30 Best BL (Boys Love) Anime You Must Watch (2024)
For years, romance anime has ruled the hearts of anime viewers. And Boys Love anime, also known as BL anime, is a special sub-genre in romance that explores romantic relationships between male characters as the central plot. While the BL anime genre has been popular in Japan for many years, it has recently gained popularity around the world. And that’s thanks to its portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community, offering compelling stories, memorable characters, and heart-warming relationships that fans adore. If that’s what you are looking for, you have come to the right place, as we list the 30 best boys love (BL) anime shows and movies you should check out.
We have compiled the most popular BL anime shows and movies adapted from manga, manhwa, Donghua, and light novel series, which are celebrated by the fans. That said, let’s dive right into the list:
1. Banana Fish (2018)
If you’re looking for a distinctive BL anime that’s different from the norm, Banana Fish is the right pick for you. Banana Fish is an anime adaptation of Akimi Yoshida’s manga of the same name. The plot of this anime revolves around a feud between the Mafia boss Dino and a young character named Ash Lynx. The story further delves into the romantic relationship between Ash and another character named Eiji Okumura in between the war.
This anime is created by MAPPA Studios, which has also produced works like Jujutsu Kaisen,Chainsaw Man, Vinland Saga, and more, so you know it will be visually stunning. The narrative isset in the 1980s, and as the storyline indicates, it contains Mafia groups and drug traffickers, so there is plenty of action in addition to the core boys’ love anime story. Thus, Banana Fish is a BL anime shows that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
2. Yuri!!! On Ice (2016)
Yuri on Ice is a sports anime based on Mitsurou Kubo’s manga of the same title. Much like Banana Fish, this BL anime series is developed by MAPPA Studios. This story follows the adventures of our protagonist and figure skater, Yuuri Katsuki. Yuuri chooses to hang up his ice skates after being totally annihilated in the finals. However, later on, he caught the attention of Russian figure skater Victor Nikiforov, who chooses to become Yuuri’s coach in order to restore him to his glory days.
This bl anime show is recognized as one of the top sports anime and offers newcomers a variety of experiences. It shows the main characters’ romantic relationships in the most endearing way. It alsoincludes ice skating dances, which fans perceive as incredibly romantic and dreamy. The song and choreography for each dance are amazing too.
3. Given (2019)
Given is the anime adaptation of Natsuki Kizu’s manga of the same name. It depicts the life of Mafuyu Satou, who meets another student, Ritsuka Uenoyama, who scolds him for allowing his guitar strings to rust and snap. Mafuyu is astonished by Uenoyama’s guitar skills and expertise and asks him to teach him how to play the guitar. Later, he joins Uenoyama’s rock band, which marks the beginning of a soulful musical adventure.
Along with their musical journey, this anime delves into the romantic bond that develops between the bandmates. This high school band drama offers everything a BL anime fan could want – memorable characters and enthralling romance blended with excellent songs. If we could suggest you watch one anime off this list, Given is a BL anime show you should not miss it at any cost.
4. Sasaki and Miyano (2022 – )
The most recent addition to the list of the finest BL anime is Sasaki and Miyano. It is an anime adaptation of the same-named ongoing manga by Sh Harusono. It features a fourth-wall-breaking kind of storyline and is as follows: Miyano is a bashful person who keeps his BL Manga reading a secret. He meets the annoying Sasaki by chance and unwittingly exposes his secret to him. When the curious Sasaki borrows one of his manga, things start to shift between them.
This anime explores the beautiful relationship that blooms between Sasaki and Miyano. It’s funny and heartwarming to see the dynamic between those two characters. Thus for a perfect slice-of-life Boys love anime, Sasaki and Miyano should be your first pick out of here.
5. The Stranger by the Shore (2020)
The Stranger by the Shore is an anime movie adaptation of the same name manga by Kanna Kii. It follows the life story of two men named Shun Hashimoto and Okinawa. Shun is a novelist and was disowned by his parents after coming out to them. On the other hand, Okinawa is an orphaned high school student who likes to spend his time sitting by the sea. One day, they cross paths with each other and a bond starts to grow between them.
This slice-of-life anime is just a 1 hr watch and is strikingly beautiful with its visuals. It has delightful characters searching for their love at first to grow their bond together later. That said, slice-of-life lovers wouldn’t want to miss out on this boys’ love anime.
6. The Untamed (2018 – 2021)
Mo Dao Zu Shi is the series adaptation of the same-name dongua(Chinese web novel) byMo Xiang Tong Xiu. The series’s plot is as follows: Wei Wu Xian’s reign came to an end when one of his allies assassinated him. He is reincarnated as a madman thirteen years later and reunites with his former classmate Lan Wang Ji. They begin practicing and collaborating to unravel the mysteries that surround their world.
This show is extremely popular among the BL community and has various awards in China. It is packed with breathtakingly beautiful visuals with an interesting storyline that keeps you hooked throughout. This takes place in Ancient China and they incorporated the BL story beautifully here. Thus Mo Dao Zu Shi is a must-watch for all BL anime lovers as it is one of the best BL anime shows available as of now.
7. Heaven Official’s Blessing (2020 – )
Heaven Official’s Blessing is the Chinese anime adaptation of the donghua of the same name byMo Xiang Tong Xiu. This Chinese anime tells the tale of Crown Prince Xie Lian who ultimately rose to heaven after 800 years of “Cultivation”. As soon as he enters heaven, he gets exiled back to the mortal realm for unknown reasons. Now he embarks on an astonishing journey to discover the original truth about the gods in heaven.
Heaven Official’s Blessing is also an exceptional Chinese anime like the Mo Dao Zu Shi we talked about before. These two anime raised the levels of Chinese anime and gained huge popularity all over the world. Splendid visuals along with a brilliant soundtrack give you a pleasing experience. It is one of the best boys’ love anime we have on our list so you should check it out.
8. Dakaichi (2018)
Dakaichi is the anime adaptation of the manga of the same title by Hashigo Sakurabi. The plot of the anime is as follows: Takato Saijou is a very famous actor who has won various awards and has over 20 years of experience in this field. He is currently the lead of a trending drama show. But things start to fall upside down in his life when a new actor named Junta Azumaya steals his spotlight. These two get caught in a series of funny Kim Kardashian-esque events and how will they end up together?
Dakaichi is a totally fun anime to watch if you’re looking for just a plain dumb fun anime. The characters aren’t well written neither the story is but at the end of the day you will find it entertaining. Thus, we have included it in our list of best BL anime shows.
9. Love Stage (2014)
Sena Izumi was born into a family full of star-studded celebrities who work in various fields of entertainment. As much as his family wants him to become a star like them, he is a hardcore otaku who wants to become a mangaka. When he gets called for a 10th-anniversary advertisement (which he featured for when he was a kid), he gets reunited with Ryouma Ichijou whom he had a crush on since his first meeting with him. What will happen after their reunion is carried on for the rest of the plot.
The anime has well-written characters and that was more than enough to offer hilarious comedies and heartwarming romance simultaneously. Thus Love Stage!! has even been celebrated by audiences all over the world and is one of the best boys’ love anime we have here on our list.
10. Hitorijime My Hero (2017)
Masahiro Setagawa is a high school student but he always gets bullied and used by the bullies in his neighborhood. But he meets a bullies beater known as the bear killer who saves him too. Later when he gets into high school along with his friend Kensuke Ooshiba, he finds out that the bear killer is actually his maths teacher. This trio starts to grow together and the teacher Kousuke wants to keep our MC Masashiro safe. But things get heated up when his childhood friend Kensuke starts to see him as more than a friend.
Hitorijime My Hero is the perfect choice for beginners who want to start their BL anime journey. There are no mind-blowing character developments here but it has got the basic characteristics of a BL anime right. Thus it introduces the BL genre to you in a neat way. Thus, Hitorijime My Hero is the beginner material for Boys Love anime-watchers.
11. Junjou Romantica (2008 – 2015)
Junjou Romantica is the anime adaptation of the mangaJunjo Romantica: Pure RomancebyShungiku Nakamura. It showcases the romantic relationships of three different couples and of course that involves their dramas, feelings, longings, and romance.
Whilst the main story may sound so cliched, it presents you with all the BL elements in a good way which makes you forget about other things. There are various types of characters who may seem relatable and carry the show with their charming performances. Therefore, Junjou Romantica is a good watch for you in our list of best BL anime shows.
12. Antidote (2020)
Cheng Ke is from a wealthy family, but he decides to split with them and flees. During this tragic time, he meets a dangerous gang boss named Jiang Yuduo. When he settles into his new flat, he discovers that his new landlord is also the same gang leader. Their relationship begins to mature, and they are now plagued by their pasts. They begin to protect each other’s backs in order to survive in this war-torn mafia neighborhood.
Most of the BL anime takes place in a high school or at work but Antidote offers you a thrilling ride with the story taking place in a war-torn neighborhood as mentioned above. The character development is good but the story keeps impressing you. Additionally, it has a good amount of soundtrack and you’ll thoroughly enjoy this boys’ love anime for sure.
13. World’s Greatest First Love (2011)
World’s Greatest First Love is the anime adaptation of the manga series Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi byShungiku Nakamura. The story of the anime is as follows: Ritsu Onodera is a literary editor and he worked in his father’s publishing company. He was always surrounded by jealous co-workers who all consider him to be a product of nepotism. So he quits his work and moves to a different company as a rookie manga editor. There he encounters the new editor-in-chief named Masamune Takano who happens to be Ritsu’s high school love.
As a result, this high school reunion makes Ritsu fall in love with Takano again, and additionally, the anime has two more bonus romantic relationships within the manga industry. World’s Greatest First Love is a simple anime filled with fun moments. It doesn’t have a complicated storyline and focuses on multiple relationships like Junjou Romantica. It is a light-hearted BL anime show to witness some good moments.
14. Classmates (2016)
Classmates is an anime movie adaption of the first volume of the manga series, Doukyusei: Classmates by Asumiko Nakamura.Rihito Sajou and Hikaru Kusakabe are second-year students at a high school. The former is a topper student with amazing grades while the latter is a nonchalant boy and is a member of a rock band. Hikaru meets Rihito when he is practicing his singing for an upcoming chorus festival but he couldn’t get the song right. Hikaru decides to help Rihito and the polar opposite students are drawn together as feelings start to develop between them.
This anime movie is one of the highest-rated BL anime movies in the My Anime List history and that speaks a lot about the quality of this movie. It has a quirky animation style like something you have never seen before and is captivating to your eyes. The characters are the special thing about this movie with a simple romance tale. In the end, you will be left grinning after watching a wholesome romantic story. Thus, Classmates is one of the best BL anime movies on our list.
15.Xiao Lu He Xiao Lan(2018 – )
Beryl and Sapphire is a very famous manhua created by Ocarina and later adapted as an anime. The story of this anime is as follows: Beryl and Sapphire are best friends and like all best friends they can become an enemy to each other for some time. In each episode, they are sent into a different and cross paths again and again. What does fate have in store for them?
Beryl and Sapphire’s anime is considered to be an underrated gem in the BL genre as many people don’t know about this one. While you consider it to be a long series for having 72 episodes each episode is just 8 minutes long. So you can binge-watch it easily. This anime is incredibly fun and its genre expands from fantasy to mysteries. Each and every episode is fun and grows the bond between the main characters in a great way. Thus, Beryl and Sapphire is an underrated BL anime show you should not miss at any cost.
16. Ling Qi (2016 – 2018)
Spiritpact is the Chinese anime adaptation of the Ling Qi donghua byPingzi. You Keika awakens one day to discover that he has become a spirit as a result of a tragic accident. He meets Tanmoku Ki, who turns out to be the 13th Youmeshi of the Tanmoki family, the most powerful exorcist clan in China. When Tanmoku spots the spirit, he makes a pact with it, promising to protect it from people in exchange for You becoming his spirit shadow and keeping him safeguarded at all times.
After forming alliances, these two begin to overcome difficulties in the spiritual realm by exterminating the evil spirits. Still, as they travel together, their relationship and pact evolve into something more. If you’re in for a spooky boys’ love anime experience (just kidding ! although it has spirits) Spiritpact has got you covered. It has an unusual character linkup but the engaging story doesn’t leave you bored. Therefore, Spiritpact is one of the different and best BL Chinese anime show we have on our list.
17. No. 6 (2011)
No. 6 is a faithful anime adaptation of the original nine-part light novel series of the same name. In the significant city known as the No. 6, Shion is a top student. He rescues a young escapee named Nezumi and saves him, but he is later caught and loses his elite rank. He is thus sent to the less desirable area of the city. Years later, both of their fates cross again, and they decide to uncover the secretly guarded mysteries of No. 6 city. They learned a lot about themselves and, more significantly, about their love for one another on their voyage.
Unlike usual BL anime, this anime’s story takes place in a utopian world. Apart from the romance between the main characters, the story is very deep and explores the utopian world. Thus No.6 is easily a great watch for the various factors combined and presented together with the BL romance.
18. Hybrid Child (2014)
A hybrid child is an artificial person made by the extremely talented engineer Kuroda. They have their own awareness, making them virtually exactly like actual humans. The fact that these androids would only mature dependent on the affection and attention they get from their owners makes them highly special. The three love relationships between these androids are therefore examined in this anime.
This anime is totally different from the usual stuff we see in the BL genre, it amalgamated the sci-fi concept with the BL romance in a pristine way. The story focuses on the major romance in a distinctive style and you may want to try it if you are looking for an eccentric boys’ love plot in the best BL anime shows list.
19. Hyperventilation (2017)
Hyperventilation is the series adaptation of the Manhwa (Korean Web Novel) of the same name byBboong Bbang Kkyu. Myongi and Sunho are high school students at the beginning of the show. Years later they meet again at a high school reunion and begin to express the old feelings they had for one another during their high school days.
Hyperventilation is a very short series with just only 6 episodes each just 3 minutes. You can finish it in one sitting and has a mature story without any corny moments. The animation style is very different and has sensible characters. With that said Hyperventilation is the perfect example of a short and sweet BL rom-com anime show.
20. Yes No or Maybe (2020)
Yes No or Maybe is the anime movie adaptation of the light novel series namedYes ka No ka Hanbun kabyMichi Ichiho. The movie’s plot is as follows: Kei Kunieda leads a double personality life in his work as a newscaster. He acts kind and caring on the outside but deep down he hates all the people around him. He kept his sadist personality a secret but it all turns around when he meets an animator named Ushio Tsuzuki and slowly gains feelings for him.
This anime movie is regarded as a loyal adaptation of the light novel series and is lauded by BL fans highly. With a runtime of less than an hour, it gives you a pleasant watching experience with little character development and heartful romance. Therefore, Yes No, or Maybe is a good and short BL anime movie to watch quickly.
21. Antique Bakery (2008)
Antique Bakery is the anime adaptation of the manga namedSeiyou Kottou YougashitenbyFumi Yoshinaga. This anime chronicles the relationships and lifestyles of four employees of Tokyo’s Antique Bakery.
This anime is not for everyone as it falls into the hit/miss category. All of the aspects of this anime are generic and cliched, so one can find it repetitive. But according to its fanbase, it’s really enjoyable and a stress-buster of a BL anime show.
22. The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window (2021 – )
The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window is the anime adaptation of the mangaSankaku Mado no Sotogawa wa YorubyTomoko Yamashita. Kousuke Mikado has a special power to see the spirits with his naked eyes. He meets Rihito Hiyakawa in a bookstore and these two psychics team up together to uncover the truth behind a series of murders in their city. Alongside their investigations, the connection between them starts to grow on the romantic side.
Amidst the regular slice-of-life BL anime, this anime takes you in for an engrossing experience with its supernatural themes and mysterious storyline. Alongside these, they provide a superb BL romance between the two psychics. The anime is a bit rushed but won’t fail to satisfy you. If you liked this anime, you can always go for the manga.
23. Gravitation (1999 – 2001)
Gravitation is one of the oldest BL anime out there as it was released back in 1999. It features the aspiring story of a man named Shuichi, a lyricist who aims to follow the steps of his idol and become a successful artist with his band. He and his band were lucky enough to get signed to a major recording label. But as the deadlines start to creep up, Shuichi is still unable to write good lyrics for their major release. On a fateful night, he meets Japan’s famous romantic writer Eiri Yuki who considers him a talentless artist.
Once Shuichi completes his lyric work he wants to confront Eiri again and prove his worth. But the question is, is he doing that out of his frustration or does he love him? This anime was an influential one in the history of BL anime as it inspired to hundred other animes that are coming out now. So if you need to watch a classic anime, Gravitation is the one for you.
24. Gakuen Heaven (2006)
Keita Ito is an ordinary high school student with no achievements to his name. However, he is accepted into Bell Liberty Academy, an elite boarding institution. While he’s wondering how he got into this school and how he’ll survive among these elites, he’s easily distracted by the attractive guys around him. This results in a series of love disputes at school, but he begins to truly fall for his classmate Kazuki Endou.
As you have seen already, the ratings for this show are very low but that doesn’t mean it can’t entertain you. Many of the fans have said it to be enjoyable despite the bad ratings. Thus, Gakuen Heaven is definitely watchable for its handsome characters and if you want to kill some time, this is the one for you.
25. This Boy Caught A Merman (2012)
We all have seen Disney’s The Little Mermaid, this is much more like a spoof version of it. After the divorce between his parents, Shima Kawauchi is taken in by his Grandfather. But unfortunately, his grandpa dies which leaves Shima alone again. One day when he is crying by the seaside he accidentally falls into the ocean and starts to drown. But he is saved by a beautiful Merman. He decides to take the boy home and help him recover from his bad days. That marks the beginning of the bond between them and grows stronger.
If you want to try a different concept of BL anime, then this is the suitable one for you. The runtime of this movie is just 29 minutes more like a single episode of a show, you can finish it quickly. Although the plot may seem mawkish, it offers you a good watch for its characters and different experience.
26. The Betrayal Knows My Name (2010)
You shouldn’t miss this BL anime if you’re seeking one with a gripping plot. The story is about an orphan named Yuki who has the ability to feel other people’s emotions (pain). He is struggling to lead his life with this power but a silver-eyed guardian sworn to protect Yuki helps him control his deadly abilities. And together they try to find the answer to Yuki’s mysterious past.
I’m sure this plot had you intrigued while just reading and it’s the same case with the anime. It’s not an all-time best BL anime but it sure will entertain you to the best. The chemistry between the main duo together with the compelling storyline gets you hooked and offers something unique and better than a regular BL anime show.
27. Mirage of Blaze (2002)
Finally, we have an Isekai BL anime to please you with a BL and medieval fantasy story. It tells the story of Takaya, a regular high school student who learns that he is the reincarnation of a feudal lord of Japan. As a result, he is dragged into an ancient conflict which ends up as a war.
This classic anime offers you all the elements one needs to get crazy such as action, and drama, and incorporates the BL romance aspect into the story well. Thus if you want an old-school BL anime show and also want to witness something other than high school rom-com or anything, go ahead and try this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
28.Twittering Birds Never Fly(2020)
We have yet another BL movie here with a very short runtime. But it amazingly captures the manga very well and remains faithful to it as you can see many fans recommend it after they have completed the manga. It is about a businessman named Yashiro who lives a double life. One day he hired Doumeki Chikara to be his bodyguard and everything changes between them as both their heart sparked and fell in love with each other.
The story and the art are the major plus here in this movie. It is so moving to see these characters and has a warm feel overall throughout. This anime also deals well with a lot of mature themes such as trauma for example. There are also two sequel movies and the OVA is expected to be dropped soon. So, make sure to watch this anime and get ready for the future works of this series.
29. Mignon (2023)
Mignon is the latest addition to the list of Boys Love anime as it aired and ended very recently in August 2023. Within its release, it has attracted a great set of fans and is one of the welcoming additions to this genre. It is a South Korean BL anime and is originally created anime rather than getting adapted from a manga/manhwa/manhua. Thus, it is an exciting new series that can be binge-watched in one sitting.
The story centers on Mignon, a boxer, and Young-on Oh, a vampire doctor, and the beautiful yet strange relationship between them. You might have seen Hyperventilation anime above, the creators of that anime are the ones who made this anime too. So, you now know how beautiful it is going to be. So start watching it without any doubts.
30. Semantic Error (2021)
Semantic Error anime is the adaptation of the manhwa of the same name by Jeosuri and illustrated by Angy. This anime has just only 4 episodes and more of it will be produced as there is a lot of source material left to be adapted. There is also a live-action show adapted from the same manhwa which is loved by the fans as one of the best k-dramas.
This anime explores the relationship between Chu Sangwoo and Jang Jaeyoung. They are both attracted to each other and this anime focuses on their best efforts to stay together. As I said, the 4 episodes can be watched quickly in just one binge, and can stay tuned for more of this series’ episodes to air.
BL is the short form for Boys’ Love anime. It is a sub-genre of romance anime that portrays the romantic relationship between men.
BL anime is popular among fans, particularly female fans, around the world. It was originally established for female fans by female manga creators. The gorgeous male characters and their exquisite chemistry have since captured a wide audience, and the genre has become quite successful as a result.
Everyone has their own opinion regarding which is the best BL anime. We have created a list of the best BL animes to watch right now, and you can check it out to find your own personal favorite. However, if you ask me, Given, Mo Dao Zu Shi, and Sasaki and Miyano will indeed be my top picks for the best Boys Love anime.
Ajith Kumar
An entertainment writer with a passion for analyzing and sharing insights on movies, shows, and anime.
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