BL, which stands for boys' love, is a category that encompasses relationships between men. Yaoi and shounen-ai both depict BL but in different degrees of intimacy. Instead of focusing on the physical side of the relationship such as with yaoi, shounen-ai focuses on the emotional end. This genre may even go so far as to include titles that reflect foundational aspects like that found between family members.
Shounen-ai are "lovey-dovey" in the sense that each character works to understand the other better, which leads to a deeper connection between the two. Because of this, shounen-ai have garnered many fans of emotional romance anime looking to be moved by these stories.
Updated by Sage Ashford on November 30th, 2023: This list has been updated to add more information about some of the best shonen-ai anime series.
Boys' Love vs. Shonen-Ai vs. Yaoi: What's Actually the Difference?
The difference between boys' love (BL), yaoi and shonen-ai can be very murky, especially given the historical and cultural origins of these terms.15 Banana Fish Is A Heartbreaking Yet Beautiful Series
Banana Fish
The story captures the war between a mafia boss named Dino and a young gang leader searching for redemption.
- Release Date
- July 4, 2018
- Cast
- Kenji Nojima , Yuma Uchida , Yoshimasa Hosoya , Makoto Furukawa
- Rating
- TV-MA
| Episodes: | 24 |
|---|---|
| MyAnimeList Score: | 8.48 |
| Streaming: |
While Banana Fish is not strictly a boys' love series, it nevertheless influenced boys' love in the decades to follow. Originally a manga created in the 1980s, Banana Fish follows the lives of teenage gang leader Ash Lynx and Japanese photojournalist Eiji Okumura as they attempt to solve the mystery of "banana fish."
Notably, the series' setting is in the United States. Critics have commented on the depiction of homosexual relationships and homoeroticism in Banana Fish as an influence on the boys' love genre. Eiji and Ash share some truly tender moments.
14 Gravitation Is A Classic 2000s Shonen-Ai Series
Gravitation
Aspiring singer Shuichi Shindo and his band, Bad Luck, work to become Japan's next musical sensation, while he struggles to capture Eiri Yuki's attention.
- Release Date
- October 4, 2000
- Cast
- Tomokazu Seki , Kazuhiko Inoue
- Rating
- TV-PG
Anyone interested in shounen-ai, yaoi, or boys' love in the early 2000s surely remembers Gravitation, the story of amateur vocalist Shuichi Shindo and novelist Eiri Yuki. For many shounen-ai aficionados, Gravitation was their first foray into the world of boys' love.
Although the relationship between Shuichi and Yuki gets tumultuous at times, Shuichi is dedicated to Yuki's well-being. Meanwhile, Yuki wants to support Shuichi in his singing career by helping him learn to write better lyrics for his songs.
13 Cardcaptor Sakura Offers Romances Of Every Type
Cardcaptor Sakura
Sakura stumbled upon the book of Clow Cards in a library. Accidentally setting the magical cards loose, it's now up to Sakura to catch them all with her best friend Tomoyo, and Kerberos, the guardian of the cards.
- Release Date
- April 7, 1998
- Rating
- TV-Y7-FV
- Main Cast
- Sakura Tange, Matt Hill, Andrea Kwan and Junko Iwao,
10 Best Shoujo Isekai Anime
From Otome games to medieval Europe these shojo series are the best isekai shows in anime.One of the most heartwarming shojo series of the 1990s, Cardcaptor Sakura set out to examine as many different types of love as possible. Analyzing and deconstructing love is one of creator CLAMP's favorite tropes in their works, and Cardcaptor Sakura contains a plethora of different romances.
It is not strictly shounen-ai, but Sakura Kinomoto's older brother, Touya Kinomoto, is in a canonically homosexual relationship with his best friend, Yukito Tsukishiro. At one point, Syaoran Li also has a crush on Yukito, adding to the sweet shounen-ai elements in this series.
12 Kyo Kara Maoh! Represents A Shonen Ai Isekai
Kyo Kara Maoh!
In Kyo Kara Maoh!, Yuri Shibuya is transported to a medieval fantasy world.
- Release Date
- April 3, 2004
- Studio
- Studio Deen
- Main Cast
- Mika Kanai, Saiga Mitsuki, Toshiyuki Morikawa, Kazuhiko Inoue and Akio Ootsuka
| Episodes: | 78 |
|---|---|
| MyAnimeList Score: | 7.62 |
| Streaming: |
Another series that is not strictly shounen-ai, the shojo series Kyo Kara Maoh! (or, Demon King From Today!) follows Yuri Shibuya in an isekai adventure where he becomes the demon king of another world. What makes Kyo Kara Maoh! stand out is its focus on boys' love relationships.
After all, Yuri's fiancé is Wolfram von Bielefeld, a male tsundere who was born and raised as royalty. As Yuri travels the Demon Kingdom and inspires his newfound citizenry, he manages to win the affection and attention of several other male characters.
11 Doukyuusei Shows Two Boys Bonding Over Shared Passions
Doukyuusei
Doukyuusei features a relationship between two high school second years, Rihito Sajo, who is an honor student, and Hikaru Kusakabe, who plays in a rock band. Directed by Shôko Nakamura. Starring Hideo Ishikawa, Hiroshi Kamiya and Kenji Nojima
- Release Date
- February 20, 2016
- Runtime
- 1 hour
| Runtime: | 1 hour |
|---|---|
| MyAnimeList Score: | 8.29 |
| Streaming: | N/A |
Doukyuusei is a BL anime movie that follows classmates Hikaru Kusakabe and Rihito Sajou. While Sajou practices for a class choral performance, Kusakabe—who is in a band—offers to help Sajou get ready. The more they practice, the more their relationship grows, leading both boys to carefully consider their bond.
This movie is a heartwarming tale of opposites. Kusakabe and Sajou have very different personalities, but their individualism is what makes them a great couple. Doukyuusei is a great anime movie that deals with the complexities of young love and commitment.
10 Given Is A Beautiful Love Story Involving Two Bandmates
Given
The life and loves of the rock band Given, and the romantic relationships that develops between its members.
- Release Date
- July 12, 2019
- Studio
- Lerche
- Main Cast
- Jessie James Grelle, Brandon McInnis, Jonah Scott, Yung-I Chang, Yuma Uchida, Shogo Yano, Masatomo Nakazawa and Takuya Eguchi
| Episodes: | 11 |
|---|---|
| MyAnimeList Score: | 8.32 |
| Streaming: |
Mafuyu Sato and Ritsuka Uenoyama started off on the wrong foot in Given, but after listening to him sing, Ristuka is ready to make Mafuyu the lead singer of his band. As Mafuyu comes to terms with learning to play guitar while also singing with his new bandmates, his relationship with Ritsuka develops.
It is through Ritsuka's and Mafuyu's continued support and understanding of each other that their emotions pour forth. Given is a heart-melting story of two band members catching feelings for each other as they work to create music together.
9 Super Lovers Centers On The Bond Between Two Boys Forced To Live Together
Super Lovers
When Haru gets called to visit his mother in Canada, he finds out that he has a new adoptive brother. As Haru works to gain his new brother Ren's trust, a powerful bond is formed.
- Release Date
- April 6, 2016
- Rating
- TV-MA
- Studio
- Studio Deen
- Main Cast
- Tomoaki Maeno, Junko Minagawa and Ayumu Murase
15 Most Controversial Age Gap Relationships In Anime
A big age difference can cause a lot of problems in relationships, and some anime couples prove just how complicated things can be.| Episodes: | 10 |
|---|---|
| MyAnimeList Score: | 6.81 |
| Streaming: |
Ren and Haru Kaidou are indeed adopted brothers in Super Lovers, but that label is not the glue that holds this pair together in the end. Their dependency on each other changes into something more after older brother Haru loses his memories of Ren, and they begin to view each other as more than just family members.
This shounen-ai focuses on the development of Ren and his feelings as they mature from admiration and infatuation to those of love. It becomes addicting to watch this pair work to overcome their differences and acknowledge the depth of their feelings.
8 Tanaka-Kun Is Always Listless Has A Lead Who Only Connects With His Closest Friend
Tanaka-Kun Is Always Listless
A high school boy is exhausted whenever he is awake, and does everything in his power to get as much sleep as possible.
- Release Date
- April 9, 2016
- Main Genre
- Comedy
- Rating
- TV-PG
- Studio
- SILVER LINK
- Main Cast
- Kenshô Ono, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Andrew Love, Blake Shepard and Monica Rial
| Episodes: | 12 |
|---|---|
| MyAnimeList Score: | 7.83 |
| Streaming: |
Tanaka's life is, as the title suggests, a listless existence. If not for Ohta, Tanaka may not make it through a whole day by himself in Tanaka-kun Is Always Listless. Their relationship is one of dependency, with Tanaka's survival depending on Ohta's generosity, kindness, and overall caring demeanor.
This predominantly slice-of-life anime includes an unmistakable bond between Tanaka and Ohta, which makes for great shounen-ai material. Fans' hearts melt a little further each time Tanaka mentions that Ohta would make a good wife.
7 The Morose Mononokean Invites Viewers To A Supernatural World With Strong Shonen-Ai themes
The Morose Mononokean
A kind-hearted high school student teams up with a grumpy exorcist to stop demons from causing trouble in the human world.
- Release Date
- June 28, 2016
- Rating
- TV-PG
- Studio
- Pierrot Plus
- Main Cast
- Yûki Kaji, Tomoaki Maeno and Ikue Ôtani
Ashiya and Abeno's emotions shine brightest when they engage in trivial bickering because they build a deeper understanding of each other. It is rare for Abeno to praise Ashiya for his efforts, but when he does, a warm feeling comes over Ashiya.
In moments such as these, fans cannot help but feel their hearts melt as the characters' bond grows. The Morose Mononokean is more of a supernatural comedy than a shounen-ai, but Abeno and Ashiya's budding friendship should still hit the spot for fans of the latter genre.
6 Hitorijime My Hero Sees Romance Bloom After A High Schooler Is Rescued From Bullies
Hitorijime My Hero
Masahiro Setagawa, a high school student, is protected from bullies by Kosuke Oshiba, a teacher, in Hitorijime My Hero.
- Release Date
- July 8, 2017
- Rating
- TV-14
- Studio
- Encourage Films
- Main Cast
- Tomoaki Maeno, Toshiki Matsuda, Shinnosuke Tachibana, Yoshitsuga Matsuoka, Daman Mills, Alejandro Saab, David Matranga, and Austin Tindle
| Episodes: | 12 |
|---|---|
| MyAnimeList Score: | 7.29 |
| Streaming: |
25 Best BL Anime For New Fans
Boys' love is a swiftly growing and maturing anime genre at the forefront of bringing LGBTQ+ storylines to audiences, both new and old.The story begins when Kousuke Ohshiba protects Masahiro Setagawa from neighborhood bullies in Hitorijime My Hero (or, My Very Own Hero in English). From there, Masahiro admires Kousuke, which then transforms into viewing Kousuke as a hero. Meanwhile, Kousuke now views Masahiro as a person who needs his protection.
Kousuke's and Masahiro's feelings grow past the point of no return, and each ultimately gives into their emotions. This creates heartwarming moments between the two as they address their relationship and how to continue forward in the future.
5 Shonen Maid Is A Slice Of Life With Strong Shonen-Ai Elements
Shonen Maid
An elementary boy moves in with his uncle after his mom dies and begins working for him as a maid.
- Release Date
- April 8, 2016
- Cast
- Natsumi Fujiwara , Nobunaga Shimazaki
- Main Genre
- Comedy
- Rating
- TV-PG
- Studio
- 8bit
After his mother passes away, Chihiro Komiya's uncle, Madoka, takes him in. It is during their time together that the two learn to live with each other and form a family bond. Although mainly slice-of-life, Shonen Maid possesses shounen-ai qualities, especially with its wholesome male bonding time.
Hearts melt as Chihiro takes a page from his uncle's book and begins to act his age. There is no hope for Madoka, as he will continue to show his childish side, but that is what makes this pair so adorable.
4 Merman In My Tub Begins When A Boy Rescues A Merman
Merman In My Tub
A lonely man meets a handsome but homeless merman and brings him home to live with him in his bathtub in Orenchi no Furo Jijou, also known as Merman in My Tub.
- Release Date
- September 1, 2014
- Cast
- Nobunaga Shimazaki , Yūichirō Umehara
- Studio
- Asahi Production
| Episodes: | 13 |
|---|---|
| MyAnimeList Score: | 6.95 |
| Streaming: |
Student Tatsumi stumbles across the merman Wakasa sitting on a riverbank one day while commuting home from school. Wakasa cannot live in the water due to pollution, so Tatsumi offers to let Wakasa live in his bathtub instead.
Tatsumi typically is not very emotional, but it is clear that he cares about Wakasa through his actions. Wakasa's innocent persona and exuberant behavior often leave Tatsumi following in his wake and going with the flow more often than not. Merman In My Tub showcases their growing affection for one another through their actions.
3 Free! Iwatobi Swim Club Focuses On A High School Swim Team
Free!
Haruka, Makoto, Nagisa and Rin all took part in a swimming tournament shortly before the end of middle school and then lost touch with each other. Years later, they reunite.
- Release Date
- July 4, 2013
- Main Genre
- Sports
- Rating
- TV-PG
- Studio
- Kyoto Animation, Animation Do
- Main Cast
- Nobunaga Shimazaki, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Mamoru Miyano, Akeno Watanabe, Tsubasa Yonaga, Daisuke Hirakawa and Kôki Miyata
| Episodes: | 36 + 1 OVA |
|---|---|
| MyAnimeList Score: | 7.33 |
| Streaming: |
10 Best Beach & Pool Anime Episodes, Ranked
The best beach or pool episodes in anime show character development as well as fun in the sun.Haruka Nanase feels most comfortable wearing a pair of jammers and goggles for swimming freestyle in Free! Iwatobi Swim Club. His childhood friend Makoto Tachibana continually supports and encourages Haru in his swimming pursuits, and Haru does the same for Makoto.
Haru and Makato's friendship is their strong point since they use it to emotionally grow as individuals. These two melt hearts simply by relying on each other and sharing wholesome moments, which mainly occurs when Haru works up the courage to voice his thoughts to Makoto.
The Case Files Of Jeweler Richard
Reknowned jeweler Richard Ranashinha de Vulpian teams up with Seigi Nakata to solve jewelry cases in The Case Files Of Jeweler Richard.
- Release Date
- January 9, 2020
- Cast
- Takahiro Sakurai , Yuma Uchida , Yûki Kaji , Kana Hanazawa
- Main Genre
- Mystery
- Studio
- Shuka
| Episodes: | 12 |
|---|---|
| MyAnimeList Score: | 7.20 |
| Streaming: |
Richard Ranashinha de Vulpian and Seigi Nakata's personalities complement each other in the detective anime The Case Files of Jeweler Richard. Seigi is an aloof yet upright person who follows his own sense of heroism, while Richard lives with practicality and sensibility foremost in his mind. Seigi's straightforward approach to his feelings is a surprise, but they are innocent.
The show pulls at the audience's heartstrings as Seigi continually works by Richard's side to help him, while also learning more about him. Through jewels, the two learn to understand each other on a more complex level.
1 Yuri!!! On Ice Is One Of The Best-Written Romance Series Of The 2010s
Yuri on Ice
After suffering defeat, Yuri Katsuki hangs up his ice skates for good. But will an encounter with two top skaters reignite his passion?
- Release Date
- October 5, 2016
- Cast
- Toshiyuki Toyonaga , Jun'ichi Suwabe , Jerry Jewell , Jessie James Grelle
- Rating
- TV-14
- Seasons
- 1
Yuri!!! On Ice is a slow-burn shounen-ai as the bond between Yuri Katsuki and Victor Nikiforov grows to unimagined heights. It begins as simple curiosity on Victor's part and turns into determination to see Yuri succeed on the ice.
As the coach, Victor insists on knowing every little detail about Yuri, which deepens their bond. As they overcome obstacles and their obsession with ice skating reaches a climax, their feelings evolve and burst forth in the heat of the moment. As their goals align, so do their passions in this riveting ice-skating shounen-ai.
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