Boys' Love anime, often referred to simply as BL anime, are anime that feature romantic relationships between male characters. In this article, we've compiled the best BL anime on Netflix you might want to check out.
BL anime are often referred to as "yaoi," though the former term is often associated with more explicit scenarios.
Either way, finding LGBTQ+ anime that portray healthy relationships and don't focus only on tragedy can be hard, compared to other media.
Unfortunately, those who only use one streaming service might find a limited number of options.
Because of that, please bear in mind that some titles in this list, while generally considered BL, might not feature official couples, but rather, relationships that can be interpreted as romantic.
To offer more options, we also included a few non-Japanese titles that might still appeal to anime fans.
So, without further ado, here's our selection of the best BL anime on Netflix:
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a mecha anime wherein romance is not the main focus, but the show does have an LGBTQ+ fanbase, and it features queer themes, including a sadly brief romance between two male characters.
Controversially, the new English rendition created by Netflix downplays the romance in question, much to the ire of long-time fans.
Therefore, fans who are interested in the anime's queer elements are encouraged to also check out the original sub and dub.
RELATED: Who Does Shinji End up with in Neon Genesis Evangelion?
Devilman Crybaby
Based on Go Nagai's 70s cult classic manga Devilman, Netflix's Devilman Crybaby is a horror anime that remains quite faithful to the source material's queer subtext.
In Devilman Crybaby, we meet Akira Fudo, a relatively normal teenager whose life changes when his childhood friend, Ryo, drags him into devil-hunting.
When Ryo finds himself in danger, Akira merges with the demon Amon to save him.
From there on, he becomes the titular Devilman and he and Ryo embark on gory adventures, full of twists.
LGBTQ+ communities have noted the romantic subtext between Akira and Ryo since the days of the original manga, and it isn't the only queer element of the show.
Be warned, though: Devilman Crybaby is bleak and often quite absurd.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is a unique adventure anime with colorful and characteristic imagery, some LGBTQ+ relationships, and an overall focus on gender-nonconforming expression.
While romance isn't JoJo's main focus, nor does the show completely revolutionize queer representation in anime.
It's nice to see unapologetically queer or queer-coded elements in a beloved animated show.
READ MORE: Is the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Manga Complete, Finished, or Ongoing?
Tiger & Bunny
Tiger & Bunny is an action and comedy anime that features Kotetsu Kaburagi and Barnaby Brooks.
The former is a veteran of fighting crime with a deep interest in helping others, while the latter is only in the hero business because of the popularity he hopes to gain.
The two are forced to work together both for the sake of their careers and to face a particular threat.
While the two main characters aren't officially together, Tiger & Bunny has a sizeable LGBTQ+ fanbase.
The show features canonically queer characters as well as certain ship-worthy moments between the two male leads.
However, some viewers note that its representation can at times be stereotypical, so proceed with caution.
Heaven's Official Blessing
Heaven's Official Blessing is a Chinese donghua featuring a romantic relationship between two male protagonists.
Like the more well-known Mo Dao Zu Shi, it’s based on a work by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu.
Heaven's Official Blessing is a BL anime that follows Xie Lian, a disgraced prince who ascended to the realms of heaven in his youth but was subsequently banished back to the mortal world.
Upon his return, he meets Cheng Hua, a demon king who rules ghosts and terrifies heaven, and who has had an interest in him for quite some time.
The setting of Heaven’s Official Blessing is reminiscent of Ancient China, and it features a romance between two male characters who are three-dimensional and interesting to watch.
Yuri on Ice
Not only is Yuri on Ice one of the best sports anime to watch, but it's also one of the first that comes to mind when looking for LGBTQ+ anime on Netflix.
The figure skating journey on which two of the main characters (who are both named Yuri) embark hardly needs an introduction.
Yuri and Victor's budding relationship, while more than subtext, is a bit too subtle and ultimately not explicitly confirmed, but the yet-not-fully-expressed queer desire is definitely there.
As of writing, Yuri on Ice is available on Netflix US, but not in Europe.
Q-Force
Compared to other streaming services, Netflix is more likely to feature original animated shows with LGBTQ+ characters openly showing affection.
Q-Force's main character, Steve, is a rising star in the academy of the American Intelligence Agency.
When Steve comes out as gay, he faces prejudice and is sent to West Hollywood, which isn't a key location for national security.
Years later, Steve has a team of fellow LGBTQ+ superspies, with whom he embarks on many adventures.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is another Western animated show with LGBTQ+ themes.
While it features primarily lesbian characters, gay characters also get representation. Two of them, George and Lance, are married and have children.
Another male character, Falcon, is presumably gay or bisexual, as he is confirmed to have had at least one relationship with a man.
Dead End: Paranormal Park
Dead End: Paranormal Park is one more American animated show that might appeal to fans of BL anime. The show features not only gay but also trans representation.
The main character Barney Guttman is a gay and trans Jewish boy who navigates difficult family dynamics as his family doesn't understand his identity.
The show also features other gay and bisexual characters and even a non-binary ghost.
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
Finally, Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, while not a Japanese anime, is very likely to appeal to BL anime fans looking for good representation.
Compared with shows that opt to leave any LGBTQ+ romance implied rather than depicted Kipo has been commended for its "casual queerness."
The show features a cute and drama-free relationship between two male characters, Benson and Troy, and many fans love to see more of their adventures.
Do you agree with our list? Share your top picks for the best BL anime in the comments below.