What are some of the best BL/gay anime shows to watch and stream on Crunchyroll? Another genre in the anime community with a significant following is BL or boys’ love. Here is a guide on some of the best BL gay anime shows on Crunchyroll.
Yuri on Ice
While Yuri on Ice is primarily a sports anime about figure skating, the boys’ love elements in this show are very evident. It follows Yuri Katsuki, a Japanese figure skater who returns to his hometown after losing in the Grand Prix Final. A video of Yuri doing another champion skater’s routine goes viral. Victor Nikiforov, the champion skater, sees this and offers to become Yuri’s coach.
The series is a quick binge-watch with only 12 episodes. The development of Yuri and Victor’s relationship will surely get your heart fluttering.
The official synopsis from Crunchyroll reads:
“Yuri Katsuki carried the hope of all Japan on his shoulders in the Figure Skating Grand Prix, but suffered a crushing defeat in the finals. He returned to his hometown in Kyushu and hid away in his family’s home, half wanting to continue skating and half wanting to retire. That was when the five-time consecutive world champion, Victor Nikiforov, suddenly showed up with his teammate, Yuri Plisetsky, a young skater starting to surpass his seniors. And so the two Yuris and the Russian champion Victor set out to compete in a Grand Prix like none the world has ever seen!”
Given
If you like music and drama, then you might want to try watching Given. The story follows a group of students who form a band, and the romantic relationships that develop among the members. Some of the songs are a must-add to your anime playlist. However, some themes in the story are on the heavier side, so it’s best to check the trigger warnings.
Given is also a short series with only 11 episodes. There is also a film that was released in 2020. Both are available on Crunchyroll.
The official synopsis states:
“Somehow, the guitar that he used to love to play and the basketball games that he found so fun just lost their appeal…
“That was until Ritsuka Uenoyama randomly met Mafuyu Sato. Ritsuka had started losing his passion for music in his everyday life, but then he hears Mafuyu sing for the first time. The song resonates with his heart and the distance between them starts to change.”
Sk8 the Infinity
There’s a debate between fans on whether Sk8 the Infinity is BL or not. Some argue that it’s simply a sports anime about skateboarding and the male characters are just close with one another. However, fans from the queer community might say that this show is heavily queer-coded. Sk8 follows Reki, a student who loves skateboarding. He meets a new classmate, Langa, and introduces him to the world of skateboarding. They also get involved in an underground skateboarding competition called S.
The show’s cast is an interesting mix of queer-coded characters, plus Reki and Langa’s bond is adorable. It’s another easy binge-watch, only having 12 episodes so far.
The synopsis reads:
“High school students Reki and Langa are hooked on one thing—a dangerous, top secret, no-holds-barred downhill skateboarding race called “S.” When Reki takes Langa, a transfer student, to the mountain where “S” is held, Langa finds himself sucked in. These colorful skaters will take you through a thrilling story of skateboard battles and unlimited possibilities!”
Sasaki and Miyano
This series is incredibly wholesome, although it gives off very slow burn vibes. What’s great about this anime is it highlights the characters’ feelings and emotions and will also have you feeling the love in the air as you watch. Miyano is a shy guy who wants to keep his love for BL (boys’ love) a secret. However, he accidentally tells Sasaki about it. The curious Sasaki wants to know more, and the two develop a bond over BL manga.
You can add this anime to your list of short and easily binge-worthy series. Sasaki and Miyano has a total of 13 episodes.
The official synopsis states:
“Miyano’s world of Boys’ Love manga turns to reality when chance leads him to Sasaki. Now, Sasaki wants to spend every opportunity with him.”
Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
Cherry Magic has an interesting premise. Adachi is a virgin, and on his 30th birthday, he gains the power to read minds through touch. He accidentally reads his co-worker Kurosawa’s mind, who turns out to have a crush on him. It’s another wholesome BL series that revolves around a cute and sweet dynamic. Plus, there are also amusing and comedic scenes.
Cherry Magic is still ongoing, so this is a must-watch for those who want to be updated with the latest BL anime shows.
The synopsis states:
“Adachi’s 30th birthday as a virgin came with the oddest gift—the ability to read the mind of anyone he touches. Pondering what to do with this mysterious power, he gets a lead when he accidentally reads his colleague Kurosawa’s mind. Turns out the handsome hotshot of the sales team has got a thing for him! How will Adachi respond to overhearing these affectionate thoughts?”
Heaven Official’s Blessing
While the series is technically a donghua (Chinese animation), Heaven Official’s Blessing (also known as Tian Guan Ci Fu) is still worth adding to the list. It’s a wonderful series containing fantasy themes that make it refreshing to watch, especially if you’re used to fantasy anime. Aside from the romance, there’s action and adventure, making it an all-around fun watch.
There are 2 seasons available with 12 episodes each.
The synopsis reads:
“Xie Lian, crown prince of Xian Le Kingdom, ascends to Heaven despite successive demotions. However, he accidentally breaks the Gold Palace of heavenly officials. With no human worshiping him, Xie Lian must descend to the secular world to exorcise ghosts.”
The Case Files of Jeweler Richard
Seigi Nakata, a college student, saves a man named Richard Ranasinghe de Vulpian from a bunch of drunks. Richard turns out to be an appraiser, and Seigi asks him to appraise a ring from his dead grandmother. Eventually, Seigi starts working at Richard’s jewelry shop, and the two work together to help a diverse set of customers with interesting stories.
The series has 12 episodes, making for another short, easy watch. It’s also worth checking out if you like the mystery genre.
The official synopsis states:
“One night, a college student with a strong sense of justice, Seigi Nakata, saved a gorgeous foreigner, Richard, who was being harassed by some drunks.
“When Seigi found out that Richard was a jeweler, he asked for an appraisal on a ring with a shady history; one which his grandmother had kept secret until she died.
The appraisal had revealed her past, truth, and desire.
“It led Seigi to work as a part-time employee for Richard’s jewelry store, the “Jewelry Étranger” in Ginza.
“While solving various “mysteries,” the relationship between Richard and Seigi gradually changes.”
Looking for other things to watch aside from BL anime shows? Check out our guide on the best anime movies to watch and stream in March 2024.
