The Best Yaoi Anime Of All Time, Ranked by Fans
Yaoi anime may at first seem strange to audiences not familiar with the genre, but some of the most popular anime in recent years are yaoi anime. So naturally, fans of yaoi in the Ranker anime community have voted on their favorite series below. Yaoi, also known as boys' love (BL), is a genre within anime and manga that features romantic relationships between male characters. Simply put, it's the male equivalent of yuri anime. Some of these titles fall into the shounen-ai anime genre, while others are more explicit in nature. Other anime like Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club and SK8 the Infinity aren't technically yaoi anime, but they're included on this list as these shows cater towards the BL fanbase.
If you're interested in bi anime or gay anime TV shows, then you'll love the anime on this list. Many of the anime below may intersect with different sub-genres, but they're all in the yaoi genre in one way or another.
On this list, you'll find anime like Junjou Romantica, Yuri!!! on Ice, and Given. If you want to know what fans think are the greatest yaoi anime of all time, scroll down to find out!
- 12019
When Ritsuka Uenoyama reluctantly takes on teaching guitar to Mafuyu Sato, the two slowly develop a connection through music. As Ritsuka helps Mafuyu heal from past trauma, their band bonds through creating songs together. But the road to romance has challenges when confronting buried pain.
- 2
Umibe no Étranger
2020Aspiring novelist Shun Hashimoto finds inspiration when he encounters gay cafe owner Mio Chibana in his seaside town. As Shun's stay grows extended, he faces his true feelings for Mio despite lingering shame. An intimate yet bittersweet summer romance unfolds.
- 3
Introverted bookworm Miyano is surprised when outgoing classmate Sasaki declares them best friends and grows curious about Miyano’s reserved nature. As Sasaki draws Miyano out of his shell through cheerful persistence, Miyano realizes his growing feelings go beyond friendship.
- 42018
Street gang leader Ash Lynx finds his life endangered when he uncovers dark secrets surrounding a mysterious substance called Banana Fish. Along with journalistic ally Eiji Okumura, the jaded Ash seeks to solve the mystery while navigating New York’s criminal underworld and corrupt elites.
Aspiring actor Junta Azumaya finds more than he bargained for when popular star Takato Saijou takes an obsessive interest in him. Thrust into Takato’s glamorous yet manipulative world, Junta tries to withstand Takato’s forceful advances while dealing with his own conflicted attraction.
- 62016
Figure skater Yuri Katsuki faces a crisis of confidence until becoming inspired by his idol Viktor Nikiforov to reboot his career. With Viktor's coaching, Yuri rebounds from failure and starts excelling in competition while growing feelings for Viktor. Their journey together blurs the line between mentor and love interest.
