BL Anime Series and Movies List

List of BL Anime and Yaoi

2025 BL

• A Love Too Captivating
• Baban Baban Baban Ban Vampire
• Kowloon Generic Romance
• Quiet Please!
• Tamagawa Wants to Be a Cat
• The Summer Hikaru Died
• Unexpectedly Naughty Fukami

2024 BL

• Cherry Magic
• Given Movie 2: Hiiragi Mix
• Kuso Miso Technique
• Tadaima, Okaeri
• The Perfect Prince Loves Me
• Twilight Out of Focus

2023 BL

• Buddy Daddies
• Mask Danshi
• Mignon
• My New Boss Is Goofy
• Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation

2022 BL

• Caressing My Hibernating Bear
• Sasaki and Miyano

2021 BL

• Dakaichi: Spain Arc
• Fairy Ranmaru
• Given: On the Other Hand
• Reincarnated Into Demon King Evelogia’s World
• Semantic Error
• The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window

2020 BL

• Given Movie
• The Stranger by the Beach
• The Titan’s Bride
• Twittering Birds Never Fly: The Clouds Gather
• Yes, No, or Maybe Half

2019 BL

• Even a Dad Still Wants It
• Given
• Partner’s Territory

Old BL

• Antique Bakery
• Dakaichi
• Hyperventilation
• Love Stage
• Merman in My Tub
• Someone Else’s BL Cartoon
• Yuri on Ice

BL Anime in 2025

My favourite BL anime in 2025 is Quiet Please. I also enjoyed The Summer Hikaru Died, even if the story doesn’t focus on the romance.

A Love Too Captivating (2025)

A Love Too Captivating is a Japanese BL anime about a high school delinquent and his classmate. The main character has a reputation for trouble and getting into fights. Teachers scold him, his classmates keep their distance, and he brushes off their judgment. One day, the protagonist saves another student from a group of delinquents. Since then, he has felt uneasy when the boy pays attention to him. He’s not sure how to handle such kindness.

At only 15 minutes long, A Love Too Captivating doesn’t have enough time to tell a complete story. It finishes before I can feel too invested. With that said, this short anime special still feels very sweet. I enjoy the classic relationship dynamic between a model student and his delinquent classmate. It’s fun to see the bad boy soften his rough edges! The stylish visuals are also a bonus, and its excellent use of colours elevates many scenes.

Baban Baban Baban Ban Vampire (2025)

Baban Baban Ban Vampire is a Japanese BL anime comedy about a 450-year-old vampire. He has lived with a human family for the past decade. They welcome him into their home, believing that his vampire identity is just a joke. He grows close to the teenage son, who treats him like a mentor. Beneath his friendly exterior, the protagonist hides his true nature and plans to drink the boy’s precious blood once he becomes an adult.

The Baban Baban Ban Vampire anime is damn funny. It leans heavily into dark humour, making you laugh at the inappropriate jokes and outrageous scenarios. There are many lively characters, each with colourful personalities and messy relationships. This series can be highly entertaining. However, the story is also riddled with problematic tropes. The predatory lead is obsessed with a teenager, and his creepy behaviour may make you uncomfortable.

Kowloon Generic Romance (2025)

Kowloon Generic Romance is a Japanese anime series about two coworkers and their mysterious relationship. There’s also a BL subplot in the story. The main character works at a real estate firm in Hong Kong and has a crush on her colleague. While they have good chemistry, she can tell he feels uneasy around her. After investigating his past, the protagonist discovers a shocking secret. He used to date an older woman who looked just like her.

The Kowloon Generic Romance anime is set in the 1990s, giving it a cool retro vibe. In particular, I adore the soft, dreamy visuals and the little nostalgic details. This series has a unique storyline. It starts with a bizarre mystery and keeps me on edge with constant plot twists, even if the last few episodes lose some steam. While the straight couple is the main focus, the BL subplot feels too basic by comparison. I don’t find their romance that interesting.

Quiet Please (2025)

Quiet Please! is a Korean BL anime series about two disruptive neighbours. The main character lives alone in an apartment, minding his own business. Lately, he’s getting annoyed by the loud music coming from next door. Finally fed up, the protagonist confronts the neighbour about the noise problem. The exchange goes badly, and things escalate quickly from there. As the two men grow more hostile, they just can’t leave each other alone.

I love the humour in Quiet Please, which makes me laugh at all the silliness in the story. The characters have a hilariously petty feud that evolves into an entertaining enemies-to-lovers arc. Beyond just joking around, I’m pleasantly surprised by the emotional plot. The series proves it can balance silly comedy with serious drama. However, this anime is too short. I like the couple, but their romance feels rushed and needs more time to develop.

Tamagawa Wants to Be a Cat (2025)

Tamagawa Wants to be a Cat is a short Japanese BL anime about two men who meet at a cat café. The main character often feels stressed over his job at a hotel. After work, he finds comfort in volunteering at a rescue cat café, where the presence of animals soothes him. One day, a mysterious visitor arrives and wants to adopt a pet. The protagonist is shocked when this stranger makes an outrageously odd request.

I can’t get used to the bizarre premise of Tamagawa Wants to Be a Cat. The weird cat roleplaying makes every romantic exchange feel awkward instead of fun or flirty. The couple also grows attached too quickly, even though they barely know each other. While the lighthearted story offers a few amusing moments, it’s too short to develop the plot deeply. Both lead characters are attractive, but they seem one-dimensional.

The Summer Hikaru Died (2025)

The Summer Hikaru Died is a Japanese anime series about a teenager dealing with the supernatural consequences of his best friend’s death. The main character grew up in a small village with a childhood friend. They have shared a close bond for years, but his feelings deepened beyond friendship. One day, he loses his friend in an accident. When his companion suddenly turns up alive, the protagonist suspects a monster has taken over his friend’s identity.

The popular anime adaptation of The Summer Hikaru Died lives up to all the hype. It offers an unpredictable story filled with complex emotions. While the series revolves around supernatural weirdness, the best scenes are always intimate and heartbreakingly poignant. The main character has feelings for his friend, but the story only teases a few intimate moments. It never turns their connection into a romance, so the BL content is minimal.

Unexpectedly Naughty Fukami (2025)

Unexpectedly Naughty Fukami is a Japanese 18+ BL anime series about two office coworkers who become casual lovers. During a business trip, the main character accidentally exposes his gay hookup app. To his surprise, his nerdy colleague admits he’s also into men. That night, they end up sleeping together. The cocky protagonist wants to be friends with benefits and continue their physical relationship. He’s shocked when his partner rejects him.

We’re used to 18+ BL anime being terrible, but Unexpectedly Naughty Fukami is a surprisingly decent series. I enjoyed the simple premise, which is easy to follow. I laughed at the quirky characters and their entertaining scenes together. There’s also a lot of smut packed into each episode, even if the art quality can be inconsistent. However, the story suffers from its short length. There isn’t enough time to explore the relationship in depth.

BL Anime in 2024

My favourite BL anime series in 2025 include Cherry Magic and Twilight Out of Focus. I also liked how Tadaima, Okaeri depicts a happy relationship in a same-sex family.

Cherry Magic (2024)

Cherry Magic is a Japanese BL anime series about an office worker with mind-reading powers. The main character is an ordinary employee who has never dated anyone before. He feels insecure about his lack of love life, especially as a thirty-year-old. Recently, the protagonist gains the ability to hear other people’s thoughts. He’s shocked to discover his popular coworker has a secret crush on him. The two colleagues start growing closer in the workplace.

Despite the quirky premise, the Cherry Magic anime is surprisingly down-to-earth. From the profound introspection to the heartwarming messages, I admire the story’s maturity and thoughtfulness. The charming office romance shines in the early episodes, capturing the delicate love between the characters. They treat each other sweetly in many gentle exchanges. Likewise, I enjoy the secondary couple and their endearing relationship.

Given Movie 2: Hiiragi Mix

Given Movie 2: Hiiragi Mix is the second film sequel to the Japanese BL anime series. It follows a group of aspiring musicians and their romantic endeavours. The main character is in an amateur rock band with his childhood best friends. After their lead vocalist died, his absence weighs heavily on the two remaining members. They rely on each other for emotional support, yet their unspoken feelings complicate this relationship.

The second Given movie sequel expands on the original story with intelligent themes and emotional nuances. It explores the leads and their romance from a deeper angle. The film struggles when the focus shifts to the new couple. Their backstories feel clunky, while their relationship drama is watered-down. However, I still enjoy the characters and their interactions. Several romantic moments are memorable and charged with sexual tension.

Kuso Miso Technique (2024)

Kuso Miso Technique is a Japanese 18+ BL anime special about two strangers who hook up in a public restroom. After having wild sex in a washroom stall, they break all barriers and become closely acquainted. The couple goes on an adventurous journey with absurd shenanigans. They encounter evil villains who want to end their lives. The protagonists must find a way to escape each dangerous situation together.

The crude comedy and vulgar scenarios in Kuso Miso Technique may appeal to people with a peculiar sense of humour. It is as funny as a fart joke. Personally, I don’t find this anime entertaining. From the pointless plot to the lewd sex scenes, I watch everything unfold with shock, confusion, and embarrassment. The rough-looking visuals add to the awkwardness, while the gay content is more of a comedic gag than anything meaningful.

Tadaima, Okaeri (2024)

Tadaima, Okaeri is a Japanese BL omegaverse anime series about a family raising a child in a suburban neighbourhood. The main characters are happily married and proud parents to an adorable toddler. Each day, they enjoy domestic bliss and new parenthood experiences. Despite their family harmony, this same-sex couple often encounters prejudice. The protagonists must support each other as they endure harassment and discrimination.

The Tadaima, Okaeri anime is a cute slice-of-life comedy about a gay family and their domestic bliss. It offers a positive depiction of same-sex parenting, a topic rarely represented in BL anime. There are many playful moments that celebrate the joys of raising a child. However, the story can be sickeningly sweet with excessive sentimentality. It also explores omegaverse tropes like male pregnancy and caste systems, which may polarize viewers.

The Perfect Prince Loves Me, the Side Character?! (2024)

The Perfect Prince Loves Me, the Side Character?! is a Japanese 18+ BL anime series about a fantasy romance. The protagonist is reincarnated into the fictional universe of a magical romance novel. He adopts the identity of a supporting character, who is supposed to have a minor role in the story. After an accident with a love potion, the prince becomes infatuated with him instead of his bride. He must find the antidote to reverse this attraction.

Despite the unique fantasy setting and elegant atmosphere, The Perfect Prince Loves Me, the Side Character?! wastes its storytelling potential. It puts minimal effort into developing the plots and only focuses on the smut. While the prince’s character design looks handsome, his personality is nonexistent. The 18+ anime contains many raunchy encounters, but the explicit content becomes repetitive after a while.

Twilight Out of Focus (2024)

Twilight Out of Focus is a Japanese BL anime series about a high school film club. The main character recruits his roommate to star in a short movie. They must confront their feelings for each other during filming. In addition, the other club members are involved in unlikely romances. A pair of school rivals go from enemies to lovers. Also, two students with opposite backgrounds and personalities discover their compatibility.

From the stunning visuals to the poetic speeches, Twilight Out of Focus portrays romance with a sophisticated flair. This anime will appeal to fans who enjoy sensitive love stories with introspective characters. Each couple has loving relationships that showcase BL-friendly imagery, including kisses and tasteful lovemaking scenes. The writing can sometimes be too theatrical, especially with the corny lines and long-winded monologues.

BL Anime in 2023

My favourite BL anime in 2023 is Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation. There was also a lot of buzz around Mignon.

Buddy Daddies (2023)

Buddy Daddies is a Japanese anime series about two professional assassins who must raise a kid together. During a shootout, the protagonists killed a four-year-old girl’s father, leaving her parentless. They accept the responsibility of becoming her caregiver. This energetic child brings unexpected joy, excitement, and chaos into their daily routines. Yet, their dangerous line of work threatens the livelihood of the untraditional family unit.

While Buddy Daddies isn’t a BL anime, the story’s themes contain implicit LGBTQ+ messaging. It showcases two men sharing fatherhood responsibilities in an unconventional family structure. There is no romantic content, limiting my appreciation from a BL perspective. Even so, this series is enjoyable due to its charm, humour, and enthusiasm. Each delightful episode highlights the lovable characters and their hilarious antics.

Mask Danshi (2023)

Mask Danshi is a Japanese BL anime about a shy high school student. The protagonist is self-conscious and always wears a mask to hide his appearance. He catches the interest of a handsome classmate who wants to befriend him, even though they are total opposites. One has a quiet and nervous personality, while the other is outgoing and popular. Despite their differences, they start hanging out and form an unusual relationship.

The Mask Danshi anime tells a solid love story in twenty minutes. Each relationship scene is playful, sassy, and flirty. Adrenaline builds in the couple’s romance and unleashes exciting displays of passion. However, their feelings for each other seem superficial, resembling a physical attraction rather than an emotional connection. Also, the narrative is too rushed and lacks substantial development. Don’t expect anything too profound.

Mignon (2023)

Mignon is an 18+ Korean BL anime series about a cage fighter and his intense relationship with a doctor. The main character is an up-and-rising boxer who participates in arena fights for money. Each violent match leaves him wounded and in need of medical attention. A compassionate doctor attends to his injuries and tries to convince him to quit this dangerous career. Despite their close bond, a shocking revelation changes their relationship forever.

If you’re looking for sexy anime, Mignon is right up your alley. The story has a shocking twist at the end of the first episode. The rest of the series follows the couple’s exciting journey as they face dangerous circumstances. With many twists and turns, this story will stir up a storm of emotions. It also has a lot of sexual tension, including an incredibly steamy sex scene in the finale. Everything comes together beautifully thanks to the stylish artwork.

My New Boss Is Goofy (2023)

My New Boss Is Goofy is a Japanese anime series about an office employee and his mentor. The main character recently quit his job at a toxic workplace. His old employer was psychologically abusive, causing long-term trauma. The protagonist’s new company has better working conditions. He befriends his kind-hearted colleague, who offers comfort through his unintentional silliness. Their friendship helps him heal from his shattered self-esteem.

Although not a BL anime, My New Boss Is Goofy has a heavily coded bromance. The series drops enough hints to let the viewers fantasize about the ambiguous office relationship. While I wish the romance was explicitly stated, I still enjoy the cozy interactions between the leads. Also, this adorable slice-of-life comedy has hilarious jokes. It uses gentle humour as a therapeutic tool to explore emotional abuse and the recovery process.

Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation (2023)

Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation is the movie sequel to the Japanese BL anime series. It continues the sweet love story of a high school couple who recently started dating. The main characters must find a way to express their feelings and explore their physical desires. In addition, they worry about how friends and family will react to their relationship. The protagonist also deals with the stress and uncertainty of university entrance exams.

The Sasaki and Miyano movie will appeal to fans of the anime series. This excellent sequel contains the same genuine charm and compassionate spirit as the original. It portrays the school romance enchantingly, capturing the thrills and tenderness of a newly dating couple. Each exchange unfolds like a teen fantasy. Also, the film approaches mature topics very sensitively. It displays so much sincerity and emotional depth.

BL Anime in 2022

My favourite BL anime series in 2022 is Sasaki and Miyano.

Caressing My Hibernating Bear (2022)

Caressing My Hibernating Bear is a Japanese 18+ BL anime series with humanoid animals. The protagonist is a gentle bear who finds an orphaned baby dog and adopts him in his home. Later, the bear goes into hibernation. When he wakes up, the puppy has matured from infancy and developed a sexual appetite. The characters must figure out the blurry line between a familial bond and an irresistible attraction.

I don’t want to take Caressing My Hibernating Bear too seriously since it’s a raunchy anime with little substance. Yes, the series has a lot of mindless sex scenes. But no, it has no meaningful plot. Among its many problems, I’m most troubled by the icky romance between an adoptive parent and his rapidly aging child. Also, a steamy love story with two animals has no appeal to me, especially one as pointless as this series.

Sasaki and Miyano (2022)

Sasaki and Miyano is a BL anime series about the tender love story between two high school students. The main character is a BL fanatic who befriends an upperclassman, introducing him to the world of Boys Love manga. As they bond over their mutual interest, their relationship develops from a casual friendship to a blossoming attraction. However, the protagonist is hesitant to acknowledge his feelings and feels insecure about a romance.

I love the endearing characters, emotional romance, and empathetic messages in Sasaki and Miyano. This heartfelt series features an introspective coming-of-age journey. The story portrays a wholesome teenage crush with warmth and compassion. It reminds me of a cozy YA novel, capturing the giddy feelings of falling in love for the first time. This sweet, gentle anime will appeal to many fans of the BL genre.

BL Anime in 2021

My favourite BL anime in 2021 is Given: On the Other Hand, a short special for the popular series.

Dakaichi: Spain Arc (2021)

Dakaichi: Spain Arc is the movie sequel of the Japanese BL anime series, Dakaichi. This film continues the volatile love story between two famous actors. The protagonist travels to Spain to polish his dancing skills for an upcoming drama. He meets some quirky, memorable locals who share a history with his love interest.

The Dakaichi movie has a thin, meandering plot that takes a while to get to the point. Later, the story perks up with a few compelling scenes that leave an emotional impact. This film is stylish and atmospheric with beautiful visuals. Unfortunately, it continues to glorify ugly nonconsensual encounters, just like the original series.

Fairy Ranmaru (2021)

Fairy Ranmaru is a fantasy anime series with homoerotic undertones. The story focuses on five fairies from a fallen kingdom. They descend to the human world, using magical superpowers to help various ordinary women with their troubles. As the fairies fight for justice, a rogue enemy works against them to spread discord and despair.

The good news is that Fairy Ranmaru includes multiple gay romances and kissing scenes. The bad news is that the BL content only plays a minor role. Even so, this anime is a guilty pleasure with many fabulous moments. The characters transform into fairies and wear scantily clad costumes that show off their muscular bodies. That’s camp! Unfortunately, the series suffers from simple plots. The formulaic episodes limit this anime’s entertainment value.

Given: On the Other Hand (2021)

Given: On the Other Hand is a short special for the popular Japanese BL anime. The story continues with the events that occurred after the first movie. The main character spends a lazy summer in remedial classes. He notices that his boyfriend has spent less time with him recently and hangs out with their bandmate instead. As their relationship drifts apart, the couple must confront their feelings and work on communicating more.

As a twenty-minute anime special, Given: On the Other Hand uses its time wisely to tell a cute story with our favourite characters. I appreciate the focus on the couple’s relationship, showing what it’s like to be a newly dating couple. The story has a nice mix of humour and flirty moments. However, the special is ultimately too short and must compromise its storytelling. The plot needs more development to leave a bigger impact.

Reincarnated Into Demon King Evelogia’s World (2021)

Reincarnated Into Demon King Evelogia’s World is an 18+ BL anime adaptation, also known as Everything for Demon King Evelogia. In this nine-episode series, a young man is transported into a fictional video game world. He meets the game’s final villain, an innocent-looking demon king, and they embark on an adventurous journey together. The anime has an uncensored version, packed with erotic scenes between the main characters.

As long as you don’t take the story seriously, Reincarnated Into Demon King Evelogia’s World is pretty imaginative for smut. Even though it doesn’t have a sophisticated plot or a sensible romance, this raunchy yaoi series is mindlessly entertaining. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but the anime is more enjoyable than I expected.

Semantic Error (2021)

Adapted from a Korean novel, Semantic Error is a slice-of-life BL anime series with four short episodes. The main characters are two university students working on a video game project together. Despite their drastically different personalities, the attraction between them is palpable.

I liked what I saw in the Semantic Error anime, which showed tons of promise with an engaging romance. However, the series is frustratingly short at just fifteen minutes long. Any storytelling feels abbreviated, like I’m watching an incomplete remake that only covers a small part of the source material.

The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window (2021)

The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window is a paranormal horror anime series with subtle BL undertones. The main characters use their supernatural abilities to exorcise ghosts and cursed spirits in the living world. Over time, they go from a working partnership to developing a close bond.

There’s a complex story in The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window. However, it doesn’t everything everything that clearly, leaving me confused sometimes. There’s also a lack of romantic content for BL fans. Nonetheless, this anime adaptation takes you on a psychologically thrilling adventure. It’s dark. It’s intense. And it’s kind of awesome! Despite not being totally satisfied with some storylines, the series grew on me. I liked it more than I expected.

Old BL Anime Series

If you are looking for famous BL anime, some popular options include Given (2019), Yuri on Ice (2016), and Hyperventilation (2017).

BL Anime in 2020

Given Movie (2020)

Given Movie is the first movie sequel to the Japanese BL series. It follows an amateur rock band, their creative pursuits, and their romantic drama. The main character is the playboy drummer, who has hazy relationships with men and women. He causes conflict due to his unrequited love for his roommate, who is a talented violinist. He also develops feelings for the bassist in his band, creating a complicated love triangle.

The Given movie focuses on a messy love triangle, including emotional turmoil, tearful confrontations, and an undercurrent of sexual tension. For those of you who loved the original story, you may want to keep your expectations down. Sadly, the film doesn’t capture the same magic as the anime series. Although the story might be heavy on melodrama, it lacks nuance, passion, and sophistication. I was deeply unsatisfied by how everything unfolds.

The Stranger by the Beach (2020)

Adapted from a manga, The Stranger by the Beach is a slice-of-life BL anime movie about two guys who live on an island. They first met on the beach as strangers, back when they were still kids. Now that they are older, their relationship takes a more intimate turn.

The Stranger by the Beach is an aesthetically beautiful anime with bright and colourful visuals. However, the storytelling is pitiful, the pacing is totally off, and the movie doesn’t feel friendly to those who haven’t read the source material.

The Titan’s Bride (2020)

The Titan’s Bride is an 18+ BL anime about an ordinary student magically summoned into the land of the titans. Against his will, the human protagonist becomes the bride of a powerful titan king. He must adjust to his foreign surroundings, the arranged marriage, and a horny husband who wants to share his affections.

Ugh, can you feel me shudder? The Titan’s Bride is the type of terrible BL that tests my resolve to watch every show in this genre. I think this yaoi series is garbage in almost every aspect, from the problematic tropes to the ridiculous romance. The story is rushed beyond comprehension with shallow characters, stupid scenarios, and senseless sex scenes.

Twittering Birds Never Fly: The Clouds Gather (2020)

Twittering Birds Never Fly: The Clouds Gather is an anime movie about the criminal underworld. The main character is a high-ranking yakuza. He holds a lot of power in his organization. While he uses his authority to have lots of sex, he can’t keep a long-term relationship with any man. That changes when he meets a new employee. The protagonist becomes interested in this hunky bodyguard, who is secretly impotent.

As somebody unfamiliar with the Twittering Birds Never Fly manga, this anime was a lot more intense than I anticipated. I was taken aback by the disturbing story. It’s very shocking. And quite scary. Yet, I was weirdly fascinated by the messy characters and their complex trauma. This film is also highly stylish, offering a dark atmosphere that matches the gritty story. However, those who like delicate BL anime should avoid this scandalous movie.

Yes, No, or Maybe Half (2020)

Yes, No, or Maybe Half? is a BL anime movie based on a Japanese light novel. The main character is a TV presenter who maintains a poised persona in public, even though his real personality is petty and belligerent. Only his new acquaintance has seen both sides of him, but is unaware these two drastically different personalities belong to the same person.

For a short one-hour film, Yes, No, or Maybe Half tells a cute, compelling love story at a comfortable pace. This anime deals with the theme of duality, exploring the discrepancies between perception and behaviour.

BL Anime in 2019

Even a Dad Still Wants It… (2019)

Even a Dad Still Wants It… is an 18+ BL anime about a single father and his young housekeeper. The main character is a divorced dad busy with a full-time job and raising his young son. He hires a new housekeeper to take care of the household errands. Their relationship quickly escalates past professional boundaries when an attraction forms between the two men.

Initially, I dismissed Even a Dad Still Wants It as toxic smut. The first few episodes had a problematic beginning. Within minutes of meeting each other, the couple already had nonconsensual sex. Ugh, It didn’t seem like this sleazy story had any substance! As the series progresses, I reluctantly admit that the anime tackles more mature themes than I expected. Even so, this 18+ series still has a shallow plot. It’s too silly to take seriously.

Given (2019)

Given is a Japanese BL anime series about a band and their mysterious new vocalist. The main character is a high school senior who plays music with college students. After befriending a quiet classmate, he discovers his friend’s beautiful singing voice. The protagonist invites him to join the band, believing this newbie has untapped potential. However, his companion is secretly tormented by emotional baggage from the past.

The Given anime begins as a gentle story about music and relationships. It charms you with unique characters, endearing interactions, and a budding romance. The series takes time to build up to the main plot. Each episode slowly intensifies, becoming more profound and tugging at your heartstrings. Toward the end, the climax unleashes powerful emotions. It captures a poignant journey of heartache and healing.

Partner’s Territory (2019)

Partner’s Territory is a short slice-of-life Korean BL anime. The first episode is a quick prologue that describes a critical moment in a gay couple’s relationship. The second episode is an extended epilogue, highlighting the happy domestic life between the main characters. These two romantic partners live together, enjoy passionate encounters, and even adopt a dog.

Loosely adapted from a webtoon, Partner’s Territory has a relaxing vibe with plenty of affectionate encounters between the couple. Unfortunately, it feels like an incomplete story, where we only see the beginning and the end of a romance. This slice-of-life anime is ultimately too short, simple, and inconsequential to make a lasting impression.

BL Anime in 2018

Dakaichi (2018)

Dakaichi: I’m Being Harassed by the Sexiest Man of the Year is a BL anime about two high-profile celebrities and their secret romance. The main character is a talented actor with a famous reputation as the most desirable man in show business. However, he is unnerved by an up-and-coming star who steals the spotlight from him. As they work together on a movie, their relationship is mixed with tension and temptation.

The glaring issue in Dakaichi is its offensively irresponsible approach to consent. This problematic anime fetishizes many nonconsensual sexual encounters, creating an uncomfortable and dangerous relationship dynamic. Even if the story is compelling in some places, I remain deeply disturbed by the excessive amount of toxic tropes.

Someone Else’s BL Cartoon (2018)

Someone Else’s BL Cartoon is a Korean BL anime about a high school romance. The story focuses on a straight-laced student who befriends a delinquent in his class. They develop an unlikely friendship over their mutual tastes in music. As the two teenagers spend time together, their platonic relationship starts to intensify.

Loosely based on a webtoon, Someone Else’s BL Cartoon is a terrible adaptation. This low-budget series suffers from a dull narrative, ugly visuals, and an incoherent romance. The story also stops suddenly and doesn’t provide closure for the viewers. It feels like they barely put any effort into creating this pitiful BL anime.

BL Anime in 2017

Hyperventilation (2017)

Hyperventilation is an 18+ Korean BL anime series with six short episodes. The protagonist used to be a social outcast in high school due to his lung condition, causing him to hyperventilate all the time. He formed a connection with the popular class president, who showed compassion towards him. Years later, they meet again during a school reunion, rekindling old feelings between the former classmates.

I’m impressed with Hyperventilation, a breathtaking love story that really hits the mark. The narrative is riveting and wraps up elegantly in just fifteen minutes. Although the art quality is inconsistent, this anime maintains a beautiful atmosphere that highlights the delicate emotions.

BL Anime in 2016

Yuri on Ice (2016)

Yuri!!! on Ice is a BL anime about a figure skater’s journey after he hit rock bottom in his professional career. Just as the main character was about to give up on his lifelong dream, one of the elite pros sees tremendous potential in him and agrees to be his mentor. Their teacher-student relationship causes quite a stir in the skating world, as Yuri is taken on a whirlwind adventure in his professional life.

Anyone who watches BL and anime knows that Yuri!!! on Ice is like the pinnacle series. You’ll find it on all the recommendation lists of the best BL anime. I can confirm that it lives up to the massive hype. Fans enjoy the crisp animation, especially during the complex skating routines. They fall in love with the memorable characters, particularly the underdog lead with the heart of gold. Most of all, they adore how the couple forms a close relationship.

BL Anime in 2014

Love Stage (2014)

Love Stage!! is a BL anime series that focuses on the celebrity world. The main character comes from a family of actors and musicians, but he personally has no interest in chasing fame. His world changes forever when one of the most popular celebrities develops a romantic interest in him.

I have extremely mixed feeling about Love Stage. This bright and vibrant anime series is overshadowed by its problematic elements. On paper, it should have been a lighthearted romantic comedy. Instead, it’s tarnished by the uncomfortable romance between the leads. Sadly, I can’t overlook the nonconsensual relationship. The main character is a predator! His inappropriate behaviour grosses me out so much that I can’t focus on any of the positive qualities.

Merman in My Tub (2014)

Merman in My Tub is a quirky slice-of-life anime adapted from a manga. This comedy series features a larger-than-life merman living with a human in his bathroom. As the characters develop an unusual bond, they are occasionally joined by the merman’s eccentric friends from the sea.

There’s no BL content in Merman in My Tub, although some elements may appeal to fans of the genre. This charming comedy can win you over with lighthearted stories, silly characters, and offbeat comedy. The series is perfectly enjoyable as long as you don’t have any relationship expectations.

BL Anime in 2008

Antique Bakery (2008)

Antique Bakery is an anime series about a newly opened bakery shop. The protagonist hires a talented and openly gay pastry chef, despite sharing a troubled history together. They are joined by other employees with colourful personalities, as the characters work together to help this business flourish.

Adapted from a manga, Antique Bakery will keep you entertained with its endearing characters and charming storylines. Admittedly, the BL content is minimal and won’t satisfy those expecting a full-fledged gay romance. Nonetheless, this anime mixes lighthearted comedy with bittersweet melancholy to create a consistently enjoyable series.