the anime Yaoi, Boys' Love e BL (Boys’ Love) they have gained a legion of fans around the world with their stories that go far beyond the romance between two boys. They explore themes such as coming of age, trauma, friendship, overcoming obstacles, and, of course, love — whether it's sweet, intense, or tumultuous. If you are looking for titles to feel moved, fall in love, or binge-watch, you've come to the right place.
In this article, we gathered 50 of the best BL, Yaoi, and Shounen Ai animes ever released, mixing classics, fan favorites, and more recent works. The list is varied to please all tastes — from those who enjoy deep drama to those who prefer light comedies and "aegyo" moments that melt the heart.
And before someone asks: yes, Yaoi has more explicit scenes, while Shounen Ai focuses on light and emotional romance. BL is an umbrella term used both in Japan and internationally to describe any work centered on love between men.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between yaoi, shounen ai and BL?
Before we dive into the list, it's worth understanding the differences between these genres — after all, they greatly influence the tone of the stories.
- Yaoi: Focus on romantic and sexual relationships, usually with greater dramatic weight and bolder scenes.
- Shounen Ai: Softer relationships, without explicit sexual content, focused on emotional and affectionate development.
- BL (Boys' Love): Broad term that includes both Yaoi and Shounen Ai, being more commonly used outside of Japan.
The classification is sometimes fluid, and many titles transition between these categories.
In Japan they usually use a single category for all anime, having sex or not. Let's use the western form, where shounen-ai for light anime and yaoi for heavy anime, with ecchi or even hentai.
Did you know that many women are ionate about this anime genre? They are known as Fujoshi. Previously, we wrote an article explaining why women like Yaoi.
Crossdress anime characters
Maybe you're looking for anime characters who dress as women, they're called crossdressing are not always homosexual.
Boku no pico - The Yaoi everyone knows
This is that famous anime that friends indicate to watch as a prank, but it was actually a great success among anime of the yaoi, shounen ai and BL genre. ing that this anime is really a Yaoi that fits the Hentai genre.
Pico is an optimistic and extremely effeminate BOY who works at his grandfather's coffee shop, Café Bebe, during the summer. Tamotsu is a white-collar worker looking for an escape from the routine and inherence of his everyday life.
When they meet at the cafe, sparks of love and lust quickly bring the two together. Conventional notions of age, gender and sexuality are shattered as the pair seek carnal gratification in each other's company.
My opinion on Boku no Pico
To start well, this one that because of its plot, characters and other things, became a joke for men, in the homo phobic sense and that generated several bad jokes. But it also served to increase its fame which, for better or for worse, led a good amount of people to watch and satisfy their curiosity, I confess that I am one of those people.
Its opening or opening in English, is widely used to "play" with people in the sense of making jokes. An extremely effeminate boy, working in a cafe that belongs to his grandfather. Just with this description is enough to realize that it wouldn't be a normal and common anime.
And we have to focus on “extremely effeminate” as this is not a kind of exaggeration. Immoral? I don't know if it gets that far, but it comes pretty close, that's just in my opinion. Well, there had to be a good reason for this anime to become a joke, in a genre that is full of things like that, only not as “blatantly” as this one. My grade is 7!
Sekaiichi Hatsukoi - Yaoi anime
Ritsu is a literary editor who wants to establish himself in the market without his father's influence and to achieve this he is transferred to another publishing house. At this publishing house he finds himself working as a rookie manga editor rather than an editor. There, Ritsu is introduced to the infamous editor-in-chief Masamune Takano, a persistent man who always seeks results.
The plot begins to unfold at this point, as in fact, Takano is the love of the high school In Ritsu Now, with the two reunited after several years of separation, the re-establishment of their relationship is marked by Takano's promise to make Ritsu say that he loves him again.
My opinion on Sekaiichi Hatsukoi
This yaoi anime also follows three other couples that are interconnected within the manga industry, each being subject to the emergence of the first loveHowever, the focus is minimal. As you may have noticed, this is mainly centered on the story that first love is the best.
I even agree, but there is also the story of summer romances that are fleeting, and especially teenage romances that often don't work out and only make us depressed and make us suffer when they end. I prefer stronger, lasting love that often requires maturity, but I enjoyed this anime. It's always nice to see that not all loves are lost forever. My grade is 8!
Junjou romantica
Misaki Takahashi is a high school student who is preparing for the university entrance exams. In order to reduce the stress of studying, he accepts help from his best friend older brother the famous author, Akihiko Usami. However, he discovers that Usami's books belong to a very vulgar genre, and that there may be something vulgar appearing within him as well.
In addition to this one, the anime follows the story of two other couples loosely linked to the previous one. One being the very ionate but often complicated relationship between university professor Hiroki Kamijou and pediatrician Nowaki Kusama.
The third story shows how obsessive love can become when wealthy eighteen-year-old Shinobu Takatsuki finally discovers something he can't have so easily - literature teacher You Miyagi.
My opinion on Junjou Romantica
This is a full plate for people who like love, love and a little love for distraction. Yes, that thing that is so sweet it gets sticky and it takes work to get out. All this in a good way and without any kind of bad intention behind the words.
There is plenty of ion as these three couples try to achieve their goals in life while also falling into temptation and anguish with their partners. Sharing experiences, feelings, sensations and other things that make the plot hotter and more interesting.
Things like that just aren't better because they're between men. Unfortunately, anime authors can't make or are afraid to make a story with protagonists of this type in genres like fantasy and drama. I can't understand why this happens, there is no logic in them making protagonists so "cowardly" when they have a harem just for him. My grade for this yaoi anime is 8!
Koisuru boukun
Tetsuhiro Morinaga is in love with his veteran Souichi Tatsumi. He even managed to confess his love. The problem is that Tatsumi is an aggressive, self-centered and outspoken homophobe.
However, somehow Tetsuhiro managed to fall in love with Tatsumi, who is the kind of man who declares that all gay men should be wiped off the face of the planet. But an unfortunate or happy accident with an aphrodisiac drug brings the two men together physically against Souichi's wishes, and this experience has a transformative effect on both of them.
My opinion about Koisuru Boukun
With a synopsis like this, it's hard to say that it doesn't give a great curiosity to watch this anime. It doesn't matter that it's a homosexual relationship, an intrigue of this kind will always arouse people's interest.
After all, it's not every day that we see a yaoi anime where two characters with extremely different concepts are united by a work of fate. And to top it off, it's not the free will of either party, as one of them wouldn't accept this fact if they were in their full consciousness.
And it becomes even more interesting to think about what will happen after this event, and I would venture to say that this is a case where palliative measures will not help, only extreme measures will solve this issue. My grade for this one is 7!
Loveless - A shounen-ai with nekos
In this universe, people are born with cat ears and a tail, which disappear when they engage in sexual intercourse. For this reason these add-ons are symbols of innocence and purity. Also, combats are only carried out in “fighting pairs” or couples. In these one is known as the sacrifice and I receive the damage, and the other is the fighter that as the name already says is the one who attacks.
Ritsuka Aoyagi is a 12-year-old boy who for some unknown reason suffers from amnesia. His brother was recently killed, and as if his life wasn't bad enough, on his first day at the new school he was close to a stranger named Agatsuma Soubi, who claims to have met his brother. Ritsuka thinks that Agatsuma and his brother were a fighting pair.
Together they try to find the truth behind their brother's death and the organization known as "the seven moons" who may be responsible for it. Meanwhile, it looks like these two are getting closer than they should be.
My opinion on Loveless
I don't have much to comment on, as this one is very similar to other genres that don't necessarily have these homosexual relationships. For it is a novel that has few particularities and has almost the same elements of an anime like taboo tattoo.
My rating for this yaoi anime is 7.
Gravitation - A yaoi about music
The protagonist, Shuichi, has always dreamed of following in the footsteps of his pop idol, Ryuichi Sakuma and the band Nittle Grasper. Along with his best friend Hiro, Shuichi formed a band called Bad Luck and they managed to get signed to a major label.
Unfortunately, studio deadlines are approaching and Shuichi still hasn't finished the lyrics for any of the songs. Being stressed and uninspired, Hiro advises him to get a girlfriend.
Walking through the park late at night, Shuichi's latest creations fly by and arrive at a stranger's feet. Unfortunately, this mysterious stranger is famous novelist Eiri Yuki, who completely crushes the young singer, saying he has "zero talent". Shuichi is so annoyed that he managed to finish his song only to find and confront Yuki once more.
My opinion on Gravitation
That typical anime where someone is humiliated by someone else and decides to do everything to be recognized. I don't see many anime with this issue, maybe because it's hard to work in a way that doesn't make the plot boring and predictable. Because we already know that hating and loving are the two sides of the same coin, and giving a flawed plot and without depth the anime gets boring.
Yes, it's a cliché, but this isn't the kind of cliché that's malleable and looks good either way. This is one of the anime that I was recommended, but I haven't heard criticisms about it, but I don't think I can generalize and make statements without watching it.
super lovers
Upon hearing the news that his mother was on the verge of death, Haru Kaidou who is the eldest son of the family, flies to Canada. By the time he arrives, he discovers that not only has his mother tricked him, but he must also take care of his foster brother, Ren Kaidou, an antisocial boy who is more comfortable with dogs than people.
Haru initially has a hard time reaching Ren, but their relationship eventually develops. He makes a promise to Ren: they will live together in Japan after Haru graduates from high school.
However, due to an unfortunate accident, Haru loses all memories of the summer they spent together, including the promise he made. Five years later, hoping that Haru fulfilled his promise, Ren arrives in Tokyo; but for Haru, Ren is just a random boy who claims to be his brother.
My opinion on Supers Lovers
I found this interesting because it is a typical anime cliché and here it was applied equally even because they are both men. The parental relationship cliché is global and doesn't choose genders, that's what I ended up discovering.
I have to it that I will never look at this cliché the same way again. Before I thought that heterosexual relationships would only happen, but after this anime and citrus anime, I was much more open to new experiences. It's funny enough but it's like the saying goes, man doesn't live on bread alone. Here's the reference for the smart ones on duty. My grade is 7!
Betrayal Knows My Name
Growing up as an orphan, Yuki Sakurai questions his reason for living and ability to see a person's painful memory by simply touching them. After receiving anonymous notes telling him to die, Yuki is unable to shake the nagging feeling that builds up inside him. Unbeknownst to him, he is being watched, both by people who want to harm him and those who want to protect him.
One foggy night, Yuki's life is saved by a man with silver eyes and black hair, a man he has never met before but seems familiar to him. With the arrival of this mysterious stranger, Yuki's forgotten past was awakened and the purpose of his existence appeared before him.
My opinion about Uragiri wa boku
This is another one that I don't have much to comment on, both because I haven't watched it and because it's a very widespread cliché and rarely brings us any surprises. But it may be interesting, we'll only know from watching and that's why I'm recommending it.
And I'm also indicating by the fact that it's very popular and has great reviews from people about it. Who knows if he's not as good as Angel beats (which I think is unlikely, due to the fact that Angel beats is the number 1 anime in my opinion).
Hitorijime My Hero
Masahiro Setagawa is a hopeless teenager who is often used by neighborhood bullies as an errand boy. However, his life changes drastically when he meets Kousuke Ooshiba, a man known as the "Bear Killer", who takes down neighborhood gangs.
A year later, Masahiro and his former friend Kensuke Ooshiba attend high school, only to find out that Kousuke is their math teacher. As the three grow closer, Masahiro begins to see Kousuke as his "hero", and Kousuke develops an urgent desire to protect Masahiro.
However, their normal lives change when Kensuke's childhood friend Asaya Hasekura returns, seeing Kensuke as more than just a friend, much to her surprise.
My opinion on Hitorijime my hero
Just from the synopsis you can tell that a very troubled love triangle will happen. Jealousy, intrigue, occasional fights all of these always happen when you have this kind of relationship. I can say that it's not the kind of cliché that gives the most popularity to a work, but it's certainly always interesting to see how the characters develop the relationship, always trying to get along better than the other competing parties.
I haven't watched this anime yet, but I don't think it will take me long to do this. However until then I can't rate it any better than I did now. And just like the previous ones, this one has great reviews and has a good plot and a great studio.
Ling QI - A Chinese BL yaoi
Yang Jinghua, one of the protagonists, had an accident and when he woke up, he appeared 10 years younger. Yang Jinghua thought he had been reborn and when he was about to embark on the path to a new beginning, a rich and handsome guy with white hair named Duanmu Xi appeared right in front of him.
Not only did he tell Yang Jinghua that Yang Jinghua was already dead, but he even asked for an invite: “Young man, do you want to sign a contract with me and stay with me for the rest of your life?”
My opinion on Ling Qi
This question was quite contradictory, after all he was already dead and dead has no more life. But in order not to play the role of a contrarian who is always finding fault with things, I will let go and imagine that this “life” is the afterlife. I advise you to do the same. And yes, this is another one I haven't watched yet.
As you can tell from the names of the characters, this is a Chinese anime, but that doesn't mean the animation or the plot is bad. I mean, I can't claim anything, but I won't make the mistake of judging a book by its cover like I did with the great anime King's Avatar. What I can say for sure is that the dubbing will bother a lot those who are not used to it, at least at the beginning. And this will also remain unrated for now.
Stranger by the Beach
Shun Hashimoto is a young gay writer living on a small island, where he meets Mio Chibana, a high school student who has just lost his parents. The two begin to develop a friendship and, eventually, deeper feelings.
However, Mio suddenly leaves the island, leaving Shun behind with a broken heart. Three years later, Mio returns, determined to confront his feelings for Shun and discover if they have a future together.
My opinion about Umibe no Étranger
This anime captures the nuances of a developing romance in a sublime way, with a sensitive narrative and deep characters. The setting on a small island adds a unique touch to the story, making it even more engaging.
The contrast between the pain of loss and the hope of a new beginning is explored in a touching way. It is a work that is certainly worth watching, not only for the LGBTQ+ representation but for the beautiful love story that transcends barriers.
Dado
Ritsu Onodera is a literature editor who decides to change jobs due to a misunderstanding at his previous workplace. He ends up working at Marukawa Shoten, in the shoujo manga division.
There, he meets his new boss, Masamune Takano, who is actually his first love from high school. While Ritsu tries to move on and forget the past, Takano is determined to win him back, rekindling feelings that Ritsu thought were buried.
My opinion about Given
Given is an anime that not only addresses romance between men but also explores the ion for music. The connection between the main characters is intensified by their musical performances, creating exciting and memorable moments.
The way the anime deals with the pain of loss and the discovery of love isMoving. It is a story that goes beyond romance, showing how music can be a means of healing and connection.
At the. 6
No. 6 takes place in a utopian city where everything seems perfect. Shion is a privileged boy who meets Nezumi, a fugitive from the poorer areas of the city. By helping Nezumi, Shion ends up being banished from his privileged life and begins to uncover the dark truth behind the utopia.
Together, they face dangers and challenges, developing a deep friendship and a bond that defies all societal expectations.
My opinion about No. 6
No. 6 combines elements of science fiction with an exciting plot and captivating characters. The relationship between Shion and Nezumi is complex and full of nuances, evolving from a simple friendship to something deeper.
The contrast between Shion's privileged life and the harsh reality faced by Nezumi adds an extra layer of tension and intrigue to the story. This anime is a perfect blend of action, mystery, and romance, making it an unforgettable experience for viewers.
Doukyuusei - The beginning of an unexpected love
Doukyuusei follows the life of Rihito Sajou and Hikaru Kusakabe, two schoolmates with completely different personalities. Rihito is an exemplary student, shy and reserved. On the other hand, Hikaru is outgoing, a musician, and full of energy. Destiny intertwines the paths of the two when Hikaru offers to help Sajou prepare for a recital.
What begins as a simple relationship between colleagues transforms into a friendship that soon takes on more intimate tones. The anime delicately portrays the fears and uncertainties of first love, as well as the challenges of youth, such as insecurity, acceptance, and the pressure of the future.
With smooth and artistic animation, the anime stands out for its poetic aesthetics and introspective atmosphere. It is a simple story, but one that deeply resonates with those who have experienced the intensity of adolescent feelings.
My opinion about Doukyuusei
Doukyuusei is like a visual love letter: there is no rush, no exaggeration. The relationship between Sajou and Hikaru is built with such sincerity that it's impossible not to connect. Every gesture, every exchange of glances, carries meaning.
The anime has a calm, almost meditative rhythm, which may not please those expecting major twists. But for those seeking true emotion, it's a sensitive and memorable experience. The subtle soundtrack and watercolor art complete the atmosphere of intimacy. A true gift for those who love stories of discovery and affection.
Ai no Kusabi - A forbidden love in the dystopia
The Ties of Love it takes place in a futuristic society divided by castes, where the elite dominates everything and the poorer people have no rights. In this cruel world, Riki is a young man from the lower class who, after being captured, is given as a companion to Iason Mink, a member of the cold and powerful elite.
The relationship between the two begins marked by inequality, with Riki struggling against Iason's domination. Over time, however, complex feelings arise between them. Love, desire, hate, and submission intertwine in a narrative filled with emotional tension and social critique.
Despite being short, the anime is impactful and intense. Its bold approach, full of symbolism and criticism of the system, has made it one of the most celebrated titles in the Yaoi genre.
My opinion on Ai no Kusabi
Ai no Kusabi is not an easy anime. It demands attention, maturity, and an open mind to reflect on power, control, and freedom dynamics. The cyberpunk aesthetic adds a unique charm, and the dialogues are loaded with subtext.
The relationship between Riki and Iason is anything but conventional. But it is precisely this complexity that captivates. The ending is tragic, like many impactful stories, and leaves that bittersweet feeling that lingers for days. It is a work that divides opinions, but is unlikely to be forgotten.
Complete list of Yaoi Anime
In the West, the term Shounen-ai categorizes stories that focus on the emotional aspects of relationships, while Yaoi categorizes more sexual aspects, with or without explicit content. The list of Yaoi anime below fits into the ecchi genre.
Below we will share Yaoi that are considered Hentai and focus on sexual relationships:
- My Pico
- Boku no Sexual Harassment
- Enzai
- Ginga Teikoku no Metsubou Gaiden: Aoki Ookami-tachi no Densetsu means "The Legend of the Blue Wolves: The Destruction of the Ginga Empire" in English
- The Equation of a Nervous System Level-C
- Natsuyasumi;
- Boy ♂ Delivery
- Pico to Chico
- Pico x CoCo x Chico
- Sensitive Pornograph
- Shounen Maid Kuuro-kun: Song of the Angel
Complete list of BL Shounen-Ai anime
Below is a list of Yaoi anime that are not explicit or do not fit into the Hentai genre:
| Given | 2019 |
| Doukyuusei | 2016 |
| Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi (series) | 2014 |
| Junjou Romantica 1,2,3 | 2008 |
| Hybrid Child | 2014 |
| Hitorijime My Hero | 2017 |
| Hyperventilation | 2017 |
| Super Lovers 2 | 2017 |
| Love Stage!! | 2014 |
| Super Lovers OVA | 2017 |
| Spiritpact: Bond of The Underworld | 2018 |
| Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi: World's Greatest First Love - Proposal-hen | 2020 |
| Jie Yao | 2020 |
| Hora, Mimi ga Mieteru yo! 2 | 2019 |
| Super Lovers | 2016 |
| Junjou Romantica Especial | 2008 |
| This Boy Caught a Merman | 2012 |
| Hora, Mimi ga Mieteru yo! | 2018 |
| Caramel Honey | 2018 |
| The Betrayal Knows My Name | 2010 |
| Hikari: Be My Light | 2020 |
| Tight-rope | 2012 |
| This Boy is a Professional Wizard | 2016 |
| Ikoku Irokoi Romantan | 2007 |
| Mirage of Blaze: Rebels of the River Edge | 2004 |
| Antique Bakery | 2008 |
| Gravitation | 2000 |
| Monochrome Factor | 2008 |
| Gravitation: Lyrics of Love | 1999 |
| Loveless | 2005 |
| Sukisho OVA | 2005 |
| Sex Pistols | 2010 |
| Kirepapa | 2008 |
| This Boy Suffers from Crystallization | 2014 |
| Sukisho | 2005 |
| Spiritpact | 2017 |
| Gakuen Heaven | 2006 |
| Vassalord. | 2013 |
| Patalliro! | 1982 |
| Gakuen Handsome The Animation | 2015 |
| Kizuna: Much Ado About Nothing | 2001 |
| Close the Last Door! | 2007 |
| Mirage of Blaze | 2002 |
| Fake | 1998 |
| Loveless Especials | 2005 |
| Zetsuai 1989 | 1992 |
| Song of Wind and Trees | 1987 |
| Bronze: Zetsuai Since 1989 | 1996 |
| Love Love Campus | 2018 |
| Gakuen Handsome Especial | 2016 |
| Earthian | 1989 |
| DRAMAtical Murder | 2014 |
| Kizuna | 1994 |
| Seikimatsu Darling | 1996 |
| Patalliro! Stardust Keikaku | 1983 |
| Kusatta Kyoushi No Houteishiki | 1993 |
| Gakuen Handsome | 2016 |
| Lesson XX | 1995 |
| Kasho no Tsuki | 1998 |
| Level-C | 1995 |
| Someone Else’s BL Cartoon | 2018 |
| Nakedyouth | 2006 |
| Marginal Prince | 2006 |
| Someone Else’s BL Cartoon Prologue | 2018 |
| Angel's Feather | 2006 |
| Fujimi Orchestra | 1997 |
| Boku wa Kono Mama Kaeranai | 1994 |
| Graduation M | 1999 |
| Be-Boy Kidnapp'n Idol | 1989 |
| Ryokunohara Labyrinth | 1990 |
| Mirage of Blaze Recap | 2002 |
| Houkago no Shokuinshitsu | 1994 |
| Fish in the Trap | 1994 |
| Taishou Mebiusline: Chicchai-san | 2017 |
| Marginal Prince: Tokyo Merry-Go-Round | 2007 |
| Manly Appetites: Minegishi Loves Otsu | 2020 |
| Tian Bao Fuyao Lu | 2020 |
| Yes ka No ka Hanbun ka | 2020 |
