フルーツバスケット - 草摩家(但し分家)に居候することになった主人公・本田透と、動物憑きの奇妙な体質を持つ草摩家の面々との交流を中心に描く。部分部分では作者のコメディセンスが発揮されている場面も多いが(特に前半)、根幹の部分では、様々な心の傷を抱えたキャラクターたちがそれにどう向き合っていくか、を真摯に描いている作品であり、それこそが男女を問わず多くの人を惹きつけた最大の要因であると言える。
Fruits Basket - After the accident in which she lost her mother, 16-year-old Tooru moves in with her grandfather, but due to his home being renovated, is unable to continue living with him. Claiming she will find someone to stay with but also fearing the criticism of her family and not wanting to burden any of her friends, Tooru resorts to secretly living on her own in a tent in the woods.
One night on her way back from work, she finds her tent buried underneath a landslide. Yuki Souma, the "prince" of her school, and his cousin Shigure Souma, a famous author, stumble across Tooru's situation and invite her to stay with them until her grandfather's home renovations are complete.
Upon arriving at the Souma house, Tooru discovers their secret: if a Souma is hugged by someone of the opposite gender, they temporarily transform into one of the animals of the zodiac! However, this strange phenomenon is no laughing matter; rather, it is a terrible curse that holds a dark history. As she continues her journey, meeting more members of the zodiac family, will Tooru's kindhearted yet resilient nature be enough to prepare her for what lies behind the Souma household's doors?
