The animes Yaoi, Shounen Ai and BL (Boys’ Love) have conquered a legion of fans around the world with their stories that go far beyond the romance between two boys. They explore themes such as coming of age, trauma, friendship, overcoming challenges, and, of course, love — whether it is sweet, intense, or troubled. If you are looking for titles to get emotional, fall in love, or binge-watch, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we gathered 50 of the best BL, Yaoi, and Shounen Ai animes ever released, mixing classics, fan favorites, and more recent works. The list is varied to please all tastes — from those who enjoy deep drama to those who prefer light comedies and “aegyo” moments that melt the heart.
And before anyone asks: yes, Yaoi has more explicit scenes, while Shounen Ai focuses on light and emotional romance. BL is an umbrella term, used both in Japan and internationally to describe any work centered on love between men.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between yaoi, shounen ai, and BL?
Before we dive into the list, it’s worth understanding the differences between these genres — after all, they greatly influence the tone of the stories.
- Yaoi: Focus on romantic and sexual relationships, usually with a heavier dramatic load and bolder scenes.
- Shounen Ai: Softer relationships, without explicit sexual content, focused on emotional and affectionate development.
- BL (Boys’ Love): Comprehensive term that includes both Yaoi and Shounen Ai, being more commonly used outside Japan.
The classification is sometimes fluid, and many titles transition between these categories.
In Japan, they usually use a single category for all animes, whether they have sexual relations or not. We will use the Western form, where shounen-ai is for light animes and yaoi is for heavy animes, with ecchi or even hentai.
Did you know that many women are passionate about this genre of animes? They are known as Fujoshi. Previously, we wrote an article explaining why women like Yaoi.
Crossdress Anime Characters
Perhaps you are looking for anime characters who dress as women; they are called Femboy or Trap. These young people who practice crossdress are not always homosexual.
Boku no Pico – The Yaoi that everyone knows
This is that famous anime that friends recommend watching as a prank, but it actually became a huge success among animes of the yaoi, shounen ai, and BL genre. Remembering that this anime is indeed a Yaoi that fits into the Hentai genre.
Pico is an optimistic and extremely effeminate BOY who works at his grandfather’s café, Café Bebe, during the summer. Tamotsu is a white-collar worker looking for an escape from the routine and monotony of his daily life.
When they meet at the café, sparks of love and lust quickly bring the two together. Conventional notions of age, gender, and sexuality are broken as the pair seeks carnal gratification in each other’s company.
My opinion about Boku no Pico
To start off well, this anime, due to its plot, characters, and other things, became a joke for men, in a homophobic sense, and generated several bad taste jokes. But it also served to increase its fame, which for better or worse led a good number of people to watch and satisfy their curiosity; I confess I am one of those people.
Its opening, or opening in English, is widely used to “play” with people in the sense of making jokes. An extremely effeminate boy, working in a café that belongs to his grandfather. Just with this description, it is enough to realize that it wouldn’t be a normal and common anime.
And we have to focus on the “extremely effeminate” because this is not an exaggeration. Immoral? I don’t know if it goes that far, but it comes pretty close, that’s just my opinion. Well, there had to be a good reason for this anime to become a joke, in a genre that is full of things like this, just not as “blatantly” as this. My rating is 7!
Sekaiichi Hatsukoi – yaoi animes
Ritsu is a literary editor who wants to establish himself in the market without his father’s influence, and to achieve this, he is transferred to another publishing house. In this publishing house, he finds himself working as a rookie manga editor instead of an editor. There, Ritsu is introduced to the infamous editor-in-chief Masamune Takano, a persistent man who always seeks results.
The plot begins to unfold at this point, as Takano is actually Ritsu’s high school love. Now, with the two reunited after several years of separation, the restoration of their relationship is marked by Takano’s promise to make Ritsu say that he loves him again.
My opinion about Sekaiichi Hatsukoi
This yaoi anime also follows three other couples that are interlinked within the manga industry, with each one subject to the emergence of the first love. However, the focus is minimal. As you can see, this is mainly focused on the story that the first love is the best.
I agree, but there is also the story of summer romances that are fleeting, and especially teenage romances that often don’t work out and only leave us depressed and make us suffer when they end. I prefer a stronger and more lasting love that often requires maturity, but I liked this anime. It’s always good to see that not all loves are lost forever. My rating is 8!
Junjou romantica
Misaki Takahashi is a high school student preparing for university entrance exams. To reduce the stress of studying, he accepts help from his older brother’s best friend and famous author, Akihiko Usami. However, he discovers that Usami’s books are of a very vulgar genre, and that there may be something vulgar appearing within him as well.
In addition to this, the anime follows the story of two other couples loosely connected to the previous one. One of them is the very passionate but often complicated relationship between university professor Hiroki Kamijou and pediatrician Nowaki Kusama.
The third story shows how love can become obsessive when the wealthy eighteen-year-old Shinobu Takatsuki finally discovers something he cannot have so easily – the literature professor You Miyagi.
My opinion about Junjou Romantica
This is a feast for people who love love, love, and a little love for distraction. Yes, that thing that is so sweet it becomes sticky and hard to get rid of. All this in a good sense and without any bad intention behind the words.
There is an abundance of passion as these three couples try to achieve their goals in life while falling into temptation and anguish with their partners. Sharing experiences, feelings, sensations, and other things that make the plot hotter and more interesting.
Things like that and that are only not better because they are between men. Unfortunately, anime authors cannot or are afraid to create a story with protagonists of this type in genres like fantasy and drama. I can’t understand why this happens; there is no logic in them making such “cowardly” protagonists when they have a harem just for themselves. My rating for this yaoi anime is 8!
Koisuru boukun
Tetsuhiro Morinaga is in love with his senior Souichi Tatsumi. He even managed to confess his love. The problem is that Tatsumi is an aggressive, egocentric, and frank homophobe.
However, somehow Tetsuhiro managed to fall in love with Tatsumi, who is the kind of man who declares that all gay men should be swept off the face of the planet. But an unfortunate or fortunate accident with an aphrodisiac drug brings the two men physically together against Souichi’s will, and this experience has a transformative effect on both.
My opinion about Koisuru Boukun
With a synopsis like this, it’s hard to say that it doesn’t spark great curiosity to watch this anime. It doesn’t matter that it is a homosexual relationship; a plot like this will always arouse interest in people.
After all, it’s not every day that we see a yaoi anime where two characters with extremely different concepts are united by a work of fate. And to top it off, it’s not by the free will of both parties, as one of them wouldn’t accept this fact if they were fully conscious.
And it becomes even more interesting to think about what will happen after this incident, and I dare say that this is a case where palliative measures will not help; only extreme measures will resolve such an issue. My rating for this is 7!
Loveless – A shounen-ai with nekos
In this universe, people are born with cat ears and a tail, which disappear when they engage in sexual relations. For this reason, these additions are symbols of innocence and purity. Moreover, fights are conducted only in “fighting pairs” or couples. In these, one is known as the sacrifice and receives the damage, and the other is the fighter who, as the name suggests, is the one who attacks.
Ritsuka Aoyagi is a 12-year-old boy who, for some unknown reason, suffers from amnesia. His brother was recently killed, and as if his life wasn’t bad enough, on his first day at the new school, he meets a stranger named Agatsuma Soubi, who claims to have known his brother. Ritsuka thinks that Agatsuma and his brother were a fighting pair.
Together they try to find the truth behind his brother’s death and the organization known as “the seven moons,” which may be responsible for this. Meanwhile, it seems that these two are becoming closer than they should be.
My opinion about Loveless
I don’t have much to comment on, since this resembles quite a bit with other genres that don’t necessarily have these homosexual relationships. Because it is a romance that has few peculiarities and has almost the same elements as an anime like taboo tattoo.
My rating for this yaoi anime is 7.
Gravitation – A yaoi about music
The protagonist, Shuichi, has always dreamed of following in the footsteps of his pop idol, Ryuichi Sakuma, and the band Nittle Grasper. Along with his best friend Hiro, Shuichi formed a band called Bad Luck and they managed to sign with a major record label.
Unfortunately, the studio deadlines are approaching, and Shuichi still hasn’t finished the lyrics to any of the songs. Stressed and uninspired, Hiro advises him to get a girlfriend.
Walking through the park late at night, Shuichi’s latest creations fly away and land at the feet of a stranger. Unfortunately, this mysterious stranger is the famous novelist Eiri Yuki, who completely crushes the young singer by saying he has “zero talent.” Shuichi becomes so upset that he manages to finish his song just to find and confront Yuki once again.
My opinion about Gravitation
That typical anime where someone is humiliated by another person and decides to do everything to be recognized. I don’t see many animes with this issue, perhaps because it’s hard to work in a way that doesn’t make the plot boring and predictable. Because we already know that hating and loving are two sides of the same coin, and giving a shallow and superficial plot makes the anime tedious.
Yes, it’s a cliché, but this is not the kind of cliché that is malleable and looks good in any way. This is one of the animes that was recommended to me, but I haven’t heard any criticism about it, but I think I can’t generalize and make statements without watching.
Super Lovers
Upon hearing the news that his mother was on the brink of death, Haru Kaidou, the eldest son of the family, flies to Canada. The moment he arrives, he discovers that not only did his mother deceive him, but he must also take care of his adopted brother, Ren Kaidou, an antisocial boy who feels more comfortable with dogs than with people.
Haru initially struggles to reach Ren, but their relationship eventually develops. He makes a promise to Ren: they will live together in Japan after Haru graduates from high school.
However, due to an unfortunate accident, Haru loses all memories of the summer they spent together, including the promise he made. Five years later, hoping that Haru will fulfill his promise, Ren arrives in Tokyo; but for Haru, Ren is just a random boy claiming to be his brother.
My opinion about Super Lovers
I found this interesting because it is a typical cliché of animes, and here it was applied equally even though both are men. The parental relationship cliché is global and does not choose genders; that’s what I ended up discovering.
I have to admit that I will never see this cliché the same way again. I used to think that only heterosexual relationships would happen, but after this anime and the anime citrus, I became much more open to new experiences. It’s almost funny, but as the saying goes, man does not live by bread alone. Here’s a reference for the clever ones out there. My rating is 7!
Uragiri wa boku no namae wo shitteiru
Growing up as an orphan, Yuki Sakurai questions his reason for living and his ability to see the painful memory of a person simply by touching them. After receiving anonymous notes telling him to die, Yuki is unable to shake off the uncomfortable feeling that forms within him. Unbeknownst to him, he is being watched, both by people who want to harm him and by those who want to protect him.
On a foggy night, Yuki’s life is saved by a man with silver eyes and black hair — a man he has never met before but seems familiar to him. With the arrival of this mysterious stranger, Yuki’s forgotten past is awakened, and the purpose of his existence appears before him.
My opinion about Uragiri wa boku
This is another one that I don’t have much to comment on, both because I haven’t watched it and because it is a very widespread cliché that rarely brings us any surprises. But it might be interesting; we will only know by watching, and that’s why I’m recommending it.
And I am also recommending it because it is quite popular and has great ratings from people about it. Who knows if it’s not as good as Angel Beats (which I think is unlikely, given that Angel Beats is the number 1 anime in my opinion).
Hitorijime my hero
Masahiro Setagawa is a hopeless teenager who is often used by the neighborhood bullies as a messenger boy. However, his life changes drastically when he meets Kousuke Ooshiba, a man known as the “Bear Killer,” who takes down neighborhood gangs.
A year later, Masahiro and his former friend, Kensuke Ooshiba, attend high school, only to discover that Kousuke is their math teacher. As the three grow closer, Masahiro begins to see Kousuke as his “hero,” and Kousuke develops an urgent desire to protect Masahiro.
However, their normal lives change when Kensuke’s childhood friend, Asaya Hasekura, returns, seeing Kensuke as more than just a friend, to his surprise.
My opinion about Hitorijime my hero
Just from the synopsis, it’s clear that there will be a very troubled love triangle. Jealousy, intrigue, occasional fights — all of this always happens when you have this type of relationship. I can say that it’s not the kind of cliché that brings the most popularity to a work, but it’s certainly always interesting to see how the characters develop the relationship while trying to outdo the other competing parties.
I haven’t watched this anime yet, but I don’t think I will take long to do so. However, until then, I can’t evaluate it better than I have now. And like the previous ones, this one has great reviews and has a good plot and a great studio.
Ling QI – A Chinese BL yaoi
Yang Jinghua, one of the protagonists, suffered an accident and the moment he woke up, he seemed 10 years younger. Yang Jinghua thought he had been reborn, and when he was about to embark on a path for a new beginning, a rich and handsome white-haired guy named Duanmu Xi appeared right in front of him.
He not only told Yang Jinghua that Yang Jinghua was already dead, but he even asked for an invitation: “Young man, do you want to sign a contract with me and stay with me for the rest of your life?”
My opinion about Ling Qi
This question was quite contradictory; after all, he was already dead, and dead means no more life. But to avoid being the contrarian who is always finding faults in things, I will overlook it and imagine that this “life” is the afterlife. I advise you to do the same. And yes, this is another one I haven’t watched yet.
As can be seen from the character names, this is a Chinese anime, but that doesn’t mean that the animation or the plot is bad. I mean, I can’t assert anything, but I won’t make the mistake of judging a book by its cover as I did with the grand anime King’s Avatar. What I can say for sure is that the dubbing will bother those who are not used to it, at least at first. And this one will also remain without a rating for now.
Umibe no Étranger
Shun Hashimoto is a young gay writer living on a small island, where he meets Mio Chibana, a high school student who has just lost his parents. The two begin to develop a friendship and eventually deeper feelings.
However, Mio suddenly leaves the island, leaving Shun behind with a broken heart. Three years later, Mio returns, determined to confront his feelings for Shun and discover if they have a future together.
My opinion about Umibe no Étranger
This anime captures the nuances of a developing romance sublimely, with a sensitive narrative and deep characters. The setting on a small island gives a unique touch to the story, making it even more engaging.
The contrast between the pain of loss and the hope for a new beginning is explored in a touching way. It is a work that is certainly worth watching, not only for its LGBTQ+ representation but for the beautiful love story that transcends barriers.
Given
Ritsu Onodera is a literature editor who decides to change jobs due to a misunderstanding at his previous workplace. He ends up working at Marukawa Shoten, in the shoujo manga division.
There, he meets his new boss, Masamune Takano, who is actually his first love from high school. While Ritsu tries to move on and forget the past, Takano is determined to win him back, reigniting feelings Ritsu thought were buried.
My opinion about Given
Given is an anime that not only addresses romance between men but also explores the passion for music. The connection between the main characters is intensified by their musical performances, creating exciting and memorable moments.
The way the anime deals with the pain of loss and the discovery of love is moving. It is a story that goes beyond romance, showing how music can be a means of healing and connection.
No. 6
No. 6 takes place in a utopian city where everything seems perfect. Shion is a privileged boy who meets Nezumi, a fugitive from the poorer areas of the city. By helping Nezumi, Shion ends up being banished from his privileged life and begins to uncover the dark truth behind the utopia.
Together, they face dangers and challenges, developing a deep friendship and a bond that defies all societal expectations.
My opinion about No. 6
No. 6 combines elements of science fiction with an exciting plot and captivating characters. The relationship between Shion and Nezumi is complex and full of nuances, evolving from a simple friendship to something deeper.
The contrast between Shion’s privileged life and the harsh reality faced by Nezumi adds an extra layer of tension and intrigue to the story. This anime is a perfect blend of action, mystery, and romance, making it an unforgettable experience for viewers.
Doukyuusei – The beginning of an unexpected love
Doukyuusei follows the life of Rihito Sajou and Hikaru Kusakabe, two schoolmates with completely different personalities. Rihito is an exemplary student, shy and reserved. Hikaru, on the other hand, is outgoing, a musician, and full of energy. Destiny crosses the paths of the two when Hikaru offers help to Sajou to prepare for a recital.
What starts as a simple relationship between classmates transforms into a friendship that soon takes on more intimate tones. The anime delicately portrays the fears and doubts of first love, as well as the challenges of youth, such as insecurity, acceptance, and the pressure of the future.
With smooth and artistic animation, the anime stands out for its poetic aesthetics and introspective atmosphere. It is a simple story, but one that deeply touches anyone who has experienced the intensity of adolescent feelings.
My opinion about Doukyuusei
Doukyuusei is like a visual love letter: there is no rush, nor exaggeration. The relationship between Sajou and Hikaru is built with such sincerity that it is impossible not to connect. Every gesture, every exchange of glances carries meaning.
The anime has a calm, almost meditative pace, and this may not please those who expect big twists. But for those seeking true emotion, it is a sensitive and memorable experience. The discreet soundtrack and the watercolored style complete the intimate atmosphere. A true gift for those who love stories of discovery and affection.
Ai no Kusabi – A forbidden love in dystopia
Ai no Kusabi takes place in a futuristic society divided by castes, where the elite dominates everything and the poorest have no rights. In this cruel world, Riki is a young man from the lower class who, after being captured, is delivered as a companion to Iason Mink, a cold and powerful elite member.
The relationship between the two begins marked by inequality, with Riki fighting against Iason’s domination. Over time, however, complex feelings arise between them. Love, desire, hatred, and submission intertwine in a narrative filled with emotional tension and social critique.
Despite being short, the anime is impactful and intense. Its bold approach, full of symbolism and critiques of the system, has made it one of the most cult titles in the Yaoi genre.
My opinion about Ai no Kusabi
Ai no Kusabi is not an easy anime. It requires attention, maturity, and an open mind to reflect on power relations, control, and freedom. The cyberpunk aesthetic gives it a unique charm, and the dialogues are loaded with subtext.
The relationship between Riki and Iason is anything but conventional. But it is precisely this complexity that captivates. The ending is tragic, like many striking stories, and leaves that bittersweet feeling that lingers for days. It is a work that divides opinions but is unlikely to be forgotten.
Complete List of Yaoi Animes
In the West, the term Shounen-ai categorizes stories that focus on the emotional aspects of relationships, while Yaoi categorizes more sexual aspects, with or without explicit content. The list of Yaoi animes below fits into the ecchi genre.
Below we will share Yaoi that are considered Hentai and focus on sexual relations:
- Boku no Pico
- Boku no Sexual Harassment
- Enzai
- Ginga Teikoku no Metsubou Gaiden: Aoki Ookami-tachi no Densetsu
- Keiraku no Houteishiki Level-C
- Natsuyasumi;
- Otokonoko ♂ Delivery
- Pico to Chico
- Pico x CoCo x Chico
- Sensitive Pornograph
- Shounen Maid Kuuro-kun: Tenshi no Uta
Complete list of BL Shounen-Ai animes
Below we have a list of Yaoi animes that are not explicit or do not fit into the Hentai genre:
| Given | 2019 |
| Doukyuusei | 2016 |
| Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi (series) | 2014 |
| Junjou Romantica 1,2,3 | 2008 |
| Hybrid Child | 2014 |
| Hitorijime My Hero | 2017 |
| Hyperventilation | 2017 |
| Super Lovers 2 | 2017 |
| Love Stage!! | 2014 |
| Super Lovers OVA | 2017 |
| Spiritpact: Bond of The Underworld | 2018 |
| Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi: World’s Greatest First Love – Proposal-hen | 2020 |
| Jie Yao | 2020 |
| Hora, Mimi ga Mieteru yo! 2 | 2019 |
| Super Lovers | 2016 |
| Junjou Romantica Especial | 2008 |
| This Boy Caught a Merman | 2012 |
| Hora, Mimi ga Mieteru yo! | 2018 |
| Caramel Honey | 2018 |
| The Betrayal Knows My Name | 2010 |
| Hikari: Be My Light | 2020 |
| Tight-rope | 2012 |
| This Boy is a Professional Wizard | 2016 |
| Ikoku Irokoi Romantan | 2007 |
| Mirage of Blaze: Rebels of the River Edge | 2004 |
| Antique Bakery | 2008 |
| Gravitation | 2000 |
| Monochrome Factor | 2008 |
| Gravitation: Lyrics of Love | 1999 |
| Loveless | 2005 |
| Sukisho OVA | 2005 |
| Sex Pistols | 2010 |
| Kirepapa | 2008 |
| This Boy Suffers from Crystallization | 2014 |
| Sukisho | 2005 |
| Spiritpact | 2017 |
| Gakuen Heaven | 2006 |
| Vassalord. | 2013 |
| Patalliro! | 1982 |
| Gakuen Handsome The Animation | 2015 |
| Kizuna: Much Ado About Nothing | 2001 |
| Close the Last Door! | 2007 |
| Mirage of Blaze | 2002 |
| Fake | 1998 |
| Loveless Especials | 2005 |
| Zetsuai 1989 | 1992 |
| Song of Wind and Trees | 1987 |
| Bronze: Zetsuai Since 1989 | 1996 |
| Love Love Campus | 2018 |
| Gakuen Handsome Especial | 2016 |
| Earthian | 1989 |
| DRAMAtical Murder | 2014 |
| Kizuna | 1994 |
| Seikimatsu Darling | 1996 |
| Patalliro! Stardust Keikaku | 1983 |
| Kusatta Kyoushi No Houteishiki | 1993 |
| Gakuen Handsome | 2016 |
| Lesson XX | 1995 |
| Kasho no Tsuki | 1998 |
| Level-C | 1995 |
| Someone Else’s BL Cartoon | 2018 |
| Nakedyouth | 2006 |
| Marginal Prince | 2006 |
| Someone Else’s BL Cartoon Prologue | 2018 |
| Angel’s Feather | 2006 |
| Fujimi Orchestra | 1997 |
| Boku wa Kono Mama Kaeranai | 1994 |
| Graduation M | 1999 |
| Be-Boy Kidnapp’n Idol | 1989 |
| Ryokunohara Labyrinth | 1990 |
| Mirage of Blaze Recap | 2002 |
| Houkago no Shokuinshitsu | 1994 |
| Fish in the Trap | 1994 |
| Taishou Mebiusline: Chicchai-san | 2017 |
| Marginal Prince: Tokyo Merry-Go-Round | 2007 |
| Manly Appetites: Minegishi Loves Otsu | 2020 |
| Tian Bao Fuyao Lu | 2020 |
| Yes ka No ka Hanbun ka | 2020 |
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