Mirza Aaqib Beg
Anime makers have been including LGBT characters in their films and shows for a long time now. While most of these LGBT characters are highly sexualized, many are interesting and instrumental to the plot. Here we have tried to compile a list of anime that feature lesbian characters in them. Most of the shows you will read about belong to the Yuri genre. With that said, here’s the list of best anime with lesbian characters. You can watch several of these yuri anime on Crunchyroll, Netflix, or YouTube.
32. Valkyrie Drive (2015)
‘Valkyrie Drive’ is not like the usual Yuri series where the focus of the series is the romance between two female characters. However, the show does feature same-sex female relationships, which makes it an appropriate addition to this list. Now the romance action anime primarily follows a young girl named Mamori Tokonome who ends up on an exotic island following her kidnapping.
To her suprise, when she is attacked there, fellow castaway Mirei Shikishima comes to her resuce. He awakens dominate powers in Mamori by passionately kissing her following which the duo end up becoming inseperable allies, who stick to each other regardless of the challenges in their path. You can stream the anime here.
31. Candy Boy (2008 – 2009)
Yukino and Kanade Sakurai are two twin sisters who are unusually close to one another. They live together and often engage in acts that can be deemed weirdly romantic. Although their life is going smoothly, things take an unexpected turn when Yukino meets Sakuya Kamiyama. Interestingly, Kanade spots the duo together and decides to stay away from her sister thinking that she is dating Sakuya now. But it turns out that Kamiyama is actually obsessively in love with Kanade and met Kanade only to seek her advice. ‘Candy Boy’ revolves around the awkward love triangle between the trio.
30. Gushing over Magical Girls (2024 -)
Hiiragi Utena has always wanted to become a magical girl and always wondered what it would be like to fight forces of evil like a supercool heroine. When she learns that she has powers lying dormant in her, she can barely keep calm. But Utena’s world appears to crumble in front of her when she suddenly turns into a villain instead. When the magical girls eventually confront her, she is not interested in fighting back against them. But soon her true nature comes to the fore as Hiiragi realizes that she loves inflicting pain on others and starts relishing it. It marks the beginning of a complex journey as Utena slowly becomes familiar with her own self and realizes her true goals. Feel free to watch the anime here.
29. Happy-Go-Lucky Days (2020)
LIDENFILMS Kyoto Studio’s ‘Happy-Go-Lucky Days’ is not a popular girls’ love movie but it deserves more attention than it gets. The romance film is inspired by the theme of the complexities of love. ‘Happy-Go-Lucky Days’ does not primarily focus on just one story and introduces viewers to different kinds of romantic affairs through a number of well-developed characters. Viewers become familiar with two friends whose feelings for each other change dramatically as they approach adolescence, the wedding of an ex, and an unexpected romantic affair at an all-boys school. You can watch the film here.
28. Adachi and Shimamura (2020)
Sakura Adachi and Hougetsu Shimamura are two ordinary school-going students who meet each other one day on the second floor of the school gymnasium. The duo end up becoming very close friends who love each other’s company. Playing table tennis with each other at noon becomes a frequent pass time for the duo as their feelings for one another start to get complicated over time. Slowly one of them starts to develop romantic feelings for the other challenging the boundaries of the platonic relationship. But does becoming more than friends really add more value and happiness to their lives or just dismantle the precious connection they have? ‘Adachi and Shimamura’ follows the young deuteragonist as they try to navigate the complicated feelings they experience while dealing with other challenges faced by teenagers their age. You can watch the show here.
27. Love To-LIE-Angle (2018)
When Hanabi Natsuno returns to Tokyo after six long years, she can naturally recall all the beautiful moments she experienced there in her childhood. Since she is moving there to join a high school, Natsuno ends up deciding to stay in a girl’s dormitory named Tachibanakan- not realizing how this choice is going to turn her life around. There she falls in love with a beautiful girl and soon becomes a center of attention as others desperately try to get her affection. Interestingly, Hanabi also reunites with a childhood friend at Tachibanakan, although she barely remembers her. ‘Love To-LIE-Angle’ revolves around the eccentric teenagers at the dormitory who learn to accept themselves as they are and find their voice. Feel free to watch the show here.
26. Stardust Telepath (2023 -)
Umika Konohoshi is a fifteen-year-old teenager who desires to fit in with others just like people her age. Unfortunately, this ordinary wish is neglected by her as Umika struggles to socialize and is unable to express herself as much as she would otherwise prefer. When Konohoshi has given up all hope, her life takes a dramatic turn as she is introduced to Yuu Akeuchi, a self-proclaimed alien who teaches her some valuable lessons about socializing and making friends. ‘Stardust Telepath’ not only revolves around a teenager’s struggles with meeting new people but also explores much deeper personality issues that she faces. You can enjoy the show here.
25. Vampire in the Garden (2022)
Wit Studio’s ‘Vampire in the Garden‘ is a dark fantasy show that tells a riveting tale of rivalry between humans and vampires. While there is an atmosphere of mistrust and fear due to the growing instances of violence, a human soldier named Momo accidentally meets the queen of vampires, Fiine. The two of them get to know each other and realize that both of them detest war and wish to escape the fighting. This inspires them to go on a journey to find a place where they can peacefully coexist with each other without being hunted down by either of the races.
‘Vampire in the Garden’ is an exciting series and it portrays a very heartwarming love affair between the deuteragonist. Fiine falls in love with Momo and it appears that the latter may have been interested in the former as well. Unfortunately, her feelings are never really confirmed but still, the chemistry between the two is great to watch. You can watch the show here.
24. Bocchi the Rock! (2022)
‘Bocchi the Rock!’ is arguably the greatest musical anime ever made, so it may be a bit surprising for fans to find it on this list. The show is not only good at its realistic portrayal of the human condition but also positive LGBTQ+ representation. While it’s true that the anime is not an outright girl’s or Yuri love series, since its focus is something else completely, the anime does a lot to normalize same-sex romance through the main cast. Viewers are introduced to Kita who interestingly learned to play guitar just to impress Ryo.
The manga goes even further to explore same-sex romance and is definitely a must-read for people who love the show. In case you are looking for an anime with a unique premise that also does a lot for LGBTQ+ representation, then ‘Bocchi the Rock!’ might just be the right series for you. The anime is accessible for streaming here.
23. The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady (2023)
‘The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady’ or ‘Tensei Oujo to Tensai Reijou no Mahou Kakumei’ is one of those rare shows that explores same-sex romance through the lens of isekai genre. The show revolves around Princess Anisphia “Anis” Wynn Palletia who plans to make her dream of flying through the air a reality by using magic and combining it with the knowledge of modern science. Interestingly, this makes her unfit for the throne, so her brother is chosen as the successor. But he too goes against the family by publicly breaking his relationship with his fiancée, Euphyllia Magenta. In a strange turn of events, Anis ends up picking Euphyllia as her assistant which marks the beginning of a complex relationship. Feel free to watch the show here.
22. Yuri is My Job! (2023)
Hime Shiraki likes to use her adorable face and angelic voice to make people fall for her and then use them as she sees fit. She plans to eventually get married to a wealthy suitor, but her life takes an unexpected turn when Mai Koshiba gets injured in an accident whose responsibility falls on her shoulder. Forced to take her place in Café Liebe as a waitress, Shiraki soon realizes that her facade isn’t always going to save her. ‘Yuri is My Job!’ is one of those rare Girls Love anime that does not tie itself to the genre alone and comes with an interesting premise. In case you wish for a unique Yuri series, then the show might just be the right fit for you. The anime is accessible for streaming here.
21. Maria Watches Over Us (2004 – 2009)
Yumi Fukuzawa enrolls in Tokyo’s most popular all-girls Catholic school not knowing what to expect. But she could not have imagined in her wildest dreams that she would end up drawing the attention of one of the most popular girls in the school, Sachiko Ogasawara. For some strange reason, Sachiko offers to be Fukuzawa’s guide at her new school without expecting anything in return which flusters and confuses the latter. But being around Sachiko means frequently getting noticed by almost all the students at the school who soon start making rumors about the duo. Now, Yumi must decide if she wants Ogasawara around or not as handling the entire school’s attention is not something she is used to. ‘Maria Watches Over Us’ is a great romance anime that you will definitely enjoy watching. You can stream the show here.
20. Mnemosyne: Mnemosyne no Musume-tachi (2008)
If you are looking for standard shoujo anime, then it will be better if you skip this one and look at the other options on this list. The target audience for the show is those who don’t mind violence and love a mysterious narrative with a lot of fanservice. At first, one may find the story a little too confusing and open-ended but believe us, your patience will be rewarded. ‘Mnemosyne: Mnemosyne no Musume-tachi’ follows Rin Asogi, a pretty woman who runs a private detective service along with Mimi, her partner. Rin is immortal, and the reason behind her immortality is the ‘Time Fruit,’ which is found only in the guardian tree, Yggdrasil. It can render any woman immortal if they consume it. Mimi is also immortal.
The anime series documents 65 years of Rin’s life during which she never changes in her appearance while others around her grow old. Being a detective lands you in dangerous situations, and Rin has been in trouble several times in the past, but her immortality has saved her. But when an unknown enemy targets her relentlessly it does not take long for Rin to realize that she faces the greatest threat of her life. The anime is accessible here.
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19. Citrus (2018)
‘Citrus’ is another great anime from the shoujo-ai genre set in a high school. If you are not into the Yuri genre, then there might be a slight discomfort while watching this anime. But believe us, ‘Citrus’ is a great show for anyone looking for lesbian anime. Yuzu Aihara is a fashionista and a socialite. So, when her mother remarries, and Yuzu has to attend a different school, she takes this as an opportunity to make some new acquaintances. She also wants to experience that special first kiss and fall in love. But little does she know what her new school has in store for her. Once she is there, Yuzu realizes that her fellow classmates just study and obey the rules. This makes her stand out and grabs the attention of Mei Aihara, the student council president who tries to confiscate the former’s phone.
After returning home, Yuzu learns that her stepsister is none other than Mei. Yuzu tries to talk to her, but Mei turns a cold shoulder which forces the former to tease the latter. But Mei does not let Yuzu finish her sentence and forces her to the ground and kisses her. Yes, Yuzu receives her first kiss but did she dream of it like that? You can watch the anime here.
18. Yuru Yuri (2011 – 2015)
‘Yuru Yuri’ is an adaptation of a popular manga of the same name. The anime revolves around the lives of a bunch of girls and is set in a high school. Kyouko Toshinou, Yui Funami, Akari Akaza, and Chinatsu Yoshikawa are just four ordinary teenagers who have the usual adolescent issues and wish to live a leisurely life.
Akari Akaza’s friends, Yui and Kyouko, are a year senior to her. This is the reason she has to spend the last year of her grade school without her childhood friends. But everything changes when she enrolls in middle school. With Yui and Kyouko, she starts an Amusement Club whose only purpose is entertainment for its members. Akari and another girl by the name of Chinatsu join the club soon afterward, and it marks the beginning of an extraordinary friendship between these teenagers that changes their lives. The anime is accessible for streaming here.
17. Strawberry Panic (2006)
If you are just getting into the yuri or shoujo-ai genre, then ‘Strawberry Panic’ may just be the right series for you. The anime does not contain any sexually explicit content and is good enough for young teens. The plot holds well for the better half of the series. Characters are interesting and will keep you guessing who will hook up with whom. The anime revolves around St. Miator’s Girls’ Academy, an all-girls Catholic school situated in the Astraea Hill region. The school is divided into three separate groups of sorts, with each group having its own uniform. Aoi Nagisa joins the St. Miator’s Girls’ Academy and finds out about the hierarchical system there. The fourth-year transfer student encounters Shizuma Hanazono after she tumbles down a hill. Shizuma charming girl who is kind enough to help anyone in need. She kisses Nagisa on her forehead, which makes her pass out. As her life in the academy progresses, she gets to know Shizuma more, and the two girls help each other deal with their troubled past. You can watch the anime here.
16. Mai-HiME (2004 – 2005)
Not many people know about ‘Mai-HiME’ even though it is a decent shoujo-ai anime with an interesting premise and entertaining characters. The story might seem a bit slow, though, but that will not be the case after you are a few episodes in. In addition, people who love shows with magic will probably fall in love with the series. Mai Tokiha is a seemingly ordinary girl who has come to the Fuuka Academy as a transfer student. Her brother Takumi Tokiha has also enrolled alongside her. Takumi is very sick and has a heart condition which is why Mai is there to support her brother. When her mother was on her deathbed, Mai promised to look after Takumi, and she has kept her word ever since. However, soon after arriving at Fuuka Academy, Mai finds out that she has the Hime mark, which grants her the ability to summon a half-spiritual, half-human child anywhere she wants.
However, she is not alone, there are 12 other girls just like her with the Hime mark, and this power has been bestowed upon them to protect Earth from monstrous creatures known as Orphans. Though reluctant at first, Mai later involves herself in the struggle after the Orphans become too powerful. But to their surprise, Mai and his friends soon find out that Orphans aren’t the only thing that Mai and her friends have to worry about. Feel free to watch the show here.
15. Yagate Kimi ni Naru (2018)
‘Yagate Kimi ni Naru’ can easily be counted as one of the best shoujo-ai anime out there right now. Yuu is an avid reader and fan of the shoujo genre who has been eagerly waiting for her own romantic love story to start. So, when a boy confesses his feelings for her and asks her out, she should have been happy, right? But strangely, she doesn’t feel a thing. Yuu can’t even comprehend what her response should be. But when she enters high school, and she sees the beautiful Touko Nagami, who is the student council president, respectfully turns down a boy who confesses his feelings for her, she is quite impressed. She wants to get under Nagami’s wings to learn how to turn someone down politely. So far, all is good, right? But when the next person who confesses her feelings for Yuu is Nagami herself, what will she do? Has her much-awaited love story finally begun? The anime is accessible for streaming here.
14. Konohana Kitan (2017)
‘Konohana Kitan’ is a shoujo-ai anime with a lot of magic and fantastical elements. The show is set in a fantasy world and mixes Japanese culture with mythical creatures for its creative world-building. There are various races that exist in this world, each having its own culture and mannerisms. Konohanatei is a hot springs inn. Yuzu is a fox girl living in the village of the spirits who starts working at Konohanatei as an attendant. Kiri is another fox girl who works there and helps Yuzu learn all her responsibilities. Though Yuzu is quite eager to make a contribution, her eagerness is the cause of many mistakes. But since she has a pleasant and warm nature, the customers and the workers often forgive her. Yuzu gradually gets good at her work as other fox girls help her out, and it’s like she has found a second family in the Konohanatei Inn. The relationships that develop there bring Yuzu closer to her first love, and she begins to understand herself a lot more. You can stream the series here.
13. Netsuzou TRap (2017)
Yuma Okazaki and Hotaru Mizushina are in high school but they have been friends with each other for so long that literally know everything about each other. Interestingly they have also started dating at this point and often go on group dates. So the duo are basically inseperable and it appears that nothing could shake their unbreakable bond. But when are out on a group date one evening and their boyfriends are distracted, Hotaru suddenly starts rubbing Yuma’s high much to the latter’s shock. Okazaki quickly moves to the restroom to process the strange incident but Mizushina follows her three only to double down on her seductive efforts. Feel free to watch the anime here.
12. I’m in Love with the Villainess (2023)
‘I’m in Love with the Villainess’ or ‘Watashi no Oshi wa Akuyaku Reijou’ is an isekai comedy anime based on the Japanese light novel of the same name written by Inori and illustrated by Hanagata. The show follows an ordinary office worker who mysteriously gets transported into her favorite otome game, Revolution as the protagonist. However, soon afterward she meets her favorite character and the main villain of the game Claire Francois, who she appears to adore. Instead of giving her attention to the game’s male leads, she decides to romance Claire. But will the antagonist respond to her romantic advances positively? In order to find out, you can watch the anime here.
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11. Sailor Moon (1992 – 1997)
‘Sailor Moon’ follows Usagi Tsukino, who was once a normal student until she saved a cat one day without realizing the far-reaching consequences of her actions. The cat turns out to be Luna and informs Usagi that she is to become Sailor Moon, a guardian and protector of the Earth. Though the series is exciting with a lot of action, it is included in this list because of the relationship between Haruka Tenou and Michiru Kaiou. Though the series was altered a little for the US audience, the original version showed the couple dating. Haruka can also be seen hitting on Usagi at certain times. So, despite being a shoujo anime, the series also has yuri elements. You can watch the anime here.
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10. Maria†Holic (2009 – 2011)
Ame no Kisaki Catholic School is a single-sex school for girls. Kanako Miyamae is a transfer student who arrives at the reputed educational institution in the hope of finding true love as her parents did. She is thrilled when she sees the beautiful and charming Mariya Shidou and realizes that she may have found the one for her. Unfortunately, it turns out Mariya is a cross-dressing boy and threatens to expose Kanako’s intention of joining the school unless she keeps his gender a secret. Curious to find out how the story unfolds? You can stream the series here.
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9. El Cazador de la Bruja (2007)
‘El Cazador de la Bruja’ follows the adventure of a bounty hunter named Nadie. Her latest target is an amnesiac girl, Ellis, believed to be the murderer of a famous scientist. Though Nadie finds Ellis, she gives her a chance to revive her memory by taking her to Wiñay Marka, a place that supposedly has the treatment for amnesia. Their only clue is a gemstone known as Inca Rose, which has some connections to Ellis, but will it be enough to uncover all the mysteries? The anime is accessible for streaming here.
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8. Inugami-san to Nekoyama-san (2014)
The yuri comedy anime follows the lives of two high school girls, Yachiyo Inugami and Suzu Nekoyama. While the former is a dog person, the latter likes cats. Though the girls might seem to have considerable differences, they start getting attracted to each other. Even though both of them know that there is something between them, Yachiyo is the first to make some romantic advances, but Suzu is a bit shy. The anime focuses on the duo as the two girls come to terms with their feelings and fall in love. You can watch the show here.
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7. Riddle Story of Devil (2014)
‘Riddle Story of The Devil’ follows Tokaku Azuma, a high school student, and assassin. She and 11 other killers are tasked with assassinating a girl named Haru Ichinose. Being a skilled assassin, Azuma quickly gets on the task but can’t complete her mission and instead finds herself falling for the girl she is supposed to kill. Tokaku eventually gives in to her feelings and ends up protecting Haru from the other assassins. You can watch the anime here.
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6. UzaMaid! (2018)
Misha Takanashi is a second-grader from Russia whose ordinary life takes a tragic turn when her mother passes away. At such a young age, she could barely grasp the magnitude of the loss. Shortly afterward, she has to move in with her Japanese step-father which changes her life in unexpected ways. As years pass, Misha slowly gets used to her life. But everything changes when the arrival of the new housekeeper Tsubame Kamo, who happens to be a former Japanese Air Defense Force Officer. It turns out that Kamo is a lolicon who attempts to constantly come near Misha, who is not comfortable around her at all. You can watch the anime here.
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5. Sakura Trick (2014)
Haruka Takayama studies at Misato West High School alongside her close friend Yuu Sonado who eventually gets popular and starts making new friends. It makes Haruka jealous. However, to keep Haruka from feeling bad, Yuu suggests they should have something unique between them and asks her for a kiss. Well, soon after the romantic moment, complex feelings start developing between the duo, and they soon realize that they may be attracted to each other. You can watch the duo struggle with their feelings and learn to reconcile their emotions on HIDIVE.
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4. Destiny of the Shrine Maiden (2004)
Himeko and Chikane are two teenagers who hail from the village of Mahoroba. The duo study at the prestigious Ototachibana Academy and are deeply in love with each other despite their contrasting personalities. But their bond is tested when one of their friends is corrupted and manipulated by a mysterious voice into attacking them. Luckily, Himeko and Chikane’s dormant lunar and solar priestesses’ powers awaken at the right time helping them fight back. But this is just one of many hurdles in their paths as the lovers find themselves at the center of countless other conspiracies that threaten to push them apart. Feel free to watch the show here.
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3. Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997)
‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’ primarily revolves around the relationship between Utena and Anthy. After finding some emotional support from a prince, Utena Tanjou decides to follow his example and become a prince herself. The only relic that the prince left her was a rose crest ring. She does not understand the significance of the ring until years later when she enrolls in Ootori Academy. Here other students having similar rings are pitted against each other in a fight to win the rose bride Anthy. Curious to figure out how the story unfolds? You can watch the show here.
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2. Yuri Kuma Arashi (2015)
Once upon a time, humanoid bears and humans coexisted peacefully with each other until their relationship was soured forever. Following a meteor shower, the humanoid bears strangely became dramatically aggressive and bloodthirsty after which humans had to build the Wall of Severance to ensure that both species could lead a peaceful life away from one another. But when two bears manage to sneak through the wall, the ordinary lives of two lovers named Kureha Tsubaki and Sumika Izumino take a dramatic turn. The duo are forced to confront some uncomfortable truths and embark on a journey of self-discovery that will change their lives forever. The anime is accessible for streaming here.
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1. Sweet Blue Flowers (2009)
Fumi Manjoume is a first-year student at Matsuoka Girl’s High School. She has recently suffered a harsh breakup and is still feeling the after-effects. Akira Okudaira is a student of Fujigatani Girl’s Academy, and she is also the childhood friend of Fumi. When the friends are united almost a decade later, they instantly become close and help each other through difficult times. Fumi falls in love with Akira and confesses to her. Though Akira is a bit confused about her actions, she does not entirely dismiss Fumi’s feelings. The show is accessible for streaming here.
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