BL anime, or Boys Love, is a well-established genre in the anime world. BL anime features a romantic and often sexual relationship between two male characters. It is for a male audience, but it’s targeted more at a female audience. These types of relationships were rare or non-existent in most other genres of anime until the late 1980s, but there are now many different BL series to choose from. In this article, we will list the top 40 best BL anime to date!
1. Sasaki and Miyano
Episodes: 12; Studios: Studio Deen; Release Year: 2022; English Title: Sasaki and Miyano, 8.24
As cliché as this may sound, this BL anime is about these two kids, who just met and became friends. One has feelings for the other. They become closer as they grow more aware of each other’s feelings. Very simple but also heartwarming to watch.
When a fight starts near the back of the school, Miyano, who is on the Discipline Committee, goes to break it up. But his senpai stays standing there and doesn’t answer. Sasaki comes out of nowhere and handles it without any hesitation. Ever since then, they’ve bonded over their similar interests. For Sasaki though, that friendship means a lot more than it does for Miyano.
With my personal life being so busy and stressful lately, I really need a BL anime like this. Honestly, it’s probably one of the slowest anime I have ever watched, but this type of show is just what I needed as a break from real life. This is definitely how I’ll wind down each week.
2. Promare
Episodes: 1; Studios: Trigger; Release Year: 2019; English Title: –
The first full-length anime production by Studio Trigger is a post-apocalyptic thriller dealing with people who can control fire. Titled after the film’s main protagonists, Galo Thymos and Lio Fotia, Promare tells the story of a not-too-distant future where half the population of humans has developed pyrokinetic abilities. These people are called “Burnish” and because their abilities are seen as freakish, they suffer discrimination and prejudice.
The protagonist, Galo Thymos, is a blue-haired boy who proudly lives his life being shirtless, belongs to Burning Rescue, a quirky group of firefighters that often clashes in combat with another group of Burnish, Mad Burnish—a violent fire-starting faction that wants to shake society’s traditional values. Soon into their conflict with Mad Burnish, we meet Lio Fotia—leader of Mad Burnish who starts to represent hope for the entire community.
Galo and Lio have been embraced by many anime fans as a BL couple. It’s always fun to see what kinds of ships people come up with, but it’s not always clear when a pairing is canonical.
3. Umibe no Etranger
Episodes: 1 Movie; Studios: Studio Hibari; Release Year: 2020; English Title: The Stranger by the Shore
When Shun’s grandfather died, he set up a deal with his new next-door neighbor Mio to write his obituary. As each day passes and their friendship deepens, both men might find that they’re taking a chance on something worth fighting for. But self-doubt, family expectations, acceptance from Mio’s peers, and fear will all challenge them.
The Stranger By The Shore explores what it means to be gay. Although Shun and Mio are attracted to each other, they can’t fully reconcile their feelings or explore their sexuality until they work through their issues of self-doubt and uncertainty—especially Shun. Throughout the anime, from his conversations with Mio, his friends, and himself, he comes to explore who he is—as well as who he wants to be.
Having the option to watch a dubbed BL anime film with queer characters is refreshing. It is beautifully animated and dubbed. Regardless of the social status quo, at times this movie has been painfully relatable.
4. SK8 the Infinity
Episodes: 12, Studios: Bones, Japanese Title: SK∞, Release Year: 2021
Reki Kyan is a school kid obsessed with skateboarding, he discovers an underground skating race called “S,” and gets drawn into a world of danger and excitement that he never knew existed. Life outside the skating world and inside the high school is less not as exciting. That is until Langa, a shy and tall Candian hunk transfers into Reki’s class. And so the BL story begins, and Reki teaches Langa how to skate, and how to love! Well, it’s only implied, not manifest.
The thing is Langa is a handsome depressed idiot, he has zero skating skills, yet he decides to compete. Death doesn’t mean anything to him, and he decides to compete against the best racer. Now, Reki must learn to skateboard at breakneck speeds if he wants to keep up with Langa and the other racers. But as he gets deeper into the underground scene, Reki starts to realize that there’s more at stake than just winning races.
SK8 strikes is not a regular sports anime, to me, it is one of the most modern and forward-thinking anime of this moment. A true technical achievement. The skating looks stunning.
5. Banana Fish
Episodes: 24; Studios: MAPPA; Release Year: 2018; English Title:
Banana Fish is an anime that tells the story of two young men, Ash and Eiji, who are caught up amid a dangerous turf war in New York City. As the series progresses, it shows how much Ash suffered in his life: he murdered a neighbor who raped him at the age of 8, became the sex slave of a mafia boss, grew up to be a murderer, and began to lead a gang.
After some guy takes over his gang, Ash, and a few other people who are still at his side take their lives, and from that moment things get out of control: someone dies. Everyone is separate. Ash is sent to prison. Ash is released. There is a journey. More people die. Someone is kidnapped. Someone gets hurt. Suddenly there are more gang leaders. Someone is kidnapped again. There’s another chase—and they’re all gay. Even those who are straight. Almost every man in the series who meets him falls in love with Ash in one way or another.
The only consistent thing here is the BL story. I was hoping that the Banana Fish would be unintentionally funny, and indeed it is for two and a half episodes, but this schtick quickly wears itself out. The characters are terrible, the plot doesn’t make sense, the dialogues are awkward and the pace is appalling (20 volumes in 24 chapters). A golden opportunity was missed here to turn Banana Fish into a bad-but-good series, but it decided to take itself seriously, and therein lies the problem.
6. Tian Guan Ci Fu
Episodes: 11; Studios: Studio Haoliners Animation League; Release Year: 2021; English Title: Heaven Official’s Blessing
The BL anime tells the narrative of a kind-hearted prince named Xie Lian who ascended to heaven for his heroic activities at a young age. He was banished from heaven after he committed some mistakes. However, he was able to return by ascending once more because of the deeds he did while in this world. Throughout his adventures, Xie Lian helped Hua Cheng and saved him.
The grateful child swore allegiance to Xie Lian and devoted himself dearly to him throughout their 800-year romance, devotion, longing, and loss. Driven by passion and deprivation, Hua Chen drives himself hard and fights battles, even incarnating his whole being, to protect his beloved king from any harm as a human being, as a demon lord! Human nature might be frail, but even gods and demons are not beyond the limits of heartache for one another.
It’s not that these types of stories haven’t been made before in Chinese anime series. BL characters have appeared in well-written movies and books. However, “The Untamed” received universal praise that has never been seen before.
7. Mo Dao Zu Shi
Episodes: 35; Studios: B.CMAY PICTURES; Release Year: 2018; English Title: Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, The Founder of Diabolism Cultivators are people who hope to reach a high spiritual level and avoid the evil path called the “demonic path”. The Chinese anime follows Wei Wu Xian, the adopted son of the head of the Jiang clan, who due to various tragic events chooses to follow the demonic path and makes it his main path. After the various tribes decide to eliminate him, he is in their hands.
The years pass and a crazy son of a rich family decide to summon Wei Wu Xian into his body to help take revenge on those who hurt him. Now Wei Wuxian is back among the living and reunites with his former friend – Lan Weng Ji. Things get complicated when ghosts start waking up for no apparent reason and the two are forced to find the source of the evil that is returning to the world.
It’s a BL story but that’s only one theme amongst many others. The series is completely engrossing, it is full of emotions – it is funny, sad, infuriating, and a host of other emotions popped up in me while watching Mo Dao Zu Shi. The characters are charming, and the many stories in addition to the main story allow it to be more interesting and much more immersive.
Although the romance between the two men is not visible due to censorship in China, I still felt that what exists between the two boys is not a normal friendship so it was really easy for me to see them together and understand what they feel for each other.
8. Doukyuusei
Episode:1 (Movie), Studios: A-1 Pictures, English Title: Classmates, Release Year: 2016
A sort of coming-of-boys loves story that follows Hikaru Kusakabe, a laid-back singer but talented musician who develops feelings for the well-educated yet reserved solder Rihito Sajou. This is your average opposites attract storyline and I don’t have a problem with that I honestly think it’s cute to see two personalities collide with each other to make a cute boys’ relationship.
Although arbitrary it’s not very perfect but I still really like this anime. What Classmates does is a little bit different from Bl animes in that it knows how to handle itself without the excessive fanservice. it also captured a gay relationship and it handled it very well.
9. Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi
Episodes: 12; Studios: Studio Deen; Release Year: 2011; English Title: Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi – World’s Greatest First Love 7.67
I’m not a great expert in the BL genre, but as far as I know one should be ‘Oka’ (hereafter: the female man) and the other ‘Sama’ (hereafter: the man). If this is what you expect to see in a Sekaiichi Hatsukoi movie, you are in for disappointment: both are OK. And even this is not a disappointment, but is the strength of this great BL anime.
One morning Takafumi finds himself naked and in the company of Kirishima, his co-worker, and editor-in-chief of Manga Japan magazine. If he sounds familiar to you, it’s because he is a character who also appears in another BL anime on this list: Junjo Romantica.
Kirishima blackmails Takafumi following the events of the night and forces him to spend time with him at work and outside. Takafumi reluctantly agrees, only to discover that the sadistic Kirishima is a deeper person than Takafumi thought (no pun intended). The two protagonists appear for a scene and a half. I didn’t know this before I watched the movie – for long minutes I was bothered by the thought that I was watching a movie without the two main characters I wanted to watch. But, the relationship between Takafumi and Kirishima is a thousand times more interesting than that of Onodera and Masamune. It is also much more realistic
For fans of the BL cute couples from the series, after the credit roll, there is a fifteen-minute segment called ‘Valentine-hen’. All four couples of the anime and the film star are here, although it is a lovable skit with no added value. It is mainly intended for those who missed it.
10. Blue Lock
Episodes: 24; Studios: 8bit; Release Year: 2022; English Title: –
Ever since Japan lost in the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup, they’ve been looking to bounce back. The latest technique they’re using is a new facility called Blue Lock that specializes in shaping 300 U-18 forwards into the best striker possible through rigorous training.
Unfortunately, not all of them will make it, and one of them, Yoichi Isagi, has just lost his shot at attending the National High School Football Qualifiers because he passed to another player rather than trying for a goal himself. This is just one of many stories about the varying paths these young strikers are going down as they search for their own “ego.”
Is Blue Lock about BL? No, but it’s a gaybait, to say the least. However, that’s just how most sports anime are created; they have a huge focus on male relationships and come off as homoerotic or gay, depending on your perspective.
11. Kyo Kara Maoh!
Episodes: 117, Studios: Studio Deen, English Title: Maruma, God? Save Our King, Release Year: 2004
Yuri Shibuya, a high school student is transported to another world where he is crowned king of the Demon Realm.
The plot is ridiculous, raging from convenient, just nonsensical it’s an anime that has that Saturday morning lore and feel to it where each arc is easy to predict and we’re worried about our hero. It is super cheesy.
You are here for the BL stuff, in that department, the series is full of mixed signals. It throws you at either ship, the characters are not. One minute it encourages a set of behavior and other times the show feels like it completely ignores the obvious nice setups. The BL relationships that are thrown rather bluntly are left by the wayside.
Despite everything I wrote, the show is enjoyable to watch.
12. NO. 6
Episodes: 11; Studios: Bones; Release Year: 2011; English Title: Number 6
The story of No. 6 takes place in a post-apocalyptic future world where a totalitarian government known as the City controls its citizens with an iron fist. The protagonist, Shion, is a young man who was raised in the elite class of the City and is about to enter adulthood. However, when he meets a mysterious boy named Rat in the slums of the City, his life is turned upside down. Shion begins to question everything he knows about the City and its government, and he soon finds himself caught up in a rebellion that could change the world forever.
There are two ways to approach NO.6: I have not read the manga or the books on which the series is based, so I can only judge by the anime, but in my opinion, it is problematic to call the series shounen – Ai. There is indeed a kiss between Shion and Nezumi in one of the episodes, but it refuses to immerse itself in romantic preoccupation, both before and after the kiss. And this, in my opinion, is one of the strong sides of the series: it refuses to give up the plot and the development of the characters for the sake of a romantic drama and does not sacrifice its characters To Shonen-ai and BL anime stereotypes.
See also: 25 Josei Anime With Real Complicated Romance13. Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru
Episodes: 23; Studios: Production I.G; Release Year: 2019; English Title: Run with the Wind
A former ace runner of Sendai Josei High School, Kakeru Kurahara is chased away from a convenience store for shoplifting. Shaking off his pursuer, he runs into Haiji Kiyose, another student from his university. Desperate to pay back his debt at the mahjong parlor, Kakeru reluctantly accepts Haiji’s offer to stay at Chikusei-sou—the run-down apartment where Haiji resides with 8 other students.
But during a welcome party, Haiji reveals that the apartment belongs to the Kansei University Track Club! As it turns out, all the residents are complete running novices and none of them are remotely interested in joining Haiji on his ridiculous plan! With only months until the deadline will this fourth-year student be able to convince them otherwise and realize his dream of running in Hakone Ekiden?
The anime used subtext to honor the original version of Kakeru and Haiji as male characters in love, without directly saying it. BL Sports anime is very rare in Japan the industry doesn’t mix these two genres, but the ending feels like it’s open to audience interpretation.
14. Ling Qi
Episodes: 20; Studios: Haoliners Animation League; Release Year: 2016; English Title: Spiritpact, or Soul Contract
A young man named Keika dies but is saved by a ghost named Tanmoku. Now, as part of a pact between them, Keika acts as Tanmoku’s spirit medium to help him fight evil spirits. The two of them make for an unlikely team, but together they’re able to take on all sorts of supernatural foes.
The Spiritpact anime is a great example of the power of BL, friendship, and teamwork. Even though Keika and Tanmoku come from completely different worlds, they’re able to overcome any obstacle when they’re together. It’s a heartwarming story that will leave you wanting more.
15. Saezuru Tori wa Habatakanai: The Clouds Gather
Episode: 1(movie); Studios: GRIZZLY; Release Year: 2020; English Title: Twittering Birds Never Fly
Yashiro is the young leader of the Shinsekai and the president of the Shinsekai Enterprise. But like so many powerful men he leads a double life as a deviant and a masochist. Chikara Doumeki comes to work as a bodyguard for him and although Yashiro had decided that he would never lay a hand on his men he finds there’s something about Doumeki that he can’t resist.
Yashiro makes advances toward Domeeki but Domeki has mysterious reasons for denying Yashiro who abuses his power just to abuse himself. Doumeki who faithfully obeys his every command begins the affair of two men with songs in their hearts and no wings to fly.
There are just some unique stories that BL animes/mangas are more likely to tell. Although some people might dismiss this as mindless fanservice, the story discusses how different ways our sexuality can be affected by past trauma. The sex scenes help viewers see how our feelings change and how we’re affected by our pasts.
16. Seiyou Kottou Yougashiten: Antique
Episodes: 12; Studios: Nippon Animation, Shirogumi; Release Year: 2008; English Title: Antique Bakery
The story follows the trials and tribulations of four young men who open an antique bakery in a small town. The main character, Keisuke Tachibana, is a former professional baseball player who was forced to retire due to an injury. He then decides to start a new life by opening an antique bakery with his childhood friend, Tomoya Matsukawa.
The two are soon joined by another childhood friend, Masaki Yamamoto, who is an expert in baking bread. The fourth member of the team is Chikage Kobayashi, a talented but eccentric pastry chef. Together, they strive to create the perfect baked goods and make their business a success.
However, the road to success is not always smooth sailing. The four friends often find themselves at odds with each other as they try to balance work and personal life. Additionally, they must deal with the challenges that come with running a small business. But through it all, they remain united by their shared passion for baking and their determination to succeed.
I think a lot of people would label this series as shounen BL anime, but I don’t. Sure, there is a gay character, but the story revolves around Ono and Tachibana’s relationship. Ono just happens to be gay – it isn’t important to the plot. Antique Bakery wouldn’t have changed much if Ono was heterosexual or closeted instead. I think that’s what makes this series unique – a gay character who doesn’t have a gay subplot.
17. Hybrid Child
Episodes: 4 (OVA); Studios: Studio Deen; Release Year: 2015; English Title: –
Kazuya and Oji are deeply in love with each other. However, their relationship is put to the test when they find out that Kazuya is pregnant with Oji’s child.
Although the idea of having a child together is what initially brought them closer together, the reality of it all proves to be much more difficult than they anticipated. As they try to figure out how to raise their child, they must also deal with the judgment and scrutiny of those around them. This anime explores the complexities of parenthood and relationships in a very heart-wrenching and thought-provoking way. It’s not your typical BL anime.
See also: Top 13 Best BL Manhwa Full Of Love19. Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club
Episodes: 12; Studios: Kyoto Animation, Animation Do; Release Year: 2013; English Title: Free!
Haruka Nanase is a boy who has a natural talent for swimming. When he was a child, he used to swim in the sea with his friends Rin Matsuoka and Makoto Tachibana. However, one day an incident occurred that caused them to become separated. Years later, Haruka and Makoto reunite at Iwatobi High School, where they decide to create a swimming club. Along with their new friend Rei Ryugazaki, they recruit Nagisa Hazuki, a shy boy who also has a passion for swimming.
With their newly formed team, they compete in various tournaments and come up against strong rivals such as the members of the elite swimming club at Samezuka Academy. Through thick and thin, they persevere and learn not only how to be better swimmers but also how to be better friends.
20. Given
Episodes: 11; Studios: Lerche; Release Year: 2019; English Title: –
Upon waking up from a nap on the stairs of the school gymnasium, Mafuyu Satou is berated by classmate Ritsuka Uenoyama for letting his guitar strings rust and break. Mafuyu pleads with Ritsuka to fix the instrument, and in turn, teaches him how to play it. After some convincing, Uenoyama agrees and invites him to make an appearance in a jam session with two bandmates: bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji.
The beautiful voice of Satou fills the room, leading Uenoyama to decide that she wants to make Satou their lead singer. At first reticent, Satou accepts the offer after meeting an old friend and learning to play guitar in the span of one emotional meeting. With his new friend’s encouragement, it’s not just about learning how to play guitar; now Sato has to come to terms with the mysterious circumstances that led him to have it.
One of the best things about this anime is that it not only contains gay people but also has explicit BL relationships. The development between our main couple is gradual but still evident.
21. Love Stage
Episodes: 10; Studios: J.C.Staff; Release Year: 2014; English Title: –
Izumi Sena is a young man who dreams of becoming an actor. However, his father is a famous manga artist and does not want his son to enter the entertainment industry. One day, Izumi’s father sends him to take care of some business at a TV station. There, he meets Ryoma Ichijou, a young pop idol who is also attending the same school as Izumi. The two quickly become friends, but things start to get complicated when Ryoma starts to develop feelings for Izumi.
Love Stage! is a well-written and entertaining bl anime that is worth watching. The characters are likable and the story is engaging. If you’re looking for a good bl anime to watch, I highly recommend Love Stage!
See also: 80 Anime Traps That Shocked Everyone!22. Hitorijime My Hero
Episodes: 12; Studios: Encourage Films; Release Year: 2017; English Title: My Very Own Hero
The story follows the relationship between Masahiro Setagawa, a high school student who has been bullied all his life, and Kousuke Ooshiba, a local gangster. Setagawa’s life changes when he meets Ooshiba, who protects him from the bullies and helps him find a new purpose in life.
The anime has been praised for its realistic portrayal of bullying and the development of the relationship between Setagawa and Ooshiba. It has also been praised for its positive representation of LGBT relationships. Hitorijime My Hero is an important anime that provides insight into the lives of LGBT people and their struggles with discrimination and violence.
23. Haru wo Daiteita
Episodes: 2 OVA; Studios: Trinet Entertainment; Release Year: 2005; English Title: Embracing Love
Haru wo Daiteita, also known as Embracing Love, is a Japanese BL anime series. The story revolves around the relationship between two male college students, Akihiko Usami, and Hiroki Kamijou.
Akihiko is a popular novelist who writes under the pen name “Aya Nakahara.” Hiroki is a student in Akihiko’s literature class. The two men begin a tentative relationship, which quickly blossoms into something deeper.
The anime series follows the ups and downs of their relationship as they navigate their way through the challenges of being in a same-sex relationship.
24. Namui BL Manhwa Animation
Episodes: 12; Studios: – ; Release Year: 2018; English Title: Someone Else’s BL Cartoon
Class president Seunghee may seem like a regular high school boy, but in reality, he’s got some secrets: he loves to cross-dress and read BL comics. He thinks that his match might be the class troublemaker Gyu-bin. On the surface, they appear to have nothing in common and can’t seem to get along at all. However, once they enter Gyu-bin’s house after school, their relationship changes strangely.
See Recommended: Top 40 Best Isekai Manhwa with OP MC25. Vassalord
Episodes: 1 OVA; Studios: Production I.G; Release Year: 2013; English Title: –
Johnny Rayflo is a reckless and handsome young vampire playboy. Charley is a ruthless cyborg in the “human waste management” business, he does whatever Jhonny orders him to do. These two must work together despite their arguments for the sake of justice. But can Charley resist his bloodthirsty urges?
I love this BL anime because it’s so cute and playful. It has a yaoi couple who have been together for years, yet they still sleep together (in a nongraphic sexual way). Their relationship is a normal part of their lives and something they don’t think much about.
If you weren’t rooting for these guys to be gay, then you would assume they just go off a bit more than friends. Either way, I’ve already watched this a few times now and have no issues with watching it even more. It’s short and sweet and beautiful.
26. Tight-rope
Episodes: 2 OVA; Studios: PrimeTime; Release Year: 2012; English Title: –
The story follows Ryunosuke Fuwa, an unassuming high school student who discovers that he can walk on tight ropes.
With this newfound power, Ryunosuke begins to explore the world in a whole new way. He quickly finds himself caught up in a world of danger and intrigue, as he tries to uncover the secrets behind his abilities. Along the way, he meets a cast of colorful characters, including the mysterious Misaki Tachibana and the energetic Koyuki Sasaki.
Tight Rope is an oddball manga-inspired series that had me questioning what the hell was going on for a large chunk of its run. The outlooks of the characters are undeniably positive and there’s a pleasant sense of humor about it all; Tight Rope is feel-good BL anime. The inability to maintain relevance beyond its snappiness and the black mark to its name ultimately prevents Tight Rope from being remarkable though.
Halfway through the runtime, the anime started to feel overstuffed. Worse than that though, one of those dated tropes from BL appeared. The good feeling was disappearing, and while there was some discussion about consent to build a strong ending note, the series felt infected.
27. Gakuen Heaven
Episodes: 13; Studios: Tokyo Kids; Release Year: 2006; English Title: Boy’s Love Scramble
Gakuen Heaven is a BL anime that revolves around a high school for boys with supernatural powers. It follows the everyday lives of the students attending the academy, as well as their interactions with each other and the staff. However, there is a dark side to the school, as some of the students are hiding dangerous secrets. As the series progresses, these secrets are revealed and the characters must deal with the consequences.
28. Seitokaichou ni Chuukoku
Episodes: 2 (OVA); Studios: PrimeTime; Release Year: 2009; English Title: Hey Class President!
A young man named Shiro is elected as the student council president of his school. He quickly realizes that the position comes with a lot of responsibility, and he must learn to deal with the various issues that come up in his new role.
One of the biggest challenges he faces is dealing with the vice president, who seems to be constantly trying to undermine him. Shiro must also contend with the fact that he is falling in love with one of his female classmates, which complicates things further. Ultimately, Shiro must learn to navigate these challenges if he wants to be successful as the student council president.
29. Suki na Mono wa Suki Dakara Shou ga Nai!!
Episodes: 12, Studios: Zexcs, English Title: Sukisho, Release Year: 2005 6.65
Sora Hashiba returns from the hospital. He was there because he fell from the window of the school building. His body is not damaged, but what is, he loses his memory.
By the time he goes back to school, he knows who is. But there is one thing he doesn’t know: the new student who moves into his room. A bit stressful that on the first day (or rather, the first night) he declares his love but instead of Sora, he calls him Yoru.
The next day, the one who identified himself the night before as Ran strongly denies what happened and claims that his name is Sunao Fujimori. So how will they both deal with the fact that their split personalities are in love with each other even though they are not? And in general, since when are they in love?
30. Ikoku Irokoi Romantan
Episodes OVA 2, English Title: A Foreign Love Affair, Studios: PrimeTime, Release Year: 2007 6.93
This BL anime begins on a cruise, so we meet this character her name is Kaoru and then we meet this other character Ranmaru who is having an arranged marriage. They know each other since childhood, but they don’t want to get forced into marrying each other.
They get into a fight, and Karen kicks Rammaru out, he goes to the bar, where he meets a new character, Ryuuji and he almost gets into a fight with him until Prince Charming, Valentino steps in and stops the fight. Anyways, the two boys go get themselves a room, a spicy room if you know what I mean. When the two men meet again in Italy, it is the start of a spectacular love story.
31. Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru
Episodes: 24, English Title: The Betrayal Knows My Name, Studios: J.C.Staff, Release Year: 2010 7.22
Yuki Sakurai is not an ordinary guy. Not only because he lives in an orphanage, but because he has special powers. From now on, these powers will get him into trouble. However, he will meet a mysterious silver-haired guy who calls himself Zweilt. The Zweilt Guardians are a bunch of hot males, plus one female, who have supernatural powers.
As Yuki begins to learn more about his new home and the people who live there, he soon discovers that his powers may be connected to the demons they’re hunting.
Fortunately for those who don’t like a BL anime and unfortunately for those who do, the boys never kiss, I doubt there were hugs either. But that’s not what makes the anime bad! There is a lot of action and relationships of different kinds. There is quite a lot of emotional depth and a lot of fighting.
Warning: on first viewing, the ending of the anime may disappoint. You have to watch it twice to understand that it’s not that disappointing.
32. Ten Count
Episode: 1 (Movie), Studios: SynergySP, East Fish Studio, Release Year Expected: 2023
The boy’s loving world was thrust into a state of shaking and crying when it was announced that the anime version will be released in 2023 in Japan, BL fans erupted with joy. bottom line after this wait I will be tuning into Ten Count because honestly in my humble opinion, this is the BL anime we have all been waiting for.
The story follows Shirotani, a man with mysophobia who meets Tadaomi, a counselor who offers to help him overcome his fear. However, Tadaomi has ulterior motives, and as the two grow closer, Shirotani starts to fall for him.
33. Yami no Matsuei
Episodes: 13, Studios: J.C.Staff, English Title: Descendants of Darkness, Release Year: 2000 7.04
Tsuzuki Asato, a Shinigami (God of Death) who works for the Department of Heaven’s Affairs, and his partner, Kurosaki Hisoka. Together, they investigate supernatural murders in Tokyo. Tsuzuki must then deal with the politics and intrigue of the underworld, as well as the dangers that come with being the new God of Death.
While the show might not be strictly BL, there are a lot of hints of attraction between our two male leads. I believe that they experience strong and undying love for each other, but other fans are free to form their interpretations.
Muraki is much less ambiguous and regularly molests the protagonist; like with many homosexual relationships, we can read this lust as one-sided. However, while Muraki’s crush on Tsuzuki isn’t ever acted on in an overtly sexual way, there are some very erotic moments between our male protagonists (even though nothing explicitly sexual happens).
34. Kono Danshi, Ningyo Hiroimashita
Episodes: 1 (OVA); Studios: CoMix Wave Films; Release Year: 2012; English Title: This Boy Caught A Merman 7.30
Kono Danshi Ningyo Hiroimashita is a popular BL OVA where Shima accidentally drops a photo of his late grandfather into the ocean and jumps in after it. Saved by a merman, Shima takes him home but their relationship turns into something more than either of them expected. Non-BL anime fans will appreciate this as well because the yaoi undertones are not very strong.
35. Yes ka No ka Hanbun ka
Episodes: 1 (OVA); Studios: Lesprit; Release Year: 2020; English Title: Yes, No, or Maybe?
Television news veteran Kei Kunieda rarely displays any signs of laziness when he’s on the job. However, when he’s not in the spotlight, his personality can be described as brash. As a reporter, Kei has been assigned to interview Ushio Tsuzuki, a recently-popular stop-motion animator, on the same night that Tsuzuki and Kei have an unfortunate encounter. To repay him for injuring his hand, Kei is forced into helping Suzuki with his next anime project; while they work together, Kei falls in love with Tsuzuki
36. Kono Danshi, Mahou ga Oshigoto desu
Episodes: 4; Studios: CoMix Wave Films; Release Year: 2016; English Title: This Boy is a Professional Wizard 6.97
Kashima is a wizard who works for the Department of Magic. One night at his favorite bar, he’s approached by Toyohi, a friendly traveler, who dreams of becoming a wizard. They fall in love, but Kashima worries that Toyohi loves him only because of his magical abilities. This is a BL anime about love and support, told by director Soubi Yamamoto.
37. Yuri!!! On Ice
Episodes: 12; Studios: MAPPA; English Title: -; Release Year: 2016
Yuri!!! On Ice is an anime that follows the figure skating journey of Yuri Katsuki. After a crushing loss at the Grand Prix Finals, Yuri returns home to Hasetsu in Kyushu. There, he meets Viktor Nikiforov, a famous Russian skater who has come to Japan to coach Yuri. The two quickly become friends and together, they work towards Yuri’s goal of becoming a world champion.
While the focus of the anime is on the sport of figure skating, it also explores the relationship between Yuri and Viktor. The two boys develop strong feelings for each other and their mutual love for figure skating only strengthens their bond. Yuri!!! On Ice is a must-BL anime watch. The chemistry between Yuri and Viktor is electric and their story will stay with you long after the anime has ended.
38. Dakaichi
Episodes: 13; Studios: CloverWorks; English Title: -; Release Year: 2018
Takato Saijyo has today proved beyond any doubt that he is not just a successful actor, but an excellent one as well. This year, Takato’s been voted “Number One Man I Want to be Hugged By” – a sign that his career is only just beginning. It soon becomes clear, though, that Junya has obtained some career-ending evidence that could spell trouble for him.
Problematic in some respects, Dakaichi has a fresh and intriguing tone. As the show’s first episode progresses, its trajectory is less objectionable than some other series of its ilk. If you like your BL with one guy much more aggressive than the other, Dakaichi may be the show for you.
39. Junjou Romantica
Episodes: 12; Studios: Studio Deen; Release Year: 2008 ; English Title: Junjo Romantica
The anime follows the relationships between three different couples: the college student Misaki Takahashi and his older brother’s best friend, Akihiko Usami; the high schooler Hiroki Kamijou and his childhood friend, Nowaki Kusama; and finally, Shinobu Tateno and Mitsunori Nitta, who work together at a publishing company.
Junjo Romantica is generally classified as BL anime, although it does not exclusively focus on sexual contact between men like most yaoi series. Instead, the show’s primary focus is on the emotional aspects of the relationships between the characters.
40. Gravitation
Shuichi Shindo is a young singer-songwriter who falls in love with Eiri Yuki, a famous novelist. The two men must navigate their burgeoning relationship against the backdrop of the competitive music industry, and their story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Gravitation is an excellent Shounen BL anime and at the same time, it’s a quality anime. It is amusing, the series has many good laughs. The show also has cringe moments, but I guess that’s part of the experience. There are also shocking moments – there are points when you have to pause the screen to take in what just happened.