Watching anime is a great way to explore yourself and have fun at the same time. Lesbian anime brings out the unique love stories of two women that always make for a beautiful journey. If you’re looking for the best lesbian anime series, look no further than this article.
We bring to you 18 of the best lesbian anime from around the world, so there’s something sure to fulfil your craving for untold tales and heartwarming emotions.
With shows spanning from high-school romances to inner-personal exploration, our list endeavours to bring you all this and more. Get ready for some awesome visuals, interesting plot stories, and amazing music that these shows come with – it’s all here.
Contents
18. Asagao to Kase-san
Asagao to Kase-san is a Japanese manga series created by Hiromi Takashima, and it has bloomed in the hearts of many anime and manga fans. The story follows the blossoming lesbian relationship of two high schoolers, Yamada and Kase San, whose gentle friendship turns into something much more intense over time.
Yamada is shy and awkward, while Kase-san is outgoing and passionate about gardening. Although some may find the idea of their relationship in a manga somewhat taboo, Asagao to Kase-san presents a very respectful, mature depiction of a real lesbian relationship between two young girls.
This tale of love develops from having occasional conversations during field trips to Yamada and joining Kase-San’s gardening club in order to be closer to her.
From there, what grows between them is sweet but also complicated by societal norms surrounding such unions; they try to grapple with how they can express their affections as openly as possible.
It ultimately inspires readers who are watching this story blossom before them to legitimately examine their own feelings regarding relationships that do not necessarily fit in our society’s traditional definitions.
Asagao to Kase-san provides an inspiring yet genuine view on lesbian relationships that you can’t help but root for Yamada and Kase-san as they explore their newfound affection and take tentative steps towards a healthier future together.
17. Noir
Noir has become a popular genre that focuses on the day-to-day struggles of people who have been pushed to their depths by human failings. One facet of this genre that is attracting an increasing number of followers worldwide is the inclusion of lesbian relationships.
Evidence of these relationships can be found in films such as Gentleman Prefer Blondes and Brokeback Mountain, both showing strong, powerful women who are unafraid to assert themselves despite gender norms and societal pressures.
These characters don’t just love each other, and they also protect each other regardless of the cost. Consequently, their story arcs allude to personal strength, courage and determination amidst personal loss.
Furthermore, the ‘noir’ setting around them provides a unique atmosphere for uncovering prevalent themes such as gender roles, queer power and identity formation within romantic relationships.
The resulting complex storylines spark conversations not only about modern culture but also further developments within social movements such as LGBT rights.
16. Kiniro Mosaic
Kiniro Mosaic is a popular Japanese anime which features an intimate lesbian relationship between its two protagonists – Alice and Karen. This comedy anime aired from April to June 2014 and followed the story of five high-school girls who lived their lives as cultural exchange students in Japan.
The relationship between Alice, a British transfer student and Karen, her Japanese schoolmate, blossomed into a sweet and loving partnership that soon became the highlight of the show.
Despite its comedic elements, Kiniro Mosaic presents an honest portrait of lesbian relationships, showing them as natural and genuine love stories that are worthy of respect.
Though focused on the moe genre of anime, Kiniro Mosaic digs deeply into meaningful topics like forbidden loves and coming-of-age anxieties with insight delivered through its characters’ interactions.
15. Destiny of the Shrine Maiden
“Destiny of the Shrine Maiden.” is an anime series with a heavy focus on topics of faith, loneliness, and sexuality. Also known as “Shrine of the Morning Mist”, this series follows two young girls – Ushio and Mayuko – who live at their family’s shrine and grapple with their complex feelings toward one another as they grow closer friends.
Through a subtle exploration of queer themes, this show reveals how it’s not only OK to be different from those around us but that, in many ways having unique perspectives on life can ultimately lead to an understanding and acceptance of everyone’s differences.
Ushio and Mayuka’s story is a refreshing reminder about the power of love, regardless of gender or orientation. Their relationship depicted throughout the series highlights the complexities of being in a same-sex relationship without being judged for it.
Watching these characters learn to trust and accept each other for who they are within their unique circumstances lends a certain gravitas to “Destiny of the Shrine Maiden” that makes it an incredibly engaging viewing experience.
14. Canaan
Canaan anime is a Japanese franchise centred around the war photographer and mercenary Canaan, who is hired by a woman named Maria to investigate a terrorist threat. This series is particularly noteworthy for its portrayal of an LGBTQ relationship between two characters – Alphard and Minoophu.
Alphard and Minoophu had a complex relationship, moving from a strained partnership to a close bond as events transpired in their favour in the anime.
Though their sexuality never truly opened up in words, it was often hinted at by their intensely physical closeness, which shows how much they loved each other despite being on opposite sides of the battlefield at times.
The queer relationship between two strong females helped move away from the traditional heterosexual romance depicted in mainstream media, allowing LGBTQ people to feel more seen and accepted in society.
All this diversity of love further enriched the Canaan anime’s already enthralling storyline and provided not only an entertaining animation but also a valuable representation of the community.
13. Akuma no Riddle
Akuma no Riddle is a Japanese anime series which revolves around the meaning of life, identity and friendship between students at an elite school. The show focuses on a group of female assassins from the same graduating class at Myoujou Academy.
At the centre of it, all is Haru Ichinose, one of the assassin’s targets as well as her protector. Her relationship with her classmate, Tokaku Azuma, adds an interesting dynamic to the story.
They become close friends, and their bond eventually grows into a deeply romantic love that transcends boundaries and unleashes a beautiful lesbian relationship.
This change in their relationship can be seen through consecutive episodes when Tokaku decides to protect Haru regardless of what kind of mission they are assigned together.
Although there were certain conflicts involved due to each other’s quest to find out their real identity, in the end, they choose to accept and support each other, which makes their relationship very strong and deeply rooted in love.
12. Valkyrie Drive: Mermaid
Valkyrie Drive: Mermaid is an anime series that highlights lesbian relationships in a unique, exciting way. It takes place in the depths of the ocean, on five isolated artificial islands known as “Aqualillies’ ‘, where “Librarians” rule with an iron fist.
The story centres around a group of girls with special powers called “Valkyries”, who can transform into powerful weapons when they come into contact with their partner.
In this world, high schoolers Mamori and Mirei are thrust into a conflict between two factions; the Liberators, led by Mirei’s rebellious cousin Momoka, fight to free the girls from the Librarian’s control, while the Adel team fights to get their hands on the mysterious virus called “Valkyrie Drive” which gives people these special abilities.
Mamori and Mirei fall in love and become partners, forming an unbeatable team which goes to great lengths in pursuing their love for each other and, ultimately, their freedom.
This anime series beautifully showcases a strong lesbian relationship between Mamori and Mirai, highlighting how much strength there can be even in such a weak situation.
11. Netsuzou Trap
Netsuzou Trap is an exciting anime series that tells the story of two high school girls, Yuma and Hotaru. It follows them as their relationship deepens over time, exploring the difficulties that young people face when it comes to issues of sexuality and gender identity.
The series also addresses some unique themes surrounding lesbian relationships in Japan, such as how same-sex couples are discussed and viewed by society, how traditional moral codes can be challenging for LGBT individuals, and how legal obstacles can make marriage difficult or even impossible in some areas.
The characters are well-developed and well-written, making it easy to empathize with their struggles and cheer them on when they overcome them. As a result, Netsuzou Trap provides an important representation of lesbian relationships in media that is long overdue.
10. Sakura Trick
Sakura Trick is an excellent anime series that was released in 2014 and focused on a unique lesbian relationship. The story follows Yuu, Haruka, and their friends as they navigate through high school, dealing with both the struggles and joys of being teenagers.
Yuu and Haruka have known each other since they were children and share a deep bond that blossoms into something greater.
Although their relationship isn’t openly accepted by their peers due to its same-sex nature, the two of them still remain devoted and loving towards one another.
Sakura Trick portrays these relationships with genuine love and compassion, highlighting how meaningful such relationships can be.
The series also does not shy away from difficult topics such as addiction, mental health issues, homophobia, gender identity exploration, and more, topics that are often avoided when depicting LGBTQ+ relationships in mainstream media.
9. Strawberry Panic
“Strawberry Panic” is an anime series that follows the lives of a group of high-school girls at prestigious all-girls schools. At the centre of it all is Aoi, who transfers to St Miator’s and finds herself in the middle of a delightful romance.
Throughout the series, there are many touching stories between characters, and interesting relationships arise, including a strong focus on lesbian relationships.
In particular, Aoi develops a beautiful bond with Nagisa, one of her roommates. Through their relationship, they journey into discovering their feelings for each other.
Audiences get to see how Aoi opens up to these feelings she never had before and explores what love really is all about. Strawberry Panic’s focus on lesbian relationships allows viewers to feel even closer to the characters and enjoy their stories further.
It provides a representation of something not often seen within typical anime media but wants us to understand that love can come in any form.
8. Adachi and Shimamura
Adachi and Shimamura is a critically-acclaimed anime series recently released by TV Tokyo that has captivated audiences with its unique narrative of two teenage girls discovering their connection to each other.
The series tells the story of Adachi and Shimamura, two high school girls who develop a strong bond as they spend their leisure time together in the Second Music Room of the school’s cultural centre.
Both girls feel the overwhelming challenge of accepting themselves for who they are, but this difficulty is only exacerbated by the fact that they are lesbians – something which Adachi finds hard to admit and Shimamura simply avoids thinking about.
While themes such as coming out and self-acceptance are not particularly uncommon within queer media pieces, what sets Adachi and Shimamura apart from other works is its subtle, nuanced approach to exploring sexuality which helps viewers empathize with these characters and relate their struggles to their own lives, regardless of orientation.
By taking a larger emphasis on realism and human relationships rather than shock value or titillation alone, Adachi and Shimamura open up an incredibly deep conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ issues in Japan today while still being incredibly relatable to viewers all over the world.
7. Citrus
Citrus anime is one of the most popular genres for LGBTQ+ fans, with its focus on lesbian relationships being a highlight for many. This genre has seen an increasing number of viewers as it continues to explore various aspects of relationships between two female characters.
The anime often deals with difficult subjects such as adultery, finding oneself and jealousy, usually with rather unexpected outcomes that deepen the viewer’s understanding of the complexity of human interactions.
It also showcases different forms of lesbians, such as tomboys and femme lesbians, each struggling to find their place in society while also fighting personal battles.
Adding more depth to the characters are anime directors who often include hints of romance blooming within scenes that do not necessarily fall within the ‘traditional’ romantic arcs.
These subtle nuances give viewers an insight into a different level of same-sex romance and understanding, making it unlike anything else out there.
6. The Virgin Mary is watching you
The Virgin Mary, venerated by both Catholics and non-Catholics alike, has a special place in many of our hearts. But what if the Mother of God had more personal significance to someone with a more specific identity?
In communities of lesbians across the world, The Virgin Mary can have spiritual depth when seen not only as a divine figure but also as another example of queer love and femininity.
As countless stories attest, many lesbian women feel like they are under Mary’s vigilant eye – one that is both loving and judgemental.
To some extent, it’s hard not to feel safer when you know that someone greater than yourself is watching us – even if it is only in your own head.
Knowing that The Virgin Mary is looking out for people who don’t always benefit from her usual sphere of patronage has become an uplifting image for many lesbians.
She might not fit neatly into their community or life experience, but she stands ever-present in their chosen faith, a reminder that love, understanding and acceptance can be found in unlikely places.
5. Yuru Yuri
Yuru Yuri is a much-acclaimed Japanese manga series created by Namori. It’s a slice-of-life comedy renowned for its lighthearted approach towards same-sex love and discussions of being gay, bisexual, and transgender, featuring many characters that identify as LGBTQ+.
As an all-girl cast, the story follows the fun and adventures of four high school friends: Akari, Chinatsu吠, Kyōko and Yui.
As their carefree hijinks unfold both in school and outside it, the ladies find solace in each other’s companionship, eventually realizing their feelings for others go beyond friendship.
The heartwarming concept of lesbians being accepted allows viewers to immerse in deeper emotions of acceptance and love towards same-sex relationships.
As there’s no apparent discrimination towards homosexuality throughout the story arc, viewers are left with the hope that despite the existing societal stigma, they, too, will be loved regardless of gender or preference.
Yuru Yuri certainly breaks down stereotypes while presenting casual moments between two people who deeply share affection portraying the tenderness and meaningful moments of “true love” between two members of the same sex.
4. Sweet Blue Flowers
Sweet Blue Flowers is an engaging and important anime series that spotlights the struggles of Japanese lesbians in a conservative society.
It follows the story of Fukami Riko, a student working through her own attempts to come out as a lesbian despite her parent’s objections to same-sex relationships.
The entire town knows of Riko’s situation and actively encourages her to deny it inside the framework of a structured society.
Throughout the series, the characters must exhibit immense strength and courage bolstered by the growing acceptance of LGBTQIA+ rights. Sweet Blue Flowers shows how lesbophobia can manifest in subtler forms and still be immensely damaging.
As such, it stands as an essential work in representation for LGBTQIA+ people everywhere – allowing viewers to build empathy for every part of their journey and creating solidarity among those who share similar experiences.
Sweet Blue Flowers is both educational and entertaining with its honest portrayal of how difficult it can be for people living in more hostile environments to express their true selves.
3. Shoujo Kakumei Utena
Shoujo Kakumei Utena (Revolutionary Girl Utena) is a revolutionary series known for its progressive portrayal of gender identity and varied representation of sexuality.
This series has gained special recognition for offering an ideologically rare lesbian narrative that subverts traditional expectations from the shoujo genre.
The story follows a teenage girl, Utena, as she attends Ohtori Academy and runs her own battles for the Rose Bride. Amidst this warfare are two young women—Utena herself and her trouble-making rival Anthy Himemiya—whose relationship surpasses romance and goes deeper into a realm of infatuation.
While their relationship, beyond platonic love, is never explicitly acknowledged, there’s a unique simplicity to how these characters come to accept it without labelling or stigmatizing it as anything more than they wish it to be.
It’s truly remarkable how this series manages to remain respectful of both characters while addressing topics such as the transnational representation of same-sex relationships, gender identification, and social resistance against the norm.
2. Bloom Into You
The anime series “Bloom Into You” is a groundbreaking work of art that shines a spotlight on the diverse and unique relationships formed by lesbians.
It follows high school student Yuu Koito who is struggling to express her feelings towards other girls and eventually finds herself in a blossoming romance with mature student council president Touko Nanami.
Through an insightful exploration of their relationship, the story examines the complexity of love in a realistic, sensitive and often beautiful way that could only be portrayed so authentically through anime.
Bloom Into You has undoubtedly broken barriers for LGBTQ content and will continue to bring visibility to this community as it grows as an international phenomenon.
1. Mai Hime
Mai Hime, an anime series directed by Masakazu Obara, is praised for its ground-breaking yet sensitive treatment of LGBT themes and characters.
Filled with energy and action, the show offers a thoughtful commentary on homosexual relationships as well as two kickass female leads who are in a lesbian relationship.
In this popular anime, Mai and Natsuki are seen forming a strong bond of friendship, which gradually evolves into love. The show cleverly depicts their emotions without romanticizing them or mocking them for their sexual orientation.
The series pays tribute to queer representation in the world of anime. It explores gender identity and homosexuality through humour and drama set against high-intensity battles with villains.
As a bonus, there’s even a hint of fantasy sprinkled throughout! Mai Hime serves as an important reminder that unmarried women should be allowed to have deep friendships without judgement or stigma attached to them; it is both entertaining and thought-provoking in equal measure.
Conclusion
This list of best lesbian anime of all-time provides a variety of genres, from romantic comedy to tragedy and science fiction. Whether you seek high school drama, action-packed adventure or simply want to appreciate beautiful animation and meaningful stories about love, you can enjoy a wide range of titles.
Lesbianism has seen an ever-growing presence in these anime. As the genre continues to grow and evolve with time, we hope you can find something among these 18 wonderful shows that entertain, move and inspires the audience.
