The yaoi subgenre is one of the most popular among romance fans who follow anime and manga. It features love stories between male characters that unfold in a variety of settings with plots ranging from deep dramas, cute romances, comedies, and even adventures worthy of famous shounen.
Are you looking for the best yaoi anime to start learning more about this world? Well, today's article was made especially for you! Grab some popcorn and sit down with us, as we will introduce you to the eleven best titles in the subgenre so you can enter the universe of these stories on the right foot!
Given (2019)
With a mix of school romance, drama and music, Given stands out as one of the best yaoi anime. The series, consisting of 11 episodes and a movie, is available on Crunchyroll. The plot follows Uenoyama, a high school student and guitarist in a band. His life changes when he meets Mafuyu, a shy boy who is determined to learn guitar. The friendship between the two evolves as Mafuyu joins the band and reveals his incredible musical talent.
In addition to the captivating music, the anime delves into deep themes such as loss and overcoming, while exploring Uenoyama's feelings for Mafuyu. With fluid animation and an emotionally rich narrative, Given won over audiences around the world. Its popularity even led to a live-action adaptation in 2021, reinforcing its position among the best yaoi anime today.
Banana Fish (2018)
With suspense, crime and boys' love, Banana Fish is one of the best yaoi animes. Available on Amazon Prime Video, the 24-episode series follows Ash Lynx, a young gang leader who seeks to unravel the mystery of âBanana Fishâ. Linked to his brother Griffinâs collapse during the Vietnam War, this enigma puts him in direct confrontation with Dino Golzine, a powerful mobster.
The plot balances action, drama and emotion, highlighting the strong connection between Ash and Eiji Okumura, a photographer who becomes his ally. With high-quality animation and an engaging narrative, the anime captivates the viewer from beginning to end. Its combination of intensity and sensitivity makes Banana Fish a memorable work in the boys' love genre.
Umibe Abroad (2020)
Umibe no Ătranger is one of the best yaoi animes and combines drama and boys' love in a sensitive plot. Available on Crunchyroll, the film features Shun Hashimoto, a writer abandoned by his family after revealing his homosexuality, and Mio Chibana, a young orphan who carries scars from his past. The two meet on a small island, where they develop an intense connection, interrupted by Mio's departure for the city.
Three years later, Mio returns to the island determined to confess her feelings, but time and distance have brought changes to both of them. The animation is delicate, with lines that capture the emotional depth of the characters and the beauty of the scenery. The narrative addresses love and maturation in a touching way, making this work an unmissable choice for fans of the genre.
Doukyuusei (2016)
Doukyuusei is one of the best yaoi anime, mixing boy's love, school romance and drama in a captivating narrative. The film follows Hikaru Kusakabe, a laid-back young man and member of a rock band, who decides to help his shy classmate, Rihito Sajou, rehearse for the school festival. Despite being excellent at studying, Rihito has difficulty with music, which sparks Hikaru's interest.
The relationship between the two reveals new emotions and transforms their relationship, bringing a unique sensitivity to the plot. The animation, with delicate and expressive lines, perfectly captures the innocence of first love in a high school setting. With its charming story and stunning visuals, this film is a must-see for fans of the genre.
No. 6 (2011)
No. 6 is one of the best yaoi anime, combining boy's love, fantasy, dystopia, mystery and action in an engaging plot. The story takes place after a great war, in a world where humanity lives divided into six districts. Shion, a brilliant young man who lives in the city's elite, sees his life change when he helps Nezumi, a fugitive who unexpectedly appears in his room. This act of kindness changes his destiny, leading him and his mother to lose everything and start a new life on the outskirts.
Four years later, Shion discovers the dark secrets behind the apparent peace of his city. When he is captured, Nezumi returns to rescue him, beginning a journey full of dangers and revelations. The animation delivers intense and emotional scenes, while the bond between the protagonists grows in a touching way. This anime stands out in the genre for its complex and deep narrative, winning over fans with its unique blend of action and romance.
Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu. (2018)
Among the best yaoi anime, Dakaichi: I'm Being Harassed by the Sexiest Man of the Year mixes boy's love, comedy and romance in a light and engaging plot. Takato Saijou, a veteran actor, loses his title of âsexiest man of the yearâ to Junta Azumaya, a charismatic newcomer who quickly gains prominence. The initial rivalry between them takes an unexpected turn when Junta shows interest in something more than just fame, revealing deep feelings for Takato.
Available on Crunchyroll, this anime charms with its light-hearted tone and moments of pure chemistry between the protagonists. The quality of the animation complements the narrative, highlighting both the comedic and the more emotional scenes. The transformation of the relationship between Takato and Junta, from competitive to romantic, makes this title an irresistible choice for fans of the genre, guaranteeing a prominent place in the universe of yaoi romances.
Cherry Magic (2024)
Among the best yaoi anime, we find a unique story of romance and comedy. Adachi, a 30-year-old man, receives a strange power on his birthday: the ability to read the thoughts of anyone he touches. When he accidentally overhears the secret feelings of Kurosawa, an attractive co-worker, their relationship takes an unexpected turn. The series mixes humor and romance in a lighthearted way, keeping the audience engaged with each episode.
Available on Crunchyroll, this anime is charming due to the quality of its animation, with facial expressions that perfectly reflect the characters' emotions. Adachi and Kurosawa are the protagonists who lead an engaging dynamic, with moments that are both comical and emotional. This title stands out among the best yaoi anime for its fun and delicate approach to how feelings can blossom in unusual and unexpected ways.
Heaven Official's Blessing (2021)
Among the best yaoi anime, this title stands out for its mix of romance and fantasy. The plot follows Xie Lian, a prince banished from the heavens and sent to the mortal realm to exorcise ghosts. Along his journey, he encounters a mysterious man who controls the ghost realm, and together they embark on an adventure that reveals ancient secrets and tests their emotions. The series has 22 episodes and is one of the yaoi series on Netflix.
With captivating characters and high-quality animation, the anime enchants with its visual richness and intense action scenes. The connection between Xie Lian and his mysterious ally grows as the story progresses, providing striking emotional moments. The anime is one of the best choices within the yaoi genre, especially for fans of a deep plot, with supernatural elements and a romance that develops in a unique way.
Yuri!!! on Ice (2016)
Among the best yaoi anime, âYuri on Iceâ mixes romance and sports in an engaging way. The story follows Yuri Katsuki, a young Japanese figure skater who, after a defeat, decides to leave the sport aside. However, upon returning to Japan, he sees himself in a video of his performance and ends up attracting the attention of Russian idol Victor Nikiforov. Victor decides to train him, beginning a journey of overcoming and personal discovery.
The animation stands out for its detailed skating choreography and the intense emotions of the characters. The rivalry with Yuri Plisetsky and the development of the relationship with Victor enrich the plot. The mix of action, romance and competition makes âYuri on Iceâ one of the best choices for those looking for a quality yaoi anime.
Love Stage!! (2014)
Here the story follows Izumi, a young man who grew up in the midst of a famous family. Everyone expected him to pursue an artistic career, Izumi only participated in a wedding commercial as a child, where he wore a wedding dress. In this commercial, he met Ryouma, a young man who was enchanted by him, without realizing that Izumi was a boy.
Ten years later, the magazine invites the models to reprise the commercial. To Izumi's surprise, Ryouma still has the same feelings for him. The relationship between the two begins to develop, but the future of this relationship can be quite turbulent. The anime is one of the best choices among the best yaoi anime, mixing romance and comedy in a unique way, and is available on Crunchyroll.
With quality animation and ten episodes in total, the work adapts the manga of the same name written by Eiki Eiki and illustrated by Taishi Zao. The original title was initially released in 2010 and is on the list of the best yaoi mangas to check out!
Sasaki to Miyano (2018)
Miyano is a young man who loves reading Boys' Love manga and is insecure about his delicate features. His life turns upside down when he gets involved in a fight and ends up meeting Sasaki, a senior student. Sasaki, interested in him, begins to get closer to Miyano and, over time, his admiration turns into something deeper. Together, they explore a new phase of their lives, full of excitement and discoveries.
This charming romance blends comedy and themes of self-acceptance, making it stand out among the best yaoi anime. Available on Crunchyroll, with 13 episodes and a movie, the anime features charismatic characters and smooth animation that complements the story impeccably. The chemistry between Sasaki and Miyano, with its moments of sweetness and humor, makes this production one of the best in the genre.
Conclusion
The best yaoi animes can vary depending on each person's taste, but in general, the ones on this list are perfect for those who want to start exploring the subgenre. Do you have a favorite title? Tell us in the comments! See also our list of the best Jujutsu Kaisen fights and the video we've put together for you below!
Questions that might interest you
What are the most recommended Yaoi anime for beginners in the genre?
Animes like Sasaki to Miyano and Yuri!! On Ice are excellent options for beginners.
Is it possible to find Yaoi anime dubbed in Portuguese?
Given and Sasaki to Miyano are series that offer Portuguese dubbing.
