What is this genre all about? Shounen Ai means boys love, and thus explores what happens when two boys (or men) fall in love. This is not to be mistaken for Yaoi which is (or, at least, how this term is often used by the western audience) used in adult works. This is not; that means there is no graphical sex.
The female version is Shoujo Ai.
We present you the list of Shounen Ai anime you should watch right now.
Try our anime quiz: Anime Characters Guessing Quiz/Game
Top 20 Shounen Ai anime you should watch right now. [2025 List]
- 20. Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu
- 19. Yuri!!! on Ice
- 18. Given
- 17. Mo Dao Zu Shi
- 16. No.6
- 15. Sasaki to Miyano
- 14. Kuro Gal ni Natta kara Shinyuu to Yattemita.
- 13. Given: The Movie
- 12. Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu. Movie: Spain-hen
- 11. 30-sai made Doutei da to Mahou Tsukai ni Nareru Rashii
- 10. Doukyuusei
- 9. Tasogare Outfocus
- 8. Togainu no Chi
- 7. Sasaki to Miyano Movie: Sotsugyou-hen
- 6. Umibe no Étranger
- 5. Babanbabanban Vampire
- 4. Loveless
- 3. Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu.
- 2. Koisuru Boukun
- 1. Monochrome Factor
20. Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu
Two best friends living in a rural Japanese village: Yoshiki and Hikaru. Growing up together, they were inseparable… until the day Hikaru came back from the mountains, and was no longer himself. “Something” has taken over Hikaru’s body, memories, feelings… and everything they know begins to unravel.
The Summer Hikaru Died has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 光が死んだ夏, Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu
19. Yuri!!! on Ice
Reeling from his crushing defeat at the Grand Prix Finale, Yuuri Katsuki, once Japan's most promising figure skater, returns to his family home to assess his options for the future. At age 23, Yuuri's window for success in skating is closing rapidly, and his love of pork cutlets and aptitude for gaining weight are not helping either.
However, Yuuri finds himself in the spotlight when a video of him performing a routine previously executed by five-time world champion, Victor Nikiforov, suddenly goes viral. In fact, Victor himself abruptly appears at Yuuri's house and offers to be his mentor. As one of his biggest fans, Yuuri eagerly accepts, kicking off his journey to make it back onto the world stage. But the competition is fierce, as the rising star from Russia, Yuri Plisetsky, is relentlessly determined to defeat Yuuri and win back Victor's tutelage.
Yuri!!! On ICE has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: ユーリ!!! on ICE, Yuri!!! on Ice
18. Given
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.
given has finished airing and it has 11 Episodes. It is also Known as: ギヴン, Given
17. Mo Dao Zu Shi
As the grandmaster who founded the Demonic Sect, Wei Wuxian roamed the world in his wanton ways, hated by millions for the chaos he created. In the end, he was backstabbed by his dearest shidi and killed by powerful clans that combined to overpower him. He incarnates into the body of a lunatic who was abandoned by his clan and is later, unwillingly, taken away by a famous cultivator among the clans—Lan Wangji, his archenemy. This marks the start of a thrilling yet hilarious journey of attacking monsters, solving mysteries, and raising children. From the mutual flirtation along the way, Wei Wuxian slowly realizes that Lan Wangji, a seemingly haughty and indifferent poker-face, holds more feelings for Wei Wuxian than he is letting on.
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation has finished airing and it has 15 Episodes. It is also Known as: Modao Zushi, The Founder of Diabolism, The Founder of Evil Magic
16. No.6
Many years ago, after the end of a bloody world war, mankind took shelter in six city-states that were peaceful and perfect... at least on the surface. However, Shion—an elite resident of the city-state No. 6—gained a new perspective on the world he lives in, thanks to a chance encounter with a mysterious boy, Nezumi. Nezumi turned out to be just one of many who lived in the desolate wasteland beyond the walls of the supposed utopia. But despite knowing that the other boy was a fugitive, Shion decided to take him in for the night and protect him, which resulted in drastic consequences: because of his actions, Shion and his mother lost their status as elites and were relocated elsewhere, and the darker side of the city began to make itself known.
Now, a long time after their life-altering first meeting, Shion and Nezumi are finally brought together once again—the former elite and the boy on the run are about to embark on an adventure that will, in time, reveal the shattering secrets of No. 6.
No. 6 has finished airing and it has 11 Episodes. It is also Known as: NO.6［ナンバー・シックス］, Number Six, Number 6, No. Six
15. Sasaki to Miyano
Miyano spends his days peacefully reading Boys' Love comics and worrying about how girly his face is-until a chance encounter leads to a scuffle with his senior Sasaki. Intrigued by his feisty junior Miyano, delinquent Sasaki uses every opportunity he can to get closer...
Sasaki and Miyano has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 佐々木と宮野, Sasaki to Miyano
14. Kuro Gal ni Natta kara Shinyuu to Yattemita.
Shion and Rui are the dream team when it comes to hitting on women. Tonight was going to be another night of hooking up with girls for Shion, but he ended up taking a strange drug. When he woke up... he'd turned into a girl?! Rui came looking for Shion, but didn't recognize him, and started hitting on him...
Episode 1 of the standard TV version of the anime was streamed on February 11, 2021 via the ComicFesta Anime Zone website. Regular broadcast began on April 5 at 1:00 a.m. on Toyko MX, while the complete, uncensored version was streamed on the ComicFesta Anime Zone website.
Kuro Gal ni Natta kara Shinyuu to Yattemita. has finished airing and it has 8 Episodes. It is also Known as: 黒ギャルになったから親友としてみた。, I Became a Black Gal So I Fucked My Best Friend, Kuro Gal ni Natta kara Shinyuu to Yattemita.
13. Given: The Movie
While the TV anime focused on the band given's guitarist Ritsuka Uenoyama and his high school classmate Mafuyu Sato, the film centers on the love relationship among the band's bassist Haruki Nakayama, drummer Akihiko Kaji, and Akihiko's roommate and ex-boyfriend Ugetsu Murata.
Given: The Movie has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: Eiga Given, 映画 ギヴン, Given: The Movie
12. Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu. Movie: Spain-hen
Covers the Spain arc of the manga.
DAKAICHI -I'm being harassed by the sexiest man of the year- The Movie: In Spain has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: 劇場版 抱かれたい男1位に脅されています。～スペイン編～, DAKAICHI -I'm being harassed by the sexiest man of the year- Movie, Dakaretai Otoko Ichii ni Odosarete Imasu. Movie, Gekijouban Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu. Spain Hen
11. 30-sai made Doutei da to Mahou Tsukai ni Nareru Rashii
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?
Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 30歳まで童貞だと魔法使いになれるらしい, 30-sai made Doutei da to Mahou Tsukai ni Nareru Rashii
10. Doukyuusei
Rihito Sajou is an honor student who got perfect scores in every subject on his high school entrance exam. Hikaru Kusakabe plays guitar in his band that performs at live events and is popular among the girls. These boys would have never crossed paths. But one day Hikaru offers to help Rihito prepare for their upcoming chorus festival and the two begin to talk. As the two meet after school, they feel one another's sound, listen to each other's voice, and begin to harmonize as their hearts beat together.
It starts out slow but soon their feelings for one another grow and in just one moment they both realize that it is love. Hikaru's emotions are frivolous, pure, and direct causing Rihito to hesitate at first, but he gradually opens his heart. The boys are learning about each other as they also learn about themselves and support one another during this difficult time typical to youth. As the time to start thinking about their futures approaches, what do these young men find as they try to move forward...
Doukyusei -Classmates- has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: 同級生, Doukyuusei
9. Tasogare Outfocus
Second-years Mao Tsuchiya and Hisashi Ootomo make three promises: 1) That Mao will never tell anyone that Hisashi is gay and has a boyfriend, 2) That Hisashi will never think of Mao "in that way," and 3) That they'll always knock before entering, in case someone is having some "private time." The two's ground rules should ensure a peaceful life together in their dorm, but life is never as simple as it should be, and some things are not so easily promised...
Twilight Out of Focus has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 黄昏アウトフォーカス, Tasogare Outfocus
8. Togainu no Chi
A Third World War left Japan devastated, and in these ruins, an organization named Vischio seized control of Tokyo, renaming it Toshima. Tournament style battles called Igura take place on the streets, overseen by Vischio. Combatants murder and fight for the chance to take on the tournament’s king known as "Il-re." This tournament is not the only one around, however. Akira, a young man separated from his family, participates in another known as Bl@ster and is hailed as nearly unbeatable. Though his companions attempt to shower him in praise, Akira is taciturn and indifferent to their awe.
Fate has bigger plans for Akira than streetfights, and he finds himself in police custody with a murder pinned on his head. Unable to prove his own innocence, all hope is lost until a mysterious woman named Emma appears, offering him a chance to participate in Igura in order to obtain his freedom.
Togainu no Chi has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 咎狗の血, Blood of the Reprimanded Dog
7. Sasaki to Miyano Movie: Sotsugyou-hen
Theatrical follow-up to Sasaki to Miyano, adapting the "Graduation Arc" of the manga.
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.
Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: 映画 佐々木と宮野ー卒業編ー, Sasaki to Miyano Movie: Sotsugyou-hen
6. Umibe no Étranger
"There's nothing wrong with liking another guy."
To be in the arms of the person I love... I thought that was an unattainable dream...
On an island off the coast of Okinawa, two young men meet on a beach. Shun Hashimoto is gay and aspires to be a novelist. He is interested in Mio Chibana, a somber high school student, and starts to flirt with him. Day by day, the two of them grow closer, but then, suddenly, Mio decides to leave the island.
Three years later, Mio returns and approaches Shun with the words, "I've thought about it for the past three years. I like you, Shun, even if you're a guy." However, when faced with the prospect of finally becoming lovers with Mio, Shun cannot take the first step towards commitment. This is a tantalizing love story about a gay novelist and a younger part-time worker.
The Stranger by the Shore has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: 海辺のエトランゼ, L' étranger du plage, The Stranger by the Beach, Umibe no Etranger, L'Étranger de la plage, Seaside Stranger
5. Babanbabanban Vampire
The story begins with a 450-year-old vampire named Ranmaru, working part-time at an old public bath. He desires the blood of an 18-year-old virgin, and so watches over the growth of 15-year-old Rihito, the son of the bathhouse owners.
Babanbabanban Vampire has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: ババンババンバンバンパイア, Baban Baban Ban Vampire
4. Loveless
In the world of Loveless, each person is born with cat ears and a tail, which disappear only if that person engages in a sexual intercourse. Because of this, they have come to symbolize virginity and innocence. Additionally, fighting is only done by "fighting pairs" or couples, where one is known as the Sacrifice and the other as the Fighter. The first receives the damage while the latter attacks.
Ritsuka Aoyagi is a 12-year-old boy, who for some unknown reason suffers from amnesia. His brother got killed recently, and as if his life has not been hard enough lately, on his first day at the new school he gets approached by a stranger called Agatsuma Soubi, who claims to have known his late brother. Ritsuka finds out that Agatsuma and his brother used to be a fighting pair, and that Agatsuma has inherited Ritsuga now that his brother is gone. Together, they try to find the truth behind his brother's death and the organization known as the "Seven Moons," which may have been responsible for it. All the while, it seems that Ritsuka and Agatsuma are becoming closer than they intended to be…
Loveless has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: LOVELESS, LL
3. Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu.
The veteran actor who has held the title of "Most Desirable Bachelor" for 5 years in a row, Takato Saijyo, and the up and coming actor who recently dethroned him, Junta Azumaya. Enter the cut throat world of the entertainment industry, where the two most desirable bachelors find themselves in a forbidden scandal. Based on Hashigo Sakurabi's "Dakaretai Otoko No.1 ni Odosareteimasu," first published and serialized in July of 2013 and one of the most talked about BL comic with over two million copies in print, gets a highly anticipated TV anime adaptation! The biggest scandal of 2018 is about to unfold!
DAKAICHI -I'm being harassed by the sexiest man of the year- has finished airing and it has 13 Episodes. It is also Known as: 抱かれたい男1位に脅されています。, Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu.
2. Koisuru Boukun
Tetsuhiro Morinaga is in love with his upperclassman Souichi Tatsumi. He even manages to confess his love. Too bad it turns out that Tatsumi is an aggressive, self-centered, and outspoken homophobe.
Yet somehow Tetsuhiro managed to fall in love with Tatsumi, the “walking personality disorder,” who is the kind of man who declares that all gay men should be wiped off the face of the planet.
An unfortunate accident with an aphrodisiac drug brings the two men physically together against Souichi’s will. The experience has a life-changing effect on both men. But will it ultimately bring them closer, or drive them apart?
Koisuru Boukun has finished airing and it has 2 Episodes. It is also Known as: 恋する暴君, Koi Suru Boukun, Koisuru Bokun, The Tyrant Falls In Love
1. Monochrome Factor
The story revolves around high school student Akira Nikaido, a typical slacker living a normal life. That is, until he meets the mysterious Shirogane, a man who suddenly appears and tells him that they have a destiny together. When Akira hears this, he is shocked and doesn't believe a word of it. Aya, a friend of Akira, forgets something in the school one night, and asks Akira to help her and go find it. He agrees, and while there, he gets attacked by a shadow monster. Shirogane convinces him that the balance between the human world and the shadow world has been distorted and that Akira must become a "shin"- a creature of the shadow world- in order to help restore the balance. The anime has shonen-ai themes which are completely absent from the manga.
Monochrome Factor has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: モノクローム･ファクター, Monochrome Factor
