Anime Featuring Gay Relationships

The Boys Love (BL) genre, a distinctive romantic category exclusively featuring male character relationships, offers a unique niche for its devoted audience. Despite its specialized appeal, BL anime frequently presents truly excellent romantic narratives and a multitude of remarkable couples.

While BL anime has a reputation for its often subpar portrayals of LGBTQ+ relationships, many of these male pairings are, in fact, exceptionally well-developed and endearing. With intricate characters and distinct relationship dynamics, BL romances have seen significant evolution over time, resulting in many iconic duos within the category.

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10 Shuichi Shindo & Eiri Yuki (Gravitation)

Gravitation stands as one of the seminal works that pioneered the BL genre. Concurrently, the connection between the protagonist, Shuichi Shindo, and Eiri Yuki, represents one of the earliest significant BL romances, substantially contributing to the popularity of subsequent titles. Their tempestuous love saga commences when Eiri delivers a scathing critique of Shuichi's song lyrics, prompting Shuichi to confront him for his harshness.

However, the mutual attraction between them quickly becomes apparent, leading to a volatile, on-again, off-again romantic entanglement. In contemporary times, aficionados have voiced disapproval of this contentious pairing due to the problematic aspects of their dynamic. Nevertheless, even as they are now considered a dated couple, the profound impact of Shuichi and Eiri's romance on the genre remains undeniable.

9 Ash Lynx & Eiji Okumura (Banana Fish)

Although not exclusively a BL series, Banana Fish showcases a romantic connection between its two male leads, Ash Lynx and Eiji Okumura. Hailing from vastly different backgrounds, Ash and Eiji forge an immediate connection and develop a profound bond upon their initial encounter.

Eiji, having previously experienced a sheltered and uncomplicated existence, soon finds himself immersed in Ash's perilous realm of crime and violence. Despite the extreme dangers, he steadfastly refuses to abandon Ash, and together, they become an indomitable force. The affection shared between Ash and Eiji is a standout element of the series, positioning them as exemplary representations of LGBTQ+ relationships in anime.

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8 Izumi Sena & Ryouma Ichijou (Love Stage!!)

Love Stage!! chronicles the celebrity-filled romance between Izumi Sena and Ryouma Ichijou, a renowned actor who was instantly captivated by Izumi from their very first meeting. However, owing to Izumi's delicate, feminine appearance, Ryouma had erroneously assumed him to be a girl throughout their acquaintance.

Upon discovering the truth, Ryouma's affections only intensify, compelling him to confront and understand the implications of his feelings for both of them. While they represent a somewhat conventional pairing, Izumi and Ryouma constitute a remarkably heartwarming duo. Their innocent romantic storyline is lauded by fans as one of the finest BL couples ever depicted.

7 Nezumi & Shion (No. 6)

The narrative of No. 6 features two male protagonists who originate from disparate circumstances. Shion attained his status as an privileged inhabitant of one of the six serene urban centers. Conversely, Nezumi spent his entire life surviving in the barren wastelands, enduring considerable hardship. Despite their stark differences, an immediate and undeniable chemistry sparks between them when they cross paths on one memorable occasion.

Through Nezumi's influence, Shion becomes enlightened to the grim realities of their world, renouncing his privileged upbringing. Collectively, the youths endeavor to endure, and even amidst such dire circumstances, they manage to discover affection. Nevertheless, due to the societal constraints of their existence, Shion and Nezumi soon realize their love might face insurmountable obstacles, yet they choose to risk everything nonetheless.

6 Hikaru Kusakabe & Rihito Sajou (Doukyusei -Classmates-)

Doukyusei -Classmates- delivers a straightforward yet touching love story between two high school students who, at first encounter, appear to have no common ground. However, following an unexpected meeting, Hikaru uncovers a new facet of Rihito's personality and offers assistance with his preparation for an upcoming musical event.

From this point forward, the boys gradually ascertain that their differences might not be as significant as initially perceived. In a genre often saturated with melodrama and questionable relational dynamics, the unadulterated and pure affection between Hikaru and Rihito provides a welcome respite. Their connection transcends superficiality, and their mutual compatibility feels remarkably organic.

5 Makoto Tachibana & Haruka Nanase (Free! Iwatobi Swim Club)

While Free! Iwatobi Swim Club is not explicitly a BL series, a substantial portion of its fanbase regards it as belonging to the genre due to the evident subtext present. It is important to note that protagonist Haruka Nanase and Makoto Tachibana are not officially recognized as a couple, but there are strong indications of a bond extending beyond mere friendship.

Haru and Makoto share a lifelong, exceptionally close friendship, identifying as best friends. Their profound connection ensures they understand each other intimately, frequently seeking solace and encouragement from one another during challenging periods. Although not an officially declared couple, their affectionate relationship stands out as one of the sweetest in the series, explaining their widespread popularity among fans.

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4 Xie Lian & Hua Cheng (Heaven Official's Blessing)

Heaven Official's Blessing, a highly regarded anime, originates from the donghua of the same title. This historical fantasy narrative centers on the extraordinary romantic journey between Crown Prince Xie Lian and the enigmatic Hua Cheng. The relationship shared by Xie Lian and Hua Cheng is characterized by profound emotion and deep affection, forging an exceptionally strong connection as they navigate their shared path.

Their chemistry is remarkably natural, and despite their contrasting natures in many respects, they function as an perfectly complementary unit. BL enthusiasts have become enamored with their endearing romance, readily recognizing them as one of the genre's most outstanding contemporary pairings.

3 Yoshikazu Miyano & Shuumei Sasaki (Sasaki and Miyano)

Emerging in recent years, Sasaki and Miyano distinguishes itself as one of the most endearingly wholesome BL series, boasting one of the genre's most charming central duos. The narrative commences with the titular protagonists developing a friendship rooted in their mutual appreciation for BL manga. However, this amicable relationship rapidly blossoms into romantic affection.

The dynamic between Yoshikazu Miyano and Shuumei Sasaki is characterized by an abundance of sweet, feel-good joy. The young men experience a remarkably innocent first love, offering a truly heartwarming viewing experience. Sasaki and Miyano is celebrated as one of the finest new BL series available, effectively establishing the benchmark for modern couples within the genre.

2 Ritsuka Uenoyama & Mafuyu Satou (Given)

Ritsuka Uenoyama and Mafuyu Satou comprise the central couple in the highly successful series Given. Their deeply affecting love story has captivated BL fans universally, surprising audiences with its profound narrative and intricate development. The story unfolds when Mafuyu implores Ritsuka to repair his guitar and impart guitar-playing skills, a request Ritsuka initially accepts with reluctance. Before long, however, Ritsuka discovers the somber backstory associated with Mafuyu's instrument and the emotional pain he has harbored.

Through Ritsuka's guidance, Mafuyu is empowered to release himself from the burdens of his past and embark on a fresh start with the band. Correspondingly, Mafuyu rekindles Ritsuka's passion for music, inspiring him to play again. Despite encountering numerous obstacles and adversies, they confront these challenges collectively, emerging stronger as a result.

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1 Yuri Katsuki & Victor Nikiforov (Yuri!!! On Ice)

Yuri!!! On Ice represents another series that skillfully navigates the boundary between BL and mainstream anime. Nevertheless, it serves as the setting for one of the genre's most cherished couples, Yuri Katsuki and Victor Nikiforov. This iconic duo unites when Victor volunteers to assume the role of Yuri's coach, preparing him for the prestigious Grand Prix competition. As they collaborate, their bond strengthens, leading to an inseparable connection and subsequent romantic involvement.

The romantic relationship between Yuri and Victor is renowned as one of the most wholesome BL love stories documented, and their affectionate and supportive dynamic consistently earns adoration from fans. Their narrative is widely considered a paragon of healthy LGBTQ+ representation in anime, significantly contributing to the advancement of more authentic and realistic BL romances.