While still niche,boys love animehas become a relatively staple part of the industry, with most seasons featuring a love story with two (or more) guys. In days gone by, yaoi stories were associated with taboo themes that made them difficult to recommend to non-fans who were looking to take their first steps into the genre or simply wanted to watch a romance.
However, since roughly 2018, the genre has gone through something of a renaissance, promoting tales that emphasize wholesome relationships rather than ones built on uneven power dynamics. 2024 produced arguably thebest BL animelineup of all time, withmost series and movies being good or even excellent. The future is bright, so let’s take a look at the past and highlight thebest boys love animethat represent the genre at its peak.
A few notes and criteria:
OK, this anime’s title can be off-putting.Cherry Magicfollows Adachi, a 30-year-old virgin who celebrates his birthday by becoming a telepath, allowing him to read the minds of his coworkers. To his surprise, he learns that the popular Kurosawa is deeply infatuated with him, a confusing revelation that gradually challenges Adachi’s own sexuality. Unsure whether to keep his distance or get closer to Kurosawa, Adachi goes through quite a journey of self-discovery, all the while learning that his coworker’s confident facade hides insecurity and even hints of shame.
While Adachi takes center stage during most of the episodes, Kurosawa is arguably the star of the show. At times, he comes across as a subversion of BL characters from yesterday, with his early aggressive pushes to get closer to Adachi being undercut by thoughts of regret and desperation. Once their relationship becomes official, these two form an endearing and pretty mature couple, with both of them acting their ages for the most part.Cherry Magichas a second couple, Tsuge and Wataya, with a fun dynamic that starts as a bit more antagonistic than the main duo.
Boys love animehas changed a lot over the last decade, to the point that most of the genre’s older shows are not easy to watch without some nostalgia to help paper over the more questionable parts.Junjo Romanticais a2000s anime classicthat exemplifies and contributed to the BL genre’s early trashy reputation, and that is not meant to be a criticism. Shows likeJunjo Romantica,Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi, andHitorijime My Heroearned their places in anime history and can be entertaining, but newcomers should be aware that their romances often feature age differences and non-consensual scenes.
Junjo Romanticaworks fairly well as a gateway for people who want to try old-school boys love anime, especially since its episodes are divided among different couples (each of whom has a fandom name). Consequently, viewers can just stick to the romances they enjoy. For example, Junjo Egoist episodes revolve around Nowaki and Hiroki, two adults who used to have a mentor-student dynamic. However, they are now well into their 20s, which makes their relationship more palpable through a modern gaze. Their relationship is by far the healthiest inJunjo Romantica, and the others are generally a lot more taboo and divisive (including the main couple, Misaki and Akihiko).
Surprisingly, the last few years have produced quite a fewgreat boys love animemovies, and most of them are only about an hour long.The Stranger by the Shorefollows Mio and Shun, two guys who strike a quick rapport when they meet during the summer. Shun identifies as gay, while the younger Mio is still learning about his preferences and sexuality.
The two characters' interactions are cute but realistic, particularly in Shun’s reluctance to encourage Mio’s obvious feelings due to past trauma. While qualifying as a romance,The Stranger by the Shoreis arguably better viewed as acoming-of-age narrativethat also happens to touch upon BL themes.
Yuri!!! on Iceis a bit of a strange case. While undoubtedly one of the most popularLGBTQ+ animeof all time,Yuri!!! on Iceis, first and foremost, a sports series rather than a romance. That’s not to say that the latter is given no attention or treated like an afterthought, but it does take a backseat to Yuuri’s journey as a figure-skater.
That said, Yuuri’s budding relationship with his coach, Victor, produces splashes of heart-pumping romantic scenes, most of which represent the story’s emotional highs. All the main characters are well-written, three-dimensional, and likable, and their interactions feel authentic.
If boys love anime are niche, then the Omegaverse can seem straight-up unapproachable. Putting aside the mechanics that govern this universe and themany manga storiesthat fall within it,Welcome Homecan simply be enjoyed as a heartwarming slice of life story about two guys raising their young kids. Even thoughBL animeare somewhat more common than they used to be, shows centering around families are unheard of, which setsWelcome Homeapart from the crowd in a big way.
While most episodes follow Masaki and Hiromu as they enjoy a fairly idealistic life, the series is not afraid to touch upon challenging themes like bigotry and generational guilt. Due to a traumatic past, Masaki is terrified that he might pass his insecurities and shame to his children, and Hiromu regularly steps up to support his partner.
A short but sweet love story,Doukyuseiis arguably thebest BL anime for beginners, partially due to its one-hour length but mostly because of its general wholesomeness. Seeming to be opposites at a glance, Hikaru and Rihito come together over a shared interest in music, with the former stepping up to help the latter improve his singing.
From there, a lovely romance blooms, one defined by quiet comfort rather than explosive bursts of passion. A-1 Pictures' soft art style gives the story a spring-like atmosphere, reflecting the blossoming core relationship as Rihito and Hikaru become more confident and secure in who they are and where they are going.
Sasaki and Miyanois arguably flawless. Sure, in the grand world of high school romances, the 2022 anime tells a conventional tale about two students connecting over a topic, steadily growing closer, and eventually taking the plunge and starting a relationship. Along the way, they face very few direct hurdles, spend most of their time enjoying each other’s company, and their romantic interactions are adorable rather than steamy.
This simplicity isSasaki and Miyano’s greatest strength. Considering there are well over a hundredBL anime, the genre has a staggering lack of traditional romance stories that just depict two likable characters as they fall in love without much in the way of drama.Sasaki and Miyanois warm, cozy, and safe.
Most of thebest boys love animeincorporate slice of life elements, emphasizing realistic but fairly fluffy relationships. While not devoid of carefree moments,Givenpacks a considerable emotional weight that puts it squarely in “drama” territory.
The anime not only deals with loss, trauma, and self-destructive behavior but also avoids providing easy answers or storybook resolutions. The road to acceptance and healing is long and exhausting. In the meantime, the story still manages to build multiple heartfelt relationships that, while not romanticized, are easy to root for and support. With one brilliant season and three generally great movies under its belt,Givenis the most consistent and ambitious boys love anime of all time.The manga (and anime) also arguably sparked the BL genre’s change in reputation.
