BL anime is a genre that has won the hearts of people all over the world with its stories of love and emotional connections between male characters. BL anime shows love from a different point of view, exploring the complexity of relationships that are beyond cultural rules. BL anime not only focus on love stories but also expresses the bonds of friendship.
Enjoy the plot of BL anime “Given,” a story that mixes music and romance. Or, get lost in the elegant world of “Yuri!!! on Ice,” where figure skaters Yuuri Katsuki and Victor Nikiforov dance across the ice as their love story unfolds.
Also Read: Best BL Anime Series For Beginners
1. Given
Ritsuka Uenoyama, a high school guitarist, has lost interest in music. Mafuyu Sato, a mysterious boy with a broken guitar, captivates him with his hauntingly beautiful singing voice.
Ritsuka fixes Mafuyu’s guitar and invites him to join his band after seeing his skill. Mafuyu reluctantly joins bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji to form “Given.” Through music, the band members heal their emotional wounds.
Ritsuka gradually uncovers Mafuyu’s past and realizes the grief and sorrow beneath his lovely voice. As they strive, their friendship grows beyond music. They face their pasts, heal, and find love and connection through their performances and music.
“Given” has won hearts worldwide with its stunning animation, genuine tale, and soundtrack that portrays the characters’ feelings. It has connected with audiences for its sympathetic and honest portrayal of young musicians’ trials and achievements in life and love, as well as its relationship.
“Given” is a touching anime series that shows how music can unite and heal. It explores human emotions, art’s healing power, and love’s transformation.
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2. Yuri!!! on Ice
“Yuri!!! On Ice” is a gripping sports anime about competitive figure skating. Yuuri Katsuki, a Japanese figure skater, meets Victor Nikiforov, a great Russian skater, and is inspired. Yuuri returns to his hometown feeling lost and doubtful about his skating future after a shattering failure at the Grand Prix Final. However, a viral video of him performing Victor’s performance changes everything. Yuuri’s talent inspires Victor to train him back to competitive skating.
Yuuri trains hard under Victor and competes internationally. He meets tough opponents and makes new acquaintances, including Yuri Plisetsky, a fellow skater. Yuuri learns about love and self-discovery while skating in tournaments. He wows audiences and peers with his heartfelt performances. The series follows Yuuri and the other characters as they pursue their figure skating dreams. It depicts the sacrifices, devotion, and determination needed to succeed in a competitive sport.
“Yuri!!! on Ice” effectively depicts figure skating’s artistry and agility. It also explores relationships, especially Yuuri and Victor’s growing relationship. Their mentorship turns into a deep, passionate romance as they negotiate their professional and personal lives.
Also Read: Is Yuri On Ice A BL Anime? What Genre Does Yuri On Ice Fall Under?
3. Doukyuusei
Based on Asumiko Nakamura’s manga, “Doukyuusei” is a touching BL anime. Hikaru Kusakabe and Rihito Sajou, two high school classmates, unexpectedly fall for one another. Hikaru is a cheerful, popular student with musical skills. However, Rihito is quiet and academically gifted. An unexpected meeting during music practice bonds them despite their differences.
Hikaru and Rihito get closer and find a love of music and self-expression. The film carefully depicts their friendship and growing love. However, they face obstacles. Hikaru and Rihito must manage their emotions, social expectations, and uncertainties. They fear criticism and uncertainty when contemplating a non-traditional relationship.
“Doukyuusei” beautifully depicts first love’s sweetness, innocence, and vulnerability. Hikaru and Rihito bond over music in the film. The beautiful soundtrack increases the story’s emotional impact, immersing viewers.
4. Super Lovers
BL’s “Super Lovers” is based on Miyuki Abe’s manga. Haru Kaidou, a high school student, encounters Ren Kaidou in Canada. Haru’s mother asks him to look after Ren, a newcomer to Japan. Haru learns that Ren is his adopted brother, and they both steadily develop a trusting, understanding relationship throughout the series. Ren’s fear of touch and society’s judgment of their unique family relationship are obstacles.
The second season explores their young adult romance. Haru and Ren become closer as they confront their previous tragedies and support one another. They negotiate adulthood, their changing relationship, and society’s view of their partnership.
“Super Lovers” addresses family, identity, and unorthodox love. It explores cross-cultural relationships and questions social norms. The series explores the protagonists’ psychological and emotional development and their growing love for each other. Haru and Ren’s relationship develops with sensitivity and humor in the anime. It addresses healing, acceptance, and unconditional love.
“Super Lovers” has a novel tale that tackles hard topics and has an age gap connection. The series provides a thought-provoking and emotional look at an unorthodox relationship between two people who find comfort and love in each other.
5. Junjou Romantica
High school student Misaki prepares for college entrance tests. Akihiko, his older brother’s best friend and renowned author, assists him. Misaki is unaware that Akihiko has long loved him. A convoluted love affair develops despite Misaki’s initial opposition. Misaki and Akihiko struggle with fears, social pressures, and a large age gap. As they address their feelings and manage love and intimacy, they experience emotional highs and lows.
“Junjou Romantica” also follows other couples who intersect with Misaki and Akihiko. Each plot explores the characters’ relationships, showing love’s struggles, progress, and emotional depth. The comedy-drama series explores self-discovery, trust, and the transformational power of genuine friendships.
The anime explores love in many forms through its diverse cast and related stories. It’s for mature BL fans. “Junjou Romantica” captures the joys and sorrows of love through acceptance, connection, and self-acceptance.
6. No. 6
The story follows Shion, a gifted student, and Nezumi, a fugitive from the law. Nezumi flees the city and takes shelter at Shion’s home. Shion shields Nezumi, deepening their relationship into something more. They unearth No. 6’s repressive regime’s hidden secrets and corruption.
Shion and Nezumi meet a variety of personalities with their own difficulties and goals as they negotiate the city’s hazards and mysteries. They resist the repressive regime for justice, freedom, and the right to speak out. “No. 6” addresses social inequity, authoritarianism, and love and friendship throughout the series. As Shion and Nezumi confront their pasts, face harsh realities, and learn to trust and rely on each other, it explores human relationships.
The animation contrasts No. 6’s lovely cityscape with its brutal reality. It questions the idea of a paradise and emphasizes individual freedom and the battle against injustice. “No. 6” blends action, mystery, and romance into a gripping story with surprising plot twists and emotional depth. As they challenge the present quo and seek a brighter future, their characters demonstrate strength and resilience.
“No. 6” is a BL anime about Shion and Nezumi’s romance. Their relationship defies social boundaries and proves love can survive any hardship.
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7. Love Stage!!
Izumi Sena, a young man from a family of entertainers, wants to become a manga artist instead. Izumi’s family forces him to do a commercial shot. He works alongside gorgeous Ryouma Ichijou. Ryouma thinks Izumi is a girl after unintentionally discovering her gender.
Ryouma falls for “her” after the incident. Ryouma is first surprised by Izumi’s gender, but he understands his love for her goes beyond gender. Their surprising love and self-discovery begin. Izumi’s doubts and Ryouma’s inability to acknowledge his affection for another man threaten their relationship as the series continues. They assist each other through career and personal growth, developing a profound emotional tie.
The anime series mixes comedy and romance for a light, entertaining watch. For BL and romantic comedy enthusiasts, it depicts Izumi and Ryouma’s relationship with humor and compassion. It explores the intricacies of relationships as its protagonists learn to accept themselves and find happiness. Its attractive characters and light-hearted tale emphasize being true to oneself and accepting love in all its forms.
Also Read: 8 Best Rom-Com Anime Like Love Stage!! [Recommendations]
8. Gravitation
BL’s “Gravitation” is based on Maki Murakami’s manga. Shuichi Shindou, an aspiring musician, seeks fame and love in music and wants to be a musician. Shuichi establishes Bad Luck with his best friend Hiroshi Nakano and diligently creates their own sound.
Shuichi meets the enigmatic novelist Eiri Yuki, who fiercely critiques his lyrics. Shuichi falls for Eiri and wants to impress him. Shuichi’s affection for Eiri grows as they cross paths, creating a complicated and frequently tumultuous relationship.
Shuichi endures many personal and professional setbacks throughout the series. He battles uncertainties, music industry demands, and deep love emotions. Shuichi faces fame, creativity, and relationships with his bandmates and friends.
“Gravitation” addresses love, ambition, and dreams. It explores the sacrifices and emotional rollercoasters of pursuing one’s passion. The animation shows Shuichi’s personal and musical evolution with comedy.
Also Read: Best BL Anime Available To Watch On Funimation
9. Sekaiichi Hatsukoi
The story follows Ritsu Onodera and Masamune Takano. Marukawa Shoten hires brilliant young editor Ritsu Onodera. Ritsu resists, thinking Takano doesn’t remember him. However, working together complicates their relationship and feelings.
Ritsu and Takano face deadlines, demanding authors, and workplace politics throughout the series. They also face their insecurities and prior feelings. As they reconnect, they face misconceptions, emotional problems, and touching moments. “Sekaiichi Hatsukoi” also follows other couples, including editors, authors, and coworkers. Each couple experiences distinct obstacles and views love and relationships differently.
The anime addresses self-discovery, second chances, and genuine love. It explores human emotions and the difficulties of balancing work and personal life. “Sekaiichi Hatsukoi” shows the need for communication, understanding, and trust in successful relationships through the characters’ struggles. “Sekaiichi Hatsukoi” is a touching narrative of comedy, drama, and romance. It authentically depicts Ritsu and Takano’s relationship as they face career and emotional problems.
10. Hybrid Child
“Hybrid Child” is a compelling Yaoi manga series about life-like androids that develop and mature dependent on their owners’ love and care. The manga explores how love affects artificial beings in a world where they live with humans.
Kotarou Izumi, a kind-hearted youngster, finds a seriously damaged Hybrid Child in the trash. Kotarou restores Hazuki to its previous beauty despite its deterioration. As he carefully works on Hazuki, the android grows like a child. Kotarou and Hazuki’s relationship evolves over time, blending artificial artifice and true emotion. Hazuki supports Kotarou unconditionally.
The second story follows Hybrid Child master Tsukishima. Tsukishima is dedicated to his craft yet emotionally distant. After meeting Kuroda, a mystery man with a Hybrid Child named Kuroda, his outlook changes.
Tsukishima learns from Kuroda the Second that these artificial beings need love and feelings. Tsukishima softens and appreciates human connection as the two men spend time together.
The third and final arc explores the terrible background of a nobleman and his Hybrid Child, Yuzu. The nobleman’s heartbreaking journey shows love and sacrifice. Yuzu’s deep love for his owner survives death, demonstrating the power of emotions and the emotional bond between humans and their Hybrid Children.
11. Loveless
Based on Yun Kouga’s manga, “Loveless” is an intriguing BL anime. In the myth, people are born with cat-like ears and tails, symbolizing innocence and purity. Ritsuka Aoyagi, a 12-year-old youngster who has lost his memories, investigates his older brother’s death. Ritsuka’s life changes when he meets Soubi Agatsuma, an attractive, enigmatic man who claims to have been his brother’s partner in the “Fighters of Love.”
Ritsuka enters a world of complicated relationships, magic, and hazardous fights as he investigates his brother’s death and the Fighters of Love. Ritsuka navigates love, trust, and self-discovery with Soubi. The show addresses love, identity, and truth. It explores the ambiguities of love and passion. Ritsuka meets other Fighters of Love characters with their own motives and secrets.
Ritsuka and Soubi discover their past and the actual nature of their planet as they combat their demons and other warriors. Their connection grows from reluctance to love and strife.
“Loveless” characters are judged and discriminated against, examining social norms and prejudices. The anime beautifully blends sensitivity and fragility with strong action sequences. It displays the manga’s exquisite artwork and unique visual style. “Loveless” addresses passionate and intimate male relationships and has mature topics. BL anime are for mature audiences and demand an open mind.
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