The Best Yaoi Anime Of All Time, Ranked By Fans
Photo: Given / Lerche

The Best Yaoi Anime Of All Time, Ranked By Fans

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Updated May 2, 2024 6.4M views 65 items
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878.4K votes
219.5K voters
9 reranks
Voting Rules
Vote for what you think are the best yaoi anime of all time.

Yaoi - more commonly known now as BL anime (boys love) - 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 shonen-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 BL 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 Junjo Romantica, Yuri!!! on ICE, and Given. If you want to know what fans think are the greatest BL anime of all time, scroll down to find out!

Latest additions: Mo Dao Zu Shi, Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!, Heaven Official's Blessing
Over 219.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest Yaoi Anime Ever
  • Given
    1
    2019
    33,903 votes

    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.

  • Umibe no Étranger
    2

    Umibe no Étranger

    2020
    12,123 votes

    Aspiring 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.

  • votes needed!
    NEW TO THE LIST
    • NEW
      #47
      Mo Dao Zu Shi
      277 votes
    • NEW
      #30
      Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
      543 votes
  • Banana Fish
    3
    23,699 votes

    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.

  • Sasaki and Miyano
    4
    6,284 votes

    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.

  • Yuri!!! on Ice
    5
    55,625 votes

    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.

  • Doukyusei
    6
    27,436 votes

    Quiet Sajou and upbeat Kusakabe develop an unexpected connection after meeting through their school's choir club. Despite seeming mismatched, they grow closer through gentle encouragement and shared interests. As a tender romance blossoms, they find the courage to face the challenges of first love.

  • 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.

  • Mo Dao Zu Shi
    8

    Mo Dao Zu Shi

    2018
    10,397 votes

    Cultivator Wei Wuxian dutifully serves his clan until

  • Hitorijime My Hero
    9
    3,771 votes

    Lonely high schooler Masahiro Setagawa winds up attracting unwanted attention from local gangs. But he finds protection under mysterious older student Kousuke Ohshiba. As Kousuke defends Masahiro from danger, friendship blossoms into romance, guiding Masahiro onto a better path.

  • Ritsu Onodera reluctantly becomes an editor at his father’s company, assigned to arrogant editor-in-chief Masamune Takano. But Ritsu’s rejection of Masamune’s affections in high school still haunts them. As rivals in the office, their past and present feelings get entangled despite their friction.

  • Love Stage!!
    11
    36,893 votes

    Aspiring actor Izumi Sena is roped into starring in a commercial reuniting him with popular model Ryoma Ichijo, who rescued and befriended Izumi 10 years prior. Ryoma’s feelings resurface, but Izumi remains oblivious until drastic measures make him confront what’s been in front of him all along.

  • No. 6
    12
    2011
    21,504 votes

    Privileged No. 6 citizen Shion sees his life turned upside down when he crosses paths with Nezumi, an escaped "criminal" from the poverty-stricken West Block. After tragedy strikes, Shion joins Nezumi in resisting No. 6's dystopian government while uncovering its sinister secrets. A profound bond forms between them as they fight for a just future.

  • Junjo Romantica
    13
    39,814 votes

    Misaki Takahashi needs tutoring help which he receives from famous author Akihiko Usami, but their relationship evolves into a complicated romantic one. As Misaki navigates college life, he struggles to define his feelings for Usami despite their age gap and pressures to focus on school.

  • Spiritpact
    14

    Spiritpact

    2016
    13,635 votes

    After dying in an accident, exorcist Keika You becomes bound by a spiritual pact to Long Wei, an ancient exorcist with incredible strength. They team up to vanquish evil spirits plaguing the living realm. In the process, initial friction between them blossoms into a fond yet fraught relationship.

  • Tight-Rope
    16
    14,270 votes

    Elementary student Ryunosuke and heir Neriya cross paths and quickly form a close — potentially hazardous — attachment. Ryunosuke becomes devoted to the eccentric Neriya. But their unstable bond strains as swiftly as it formed. With reality setting in, the two must determine if they can preserve the delicate tightrope between them.

  • Yarichin B*tch Club
    17

    Yarichin B*tch Club

    2018
    18,971 votes

    Nerdy student Takashi Tono catches the eye of the elite, all-male Yarichin Btch Club. Seeking funds for his gaming habit, Takashi reluctantly agrees to join under the "ownership" of alluring senior Atsushi Otowa. Though constantly teased by the boys, Takashi starts to embrace his inner masochist.

  • SK8 the Infinity
    18
    1,451 votes

    High school student Reki takes newcomer Langa under his wing into the exciting world of “S,” an undefeated skateboarding competition. Though from vastly different backgrounds, their burgeoning friendship fuels their SK8 skills in the face of adversaries like gifted cherry blossom skater Adam.

  • The Tyrant Falls in Love
    19
    18,860 votes

    University student Morinaga harbors a secret crush on his homophobic senior Souichi. After Souichi discovers Morinaga's feelings, he rejects Morinaga harshly. But continued encounters lead to Souichi questioning himself while Morinaga remains determined to prove his love despite Souichi's harsh temperament.

  • Super Lovers
    20
    29,682 votes

    While living in Canada, reserved Ren Kaidou formed a bond with the energetic young Haru. Years later upon returning to Japan, Ren is surprised when Haru reenters his life now as an aggressive adolescent. Despite their age gap, Haru wishes to rekindle the “special” relationship they once shared.

  • Twittering Birds Never Fly - The Clouds Gather
    21

    Twittering Birds Never Fly - The Clouds Gather

    2020
    4,045 votes

    Former prostitute Chikara finds his new bodyguard job upended when he crosses paths again with yakuza heir Kazuaki. Though Kazuaki once used him ruthlessly, Chikara gets entangled in Kazuaki's life and vices once more. Amid their violent connections, a troubled obsession persists.

  • Free!
    22
    2013
    14,596 votes

    Haruka Nanase has an obsession with water and swimming. Alongside ex-teammates Makoto, Nagisa, and Rin, Haruka reforms their childhood swim club. They work to prepare for competitions while rediscovering the bonds and potential romance kindled in their youth.

  • The Titan's Bride
    23

    The Titan's Bride

    2020
    10,040 votes

    On the day of their wedding ceremony, oblivious chimera Shinga finds his bride suddenly in the form of the mighty titan general Krom. With his planet's fate tied to their union, Shinga faces culture shock adjusting to Krom's intimidating yet earnest affection for him. Their unlikely romance carries the hopes of their people.

  • Hey, Class President!
    24
    11,782 votes

    As student council president, Chiga is prim and proper, constantly clashing with rebellious punk Sakurai. After learning each other's secret worries, their relationship evolves into a bittersweet romance behind closed doors, despite public tensions remaining.

  • Merman in My Tub
    25
    4,396 votes

    After unexpectedly catching merman Wakasa bathing in his tub, Tatsumi decides to let Wakasa stay while hiding his identity. Daily life becomes increasingly chaotic but amusing as easygoing Wakasa's antics turn Tatsumi's world upside-down. In time, a heartfelt connection surfaces between them.

  • A Foreign Love Affair
    26
    8,342 votes

    Outgoing college student Kaoru receives a marriage interview proposal from celebrity Miki Sugimasa to fake a relationship for publicity. Hesitantly, Kaoru agrees for the money, but finds Miki's manner surprisingly genuine. As they pretend to be a couple, their fake love risks becoming real.

  • Kirepapa
    27
    11,994 votes

    Studious high schooler Riju is surprised when charming older director Chisato Shougo wants to spend time mentoring him. Riju faces relentless teasing from Shougo but keeps returning, unable to fully resist Shougo’s forceful advances and expensive gifts. As Riju’s home life worsens, his reliance on Shougo deepens into a complicated dependence.

  • Abandoned as an infant, Yuki struggles with mysterious powers awakening within him. When protector Luka Crosszeria enters Yuki’s life, Yuki discovers his tie to a powerful Zweilt guardian family and his fated role in battling evil Duras demons. Yuki and Luka soon find their destinies intertwined by fate, power, and intimacy.

  • DRAMAtical Murder
    29
    11,372 votes

    On the secluded island of Midorijima, Aoba finds his ordinary life upended when he is drawn into the sinister turf wars between morphic teen street gangs. Desperate battles unfold, made more complicated when a strange powerful entity known as Desire awakens inside Aoba. His choices will decide Midorijima's future.