This article contains mention of suicide.

Boys' Love — also known as "BL" or "Yaoi" — is a unique genre of anime that focuses on romantic relationships between two male characters. Though it's a niche part of anime as a whole, BL has always been popular among certain groups. With the normalization of LGBTQ+ representation in anime, the genre has become more popular than ever and has even hit the mainstream in some cases.

BL has a notorious reputation for many, due to its often problematic depiction of queer couples. Luckily, many modern titles portray much healthier relationship stories, such as titles like Given or Sasaki and Miyano. However, that doesn't mean there aren't any great old BL stories as well. Either way, the genre is full of wonderful titles newcomers are sure to enjoy.

Updated on March 25th, 2024 by Chelsea Steele: BL has always been a niche genre in anime. However, interest in this unique romantic subset has grown over the years, especially as LGBTQ+ representation within anime has improved. Now that it's more popular than ever, fans are checking out the best BL series available, from new hits to old favorites. We've updated this list to meet CBR's current publication standards, adding more info on some of the best BL anime for new fans.

Related
MangaPlaza Launches Boys' Love Page and Offers Major Giveaways for 2-Year Anniversary
MangaPlaza, one of the biggest digital manga libraries in the U.S., is celebrating its second anniversary with a campaign showcasing its BL titles.

25 The Betrayal Knows My Name Is A Romantic Fantasy Adventure

The Betrayal Knows My Name
The Betrayal Knows My Name
Adventure
Drama

Yuki, an orphan with the ability to feel others' emotions and transfer their pain to himself, seeks answers about his past while struggling to control his dangerous powers with the help of a silver-eyed guardian sworn to protect him.

Release Date
April 11, 2010
Creator
Natsuko Takahashi
Cast
Soichiro Hoshi , Takahiro Sakurai , Takehito Koyasu
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1 Season
Production Company
J.C. Staff
Number of Episodes
24 Episodes

The Betrayal Knows My Name Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

7.21/10

IMDb:

6.9/10

Anime-Planet:

3.68/5

The Betrayal Knows My Name is a fantasy adventure series starring Yuki Sakurai, a young man with the ability to see the memories of others. For most of his life, he's unsure what this power means or why he possesses it. However, Yuki finally gets the answers he seeks after a chance encounter with a beautiful and mysterious man takes him on a harrowing journey he never expected.

Unlike most BL series, The Betrayal Knows My Name is a plot-centric story that focuses more on the adventure and lore while the actual romance takes a back seat. With a well-written story, likable cast, and interesting fantasy theme, it's a great starter series for those just getting into BL.

Luka and Yuki from The Betrayal Knows My Name standing side by side with thorned rose vines in the background

24 Hybrid Child Tells An Emotional Story Of Three Different Romances

Hybrid Child
Hybrid Child
Fantasy
Romance

A collection of three romance stories depicting the relationship between Hybrid Children - androids that grow depending on the love and care given to them, and their owners.

Release Date
October 29, 2014
Creator
Aki Itami
Cast
Nobuhiko Okamoto , Junichi Suwabe , Hikaru Midorikawa
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1 Season
Studio
Studio Deen
Number of Episodes
4 Episodes

Hybrid Child Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

7.52/10

IMDb:

7.2/10

Anime-Planet:

3.87/5

Related
10 Best BL Anime Couples, Ranked
Couples like Ash and Eiji from Banana Fish and No. 6's Nezumi and Shion showcase the best examples of LGBTQ+ relationships in anime.

Hybrid Child is a 4-episode-long OVA with a heartfelt and emotional storyline that blends together sci-fi and historical drama. In this series, skilled craftsmen have created an artificial doll-like human companion known as a Hybrid Child. With thoughts and emotions of their very own, Hybrid Children appear just like regular people, with no outwardly noticeable differences.

The OVA tells the touching story of three different Hybrid Children and their owners, each falling in love under different circumstances. Short, sweet, and a definite tearjerker, Hybrid Child is a perfect BL anime for those who love a sad romance.

Kuroda about to kiss a surprised Tsukishima in Hybrid Child

23 Mignon Is A Unique Vampire Romance Between A Young Boxer & A Handsome Doctor

Mignon
Mignon
TV-14
Short
Crime

Follows daft but lovable Mignon, a mechanic moonlighting as a boxer in an illegal arena, and the lengths he goes to in his loving devotion to Oh Young-One, the arena's resident doctor, who himself harbors a dark secret.

Release Date
August 11, 2023
Creator
Bboung Bbang Kkyu
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1 Season
Studio
ABJ COMPANY
Characters By
Oh Min-Hyeok, Kim Minju, Lee Gyu Chang
Production Company
ABJ COMPANY, D&C WEBTOON Biz
Number of Episodes
12 Episodes

Mignon Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

7.88/10

IMDb:

8.1/10

Anime-Planet:

4.24/5

Mignon is a 2023 ONA based on the BL manhwa of the same name. This dramatic series revolves around the titular protagonist, a young boxer trying to survive in a world of crime and violence. His only solace comes from Young-on, a beautiful vampire who works as a doctor at the illegal arena where Mignon fights. Though the two are from completely different worlds, they become entangled in each other's lives in a dangerous yet irresistible love affair.

Though this series is relatively unknown to most fans, Mignon is easily one of the best new BL anime series to release in some time. With a wholly unique premise, well-written and complex characters, and captivating romance, this underrated ONA has everything a BL fan could want and more.

Young-On patching up Mignon after a fight in the anime Mignon

22 Hirano & Kagiura Is A Short OVA Starring Two Supporting Characters From Sasaki & Miyano

Hirano & Kagiura-1
Hirano & Kagiura
PG-13
Short
Romance

The diligent high school freshman Akira Kagiura and his senior Taiga Hirano have been roommates for half a year. Kagiura used to be anxious about his future dormitory life, but thanks to his energetic senior looking out for him, he has come to feel content and at ease.

Release Date
February 17, 2023
Cast
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka , Nobunaga Shimazaki
Runtime
10 Minutes
Main Genre
Animation
Story By
Production Company
Nippon Columbia, Sound Team Don Juan, Studio DEEN

Hirano & Kagiura Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

8.42/10

IMDb:

8.1/10

Anime-Planet:

3.98/5

Related
10 Best Anime Couples Who Went From Friends To Lovers
Friends-to-lovers romances are incredibly rewarding and sweet, with Risa Koizumi and Atsushi Ootani from Lovely Complex being a great example.

A spin-off of the beloved hit series Sasaki and Miyano, Hirano and Kagiura centers around the budding romance between two popular supporting characters. In this short OVA, viewers find that Akira Kagiura and Taiga Hirano have been dormmates for half a year. In this time, the two have gotten incredibly close and are the best of friends.

However, over time, the boys come to realize their feelings for each other may go beyond mere friendship. Wholesome, sweet, and incredibly cute, Hirano and Kagiura is a perfect companion piece to Sasaki and Miyano. However, the short is currently only available in Japan, so Western fans will have to wait a little longer before checking it out.

21 Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi: World's Greatest First Love Follows A Complicated Romance Between Two Former Lovers

The World's Greatest First Love
The World's Greatest First Love
TV-MA
Comedy
Romance

Ritsu Onodera and Masamune Takano try to sort their feelings from their past relationship.

Release Date
April 9, 2011
Creator
Rika Nakase
Cast
Katsuyuki Konishi , Takashi Kondô , Yuichi Nakamura
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
2 Seasons
Production Company
Studio DEEN
Number of Episodes
24 Episodes

Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi: World's Greatest First Love Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

7.64/10

IMDb:

7.6/10

Anime-Planet:

4.06/5

From the creator of the iconic series, Junjo Romantica, comes Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi: World's Greatest First Love, a spin-off of the popular series that loosely ties to it. This simple, sweet, and often hilarious love story follows the complicated relationship between Ritsu Onodera and his ex, Masamune Takano, as well as two other couples whose romances intertwine with the main one.

Though Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi is far less popular than Junjo Romantica, many fans actually prefer this series and its more story-driven style. With its well-written storyline, likable cast, and endearing romances, Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi works perfectly as a starter series for newcomers.

Takano Masamune kissing Onodera Ritsu on the cheek in Sekaiichi Hatsukoi

20 Antidote Is A Dark Romance Centered Around A Relationship Between Complete Opposites

Antidote
Antidote
PG-13
Comedy
Drama

Coming from a privileged background, Cheng Ke cuts ties with his family. He soon finds himself unfortunately acquainted with terrifying gang leader, Jiang Yuduo.

Release Date
January 9, 2020
Creator
Zhe Wu
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1 Season
Characters By
Ying Huang, Dawei Liang, Wu Lei
Production Company
Bilibili, Seven Stone Entertainment
Number of Episodes
13 Episodes

Antidote Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

7.06/10

IMDb:

7.9/10

Anime-Planet:

3.74/5

Antidote tells the story of Cheng Ke and Jiang Yuduo, two young men from very different backgrounds whose fates become intertwined unexpectedly. Having lost everything he owned, Cheng Ke first meets Jiang Yudo in a fight while searching for his lost items. Hoping that would be his last interaction with Jiang Yuduo, Cheng Ke searches for a new place to live — only to discover that his new landlord is Jiang Yuduo.

Despite the terrible world around them, Cheng Ke and Jiang Yuduo form a relationship. Their pasts lead to a lot of contention, but the two still find ways back to one another. Antidote is a dark BL anime that will have audiences on the edges of their seats.

Jiang YuDuo and Cheng Ke standing face to face and glaring at each other in Antidote

19 Sasaki & Miyano Tells A Sweet Story Of Two Boys Who Bond Over Shared Interests

Sasaki and Miyano
Sasaki and Miyano
TV-14
Comedy
Drama

Shy and easily flustered Miyano harbors an embarrassing secret - he is a "fudanshi", a boy who likes boys' love manga. Intrigued, the clueless delinquent Sasaki requests to borrow one, marking a shift in their strange dynamic.

Release Date
January 10, 2022
Creator
Yoshiko Nakamura
Cast
Kellen Goff , Kayleigh McKee
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1 Season
Production Company
Studio DEEN
Number of Episodes
13 Episodes

Sasaki & Miyano Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

8.53/10

IMDb:

7.7/10

Anime-Planet:

4.33/5

Related
10 Best Queer Anime, Ranked
Anime series like Given, Bloom Into You, and Yuri on Ice explore queer narratives without reducing them to offensive stereotypes or parodies.

Yoshikazu Miyano and Shuumei Sasaki's first meeting in Sasaki And Miyano quickly develops into an awkward but sweet first love worthy of a shojo series. After a bullying incident, they start to see each other more often at school. Miyano, a closeted BL manga enthusiast, accidentally reveals his secret to Sasaki. But instead of repulsion towards his underclassman, he quickly becomes hooked.

Now with a shared interest, Sasaki and Miyano begin to hang out more frequently, and their relationship deepens. Miyano finds himself enticed by Sasaki's straightforwardness and sudden interest in him, despite showing annoyance initially. As the series progresses, they become one of the sweetest BL couples of all time. Sasaki and Miyano is a recent addition to the BL genre, but it is a cute, fluffy series worth watching.

18 Gravitation Is One Of The Most Influential Classic BL Titles

The Cast on the Gravitation DVD Promo
Gravitation
TV-PG
Drama
Romance

Aspiring singer Shuichi Shindo and his band, Bad Luck, work to become Japan's next musical sensation, while he struggles to capture Eiri Yuki's attention.

Release Date
October 4, 2000
Cast
Tomokazu Seki , Kazuhiko Inoue , Megan Hollingshead , Takehito Koyasu , Rachael Lillis , Jason Griffith
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Production Company
SPE Visual Works, Studio DEEN

Gravitation Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

6.92/10

IMDb:

7.2/10

Anime-Planet:

3.45/5

Gravitation certainly had its flaws, but there is no denying it was a trailblazer for queer representation in anime. The series follows Shuichi Shindo, an ambitious young man who sets out to be the best singer in Japan. Eiri Yuki, a popular novelist, scrutinizes his work, much to his annoyance. However, this doesn't stop Shuichi's attraction, and Yuki eventually shows his softer side.

If fans want to watch Gravitation, they should watch with an open mind and understand that it is a product of its time. Certain elements — such as Shuichi and Yuki's on-and-off romance — did not age well. However, it's hard to deny the series' impact on BL anime during the early 2000s. It inspired later musical romance titles (notably Given) to improve upon its flaws.

Shuichi Shindou hugging Eiri Yuki from behind while wearing a bunny hat in Gravitation

17 Super Lovers Features A Questionable Romance, But Is Still Worth A Watch

Haru and Ren on the Super Lovers Promo
Super Lovers
TV-MA
Romance
Comedy

When Haru gets called to visit his mother in Canada, he finds out that he has a new adoptive brother. As Haru works to gain his new brother Ren's trust, a powerful bond is formed.

Release Date
April 6, 2016
Studio
Studio Deen
Main Cast
Tomoaki Maeno, Junko Minagawa and Ayumu Murase

Super Lovers Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

6.80/10

IMDb:

6.9/10

Anime-Planet:

3.73/5

Haru Kaido is a friendly and smart young man visiting Canada to see his adoptive mother. Given his love for her, when the woman asks him to help her "civilize" Ren, her new adoptee, Haru chooses to try, even if Ren is almost feral. The two boys form a close relationship, but following an accident, their bond is broken forever when Haru loses his memory.

Years later, when Ren finds Haru again, they have to restart their relationship. Super Lovers tells a surprisingly wholesome story about their connection over the years, but it has been heavily criticized for its taboo nature and the large age gap between the two protagonists. Despite this, Super Lovers remains an iconic title within the genre to this day.

Haru Kaidou sitting with Ren Kaidou in his lap in Super Lovers

16 No. 6 Is A Sci-Fi Distopian Series Centered Around The Relationship Between Two Young Men

NO.6 anime poster.
No. 6
TV-14
Adventure
Drama

In a city known as No.6, an elite student named Shion saves a young boy called Rat, who happens to be an escapee from the local prison. After being reunited with Rat years later, the two begin to uncover the dirty secrets of the 'ideal city' No.6 while discovering more about themselves and their love for each other along the way.

Release Date
July 7, 2011
Creator
Atsuko Asano
Cast
Yûki Kaji , Yoshimasa Hosoya
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1 Season
Producer
David Del Rio, Hideo Katsumata, Reo Kurosu, John Ledford, Takuya Matsushita
Production Company
Bones
Number of Episodes
11 Episodes

No. 6 Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

7.56/10

IMDb:

7.4/10

Anime-Planet:

3.9/5

No. 6 is a dystopian anime that brings together two young men from different sides of the world. When Shion takes in the lonely Nezumi, their worlds become not so dissimilar within a night. Shion is stripped of his privileged life due to his kindness.

Now that he has fallen from grace, Shion and Nezumi meet again to uncover the secrets of their land. Their many years apart only helped the two young men to realize their deeper connection, and their shared desire to right the wrongs of their society. A unique addition to the BL genre, No. 6 is a plot-centric series with a well-written cast and a bittersweet story that's sure to bring a tear to any fan's eye.

Shion and Nezumi lying next to each other and holding hands in No. 6

15 This Boy Caught A Merman Follows The Unexpected Romance Between A Human Boy & A Merman

This Boy Caught A Merman-1
This Boy Caught A Merman
PG-13
Short
Comedy

A spoof on The Little Mermaid, but instead about a teenage boy and the merman that saves him from drowning.

Release Date
November 9, 2012
Cast
Leraldo Anzaldua , Greg Ayres , Justin Doran
Runtime
30 Minutes
Main Genre
Animation
Producer
Janice Williams, Soubi Yamamoto
Production Company
CoMix Wave Films

This Boy Caught A Merman Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

7.27/10

IMDb:

6.9/10

Anime-Planet:

3.66/5

Related
15 Best Fantasy BL Manhwa
Some BL manhwa are sweet, some are filled with action and drama, and some have incredible development with mature themes, like King’s Maker.

The Kono Danshi..., or This Boy..., series is a criminally underrated collection of unique BL stories. Even with a US release through Sentai Filmworks, not many anime fans know about this BL anthology. The first entry, This Boy Caught A Merman, centers around a human boy and a handsome merman. It's a perfect introductory BL for new fans, offering a short and sweet romance with a fantasy twist.

Shima was taken in by his kind grandfather after his neglectful parents' messy divorce. However, his grandfather passes away shortly after, leaving Shima alone. He grieves by the ocean and almost drowns before a mysterious merman, Isaki, saves him. Isaki suggests keeping Shima company until he recovers, and a sweet romance begins to blossom between them.

Isaki and Shima staring into each other's eyes in This Boy Caught a Merman.

14 Spiritpact Centers Around The Bond Between An Exorcist & A Spirit Boy

The cast of Spiritpact posing on the official poster.
Spiritpact
TV-14
Comedy
Drama

You Keika is heir of Exorcists, stricken with poverty and computer tech, until one night he gets hit by car and become a ghost. Tanmoku Ki appears and asks him to make a pact to fight Evil Spirits. Here starts the friendship of our heroes.

Release Date
June 21, 2016
Creator
Zi Ping
Main Genre
Action
Seasons
2 Seasons
Characters By
Shunsuke Takeuchi, Yûichi Iguchi, Lanling Li
Production Company
Emon Animation Company, Garden Culture, Haoliners Animation, Tencent Animation & Comics
Number of Episodes
22 Episodes

Spiritpact Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

7.19/10

IMDb:

7.5/10

Anime-Planet:

3.67/5

In Spiritpact, Tanmoku Ki is a renowned and powerful exorcist, and Keika is a young, foolish boy who dies in a freak accident. Tanmoku offers Keika a deal: become his spirit shadow, allowing Keika to maintain his bond with the human world even in his spirit form. The two strong-headed, stubborn men constantly bicker, but their bond gradually develops under these unusual circumstances.

Spiritpact is far from a perfect series, and many viewers will tell newcomers to read the manhwa instead. However, Tanmoku and Keika's unpredictable relationship earned its unique place as a BL, leaning more on the shonen-ai side than yaoi. Spiritpact is an example of anime studios' slow but necessary progress toward incorporating queer characters into other genres.

Tanmoku pulling a surprised Keika in for a kiss in Spiritpact
Mo Dao Zu Shi
Mo Dao Zu Shi
TV-14
Action
Adventure

Two men with opposing ideologies embark on a mission to unravel the mysteries of the spiritual world. Fighting demons, ghosts, and even other cultivators, the two end up forming a bond that neither of them had ever expected.

Release Date
July 9, 2018
Creator
Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
3 Seasons
Characters By
Sanmu Liu, Jiang Bian, Ketsu
Producer
Jin Wenjun, Wang Juan, Liu Xing, Zhu Ke, Yan Mengya
Production Company
Aniplex, B.Cmay Pictures, G.CMay Animation & Film, Sony Music Solutions, Tencent Penguin Pictures
Number of Episodes
35 Episodes

Grandmaster Of Demonic Cultivation Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

8.40/10

IMDb:

8.5/10

Anime-Planet:

4.42/5

Published in 2016, Mo Dao Zu Shi, also known as Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, is based on a popular webtoon series of the same name. The story reached worldwide fame almost overnight, winning multiple awards and even receiving a live-action drama. It is a must-read when it comes to comics with LGBTQIA+ representation.

In his past life, Wuxian Wei was a powerful cultivator. Rumors about his prowess spread throughout the land even after his death. Now, he cannot have a peaceful death, as he has been reincarnated into a new body. He reunites with an old acquaintance, Wangji Lan, embarking on a journey to learn more about the cultivators' deepest secrets.

Wuxian Wei and Wanji Lan sitting under a tree in Mo Dao Zu Shi/Grandmaster Of Demonic Cultivation.

12 Love, Stage!! Is A BL Classic Featuring A Star-Studded Romance

Love Stage
Love, Stage!!
TV-MA
Comedy
Romance

With a father who's a singer, a mother who's a movie star, and an older brother Shougo who's the lead vocalist for the super-popular band "The Crusherz," Sena Izumi-an otaku college student-is the only dull one born into this super-famous and talented family.

Release Date
July 9, 2014
Creator
Michiko Yokote
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1 Season
Characters By
David Wald, Christopher Sabat, Amber Lee Connors
Producer
John Ledford
Production Company
J.C. Staff
Number of Episodes
11 Episodes

Love Stage!! Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

7.17/10

IMDb:

7.2/10

Anime-Planet:

3.87/5

An aspiring mangaka from a well-known family in the entertainment industry, Izumi Sena prefers to stay away from showbiz due to a strong case of stage fright. Love, Stage!! follows his romance with Ryoma Ichijo, a popular actor who fell for him after mistaking him for a girl due to his small size.

Since it is a romantic comedy, Love, Stage!! sees the misadventures of Izumi and Ryoma, letting their love develop without much drama. Yaoi anime fans who want a heartwarming story with no angst should check this series out, as they're sure to fall in love with the amazing characters and wholesome romance.

11 Twittering Birds Never Fly: The Clouds Gather Stars Explores Two Men As They Grow & Heal Together

Twittering Birds Never Fly The Clouds Gather
Twittering Birds Never Fly: The Clouds Gather
Crime
Drama

Yashiro is the president of the Shinseikai Enterprise. He leads a double life as a deviant and a masochist. Doumeki Chikara comes to work as a bodyguard for Yashiro. They begin an affair of two men with songs in their hearts.

Release Date
February 15, 2020
Director
Kaori Makita
Runtime
1 Hour 25 Minutes
Main Genre
Animation
Writers
Hiroshi Seko
Characters By
Tarusuke Shingaki, Wataru Hatano, Kenta Miyake
Producer
Blue Lynx
Production Company
Grizzly

Twittering Birds Never Fly: The Clouds Gather Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

7.40/10

IMDb:

6.8/10

Anime-Planet:

3.85/5

Twittering Birds Never Fly: The Clouds Gather is an extremely graphic, strictly adult anime that follows yakuza boss Yashiro and his new detail, Doumeki Chikara. Yashiro immediately takes a shine to Doumeki and does his best to seduce his new subordinate.

An unlikely romance blooms as the once immovable Doumeki begins to share in Yashiro's desires. Having both experienced and witnessed trauma when they were younger, the two broken men find common ground and confidence in each other. Though they are very different, Doumeki and Yashiro find that they are better when they weather life together.

10 Classmates Is A Simple Yet Wholesome Tale Of Young Love

Hikaru and Rihito in Doukyuusei Promo
Doukyuusei
Drama
Music
Romance

Doukyuusei features a relationship between two high school second years, Rihito Sajo, who is an honor student, and Hikaru Kusakabe, who plays in a rock band. Directed by Shôko Nakamura. Starring Hideo Ishikawa, Hiroshi Kamiya and Kenji Nojima

Release Date
February 20, 2016
Runtime
1 hour
Main Genre
Anime
Director
Shōko Nakamura
Studio
Aniplex
Cast
Kenji Nojima , Hiroshi Kamiya , Hideo Ishikawa

Classmates Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

8.29/10

IMDb:

7.7/10

Anime-Planet:

4.32/5

Classmates' central premise is not incredibly unique, but that is precisely the point. For too long, queer fans have been denied the essential joy of watching a simple love story unfold. There are no elements commonly seen in BL anime, such as persistent romantic rivals or over-the-top drama, making for a refreshing change of pace within the genre.

A reserved, introverted honor student, Rihito Sajou, meets Hikaru Kusakabe, an outgoing student who struggles with his studies. Both are attending a chorus class, and Hikaru decides to help Rihito with his vocals. So begins an endearing and pure tale of first love between two teenage boys. The movie is a thoughtful, subtle piece, and the art is beautiful in its simplicity. On the whole, Classmates is a charming, affecting story and a must-watch for new BL fans.

Hikaru Kusakabe cupping a blushing Rihito Saijou's face with his hands and smiling as their noses touch in Doukyuusei: Classmates

9 My Very Own Hero Follows The Budding Romance Between Two Different Couples

The Cast on the Hitorijime My Hero Promo
Hitorijime My Hero
TV-14
Drama
Romance

Masahiro Setagawa, a high school student, is protected from bullies by Kosuke Oshiba, a teacher, in Hitorijime My Hero.

Release Date
July 8, 2017
Main Genre
Anime
Main Cast
Tomoaki Maeno, Toshiki Matsuda, Shinnosuke Tachibana, Yoshitsuga Matsuoka, Daman Mills, Alejandro Saab, David Matranga, and Austin Tindle
Seasons
1
Production Company
Encourage Films

My Very Own Hero Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

7.29/10

IMDb:

7.4/10

Anime-Planet:

3.93/5

Related
10 BL Tropes Seen In Other Anime Genres
Boys' Love might seem like a niche genre, but several other anime have used its tropes to their advantage.

Hitorijime My Hero, also known as My Very Own Hero, depicts the relationships between two different couples. The first couple is Masahiro Setagawa, an uninspired teenager on his way to becoming a criminal, and Kousuke Ooshiba, a street fighter and high school teacher who wants better for Masahiro. Additionally, Kensuke Ooshiba, Kousuke's brother and Masahiro's best friend, and Asaya Hasekura, Kensuke's possessive but friendly boyfriend, become a couple.

My Very Own Hero is a short, 12-episode-long series that develops the romances between each pair while also considering their relations with each other, such as Kousuke and Kensuke's brotherly love or Kensuke and Masahiro's friendship. All characters are highly lovable, and the romance is nothing short of sweet, so BL anime fans will love it.

Seta and Kousuke are about to kiss in Hitorijime My Hero

8 Dakaichi Features A Hilarious Enemies-To-Lovers Romance

Dakaichi
Dakaichi: I'm Being Harassed By the Sexiest Man of the Year
Comedy
Drama

Saijou Takato's 5 year reign as the 'Most Huggable No. 1' has been snatched. Azumaya is a newbie actor with a 3-year debut, who uses his sincere sparkling smile to blackmail Takato into silence.

Release Date
October 5, 2018
Creator
Yoshimi Narita
Cast
Yuki Ono , Hiroki Takahashi , Satoshi Hino
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1 Season
Producer
Tomoyo Kamiji, Narumi Odagiri, Miho Kikoshi, Yasushi Yoshida
Production Company
A-1 Pictures, Aniplex, CloverWorks
Number of Episodes
13 Episodes

Dakaichi Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

7.37/10

IMDb:

7.3/10

Anime-Planet:

3.98/5

Dakaichi is a more mature BL, but it is nonetheless a hilariously dramatic "enemies-to-lovers" type of romance. Despite having only 13 episodes, there is more than enough story material to give viewers a great LGBTQIA+ story. It is also a good recommendation for fans looking for an anime with a primarily adult cast.

"Sexiest Man of the Year" Takato Saijo has to share the spotlight with the up-and-coming Junya Azumaya — but things get worse for him after Junya obtains some career-ending evidence. Their dynamic is delightful to watch, even when they bicker or attempt to one-up each other. The story gradually begins pushing their relationship in a more sensual direction, something adult anime fans will appreciate.

7 Heaven Official's Blessing Is A Captivating Historical Fantasy Romance

Hua Cheng and Xie Lian in the Heaven Official's Blessing Promo
Heaven Official's Blessing
TV-14
Adventure
Romance

Banished to the mortal realm to exorcise ghosts, a deity must reckon with a demon and soon uncovers a dark secret behind the heavenly gods.

Release Date
October 30, 2020
Main Cast
Zhengyang Ma, Youxi Deng, Hiroshi Kamiya, Guangtao Jiang, Non Sepho, Howard Wang, James Cheek

Heaven Official's Blessing Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

8.34/10

IMDb:

8.2/10

Anime-Planet:

4.44/5

In Heaven Official's Blessing, Xie Lian is an unfortunate god who continues to ascend to the heavens but gets knocked back into the mortal world. On his third ascension, the gods give him the job of solving the mystery of disappearing brides. During his investigation, Xie Lian meets a handsome man who helps him through his mission. However, Hua Cheng is more than what he seems, and the two slowly become drawn to one another.

Heaven Official's Blessing is a heartfelt story about two lost souls finding each other throughout time. This subtle romance shows two people banished and feared by the heavens coming together to find strength in one another. One of BL's most popular modern titles, the series is a must-watch for new and old fans alike.

6 Stranger By The Shore's Love Story Is A Simple Yet Honest Depiction Of Queer Romance

The Stranger by the Beach
The Stranger by the Beach
TV-14
Drama
Romance

Two men meet on a beach in Okinawa and are romantically attracted to each other.

Release Date
September 11, 2020
Director
Akiyo Ohashi
Cast
Bryn Apprill , Justin Briner
Runtime
59 Minutes
Main Genre
Animation
Writers
Akiyo Ohashi
Production Company
Studio Hibari

Stranger By The Shore Rating Scores

MyAnimeList:

7.86/10

IMDb:

7.1/10

Anime-Planet:

4.19/5

Long before Stranger by the Shore hit Japanese theaters, the hype surrounding this queer romance film began online. The premise is nothing remarkable, which is precisely the film's charm. Queer fans have missed out on even the most straightforward, sweetest depictions of young romance, and the joy of seeing representation as a theatergoer.

In the film, Shun Hashimoto hopes to be an author, but things become harder after his parents abandon him after he comes out. When he meets Mio Chibana, an orphaned high schooler, by the sea in Okinawa, the two grow close. But when summer ends, Mio leaves, and Shun is alone once again. By the time he returns to Okinawa, things are not what they were, but perhaps these two can still find happiness together. An honest and heartfelt depiction of queer struggles and young love, Stranger by the Shore is a beautiful addition to the BL genre.

Mio Chibana smiling at a surprised Shun Hashimoto as they stand next to a flowered bush in Stranger by the Shore