“Popular guy falls for the unpopular girl” is a very common (and beloved) trope in romance, especially in shoujo. It’s always fun to see the “unpopular girl” slowly come out of her shell.

One of the most well-known manga with this trope is Kimi ni Todoke, but I didn’t include it here because it’s quite old. If you don’t mind that – and can get through some very long miscommunication arcs – you should definitely check out this classic.

In the meantime, here are some newer and very worthwhile recommendations.

Popular guy falls for unpopular girl TLDR:

• Last Game is a breath of fresh air with Yanagi being a really unique character – spoiled and narcissistic, but completely smitten.
• Lovesick Ellie is extremely funny with Eriko constantly fantasizing.
• Kyou no Kira-kun has it all: humor, awkwardness, friendship, and most of all: feels.
• Honey Lemon Soda is so damn cheesy – and I love it. It’s wholesome but the female lead is constantly working to better herself.
• It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love takes a while to get into, but the art is absolutely gorgeous.

Lovesick Ellie

Official summary on Bookwalker:

Eriko Ichimura spends her high school days in complete obscurity. Her sole hobby is staring at handsome, smooth-spoken Akira “Omi-kun” Ohmi, and tweeting her daily fantasies under the screenname “Lovesick Ellie.” One fateful day, she accidentally bears witness to Omi-kun’s true self-and if that weren’t enough, he sees her mortifying Twitter, too! Follow along with a plain, perverted girl, a two-faced boy, and their curious romance!

I also wrote an in-depth Review of Lovesick Ellie, to help you choose.

Why is this on the list?

Ohmi is literally the most popular guy in school, while Ellie is “invisible,” as she calls herself, and doesn’t have any friends at the beginning of the manga.

You should read if, you:

• are in the mood of a lighthearted and very funny Shoujo
• love to read about an outspoken female lead, who is lusting after the male lead
• like it when the main characters challenge each other and grow out of their shells

Kira-kun Today (Kyou no Kira-kun)

Official summary on Kodansha:

For one short year, hopelessly awkward, cockatiel-toting Nino has to keep watch over class joker and next door neighbor, Kira-kun. Can Kira-kun–who harbors a terrible secret–find it in himself to open up and learn something new from Nino, or will she be consumed by his world?

The official summary is a bit awkward, so here’s the essence of the manga in my own words: Nino finds out that Kira-kun is going to die in a year because of an illness. After that, she tries to get closer to him, and Kira-kun is intrigued by her awkwardness and sincerity. That’s how their friendship begins, and Nino declares that she will stay by his side until he dies.

Why is this on the list?

Kira-Kun isn’t your typical cool shiny school prince, but he is really popular in class and has many friends or rather acquaintances. Nino on the other hand is a reserved loner and gets labeled as „parrot-girl“ because of her little bird Sensei, who is always with her. It fits the trope perfectly.

You should read if, you:

• like it when BOTH of the main characters show emotion
• want to feel all the feels (I cried my heart out at some point)
• don’t mind a very overstepping Ml

Honey Lemon Soda: Shoujo with a really popular guy

Official Summary on Bookwalker

Uka Ishimori has one dream in life: to have fun in high school! As a self-avowed dense, stone-faced introvert who spent all of middle school hardening her heart against a daily barrage of bullying, breaking out of her shell is easier said than done. Luckily, she’s not alone—Kai Miura, a classmate whose blond hair reminds her of the lemon soda he so enjoys, has her back. Step by step, she endeavors to cast off the shadows of her past and reinvigorate her life!

Summary in my words: Ishimori Uka was labeled as “stone” in middle school and was constantly bullied. In high school she has a big goal: she wants to have friends and be more outgoing and express herself. With the help of Kai, Uka slowly comes out of her shell.

Why is this on the list?

It doesn’t get any more “popular guy, falls for unpopular girl” than this. Kai is loved by everyone and all the girls in his school swoon over him. Uka is very shy, can’t even talk properly in the beginning, and doesn’t have friends. If you don’t mind that the story drags in the later volumes check out Honey Lemon Soda.

You should read if, you:

• want the classic Shoujo package: the “kyaaah” from the girls in the Manga, the grand gestures, the constant happy tears– just cheesiness that will make you smile (hopefully)
• like to read about a former bullied girl transforming herself
• Love reading about a reserved but caring male lead and a mentally strong female lead who works for her goals

Last Game – popular guy falls for pragmatic girl

Official Summary on Bookwalker

In elementary school, the rich and spoiled Yanagi Naoto ruled his class in studies and sports. But he suffered the first setback of his life when Kujou Mikoto, a girl from a poor family, transferred to his school and outperformed him at every turn. Reeling from this unforgivable blow to his pride, Naoto decided that he had to make Mikoto lose at something…by making her lose her heart to him! Now, both in college, Naoto proposes one “last game” with Mikoto–but who will be the winner?

Why is this on the list?

Naoto Yanagi is the rich heir of the business conglomerate Yanagi. He is always surrounded by people and idolized by everyone. Mikoto Kujou on the other hand is very gloomy-looking, diligent, and doesn’t have many friends. It fits this trope perfectly. And if you don’t mind the art and some scenes that haven’t aged well check out Last Game.

You should read if, you:

• like a very pragmatic and really REALLY dense female lead
• love it, when the guy is the flustered one and tries to woo the girl
• don’t mind misunderstandings and a really slow burn

It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love

Official summary on Bookwalker

A high-speed romantic comedy featuring a senior with dangerously good looks and an incredibly resilient junior with a serious face fetish!
Sana, a fan of the influencer Kanato, who is rumored to attend the same high school, finally encounters him only to find out he’s on the verge of expulsion! Determined to prevent this, Sana takes on the role of managing the school’s social media. From holding hands to hugs and almost kisses… Days filled with sweet thrills beyond her imagination are about to begin.

Why is this on the list?

Sana isn’t exactly unpopular, but she tends to keep to herself. Kanata, on the other hand, is basically an idol, so his popularity is through the roof, but he’s pretty indifferent about it. That’s why It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love is a fun read, if you give it a chance.

Read this if you:

• Don’t mind it if the title doesn’t really match the premise, because Sana openly talks about liking guys with a pretty face – and that’s exactly how she ends up falling for Kanata.
• don’t mind when the chemistry isn’t the best at the beginning. Kanata is very passive and it feels out place sometimes
• are in the mood for a lighthearted Shoujo where you get to see them being together

Popular guy x unpopular girl – older, somewhat classics that have their flaws

If you know all the suggestions I have given you and you don’t mind reading older ones give these three a try too – they fit the bill perfectly

• Say I love you (first published 2008)
• Kimi ni Todoke (first published 2008)
• Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun (first published 2008)