15 Anime Where the Fanservice Is Exclusively Gay

As a huge anime fan, I’ve noticed how the medium really delivers for every taste, especially when it comes to romance. There’s a lot of series out there that focus on relationships between men, and often they’ll ditch the usual female characters to really focus on those male bonds. What’s cool is how these shows use things like camera angles and storytelling tricks to amp up the romance and attraction – it’s all about making those connections feel intense. I’m always on the lookout for titles that go all-in on gay pairings and aren’t afraid to deliver some serious fanservice, and I’ve found a few gems I want to share.

‘Free!’ (2013–2018)

This animated sports series, created by Kyoto Animation, centers on the close relationships between male swimmers. It often features dynamic shots emphasizing the athletes’ physiques during competitions and practice. The show includes moments designed to appeal to fans, like dramatic visuals and emotionally charged interactions that explore the characters’ close bonds. It successfully refreshed the sports anime genre by specifically targeting viewers who appreciate attractive character designs.

‘Yuri!!! on Ice’ (2016)

This figure skating anime centers on the connection between Japanese skater Yuri Katsuki and his Russian hero, Victor Nikiforov. It’s celebrated worldwide for its sensitive and loving portrayal of a same-sex romance within the world of competitive skating. The show conveys intimacy through close physical interactions during performances and honest, heartfelt conversations. More importantly, the story focuses on the growing relationship between Yuri and Victor, rather than typical sports anime clichés.

‘DAKAICHI -I’m being harassed by the sexiest man of the year-‘ (2018)

This series centers on a complex love story between two actors working in the competitive world of entertainment. It follows Takato Saijo, a well-established actor, as he finds his career challenged by the rising star, Junta Azumaya. Their relationship is marked by both intense rivalry and strong physical attraction, and the story focuses exclusively on the romance between these two male leads, including mature themes.

‘Junjo Romantica’ (2008–2015)

This anime, adapted from a well-known manga, tells the stories of three couples and how their lives connect. The main plot centers on the complicated relationship between a college student and his tutor. It’s a classic of the Boys Love genre, having set many of the conventions seen in today’s romance anime, and consistently emphasizes the emotional and physical development of its male couples.

‘Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi: The World’s Greatest First Love’ (2011–2020)

This story follows a romantic relationship that develops at a manga publishing company, specifically within the editing team. Ritsu Onodera tries to forge his own path, only to find himself working under the strict control of someone he used to have feelings for. The plot thickens with miscommunications and unresolved emotions between the characters. The series also includes playful, suggestive content as it explores both the workplace and the personal lives of the editors.

‘Given’ (2019)

This drama centers around a band and the blossoming romance between four young men. When high schooler Ritsuka Uenoyama helps a reserved classmate, Mafuyu Sato, repair his guitar, a connection forms, and he invites Mafuyu to join the band. The series beautifully portrays the emotional depth of their relationship, focusing on both their musical journey and the delicate, unspoken signs of attraction as they fall in love. It skillfully blends the energy of performing rock music with a sweet and tender gay romance.

‘Love Stage!!’ (2014)

A young man hoping to become a manga artist is pressured into appearing in a TV commercial. This brings him face-to-face with a famous actor who has secretly loved him for a decade, mistakenly believing he was a woman. The show playfully challenges traditional gender roles and centers on the funny and sweet connection that develops between the two men as they navigate their feelings and clear up the initial misunderstanding, ultimately leading to a blossoming romance.

‘Super Lovers’ (2016–2017)

Haru travels to Canada for the summer to connect with his mother and meet his newly adopted brother, Ren. Over several years, the story follows the brothers as they build a complex relationship filled with both family bonds and romantic feelings. The series uses visual cues, like differences in height, to highlight Haru’s protective instincts toward Ren. It’s based on a popular manga known for its exploration of growing closeness between its characters.

‘Sasaki and Miyano’ (2022)

This charming show centers on an unlikely friendship between a rebellious older student and a younger boy who’s a big fan of romantic manga. It playfully acknowledges common tropes of the genre, using them to build a tender, gradual romance. Instead of relying on suggestive content, the show delivers heartwarming moments and realistically portrays the vulnerability and joy of falling in love for the first time, all within a high school environment.

‘Hitorijime My Hero’ (2017)

The anime centers around two couples: a teacher and his student, and another secondary pair. Masahiro Setagawa, seeking protection from a gang, finds it in the capable fighter, Kousuke Ooshiba. The story explores themes of romance, protection, and finding a sense of belonging, with close, intimate moments used to illustrate the growing trust between the characters.

‘Gravitation’ (2000–2001)

Shuichi Shindou, a hopeful musician, falls for Eiri Yuki, a reserved novelist. This anime was one of the first to center on a gay romance, set against the backdrop of the competitive music world. It blends humor with serious relationship challenges, and its vibrant visuals capture the ups and downs of their passionate, sometimes turbulent, connection.

‘Dou kyu sei – Classmates’ (2016)

This movie is based on a popular manga and tells the story of two high school classmates who connect through choir. The animation is beautifully done, capturing the delicate and natural way their relationship blossoms. It’s a realistic portrayal of teenage romance, avoiding over-the-top drama, and instead focuses on the quiet connection and developing feelings between the characters Hikaru and Rihito.

‘The Stranger by the Shore’ (2020)

This animated film takes place on a beautiful, secluded island in Okinawa, where a novelist encounters a high school student who is coping with loss. The story explores themes of healing and budding romance, set against a backdrop of bright, colorful scenery. It sensitively portrays intimacy as a source of emotional connection and comfort, and follows a young person’s journey of self-discovery, coming to terms with their identity, and finding acceptance in a new place.

‘Sk8 the Infinity’ (2021)

This anime series centers on the exciting world of underground skateboard racing and the close relationships between the male competitors. Langa Hasegawa, a newcomer to the sport, is taught by Reki Kyan, and the two quickly become best friends and skating partners. The show is known for its dynamic animation and a strong, though unspoken, romantic connection between the main characters. It beautifully portrays both the athleticism of skateboarding and the emotional bonds forged through competition.

‘Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE!’ (2015–2016)

A pink wombat enlists five high school boys to save the world. The show playfully mocks the magical girl genre, but with a twist – it’s the boys who get the glamorous transformations! These sequences are intentionally over-the-top and showcase the male form in fun, elaborate costumes. The comedy comes from how ridiculous the whole situation is, and the heartwarming relationships between the boys in the club.

Tell us which of these series is your absolute favorite in the comments.

2026-01-01 01:46