Gay anime is a genre of anime that focuses on stories about LGBTQ+ characters and their relationships. The genre has grown in popularity in recent years and the yaoi anime list is finally starting to grow.
When exploring this niche genre, there’s not much to go at. Fans of yaoi/gay/BL anime will know exactly what I mean. But, thankfully, we’ve been treated to quality over quantity.
And today, I have listed 25 of the best Yaoi anime that every BL anime fan needs to watch. There are seasons, movies, and OVAs, and they are filled with everything you want from a yaoi anime.
These stories explore topics such as coming out, self-acceptance, and love without moving into hentai territory.
So, let’s get started!
25. Fake
- Runtime- 60 minutes
- Watch On- 9anime
Fake is a story about two NYPD officers, Dee Laytner and Randy “Ryo” Maclean. Dee is a powerful and handsome cop who has feelings for Ryo. Ryo, on the other hand, is a half-Japanese who is not very comfortable with Dee’s love.
Their NYPD team decides to take a break and goes for a vacation in England. Dee’s agenda for this vacation is to make Ryo fall in love with him.
But, their relaxing vacation turns red when someone starts killing Japanese people in the hotel they are staying in.
Will Dee and Ryo get time to work on their relationship amidst the killings?
24. Given
- Total Season(s): 1
- Total Episodes: 11
- Watch On: Crunchyroll
Given is a romance anime between two high schoolers, Mafuyu Satou and Ritsuka Uenoyama. Mafuyu, who is a guitarist, keeps his guitar close to him. Ritsuka, after seeing this, feels Mafuyu is lonely and wants to know his story.
Ritsuka, who has a great voice, joins Mafuyu’s band “Given.”
While preparing for a performance, both Mafuyu and Ritsuka start spending time with each other.
After an awesome performance, Mafuyu and Ritsuka come close to one another and their relationship starts.
23. Yuri on Ice
- Total Season(s): 1
- Total Episodes: 12
- Watch On: Crunchyroll
If you like to see a love triangle, then this is a must-watch for you.
Yuri on Ice! is about a skater, who has recently faced many defeats. Victor, a World champion, decides to coach him after seeing his game. Yuko is another super player, who takes coaching from Victor.
All three of them – Yuri, Yuko, and Victor – spend a lot of time together practicing and eventually growing close to each other.
Yuko already had feelings for Yuri. Victor too starts liking Yuri.
Now, it’s up to Yuri. Who will he choose?
22. Umibe no Étranger
- Runtime: 59 minutes
- Watch On: Netflix
Umibe no Etranger, also known as The Stranger by the Beach, is a complicated love story between Shun Hashimoto and Mio Chibana.
Shun is a gay novelist who is abandoned by his family. And Mio is an orphaned high school student. They both meet each other by the sea as Mio likes to spend time on the beach.
Soon, Shun starts developing feelings for Mio. Until one day Mio tells Shun that he has to go back to the mainland.
The story continues as after 3 years Mio finds Shun, to confess his love.
21. Tight Rope
- Total Season(s): 1
- Total Episodes: 2
- Watch On: Bilibili
Tight Rope is a story about the heir of a Yakuza family and his childhood love.
Ryuunosuke, also known as Ryu, belongs to the Yakuza family. Since childhood, he has been in love with Naoki, and he shouts at any girl who wants to come close to Naoki. Ryu knows that no one will accept his love, so he leaves the Yakuza.
Ryu had plans to take up a job somewhere and build a happy family with Naoki.
But Ryu’s past might haunt them forever!
20. Hyperventilation
- Total Season(s): 1
- Total Episodes: 7
- Watch On: Bilibili
Hyperventilation is an anime about two high school students, Myongi and Sunho.
Myongi has a lung disease, which causes him to hyperventilate. Sunho is the class president, who tries to talk to Myongi sometimes so that he does not feel alone.
Both of them have the exact opposite personality. Years later, at the school reunion, they both meet again.
Being adults now, their feelings start kindling again from their youths.
19. Semantic Error
- Total Season(s): 1
- Total Episodes: 4
- Watch On: 9anime
Semantic Error is a story about two boys whose personalities are totally different. One is Chu Sangwoo, a very disciplined young artist who is perfectly happy in his world.
The other is Jang Jaeyoung, who wants to go abroad to study. He has got everything- from good looks and skills to family and good relationships.
When they both meet, Jang instantly falls for Chu.
But due to their different personalities, he is unable to confess his love for him.
Will an engineer and an artist come together in a relationship?
18. Fairy Ranmaru
- Total Season(s): 1
- Total Episodes: 12
- Watch On: Crunchyroll
Fairy Ranmaru is a gay anime that features male characters who transform into magical heroes to battle evil forces. Its beautiful presentation and good-looking guys have garnered a huge fan base.
The story follows five young men who work as performers at the Fairy Park theater. They are also known as the “Fairy Musketeers,” and they use their powers to protect the dreams and hopes of the audience.
Fairy Ranmaru features a mix of action, comedy, and drama. It explores themes of friendship, love, and the power of dreams. The series has shown immense gay love with lots of flamboyant flairs.
17. Hey, Class President
- Total Season(s): 1
- Total Episodes: 2
- Watch On: Betaseries
Hey, Class President is one of the spiciest gay anime with a whole lotta lovin’.
The story revolves around Chiga, the Vice President of the student council who tries his best to save and protect the students from getting into any kind of trouble.
Chiga finds himself drawn toward the power and strength of the student council President, Kokusai. He is uncontrollably attracted to him and finds it impossible to accept.
Will the President accept Chiga’s proposal?
16. Gravitation
- Total Season(s): 1
- Total Episodes: 13
- Watch On: Crunchyroll
Gravitation is an outstanding shoujo-ish anime that tackles plenty of themes such as music, ambition, and romance.
Shuichi Shindou dreams of becoming a successful musician and strives to do so with his band members at his side. One day, while wanting to finish the lyrics, Shuichi meets novelist Eiri Yuki. Yuki openly declares that Shuichi cannot write lyrics and has no talent.
Frustrated Shuichi, finishes the lyrics and gives them to the band.
Does Shuichi have any feelings for Yuki?
Gravitation has plenty of romantic scenes for LGBTQ viewers to enjoy.
15. Finder no Hyouteki
- Total Season(s): 1
- Total Episodes: 2
- Watch On: Betaseries
Finder no Hyouteki is an anime series adapted from manga of the same name.
It follows the story of a young man named Akihito Takaba, a freelance photographer, who gets caught up in a dangerous world of spies. He ends up capturing the photo of Ryuichi Asami, a criminal.
Ryuichi finds Akihito and rapes him for capturing him. After this incident, both of them feel attracted to each other.
Enter, Liu Fei Long!
He has a personal grudge against Ryuichi, as he thinks Asami is the reason for his father’s death. Liu also gets attracted to Akihito, and now he is seeking an opportunity to take revenge on Ryuichi.
Will Akihito save Ryuichi?
14. Sekaiichi Hatsukoi
- Total Season(s)- 2
- Total Episodes- 24
- Watch On- Crunchyroll
Also known as The World’s Greatest First Love, this yaoi anime is about Ritsu Onodera, who leaves his father’s company to establish himself.
While working in a company, he is given the position of a beginner manga editor with harsh deadlines to meet.
One day he meets editor-in-chief Masamune Takano, who used to be his high school love. In fact, it was because of this one-sided love that Ritsu is afraid to believe in love again.
Due to work, both of them keep coming together again and again.
Will Ritsu confess his love to Takano?
13. Super Lovers
- Total Season(s)- 2
- Total Episodes- 20
- Watch On- Crunchyroll
Super Lovers follows high school student Haru who moves to Canada to live with his mother who has remarried.
He meets his new adoptive brother, Ren Kaidō, who is still a young child. Haru takes his little brother Ren as a favor to his mother, to make him more civilized. However, Haru swiftly falls in love with the defiant child, struggling between parenthood and romance.
This oddly heartwarming love triangle is complicated by the fact that the young boy himself returns those same romantic feelings.
As Ren grows up, their relationship evolves into something more complicated.
Super Lovers follows their story as they navigate their complicated feelings and the struggles of growing up.
12. Banana Fish
- Total Season(s)- 1
- Total Episodes- 24
- Watch On- Justwatch
Banana Fish is an epic crime and coming-of-age drama that follows two boys- Ash Lynx and Eiji Okamura.
The duo has been separated in the past by mysteries associated with a mysterious drug called “Banana Fish,” but circumstances eventually bring them together in the wild and unpredictable world of gang wars in New York City.
With its suspenseful plot, interesting characters, and breathtaking animation, it is no surprise that Banana Fish has become one of the most beloved gay anime series of all time.
11. Pico To Chico
- Total Season(s)- 1
- Total Episodes- 4
- Watch On- 9anime
Pico To Chico is a gay anime that has an immense fan following.
Pico and Chico are two boys- Pico is older than Chico and they both meet while biking.
Chico has a younger sister, whom he sees pleasuring herself. Seeing this Chico calls Pico to his home. Pico decides to guide Chico, and they both form an unlikely bond as they embark on a series of adventures together.
Pico To Chico is known for its unique art style, heartwarming story, and strong character development.
10. Marudase Kintarou
- Runtime- 9 minutes
- Watch On- Crunchyroll
Marudase Kintarou is a popular anime series that’s only 9 minutes long, but it’s 9 minutes of pure yaoi chaos.
The OVA follows the adventures of Makoto.
Makoto’s grandfather was the principal of a very great Onodera Academy. After his sudden demise, Makoto is left with a very special mention of his name in the will by his grandfather. His grandfather wrote in his will that, whoever can seduce Makoto with their sexual powers, will be the new principal of the school.
Listening to this condition in the will Makoto finds himself a target for lustful staff. He immediately calls his old friend and lover Kintaro, to save him.
9. Gakuen Heaven
- Total Season(s)- 1
- Total Episodes- 13
- Watch On- Crunchyroll
Gakuen Heaven is a boys-love anime about a small-town guy, Keita Ito, who dreams of cutting-edge technology and makes it into an amazing “Bell Liberty Academy” where he gets to learn all kinds of new skills.
He quickly finds himself at the center of attention when he meets Kaoru and his two friends, Yuki and Tatsuya, who show him all the wonders of the Academy.
With lots of romance and heartwarming moments, Gakuen Heaven will keep you entertained!
8. Loveless
- Total Season(s)- 1
- Total Episodes- 12
- Watch On- 9anime
Loveless is a psychological drama that follows the story of Ritsuka Aoyagi. He’s been traumatized by the death of his brother and investigates the dark side of Tokyo’s underground.
Soubi, a friend of Ritsuka’s brother, approaches him to investigate the matter. Despite all this, the arrival of psychic warfare specialist Seimei complicates matters even further.
While Ritsuka and Soubi are investigating the matter, feelings start developing between them.
Fans of gay anime will enjoy exploring its intricate plot and characters as this gripping journey reaches its bittersweet conclusion.
7. No.6
- Total Season(s)- 1
- Total Episodes- 11
- Watch On- Crunchyroll
Another gem of a yaoi anime, No. 6 is set in a future metropolis and follows the story of two boys – Shion and Nezumi.
Shion once saved Nezumi when the two were just children.
Forced apart and reunited 8 years later in a science fiction city known as No. 6, their relationship quickly changes. Now, after these many years, it is Nezumi’s turn to return kindness by saving Shion.
This thrilling epic romance is perfect for fans of anime looking for a queer love story with plenty of interesting revelations and a twist that will leave you speechless!
6. Koisuru Boukun
- Total Season(s)- 1
- Total Episodes- 2
- Watch On- Bilibili
Get ready to enter the world of Koisuru Boukun, an anime about love and relationships that defy stereotypes and expectations.
Based on a manga series, this highly-rated anime has just 2 episodes.
It follows the story of Souichi Tatsumi, a college student who is an arrogant, selfish, and outspoken homophobe. Souichi meets Tetsuhiro Morinaga- a gorgeous yet strange man with one very surprising secret.
Morinaga quickly falls in love with Souichi. He confesses his love, but Soucihi denies it.
Due to an unfortunate incident, they both come close physically. Now, will their relationship blossom?
5. Junjou Romantica
- Total Season(s)- 3
- Total Episodes- 37
- Watch On- Crunchyroll
There’s no better way to get your gay anime fix than with Junjou Romantica!
This long-running series centers around the intense and passionate romance between 3 romance stories.
The first is between a student and a novelist. Second is a little complicated relationship between a pediatrician and a professor. And the third one is between an 18-year-old man and his professor.
All three relationships are different, along with the focus on gay relationships, there are enough wacky hijinks and sweet moments to keep viewers entertained in between.
4. Love Stage
- Total Season(s)- 1
- Total Episodes- 11
- Watch On- Crunchyroll
Fans of light-hearted romance are sure to fall in love with the Love Stage!
It follows the story of Izumi Sena, who is born into a popular family where all are connected to the entertainment industry.
Izumi wanted to be a manga artist, but once when he was little, he took up a job as a magazine model. Ten years later, the magazine wants him again.
This time Izumi meets Ryoma. He comes to know that Ryoma has feelings for him. Ryoma, who thought that Izumi is a girl(due to his unisex name and feminine personality), realizes his mistake after meeting Izumi.
Will Izumi fall for Ryoma? And will Ryoma’s feelings go away after realizing Izumi is male?
3. Doukyuusei
- Runtime- 60 minutes
- Watch On- Justwatch
Doukyuusei is a romantic anime movie that follows the story of two high school boys, Sajo and Kusakabe, who fall in love during choir practice.
This anime focuses on their blooming relationship as they navigate their feelings for each other while dealing with societal norms and prejudices.
Rihito Sajo is an honor student who is good at studies, and Hikaru Kusakabe is a musician and very popular with the ladies. They both help each other improve their singing skills and spend a lot of time together. And, in doing so, fall for each other.
The animation style used in this movie is visually stunning, and the portrayal of the romance between the two male characters is both heartfelt and realistic.
2. Antidote
- Total Season(s)- 1
- Total Episodes- 13
- Watch On- 9anime
Antidote is a different-style anime series.
The story revolves around Cheng Ke. He belongs to a privileged background but cuts all ties with them and moves into an apartment. The apartment he rents is owned by Jiang Yuduo.
Cheng, unable to do minimal daily tasks, is dependent on his landlord Jiang Yuduo.
The two of them form a special bond. But the twist comes when both of their pasts come back. Now, how will their relationship proceed?
1. Free!
- Total Season(s)- 1
- Total Episodes- 12
- Watch On- Netflix
Free! is a Japanese anime television series directed by Hiroko Utsumi and produced by Kyoto Animation and Animation Do.
The anime follows Haruka Nanase, a student at Iwatobi High School, and his friends as they compete in various swimming competitions.
Haruka is a gifted swimmer and is attending Hidaka University. There he meets his old schoolmate Shiina Asahi. They both do not have good memories together. He also meets his other schoolmates, including Ikuya, who resents Haruka.
While focusing on his swimming competition, Haruka also tries to patch things with Ikuya. Will they both move forward in their relationship?
Wrapping up
So, above are some of the best yaoi anime you must watch.
Yaoi anime has come a long way in recent years. Apart from the quantity, the quality and representation have improved a lot. And it’s good to see new yaoi anime moving away from stereotypical and borderline offensive LGBTQ+ characters.
