Yaoi - more commonly known now as BL anime (boys love) - is a genre within anime and manga that features romantic relationships between male characters. Simply put, it's the male equivalent of yuri anime. Some of these titles fall into the shonen-ai anime genre, while others are more explicit in nature. Other anime like Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club and SK8 the Infinity aren't technically yaoi anime, but they're included on this list as these shows cater towards the BL fanbase.
If you're interested in BL anime or gay anime TV shows, then you'll love the anime on this list. Many of the anime below may intersect with different sub-genres, but they're all in the yaoi genre in one way or another.
On this list, you'll find anime like Junjo Romantica, Yuri!!! on ICE, and Given. If you want to know what fans think are the greatest BL anime of all time, scroll down to find out!
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When Ritsuka Uenoyama reluctantly takes on teaching guitar to Mafuyu Sato, the two slowly develop a connection through music. As Ritsuka helps Mafuyu heal from past trauma, their band bonds through creating songs together. But the road to romance has challenges when confronting buried pain.
- 2
The Stranger by the Shore
2020Aspiring novelist Shun Hashimoto finds inspiration when he encounters gay cafe owner Mio Chibana in his seaside town. As Shun's stay grows extended, he faces his true feelings for Mio despite lingering shame. An intimate yet bittersweet summer romance unfolds.
- 3
Introverted bookworm Miyano is surprised when outgoing classmate Sasaki declares them best friends and grows curious about Miyano’s reserved nature. As Sasaki draws Miyano out of his shell through cheerful persistence, Miyano realizes his growing feelings go beyond friendship.
- 4
Street gang leader Ash Lynx finds his life endangered when he uncovers dark secrets surrounding a mysterious substance called Banana Fish. Along with journalistic ally Eiji Okumura, the jaded Ash seeks to solve the mystery while navigating New York’s criminal underworld and corrupt elites.
- 5
Figure skater Yuri Katsuki faces a crisis of confidence until becoming inspired by his idol Viktor Nikiforov to reboot his career. With Viktor's coaching, Yuri rebounds from failure and starts excelling in competition while growing feelings for Viktor. Their journey together blurs the line between mentor and love interest.
Quiet Sajou and upbeat Kusakabe develop an unexpected connection after meeting through their school's choir club. Despite seeming mismatched, they grow closer through gentle encouragement and shared interests. As a tender romance blossoms, they find the courage to face the challenges of first love.
Aspiring actor Junta Azumaya finds more than he bargained for when popular star Takato Saijou takes an obsessive interest in him. Thrust into Takato’s glamorous yet manipulative world, Junta tries to withstand Takato’s forceful advances while dealing with his own conflicted attraction.
- Kiyoshi Adachi gains the ability to read other people's minds by touching them.
- 9
The Founder of Diabolism
2018Cultivator Wei Wuxian dutifully serves his clan until he falls victim to the “demon path.” This ultimately leads to his death, which then leads to him being reincarnated and eventually reuniting with his former classmate Lan Wangji. Together the two uncover the secrets and mysteries of the supernatural world, and maybe find love along the way.
- A disgraced prince meets a mysterious demon who rules the world of ghosts and terrifies the Heavens.
Ritsu Onodera reluctantly becomes an editor at his father’s company, assigned to arrogant editor-in-chief Masamune Takano. But Ritsu’s rejection of Masamune’s affections in high school still haunts them. As rivals in the office, their past and present feelings get entangled despite their friction.
- 12
Aspiring actor Izumi Sena is roped into starring in a commercial reuniting him with popular model Ryoma Ichijo, who rescued and befriended Izumi 10 years prior. Ryoma’s feelings resurface, but Izumi remains oblivious until drastic measures make him confront what’s been in front of him all along.
- 13
Privileged No. 6 citizen Shion sees his life turned upside down when he crosses paths with Nezumi, an escaped "criminal" from the poverty-stricken West Block. After tragedy strikes, Shion joins Nezumi in resisting No. 6's dystopian government while uncovering its sinister secrets. A profound bond forms between them as they fight for a just future.
- 14
Hitorijime My Hero
2017Lonely high schooler Masahiro Setagawa winds up attracting unwanted attention from local gangs. But he finds protection under mysterious older student Kousuke Ohshiba. As Kousuke defends Masahiro from danger, friendship blossoms into romance, guiding Masahiro onto a better path.
- 15
Misaki Takahashi needs tutoring help which he receives from famous author Akihiko Usami, but their relationship evolves into a complicated romantic one. As Misaki navigates college life, he struggles to define his feelings for Usami despite their age gap and pressures to focus on school.
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Spiritpact
2016After dying in an accident, exorcist Keika You becomes bound by a spiritual pact to Long Wei, an ancient exorcist with incredible strength. They team up to vanquish evil spirits plaguing the living realm. In the process, initial friction between them blossoms into a fond yet fraught relationship.
- 17
Tight-Rope
2012Elementary student Ryunosuke and heir Neriya cross paths and quickly form a close — potentially hazardous — attachment. Ryunosuke becomes devoted to the eccentric Neriya. But their unstable bond strains as swiftly as it formed. With reality setting in, the two must determine if they can preserve the delicate tightrope between them.
- 18
High school student Reki takes newcomer Langa under his wing into the exciting world of “S,” an undefeated skateboarding competition. Though from vastly different backgrounds, their burgeoning friendship fuels their SK8 skills in the face of adversaries like gifted cherry blossom skater Adam.
- 19
University student Morinaga harbors a secret crush on his homophobic senior Souichi. After Souichi discovers Morinaga's feelings, he rejects Morinaga harshly. But continued encounters lead to Souichi questioning himself while Morinaga remains determined to prove his love despite Souichi's harsh temperament.
- 20
Yarichin B*tch Club
2018Nerdy student Takashi Tono catches the eye of the elite, all-male Yarichin B*tch Club. Seeking funds for his gaming habit, Takashi reluctantly agrees to join under the "ownership" of alluring senior Atsushi Otowa. Though constantly teased by the boys, Takashi starts to embrace his inner masochist.
- 21A boys' school film club is the backdrop for three tales of new romance.
- 22
While living in Canada, reserved Ren Kaidou formed a bond with the energetic young Haru. Years later upon returning to Japan, Ren is surprised when Haru reenters his life now as an aggressive adolescent. Despite their age gap, Haru wishes to rekindle the “special” relationship they once shared.
- 23
Haruka Nanase has an obsession with water and swimming. Alongside ex-teammates Makoto, Nagisa, and Rin, Haruka reforms their childhood swim club. They work to prepare for competitions while rediscovering the bonds and potential romance kindled in their youth.
- 24
Twittering Birds Never Fly - The Clouds Gather
2020Former sex worker Chikara finds his new bodyguard job upended when he crosses paths again with yakuza heir Kazuaki. Though Kazuaki once used him ruthlessly, Chikara gets entangled in Kazuaki's life and vices once more. Amid their violent connections, a troubled obsession persists.
- 25
The Titan's Bride
2020On the day of their wedding ceremony, oblivious chimera Shinga finds his bride suddenly in the form of the mighty titan general Krom. With his planet's fate tied to their union, Shinga faces culture shock adjusting to Krom's intimidating yet earnest affection for him. Their unlikely romance carries the hopes of their people.
- 26
Hey, Class President!
2009As student council president, Chiga is prim and proper, constantly clashing with rebellious punk Sakurai. After learning each other's secret worries, their relationship evolves into a bittersweet romance behind closed doors, despite public tensions remaining.
- 27Wei Wu Xian and Lan Wang Ji meet during a magical training and work together to solve mysteries.
- 28
After unexpectedly catching merman Wakasa bathing in his tub, Tatsumi decides to let Wakasa stay while hiding his identity. Daily life becomes increasingly chaotic but amusing as easygoing Wakasa's antics turn Tatsumi's world upside-down. In time, a heartfelt connection surfaces between them.
- 29Masaki Fujiyoshi is a stay-at-home spouse and parent. He has fought long and hard with feelings of being a burden to his loving husband, Hiromu, due to his status as an omega—and the difficulty they faced to achieve this domesticity. When their son, Hikari, was born, the family moved to an area better suited for raising children. Despite their newfound domestic bliss, the family's ties to their past are in tatters. There are people they left behind to pursue the creation of their happy family, and when they begin to return, Masaki and Hiromu aren't quite sure they have good intentions.
- 30
Outgoing college student Kaoru receives a marriage interview proposal from celebrity Miki Sugimasa to fake a relationship for publicity. Hesitantly, Kaoru agrees for the money, but finds Miki's manner surprisingly genuine. As they pretend to be a couple, their fake love risks becoming real.
- 31
Kirepapa
2008Studious high schooler Riju is surprised when charming older director Chisato Shougo wants to spend time mentoring him. Riju faces relentless teasing from Shougo but keeps returning, unable to fully resist Shougo’s forceful advances and expensive gifts. As Riju’s home life worsens, his reliance on Shougo deepens into a complicated dependence.
Abandoned as an infant, Yuki struggles with mysterious powers awakening within him. When protector Luka Crosszeria enters Yuki’s life, Yuki discovers his tie to a powerful Zweilt guardian family and his fated role in battling evil Duras demons. Yuki and Luka soon find their destinies intertwined by fate, power, and intimacy.
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DRAMAtical Murder
2014On the secluded island of Midorijima, Aoba finds his ordinary life upended when he is drawn into the sinister turf wars between morphic teen street gangs. Desperate battles unfold, made more complicated when a strange powerful entity known as Desire awakens inside Aoba. His choices will decide Midorijima's future.
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Mignon
2023When intelligence officer Jules encounters rogue operative Marcus during a high-stakes mission, their worlds collide in unexpected ways. As Jules struggles with his allegiance to his agency, he finds himself drawn into a passionate and risky relationship with Marcus, whose motives remain shrouded in mystery. As secrets unfold and dangers mount, the two must navigate a web of deception and betrayal while questioning their loyalties and the true nature of their feelings.
- 35Aspiring singer Shuichi Shindo and his band, Bad Luck, work to become Japan's next sensation.
- 36
After a perilous prison escape, young cadet Teito Klein becomes targeted by the Barsburg Empire while seeking clues about his forgotten past. Guided by the kindly Bishop Frau, Teito finds refuge in the church while countering military pursuers and the Seven Ghostly Judges who hold the keys to his origins.
- 37
Saku fell into the sea as a child and was rescued by a young merman. Ten years later when Saku returns to the beach, he rediscovers the merman named Isaki who saved him. Saku lets the mischievous Isaki stay with him temporarily, leading to a summer of interspecies romance.
- 38Ai no Kusabi (AIC, 2012) is a Japanese sci-fi yaoi anime OVA based on the novel written by Rieko Yoshihara. In a society where elites are assigned various social classes based on their hair color, Iason Mink, a high-class "Blondie", runs into Riki, a black-haired "Mongrel", and makes him his "Pet".
- 39
Hybrid Child
2014Hybrid Child (Studio Deen, 2014) is a Japanese sci-fi drama yaoi anime OVA based on the manga by Shungiku Nakamura. The Hybrid Child is an amazing doll that can grow if it is lavished with enough love and care from its owner. - 40
Maiden Rose
2009Maiden Rose (PrimeTime, 2009) is a Japanese romantic drama yaoi anime OVA based on the manga by Fusanosuke Inariya. Klaus von Wolfstadt leaves his duty as a soldier to his nation in order to be a knight to Taki Reizen, a commander of the enemy alliance. - 41Embracing Love (Trinet Entertainment, 2005) is a Japanese romantic drama yaoi anime OVA based on the manga by Youka Nitta. Two male pornographic actors fall in love as they attempt to break into mainstream acting.
- 42Ritsuka tries to find out the truth behind his brother's death.
- 43
Kyo Kara Maoh!
2004A boy is transported to an alternate world and is told that he is to be the new king of the demons. - 44Sex Pistols (Frontier Works, 2010) is a Japanese science fantasy yaoi anime OVA based on the manga by Tarako Kotobuki. Norio discovers that he is a "Zooman", a breed of humans descended from other animals rather than from apes, and struggles to fight off the advances of other Zoomans.
- 45
Togainu No Chi
2010In a post-apocalyptic Japan, a young man named Akira is falsely accused of a crime and offered freedom if he participates in a deadly fighting game.
- 46Following the story of high school student Akira Nakaido, a typical slacker, who meets Shirogane.
- 47After falling out of a 4th story window, Hashiba Sora loses his memory.
- 48
Gravitation: Lyrics of Love
1999When Yuki suddenly becomes cold and distant to Shuichi, it affects the young musician's ability to create the lyrics for Bad Luck's latest album - 49
No Money
2007No Money (Lilix, 2007) is a Japanese romantic drama yaoi anime OVA based on the light novel written by Hitoyo Shinozak and illustrated by Tohru Kousaka. Yukiya Ayase is bought by loan shark Somuku Kanou at an auction for 120 million yen and must now sell his body to him in order to pay off the debt. - 50
Papa To Kiss In The Dark
2005A high school student named Mira faces complex emotions and forbidden desires as he navigates a secret romantic relationship with his adoptive father, a famous actor.
- After the destruction of their village, three survivors flee from the Imperial Church.
- 52
Close the Last Door
2007Close the Last Door (Phoenix Entertainment, 2007) is a Japanese romantic drama yaoi anime OVA based on the manga by Yugi Yamada. After his best friend Saitou gets married, Nagai Atsushi buries his feelings for him and catches feelings for another guest at the wedding, but things get complicated when Saitou's bride runs off with another man and starts hitting on Nagai. - 53
Gakuen Heaven
2006Itou Keita is invited to attend "Bell Liberty Academy." - 54Fake (J.C. Staff, 1996) is a Japanese action comedy yaoi anime OVA based on the manga by Sanami Matoh. Dee hopes to make his feelings for Ryo, his partner in the police force, known but uninvited guests and a string of murders gets in the way.
- 55
Mirage of Blaze
2002A high school student fights evil spirits. - 56
This Boy Can Fight Aliens!
2011This Boy Can Fight Aliens! (CoMix Wave Films, 2011) is a Japanese action fantasy BL anime OVA. When unstoppable aliens invade, it seems that all is lost until a teenager with the ability to defeat these invaders appears, but he has no memories of who he is or how to use his power. - 57Vassalord (Production I.G, 2013) is a Japanese supernatural action yaoi anime OVA based on the manga by Nanae Chrono. Charley, a cyborg vampire who does the Vatican's dirty work, is the thrall of the local vampire playboy Johnny Rayflo, but can he resist his own desperate cravings for blood?
- 58
Zetsuai 1989
1992Zetsuai 1989 (Madhouse, 1992) is a Japanese romantic drama yaoi anime OVA based on the manga by Minami Ozaki. Famous rockstar Kouji Nanjou has fallen in love with Izumi Takuto, a soccer player with dreams of seeing "real" soccer in Italy. - 59
Level C
1995Level C (J.C.Staff, 1995) is a Japanese romantic drama yaoi OVA based on the manga by Futaba Aoi and Mitsuba Kurenai. After being kicked out by his ex-girlfriend, Kazuomi Honjo crosses paths with the young and attractive model Mizuki Shinohara and asks to stay with him in exchange for sexual favors. - 60Three middle school students are transformed into kappas by Keppi, the prince of the Kappa Kingdom.
- 61Enzai: Falsely Accused (Adonis, 2004) is a Japanese horror drama anime OVA based on the game by Langmaor. A young boy is wrongly accused, convicted, and sentenced to life imprisonment for a murder he didn't commit.
- 62
Bronze: Zetsuai Since 1989
1996Bronze: Zetsuai Since 1989 (Production I.G, 1996) is a Japanese romantic drama yaoi anime OVA based on the manga by Minami Ozaki. Famous rockstar Kouji Nanjou has fallen in love with Izumi Takuto, a soccer player with dreams of seeing "real" soccer in Italy. - 63
Kizuna: Bonds of Love
1994Kizuna: Bonds of Love (Zexcs, 1994) is a Japanese romantic drama yaoi anime OVA based on the manga by Kazuma Kodaka. Ranmaru and Kei have a strong and passionate relationship built on years of trust, sacrifice and love, but their relationship is tested when the mysterious son of a Yakuza boss begins to pursue Ranmaru's affection. - 64
Lesson XX
1995Lesson XX (Daiei Co. Ltd, 1995) is a Japanese romantic drama anime yaoi OVA based on the manga by Onagi Ei Onagi. Shizuka and Sakura try to figure out whether their feeling for each other are real or just physical. - 65
Seikimatsu Darling
1996Seikimatsu Darling (Horannabi, 1996) is a Japanese romantic drama yaoi anime OVA based on the manga by Maki Naruto. Ogata and Takasugi go away on a vacation together, both determined to win the seducing game. - The Poem of Wind and Trees (Triangle Staff, 1987) is a Japanese romantic drama anime OVA based on the manga by Keiko Takemiya. Upon being sent to his new school, Serge Battour rooms with Gilbert Cocteau, a gorgeous loner of a boy who sells his body for unknown reasons, and attempts to reach out to Gilbert to save him.
- 67Angels evaluate the human race and their negative traits. Animated.
- 68Four of the six Saintly Beasts must go to Earth stop the other two that have escaped.
