveling secrets, she finds love and healing.

3. Toradora!
Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
Writer: Mari Okada (screenplay), Yuyuko Takemiya (light novel)
Animation Studio: J.C. Staff
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 25
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE
Synopsis: Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka strike an unlikely alliance to help each other win over their crushes, only to discover their feelings for each other along the way.

4. Violet Evergarden
Director: Taichi Ishidate
Writer: Reiko Yoshida (screenplay), Kana Akatsuki (light novel)
Animation Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 13 + Special + Movies
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Synopsis: Violet, a former child soldier, seeks purpose as a ghostwriter and learns about love and human emotion through her clients’ stories.

5. Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime)
Director: Masahiro Ando
Writer: Deko Akao (screenplay), Sorata Akizuki (manga)
Animation Studio: Bones
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
Runtime: Approx. 24 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Synopsis: Shirayuki, a herbalist with red hair, flees her kingdom after catching the attention of a lecherous prince. She finds a new home and love with Prince Zen of the neighboring kingdom.