The yaoi genre, also known as Boys' Love (BL), is one that has taken off in popularity over the past few years. It's had a cult following since it was first established in the 1960s, but now it's far more out in the open than it's ever been. Popular anime streaming services all have at least some BL anime, and manga can be found in any bookstore shelved beside shonen and shojo series. With this amount of attention, however, comes a clearer view of the genre's biggest problems.

A lot of BL can be uncomfortable to consume because the relationships too often fetishize predatory, non-consensual, harassing and even abusive interactions. Popular BL like Dakaichi and the currently airing The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window suffer from this, as well as classics like Junjou Romantica. As a result, many are seeking BL that don't strongly adhere to the common, and often toxic, tropes that dominate the genre. Here are four anime on Crunchyroll that portray a healthier relationship than the BL standard, arranged from lighter shounen-ai that hint at yaoi content to full-on mature series.

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The Case Files of Jeweler Richard

The Case Files of Jeweler Richard Hand Shoulder

Centering on a Japanese college student and a mysterious foreign jeweler, The Case Files of Jeweler Richard is the lightest on this list in terms of its BL content, but the relationship forming at its center is one of the best. Seigi Nakata saves the titular Richard Ranashinha de Vulpian from a group of drunks one night, and the two men entertain the idea that their meeting was fate by the end of Episode 1. Once Seigi is hired to be Richard's part-time assistant, they become closer with every jewel they encounter.

Their relationship is formed from mutual respect, with each man seeing the other's noble qualities above all else. Richard has a checkered past and, even when confronted with pieces of it, Seigi doesn't push for answers. He appreciates every bit that Richard is willing to tell him, but respects his privacy. Meanwhile, Richard does everything he can to protect Seigi from the demons of gem dealing. Neither one bats an eye at getting married for the sake of a jewel and, towards the end of the series, they make a promise to one another, sealed with the exchange of gemstones. Although there is no direct confession, or even a kiss shared between them, the bond that they share is truly one of love.

Yuri!!! on Ice

Yuri on Ice Yuri and Victor Hair

Yuri Katsuki thought he'd put professional figure skating behind him, until a viral video of him copying ice prince Victor Nikiforov's routine leads to the legend himself becoming Yuri's coach. The mutual attraction is obvious from their first meeting and, from there, they quickly become more than just teacher and student. Yuri!!! on Ice allows Victor and Yuri to form a mutually beneficial relationship, where Yuri is given some much needed confidence and Victor's world grows fuller than ever. When Yuri's anxiety becomes overwhelming, Victor gradually gets better at calming him down.

When an emergencies arise, Yuri encourages Victor to do what he must do, providing unwavering support. The series was groundbreaking when it aired because it went beyond what viewers were expecting of the relationship. It began with plenty of gay subtext and hints, but it commits to the BL elements in the latter half in ways that made the LGBTQ+ community overjoyed. Yuri!!! on Ice is out, proud and, most importantly, healthy in all the right ways.

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Given

Given Uenoyama Mafuyu walk

Ritsuka Uenoyama is a moody, washed-up guitarist who doesn't get a passionate rush from performing like he used to. One day, he finds Mafuyu Sato curled up in his preferred napping spot, clutching an expensive guitar with rusty, broken strings, and his life changes.

Given provides one of the most balanced relationships that BL anime has to offer. Ritsuka looks like the one to take all of the steps, but he's a tangle of confusion on the inside. Meanwhile Mafuyu, despite his meek appearance, is more experienced with dating and is very forward once he decides to make a move. Their relationship is one of give and take. Ritsuka takes the tune in Mafuyu's head and makes it a song, then Mafuyu takes that song and gives it lyrics. In this way, Mafuyu's relationship with Ritsuka is better than the one he had with his first love.

That being said, Given does come with a content warning: At its core, it's a series about grief and handling the loss of someone important.

Love Stage!!

Love Stage Ryouma Izumi Kiss

Love Stage!! does its best to take the toxicity in BL and direct attention to it, but it's far from perfect. It follows multiple BL tropes, namely non-consensual advances. The difference between more problematic BL and Love Stage!!, however, is that these tropes are explored differently. Ryouma Ichijou does assault Izumi Sena in Episode 3, but this act isn't sensationalized or accepted. Izumi is traumatized after the incident, other characters agree that what happened is terrible and Ryouma hates himself once he comes to his senses.

Their relationship has to be built back from this event, and they start by being friends. Once they entertain the idea of becoming lovers, they take the decision to heart and do research in their own ways. The OVA is even dedicated to Izumi being unhappy with Ryouma in bed and dives into how he can make the experience better. Their relationship is messy, but they're trying their best to improve it rather than keep the BL status quo.

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