GL/Yuri anime that isn’t bait
Anime
NOTICE: Part 2 coming soon! The list is at 50 titles right now and 50 is the maximum MAL will allow in one stack. Once it goes over 50, I will be moving some of the titles which I feel are a little less overtly “yuri” (but still worth watching!) to my second list. I’m really happy that this genre has grown so much in the past few years since I started making this list. We’ve come a long way.
The yuri anime genre unfortunately has a reputation for creating relationships between female characters that are incredibly ambiguous. This is a list of anime in which the romantic/sexual relationship between the two girls is very clear (and not one-sided). The girls in question should be major characters and their relationship should be one of if not the biggest driving point(s) of the show. No hentai titles, as adding even one would get the whole list marked nsfw. Some representation on this list is better than others, and I have provided an opinion under each title.
I would like to continue growing this list, so if I am missing one that you think fits the above criteria, please message me! Thank you.
And no, Gushing over Magical girls is not on here. I do not feel comfortable recommending it to anyone.
The yuri anime genre unfortunately has a reputation for creating relationships between female characters that are incredibly ambiguous. This is a list of anime in which the romantic/sexual relationship between the two girls is very clear (and not one-sided). The girls in question should be major characters and their relationship should be one of if not the biggest driving point(s) of the show. No hentai titles, as adding even one would get the whole list marked nsfw. Some representation on this list is better than others, and I have provided an opinion under each title.
I would like to continue growing this list, so if I am missing one that you think fits the above criteria, please message me! Thank you.
And no, Gushing over Magical girls is not on here. I do not feel comfortable recommending it to anyone.
Watashi no Oshi wa Akuyaku Reijou.
I'm in Love with the Villainess
TV, 2023,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:10
Just came out last year. This is a must-watch. It is the most straightforward, in-your-face yuri anime that I have ever watched, and does not shy away from actually discussing queer issues. The main couple in this anime has amazing chemistry together. Pick up the light novels afterward. Available on Crunchyroll.
Yagate Kimi ni Naru
Bloom Into You
TV, 2018,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:8
When I first watched this one I was disappointed because there was a lot of hype surrounding it but it left off at an inconclusive point and didn’t really do much for me. However, I recently read the manga (which is completed) and I absolutely do not regret it. One of the best romance stories I’ve seen or read, ever. If you are into yuri (and even if you aren’t), definitely watch and more importantly read this one. Available on HiDive.
Tensei Oujo to Tensai Reijou no Mahou Kakumei
The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady
TV, 2023,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Very strong and healthy representation, especially considering it’s an isekai, which tend to not be very good nowadays. There are some issues with the pacing in my personal opinion as 3 novels were condensed into 12 episodes, but I definitely recommend this one! Available on Crunchyroll and YouTube. Here’s the official YouTube link https://youtu.be/LCg8T0OJ8rg?si=gxKSzzCctkfZQBqG
Asagao to Kase-san.
Kase-san and Morning Glories
OVA, 2018,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:9
Cuteness and wholesomeness overload. Sadly just one OVA and a music video. Based on a yuri manga. Highly recommend. Available on HiDive.
TV, 2006,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:9
HIGHLY recommend this one if you’re into fantasy. It’s one of my favorites and I’m genuinely annoyed by how underrated it is. The art style is kinda bad but the world building, character development and character dynamics are beautiful. The first five or six episodes are a bit rough though.
TV, 2015,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
This one was a whole acid trip. Lots of symbolism, lots of surrealism and lots of crazy drama. The show addresses a lot of the issues that lesbians face in Japanese society in pretty unconventional ways. It’s not for everyone but it’s one of my personal favorites. Available on Funimation
TV, 2014,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Cuteness without much substance. However, it’s cute and wholesome and that’s what matters. Watch if you want a feel-good anime to turn your brain off to. Available on HiDive
TV, 2018,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
This one was pretty notorious in the larger anime community a few years ago. Lots of juicy drama, interesting characters and great art, but the way it handles themes of SA is not the best. Plus the two leads are step-siblings and that is a pretty controversial theme. Most people who watch this either love it or hate it. For me, it was just “ok”.
Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation and YouTube. Here is a link to the official YouTube version https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxSscENEp7Jg4IP_nznPuJptBvNyXhZsc&si=Q5jhzRI4LD_5A-7I
Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation and YouTube. Here is a link to the official YouTube version https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxSscENEp7Jg4IP_nznPuJptBvNyXhZsc&si=Q5jhzRI4LD_5A-7I
Shoujo Kakumei Utena: Adolescence Mokushiroku
Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Adolescence of Utena
Movie, 1999,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:7
Watch the original anime first— the movie is hard to understand without doing so. The original only has yuri as a secondary focus and there are a lot of annoying male characters but it’s one of my all time favorite anime shows and is an amazing critique on gender/sexual norms and how they impact the lives of young people.
The movie itself is not as good (and twice as confusing) as the original show but the yuri takes the front seat in this one. TV show Available on Crunchyroll, movie on PlutoTV. Both on Funimation.
The movie itself is not as good (and twice as confusing) as the original show but the yuri takes the front seat in this one. TV show Available on Crunchyroll, movie on PlutoTV. Both on Funimation.
Sasameki Koto
Whispered Words
TV, 2009,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Cute, funny, painfully relatable but very slow burn and doesn’t really go anywhere in the adaptation. Check out the manga if you want the full story.
Adachi to Shimamura
Adachi and Shimamura
TV, 2020,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Again, cute, funny and painfully relatable. Based on a light novel series that’s nearly finished. Things don’t go very far in the anime so I recommend checking out the light novels afterward. Available on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
Aoi Hana
Sweet Blue Flowers
TV, 2009,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:6
Great if you want a mature romance that deals with lesbian relationships in a realistic manner. For me, it was so slow-burn as to be aggravating during some parts. It felt like a whole 3 or 4 episodes were dedicated to one of the supporting characters’ unrequited crush on her male teacher. I’ve heard things actually go somewhere in the manga though, so there’s that at least. Available on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
Sasayaku You ni Koi wo Utau
Whisper Me a Love Song
TV, 2024,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
This one had some pretty major production issues and the last two episodes were delayed for half a year (all the animation staff walked out midway through production due to horrible working conditions and they had to change studios) but the story itself is very cute and the characters are loveable. Plus one for arospec representation. The animation is good at times, but very rushed and lacking/subpar at others. If you don’t mind inconsistent animation I would recommend this one, if that’s something you can’t look past I suggest reading the manga instead. Available on HiDive.
TV, 2006,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:6
This one was… okay in my opinion. Lots of juicy schoolgirl drama and cute romance but I really wish the ending was different. The two main characters are kind of insufferable to me. Available on Crunchyroll and Tubi.
Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl
Girl Meets Girl
TV, 2006,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
This is TS yuri (Transsexual yuri). Usually I wouldn’t include this type of thing (most TS yuri caters to fetish rather than actual trans rep) but the transsexual character in question seems happier as a girl than she did as a boy, and fans think that she may have had gender dysphoria all along and is a trans lesbian. The writing isn’t that great and there are some characters who do questionable things but overall it’s pretty cute and worth giving a go.
Kannazuki no Miko
Destiny of the Shrine Maiden
TV, 2004,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:6
This one was weird but decent. There’s one r*pe scene so trigger warning— I swear it’s important to the plot though, even if not handled very well. Available on YouTube (for the time being).
ONA, 2008,
7 eps
Me:-
Author:6
Incest warning: two sisters. However, it’s unexpectedly wholesome and sweet for being an incest anime. If you can look past the incest part, I recommend watching it. Available on YouTube (for the time being, at least)
Tachibanakan Triangle
Love To-LIE-Angle
TV, 2018,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:5
I don’t remember much about this one. It’s a silly yuri harem show with a bit of ecchi sprinkled in there. It’s only 3 minutes per episode, you could probably watch the whole thing in half an hour. Available on Crunchyroll.
TV, 2015,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Boobs and seggs and moans and action. It’s a wonder that this escaped being labeled as a hentai. Recommend if you want to see ladies with big boobs fighting each other and turning each other into weapons by doing the deed. It’s an ecchi and very male-gaze oriented but still fun. Available on Crunchyroll and Tubi.
Movie, 2019,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:6
This was a whole mess, and I enjoyed it. Girl can stop time, other girl can move within stopped time. As a fan of a particular anime that shall not be named the mere premise made me look past its many faults. Messed up characters and mediocre writing but hey, we’ll take what we can get.
Movie, 2021,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:7
This is the first part of an indie mecha yuri series by animation student AsH (YouTube channel here https://youtube.com/@-ash2862?si=wamSktGgfAmB36e-), and essentially a one man project. The second and third parts are called Penetrate Blue and Wasure Hoshi no Volicia (as of may 2025, Volicia has a part 2 which just released in Japanese theaters), and each 20-30 minute episode functions as its own separate story. While the second story is mainly subtext, the first and third and both pretty much explicitly romantic. The first is on YouTube English subbed for free but with the second and third episodes, viewing options are limited.
TV, 2009,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:6
Two of the main cast are dating and their relationship is super adorable and wholesome. There is one other character who is a drunken p*dophile however, and her antics are a little uncomfortable to watch. Available on HiDive.
Geu Yeoreum
The Summer
ONA, 2021,
7 eps
Me:-
Author:8
This one is aeni (korean animation, for those unaware) and was pretty much impossible to watch English subbed until recently when a movie version came out, got unofficially translated and uploaded to various websites. There are a couple versions on YouTube as of right now. The movie itself is a very realistic depiction of the relationship struggles and judgement from society one young couple has to face as they move from high school to college, without any of the typical “anime” embellishments that stories of its type usually get. It’s kind of refreshing.
Hina Logi: From Luck & Logic
Hina Logic – from Luck & Logic
TV, 2017,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:6
This one starts slowly and not much happens in the beginning but the last two episodes really pay off. The main couple just about gave me diabetes. Available on Crunchyroll and YouTube (Link Here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwLSw1_eDZl12grj-StM5rf3UOWjX_ZCg&si=OJOtNY8FTVQDCSat)
TV, 2017,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Two major characters are very obviously dating/into each other and everyone else is gay coded. Very cute, relaxing and heartwarming show. Available on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
Ninja to Koroshiya no Futarigurashi
A Ninja and an Assassin Under One Roof
TV, 2025,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
The two lead characters have a slow burn romance going on, while two of the supporting cast are married and allude to it very frequently. Available on crunchyroll
Watashi no Yuri wa Oshigoto desu!
Yuri is My Job!
TV, 2023,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:6
Chock-full of drama that sometimes makes you want to pull your hair out. Most of the characters are interesting psychologically but not exactly likeable. It was a fun watch though even if a little bit problematic (LOTS of emotional manipulation going on). I still recommend it since the characters do grow and change as the story progresses but I know some people could find it uncomfortable to watch. Available on Crunchyroll.
VTuber Nandaga Haishin Kiri Wasuretara Densetsu ni Natteta
VTuber Legend: How I Went Viral after Forgetting to Turn Off My Stream
TV, 2024,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Everyone is blatantly gay and horny for each other. Nobody gets together as of what’s been adapted but later on in the LN two of the main cast do officially become a couple. As a bonus, they’re all adults (thought it’s kind of sad that this aspect stands out within the genre enough to be worth mentioning… Japan please give us more yuri that doesn’t take place in high school please please)
Urasekai Picnic
Otherside Picnic
TV, 2021,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:6
Nothing really big has happened yet in terms of yuri but it’s based on a yuri light novel. I’ve heard the LN is a lot better than the anime. Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation and YouTube (link here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmQJyfHFUpd6iUvbTBPFhyVac6kPyFTRi&si=Ac7l1SD3n7oB71QB)
Blue Drop: Tenshi-tachi no Gikyoku
Blue Drop
TV, 2007,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:5
Melodramatic and sad sci-fi yuri. Not that memorable but worth a watch.
Movie, 2015,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:6
Dystopian sci-fi movie where the main character has a yuri love interest, however it is only shown in flashbacks throughout the majority of the film. Still adding it because the relationship is one of the central points of the story (though the romance aspect is only shown in passing rather than talked about in detail). It’s a pretty heavy and dark film though so don’t go into this one expecting a fluffy, feel-good romance.
TV, 2012,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:6
This is a weird ecchi-ish anime without plot. Give it a go if you must.
Netsuzou TRap
Netsuzou Trap -NTR-
TV, 2017,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:4
This one is kinda r*pey and not for everyone. A few scenes made me uncomfortable. Half of the characters are trash human beings and not likeable in the slightest. The one thing it does well, however, is its depiction of coming to terms with being a lesbian. Available on Crunchyroll.
OVA, 2010,
2 eps
Me:-
Author:3
This one is r*pey and just bad all around. Can’t recommend it unless you are on a quest to watch every yuri anime in existence like I was when I watched it. I think it’s available on YouTube for the time being.
Maria-sama ga Miteru
Maria Watches Over Us
TV, 2004,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:6
The most prominent example of a “class S” anime— a trope where girls in high school develop “romantic friendships” but are expected to “move on to the real world and get a man” once they get older. I’m still putting it here because it’s such an important piece in the history of yuri, and there’s no doubt that genuine romantic attraction exists between a few of the characters. Available on HiDive.
TV, 2016,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:9
On the surface this one may seem like bait but this is the one “subtext” anime I decided to include purely because of how strong and obvious the subtext is. A couple of episodes deliberately subvert and critique “class S” tropes such as those in MariMite, and if that doesn’t mean Cocona and Papika are gay then the moon isn’t real either. Available on HiDive.
Kidou Senshi Gundam: Suisei no Majo
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury
TV, 2022,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
The yuri starts out as being transactional, an arranged marriage, but it grows into true romance over time. There are some male “crushes” in there, but nothing actually happens with them and the yuri relationship is the main romance of the story. Available on Crunchyroll and YouTube (playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJV1h9xQ7Hx-MSngXeq-sRbelh5zCVRNI&si=Gty92FiuU9OeaVoX)
Yuru Yuri♪♪
YuruYuri: Happy Go Lily ♪♪
TV, 2012,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
This is another yuri anime where I wouldn’t usually include titles of its sort, as the feelings are mostly one-sided and the yuri is played almost entirely for comedic purposes. However, I am making an exception as the yuri is basically what defines the show. The characters are lovable, the shippings are everywhere and explicitly mentioned in canon (a couple of the characters are shippers themselves!) and the show itself is so cute and funny that I just have to recommend it. Another one of my favorites. Available on Crunchyroll.
Oshi ga Budoukan Ittekuretara Shinu
If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die
TV, 2020,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
I wish more of this would get adapted. Cute and funny take on idol and otaku culture. All of the relationships depicted in this show are adorable. However, the main relationship does not progress much as far as the anime adaptation goes. Available on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
TV, 2014,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Cute and silly little show that relies heavily on stereotypes and tropes but is self-aware and still fun. There is definite romantic attraction between the two leads that (almost) goes somewhere at the end. The manga probably has more content. Episodes are 3 mins long. Available on Crunchyroll.
Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito
Yamibo: Darkness, The Hat and the Travelers of the Books
TV, 2003,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:6
This was another acid trip. Don’t remember the details all that well as I watched it while recovering from a pretty bad concussion. It was definitely gay, though. Available on Crunchyroll and Tubi.
Akuma no Riddle
Riddle Story of Devil
TV, 2014,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:6
Anime is gay. Manga is gayer. Yes, there are canon relationships. Unfortunately a lot of the more explicitly romantic content was cut from the show, but I can assure you that what you are watching is gay gay gay. Available on funimation and YouTube (Link Here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwLSw1_eDZl2GuaYah2DPB0cUq-KOb2ba&si=cY7B37K9fhDAg8TC)
TV, 2016,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Another rare all-adult cast “cute girls” anime with canon yuri. There is a couple that gets heavily ship teased throughout the anime/manga, and gets married at the end of the manga. Available on crunchyroll
Shokei Shoujo no Virgin Road
The Executioner and Her Way of Life
TV, 2022,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:6
There haven’t been any explicit romantic implications as of yet in the adaptation, but it’s based on a yuri LN. Might take this off the list because according to what I know about the LNs their relationship is staying in the subtext area even though the series is about to end. Available on HiDive.
Watashi ga Koibito ni Nareru Wake Nai jan, Muri Muri! (※Muri ja Nakatta!?)
There's No Freaking Way I'll be Your Lover! Unless...
TV, 2025,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Currently airing, I will watch it when it finished. Based on a very popular yuri manga
Watashi wo Tabetai, Hitodenashi
This Monster Wants to Eat Me
TV, 2025,
? eps
Me:-
Author:-
I’m not sure what to expect from this one, but it’s definitely got a lot of hype. Fall 2025
TV, 2026,
? eps
Me:-
Author:-
Ecchi yuri starring actual adults? No way!! Coming 2026
Kimi ga Shinu made Koi wo Shitai
I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day
TV, -,
? eps
Me:-
Author:-
PV is out now and it doesn’t hold back at all. Release date unconfirmed.
-, -,
? eps
Me:-
Author:-
This is the “Green Yuri” that everyone is getting really hyped about. I haven’t read the manga, but I hear it’s peak fiction. Release date unconfirmed.
TV, -,
? eps
Me:-
Author:-
Upcoming. Date unconfirmed. It’s supposed to be really sweet.
