18 Best LGTBQ+ Anime Movies & TV Shows, Ranked

While love that transgresses the rigid barriers of gender should be acknowledged every day, June is the official month celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in multitudinous ways. Also known as Pride Month, the interval is consolidated for commemorating the hard struggles the LGBTQ+ community has experienced in their fight for equal rights, as well as spotlighting diverse people who felt great pride in their true sexual identities.

Every month of the year, not just June, should be a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ diversity because this genre not only educates people but also provides a platform for community members to feel acknowledged, listened to, and represented. Many significant films and TV series, be it Hollywood or world cinema, surrounding the LGBTQ+ community have been produced. Anime is no exception. In order to celebrate love without boundaries, here are some anime TV shows and movies for fans to consider adding to their watchlist.

18 'The Stranger by the Shore' (2020)

Directed by Akiyo Oohashi

Anime fans are invited to step into the serene world of The Stranger by the Shore, also known as Umibe no Étranger. This enchanting LGBTQ+ animated film takes viewers on the heartfelt journey of Shun (Taishi Murata), a gay writer who has found peace in the quiet life of a small island village. He takes shelter in the village after vehemently refusing an arranged marriage, where he meets a charming young man named Mio (Yoshitsugu Matsuoka).

The honest and sensitive portrayal of queer love is what makes The Stranger by The Shore a must-watch LGBTQ+ anime. Unlike other anime, it fearlessly showcases what queer individuals face in their day-to-day lives, including the prejudice and stigma from other people. What’s more, the movie pushes its authenticity further by presenting love scenes that are tender, respectful, and sensual. – Jom Elauria

Watch on Crunchyroll

17 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' (2011)

Directed by Akiyuki Shinbô

Puella Magi Madoka Magica takes the traditional shojo genre (also known as the magical girl genre in anime) and turns it on its head. In it, a middle school girl named Madoka Kaname (Aoi Yūki) and her newfound friend Homura Akemi (Chiwa Saitô) become magical girls after making a deal with a mysterious creature Kyubey. However, the two soon discover that the magical life they desire isn’t what they imagined, as they’re now forced to fight witches.

What sets Puella Magi Madoka Magica apart is its willingness to subvert typical genre conventions. The relationship between Madoka and Homura is an understated sapphic story, with Homura’s unwavering and inspiring devotion to Madoka that’s not always seen in mainstream anime. While it’s not explicitly stated that Madoka and Homura are queer, their passionate love and friendship are interpreted by fans of the show as LGBTQ+ coded. – Jom Elauria

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

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16 'Yuri Is My Job!' (2023)

Directed by Hijiri Sanpei and Takahiro Majima

The Yuri genre welcomes a fresh addition with a unique twist – a school-themed maid cafe that pays homage to Shojo storylines. Within this establishment, a group of girls strives to immerse their customers in the full Liebe Girls Academy experience. However, their task becomes more challenging when Hime Shiraki joins their team. Despite her lack of experience, Hime's undeniable kawaii charm wins over everyone at the cafe. However, Mitsuki appears to be immune to Hime's captivating allure.

While Yuri Is My Job! may not be without its flaws, it holds appeal for those who relish slice-of-life anime series with a hint of romance. Its distinctive café setting adds a unique twist to the familiar workplace comedy premise, making it worth a watch for fans of the genre. Furthermore, as the story unfolds, the relationship between Hime and Mitsuki deepens, adding complexity and intrigue that makes it worth following.

Watch on Crunchyroll

15 'Liz and the Blue Bird' (2016)

Directed by Naoko Yamada

A spin-off sequel to the popular anime series Sound! Euphonium and based on the same-name novel, Liz and the Blue Bird tells the story of two high school girls, Mizore (Atsumi Tanezaki) and Nozomi (Nao Tôyama), who are best friends and members of their school's concert band. As they prepare for an upcoming competition, they are assigned to play a duet together, which is based on the titular fairy tale.

Liz and the Blue Bird is not only a film about two girls with a strong romantic bond and mutual respect, but it is also the inspiration behind the concert band piece in which the main protagonists are involved. Weaving in fairytale tropes, the 2016 hidden gem in anime challenges its characters to overcome unrealistic dreams in this heart-rendering tale.

Watch on Kanopy

14 'Stars Align' (2019)

Directed by Kazuki Akane, Yuuichi Takahashi

Stars Align follows the story of a middle school soft tennis club, which is struggling to gain recognition and support from its school and community. The club is led by Toma (Josh Grelle), a new transfer student who is determined to help the team succeed.

Stars Align offers a realistic and poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by young people in modern society. LGBTQ+ topics are presented sensitively and with care in the relatively recent anime series, especially in the connection between two of the male characters. Moreover, in the same episode, one character explicitly acknowledges being non-binary while another talks about their transgender experiences, making it a worthwhile viewing experience for viewers.

Watch on Hulu

13 'Wandering Son' (2011)

Directed by Ei Aoki

Giving prominence to the inner conflicts the LGBTQ+ community has towards their gender identity, Wandering Son sheds light on issues ranging from gender dysphoria to the social pressures of being transgender and coming to terms with it. The story follows two fifth-grade students who are both struggling with their gender identity. Shuichi (Kōsuke Hatakeyama) is a boy who wishes he were a girl while Yoshino (Asami Seto) experiences the opposite.

Wandering Son has one of the most brilliant transgender representations on television. The difficulties of starting puberty, getting closer to romance, and more are all depicted in a stunning watercolor art style that viewers are sure to adore. The series also portrays the characters with empathy and compassion, allowing viewers to connect and understand their struggles and emotions.

Buy on Amazon

12 'Sasaki and Miyano' (2022)

Directed by Shinji Ishihira

Sasaki and Miyano follows the story of two titular high school boys, voiced by Kellen Goff and Joshua Waters, respectively, who become friends and eventually develop romantic feelings for each other. Sasaki is outgoing and popular, while Miyano is shy and introverted. Along the way, they also encounter other LGBT characters and deal with issues related to acceptance and identity.

Sasaki and Miyano offers a heartwarming and realistic portrayal of a queer teen couple on TV. Even by non-queer standards, it is often regarded as a flawlessly handled love story. The program also does a fantastic job of portraying the nuances of the characters' varied emotions and experiences because the characters are well-developed and relatable.

Watch on Crunchyroll

11 'Classmates' (2016)

Directed by Shōko Nakamura

Better known by its Japanese title Dokyuusei, Classmates is based on a manga of the same name by Asumiko Nakamura. It follows two high school classmates, Rihito Sajou (Kenji Nojima) and Hikaru Kusakabe (Hiroshi Kamiya), who fall in love with each other. The two met when Hikaru, a capricious boy who is also involved in a rock band, decides to become a tutor to Rihito, an honor student who has trouble getting his singing pitch right.

Classmates is often praised for its beautiful watercolor animation style, elevating an otherwise standard but heartwarming story of gay love. Additionally, it portrays a same-sex relationship in school in a moving and honest manner. Both its sensitivity and realism have received high praise.

Rent on Amazon

10 'Paradise Kiss' (2005)

Directed by Osamu Kobayashi

Adapted from the manga by Ai Yazawa, this coming-of-age story follows the journey of Yukari Hayasaka, a high school student who stumbles upon a group of unconventional fashion design students known as Paradise Kiss. As she becomes entangled in their world, Yukari discovers her passion for modeling and begins to question her own path in life.

An underrated anime series from the 2000s, Paradise Kiss introduces a cast of openly queer characters, from the openly bisexual George to the transgender Isabella. The series delves into profound themes of self-discovery and the transformative power of fashion, all while presenting some of the most authentically crafted characters in the world of anime. The show doesn't hold back when it comes to drama, enabling the audience to immerse themselves in some deeply emotional moments.

Buy on Amazon

9 'Junjou Romantica: Pure Romance' (2008)

Directed by Chiaki Kon

Yaoi is a popular genre, as it includes stories that do not shy away from the sexual aspects of male-to-male relationships. One of the staples of the genre is none other than Junjou Romantica: Pure Romance. This gay anime centers on the romantic relationships of three different same-sex couples.

Following three love stories, the anecdotes usually involve relationships between an older man with an established career and his much younger suitor. Yet, each story manages to shine on its own due to the different relationship dynamics and fascinating character quirks depicted. The series even has an equally successful anime spin-off called Sekaiichi Hatsukoi: The World's Greatest First Love (2011).

Watch on Crunchyroll

8 'Carole & Tuesday' (2019)

Directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, Motonobu Hori

Set in a futuristic world where music is created entirely by A.I., Carole & Tuesday follows two young titular women, played by Miyuri Shimabukuro & Kana Ichinose, respectively, who come from different backgrounds but share a passion for music. They team up to create their own music and pursue their dreams of becoming professional musicians. Along the way, they encounter a number of difficulties and problems, such as rivalry with other musicians and the music industry's reliance on AI-generated music.

Since it presents a distinct and compelling plot that combines music, sci-fi, and social commentary, Carole & Tuesday is a unique show. The anime with a sci-fi twist also features a diverse cast of characters, including LGBTQ+ characters, who are portrayed in a positive and respectful manner. Carole & Tuesday also doesn't hesitate to confront the difficulties and discrimination that members of the LGBTQ+ community experience while presenting sensitive subjects with care and understanding.

Watch on Netflix

7 'Tokyo Godfathers' (2003)

Directed by Satoshi Kon

Tokyo Godfathers follows the story of three homeless people who discover an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve in Tokyo. The trio sets out on a quest to find the baby's parents, encountering a series of challenges and obstacles along the way. As they are on the quest, the three of them confront their own pasts and personal struggles.

Unlike creator Satoshi Kon's previous works, Tokyo Godfathers is more grounded, exploring themes of family, redemption, and the power of human connection. The film has also been praised for its magnetic animation, engaging characters, and emotional depth, and is considered a classic of Japanese animation. Though Tokyo Godfathers doesn't have a central focus on LGBTQ+ themes, the film notably features a transgender character who is portrayed with sensitivity and respect. She is not defined solely by her gender identity, but she is a fully realized person with backstories and motivations.

Tokyo Godfathers

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6 'Bloom Into You' (2018)

Directed by Makoto Katō

Bloom Into You is a yuri (Japanese for girls' love) that follows Yuu Koito (Tia Lynn Ballard), a high school student who has never experienced romantic feelings for anyone. When she is approached by the student council president, Touko Nanami (Luci Christian), who confesses her love for Yuu, she is initially confused and unsure how to respond.

Bloom Into You is a powerful and moving portrayal of a gay relationship and is widely regarded as one of the best anime series to explore LGBTQ+ themes. It's an anime that's perfect to watch in the winter as it'll make viewers feel warm with its overall message of acceptance and self-discovery, as well as its positive representation of LGBTQ+ characters. Yuu's emotional journey is also carefully depicted, making viewers feel heard and seen.

Buy on Amazon

5 'Heavenly Delusion' (2023)

Directed by Hirotaka Mori

Heavenly Delusion traces the journey of a young boy growing up within the protected confines of an apocalyptic Japan teeming with monsters. Inside the walls, Tokyo thrives as a paradise, but beyond them lies a perilous hell inhabited by lurking dangers. Yet, amidst the chaos, a small group embarks on a quest for paradise.

Besides its monster-centric plot, Heavenly Delusion extensively explores the concept of gender, leaving viewers uncertain about the biological sex of any character. However, what's even more significant is that these distinctions appear irrelevant, as characters undergoing a significant "gender-reveal" moment do not abruptly alter their personality to conform to stereotypical expectations.

Watch on Hulu

4 'Revolutionary Girl Utena' (1997)

Directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara

Like its title, Revolutionary Girl Utena had not only paved the way for present shoujo and magical girl anime genres but is responsible for highlighting queer issues like bisexuality and feminist themes in the world of anime. The fantasy anime series from the '90s details the journey of an orphaned teenage girl Utena Tenjou, who decided to become a prince as influenced by her childhood and tomboyish manner.

Revolutionary Girl Utena is widely regarded as one of the most groundbreaking anime series to represent LGBTQ+ themes, as the show features several characters who are explicitly or implicitly queer, including Utena herself. Revolutionary Girl Utena also explores the power dynamic in relationships, and female friendships and condemns toxic and abusive relationships.

Revolutionary Girl Utena

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3 'Banana Fish' (2018)

Directed by Hiroko Utsumi

Moving the setting from high schools to the alleys of New York City, Banana Fish bears a comparatively adult theme. The show follows Ash Lynx (Yuma Uchida) and Eiji Okumura (Kenji Nojima), who manage to form a healthy relationship whilst investigating the mystery behind "Banana Fish", the words that drove Ash's brother to insanity since his return from Iraq War.

One of the most notable LGBTQ+ relationships in Banana Fish is the one between Ash and Eiji. Despite not being explicitly romantic, it's clear that they have a deep emotional connection and care for each other deeply. The show also has several queer characters, such as Blanca (Toshiyuki Morikawa), Ash's former martial arts teacher, and Yut-Lung (Jun Fukuyama), a young man who uses his sexuality as a tool for manipulation.

Watch on Amazon Prime

2 'Yuri!!! On Ice' (2016)

Directed by Sayo Yamamoto, Jun Shishido

The inability to overcome his defeat at the Grand Pix Finale drove Yuuri Katsuki (Toshiyuki Toyonaga) back to his hometown in Kyushu, Japan. After a clip of him performing his idol Russian figure skating champion Viktor Nikiforov's (Jun'ichi Suwabe) skating routine went viral, Viktor himself becomes interested in Yuuri, even going so far as to visit Yuuri in Kyushu to revive the latter's stagnant skating career.

Aside from the breathtaking choreography and witty humor displayed, Yuri!!! On Ice has demonstrated one of the most intriguing same-sex relationships in anime, specifically in a typically male-dominated genre like sports anime. The popular romance anime portrays Yuri and Victor's romantic relationship as a genuine and loving one and does not shy away from showing physical affection between the two characters.

Yuri on Ice

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1 'Given' (2019)

Directed by Hikaru Yamaguchi

While Liz and the Blue Bird appeals more to fans of classical music, Given will strike a chord with alternative rock lovers. The show follows Ritsuka (Josh Grelle), a high school student who is bored with life until he meets Mafuyu (Brandon McInnis), a fellow student who is carrying a guitar with broken strings. Ritsuka agrees to fix the guitar, and is surprised to discover that Mafuyu has a beautiful singing voice.

The slice-of-life musical series not only appoints each character with convincing motivations but brings the characters to life with flesh-out backstories that allow audiences to resonate with them. The duel relationships that developed among the band members and the engrossing soundtrack made Given one of the standout shows in 2019. Given is undeniably a touching and emotional LGBTQ+ anime series that explores the complex themes of love, loss, and identity, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Watch on Crunchyroll

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