The anime world has long been an arena for exploration of identity, relationships, and the darkest recesses of the human heart. But lesbian (Yuri) anime takes on a special fusion of tender moments, drama, and outright frenzy that’s just impossible to stay away from. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just wondering what all the fuss is about, here’s a reverse-order countdown of the top 15 lesbian anime TV shows you can stream or find right now.
15. Konohana Kitan
A whimsical, fantasy-like adventure, Konohana Kitan is the story of Yuzu, a fox girl who begins working at the magical Konohanatei Inn. As she learns to connect with her eccentric coworkers and the mystical world they live in, Yuzu is taught the beauty of love and acceptance of oneself. The show’s subtle romance and richly textured, otherworldly environment make it a must-see for anyone looking for something different.
14. Ms. Vampire Who Lives in My Neighborhood
If you ever wanted to know what would occur if a contemporary vampire ordered blood off the internet rather than preying on humans, this is your answer. Akari goes on a quest for a reported vampire and comes across a very modern undead woman, and what ensues is a quirky, wholesome, and unexpectedly touching tale of friendship and first love. It’s a more enjoyable love story than Twilight.
13. El Cazador de la Bruja
An anime set primarily in Mexico (rare for any anime), this show teams amnesiac murder suspect Ellis with bounty hunter Nadie as they go on a crazy ride to locate the magical city of Wiñay Marka. Imagine it like Nicolas Cage doing an action movie—if Nicolas Cage were a lesbian bounty hunter. The romance and action are off the charts.
12. Princess Principal
Ditch the schoolgirl Yuri cliche—Princess Principal is a fashion-forward, action-packed romance about female spies in a dystopian 20th-century London. The female agents, each with her secrets and agendas, carry out clandestine missions for the Commonwealth of Albion. The series is full of arresting intrigue, espionage, and unapologetically queer protagonists.
11. Sakura Trick
For fans of the friends-to-lovers trope, Sakura Trick is a cult classic. It’s a playful, sometimes fanservice-heavy look at two high school best friends who slowly realize their feelings for each other run deeper than friendship.
10. Destiny of the Shrine Maiden (Kannazuki no Miko)
Mixing fantasy and romance, this series recounts the tale of Himeko and Chikane, two women who share the same birthday and a fate to save the world as priestesses. The connection between them transcends time, and the paranormal on the line only makes the emotional intensity greater.
9. Adachi and Shimamura
Sometimes the greatest love stories are slow burns. Adachi and Shimamura are all about two friends who spend every waking minute together, completely unaware that everyone else can see they’re falling in love. It’s a soft, realistic take on first love and the uncertainty that surrounds it.
8. Kakegurui
This isn’t a standard romance, but the all-girls high school setting of Kakegurui and the aggressive, occasionally flirtatious competition between Yumeko and her peers have made it a hit with Yuri enthusiasts. The show is renowned for crazy games of chance and mind games.
7. Akuma no Riddle
Assassins, covert operations, and a school that’s full of peril—Akuma no Riddle is a tense Yuri thriller. Among 12 assassins ordered to kill their heavenly classmate Haru, Tokaku is surprised to find herself developing feelings for her target and resolves to guard her instead. The stakes are high, and the action is relentless.
6. Mysteria Friends
Based in the universe of Shingenki no Bahamut, Mysteria Friends is about the connection between Anne and Grea at Mysteria Academy, where humans, gods, and demons are taught magic. The series is more about the sweet, developing friendship between its two protagonists than the epic storyline.
5. Noir
Two killers—a professional and one with a dark history—cross paths in Paris and join forces to reveal the secrets that tie them together. Noir is an acutely paced thriller with lots of action, suspense, and a relationship that’s as intriguing as it is mysterious.
4. Canaan
If you’re craving guns, explosions, and investigator girlfriends, Canaan delivers. The series is a visual feast, with stylish action sequences and a dynamic between its leads that’s both intense and deeply emotional. It’s not your typical Hollywood action flick—this one’s got heart and edge.
3. Strawberry Panic
A Yuri classic, Strawberry Panic takes place in a girls’ school where the enigmatic and popular Etoile becomes interested in new student Nagisa. From secret crushes, first love, and a little mystery, this show is a must for anyone checking out girls’ love anime. Episodes can be purchased digitally through Amazon.
2. Revolutionary Girl Utena
A genuine classic, Revolutionary Girl Utena is a surreal mashup of symbolism, surrealism, and gender-defying heroism. Utena, a princess wannabe who wants to be a prince, gets herself caught up in a realm of duels, secrets, and a classmate in distress. The show’s impact on the Yuri genre—and anime in general—can’t be exaggerated.
1. Sweet Blue Flowers (Aoi Hana)
Coming first is Sweet Blue Flowers, a gentle, lovely animated tale of two childhood friends who meet again in high school and rekindle their love for one another. It’s all softness, first loves, and the bittersweet pain of coming of age. The emotional truth and subtle romance give it a winning position in the genre.
From magical fox girls to assassin duos and everything in between, these series prove that Yuri anime is as diverse and compelling as any other genre. Whether you’re here for the action, the drama, or the slow-burn romance, there’s a story on this list that’s bound to capture your heart.