BL anime, which are well-known for their representation of LGBTQ+ relationships, have received varied reviews from the community. While some detractors complain about their inclination to sensationalize and fetishize same-sex relationships, there is a hidden gem waiting to be unearthed beneath the surface. Despite initial mistrust, many BL couples shine brilliantly, defying preconceptions and presenting inspiring stories that appeal to audiences worldwide.
What distinguishes these BL romances is their ability to create varied characters and investigate intricate relationship dynamics. The days of one-dimensional cliches are behind us; today, audiences are treated to well-developed characters that defy expectations and question society’s standards. Whether it’s the stoic seme and the soft uke or a more odd combination, each couple adds something new to the table, engaging viewers with their emotional depth and sincerity.
Over time, BL anime has seen a remarkable transition, shifting away from excessive fan service and toward meaningful plot and character development. As a result, famous pairings have developed, cementing their place in the annals of BL history. From slow-burn romances that tug at the heartstrings to frenzied encounters full of passion and conflict, these couples have captivated readers’ imaginations and left an everlasting impact on the genre.
We guarantee that if you ever decided to watch (or read) any of the shows present in this article, you would only leave with a big smile on your face or a box of tissues by your side. Fair warning though, some of these shows we might have binged a little too quickly so take your time!
10. Kentaro Momose and Yusei Shirosaki (My New Boss is Goofy)
My Boss is Goofy is probably one of the funniest BL you’ll watch! It is a fun mix of complicated, adorable, yet just really simple everyday interactions of two office workers!
Kentarō Momose, a 26-year-old office worker, changed positions because his prior supervisor abused him. He’s scared that his new boss would utilize power harassment to make his life miserable. When Momose first meets his new employer, Yūsei Shirosaki, he tries to disguise his uneasy stomach. However, he is shocked to find that his new boss is such a natural airhead that he eliminates all of Momose’s uneasiness.
9. Masaki and Hiromu Fujiyoshi (Welcome Home)
Technically, this show hasn’t even begun yet, but we guarantee you that it will be an iconic one when it comes out! Welcome Home, or Tadaima, Okaeri is a family show that teaches and shows the general audiences how it feels like to be different in a world full of people who expects you to be perfect.
Masaki Fujiyoshi is a stay-at-home spouse and parent. He has long struggled with emotions of being a burden to his beloved husband, Hiromu, as a result of his omega status and the difficulties they had in achieving domesticity. When their son, Hikari, was born, the family relocated to a more suitable place for raising children.
Despite their newfound home bliss, the family’s links to their past are severed. They left certain people behind to pursue their dream of starting a happy family, and when they return, Masaki and Hiromu are skeptical of their intentions.
8. Suwa Rei and Kurusu Kazuki (Buddy Daddies)
In a world filled with violence and the unknown, a ray of light, in the form of a very rowdy, cute, and energetic child becomes your light. Rei and Kazuki’s life had only been killings and abductions until Miri came along, and in their quest to build a better life for themselves for the sake of Miri, they end up becoming the best dads that ever strolled the earth.
The sitcom is enjoyable to watch due of its hilarious and lovable elements, such as Miri’s bond with the Buddy Daddies. It may not be as hilarious as it might be. Despite this, fans will find the show fascinating and unique since it combines comedy, drama, and action.
7. Yuuichi Kurosawa and Kiyoshi Adachi (Cherry Magic!)
This is one of the new releases of the year, it currently only has 7 episodes out, but it is already looking promising!
Adachi, thirty years old and a virgin, has discovered a basic form of magic: he can read the minds of everyone he touches. Unsure what to do with this ability, he one day reads the mind of his talented, gorgeous coworker, Kurosawa, and discovers that Kurosawa’s heart is solely filled with thoughts of him?!
6. Hikaru Kusakabe and Rihito Sajou (Dokyuusei / Classmates)
Doukyuusei is definitely one of the more classical shounen Ai/BL Shows in this list. Doukyusei (Classmates) is a basic yet wholesome love story about two high school lads who appear to have nothing in common. However, following a fortuitous encounter, Hikaru learns a new side to Rihito and agrees to assist him prepare for the forthcoming music contest.
From here, the lads gradually realize they may not be as different as they initially imagined. In a genre saturated with turmoil and dubious relationships, Hikaru and Rihito’s innocent and pure love is a welcome breath of fresh air. They connect on a deeper level than most couples, and their compatibility feels entirely natural.
5. Ash and Eiji (Banana Fish)
A personal favorite, Banana Fish is that one show that will always leave a deep hole in my heart. Despite not being a BL series, Banana Fish has a love relationship between the two male characters, Ash Lynx and Eiji Okumura. Despite coming from very different worlds, Ash and Eiji quickly connect and create a tight connection.
Though Eiji has enjoyed an easy and carefree existence up to this point, he quickly finds himself engulfed in Ash’s horrific world of crime and violence. Despite the huge stakes, he refuses to abandon him, and the two become an unbeatable partnership. The romance between Ash and Eiji is one of the series’ highlights, and they’ve quickly become one of the greatest instances of an LGBTQ+ relationship in anime.
4. Sasaki Shuumei and Miyano Yoshikazu (Sasaki to Miyano)
Sasaki to Miyano is the equivalent of a classic shoujo manga story, but make it BL. It is a cheesy, high school romance of two guys finding their way to each other most sweetly. Sasaki and Miyano are one of the most endearingly pure BL series to come out in recent years, and its main coupling is one of the sweetest in the genre. The plot begins when the title protagonists create a relationship based on their mutual love of BL manga. However, this relationship quickly develops into passion.
Yoshikazu Miyano’s relationship with Shuumei Sasaki is nothing but sugary-sweet, feel-good joy. The lads enjoy an innocent first love that is nothing short of lovely to witness. Sasaki and Miyano is one of the greatest new BL series out there, and it has set the benchmark for current couples to follow.
3. Mafuyu Satou and Uenoyama Ritsuka (Given)
Ritsuka Uenoyama and Mafuyu Satou star as the main pair in the blockbuster series Given. Their heartbreaking love tale has captivated the hearts of BL lovers worldwide. It all starts when Mafuyu asks Ritsuka to mend his guitar and teach him to play, and he grudgingly agrees. However, he soon finds the tragic history of Mafuyu’s instrument, as well as the grief he has been carrying in his heart.
Through Ritsuka, Mafuyu is able to let go of his previous pain and begin over with the band. Similarly, Mafuyu reignites Ritsuka’s passion and motivates him to play again. Despite numerous trials and tribulations, the two confront them all together and become stronger as a result.
2. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng (Heaven Official’s Blessing)
Heaven Official’s Blessing is a famous anime version of the same-named donghua. This historical fantasy series revolves around the otherworldly romance of Crown Prince Xie Lian and the enigmatic Hua Cheng. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng’s friendship is deep and emotional, and they create a strong bond as they travel together.
Their connection feels natural, and despite being opposed in many respects, they work brilliantly together. BL fans have fallen in love with their adorable relationship, and they are certainly one of the greatest current couples in the genre.
1. Yuri Katsuki and Viktor Nikiforov (Yuri!! On Ice)
Yuri!!! On Ice is another series that blurs the border between BL and mainstream anime. Nonetheless, it is home to one of the genre’s most famous couples, Yuri Katsuki and Victor Nikiforov. Victor agrees to teach Yuri and prepare him for the Grand Prix, bringing together this classic team. As the two work together, they grow inseparable and eventually fall in love.
The romance between Yuri and Victor is one of the most pure BL love tales in history, and fans can’t stop admiring their warm and supporting connection. Their tale is regarded as one of the most positive examples of LGBTQ+ representation in anime, and it paved the way for stronger, more realistic BL relationships.
Why You Should Watch These Shows
In a world rife with preconceptions and misunderstandings, BL anime shines as a light of hope, defying preconceived assumptions and celebrating love in all its forms. As we continue to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness, let us not underestimate the transforming power of these tales and their influence on audiences all across the world. After all, love has no bounds, and so should our admiration for the brilliantly created romances found in the world of BL anime.