Boy’s love anime, also known as Shounen-ai, presents sexual and romantic exchanges between male characters as well as implied feelings of love. Like a tsunami, Boy’s Love has swept over all the female anime viewers. In recent years, the BL genre has become quite popular and has attracted the attention of major anime studios.
In terms of displaying and developing relationships that are realistic and emotionally complex, these BL anime are on top of their game. If you are planning to venture into BL anime or have already ventured and are looking for recommendations, then you are at the right place.
There are dozens of anime genres, some are very popular, and some have less audience but a very dedicated one. Boys Love anime comes in that category. These animes are not for everybody, but the quality is top-notch.
Despite its long history, there is surprisingly not a lot of anime to watch in this genre. You will be surprised and disappointed at how little the selection there is compared to all the other genres.
And since the selection is so small, this makes it even harder for a good anime series to come along. As rare as they may be, there’re still some excellent options. So, here we are with the list of best BL anime to help you choose a good one to watch. Well, then let’s dive into the BL anime world.
Given
As Mafuyu Satou steps outside of his dark apartment to begin another day of high school, he clutches tightly to his Gibson guitar. He is taking a nap on the stairs of the gymnasium when he has the chance encounter with fellow student Ritsuka Uenoyama, who chastises him for allowing his guitar strings to rust and break.
Satou notices Uenoyama’s knowledge of the instrument and pleads with him to fix it and to teach him how to play. Finally, Uenoyama grants his request and allows him to listen in a jam session with his two band members: bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji.
Satou’s voice is stunningly beautiful, making Uenoyama determined to make Satou the band’s lead singer. Satou accepts the offer after an emotional reunion with an old friend despite his reticence at first. His new friends support Satou as he not only learns to play the guitar but also grapples with the mysterious circumstances that led him to own it.
Giving manages to strike a balance between being openly gay without becoming overly erotical in order to appeal to a niche audience. Everyone who is open-minded to the possibility of love beyond conventional desires can enjoy this sweet, realistic, down-to-earth romance.
Characterization is rare in a single-course romance, but Given makes this a strong point. Every bandmate has practical goals, motivations, and backstories that are woven into the narratives as the episodes progress and are not confined to a short period of time.
It is because of this methodical progression that the episodes flow smoothly, as no episode has a dominant character focus. Unlike many romance anime series today, Mafuyu and Uenoyama’s relationship is grounded on principles that reflect real-life relationships in the real world.
Dokyuusei
Hikaru Kusakabe is a carefree, normal boy in a rock band who is always in the present. The entire class is forced to participate in a chorus festival during the summer.
It is just by chance that he discovers his classmate Rihito Sajou, who has excellent grades and is an honor student, practicing his music alone. When Sajou cannot sing their class song, Kusakabe, pleased at seeing a different side of his straight-laced classmate, offers to help him prepare.
They grow closer over time despite their lives and personalities being opposites. What will become of them and their growing relationship under the pressure of an unknown future?
Within a short period of time, the settings perfectly reflect the ups and downs of a relationship without feeling forced or rushed. The joy of love, the misunderstandings, the light drama, and the resolution are beautifully presented.
A very unique art style contributes greatly to the enactment of the story. In these rough-sketch-like pictures and animations, the essence of youth romance is perfectly captured. It gives off this feeling of effervescence with its brightly tinted pictures as if they were taking you to the sky.
Kusakabe is a musician who spends most of his time with friends and practicing with his band, while Sajou is a quiet academic who spends most of his time at cram school and worrying about college. It’s adorable how they deal with each other.
Rather than having a push-and-pull relationship, both characters show equal amounts of love for each other. Supporting characters provide drama to the story and a deeper appreciation of the MCs’ feelings for each other. Cast members are kept to a minimum, which is a good choice since the movie only runs for one hour and is already very crowded.
Umibe no Étranger
An openly gay and striving novelist living in Okinawa, Shun Hashimoto’s parents abandoned him when he came out to them. Mio Chibana is a withdrawn, orphaned high school student who likes spending time on the beach. They meet on the beach one day, and Shun is instantly captivated by Mio. As they grow closer and closer, the days pass until Mio suddenly announces that he must leave for the mainland.
Mio returns to Okinawa as a 20-year-old to confess his love to Shun after three years. During those three years, Shun’s life has changed dramatically. Is he capable of accepting Mio’s feelings and making such a commitment?
Mio and Shun contrast one another. Even though Shun knew he was gay before Mio, he still hasn’t accepted his sexuality. On the other hand, Mio is young, naive, and is comfortable with openly confessing his love for Shun. Their differences balance each other out. Mio learns about Shun’s family situation, while Shun learns that he shouldn’t be ashamed about their love from Mio.
When someone of the same gender or sex expresses feelings for you, there is nothing wrong with it. Shun finally comes to terms with the fact that this is how he is, and that’s perfectly fine. The characters are all special in their own way; there’s not really anyone that you’ll dislike.
Umibe no Étranger is a story that bases itself on coming to terms with who you are and your situation. It is a story of first love and maturing. It’s so refreshing to actually just enjoy a simple romance between the two.
Sasaki to Miyano
The troubles of Yoshikazu Miyano begin one hot summer day when Shuumei Sasaki walks into his life. Miyano’s classmate is saved from a group of bullies by Sasaki, and as a result, Miyano has trouble shaking off his eccentric upperclassman.
As his admiration for Sasaki gradually dwindles into annoyance, the delinquent refuses to leave him alone. Being constantly called cute nicknames and having his boundaries ignored, Miyano wonders why Sasaki wants to be close to him.
A shy and easily flustered Miyano harbors an embarrassing secret: He is a Fudanshi, an admirer of boys’ love mangas. As the last thing he wants is for other students to discover the truth, he accidentally tells Sasaki the truth. Sasaki, intrigued, asks to borrow a book to read, which is reluctantly granted. To Miyano’s surprise, Sasaki enjoys the BL he receives and asks for more, marking a shift in their relationship.
While Sasaki appears to have some personal agenda, his feelings for Miyano become more complicated as they spend more time together. Now that they share a common interest, their relationship is poised to change and grow.
The characters are adorable and interact well with each other. One leads is shy, while the other is extroverted. That’s a great contrast between the leads. Sasaki is much more forward in his feelings in an extremely realistic way, and we get to see cute little Miyano cook his brain thinking about his actions and their meanings. This is also very realistic for a high school gay romance.
The main relationship itself is refreshing and wholesome. It’s innocent and simple and doesn’t get bogged down by the “gay denial” trope that so many BL seems to throw in to create unnecessary drama.
Seikaiichi Hatsukoi
After dealing with jealous co-workers because he works under his father’s name, prideful literary editor Ritsu Onodera wants to make a name for himself. For this purpose, he leaves his father’s publishing company and transfers to Marukawa Publishing.
As opposed to being placed in their literary division, Ritsu now works as the rookie manga editor for Emerald’s editing department, a team that works under extremely tight deadlines to keep up with the company’s production schedule. Masamune Takano, an infamous editor-in-chief who strives for results, is introduced to Ritsu there.
As it turns out, Takano was Ritsu’s high school love, and the aftermath of that heartbreak has caused Ritsu’s aversion to falling in love again. Now that the two are reunited after some years apart, Takano’s vow to make Ritsu realize that he loves him again marks the reestablishment of their relationship.
Sekaiichi Hatsukoi focuses on three couples in the manga industry, with each being subject to the budding of first love.
There are three stories revolving around six main characters in the anime. The basic setting is that all the characters work on or are familiar with shoujo mangas. The two main characters and the main couple work in an editing company for shoujo mangas, and it really shows the daily routine of a manga editor. This story has its own special originality to it, which won’t make the viewers bored if they are those who really focus on the storyline or setting.
Even though some pairings have very fast or slow development and all, they are all an important substance in the story, and they bring up their own originality in their own way.
Hybrid Child
Kuroda created artificial humans called Hybrid Child, which are neither machines nor dolls, but rather reflect the love shown to them. Even though they have their own consciousness and can feel human emotions, they are not real humans and require love to thrive.
Kotarou Izumi is the heir to the noble Izumi family, so it is frowned upon when he brings home an abandoned Hybrid Child found in the garbage. When Kotarou isn’t paying attention, his family tries to throw away Hazuki, Kotarou’s name for the Hybrid Child.
As they overcome these obstacles, their love and bond grow stronger. After ten years, however, a horrifying realization dawns on them: a Hybrid Child may not live forever.
Hybrid Child is a selection of three short stories about the relationship between artificial humans and their owners.
This show tells three different stories that are not connected to one another, and each one reveals more about the relationships between men and their hybrid children. All in all, the stories are nice, and though they’re short, we learn enough about the characters and their backstories.
The characters are a very strong point of this show. There aren’t any annoying characters or ones you’ll hate or dislike. They are all easy to relate to characters, and you will like them all.
Hybrid Child is a special one, and you can’t go wrong watching it, whether you’re a BL fan or not, because you will be swept away by the beauty of the story and relationships this show offers. This anime is a masterpiece. It’s original, beautiful, honest, and gut-wrenching.
Junjou Romantica
Misaki Takahashi, a high school student, returns home to see his older brother being fondled by an unknown man. Unable to comprehend such a sight, Misaki finds out that the stranger is actually Akihiko Usami, a popular novelist, and his brother’s best friend. After slowly becoming acquainted, Akihiko ends up becoming Misaki’s tutor.
Misaki, however, becomes unsure whether to trust Akihiko regarding his friendship with the student’s brother after discovering the author’s latest boys-love novel.
Hiroki Kamijou, Akihiko’s friend and a teacher of classical literature, is mourning a failed romance. On the verge of a breakdown, he meets student Nowaki Kusama, who needs his help for an upcoming exam. After repeatedly refusing Nowaki’s request, Hiroki finally lends him a hand. During their relationship, more revelations about the student emerge.
Furthermore, when wealthy teenager Shinobu Takatsuki discovers that his older sister divorced Hiroki’s co-worker You Miyagi, he immediately wants to date him, as he saved Shinobu from a robbery three years earlier. The same cannot be said for You, who tries to scare him away. Shinobu proves to the educator that he will do everything in his power to pursue their destined romance.
Junjou Romantica collects three love stories, narrating every couple’s romance.
The story is very simple but very powerful, with a lot of colorful words. It’s about three homosexual couples, how they live their daily lives, some knew they were gay and accepted it, it also shows the people that don’t really know if they are gay, or even what being gay really means. It shows their struggle through acceptance, denial, and their love for one another. This anime shows how pure love is and how it is unexpected.
Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu
For five straight years, Takato Saijou has been named “Sexiest Man of the Year.” He is a successful actor with 20 years of experience, and he is aware of his good looks. Takato is proud of his career and regards the title as an appropriate marker.
When his reign is ended by acting newcomer Junta Azumaya, who debuted only three years ago, Takato’s initial shock becomes jealous hostility. As if by magic, Junta has somehow surpassed him in the new drama that he has been cast in; snatching Takato’s usual lead role, Junta consistently annoys him. The bright smiles and kind words that accompany everything Junta does irritate him the most.
As this animosity grows, however, Junta catches Takato in a rather vulnerable drunken state. Takato, endangering his own image, confronts the junior actor with harsh words and angry comments – an opportunity that Junta takes full advantage of. Now that Takato Saijou is on video fighting with a co-star, Junta has the perfect means to blackmail him.
In asking his enemy’s price for his silence, Takato is shocked to discover that Junta’s motivation lies far from advancing his career; instead, his terms can only be fulfilled in bed!
While the plot isn’t something out of the ordinary, the way it is executed makes the story interesting. The key to why this anime is so good is that there aren’t any major conflicts that drag on for several episodes. This anime is light-hearted, with bits of comical scenes; you will find yourself smiling at the screen quite a lot. This is a show that’s really enjoyable to watch and has a really high re-watch factor.
Hitorijime My Hero
Often used as an errand boy by the neighborhood bullies, Masahiro Setagawa is a hopeless teenager. Without an ally, Masahiro knows he will never be saved. He finds his life permanently altered when he meets Kousuke Ooshiba, dubbed the “Bear Killer,” who takes down neighborhood gangs.
One year later, Masahiro and his old friend, Kensuke Ooshiba, attend high school, only to find that their math teacher is Kousuke. With the three growing closer, Masahiro views Kousuke as a hero, and Kousuke gains an urging desire to protect Masahiro.
Asaya Hasekura, Kensuke’s childhood friend, surprises him by returning, seeing Kensuke as more than just a friend. Can the three boys live a normal high school life? Or will forbidden love keep them apart forever?
While the story is your typical slice of life/high school/romance anime, it keeps you engaged throughout. In addition to well-developed characters, the story has a good balance between comedy, drama, and romance in the story. There is so much comedy in this anime. If you are looking for an anime that is funny, you should check out this series.
You will be able to get a great laugh in every single episode. Despite the comedy, there is also a good balance of drama, emotions, and romance. Here’s another great BL anime for those of you who are looking for one.
You really get involved in all the characters. When watching this, you really feel that these characters are very real in the way they interact. It’s very believable, and if not for everything else, that’s great about this anime; the characters are really what shine here.
Love Stage!!
Anyone who has a mother who is an actress, a father who is a producer, and a brother who is a rockstar would expect Izumi Sena to go into showbiz eventually. Despite this, aside from a commercial for a wedding magazine when he was a child, Izumi has never been in the spotlight; rather, he plans to become a manga artist.
A decade later, the magazine calls for a 10th-anniversary ad, requesting the original child actors again. As a result, Izumi is reunited with Ryouma Ichijou, now a famed actor who, much to Izumi’s shock, is deeply in love with him!
However, because of Izumi’s feminine appearance and unisex name, Ryouma erred in believing the boy was a girl and continues to believe so to this day. The troubles for Izumi are just beginning since Ryouma is unable to shed his feelings despite discovering the truth.
Characters are one of the best things about this show, and one of the main reasons you will enjoy it. You will enjoy the mere presence of almost every single character in this show.
In terms of the story, it isn’t really that special; however, this isn’t necessarily a negative thing. Does it take any risks? Not really, but for what the show is trying to accomplish, which is to portray the relationship between the two main characters, it is quite serviceable.
While the show begins as a standard romantic story, it quickly turns into a comedic tale about a BL relationship. You will love how funny this show is. Almost every scene has a funny moment, whether it is hilarity in Izumi’s manga or the conversations between him and Ryouma. So honestly, the story may be weak, but that may be the point.
Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru
While growing up an orphan, Yuki Sakurai questions his reason for living and his ability to see a person’s painful memories by simply touching them. Yuki is unable to shake the nagging feeling forming inside of him after receiving anonymous notes telling him to die. While he is unaware of it, he is being watched, both by those who wish to harm him and those who wish to protect him.
Yuki’s life is saved one foggy night by a handsome man with silver eyes and jet black hair, a man he has never met before, yet seems familiar. Yuki’s forgotten past has been rekindled by this mysterious stranger, and he now understands the meaning of his existence.
A teenage boy discovers who he is and where he comes from in Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru, all while making friends, experiencing betrayal, and slowly piecing together his past.
The story is wonderful, and even if it is a little cliched at times, it certainly has something on its own that makes the story stand out for itself. The characters are also extremely believable and hilarious and really add to the anime.
Yuki, the main character of this anime, is the best part. Despite the fact that he has no defense or offensive abilities of his own, he refuses to stand aside and let others defend him. Unlike most heroes in his position, he is not completely helpless. Martial arts is his strongest skill, and he uses it to the fullest!
This anime is absolutely amazing and is recommended to anyone who wants fantasy, adventure, romance, and humor; all rolled into one!
Ling Qi
Following a series of unfortunate events, You Keika works part-time to try to lift himself out of poverty. After meeting a strange man in a junkyard, You wake up to discover that he was killed in a car accident and has become a spirit.
Tanmoku Ki, the person he encountered, is revealed to be the 13th Youmeshi of the Tanmoki, the highest-ranking exorcist family of China. After noticing the wandering spirit, he offers You the chance to form a pact with him. In exchange for him protecting You from humans, You will be his spirit shadow, ensuring his safety at all times.
Following that, the two face untold challenges in the spiritual realm, striving to keep those around them safe from bad spirits. Over time, the pact they formed grows into something more, a bond neither of them could have expected. A lingering admiration begins to emerge between their roles as master and servant.
Along with everything else, this anime also has a lot of light-hearted comedy, which will have you laughing. Throughout the anime, there are plenty of exciting fight scenes. There are also unexpected plot twists in this anime.
Characters are charming, both have both faults and virtues, and their development is interesting to watch, considering the short length of time this anime covers. Their strange bond and loyalty will charm and mesmerize you. The plot is incredible and exciting, but the character dynamics are what keep you watching.
The main couple is also one of the best developed you will ever see. Overall, this anime gives you a good experience and is one that should definitely be a part of your watch list.
Gravitation
The only thing Shuichi ever dreamed of was to follow in his idol’s footsteps, Ryuichi Sakuma, and the band Nittle Grasper. Shuichi formed a band with his best friend Hiro called Bad Luck, and they have even been signed to a major label!
Unfortunately, Shuichi still hasn’t finished any of the song lyrics in time for the studio deadlines. The only thing he needs is some inspiration, but he’s been lacking in that department lately. Despite Hiro’s recommendation to find a girlfriend, fate has other plans for him.
He was walking through the park late in the evening when Shuichi’s latest lyrics flitted away and landed at the feet of a stranger who took his breath away.
Unfortunately, the mysterious stranger is the famous novelist Eiri Yuki, who tells the young singer he has “zero talent.”. Now, Shuichi is so angry he has finished his song just so he can confront Yuki once more. Does his anger actually motivate his actions, or has he actually fallen in love?
All in all, Gravitation’s story is a fun twist on an old-fashioned love story. It’s not perfect, but it’s a great comedy and a touching romance, filled with enough surprises to keep you engaged!
In this series, there is not a single bad character. Each and every one of them has some sort of role to fill and get their moment in the spotlight. Though there are a few classic archetypes, somehow, the little quirks in their personalities make them seem a little less typical.
Even if you don’t like BL, Gravitation is worth watching. Ultimately, it’s a romantic comedy with a dark twist.
Super Lovers
Haru Kaidou, the family’s eldest son, flew to Canada when he learned that his mother was on the verge of death. He finds out not only that his mother lied to him but that he is also supposed to care for his adoptive brother, Ren Kaidou, an antisocial child who is more comfortable around dogs than people.
Haru initially has trouble reaching out to Ren due to his new brother’s distrust, but their relationship eventually grows. Ren is promised that they will live together in Japan after Haru graduates from high school.
Haru, however, is unable to recollect their summer together, including the promise he made as a result of an unfortunate accident. Ren arrives in Tokyo five years later, expecting Haru to keep his promise; however, Haru does not recognize Ren as his brother, just a random stranger.
The characters are very relatable, and the story mostly revolves around their very human feelings and flaws. You see an adult working to support his younger brothers and thus get a sense of the reality of taking care of a family. In contrast, you see our unsociable and stoic Ren get attached to Haru and try to adjust to the new direction in his life.
The other characters, such as the high school twins Aki and Shima, are quite strong characters themselves. Haruko, their mother, is also shown to have a distinct strong personality of her own, adding a flavor to the mix in the anime.
This is a genre worth trying, and it is light-hearted enough for you to enjoy it, especially if you love cute romance animes.
Loveless
Loveless is a world where everyone is born with cat ears and a tail that disappear once they engage in sexual activity. Thus, they are symbols of virginity and innocence. Moreover, fighting is only done by “fighting pairs” or couples, with one known as the Sacrifice and the other as the Fighter. One receives damage while the other attacks.
12-year-old Ritsuka Aoyagi suffers from amnesia for an unknown reason. In addition to the loss of his brother, on his first day at a new school, he gets approached by a stranger named Agatsuma Soubi, who claims to have known his late brother.
Ritsuka learns that Agatsuma and his brother used to fight together and that Agatsuma has inherited Ritsuga after his brother passed away. Together, they investigate the death of his brother and the organization known as the “Seven Moons,” which may be responsible. Meanwhile, it seems that Ritsuka and Agatsuma are becoming closer than they intended to be.
When it comes to the characters, this anime has a great mix of personalities. The characters are creative and have a way of their own, and all the characters seem like complete opposites in a way but fit together perfectly. There’s also always a bond that ties the characters together.
The characters are easy to love and relate to, and you find yourself feeling their emotions as the story progresses. The story deals with the issues of pain and loss and the light of hope that new love brings. This show is just brilliant and definitely one that you shouldn’t skip.