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 manga you should read right now.
Try our anime quiz: Anime Characters Guessing Quiz/Game
Top 18 Shounen Ai manga you should read right now. [2026 List]
- 18. Downpour
- 17. Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu
- 16. Newbie-wa Oldbie Gongsaenggwangye
- 15. Jianmo Faze
- 14. Eren Xiang Yao Qiangjiu Yixia
- 13. Here U Are
- 12. Boyfriends.
- 11. Koisuru (Otome) no Tsukurikata
- 10. Inoue-kun Hajimemasen ka?
- 9. Mo Dao Zu Shi
- 8. Monotone Blue
- 7. Iutjim Guild-won
- 6. Guang Xiang
- 5. Semantic Error
- 4. Cherry Blossoms After Winter
- 3. The Atmosphere of the Novel Is in Crisis
- 2. Alice in Adultland
- 1. Boy Girlfriend
18. Downpour
Having been outed at work, shoe designer Park Seok-Yeon is forced to start all over. He gets a new job at “Youm,” an up-and-coming brand with an accepting work environment and generous perks. It seems like the perfect company until Seok-Yeon finds out that the CEO is none other than his former crush, Jin Yeowon, the cold-hearted jerk who nearly drove him to end his own life. Now, they must work together, but will old feelings well up? Like a sudden downpour, love appears when you least expect it.
Downpour has finished publishing and it has 85 Chapters. It is also Known as: Raining Cats and Dogs, Cloudburst, Raining Cats and Dogs, 爱如急雨, 爱的阵雨
17. Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu
"So, Hikaru is no more... If that's true then..."
Yoshiki and Hikaru are two boys who live in a certain village. They're the same age and have always been together growing up. But one day, Yoshiki noticed that "something else" has taken Hikaru's place. Even after learning of this, Yoshiki still wants them to be together. And so, his life with the "something" that looks like his friend begins.
At the same time, strange incidents keep occurring in the village...
The Summer Hikaru Died has finished publishing and it has 51 Chapters. It is also Known as: 光が死んだ夏, Hikari ga Shinda Natsu, The Summer Hikaru is Dead, The Summer the Light is Dead
16. Newbie-wa Oldbie Gongsaenggwangye
Jung-Woo is a Tamer in the MMORPG Karel's Hymn. While selling off items after deciding to quit, he meets a newbie, "Charongrong," who swears loyalty even if "she" becomes popular. He thought it was just a brief, passing connection—but he shouldn't have taken those words lightly.
Note: Includes five extra chapters.
Carrying My n00b Waifu has finished publishing and it has 65 Chapters. It is also Known as: The Symbiotic Relationship Between Newbie and Oldbie, 菜鳥與老鳥的共生法則
15. Jianmo Faze
The life of an assassin is many things: dangerous, lonely, short... and above all, ill-suited for love. Those were the rules Joaquin agreed to and accepted without question until the fateful day a young man named Davion saved his life. But the life of an assassin is no fairy tale. In an odd twist of fate, Joaquin ended up ripping away everything Davion held dear, and has since taken it upon himself to train the young man on how to get his revenge against everyone involved... including Joaquin himself.
The Code of Silence has finished publishing and it has 90 Chapters. It is also Known as: El código del silencio, Killer & Baby-Faced Teen, Omerta (Nan Zha Zha Zi), Phép Tắc Câm Lặng, ความลับที่ไม่สามารถเอ่ยปากได้, 絶対契約～闇夜に溺れる, 오메르타 (남사사자)
14. Eren Xiang Yao Qiangjiu Yixia
A true villain needs to be ruthless, evil, and self-destructive! After torturing the protagonist to hell and back, they will exit the scene fabulously with a bang as their work is done. Wang Yi was determined to act that kind of villain. Unfortunately… His male lead could read minds. (:з)∠*)“You mongrel!” Mr. Yi chuckled as he looked down on the novel’s male lead.Suddenly, a thought bubble filled with cute emojis (⁄ ⁄ ⁄ω⁄ ⁄ ⁄) with the words “You’re so cute…” appeared in front of Qin.Qin: ?
I Want to Be a Big Baddie is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: I Have To Be A Great Villain, 我要当个大坏蛋, Wo Yao Dang Ge Da Huai Dan, The Wicked Want to Rescue, I Am Going to Be a Bastard, I Want to Be a Scoundrel, I'm Going to Be a Great Villain, I'm Going to Be a Villain, The Wicked Want to Rescue, The Wicked Wants to Rescue
13. Here U Are
Receiving the newcomers is a task for Yu Yang, and he ends up helping the unsociable and towering Li Huan, the kind of person that does everything to be disliked. But after better knowing each other, he discovers that the giant isn't that bad of a person at all...
Note: Includes 20 extra chapters.
Here U Are has finished publishing and it has 157 Chapters. It is also Known as: You are here, You're here
12. Boyfriends.
A comic about getting yourself a boyfriend... or multiple boyfriends! Four college students begin a polyamorous relationship and navigate the adventure that is their dating life!
Boyfriends. is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Boyfriends.
11. Koisuru (Otome) no Tsukurikata
A popular guy that's secretly interested in cosmetics asks to practice makeup on his dull childhood friend and he ends up looking cute?!
Koisuru (Otome) no Tsukurikata is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: 恋する（おとめ）の作り方, How to Make a "Girl" Fall in Love, I turned my childhood friend (♂) into a girl, Osananajimi(♂) wo Onnanoko ni Shiteshimatta Hanashi, Transformei meu amigo de infância (♂) em uma garota, Gue Mengubah Teman Masa Kecil (♂) Gue Jadi Cewek, Convertí a my amigo de la infancia (♂) en una chica
10. Inoue-kun Hajimemasen ka?
When Inoue’s asthma acts up on the first day of school, a boy named Karasuma helps him out. Inoue falls in love with him almost instantly, but Karasuma insists that he’s not interested in love. Inoue doesn’t give up and continues to ask him out at least three times a day. When Karasuma’s emotions get the best of him, Inoue mysteriously gets hurt by a mysterious breeze smashing a nearby window. But how could the sudden wind be Karasuma’s fault?
Wanna Try Dating Inoue? has finished publishing and it has 6 Chapters. It is also Known as: 井上くんはじめませんか?, Ookami-kun Hajimemashita, I Tried Dating Ookami
9. Mo Dao Zu Shi
As the grandmaster who founded demonic cultivation, 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 sects—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...
The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation has finished publishing and it has 127 Chapters. It is also Known as: The Founder of Diabolism
8. Monotone Blue
Hachi the cat finds most things monotonous, but at the top of his list is high school and all that comes with it. But when Aoi the lizard–a quiet, high-achieving transfer student–arrives, Hachi catches a glimpse of a brighter, more colorful life. If Hachi can help Aoi open up, unlocking new feelings in the process, maybe his life won’t be so bland, after all.
Monotone Blue has finished publishing and it has 9 Chapters. It is also Known as: モノトーン・ブルー, Monotone Blue
7. Iutjim Guild-won
After a stalking incident, Yoon Ji-gu has become understandably wary of strangers. So when an odd man moves in next door, he immediately suspects the worst. Little does he know, Yeowoon is just a regular guy trying to land a job and enjoy his free time—until he finds himself dealing with a hostile neighbor. As their real-life misunderstandings escalate, the two unknowingly team up in their favorite online game, forming an unexpected duo. Get ready to log in to a new adventure full of hilarious mix-ups, a distrustful tsundere, and an unwitting flirt with a heart of gold.
Note: Season 2 is rated R19
Virtual Strangers is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Guild Member Next Door, My Guildmate Next Door, Neighbor BF, 鄰居是公會成員, 隣のギルメン, 求饶不成就求婚, Vecinos Virtuales
6. Guang Xiang
A story about two youthful boys one named Yu Xiao Guang, the other named Lin Xiang who have to deal with the problems forced upon them by reality and their families.Through their tough teenage years, how will they console each other? What will be the true nature of their friendship? And what does the future hold for them?
Guang Xiang has finished publishing and it has 40 Chapters. It is also Known as: Guangxiang
5. Semantic Error
You're an error in my perfect world.
Sang-U Chu is a stickler for rules. So when his classmates free-ride on a group project, he doesn't credit them. But this prevents one senior, Jae-Yeong Jang, from graduating. And like oil and water, Sang-U and Jae-Yeong don't mix. Can Sang-U debug Jae-Yeong — a semantic error in his perfect life?
Note: Chapter count includes a Christmas Special.
Semantic Error has finished publishing and it has 94 Chapters. It is also Known as: Semantic Error
4. Cherry Blossoms After Winter
From living under the same roof to then being classmates?!
Ever since his parents passed away, Haebom has been living in Taesung’s house. And now, being a 12th grader, he enters the same class as Taesung, which makes the whole situation way more awkward. Living together 24/7, Taesung and Haebom's relationship is bound to change.
Note: Chapter count includes 19 epilogue and 10 bonus chapters
Cherry Blossoms After Winter has finished publishing and it has 156 Chapters. It is also Known as: 冬すぎて桜, 冬天之后的樱花, 冬日後的櫻花, Gyeoul Ji-na Beo-kkoch
3. The Atmosphere of the Novel Is in Crisis
I was transmigrated in a novel that was written by my older sister. But.. the atmosphere of the novel is a little strange?
After My older sister got in a car crash, I was granted an opportunity to fulfill one wish in honor of her good deeds.
So I chose to wish as the character my older sister cherished the most in a novel. But I then ended up possessing an antagonist named 'Satin', but the complications didn't stop there.. the main character 'Cain', the main protagonist who is a holy knight keeps interfering with me.
"Hey, why are you looking at me like that? It's giving me the creeps." "Satin, just don’t talk to me. You might as well just go die.
Even though I was not really a big fan of novels. I still tried to dig into the uncovered mysterious secrets of the novel, and play as the 'faithful villain'
But.. my relationship with Caine started to become deeper than anyone else's.. And now everything's spiraling out of control..!!
"Satin! I really thought you were dead... So, I was planning to kill everyone..." Kill? Seriously? Who would have thought that as a child, he was actually like a little kitten — who was feisty and stubborn?! This is really giving me a headache...
The Atmosphere of the Novel Is in Crisis is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Strange Atmosphere, The Atmosphere Has Frozen!, The Atmosphere of This Reincarnation Novel Is in Crisis, The Novel Has a Weird Atmosphere, The Novel Has a Weird Atmosphere.., The Novel Is In a Crisis!, The World of This Fantasy Novel Is in Crisis, 분위기가 얼어붙었어요!, 빙의한 소설의 분위기가 위기, 소설 분위기가 이상해요.., 소설이 위기에 처했다!, 이상한 분위기
2. Alice in Adultland
Experience in love zero! Engineering student Geonwoo, fell in love with the handsome Hyung at the Adult shop! Shameful! Embarrassing! But I like him so much! Will Geonwoo’s love be ok like this…!?
(Source Batoto)
Alice in Adultland has finished publishing and it has 43 Chapters. It is also Known as: Alice in Adultland
1. Boy Girlfriend
An idiot convinces his male childhood friend to dress up and act like his girlfriend so he’ll show his crush that he’s mature and cool
Boy Girlfriend is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Boy Girlfriend
