Girls Love (GL) anime, also called Shoujo Ai as well the popular urban word, ‘Yuri’ has been trending under the table far too well. For those who still haven’t got the hint, I’m talking about anime series featuring lesbian relationships. When I say Shoujo Ai, I don’t just mean busted female characters getting on each other fan service.
While that might sound like fun for some people, the Shoujo Ai anime that we have compiled here are anime that depict beautiful stories as these characters come steps closer to understanding their sexuality. This list of 32 lesbian anime series is filled with yuri content in different genres.
Shoujo Ai/Yuri anime has a big fan following. These anime are not only wholesome, but they normalize female romantic relationships. A lot of these anime are modified and changed for release in international countries. However, a lot of yuri-traces are left to read between the lines.
Best Yuri Anime To Watch
The anime genre has a plethora of genres. They exist because each of these genres has its fans. More and more Shoujo Ai anime are created every year. In all these years, here are some of my favorite yuri anime that I would recommend to anime fans.
Shoujo Ai does not necessarily focus on CGDCT. To get a wider angle on this beautiful genre, here is a list of 32 Lesbian anime series that everyone will love. There is no order in this list as I think they are all more or less equally good.
In the story of Yuri, we have two main characters named Hana and Sakura, who live in the same city. When they met each other, they started their friendship and became close friends in no time. With time as they spend more time together, they realize that they are more than friends in the movies.
They face lots of issues in their relationship as they start dating and realize that it takes strength for them to find true love, and Hana starts looking for a connection with Sakura. A lovely couple who ends up with each other at the end of the anime, it is a romantic genre anime.
Sakura is an artist and can always be seen painting and making art, whereas the other Hana is a simple girl who wants to live a boring life. Sakura, when seen for the very first time Hana, falls in love with love, the same thing that happened with Hana. These two girls fall in love during the cherry season.
They fall for each other in a lovely season, and no one understands their love as they are from the same gender. The show is based on love between two girls, and it is an LGBTQ-based love story.
When the next season comes, it can be seen that Sakura and Hana started accepting their love openly; they don’t want to let others think of them. Their pure and deep love touched everyone in the city, and everyone started to accept their love.
Best Lesbian Anime of All Time
Here we have the same plot-based anime for anime lovers out there who believe in love and don’t judge love by any gender or other conditions.
Here the story of Sakura and Hana will touch your heart, they come with a moral that love is love, and it comes with no conditions. Here we have the best of the movies, just like Yuri which comes with a romance and love plot to watch.
Strawberry Panic!
Nagisa is a bright student who gets a chance to be in a new school which is a catholic one. She explored her new life and quickly adapted to it so easily that she almost felt like it was a home at first.
After a while, as can be seen in his teenage days, he later experienced dealing with emotions and relationships. She made many friends and loved some of them. As time passed by, Nagisa saw a whole new world that came with a web of emotions and events which brought these emotions out.
Her new school is full of politics, and she finds herself stuck in this generation because of it. After a while realized that she needed some space to continue with school politics.
Nagisa becomes friends with one of the students who is the same as her when it comes to a kind and caring personality, and she becomes close to Tamao and Shizuma. With time she realized that she was into girls and not boys; at first, she questioned her attraction and desire for the same sex and gender.
Later she realized that she was in love with one of her friends. When the election comes in the school, it becomes a whole new competitive world to live in. In these months of an election, many people’s hidden pasts and secrets were revealed in front of everyone. Nagisa started to fear her secret of being a lesbian and her liking for girls.
The anime Strawberry Panic comes with the story of Nagisa and her way of finding out about her sexual orientation. Nagisa, as time passes, accepts her truths in front of the school and, after that, gets bullied by her schoolmates.
- Director: Masayuki Sakoi
- Genre: Romance and Anime
- Released Year: 2006
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Maria-sama ga Miteru
The story follows the life of a student at a catholic school where the young women studied. The whole anime centers around the stuff these girls go around in school, as they start growing up, it is seen they explore life.
Here the main lead named Yumi, can be seen as a first-year student and beautiful when it comes to looks and personality. As she started getting aware of the school council organization, she got accepted by one of the members named Rosa.
They both started spending time together and realized that they were more than strangers and started liking each other. Yumi, in the whole series, got into the complex pattern of developing relationships with friends and other students.
The school is catholic and strict when it comes to love and love affairs on the school campus. Even here, Yumi started realizing that in the strict rules of schools, no one was going to accept her same-sex relationship.
Yumi, in the new school, experiences new challenges which come with coping with exams and grades. Outside the school, their personal life begins when they have to prove to their parents their worth. Yumi, with these life experiences, started getting better at managing both somehow.
The whole anime Maria-sama ga Miteru comes with a story of Yumi and her friends who are in a tough phase, facing teenage life with love, friendship, struggle, and challenges. As time passes, Yumi becomes friends with Sachiko and learns the rules and regulations of the Lillian Girls Academy.
She became friends with Rei and Yoshino, and she learned from these people and new friends about Lillian’s group and community. The anime comes with multiple themes, including friendship, sisterhood, love, identity, self-discovery, tradition change, and emotional complexity.
- Director: Kōtarō Terauchi
- Genre: Romance and Anime
- Released Year: 2004
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Candy Boy
The anime candy boy comes with a twin sister, and these sisters are named Yukimo and another one named Kanade. Anime evolves and revolves around sibling relationships and how they deal with, say, day life tasks.
They are identical twins, and no one can say who is who. They moved to another place to complete their studies in a new city. However, they both look alike with different personalities. They have different choices and likes though they look the same.
Despite the difference they share when it comes to likings and different opinions and now, they both care for each other. As they settle into a new place, they realize that they find it difficult to carry on in a new life in the new city.
They got into a new life when they both got into a new romantic life. Sakuyas falls in love with Kanade and is afraid to confess her love to her. Kanade is also not sure of her own emotions and realizes that she might be wrong when it comes to attracting girls, as she is also a girl.
The twist comes in the story when these two twin sisters become friends with Kanade, and their relationship changes with time. They all experience and discover that they are all in a cycle of romantic love, and no one wants to hurt anyone by confessing feelings and attraction.
Kanade’s time comes to a point when she explores her feelings for Sakuyas but is unsure of if she will like her back or not. The whole series comes with a plot of sibling bonds, exploration of identity, romantic confusion, friendship companionships, and coming of age.
Candy Boy anime is well known for its plot of a twin sister who falls for the same girl, and love becomes complicated when it comes to opening up about one’s sexual identity and true self in front of the world.
- Director: Taafumi Hoshikawa
- Genre: Romance and Anime
- Released Year: 2008
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Sakura Trick
Haruka and Yuu are two students who share a bond that no one can break and are best friends. Friendship, when you get into something else, leaves them in confusion. Here these two besties realize that they are more than just friends and maybe they are soulmates.
Their romance is the main plot of the Sakura Trick anime. Their innocent romance is all one can experience. They have been best friends for a very long time and since middle school.
As one of the teachers wanted them to be in a separate class which breaks their hearts, they decided to kiss each other so that they could remember each other.
As they kissed with the intention of friendship, the kiss became the solid point for a sparkling romance that was waiting for them. As they grow up, their intense feelings only get intense, and they realize that they might be in love.
Haruka started getting ups and down in the school as her class standard became higher, and they started getting into a way where the lows and ups started affecting their relationship.
The anime shows the tenderness and innocence of love between Haruka and Yuu, even though they kept the relationship a secret for a very long time. No one in the school understands what goes through as they have been in a relationship that is non-acceptable in the school.
The real test comes when their relationship is tested by jealousy and misunderstanding. Haruka starts getting jealous of Yuu’s female friends, and misunderstanding comes their way.
The bond of friendship started breaking off as this circumstance became clear day by day. The whole anime comes with the theme of friendship, romance, innocence, coming to terms with emotions, cherishing moments, and light-hearted humor.
- Director: Kenichi Ishikura
- Genre: Romance and Anime
- Released Year:2014
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Aoi Hana
The plot follows with lives of Fumi and Akira, and this main character can be seen exploring the real essence of romance and love. The struggle of being accepted by the public and society.
The anime Aoi Hana comes with a theme about how much struggle same-sex couples face in society and not accepting them. They feel like an alien being on Earth.
The same thing happened with Fumi and Akira. The plot starts with the main lead Fumi who is a new girl in the school and misses her hometown badly daily.
Here the school becomes bearable as she met her one of the oldest friends named Akira. They both were friends in their childhood.
Time and destiny bring them closer again as now they have met as a couple. Fumi is an innocent and shy girl who finds it hard to make friends. As she meets Akira, she is relieved.
Their friendship became stronger and closer when Fumi told her about her new breakup story, and it became a pillar of support for shy Fumi.
Akira, while studying one day, realized that she misses a lot when she is absent and gets back to her hometown. She misses her when she gets back home after spending time together, and it becomes clear to Akira that she has been falling for her since she met her.
She confessed her love to Fumi and got surprised after getting to know about how much they were in love.
The new school environment is not worth it when it comes to having a peaceful life out there. As they both started spending time together, Fumi started getting a hint of attraction towards her.
Fumi becomes more and more attracted to her as they spend most of their time in school together. The whole anime comes with a theme of coming-of-age love opinion, acceptance of one’s identity, friendship, and same-sex romance.
- Director: Kenichi Kasai
- Genre: Romance and Anime
- Released Year: 2009
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Revolutionary Girl Utena
The plot comes with the main lead named Utena and her story, and she is a courageous and determined girl who has goals and a life she wants. A prince became her idol when she was a kid, and he saved her life. Her life became a mission.
A mission where she wanted to be like the prince who saved her life. She discovers that she wants to be a prince and protect others as that prince did. To become like a prince, she enrolled in a school Ohtori Academy, where she started her studies about becoming a great person.
Utena has become part of many incidences in the school and these mysterious happenings are now her life part. She participated in the duels, which resulted in the reward of becoming a whole new person with powerful power.
These duels come with the need for skills and focus, which the performers have to show. To win these duels, one has to be perfect to combat all these.
As these duels go by, Utena’s bond with Anthy becomes close, and they share a real bond. Utena and Anthy can be seen participating in all duels organized by the schools.
As Utena catches herself becoming closer to Anthy and starts feeling for him, she can be seen letting her win the duel.
Other characters like Touga and Akio can be seen going through the same. The anime Revolutionary Girl Utena is all about Utena, who explores her love side, and it becomes clear that she is into girls, as in the anime, she is attracted to Anthy.
Utena fights for the bigger duel as she has passed all past duels with determination and courage. In her journey of becoming a prince to help people, Anthy, as her love, helped her. Anthy helped Utema in the last duel and also encouraged her to become more powerful by succeeding in all duels.
- Director: Kunihiko Ikuhara
- Genre: Romance and Anime
- Released Year: 1997
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Simoun
One of the Japanese anime drama series which was released in 2006 year, the anime comes with a plot that fixes a fictional world and characters. The theme is all about war, individual identity, and love.
As advanced technology updated, the complexity of society and political structure also changed with time. Here we have Simoun, which is a group of priestesses well known for their aircraft work.
The newly modeled aircraft manufactured are built and structured by a mysterious power. These priestesses are not robots, but they are young girls.
The main character, named Aeru, can be seen dealing with her sexual orientation and liking for the same gender. As this is happening first time in her society, she finds it hard to hide.
Aeru has the ability and potential to control the aircraft, and she has powers and the advantage of controlling also. Aeru lives in a world of steampunk technology and a different culture.
The anime revolves around themes like identity issues, chor tempest, gender identity, and love. Simuon is an emotionally provoking anime that is famous for its complexity.
The mixture of war and love is what made it worth watching. The power of love and friendship can be seen, marking its importance in the Simoun.
- Director: Simon Otto
- Genre: Romance and Anime
- Released Year: 2006
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Yagate Kimi ni Naru
The anime plot starts with Yuu, who can be seen as a high school student and starts having strange feelings for her crush. The twist comes in the plot when she realizes that she has a crush on only girls.
She finds it boring when other girls talk about boys, and she has nothing to share with them, as she has no idea about how a girl could feel about guys so far.
Yuu finds that one day when her friends were confessing love and feeling for their boyfriends, she found it hard to cope with it.
As her new year starts in high school, she meets Touko, a charming and wise girl. Tauko is the main head of the council and is well-adored by everyone in the school as of her personality and behavior.
Touku, however, is attracted to Yuu and knows that she is in love, but Yuu is not in love and is even confused about being in love.
As their friendship grows and they start spending time together, Yuu becomes more and more confused between friendship and love. On the other hand, Tokou is not confused and pretty sure of her love feeling, which she wants to confess to Yuu.
Yuu only gets to know that she is in love when she is able to confront her tragic past and future goals with her. For Yuu and Tokyou, it was not easy to accept their identity as it is way different than others.
Both girls are in the same state of authenticity and identity recognition issue, but as they find each other, everything becomes clear after that they are in love, and the gender condition does not apply here.
Yagate Kimi ni Naru is a manga adaptation and is now a movie. The manga and movie theme comes with vulnerability, self-esteem, and intimacy. As Yuu and Tokuo accepted themselves in front of the school, everyone praised them for their courage and support theory love.
- Director: Makoto Kato
- Genre: Romance and Anime
- Released Year: 2018
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Citrus
The anime Citrus comes with a main character named Yuzu. Citrus is the same manga-titled-based series. The anime focuses on the relationship issues of two sisters named Yuzu and Mel. They both share different personalities and behaviors.
Yuzu is up-to-date and fashionable, and she is one of the famous girls in her new school. Yuzu is well known for her fashion sense and appearance. She looks very different from other girls and more fashionable.
Yuzu suffers in her new high school as it is stricter and more disciplined. She is not habitual of it. At first, she finds it struggling to fit in, and everyone out there has no idea fashion is what irritates her most.
On the other hand, her sister Mei who is a wise and academy-perfect student, becomes the president of the council. She is her stepsister, and they both hate each other.
With time Yuzu, on the first day of her school, discovers that Mie is her classmate. They started hanging out together, and the relationship status spiked from friends to something closer. They started having complex feelings toward each other.
Stepsisters find it hard to control their feelings of love for each other and are also afraid of the people whom they know as sisters. A same-sex relationship is now taking turns when Mie expresses first and leaves everyone in awe, the dramatic twist taking turns throughout the whole series.
Citrus anime is one of those anime that addresses the LGBT concept and same-sex love. The anime is not suitable for all age groups as it consists of sensitive scenes. It would be better not to be watched by sensitive people.
- Director: Takeo Takahashi Naoyuki
- Genre: Romance and Anime
- Released Year: 2018
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Adachi to Shimamura
Adachi and Shimamura are the main characters who study in high school. These two girls share different personalities but can still be seen together. Adachi is introverted and prefers to be alone than socialize, and she skips classes so that she can spend some alone time.
On the other hand, Simamura can be seen as an extrovert and an outgoing person. She loves to make friends and spends most of her time with popular girls. She somehow also wanted to spend some alone time from all this and chose to be alone on the school rooftop often.
As they both started spending more time together on the rooftop, they started having a deep bond. On the rooftop after the classes, they share feelings, thoughts, and interests.
Adachi starts feeling sparks between her and Shimamura, and the turn comes in her one-sided love when Shimamura resists having feelings for her. It broke her heart because she thought that Shimamura didn’t feel the same way and did not share mutual feelings.
The delicate emotions and falling in love by Adachi and Shimamura is worth watching. The rooftop becomes the only place where they can find solace and love.
- Director: Satoshi Kuwabara
- Genre: Romance and Anime
- Released Year: 2020
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Asagao to Kase-san
A manga-based anime in which Yui and Tomoka are the main characters, and the whole anime revolves around her. These two girls share different personalities, and as they say, opposite attracts; the same thing happens between Tomoka and Yui.
Yui is an extroverted girl who spends most of her time in games and athletes. On the other hand, Tomoka is introverted and more reserved and is a main team member of her high school field team.
Yui is a dreamer and passionate about green gardening. While doing her experiment on plants, she saw and encountered Tomoka. The initial sparks between them were like love at first sight. Yui was impressed with her athletic body, and she was impressed by her calm presence.
They started taking an interest in each other’s businesses, like flowers and gardening. Participating in athlete games by Yiu is strange and adorable for Tomoka.
The challenges come to this couple when they find it hard to express what they feel about each other. The romantic relationship becomes closer and closer when Yui and Tomoka express their feelings for each other.
It’s a touching story that comes with a theme like mutual support, same-sex love story, LGBTQ, self-identity, and high school romance.
- Director: Takuya Satō
- Genre: Romance and Anime
- Released Year: 2018
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Kannazuki no Miko
A manga series with the same anime titled Kannazuki no Miko, one of the 12-episode series. Himeko and Chikane, who are two girls, meet fate and destiny. They are connected by fate and destiny. Chikane personality is more like a bubbly and kind-hearted girl who makes friends quickly. She has a mysterious aura that does not match with a single person.
Himeko becomes friends with Chikane and shares a special understanding bond. Their whole life takes a turn when celestial even happens, and supernatural forces are on their way to cause harm.
Their bond of friendship is on the question of how much deeper it is. They both can be seen as a friendship that changes its status as they start fighting together against these supernatural forces.
The task is to awaken one of the giant men named Murakumo, who can be seen as a powerful Mecha. He can save the world with his abilities and powers, as the world is on the verge of getting destroyed.
Himeko realizes that she is in love with Chikane, and now the task of awakening powerful Mecha is in their hands. The anime consists of mature content, and we would like to recommend Kannazuki no Miko anime to all grown-ups.
Here the love story of Himeko and Chikane can leave you with a sense of how pure and beautiful a relationship could be. It is all about acceptance and love and one person’s perspective on same-sex love couples.
- Director: Tetsuya Yanagisawa
- Genre: Romance and Anime
- Released Year: 2004
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
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Bloom Into You
Bloom Into You or Yagate Kimi ni Naru is one of the most underrated anime from 2018. Unlike many Yuri anime created for fan service with delusional adult scenes, Bloom Into You has a relatable plot to people, irrespective of their sexual preference. It gives an in-depth look into finding the meaning of love. If not the best, Bloom Into You is one of the best romantic anime out there that strongly impacts its viewers. It journeys through the self-development of the characters rather than limiting the story to simply the typical teenage puppy love.
The anime was produced under TROYCA studios. It was released in the fall of 2018 and had a total of 13 episodes.
Plot Summary:
Bloom Into You is about Yuu Koito and her inability to feel love despite being deeply moved by shoujo manga. She is an old-school romantic in her mind and always in search of the fluttering feeling often described in books. Yet, when a boy in her middle school confesses to her, she feels nothing.
After joining a high school, she is instantly impressed by the student council’s president’s skills in rejecting confession. To consult about such matters, Yuu goes to her for advice. Touko Nanami, the council president and the very embodiment of perfection, confesses to Yuu. The story follows Yuu’s search for love in her ways while Touko holds her hand.
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Citrus
If you find an anime bold because it has yuri content, Citrus exceeds its limits of ‘bold’ by including incest. Citrus has a terribly handled beginning, filled with disturbing content. The anime begins with one of the main characters forcing on the others. Moreover, the incest factor in the anime immediately brings in criticism like the cherry on top. However, the anime is hard to dislike because the anime develops into a beautiful story eventually. The character development is beautifully done, which would immediately make the viewers see why Mei reacts outrageously in the beginning.
Citrus is basically the Domestic Girlfriend of the Shoujo Ai genre. The stories might be different, but they have similar vibes.
The first two episodes might get people triggered, but Citrus proves to be quite a moving anime if given a chance. Despite its flaws, Citrus commits to presenting a heartwarming story of two lovers, irrespective of gender. The anime aired in winter 2018 with 12 episodes and was produced by studio Passione.
Plot Summary
Yuzu Aihara has transferred to a new school after her mother remarries. Her aim in this new place is to finally achieve her first kiss. But, her dreams feel far off when she realizes she has been admitted to a strict girls’ school. On the very first day, it grabs the attention of the school council president, Mei. Mei is a rather cold person, but it sends a tingle down Yuzu’s heart as she touches Yuzu’s hand.
More shock awaits back at home when Yuzu comes to know that Mei is her new step-sister. When Yuzu decides to tease her, she is pinned down and kissed by Mei. She notices Mei’s sad eyes as she thinks about her far-longed first kiss. Citrus follows Mei and Yuzu’s story as they overcome their troubles together and come closer.
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Adachi to Shimamura
There are anime like Citrus that jump into the plot within the first episode. Then, anime like Adachi to Shimamura takes their time to develop and create their ambiance for the plot they are about to lay down. If you enjoy the small moments rather than the big gestures, Adachi to Shimamura is sure to reach your soul. The story develops step by step as we are given insights into the different thoughts of the two protagonists. It is a typical love story between two polar opposite characters made unique by its presentation.
The anime might seem bland on the first look, but so many scenes are filled with minute metaphorical significance. From Tezuka Production, Adachi to Shimamura was released in the Fall of 2020. The anime does justice to drama, romance, and the very concept of a serene GL anime.
Plot Summary
Adachi Sakura is shy, socially awkward, and introverted. She is mostly by herself. Shimamura Hougetsu is a social girl with many friends. One fateful day, they meet in the gymnasium. All their differences matter no longer as they grow under each other’s influence.
As they grow closer, they are conflicted about where they must lead this relationship too.
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Whispered Words
Whispered Words (Sasameki Koto) is, if anything, not a clichè. On the outline, it may seem like a similar story, but it’s not. Whispered Words walks in wearing a yuri tag, not wanting to meddle in another genre. It takes control of the story and steers it down the lane without wanting to waste more time in other genres. While one character has openly come out to her preference, the other Is a rather shut-in. I loved the brilliantly done portrayal of the relationship between the two characters.
The anime does not stop being surprising till the end. It doesn’t have a sad ending, but the anime just ends somewhat midway. Although, for a majority, it seems like a bad and unsatisfactory cliffhanger, I feel it gives a lot to think about. The ending is not your usual happily ever after. It gives the viewers a chance to fill imagine all the possibilities thereafter. If you think I’ve spoilt the ending of this anime, don’t worry, for this anime is filled with such moments of surprise in every episode.
Plot Summary
Ushio Kazuma is a ditzy teenager who is into cute and short girls. She is often rejected too. However, her best friend, Sumika Murasame, is in love with her. But she refuses to tell her since she is tall and athletic, unlike Ushio’s preference. The anime deals with Sumika’s unrequited love. She sometimes gets scared to confess and at the same time has an urge to let her feelings out. When Ushio starts falling for Sumika too, how will this story turn out?
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Strawberry Panic!
Strawberry Panic! is a 26 episode long Shoujo Ai anime from Madhouse studio. The anime has some heavy drama. Yet, it keeps the viewers constantly on par with the anime, never leaving them bored. Strawberry Panic! gets interesting from the very first episode. Although the anime does not have a plot coated with terrifying mystery, it has such lovable moments that it gets people hooked.
To make this anime more appealing, the anime has some generous CGDCT moments that are simply adorable. The anime has a wide range of characters and some really good plots attached to them. Moreover, the way the anime tells many stories without entangling in any is one way to deduce that Strawberry Panic! was a great production from Madhouse.
Plot Summary
The anime centers around three schools: Miator, Spica, and Lulim, and students who belong to these schools. On the first day of her school, Nagisa Aoi gets lost in the hills. Shizuma Hanazono saved her. Captivated by her beauty, Nagisa faints. When she wakes up, she finds herself in the infirmary with Tamao Suzumi, her new roommate sitting next to her.
Tamao later tells Nagisa about the Etoile, a particularly important person in the school. Although Nagisa is excited at first to know who this person is, she is shocked to see that Shizuma Hanazono is the very Etoile everyone is talking about. Shizuma takes a liking towards Nagisa and makes no effort in hiding it.
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Princess Principal
Princess Principal is the anime that does not wear the tag of Shoujo Ai but carries the genre with great care. The anime is well packed with action and centers only around female characters. But, even if you don’t look too close, it is not difficult to notice the obvious closeness between the characters on an emotional level. People often think that the anime is only yuri-baiting but, the character chemistry goes beyond just simple fan service.
The anime is one of my favorite action anime. But, if it adds more girls’ love to it, I still feel the same adrenaline rush but with more warmth.
Plot Summary:
Princess Principal is set in 20th century London. The anime begins with a revolutionary war that ended up in the division of the country into The Kingdom and The Commonwealth. To exact revenge, The Commonwealth fabricates a plan. They decide to replace the Princess with one of their spy, Ange.
The tables turn when the Princess offers to help in return for helping her achieve the throne. The anime follows the story of the spies along with the Princess as they thrive to complete their mission.
Riddle Story Of Devil
Also known as Akuma no Riddle, Riddle Story Of Devil is a 2014 anime by studio Diomedea. If the Shoujo Ai content in Princess Principal was not convincing enough, Riddle Story Of Devil is an action-packed GL anime I would highly recommend. The anime offers moments of utmost care, filled with warm fuzzy feelings between the characters. I really enjoyed Riddle Story Of Devil for all the genres it sets out to offer. It is probably not the perfect anime, but it still remains quite intriguing till the end. It gets a bit predictable at times, but the overall quality of the plot is very interesting. The anime had great animation and art style too.
The anime misses out on some points that the manga makes, making the anime way less impactful at times. This is why I would recommend people to catch up with the manga to appreciate the brilliance in the plot.
Plot Summary
Out of 13 girls, Haru Ichinose is not an assassin. The other twelve girls enrolled in the school are assassins who have been handed the mission to assassinate Haru in return for a precious prize. The one who succeeds in the assassination will be granted one wish, but they will face expulsion on failure. For reasons unknown, one of the twelve assassins takes a liking towards Haru. Tokaku, the assassin, swears to protect Haru at all costs.
Canaan
Canaan is indefinitely a great anime. The anime from P.A Works was released in 2009 and ran for 13 episodes. This anime has everything to expect from a good series: a strong female protagonist, an indulging plot, and above all, a good chemistry between the characters. Canaan has a great set of characters that will get you diving deeper into the plot. Be it the villains or the protagonist, Canaan, herself, the creator did a fantastic job.
Unlike mainstream anime with male protagonists, Canaan holds its stand as a brilliant action anime with a female protagonist. Additionally, what makes it an even greater watching experience is the very high-quality animation.
Plot Summary
Maria Osawa and Minoru Minorikawa are two reporters investigating in Shanghai, China. They survived the bioterrorism in Shibuya. Maria has been infected with a deadly virus but is saved by her father. When Maria is under attacked by masked assassins, an old friend, Canaan, comes to her rescue.
Kakegurui
Yet another anime without any Shoujo Ai tag is Kakegurui. Be it the yandere Midari or the high maintenance secretary, Sayaka, there are traces of GL everywhere. Of course, there is nothing to complain about because it makes the series all the more exciting. Anyone who refuses to categorize Kakegurui as Shoujo-ai probably missed Sayaka’s confession in season two or Midari unmatched obsession with Yumeko. Additionally, all the Mary Saotome and Ririka Momobami moments were too wholesome.
The anime is a production from MAPPA. It has two seasons. The manga, which serves as the source material, is still ongoing.
Plot Summary
Jabami Yumeko is a transfer student in a school of elites. Although the school looks normal during the day, it becomes a hub for gambling after school hours. Since many students belong to influential families, learning the art of gambling is a necessity. The student council is run by Kirari Momobami, who has made a distinct rule of settling any dispute through gambling. If a player loses all their fortune in a game, they get ranked as a mike. When Yumeko is transferred, people mistake her for the sweet innocent girl. However, on the gambling grounds, they find her craze for gambling and the obsession of betting it all.
Mnemosyne: Mnemosyne no Musume-Tachi
Mnemosyne: Mnemosyne no Musume-tachi or Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne is supernatural Shoujo Ai anime. The anime has some very bold to fluff scenes that make it one of the highest-rated anime on this list. Mnemosyne: Mnemosyne no Masume-tachi holds a lot of content that is difficult to grasp at first. However, once you get a hold of it, the anime is rather enjoyable. The GL content does not hold back from showing off, but at the same time, it is not ridiculed for the sake of jesting. I love the genuine relationship between the characters rather than just a few shots of fan service.
Mnemosyne: Mnemosyne no Masume-tachi is not meant for everyone. It has graphic scenes that many might find offensive. The anime has so much adult content that it is often identified as smut.
Plot Summary
Immortal women exist, and Rin is one of them. These immortal women come to existence after a Time Fruit from a Yggdrasil enters them. Rin is an investigator.
She comes across Maeno Kouki while looking for a cat. Eventually, she realizes that her life might be in danger as she feels the enemy closing in.
Happy Sugar Life
An anime of utmost disturbing content, Happy Sugar Life makes it to this list for the very foundation of this anime. While most people might view Happy Sugar Life is a psychological anime, they often forget how the events in the plot go from bad to worse. Unlike most fluff and wholesome content in this list, Happy Sugar Life develops an obsessive and dangerous attachment that Satou forms with a stray girl. The very basis of Happy Sugar Life lies in Shoujo Ai. Satou’s love for Shio is described as love at first sight. Of course, this love leads to events of chaos beyond control.
Shio’s importance in Satou’s life and vice versa have been indicated multiple times. For anyone who loves psychological thrillers but is also in the mood for some Shoujo Ai, Happy Sugar Life is the perfect blend.
Plot Summary
Satou is a high school girl who has slept with many boys in her class. However, she has never felt the slightest bit of attachment towards any of them. But, when she comes across Shio, she feels how she’s never felt before. Satou is completely mesmerized by Shio and claims that she has never loved anyone as much as Shio.
However, when people start looking for Shio, Satou is ready for a blood bath to avoid being separated from her.
Sakura Trick
Sakura Trick is one of the most highly recommended Shoujo Ai anime. The vast popularity comes from the satisfying fluff and the beautifully executed moments that will send a chill through the spine. The anime has a simple and straightforward plot. It is a light-hearted anime with some amount of comedy. If you are looking for a light anime with a lot of affectionate physical intimacy, Sakura Trick is the anime you need to watch. Although the anime as a whole felt quite adorable, the lack of a plot makes people drop the anime pretty soon.
Sakura Trick starts with quite an enthusiasm, but the similar scenes make it hard to continue.
Plot Summary
Haruka and Yuu have been best friends for a long time. When they enter high school, Haruka decides to spend more time with Yuu. But, they are seated far away in the classroom, to her dismay. She gets increasingly jealous as Yuu immediately attracts more and more people towards her.
However, when Yuu kisses Haruka passionately after school, they decide to take their bond a step ahead.
Aoi Hana
Shoujo Ai is a highly controversial anime genre. Aoi Hana portrays the very reason why this is so. Unlike the generic Shoujo Ai anime, Aoi Hana is all about reality and the price to pay for trying to be true to oneself. Without a doubt, Aoi Hana is one of the genius plots that need more recognition for its precision with reality. The maturity and the serenity surrounding this anime are utter bliss. Watching this anime becomes more pleasing with the low-lighted animation and the mellowed-down art. It fits with the ambiance that the anime wishes to create.
Plot Summary
The anime centers around the struggles of the two protagonists: Fumi Manjoume and Akira Okudaira. They used to be childhood friends but were separated. Fumi and Akira meet years later, but their relationship has changed now. While Fumi wants to grow stronger and not depend on Akira, the latter sought to rebuild its relationship years ago.
YuruYuri
YuruYuri is a comedy anime. Although largely shoujo-ai, the anime makes use of it to present hilarious jokes. Yet, the very reason why the anime makes its way to this list that YuruYuri deals with some major issues in society and presents them with humor. It is hard to notice this amidst all the fun, but once you ponder over these matters, there is no way to look away.
Plot Summary
YuruYuri centers around girls: Akari Akaza, Yui Funami, Kyouko Toshinou, and Chinatsu Yoshikawa. They join the Amusement club. The series follows the various events that occur between the club members.
Maria Sama ga Miteru
Maria Sama ga Miteru is one of the softest Shoujo Ai anime out there. The anime has little to no comedy. This anime emits enigmatic drama. It does a very good job at depicting the soft and beautiful characters. These characters are given a wide range of personality that builds the story from within. The anime has its flaws, but it is overall exceptionally well done.
The anime wastes no time in spending it on baseless fan service. When most Shoujo Ai anime is made for the obscene yuri content, Maria Sama ga Miteru is an anime that guarantees quality investment in the genre.
Plot Summary:
Yumi Fukuzawa becomes a major topic of hustle at her new school when the beautiful Sachiko Ogasawara asks to be her souer. She is flattered and happy. However, she feels highly concerned about the attention she might end up getting if she accepts Sachiko’s offer. The anime follows Yumi and Sachiko’s blossoming relationship as they get to know each other better.
Konohana Kitan
This adorable anime is an adorable anime that will also make you cry. It reaches out to the viewers on an emotional level. Moreover, the anime continuously brings light to positivity. Konohana Kitan is a hidden gem. The show has been extremely underrated since its release back in the fall of 2017.
The anime was produced by Lerche studio. It was a rather short anime with only 12 episodes. The anime is rather simple. Along with a romantic GL story, Konohana Kitan successfully delivers the story of self-development.
Plot Summary:
The anime is set in the world of spirits. The leading character Yuzu, is a fox girl. She starts working for an inn called Konohanatei. The anime features the various episodes of Yuzu as she wins over her co-worker and customers through her charming nature.
Simoun
Set in fantasy land, Simoun offers beautiful landscapes and heart-touching romance. The anime captures the heart and fills it with emotions. Simoun makes use of multiple themes and adds them all together. What is commendable about this anime is despite all the chaos that the anime could go through, Simoun stays on its course and delivers with proficiency. Simoun is not your typical CGDCT anime with a lot of sparkle and magic. It rather deals with real-life issues while holding on to the entertainment.
The anime aired back in 2006. Yet, the anime does not fail to influence its viewers considerably.
Plot Summary
Simulicram is a place where only females take birth. However, the people can undergo a special ceremony and change the gender if they wish. However, this luxury is off-limits for those who pilot the Simoun. Simoun is flying ships the protect the citizens.
Aer is selected to pilot a Simoun previously belonging to the Chor Tempest. The only problem is that pairs can only pilot the Simoun. Aer needs to win over Neviril. But, Aer faces yet another difficulty as Neviril is still in love with her previous pair, who was lost in battle.
Flip Flappers
Flip flappers do not confirm any lesbian content, but it is yet another one of those anime that remain silently GL. The anime is a very interesting sci-fi with some mind-boggling plot twists. Flip Flapper is artistic and enjoyable despite its sophisticated telltale. There is constant energy between Papika and Cocona. Even if the anime is not shoujo-ai at its purest, the honest and very pure bond between these two characters makes it a wholesome watch.
Plot Summary
Papika and Cocona meet out of sheer coincidence. But when Papika pulls Cocona into an alternate dimension of illusions, Cocona has no option but to follow Papika. As the first mission, they set out to collect gems. In the next stage, they are sent to a region of Pure Illusion. They are immediately met with a monster. Using the gems, they transform into magic girls. The story follows their journey of getting stronger as they strive to survive.
Tonari no Kyuuketsuki san
This anime surprisingly succeeds at combining vampire themes with lesbians. Tonari no Kyuuketsuki san has a cute outlook to it. It has a new viewpoint of vampires, and fans absolutely loved the idea. The anime is filled with moe moments that will make you see how adorable GL can be.
This slice of life comedy anime is sure to be your favorite if you like light anime that can ease your mind.
Plot Summary
The anime focuses around Akari Amano, who goes searching for a girl who does not age. Curious after hearing all sorts of rumors, Akari decides to find out the truth but ends up getting lost. A mysterious girl, Sophia Twilight, saves her. However, Akari later finds out that vampires are nothing as dangerous as stories say. Sophia orders for blood online.
Fascinated by Sophia, Akari starts living with her. The anime follows the various events of their laugh after they begin living together.
Asagao to Kase san
The spring of 2018 blessed us with one completely mesmerizing anime OVA ever that goes by the name Asegao to Kase san. The OVA is 54 minutes long, and in these 54 minutes, you will go into a trance following its utmost serenity. If there was any complaint, it was only that that anime lasted for a very short time. It plays with the aspects of realism and growth and displays a very genuine lesbian relationship. It is devoid of cliches and easily makes it one of the best Shoujo Ai anime ever created.
Plot Summary
Yui Yamada meets tomboyish Tomoka Kase. While Yui is shy and timid with interest in plants, Tomoka is an ace with many friends. They have their differences, but these differences shed their meaning when they are together.
The youthful energy of first love is depicted through two female protagonists whose feelings grow deeper each day for each other.
