How Does Your Favorite BL Stack Up?

Are you new to BL? Have you seen a few and are interested in more, but don’t know where to look or what you might like? Well I took 12 BL anime that I could find recommended and gave them a watch and have broken down my reviews into 5 separate categories: overall cuteness, problematic relationships, sexiness, romance, and non-romantic plot. You’ll notice the categories might overlap a bit, but I found that each were different in some way in most of the anime.

One of the reasons I’ve done this is that - as someone coming to BL a little later in the game - I noticed certain issues in some of the shows considered “classic” BL that I would have had a problem with in any romance whether between a guy and a girl, two guys, or two girls. After researching, I found that some people give up on BL altogether because of these problematic tropes (like non-consensual sexual touching, no means yes, a guy falling for another guy because he thought he was a girl and calling him a pervert when finding out the truth, etc.) showing up in certain anime. I also found there were some who took these things in stride as a kind of price to pay for some solid gay anime. So I thought I would watch ten of the BL anime I saw most often recommended and see how they stacked up against each other and against how the world treats gay relationships now versus even a decade ago.

I tried to watch a variety: some “classic” BL, some newer, some Chinese, and some movies to get a good variety for people who are looking for more to watch. To each their own, and all these shows are liked by people for being what they are. I am not necessarily recommending all of them, but am reviewing them so you can make the decision for yourself as to whether you wish to give each a try.

Note: These are numbered in watch order (except the first because it ended up being my favorite), not particularly ranked.

1. Given

This is the only anime on my list that’s not in watch order because it absolutely blew me away and I highly recommend it. This particular anime consists of 13 episodes and a movie, which both have different feels so the anime itself provides a bit of variety. The series is more focused on the relationship between two teenage boys - Mafuyu and Uenoyama. Because it’s focused more on them and Mafuyu’s healing from a traumatic event, everything is pretty innocent and cute. It does tackle some heavy subject matter, but has enough antics to keep it light. The movie focuses more on the relationship between the other two band members - Kaji and Haruki - who are both in their twenties and have a more adult and non-straightforward kind of romance. I almost reviewed the movie separately, because the feels are a bit different between them, but the story feels whole between the two.

Cuteness: 4 of 5

The reason this wasn’t 5 of 5 is because it does tackle some rather dark subject matter. However, the relationships and antics in general make me give this part a high rating.

Problematic relationships: 1 of 5

The 1 here is for something that happens in the movie (Basically consensual is not how you want to see a sexual encounter described, though they discuss the situation and later the one at fault for it apologizes and makes it a point not to touch his love until he receives permission.)

Sexiness: 1 of 5

In the show there’s a kiss and a flashback to some kind of heated session, but that’s really it. The movie has more references to sexual scenes, but they are a bit more for an emotional feel. Basically it get’s a 1 for existing, but don’t expect to get a lot of sexiness out of this anime.

Romance: 5 of 5

The romance was both sweet and pulled on my heartstrings and I loved it.

Non-romantic Plot: 4 of 5

This is definitely a BL anime, but also one you can share with those who aren’t interested in BL for BL sake. It’s got it’s own story to tell though the romance does play a large part.

2. World’s Greatest First Love

This is the story of Ritsu Onodera, son of a powerhouse publisher who is trying to make his own way in the publishing world without being accused of riding his father’s success. He gets placed in the shojo manga department and begins the difficult task of working under the very particular Takano. He soon finds out that Takano is actually not his boss’s original name and that his current boss was actually his first love which did not end particularly well. Takano claims to still be in love with Onodera and vows to win him over again. I believe this is a spinoff of and by the same author as Junjo Romantica (below).

Cuteness: 3 of 5

Problematic relationships: 5 of 5

There is A LOT of “no means yes” throughout this entire show, as well as drunken sexual encounters that the drunk one later seems to wish hadn’t happened

Sexiness: 3 of 5

Romance: 4 of 5

There are multiple romantic plotlines in this show so even if you don’t love the main one, you get a couple more.

Non-romantic Plot: 1 of 5

I’m giving this a 1 out of 5 because although it’s a standard romance, you also have a guy trying to figure his life out outside of romantic entanglements, as well.

3. Junjo Romantica

This is the story of Akihiko Usami, a prolific author of both conventional literature and BL, who has an unrequited love for a childhood friend. As he gets to know his friend’s younger brother, Misaki, through tutoring and eventually living together, his affections move to Misaki and become requited. Just because their feelings are mutual doesn’t mean things are all hearts and roses, however. The two have to go through more than a couple of misunderstandings and adventures to have their happily ever after.

Cuteness: 1 of 5

Problematic relationships: 4 of 5

The “romance” starts out with an almost 30 year old man giving an 18 year old a non-consensual hand job, which kind of sets the tone badly. It gets a 4 instead of 5 because some could argue Misaki is just a tsundere and that’s why he won’t agree to the sexual advances of Usami - and that would be somewhat accurate. However, the beginning of the relationship and the consistent “no means yes” is an issue.

Sexiness: 3 of 5

Romance: 4 of 5

The relationship between the main two honestly just felt a little toxic, though it’s clear they have feelings for one another. Plus, there are other romantic plotlines

Non-romantic Plot: 0 of 5

This revolves around three different relationships so it’s an entirely romantic plot.

4. Heaven Official’s Blessing

At the start of this anime, Xie Lian ascends to heaven for the third time and decides to try to gain merits by getting rid of evil spirits, starting with a ghost who has been kidnapping brides for the past hundred years. During his search, he meets someone the heavens call Hua Cheng, one of the four calamity ghosts. This man instead says he is called San Lang and he joins with Xie Lian on many of his adventures. As they adventure and live together they grow closer. I’m hoping for a second season as there is still much to see between these two and the story was interesting even without the romance!

Cuteness: 5 of 5

Ranked 5 of 5 because the main character is unerringly precious and the bond between the two is very sweet.

Problematic relationships: 0 of 5

Sexiness: 0 of 5

There’s no real outright physical affection, aside from one carrying the other at one point. They sleep next to each other, too.

Romance: 4 of 5

It’s hard to rate this because while I found their relationship adorable and liked watching them grow closer, there’s no outright confirmation that the two are a romantic couple. We know they are because of the novel and I think it’s pretty clear in the show, but people not looking for BL could argue otherwise. You know, the same people who insist that Hammerlock and Wainright from Borderlands are just good friends.

Non-romantic Plot: 5 of 5

This was a very interesting show that really had to focus on the non-romantic plotline simply because the romance is so subtle.

5. Doukyuusei

When their all boys school decides their boys will sing a chorus for a festival, the carefree Kusakabe notices the smart and straight-laced Sajou Rihito is having trouble. Touched that he would try instead of blowing it off, Kusakabe decides to help him with it, thus beginning their unlikely friendship. Kusakabe is the first to make a move on something further than friendship, but freaks out at first. However, they do begin dating and have to navigate what that means at school and for their future.

Cuteness: 4 of 5

Ah, youth.

Problematic relationships: 2 of 5

A teacher makes a move on Sajou, saying that Kusakabe is only playing gay for now, but the relationship between the two main characters doesn’t have anything problematic that I can recall.

Sexiness: 1 of 5

There’s some making out and touching, but the movie isn’t particularly sexy.

Romance: 5 of 5

Non-romantic Plot: 0 of 5

Two boys just trying to figure out their lives and love.

6. Love Stage

Izumi, an otaku who just wants to draw manga in peace, also happens to be the son of a famous actress and successful producer. He is coerced into helping film a commercial with a young man who has been in love with him for years - all the time thinking Izumi was a girl. This is the story of Ryouma and Izumi, two vastly different people who start their relationship off with a major misunderstanding, become friends, and eventually lovers.

Cuteness: 5 of 5

It’s pretty adorable. I found myself squealing at multiple scenes.

Problematic relationships: 4 of 5

I’m giving this one a 4 of 5 because there are two major issues. The first is that one main character originally falls for the other because he thinks he’s a girl and reacts very badly when he finds out otherwise (calls the person he thought was a girl a pervert, etc. even though it was his mistake). The other one is basically sexual assault. If you don’t think you can get past this, don’t watch. They do apologize and do their best to make up for it, so that's why it's 4 of 5.

Sexiness: 3 of 5

Romance: 4 of 5

Say what you will, but I enjoy relationships that go from friendships to romance and that’s exactly what happens here.

Non-romantic Plot: 0 of 5

This is a standard romance anime.

7. Dakaichi: I’m being harassed by the sexiest man of the year

This one is pretty sexy so buckle up and enjoy! This is the story of the seasoned actor Takato and the upcoming new actor Junta who idolizes and loves Takato. Takato initially has some ill feelings toward Junta who has stolen the top spot of “man women would most like to hug” which he has had for the past five years. Junta quickly and rather forcefully wins Takato over, however, and the two have to then deal with their relationship being a secret and the pressures of their high profile careers.

Cuteness: 4 of 5

Cuteness gets a 4 instead of a 5 just because it’s overshadowed a bit by all the sexiness and some of the drama. However, there is plenty of cuteness

Problematic relationships: 2 of 5

I say 2 because there is a scene where Takato is almost raped while asleep (not by his love interest), but it’s not treated like a “cute” thing though it is glossed over a bit too much for my liking.

Sexiness: 5 of 5

They have some kind of sexy time just about every episode so you will not be disappointed here!

Romance: 5 of 5

Non-romantic Plot: 0 of 5

There is some drama and good story about what the two have to deal with as two celebrities in a kind of relationship that some would consider taboo so this doesn’t mean there’s no plot, but it all does revolve around the romance.

8. The Stranger by the Shore

This movie is the story of Shun, who befriends Mio during a hard time in the teen’s life. Mio goes to live on the mainland for a few years, but comes back when he’s twenty ready to start a relationship with Shun. Shun is hesitant, having been made fun of and cast out for being gay, and does not want Mio to have to live through some of the struggles he’s had to. Eventually Mio wears him down and the two begin a relationship.

Cuteness: 4 of 5

Mio is a cinnamon roll.

Problematic relationships: 0 of 5

Sexiness: 3 of 5

THEY HAVE THE SEX. Trust me, when you watch this, you’ll be as excited as I am about it. It’s not all about sexy times or anything, though, hence the 3 instead of 5.

Romance: 5 of 5

Non-romantic Plot: 0 of 5

9. Mo Dao Zu Shi

This one’s a bit complicated to explain, but well worth the watch! The anime starts out with a young suffering noble who summons Wei Wuxian, sacrificing his own body so that Wei Wuxian can live again so long as he gets revenge for him. Wei Wuxian was feared by many for creating a path for himself of dark magic instead of the kind of magic other cultivators used. In his new attempt at life, he comes across Lan Wangji, a man who had secretly loved Wei Wuxian when he was alive and the two of them work together to figure out what is behind a cursed arm that is causing havoc, which then leads them to find out more about the tragic circumstances surrounding Wei Wuxian’s original death.

Cuteness: 4 of 5

Wei Wuxian has plenty of entertaining antics, and I love the relationship between him and the very serious Lan Wangji.

Problematic relationships: 0 of 5

Sexiness: 0 of 5

As I’ve come to notice from the Chinese BL, there is no explicit sexiness or romance.

Romance: 2 of 5

It’s very subtle (hence the 2), but definitely there. I hope they explore it more in the coming seasons.

Non-romantic Plot: 5 of 5

As with all of the Chinese BL I’ve now watched, this had a lot of interesting plot outside of the romance. I absolutely loved the juxtaposition of the past and present storylines and think you will, too.

10. Yuri!!! On Ice

This is the sports anime slash BL that took the world by storm! At the start, Yuri Katsuki goes home from a competition feeling defeated and depressed. He stops by the skating rink to see his friends and show one of them a famous routine he’s been working on originally performed by their favorite skater, Victor Nikiforov. Unbeknownst to Yuri, his friend films and shares his routine which is then seen by Victor who decides to become Yuri’s coach for the next season. Victor and Yuri grow closer as Yuri gets better and there is all kinds of skating drama to supplement the sweet relationship between the two.

Cuteness: 5 of 5

Problematic relationships: 0 of 5

Sexiness: 1 of 5

Yuri is a pork cutlet bowl fatale that enthralls men.

Romance: 4 of 5

It gets a 4 instead of 5 simply because romance isn’t the main focus so you might not get as much as you are looking for. But that doesn’t mean it’s not there!

Non-romantic Plot: 5 of 5

Although this is a BL, it’s also a sports anime focused on an ice skating competition so you’ve got plenty aside from the adorable romance to keep you entertained.

11. Sasaki to Miyano

This anime is about the cool upperclassman, Sasaki, who falls hard for his cute, fudanshi underclassman, Miyano. Sasaki confesses his feelings to Miyano who doesn’t immediately reciprocate, but agrees to give it serious consideration. The two continue to spend time together as Miyano ponders what it means to have romantic feelings for another person and grow closer as friends before he eventually realizes his mutual affections. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but filled with super cute moments and all the supporting characters are adorable, as well. It's coming out right now as I'm publishing this so some of it might change, but it's been consistently awesome.

Cuteness: 5 of 5

Problematic relationships: 0 of 5

Sasaki is all the green flags.

Sexiness: 1 of 5

It gets a 1 because there is some physical affection, but it’s not outright sexual.

Romance: 5 of 5

Non-romantic Plot: 0 of 5

This is just pure, wholesome romance.

12. Yes, No, or Maybe

Kei Kunieda is a popular announcer who has two very different sides. First, there’s his professional side which is unerringly courteous and understanding. Once he leaves work, however, he turns into a crass person who curses everyone around him. He meets Ushio Tsuzuki as both sides, and slowly gets to know him as two different people. Eventually, however, he can no longer hide that these are just two sides of the same coin and a relationship develops.

Cuteness: 2 of 5

Not particularly cute, but not not cute in some ways.

Problematic relationships: 3 of 5

When they sleep together, one of them gets cold feet and gets told it’s too bad because they’re too far into it to stop. It’s one thing at the very end of the movie so I’m giving this category a 3 instead of 5, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay!

Sexiness: 3 of 5

They do end up sleeping together, but it’s at the very end of the movie and the majority of it is not about physical affection but the two growing closer.

Romance: 4 of 5

Non-romantic Plot: 1 of 5

This gets a 1 because even though it’s a romance, it’s also about a guy trying to reconcile his two very different personalities and how lonely having these two separate lives have made him.

I watched all of these either on Funimation, Crunchyroll, Netflix, or YouTube so that’s where you should be able to find these.