However, if you are not sure what Harem is, read this article to get a detailed explanation of the term Harem and a list of fascinating Harem series!
1. What is the harem?
1.1 Definition of Harem
If you are wondering what Harem is, it simply refers to a genre of Japanese Anime, Light Novel, and Manga. Harem content typically revolves around polygamous relationships, where one main character is central to the story and two or more other characters, usually of the opposite sex, love and care for that main character. This genre is very popular among young people in Japan.
However, in reality, the term “Harem” does not originate from Japan, but from Arabic. Its original meaning was rather delicate. In the past, mentioning Harem would make people uncomfortable. However, today, it is more widely used with a completely opposite meaning.
1.2. Structure of a harem story
You can easily recognize the structure of a Harem story because they often place the male protagonist in a dominant role. While other male characters may appear, they never overshadow the main male character. Additionally, the plot typically focuses on the complicated and intricate romantic relationships between a boy and multiple girls.
Depending on the situation, girls may court the male protagonist, compete for his affection, or secretly admire him. Typically, harem stories feature at least two female characters who fall in love with the male protagonist, creating a love triangle in which the male protagonist holds the most power in the relationship.
A notable example of a Harem Anime is “To Love-Ru”. The protagonist, Rito Yuki, is just a normal high school student who secretly loves Haruna. However, after meeting an alien princess, his life changes. The princess tells her father that Rito is the man she will marry to escape her arranged marriage. Eventually, the alien princess Lala moves in with Rito and gradually other girls enter his life.
1.3. Main Character Types in Harem
In the Harem genre there are three main types of protagonists:
- Battle Harem: In this type, the protagonist has multiple relationships but focuses more on action than romance. Female characters often have equal roles and are there to support the male protagonist in challenges. A notable example is “Knight of a Failed Knight.” In this story, Ikki Kurogane dreams of becoming a magical knight, or Blazer, despite not having any magical powers. He trains his body and mind, fighting to prove his worth, and is adored by many girls, including a princess.
- Harem Life Slice: The protagonist of these anime is usually an ordinary person with no outstanding qualities, but somehow manages to create a harem. A prime example is “Shuffle!”, where the main character, Rin Tsuchimi, is just an ordinary 17-year-old student. Yet, aside from his childhood friend, he is also loved by the king’s daughter and several other notable figures.
- Ecchi Harem: In this type of Harem, all the female characters love the male protagonist, and the other male characters are attracted to the female protagonist. These Anime often contain sexual content.
2. What is reverse harem?
In addition to the concept of Harem, you should also know about Reverse Harem. While typical Harem Anime has an ordinary male protagonist surrounded by multiple girls, Reverse Harem involves a female protagonist surrounded by many attractive men who compete for her attention and love.
3. The BEST Harem Anime You Should Absolutely Watch
3.1. Date A Live (2013)
One of the best Harem anime is “Date A Live”. The story follows Shido Itsuka, a high school student in Japan. He lives a normal life until a space earthquake occurs on the first day of the new school year. As a result, a girl dressed in armor appears before him.
According to Kotori, his adoptive sister, this girl is a Spirit. She also reveals that she is the commander of an organization in charge of preventing Spirit disasters and invites him to join. From that moment, Shido’s life changes radically.
3.2. The Sword of Art Online (2012)
“Sword Art Online” is set in the year 2022, where a new gaming technology allows people to connect to a virtual world through a VR headset. This innovation sparks global excitement, with many eager to try the feature.
Akihiko Kayaba, the creator of SAO, reveals that once players log in, they can’t leave. If they die in the virtual world, they die in real life. To regain their freedom, players must defeat the final boss on the 100th floor of the tower.
3.3. DxD High School (2012)
Also known as “High School Dragon”, this anime follows Issei Hyoudou, a second year high school student, who almost loses his life on his first date. His girlfriend, Yuuma Amono, is actually a fallen angel named Ranare. During their date, she takes him to a deserted place and demands that he stop breathing immediately.
However, Issei is saved by the most beautiful girl in school, who turns out to be a demon rather than a god. After being saved, Issei is reincarnated as a demon with supernatural abilities, marking the beginning of his journey into the world of angels and demons.
Other interesting harem anime you can watch include:
- Trinity Seven (2014)
- Mahouka Koukou No Rettousei (2014)
- Monster Musume No Iru Nichijou (2015)
- No Game, No Life (2015)
- Isekai wa Smartphone for Tomo Ni (2017)
- The Master of Ragnarok and the Blesser of Einherjar (2018)
