When it comes to BL anime on Netflix, there are so many great shows to discover! BL anime tells stories about romantic relationships between boys or men. Lately, BL anime has become very popular. More and more people are watching these romantic and heartfelt shows on streaming sites like Netflix.
In this blog, I want to tell you all about the top BL anime that you can find on Netflix right now. Whether you already love the BL genre or you’re brand new to it, I’ll recommend some of the best BL anime on Netflix.
Get ready to explore the world of BL anime. We’ll learn about some series that have touching love stories and others with coming-of-age tales.
So grab your snacks, get cozy, and let’s start this journey into the very best BL anime that you can watch on Netflix today!
Understanding BL Anime
When people talk about “BL anime,” they’re referring to a genre all about romantic relationships between boys or men. BL stands for “Boys’ Love.” These anime series show guys falling for each other and navigating life and love.
BL anime covers many genres, from lighthearted romantic comedies to more serious action and drama. But they all focus on the relationships between male characters. Common themes you’ll see are first loves, self-discovery, and overcoming obstacles to be together.
Many BL anime are made mainly for girls and women to enjoy. The relationships are idealized in a way that appeals to female viewers. That’s why lots of BL anime have huge female fanbases.
The main challenge with BL shows is that there aren’t nearly as many as there are series with male and female couples. So at times, finding good BL anime can be tricky, especially on streaming platforms. But once you discover them, BL anime tell beautiful and moving stories that stay with you.
Top 11 BL Anime on Netflix
Now let’s dive into the most popular and best BL anime on Netflix! I picked my absolute favorites to share with you.
These amazing BL series have touching tales about boys falling for each other. You’ll fall for the characters too! Get ready for funny moments, deep talks, brave choices, and so many feelings.
So get snacks, grab tissues just in case, snuggle your pets, and put on your comfiest clothes before streaming these awesome BL Netflix picks!
1. Yuri!!! On Ice
Yuri!!! On Ice follows the story of Yuri Katsuki, a figure skater ready to give up on his dream of winning. But when champion skater Victor Nikiforov becomes his coach, it helps Yuri find his confidence.
As Yuri prepares for the biggest skating competition ever, he and Victor start developing feelings for each other. Their relationship goes from student and teacher to close friends to romantic partners.
This popular sports anime is all about chasing your dreams and never giving up. It also has a refreshing BL storyline between two male skaters. Many fans loved finally seeing a BL couple in sports anime.
People in different areas of the world can now watch Yuri and Victor’s sweet love story on Netflix.
2. Given
Given is a music anime that also has some beautiful BL romance. It’s about a few high school guys who form a band and fall for each other through their shared love of music.
The main character, Ritsuka, starts playing guitar to process grief over losing his mother. That’s when he meets Mafuyu, a singer who’s working through trauma of his own. Though shy at first, jam sessions bring them closer together into a sweet relationship.
Two other bandmates, Haruki and Akihiko, have a complicated long-term connection full of ups and downs. Given explores both these relationships with sensitivity and heart.
Fans say Given has some of the best depictions of BL couples in recent anime. The characters feel very real, and you get drawn into their stories. Sadly, this top-notch BL series is only on Netflix in certain Asian countries right now. But hopefully it will be available in more places soon!
3. Heaven’s Official Blessing
Heaven’s Official Blessing is a Chinese BL anime, or Donghua, with some really cool animation. It tells the story of two male gods who go from enemies to lovers.
Xie Lian was once a powerful god, but he lost his status and followers. Hua Cheng is a mysterious and secretive Ghost King who reaches out to help Xie Lian regain his divinity. Though very different, they start having feelings for each other during this process.
Their romance faces challenges, as Xie Lian does not trust easily after being hurt. But Hua Cheng proves his loyalty and love through grand romantic gestures to earn Xie Lian’s heart.
Fans of Chinese anime, fantasy stories, and BL should check out this magical series on Netflix. The beautiful animated world and one-of-a-kind relationship make it a must-see BL anime on Netflix in countries across North America, Europe, and Asia.
4. The Stranger by the Beach
The Stranger by the Beach is a romantic BL anime movie that fans absolutely love. It’s based on a popular manga series called “Stranger Series.”
The movie follows two guys – serious writer Shun, and carefree wanderer Mio. They meet randomly on a beach one night and start a conversation that soon turns flirty. Though very different, Mio’s outgoing charm draws the reserved Shun out of his shell.
Over time, their beachside meetings start to feel like secret dates. Both guys long to get closer but have fears holding them back. Will these strangers take the leap to turn their special bond into a romance?
Fans say this tender BL anime is full of longing and connection tugs right at your heart. Unfortunately, The Stranger by the Beach is hard to find on major streaming platforms.
Currently, the movie is only available on Netflix in Japan and South Korea due to distribution restrictions.
5. Love Stage!!
Love Stage!! is a funny and sweet BL anime about a boy named Izumi who comes from a family of celebrities. But shy Izumi wants to be a manga artist, not a performer.
When Izumi gets mistaken for a girl and asked to do a commercial again 10 years later, that’s where the trouble begins. The former co-star who Izumi reunites with for the ad is a handsome guy named Ryōma. He’s had a crush on Izumi since their first shoot thinking Izumi was a girl.
There’s lots of silly mix-ups around Izumi’s gender identity and appearance. But it also leads Ryouma to confess his feelings, and Izumi realizes he may like Ryouma too. Should he give romance a try?
This amusing BL anime looks at both comedy around gender as well as the sweetness of first love. Fans worldwide can check out Izumi and Ryouma’s antics now on Netflix. It’s streaming on the service across North and South America, Europe, and Australia.
6. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
You might be surprised to learn the super popular anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has some LGBTQ characters too. Though mainly an action series about the Joestar family fighting evil with cool psychic powers, there are some touches of BL.
For example, the villain Dio Brando has had romantic relationships with both male and female characters in the past. Some of the heroes like Kakyoin also hint at having feelings for their own gender.
While it’s not the main focus, fans say it’s nice to get LGBTQ representation in one of the most famous battle mangas and animes ever made. The creator doesn’t shy away from showing attraction between the same gender.
If you want to check out the drama and excitement of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, you can now find most seasons streaming on Netflix.
7. Neon Genesis Evangelion
The sci-fi anime Neon Genesis Evangelion has some intense action, cool mechas, and also one very popular BL romance.
Shinji is the main character who often feels very sad and alone. But then he becomes close friends with Kaworu Nagisa. Kaworu makes Shinji feel cared about, maybe for the first time ever. Fans can tell they like each other as more than friends!
Fans of the couple gave them the nickname “KawoShin.” This mixes together part of each of their names – Kaworu and Shinji. Although they don’t get a ton of screen time together, KawoShin makes a big impact on viewers. Their relationship shows how love can help you through hard times.
Any fans of this classic anime can now watch it on Netflix. It’s available to stream in countries across North and South America.
8. Ouran Highschool Host Club
Ouran Highschool Host Club is a funny anime that also has some nice BL moments between characters. It’s about a girl named Haruhi who joins an after-school group of super-handsome male students who entertain girls at their school.
Haruhi needs a job to pay off a debt, so she starts pretending to be a boy to work with the Host Club. This leads to silly situations and disguise mix-ups. Although mainly light comedy, fans notice affection brewing between some club members too.
For example, Host Club leaders Tamaki and Kyoya have an especially tight bond and friendship that could be something more. Fans enjoy reading into moments the two boys share on screen.
In terms of where you can stream this quirky, funny show, Ouran Highschool Host Club is now on Netflix in India and several countries across South America. Check it out for both humor and hints of budding BL relationships!
9. Banana Fish
Banana Fish is a more serious BL crime drama about a teen named Ash who wants to solve his brother’s murder. While dealing with dangerous gangs and secrets, he meets Eiji, a kind Japanese boy who becomes his closest friend.
Over time, Eiji and Ash develop a strong, loving bond as they endure scary situations together. Ash finds hope and comfort in his relationship with Eiji. And fans pick up on the signs that their friendship is likely growing into romance as well.
Banana Fish deals with some heavy topics like trauma and violence. But seeing Eiji and Ash find understanding through everything makes many fans emotional in the best way.
While popular across the world, Banana Fish is harder to find legally on major streaming platforms due to licensing rules. For now, this moving BL crime anime is only available on Netflix Japan. Fans elsewhere hope Netflix will get the rights to stream the show soon!
10. Devilman Crybaby
Devilman Crybaby is an intense anime about demons taking over the world. The main character Akira gets special powers to fight evil spirits possessing humans. Some fans might not realize this dark series also has some BL characters too.
For example, Akira’s mysterious friend Ryo seems to have deeper feelings and care for Akira beyond regular friendship. And characters like the psychic Miki show attraction to the same gender as well during the series.
So along with all the crazy demon battles, Devilman Crybaby hints that some characters are likely gay, bi, or queer in other ways. It’s subtle but makes fans happy to get LGBTQ representation in one of the most popular current anime hits.
Due to graphic content, Devilman Crybaby is rated TV-MA. But mature BL anime fans can stream the gritty and sometimes surprising love stories on Netflix in most countries across the Americas, Europe, and Asia right now.
11. Tiger & Bunny
For anime fans who like superheroes and hints of romance, there’s a show called Tiger & Bunny you should check out. It takes place in a city where heroes compete on TV to stop bad guys. But the heroes don’t always get along.
Wild Tiger has fire superpowers. Barnaby Brook Jr. has ice powers. Though they start out as rivals, Tiger and Bunny soon become trusted partners. They learn to work together to defeat stronger villains.
Over time, it becomes clear Tiger and Bunny care a lot about each other. They become very close friends. Some fans pick up subtle signs their bond goes deeper into crush territory as well!
This action-packed anime keeps you on your toes with cool hero powers and battles. Watch to also catch the little BL moments between Tiger and Bunny airing on Netflix now in India, the US, Japan, France, and other countries worldwide!
Getting More BL Anime on Netflix
Netflix doesn’t have every BL anime series worldwide. Certain shows are only on Netflix in some countries based on distribution rights. This can be disappointing if a great BL anime isn’t available in your area!
The rules about streaming shows only in select regions are complicated. But the basics are that Netflix has to buy rights country-by-country for each series. Not all BL anime are licensed everywhere yet.
The good news is there are still ways to access the great BL content only different regions get. Using a VPN service lets you safely view Netflix libraries from other places. Another option is to use websites to download your favorite BL anime that aren’t on your Netflix.
While waiting patiently for all BL anime to someday be global, fans worldwide don’t have to miss out. With a few easy tools, any BL stories not in your country can be unlocked for your viewing pleasure!
Loving BL Anime on Netflix
I hope reading about these amazing BL anime series makes you want to watch them on Netflix right away! It’s so great that stories about all kinds of relationships are becoming popular entertainment.
Series like Yuri on Ice, Given, and Banana Fish let viewers explore romance stories they can relate to, no matter their gender identity or who they love in real life. Having LGBTQ characters today also helps teach acceptance tomorrow.
While BL anime availability still varies by country, the future looks bright for even more inclusive shows everywhere. As time goes by, I believe more countries will share all the same wonderful BL anime on Netflix worldwide.
For now, use VPNs if you need to so you can enjoy the beautiful BL anime stories waiting for you out there! Having so many cultures and experiences reflected on screen makes the world better for everyone.
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