Summary
Romanceanimeare some of the most beautifully written stories that take fans all over the world on a journey of the heart. Love is a precious thing, and when packaged neatly in a well-paced anime, it leaves a lasting impression on viewers.
However, love can accompany many other genres in anime, from adventure to science fiction and even horror and. Stories that combine an incredible adventure with a beautiful romances are among the best anime of all time. In honor of Pride Month, here are some ofthe best BL anime series with great stories that extend beyond romance.
8Tokyo Babylon
A Supernatural Mystery Series
Tokyo Babylonis a classic series that revolves around Subaru Sumeragi and his supernatural adventures. Subaru is the heir to a prominent clan known as an Onmyoji that deals with exorcisms. Subaru takes cases from people in need, facing off against evil spirits and demonic entities.
Subaru travels alongside his sister and has a romantic subplot with an enigmatic veterinarian named Seishirou Sakurazuka, who has a sinister aura about him.The brilliant animators atCLAMP Studios createdTokyo Babylon,and it takes place in the same universe asX(1999) andX/Zero(the Series).
7Loveless
A Combination Of Fantasy And Emotional Trauma
Lovelessfollows a dark and mysterious supernatural story filled with grief, love, and manipulation. The world ofLovelesscenters around pairs, or partners, who engage in battles where one takes the damage while the other fights on the frontline. Additionally, the story features animorphic hybrids, born with cat ears and a tail that signifies virginity.
The story follows young Ritsuka, who takes it upon himself to uncover the reason behind his brother’s death. This leads him down a perilous path where he becomes entangled with a mysterious man who knew his brother, Soubi Agatsuma, and the two become battle partners, sparking an extremely volatile relationship.
No. 6takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting following a violent war that scarred the world forever. Humanity now resides within six cities that have been forged to be perfect and self-sufficient.
The story focuses on Shion, who has lived a privileged life within City Number Six his entire life. His world is turned upside down when he comes across a young boy named Nezumi and becomes a target for the authorities, who seek to catch Nezumi before he tears down the lie of the perfect world that has been built. Shion and Nezumi grow close to one another as they go on the run and fight for the truth.
Yuri on Icerevolves around the niche sport of competitive figure skating. The series focuses explicitly on Yuri Katsuki, a prominent skater who suffers a soul-crushing defeat during a tournament. Having lost his way, Yuri encounters Victor Nikiforov, a former star athlete who has been moved by Yuri’s performance and wants to see him return to the ice.
In a challenging effort, Victor trains Yuri and helps him overcome his slump, enabling him to continue competing. Over time, love blossoms, but the series explores the competitive nature of ice skating and the drive required to pursue one’s dreams.
4Mirage Of Blaze
A Supernatural Adventure With Inclusive Themes
Takaya was trying to live an average life until he and his friends came under threat because he was a Possessor. Possessors are reincarnations of powerful individuals, and Takya is the reincarnation of a powerful lord from his past life. Joined by Nobutsuna, Takya becomes aware of his importance.
Driven by fear for the lives of his friends, he decides to trust Nobutsuna. Takaya chooses to learn more about his past and train the power surging inside of him.Mirage of Blazeis not entirely focused on theboys love aspect of the story, but it is widely regarded as having significantly influenced the genre.
Banana Fishis a dark and gritty drama series thatfocuses on gang life, abuse, and violence. Ash Lynx has pulled himself out of the gutter and become one of the smartest and youngest gang leaders in New York City. In a chance encounter, Ash has a run-in with an injured man who utters the dying words “Banana Fish,” just like his late brother.
Ash begins to tug on a loose string that leads him and his new ally, Eiji, on a dive into the dangerous and corrupt world of military secrets. Along the way, Eiji and Ash become emotionally dependent on one another, and as they come to rely on each other, deeper feelings develop.
Givenis a beautifully told story that takes a hard look at mental health and how trauma can dictate a once-prominent life and turn it into a tragic existence. Maofumi is a young high school student who is dealing with the loss of his first love due to suicide.
Emotionally unwell, he is caught between the guilt of moving on and the despair of remembering. After meeting Ritsuka and hearing him play the guitar, Maofumi takes his first step toward growth and finds a way to express his feelings, hopefully discovering new love waiting for him at the end of the tunnel.
The Ministry of Hades employs Guardians of Death to guide the deceased safely to the afterlife, until this procedure comes under threat from a sadistic doctor. Tsuzuki Asato is a Guardian of Death who, along with his prodigy partner, Hisoka, investigates natural deaths that tie back to evil spirits or forbidden magic.
Facing danger at every turn, Asato and Hisoka dive deep into the source of twisted deaths to try and get to the bottom of the abuse of life while seeking to heal their own trauma at the same time.Decendants of Darknessfocuses on thesupernatural elementbut has strong emotional relationships between multiple male characters.
