Let’s face it: it’s hard to find good LGBTQ+ anime because it’s like looking for a four-leaf clover among a sea of dandelions. Sure, there’s lots of subtext and “are-they-or-aren’t-they” tension, but shows that do go there—queer characters, actual relationships, and stories that don’t tease so much as give? That’s a treat. Whatever you’re in the mood for, swoony romances, wild action, or just good old-fashioned drama, here are 15 of the greatest LGBTQ+ anime shows that you absolutely must binge (in reverse order, because saving the best for last is just good manners).
15. Ms. Vampire Who Lives in My Neighborhood
If you’ve ever wished for a love story that’s equal parts supernatural odd-couple and slice-of-life comedy, this one’s for you. Akari is out searching for a legendary vampire in the forest, but finds instead a new-age, blood-ordering vampire girl who’s quirky, not terrifying. It’s weird, it’s adorable, and yes, it’s a better love story than Twilight. You can stream it on Crunchyroll.
14. Konohana Kitan
Fox girls, mystical inns, and a spirit world—Konohana Kitan is a whimsical, feel-good fairy tale concerning Yuzu, a fox girl who learns to love herself and others. The show’s soft handling of relationships and self-discovery gives it a place as a must-view for anyone who enjoys their Yuri served up with a pinch of fantasy. Streaming on Crunchyroll.
13. Noir
Two assassins, one of whom has secrets in his past and the other of whom can’t remember anything, cross paths in Paris and join forces for a ride that’s half-slow-burning thriller and half-emotional rollercoaster. Noir is a slow burn but gets you with its suspense and the developing chemistry between its leads. You can watch it on Crunchyroll.
12. Canaan
Guns, bombings, and investigative girlfriends—Canaan is what you get when you combine Hollywood action with queer vibes. The series is a feast for the eyes, and although the Old Testament reference in the title is a misdirection, chemistry between leads is not. Watch it on HIDIVE.
11. Adachi and Shimamura
Sometimes, the best love stories are the slowest burns. Adachi and Shimamura are all about two friends who spend every moment together, slowly realizing their feelings might be more than platonic. It’s the classic “everyone knows they’re in love except them” scenario, and it’s as sweet as it sounds. Episodes are available for digital purchase on Amazon.
10. Sakura Trick
If you’re a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope and don’t mind a little fan service, Sakura Trick is your jam. Two high school besties start to realize their feelings for each other go way beyond friendship. It’s cute, cheeky, and a cult classic for a reason. Stream it on HIDIVE.
9. Sweet Blue Flowers
First loves, old friendships, and all the soft, gentle feelings you can get—Sweet Blue Flowers is a lovely tale about two girls getting back together in high school after years of separation. It’s all about tenderness and re-discovering what you lost. Streaming on Crunchyroll.
8. Dear Brother
If you’re looking for your Yuri with a dash of drama (and I mean sincere, gut-wrenching drama), Dear Brother is an early ’90s gem that doesn’t mince words. Based in an all-female school, it goes deep into bullying, manipulation, and the intricacies of same-sex relationships—realistic, unflinching, and indelible. According to Gamerant, “Dear Brother is a drama that does not pull its punches, depicting characters who are very human and, at times, very awful.”
7. Yuri Is My Job!
Have you ever wondered what would occur if you combined a Yuri maid café with shojo melodrama? Meet Yuri Is My Job!, where Hime, the ultimate people-pleaser with big aspirations, gets entangled in a drama of café roleplay and genuine emotions. When reality and performance get blurred, you are left laughing and weeping at the same time.
As written by Gamerant, “A (fairly) new entry to the Yuri genre is in the guise of a school-based maid cafe that worships Shojo storylines.”
6. Moyashimon
This one’s a surprise twist: a comedy about a student who can see microbes. But Moyashimon deserves credit for its respectful handling of Kei, a character who comes out as trans and is handled with care and nuance—a miracle for mid-2000s anime. As Gamerant points out, “Moyashimon handles Kei’s story with respect, which was not something that was necessarily promised in the mid-2000s.”
5. Tiger & Bunny
Superheroes, sponsorships, and a transgender hero breaking the mold—Tiger & Bunny is fun, but it’s Nathan Seymour (Fire Emblem) who steals the spotlight. A stereotype in the beginning, Nathan matures into a three-dimensional character, particularly in the movie The Rising and season 2. According to Gamerant, “Tiger & Bunny has a full transgender hero, Nathan Seymour (aka, Fire Emblem), becoming a three-dimensional character and an example of positive representation.”
4. Senpai is an Otokonoko
Gender fluidity, complicated family life, and a hero who simply wants to dress the way that feels right—Senpai is an Otokonoko is a new approach to gender and identity. Makoto’s path to self-acceptance, aided by friends in the process of sorting out their own emotions, is both inspiring and realistic. As Gamerant explains, “Senpai is an Otokonoko is a one-of-a-kind tale that explores themes seldom reached by the industry, at least to the extent of making them the central point.”
3. Revolutionary Girl Utena
If you enjoy your anime strange, symbolic, and full of tough-as-nails women, Utena is a must-watch. It’s a dream of sword fights, innuendo, and a fighting girl who desires to be a prince. The romance at its center is as complicated as the show’s boundless layers of symbolism. You can watch it on Crunchyroll.
2. Yuri!!! On Ice
The BL anime that took over the internet, Yuri!!! On Ice has as much to do with skating as it does with Yuri and Victor’s slow-burn love affair. For most of the series, the romance is veiled, but the chemistry is palpable, and the show’s excellence makes it a must-watch for sports and BL fans alike. As pointed out by Gamerant, “Yuri!!! On Ice’s quality is high enough to warrant a recommendation to BL and sports anime fans, although an appreciation for both would be ideal.”
1. Bloom Into You
Ending on a high note, Bloom Into You is the Yuri anime gold standard. Two girls, each with their issues and low self-esteem, meet and gradually find that their differences draw them together rather than repel them. The anime is so expertly done that even those who do not typically watch Yuri become obsessed. It’s a wonderfully told love story of identity and being brave enough to be you.