Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime), Sorata Akiduki’s gentle fantasy romance masterpiece, is the anime equivalent of a warm blanket and a cup of herbal tea on a rainy day. Running for two beautiful seasons (24 episodes total) from 2015 to 2016 and produced by the legendary studio Bones, this adaptation of the long-running manga remains one of the most refreshing, mature, and genuinely romantic stories in the entire shoujo genre. If you’ve ever wanted a romance where mutual respect, personal growth, and quiet strength matter more than forced drama and love triangles, this is your show.
The story begins with Shirayuki, a talented young herbalist born with striking apple-red hair in the kingdom of Tanbarun. Her rare hair catches the eye of the spoiled Prince Raji, who decides he wants her as his concubine. Instead of submitting, Shirayuki cuts her hair, leaves a single red apple as her farewell, and escapes across the border to the neighboring kingdom of Clarines. This single act of defiance sets the tone for the entire series: Shirayuki is no helpless princess waiting to be saved. She is intelligent, determined, and refuses to let anyone define her worth.
Fate brings her to Prince Zen Wistalia of Clarines, second prince and complete opposite of Raji. While resting in an abandoned house in the forest, she meets Zen, who is immediately charmed by her independence and kindness. When Raji’s soldiers track her down, Zen steps in—not to “rescue” her in the traditional sense, but to stand beside her as she asserts her own agency. From this moment blossoms one of the healthiest, most mature romantic relationships in anime history.
What makes Snow White with the Red Hair truly special is how it handles romance like real adults. There are no misunderstandings that last entire seasons. No pointless jealousy arcs. No “who will she choose” nonsense. Zen and Shirayuki communicate. They respect each other’s dreams. Zen supports Shirayuki’s ambition to become a royal court herbalist through her own merit, never once trying to use his status to make things easier for her. Shirayuki, in turn, refuses to hide behind Zen’s protection, constantly proving her worth through hard work and compassion.
The supporting cast is equally delightful. Mitsuhide, Kiki, and Obi form Zen’s personal guard and bring humor, loyalty, and depth to every scene. Obi in particular evolves from mysterious rogue to one of the most beloved characters in the series, his playful banter with Shirayuki creating some of the sweetest moments without ever crossing into second-male-lead syndrome. Raji himself gets one of the best redemption arcs in anime, transforming from entitled prince to someone genuinely worthy of respect.
Bones’ animation is breathtaking throughout both seasons. The character designs are soft yet detailed, the backgrounds lush and painterly, and the color palette perfectly captures the fairytale atmosphere while grounding it in realistic emotion. The herbalist scenes are lovingly animated, with close-ups of plants and medicines that make Shirayuki’s passion feel tangible. The soundtrack, composed by Michiru Oshima, is delicate and emotional, with piano and strings that enhance every heartfelt moment without ever overpowering it.
Season one focuses on Shirayuki earning her place as a court herbalist and the slow, natural development of her relationship with Zen. Season two expands the world, introducing new kingdoms, political intrigue, and the charming pirate-like crew of the mountain outpost. Throughout it all, the series maintains its core identity: a story about two people who choose each other every day, not because of destiny or convenience, but because they genuinely make each other better.
This is romance done right. Zen and Shirayuki hold hands in public and it feels revolutionary because of how rare genuine, equal partnerships are in anime. When Zen tells Shirayuki “I want to be with you because you’re you, not because you’re mine,” it’s not just sweet—it’s profound. Their relationship is built on mutual admiration, shared values, and the quiet understanding that love means supporting someone’s dreams even when it’s hard.
The series never got a third season, which remains one of anime’s greatest crimes, but what we have is complete and satisfying in its own way. The final episodes deliver beautiful payoffs for every character arc while leaving the door open for more adventures that we can imagine continue happily beyond the screen.
Snow White with the Red Hair is proof that romance anime can be mature, wholesome, and deeply emotional without relying on manufactured drama. It’s a love letter to self-respect, healthy relationships, and the quiet strength found in kindness and determination.
Final Score: 9.5/10 – A near-perfect fantasy romance that restores your faith in love stories.
Stream it legally on Crunchyroll or Funimation and let Shirayuki and Zen remind you what real partnership looks like. In a world full of toxic tropes and endless misunderstandings, this series feels like coming home.
Sometimes the most revolutionary thing an anime can do is treat its characters—and its audience—with genuine respect. Snow White with the Red Hair does exactly that, and it’s beautiful.
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Season 1 (Sub)
Season 2(Sub)