Are you looking for the best yaoi anime? If so, this article is perfect for you! Here are some of the top recommendations to get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping.
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Here's one trivia (and even a fact) before I discuss the list. This genre is written by straight women who are anime fans, mostly. The target audience of this anime? Yes, women, too. Ironic, right?
Why do they do this? I'm not really sure. Maybe we could discuss that later on my site.
With all of these great series, there's something for everyone!
1. Junjou Romantica
This yaoi anime is about Misaki Takahashi who becomes enamored with Akihiko Usami. Usami aka Usagi chan is his brother’s friend and is a famous author.
Along with them, Junjou Romantica features two more BL couples.
The main protagonist is a high school student who is studying for university entrance exams. Because his brother is getting married, this yaoi ends up living with Usami.
Funny Yaoi Anime But Different
The love story of Takahashi and Akihiko has funny moments and the characters seem okay.
The art is not really commendable. Most of the characters look almost the same and no hint of unique personalities.
Some of the characters are really comfortable with their sexual desires. While the main character, Misaki, seems oblivious to his gay identity, he later came to terms with his inner self.
A lot of anime fans feel troubled with the age gap between the main couple. I guess it has something to do with the near-rape elements of the series.
What really strikes me odd is Usami’s childish antics, sometimes. It was as if he couldn’t differentiate fiction from reality.
From the start, the novelist is downright honest about his feelings for Misaki.
Moral Lesson
Junjou Romantica is about doing your best to achieve your goals and be the person you want to be.
2. Gakuen Heaven
Bell Liberty (BL) Academy has invited Itou Keita to become one of its elite students. This invitation has shocked him but decided to accept the invitation.
What is more shocking? All the beautiful bishounen students seem to have a sort of attraction to him. Well, for budding yaoi, the attention could be overwhelming.
Of all the attention that Itou gets, he is drawn to one particular student: Kazuki Endou.
Sweet and Romantic Yaoi (or Maybe Shounen-ai)
This BL series features a colorful cast with various characters. It’s light and the storyline is simple. The art is quite good and some parts are generic.
However, Gakuen Heaven is not a hardcore yaoi series. Actually, it’s more of a bishounen or shounen-ai kind of series. Still, it’s worth your attention.
With 13 episodes, the BL love story manages to capture the hilarious moments a new student has to navigate a new environment.
The development of the relationships is quite slow, actually. The story focuses more on a slice of life and how Itou survived his first year in a new school.
Heartfelt Lesson in the Yaoi Anime
Still, everything is more fun in a new environment if you’re accepted for who you are.
3. Ai No Kusabi
On the planet Amoi, there are two classes of humans: blondes (elite) and brunettes (mongrels). The light-haired people can have mongrels as pets for a period.
Iason is an elite while Riki is a mongrel. But, this handsome elite keeps his pet a lot longer than necessary.
With this, all sorts of troubles begin and the Elites are starting to get suspicious with their real relationship.
Straightforward and Goody
The BL series has amazing art and character design. The story is unique, except that it’s still unfinished or maybe an open-ended kind.
Don’t expect cheesy romance or coming-of-age kind of story. This BL anime is quite straightforward in its characters' design.
Iason and Riki might even have complemented one another with their own flaws and good side.
This Yaoi anime has the right amount of conflict and development. The two main characters are stuck in a vicious cycle of chasing each other.
Still, the anime has depicted boy’s love most practically, using a fictional setting. Although the anime and manga are still unfinished, try watching it if you’re into Yaoi.
Lesson in the Anime
As long as you’re not hurting anyone, follow your desires if these make you happy, even if society seems to be against it.
4. Banana Fish
This Yaoi anime is a spectacular series of mafia and mystery. At 17, Aslan has his own gang and begins to investigate Banana Fish.
Interestingly, his infamous godfather seems to be hindering his inquiries. In the process, Skip and Eiji get kidnapped. Now, the leader of the mafia gang needs to rescue these people while investigating.
Amazing and Consistent Yaoi Content
The story and characters are amazing. You get to watch a protagonist with strong and consistent development. Also, the anime dwells on practical topics common in street life.
At the same time, the visuals are excellent, which adds up to the appeal of the series. But, the villains look stupid and weak.
Although it attempts to humor anime fans, Banana Fish seems to fail on this aspect.
Also, this Yaoi series dwells on drugs, and other societal issues you can get when you live your life as a gang leader or member.
The relationship of the Yaoi characters has a nice development. From two acquaintances, the two have become close throughout the series.
Each episode brings enough action to keep you rooted in the anime.
Wise Yaoi Words
As a lesson, you can find the most unexpected things such as friendship in the most unexpected places.
5. Yuri on Ice
The Yaoi anime series begins with a crushing defeat that Yuuri Katsuki experienced in the Grand Prix. He went home sad and felt like a failure. Now, this handsome figure skater must weigh his options.
One day, a video of him performing a perfect routine that Victor Nikiforov had performed. To his surprise, this retired champion came to Japan to become his mentor.
However, his figure skating journey is not easy since he got a rival in Yuri P.
Wholesome and Fair Yaoi Representation
Now, let’s look at the Yuri on Ice story development, visuals, and characters. The visuals are good, especially with the soundtracks.
The anime series is quite wholesome with its ethnic representation. Also, it accurately presents anxiety and its effect on a person.
Unfortunately, this Yaoi anime doesn’t develop the love story and romantic relationship of Yuri K and Victor. Instead, it focuses on Yuri’s sexual maturity.
If the young figure skater loves Victor, he only shows it through actions and implies it. There’s no obvious display of affection. You just get subtle hints of what they really feel about each other.
Wisdom to Store in Your Heart
Still, this anime tells you that failures shouldn’t be the end of everything. Instead, they should be your stepping stone to success.
6. Okane ga Nai
The rough boy’s love story between a seme and a uke begins when Kanou bought Yukiya Ayase in an auction. But, their history dates back before the auction, and yet Ayase couldn’t remember that.
Poor Ayase still wants his cousin to be saved despite being sold as a slave. Now, this poor uke has to pay off Kanou.
Heavy and Hardcore but It's Facts
The Okane anime dwells on the more sensitive topics of boys’ love, rape, and bondage. Of course, these are harsh realities, especially in master and slave scenarios.
Some would feel disdain when Ayase falls for Kanou after all those instances that his master is acting like a jerk.
Even if it’s against convention, you can’t really judge their feelings or their circumstances.
Come to think of it, would the two still fall in love if they’re in a different situation. Maybe yes, maybe no. You can’t really be sure.
This Yaoi anime is not one for the faint-hearted. It reveals harsh realities and the romance you might be expecting in a boy’s love isn’t present.
Although Ayase comes to terms with his budding feelings for Kanou, I’m not sure with Kanou. Kanou’s a loan shark and has this ruthless nature.
Still, his saving of the uke could be an indication that he could have special feelings for Ayase.
Tear-Jerker Wise Words
Well, the world is cruel, regardless of where you are. But sometimes, every person has their redeeming quality given the right circumstances.
7. Mo Dao Zu Shi
This Yaoi anime (or maybe Shounen-ai) is based on a Chinese manga. Two unfortunate men have to save the human world from the spiritual world.
Their journey begins 13 years earlier, but tragedies happen.
Later, the two meet again in two different bodies. Little did they know, something is happening that is greater than their mission. Could they survive and be able to discover what this bond is?
Flowy Art and Amazing Yaoi Story
Being a Chinese-based manhua, the art and setting are different from that of Japanese ones. I could say that animation is great.
This Yaoi anime is mostly flashbacks, which might have slowed the pace. Still, it’s packed with so much action that gives the illusion of a fast-paced storyline.
The main protagonist has this fun and cute vibe that you’ll come to love. He’s quite outspoken with his mind and feelings.
Mo Dao Zu Shi is a romantic boy’s love that develops beautifully and satisfactorily. Although there are lots of obstacles, the two lovers find each other.
They end up together and live happily ever after.
It also used reincarnation in the anime, where Wei Wuxian wakes up on a man with a questionable background.
Yaoi Words of Wisdom
Still, no matter what happens when you’re destined to the one you love, everything will fall into place.
8. Kanjian Erduo La
A manga artist named Daisuu finds an alien cat boy whose name is Myou. This cute boy suddenly appeared in his life.
Although this mangaka artist doesn’t know why he finds the presence of Myou a refreshing part of his boring life. So, this is where boys’ love romance begins.
Short but Sweet and Memorable Anime
The art style is cutesy and the anime is more of a slice-of-life kind of thing. Each episode only lasts around 3 minutes. So, fans shouldn't expect something spectacular to happen.
The whole series is an original net animation. In short, it’s a web anime. It’s fun and so light. The first episode alone will make you smile with the cuteness of Myou.
From the very beginning, Daisuu has been clear with his feelings for Myou. The young man finds his cat boy roommate cute.
Ever since this mangaka artist finds warmth in his heart a great feeling every time Myou is involved. He tries his best to keep the alien boy cat from the prying eyes of society.
Honestly, this BL anime is so syrupy sweet, even to the point of cheesy. If you’re a fan of more intense scenes, you’d be disappointed. This anime is 90% Shounen-ai and 10% Yaoi.
Valuable Teachings
This anime has nothing big to tell, except to live your life one day at a time. Although you struggle sometimes, you can survive as long as you do all you can.
9. Hybrid Child
This fictional Yaoi anime is about an artificial human and the man who owns him. Kotarou Izumi is an heir who found a Hybrid child and names him Hazuki.
Against all odds, the two break the norm of society and prove to other people that their bond and love for each other are genuine.
Later, Izumi and Hazuki find out that a Hybrid child doesn’t have an internal life.
Overwhelming Sad but Sweet
The anime and manga feature three different relationships between a Hybrid and its owner. Each is different from the other.
The last two episodes of the Yaoi anime are tear-jerker. So, if you want Boys’ love drama, this is the best one for you if you're a fan
Although the episodes aren’t interrelated, they provide compelling and important lessons.
Art and the character design are nothing dramatic. Each looks the same except for hair and eye colors. The hybrid child is definitely a must-watch for Yaoi fans.
There’s no connection between episodes in terms of plot. Each features an artificial human and his master. It finishes every episode.
Educate Me
In this technology-driven world, the Hybrid child is proof that you can’t really replace a real connection with people, especially those who are dear to you.
10. Hitorijime My Hero
In Hitorijime my Hero, Four lives entangle in an emotional ride called romance. One day, Kousuke Ooshiba defends the hopeless Masahiro Setagawa.
A year later, Kensuke Ooshiba and Mashiro attend high school with Kousuke as their math teacher.
The budding romance between the hero and the defenseless teen begins. Then, Kensuke’s childhood friend Asaya Hasekura arrives to create a whirlwind in their peaceful lives
Appropriately Heroic
This Yaoi Anime is somewhat cliche and features a student/teacher relationship. But, it’s a sweet Shounen-ai/Yaoi genre.
If you’re a fan of romantic Yaoi without those steamy scenes, this would be your series.
Art is not that excellent and doesn’t have those explosive colors you see on high-budget animes. Design and development are okay but not too overwhelming.
The soundtrack is good but is used repetitively at the right time and scene. There are conflicts but not something irreconcilable.
Overall, this is really light and has just the right amount of conflict-reconcile themes.
So, yes. My Very Own Hero is almost like a fairy tale in the boys’ love (BL) genre. It certainly lifts your spirits and reinstates your colorful view of gay romance.
Something to Remember
The moral of anime and manga is that you can be your own hero.
Moreover, you don’t need a hero with shining armor or a rich benefactor to find the hero you want, it could be one ordinary person who has always been there for you.
11. Togainu no Chi
Japan is in ruins after WW3 and battles upon battles take place in Toshima (formerly Tokyo). In the fictional world of Toshima, two types of battles occur, Igura and Bl@ster.
Bl@ster doesn't involve killing but the top player in this, Akira, is accused of murder.
Amidst the turmoil and attempts to clear his name, a mysterious woman appears and helps him enter Igura.
Igura is a battle of survival, which forces you to kill to reach the top and fight the king Il-re.
Good Story but Not Elaborate Anime Adaptation
This anime is based on a BL/Yaoi game and manga. However, the adaptation seems to omit that or for the most part.
Yes, the cast is all male, except for Emma who appears multiple times during the series.
Togainu no Chi is more for fans who have seen the manga and played the game. It lacks the luster of the game, but it’s worth trying to watch.
Art is not really that good since some scenes are like watching a cardboard drawing move in front of the camera.
Even if the game is Yaoi, the adaptation is short of portraying this. Well, maybe that’s just my opinion. Some might disagree with me and others might agree.
Truth in Those Yaoi Words
If you want to reach the top, you have to strive and work hard. In a society filled with devils in disguise, you’ll need the right people to support your dreams.
12. SpiritPact
You Keika is living a hell of a life, trying to surpass poverty. Then, his seemingly uneventful life is turned upside down when he meets a white-haired man.
When this poor young man wakes up, he finds himself as a spirit shadow to Tanmoku Ki. This is the start of a different life. What You Keika doesn’t expect? His feelings and admiration for his master.
Spiritually Beautiful and Elegant
Spirit Pact is based on a Chinese manga, adapted into animation. Characters are excellently drawn and the story is deep.
It has humor, some parodies, action, and of course, fantasy aside from being a Yaoi Chinese Anime. Most of the scenes are so delightful to watch. You can feel the love between the two main protagonists.
Like other great fantasy genres, Spirit Pact develops most satisfyingly. It got the right conflict and resolution. In short, the love stories in SpiritPact are well written.
There are other stories in this Yaoi anime and they’re worth noting for, not just the protagonist. This anime is a romance with depth.
Yaoi Anime Lesson
Sometimes, destiny is an uncontrollable aspect of life but you can change it by making the right decisions.
13. Hey, Class President!
This cute Yaoi anime will make you melt your heart. It’s about a naive and timid Yuuzou Kokusai, the student council president.
Yasuhiro Chiga, on the other hand, is a fighter who doesn’t want others to be intimidated.
A chance encounter in the subway made Chiga vows to protect his senpai Kokusai no matter the cost. Even if it means falling in love with the guy, he’d do it willingly and lovingly.
Fan Likes This Yaoi Anime
This OVA is a yaoi genre in its purest and truest form. Also, the animation art is so excellent, just like Kirepapa, another Yaoi anime under the same company.
With only 2 episodes, Hey! Class president captures the essence of two conflicting characters who are attracted to each other.
The relationship development is quite okay. Just like two people in love and wanted to be with each other the whole time.
Kokusai’s innocent naivete is the reason Chiga loves him so much. It’s like a damsel in distress, except that it’s a boy’s love genre.
Moral Lesson
Sometimes, you have to speak up your mind, so others can hear you.
14. Sekaiichi Hatsukoi
After leaving his father’s company, Ritsu Onodera wants to establish himself as a successful person in the publishing industry.
Ritsu wants to have his own company. Then, he meets Masamune Takano, his high school love.
Along with other couples in the anime and manga, this Yaoi anime portrays first love romance. It is another shot at love the second time around.
Slice of Life Anime
This romance anime is infused with comedy and slice of life, aside from the Yaoi genre. It has quite a good story that every gay will love to binge-watch.
The first season has a crappy ending, but this Yaoi anime redeems itself with the second season. If you’re into a romance with a hint of yaoi, watch this.
The slice of life ingredient might have dampened the development of the story. Most of the time, the anime is so slow or too fast. Some scenes are just ridiculous and could be annoying sometimes.
Moral Lesson
Romance aside, this Yaoi anime has an important lesson that you should remember. Success is not dependent on other people’s influence, not even your family. You need to carve it out with your hands.
15. Dou Kyu Sei
This original video animation (OVA) is about an honor student who falls for his classmate.
Rihito Sajou seems to have everything except a singing voice. And, Hikaru Kusakabe, a member of a rock band, discovers this weakness.
The rock band male finds Sajou’s weakness as cute and endearing. Then, their relationship begins in friendship. Later, they discover something deeper and more meaningful.
Cute and Endearing
Dou Kyu Sei or Classmates in English is two boys’ (BL) love stories and it is so simple and straightforward.
No third wheels, no plot twist. Just two boys falling in love and discovering romance for the first time.
Each anime episode is uniquely combined with good music. It’s not a hardcore Yaoi and more of a Shounen-ai. Still, I include it in the list because it’s worth watching.
From a simple friendship, Rihito Sajou and Hikaru Kusakabe learn that they love each other. You can see the cute things they do, just like a hetero couple does in a romantic relationship.
Although the anime isn’t that deep or won’t give you a roller coaster ride, this BL is super beautiful to watch.
Moral Lesson
What is the lesson on this Yaoi anime? Friendship is one of the strongest foundations of a relationship, regardless if it’s a hetero or homo.
16. Yarichin Bitch Club
Spice your weekend up with this hardcore Yaoi anime! Takashi Toono is a transfer student in Morimori and has to join a club ASAP. So, he enters a typical photography club.
What this naive young man doesn’t know? The club is not an ordinary one because the members have to provide service to students. That service is SEX!
Hardcore and Titillating Anime
The characters aren’t too deep and don’t have many dimensions. They aren’t fully developed. But, this one-dimensional thing suits the setting of the story.
There are lots of innuendos, sexual dialogues, and scenes. Some funny moments are there, too, especially if you want a good laugh.
There’s not much love relationship development in this yaoi. Why? Because Yarichin is a hardcore Yaoi anime with lots of fan service, although the steamy scenes are censored. If you're an anime fan of this BL type, then better watch this.
If you’re looking for a deep M&M romance, this one isn’t your best bet. It’s just a purely sexual encounter for a new transferee.
But, if you like to see shiny “ting tings” (you know what I mean), go on and see this BL series. And don’t tell me I didn’t warn you. Hehehe...
Lesson from the Yaoi Anime
As for the lesson, I don’t think I could give one. It’s an anime that will give you a good laugh at the mess the main protagonist has experienced.
17. Antique Bakery
Get ready to drool over tasty cakes and handsome man! This is a story of a pastry chef and his pursuit of love. Back in high school, Ono confessed to Tachibana but got rejected.
More than a decade later, the two classmates meet again in a bakery where both of them work. Can Ono get his one true love and win his heart this time?
First Love Never Dies? Really?
The art is okay except that it’s a bit unpolished and rough given the fact that it was aired in 2008. Also, the music is great, especially the OP song. The background music establishes the feeling of easiness in the anime.
Overall, there’s humor. Actually, it’s kind of a BL and slice-of-life anime, talking about the mundane things and tasks in an idyllic place of a pastry chef.
There’s not much drama in this series. But, you can obviously see the undeniable romance between Ono and Tachibana. It seems that Tachibana is just trying to protect his heart from another painful experience.
Whatever it is going between the two, Antique Bakery anime doesn’t show that in the most explicit way. The story is actually more of Shounen-ai rather than yaoi.
Still, the end is so subtle all you want is to sigh with, I don’t know, feelings of melancholy, contentedness, or maybe something.
Lesson To Remember
True love knows no time and it is sweeter the second time around.
If I'll get your votes and create statistics on which one of these boys' love relationships is the best, what would you choose?
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