The best LGBTQ+ anime you should check out right now

Let’s be honest, LGBTQ+ representation can always be better, however there’s a growing amount of anime with strong queer characters and storylines.

You’ve got classic anime shows like Revolutionary Girl Utena, and more modern productions such as Yuri on Ice and Wandering Sun, that cover a wide variety of perspectives and backstories. They can provide solace for viewers who share similar circumstances, or teach you something about gender and sexuality you didn’t previously know.

Some use clever metaphors, others are more direct. Either way, like all the best anime, they give you something to think about.

Given how much is out there, we’ve made your choice a little easier by sifting through outdated concepts and problematic portrayals to find the greatest LGBTQ+ gems. So, no matter what viewing experience you’re after, from rom-coms to heartfelt love stories, these are the best anime LGBTQ+ relationships.

10. Banana Fish (2018)

A gang enforcer vacates his duties to figure out what’s going with a mysterious drug, eventually working with a young crime photographer. Their affection for each other is strong, though they never quite admit their true feelings.

What those feelings are is up for discussion, but Banana Fish’s subtle emotions sneak up on you. Unrequited love is something that haunts all of us in one way or another, and Akimi Yoshida summons a powerful ghost here.

9. Princess Knight (1967-1968)

Based on the classic 1950s manga by the legendary Osamu Tezuka, this groundbreaking series is a true classic.

It follows the life of Sapphire, a princess who was born with the pink heart of a girl and the blue heart of a boy because of a mischievous angel. She’s unable to take the throne because of this, even though her parents raised her as a boy to prevent an evil male prince from inheriting the throne.

The anime originally ran from 1967-1968, so some elements are definitely old hat. However, the classic Disney vibe holds strong, and Princess Knight remains historic in terms of how representation has evolved.

8. Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997)

In a universe of stirt gender hierarchy, Utena cuts through the system by beating all the men vying for the heart of Anthy Himemiya, and any other woman forced to be a bride. Over the course off the show, Utena and Anthy grow closer and closer, but the series resists becoming explicit.

As the title goes, this definitely sent shockwaves in the ’90s, and remains relevant today. Iconic, in every sense.

7. Wandering Son (2011)

Two young trans schoolmates, Shuichi Nitori and Yoshino Takatsuki, bond over navigating similar issues, while juggling education and social ills. Wandering Son is heartfelt, at times difficult, but absolutely crucial.

The writing and animation are soft and well-handled, giving us portraits of people who’re trying to figure out who they are, and how needlessly difficult that can be made. Truly vital.

6. Ranma 1/2 (1989)

Making your way in martial arts seems pretty tough, and Ranma has to do it while switching genders whenever they get hit with water of a certain temperature. Cold water, they become a girl, hot water then makes them a boy.

Each has their uses for certain scrapes, but the whole narrative makes for a comedic rundown of embracing both poles off the gender spectrum. Premiering in 1989, Ranma 1/2 still holds a lot of weight.

5. Stars Align (2019)

Written and directed by Kazuki Akane, who’s known for Code Geass: Akito the Exiled, Stars Align offers a fresh perspective on sports anime. It follows a mediocre middle school boys’ tennis team who are trying to win at least one match in a summer tournament.

The story goes beyond usual middle school anime series to examine the personal lives and relationships of each character, providing an example of how characters don’t need to be defined by being LGBTQ+, even if it’s an important part of their situation.

4. Yuri On Ice (2016)

Yuri On Ice is the 2016 anime that put MAPPA on the world stage. The plot revolves around a young Japanese figure skater called Yuri Katsuki (and let me tell you, he’s no Yuzuru Hanyu), and a bored Russian champion, Victor Nikiforov.

Enter the dramatic, colorful and stunningly beautiful world of figure skating. Over the course of 12 episodes, Yuri and Victor’s rocky relationship transforms into a tender romance. If you’re after something intimate without the explicit scenes that often come in the Yaoi genre, then this is a must-watch.

3. Bloom Into You (2018)

Bloom Into You follows an unexpected high school romance between two girls, Touko and Yuu. Initially starting out as a friendship, their relationship gradually becomes something more – it’s a tried and tested formula that always hits homes.

From Yuu’s initial confusion to the importance of their friendships, the anime provides a realistic portrayal of two teenagers exploring their sexuality and discovering what it means to fall in love.

2. Sasaki and Miyano (2022)

The most modern entry on our list to date, Sasaki and Miyano made waves upon release in 2022 for just how sweet and well-constructed a love story it is. Not dissimilar to Heartstopper on Netflix, it concerns the titular schoolboys as they fall in love.

But besides their blossoming romance, you get an examination of the fixations young gay men have during a time when they’re figuring themselves out. It’s just lovely, in every sense.

1. Given (2019)

Based on Natsuki Kizu’s manga of the same name, Given follows two high-school students, Ritsuka Uenoyama and Mafuyu Sato, who form a band. Their relationship begins when Ritsuka reluctantly gives Mafuyu guitar lessons and discovers that he has an amazing singing voice.

Given took the anime world by storm when it debuted in 2019. With a gorgeous music score, subtle but realistic portrayal of a gay romance, and heartfelt emotional scenes, this anime will bring a tear to the eye of any viewer.

Those are the best LGBTQ+ anime you can check out right now. Keep an eye on our upcoming anime list for more queer storytelling that might be on the way, and we have lists of the best anime like Solo Leveling and best anime movies for more fine viewing options.