Yaoi Anime has been around for quite some time and has gained immense popularity amongst anime fans. And with it, numerous critically acclaimed shows and movies.
But how should you select the best Yaoi anime? Therefore, we have compiled a list of the top 20 fan-chosen Yaoi anime shows that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
With fascinating characters and gripping plots, each series will take you on a thrilling adventure. This list provides a wide range of genres, from romance to supernatural comedy and even action, for those craving something unique.
So, if you’re interested in exploring the world of Yaoi anime, look no further! Read on to find out our picks for better than 20 yaoi anime, according to fans.
Contents
20. Vassalord
Vassalord is a romantic action-packed manga series with dark themes created by the artist Nanae Chrono. With only four volumes published so far, it tells the story of Charley, a cyborg vampire and Rayflo, his feudal lord master who acts as his protector.
In a world where people are divided into vampires and humans, Charley seeks freedom from his dark existence while Rayflo uncovers secrets of his past that he was unaware of. Vassalord stands out among other Yaoi anime with its mix of love, sadness and violence.
It offers an enticing combination of romance and suspense for fans of the genre who want something more than just a basic storyline with cute boys falling in love.
Its unique mixture of genres also allows for interesting characters with complex relationships and dynamic logic. Whether you want to laugh or cry, Vassalord has it all.
19. Haru, who Daiteita
Haru, Who Daiteita is a captivating yaoi anime that tells the story of two high school boys – Kyosuke and Keisuke – who eventually fall in love with each other.
The show follows the boys’ tumultuous journey as they develop their relationship through intense struggles and tearful moments.
With each episode unfolding new facets of love, it delicately yet powerfully paints an intimate picture of how two people can learn to be vulnerable and realize true intimacy.
Haru, Who Daiteita has been gaining widespread recognition within the yaoi culture for its stunning animation style, stunning sound effects, and it’s the beautiful music score.
18. Tight Rope
Tight Rope is a groundbreaking Yaoi anime series that oozes drama, romance, and exciting story elements. Relating to the struggles of being yourself in an oppressive environment, Tight Rope follows two high school boys grappling with their sexuality amidst all manner of angst amongst their classmates.
Dynamic interactions between the main characters are tempered by real adversity, giving the anime a realistic quality that many viewers connect to easily.
Themes of self-discovery and acceptance shine through evocative dialogue and evolving storylines, creating a captivating viewing experience from start to finish.
17. Boku no Sexual Harassment
Boku no Sexual Harassment is a classic yaoi anime series created in 1994 by Meisa Kira. The series has since become immensely popular amongst yaoi fans, and its story revolves around two office workers struggling with their feelings for each other while they constantly butt heads.
Yakuza’s menacingly handsome president, Kazama-san, Enjoji’s cute habits, and Morooka’s jealous behaviour make for hilarious but heart-warming scenes.
From silly moments like the sleeping train to heartbreaking confessions of love, Boku no Sexual Harassment captures every viewer’s heart with its priceless interactions between the characters.
Minutes after starting watching it, you will find yourself hooked on this beautiful anime only to find you need more instances of that passionate declaration of love from our sweet couple.
16. Kirepapa
Kirepapa is one of the most beloved and popular anime titles in the yaoi genre. It tells the touching story of Chisato, a single father, and his adolescent son Riju.
As Riju grows older, he begins to attract the attention of two guys who each want to pursue a romantic relationship with him.
Kirepapa explores how powerful family relationships are even when up against intense desires for love and connection. Beyond just a love story, this anime looks deeply into the power of both parent and child’s acceptance, love, and patience in developing healthy relationships with those around them.
The animation is beautiful and striking; its characters are full of life, making it easy for audience members to bond with the protagonists, fearlessly facing their dilemmas.
15. Gakuen Heaven
Gakuen Heaven is a yaoi anime filled with plenty of romance and drama. Based on an adult visual novel game, this coming-of-age story centres around Ito Keita and Niwa Takeshi’s journey through the elite Bell Liberty Academy.
As they search to find the truth behind a mysterious power in their academy, they cannot help but be drawn to each other.
Gakuen Heaven has earned its reputation as an exceptional yaoi anime due to its heartwarming moments, meaningful relationships and thoughtful narratives; each episode conveys underlying messages about life and what it means to be an individual.
It carries an important message for all who watch: find the courage within yourself, never give up hope and strive for what you believe in with all your might.
14. S*x Pistols
“S*x Pistols” is a top-rated Yaoi anime series. Despite being a unique and captivating blend of drama, humour, and romance, this show has something for everyone!
It follows the story of Hayato Ozaki and Takatoshi Tsuda as they unravel their complicated relationship that could potentially develop into something beautiful.
Along the way, we get to journey with them through their trials and tribulations in a narratively loaded way. This show is perfect for anyone who enjoys Yaoi anime but doesn’t want to take it too seriously.
While “S*x Pistols” can be hard-hitting on specific topics at times, overall, it’s lighthearted and able to give us moments of heartwarming levity that help alleviate the intensity of life’s struggles.
Consequently, viewers gain insight into honest human emotions while watching the characters evolve. “S*x Pistols” is worth watching.
13. Hey, Class President!
Hey, Class President! is an engaging yaoi anime featuring high school student Munehiro Narusawa, who is reluctantly elected class president of Class 2-D. As unlikely classmates battle for his attention, he strives to court the only guy who’s ever caught his eye, Kyosuke.
This romantic comedy offers drama and humour with unexpected twists and turns throughout the story. The bold and vivid art style accompanies a diverse soundtrack that maintains its appeal even through multiple viewings.
There’s never a dull moment as viewers journey with Munehiro on his quest to change his unruly classroom and overcome his insecurities to get closer to Kyosuke.
12. Ai no Kusabi (1992)
Ai, no Kusabi is an influential yaoi anime released in 1992. It focuses on a futuristic world where the ruling class is composed of blond hair and blue eyes, while Riki represents the oppressed working class of people with dark hair and black eyes.
The story follows these two contrasting characters as they struggle against their oppressive society and battle for acceptance alongside strangers, rivals, and enemies.
The show has garnered a large fan base over the years because of its complex characters and unconventional story arc, which sets it apart from the average yaoi anime of the time.
Both beautiful to look at and thought-provoking to watch, Ai no Kusabi is a revolutionary step forward for yaoi anime lovers everywhere.
With dynamic shots and intense sequences showcasing raw emotion, this classic anime deserves a place in any serious collection.
11. Koisuru Boukun
“Koisuru Boukun” is an anime series that packs a punch in its storyline and impact on fans. It follows the forbidden relationship between two boys, Souichi Tatsumi and Hiroto Miyama, as they fight to overcome their prejudices.
This groundbreaking anime has become increasingly popular since its release date, drawing new audiences by excelling in comedy elements while providing heartfelt moments of honest emotions.
Set within everyday life, the series captures the struggles of youth love and expresses a bold declaration of overcoming pressure from society.
While it can get romantic sometimes, it never forgets to bring the LOLs via its side characters and witty dialogue. Experience all the feels with “Koisuru Boukun,” an entertaining show about finding acceptance amidst judgment.
10. DRAMAtical Murder
DRAMAtical Murder is a top-rated yaoi anime series with a captivating plotline. It tells the story of Aoba Seragaki and his mission to protect his home on the island of Midorijima from powerful forces threatening it.
As he delves deeper into the mystery, Aoba finds himself in unexpected adventures with exciting and unique characters who help him along his journey.
Fans of yaoi anime will mainly find gripping the vibrant world, enthralling art style, and passionate storytelling that DRAMAtical Murder offers.
This series will leave fans wanting more with its stunning animation, unforgettable soundtrack, and compelling storylines filled with heartfelt moments and comedic relief.
9. Okane ga Nai
One of the most popular Yaoi Anime series, “Okane ga Nai“, released in 2006 and created by Naohito Takahashi, is a romantic drama that tells the story of two young university students.
The show follows the life of Ayase Yukiya, a wealthy and intelligent student, and Kannagi Atsushi, a poor yet spunky person who meets Ayase and quickly becomes close to him.
To stay in school, Atsushi enters into an arranged marriage contract with Ayase, where things go downhill, and they face all obstacles on their way to eventually reaching romance.
As their relationship blooms, readers can witness feelings of love grow between the two characters while they try to wipe away social discrimination.
Okane ga Nai, which translates to “no money” in Japanese, might be one of the greatest romance movies ever made, and it’s certainly worth watching for its intense plotline accompanied by beautiful animation.
8. Gravitation
Gravitation is an iconic yaoi anime series loved by millions of people around the world. At its core, Gravitation is a story about two musicians who fall in love and how they overcome obstacles on their way to staying together. Shuichi Shindou is a young and talented songwriter who dreams of becoming a Pop Star.
One day he meets Eiri Yuki, a famous novelist who takes an interest in Shuichi’s work and mentors him on his path to stardom. Their relationship is full of drama and comedy, making it a genuinely entertaining watch.
Through the development of their music-oriented romance, Shuichi and Eiri gain support from some interesting characters while exploring personal issues such as memory loss, homophobia, pride, perseverance, mental illness and fame. For these reasons, Gravitation stands out as one of the most beloved titles within the yaoi genre.
7. Sensitive Pornograph
“Sensitive Pronograph” is an exciting, enthralling anime masterpiece that centres around two teenage boys who unexpectedly discover the meaning of true love.
It’s a visually captivating narrative with vibrant colours, dazzling animation, and artfully crafted dialogue that make it one of the most exciting new works from the genre of yaoi anime.
Directed by Chiaki Kon and wonderfully animated by Studio Magic Bus, this queer romance series will delight anime fans of all ages.
“Sensitive Pronograph” follows a coming-of-age story as our teenage protagonists learn to navigate between a world of newfound understanding and real-world dynamics in a contained but emotionally charged atmosphere.
Witty exchanges combined with intricate plot developments help build an immersive world that stays true to its unique characters and compelling themes throughout its run.
An experimental production which blends fiction with reality, this innovative exploration of sexuality reveals subtle nuances underlying relationships and societal conventions
6. Viewfinder (Finder No Hyouteki)
With its various characters, iconic art style and exceptional story development, “Viewfinder (Finder No Hyouteki)” is one of the top Yaoi Anime.
It follows the life of freelance photographer Takaba Akihito who finds himself in a dangerous triangle with the leader of a crime syndicate and an undercover police officer.
Abe Asami and Fei Long vie for Akihito’s affection while he tries to maintain his professional integrity and unravel secrets from his past.
This exciting series also contains mystery, suspense, and psychological drama, making it an engaging view.
The production value is also relatively high, with beautiful animation and an impressive soundtrack that captures the overall intensity of the show.
5. Love Stage!
Love Stage!! It is one of the popular yaoi anime series with good ratings and a steady fan base. It tells the story of Izumi Sena, a shy young celebrity whose family has pursued to act since childhood. One day, while performing a commercial, he meets Ryouma Ichijou, his old classmate from Elementary School.
When their paths crash unexpectedly, Izumi discovers that Ryouma is an infamous BL actor and develops feelings for him.
This anime covers the complexities of the developing relationship between the two characters and touches upon many sensitive topics, such as gender identity, family dynamics and love triangles.
With exciting plots taking unexpected turns in each episode, Love Stage! is engaging to follow and keeps viewers hooked until the last episode.
4. Maiden Rose
Maiden Rose is the perfect combination of drama and romance, with a hint of tragedy. The story follows two military men – Klaus Von Wolfstadt and Taki Reizen – battling their inner demons and facing harsh realities to reach true love.
Through an array of emotionally charged storylines, “Maiden Rose” brings love, conflict, and truth to life while remaining entertaining enough to keep viewers hooked.
From brotherly bonds tested in war to forbidden romances that blossom from unlikely beginnings, this anime delivers a range of experiences sure to satisfy everyone.
With its beautifully drawn art style and complex characters, “Maiden Rose” offers gripping stories about friendship and desire that make for a captivating viewing experience.
3. Junjou Romantica
Junjou Romantica is a classic shōjo yaoi anime that follows the lives of three couples, each unique, facing obstacles and learning important lessons about love.
The main story revolves around college student Misaki Takahashi and his unexpected romance with wealthy publisher Usami Akihiko.
As their connection blossoms, they must come to terms with their growing feelings for one another while navigating the complexities of modern-day relationships.
Other plot lines involve Miyagi You, an enigmatic but mysterious businessman dealing with past traumas, and Murata Hiroki, a devoted teacher struggling to accept his sexuality.
Each character brings something unique to the story that allows viewers to empathize on a whole new level. With its charming characters, witty dialogue and beautiful animation Junjou Romantica provides an exciting tale of love and acceptance that will leave fans wanting longer after the credits roll.
2. Loveless
Loveless is a yaoi anime that is beloved by many fans. It follows the story of two young boys, Ritsuka and Soubi, thrust together by fate under mysterious circumstances.
As they search for the truth behind Ritsuka’s brother’s death, they uncover secrets about themselves and their powers to fight each other in battle.
The animation style perfectly captures adolescence’s heartache, drawing viewers into its world of supernatural romance and angst-filled drama.
Despite its mature content, Loveless stands out among other yaoi anime because of its relatable characters, captivating storyline and stunning visuals.
1. Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi
Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi is a staple of the yaoi anime genre. It offers an invaluable look into publishing, with elements including romance, comedy, and drama. It follows the story of Onodera Ritsu, an editor in Chief at the Marukawa Publishing Company, who falls in love with his boss, Takano Masamune.
Fans looking to watch this classic anime can find it on Crunchyroll and Netflix. This yaoi anime is a must-watch for excellent plot development, character interaction, and entertaining scenes throughout the series.
The show is full of rich characters that will provide plenty of entertainment while they work towards their romantic endeavours.
Conclusion
The fans have spoken and chosen the best yaoi anime. Whether you’re looking for a romantic adventure or an emotional journey, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Although viewers’ preferences will differ, all of these series are worth watching to experience the joys of yaoi anime first-hand.
