Lovely Complex has arrived on Crunchyroll, marking the first time the complete 24-episode series is widely accessible with its English dub. Originally released in 2007, the series was recently revitalized by a Discotek Blu-ray release, which introduced the English cast to fans for the first time.
Produced by Toei Animation, the series follows Risa and Otani, a mismatched duo whose height difference—Risa is tall, Otani is short—becomes the centerpiece of their comedic and romantic friction. It is a quintessential shoujo rom-com that leans heavily into slapstick humor, capturing the chaotic energy of high school life with a distinct, expressive art style that defines the era.
With a strong 8.03 rating on MyAnimeList from over 317,000 voters, the series is widely regarded as a genre staple. It avoids the overly melodramatic tropes common in the genre, opting instead for a rapid-fire comedic rhythm that relies on the genuine, bickering chemistry between its two leads. The dynamic between the protagonists feels earned, evolving from a comedic rivalry into a nuanced relationship.
As a finished series, it serves as a complete narrative package. The pacing remains tight throughout its 24-episode run, successfully adapting Aya Nakahara’s manga without the filler often found in long-running school dramas. Because the story concludes definitively, it remains one of the most frequently cited recommendations for those looking for a satisfying, self-contained romance.
For viewers who missed the series during its initial broadcast, this arrival on Crunchyroll provides a polished entry point. The inclusion of the English dub—produced years after the show’s original run—offers a fresh way to experience a title that remains a high-water mark for mid-2000s shoujo comedy.
