40 Fan-Favorite Yuri and GL Anime to Watch Next

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Where you can stream these popular yuri anime
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Nothing feels better than seeing representation in the media you watch, and luckily, there’s a ton of lesbian anime (which is known as "yuri" in Japanese, or GL, meaning girls' love) to choose from. We searched the internet to compile a list of some of the best lesbian anime out there, and where you can stream them, so keep reading to find your next watch!

Top Yuri Anime Recommendations

Some of the most popular yuri (lesbian) anime include Bloom Into You, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Sweet Blue Flowers, and Strawberry Panic! If you prefer anime more driven by plot than romance, check out Kakegurui, Noir, or Canaan. For comedy, try I’m in Love with the Villainess or Yuri Is My Job!

1

Bloom Into You

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  1. Bloom Into You is currently one of the most popular GL anime. It follows the relationship between Yuu Koito, a high school girl who has never experienced romantic love, and the student council president, Touko Nanami, who also believes she cannot fall in love. When Yuu asks Touko for help rejecting someone, Touko begins developing feelings for Yuu.[1]
    • Genre: Romance, drama, slice-of-life
    • Where to watch: Not available on streaming
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2

Revolutionary Girl Utena

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  1. Revolutionary Girl Utena is a classic yuri anime. It follows Utena Tenjou, who dreams of becoming a knight. She decides to compete in a sword-dueling tournament to win the hand of the Rose Bride, Anthy Himemiya. This series is popular for how the characters challenge gender norms and pursue gender equality.[2]
    • Genre: Fantasy, drama
    • Where to watch: Not available on streaming
    • Utena and Anthy are considered some of the most iconic gay anime characters of all time!
3

Sweet Blue Flowers

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  1. This coming-of-age story is all about self-discovery. It follows childhood friends Fumi Manjome and Akira Okudaira as they reunite in high school after 10 years apart. Fumi is coming to terms with her identity as a lesbian and trying to navigate her crush on a cool upperclassman and her blossoming feelings for Akira.[3]
    • Genre: Drama, romance, slice-of-life
    • Where to watch: Crunchyroll
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4

Strawberry Panic!

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  1. Strawberry Panic! follows transfer student Nagisa Aoi as she begins attending St. Miator Girls Academy. She meets a charismatic girl named Shizuma Hanazono, the school’s “Etoile,” a class representative who leads not only St. Miator but two other all-girls schools. Shizuma immediately takes a liking to Nagisa, but their relationship is complicated because Shizuma is still mourning her former lover's death.[4]
5

Destiny of the Shrine Maiden

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  1. In Destiny of the Shrine Maiden, Himeko Kurusugawa and Chikane Himemiya are two average high school students who happen to share the same birthday. On their 16th birthday, however, an evil dragon spirit called the Orochi awakens to destroy the world. The girls then discover they’re reincarnations of magical priestesses who are destined to defeat the Orochi. They also develop feelings for each other along the way.[5]
    • Genre: Mecha, drama
    • Where to watch: Not available on streaming
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6

Sakura Trick

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  1. This classic yuri anime follows best friends Haruka Takayama and Yuu Sonoda as they enter high school and try to make new friends. As if navigating high school isn’t confusing enough, they also begin developing romantic feelings for each other. If you love the friends-to-lovers trope, this is the anime for you.[6]
    • Genre: Comedy, romance, slice-of-life
    • Where to watch: HIDIVE
7

Adachi and Shimamura

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  1. Sakura Adachi and Hougetsu Shimamura meet in the gym loft while skipping class. Despite their opposite personalities (Adachi is shy, and Shimamura is outgoing), they start spending more time together and develop a friendship. As they continue to get to know each other, Adachi begins to develop feelings for Shimamura, leading to a slow-burn romance.[7]
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8

Whispered Words

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  1. Sumika Murasame and Ushio Kazama are best friends. However, things get complicated when Sumika develops feelings for Ushio. Ushio likes girls, too, but she’s into short, sweet girls, while Sumika is tall, energetic, and athletic. Things get even more complicated when Sumika catches the eye of a boy named Masaki, who, upon discovering Sumika likes girls, begins cross-dressing to catch her attention.[8]
    • Genre: Romance, comedy
    • Where to watch: Not available on streaming
9

Mysteria Friends

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  1. Set in a magic school where humans, gods, and demons co-exist, Mysteria Friends follows Anne and Grea, two princesses who are drawn to each other despite their different backgrounds—Anne is a human honor student, and Grea is half-human, half-dragon. The story follows their deepening feelings, though a romantic relationship is never officially confirmed.[9]
    • Genre: Fantasy, slice-of-life
    • Where to watch: Not available on streaming
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10

I’m in Love with the Villainess

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  1. This isekai romantic comedy follows an office worker named Rei Ohashi, who dies and reincarnates as Rae Taylor, the protagonist of her favorite otome game. But because she’s a lesbian, she refuses to pursue any of the game’s male romance options and instead goes after Claire Francois, the villainess.[10]
11

Kakegurui

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  1. This psychological thriller is set at Hyakkaou Private Academy, a school where the students’ social hierarchy is determined by gambling. Those with heavy debt are stripped of their rights. The story follows transfer student Yumeko Jabami, who looks sweet but is a compulsive gambler who loves the thrill of the game. Romance is not the focus of this series, and there aren't any official lesbian romances, but there is heavy yuri subtext.[11]
    • Genre: Drama, thriller, mystery
    • Where to watch: Netflix
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12

Yuri Is My Job!

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  1. Yuri Is My Job! is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It follows high schooler Hime as she starts working at a cafe where all the employees pretend to be students at an all-girls boarding school. They act affectionately toward each other to entertain customers, but the act drops behind the scenes. Hime’s coworker, Mitsuki, seems to dislike her, but it may just be because she secretly has real feelings for her.[12]
    • Genre: Comedy, slice-of-life
    • Where to watch: Crunchyroll
13

Kase-san and Morning Glories

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  1. This anime follows the sweet romance between a gardening enthusiast, Yui Yamada, and a track star, Tomako Kase, as they navigate their final year of high school and attempt to figure out their future. Though they have very different personalities, the girls develop a friendship that soon blossoms into a mutual crush.[13]
    • Genre: Romance, drama
    • Where to watch: Not available on streaming
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14

Maria Watches Over Us

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  1. While Maria Watches Over Us mainly focuses on female friendships, it’s still widely considered a yuri classic. The story centers on Yumi Fukuzawa as she enrolls in an all-girls Catholic school and receives mentorship from student council member Sachiko Ogasawara. The series explores the complexities of blossoming relationships between girls.[14]
    • Genre: Comedy, drama, romance
    • Where to watch: Tubi
15

Noir

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  1. In Noir, Mireille and Kirika are two female assassins who team up under the name “Noir” after Kirika sends Mireille a message to “make a pilgrimage for the past.” They then work together to uncover the secrets of their intertwined pasts and lost memories. Their relationship isn’t explicitly romantic, but it has a lot of romantic subtext.[15]
    • Genre: Thriller, action, adventure
    • Where to watch: Not available on streaming
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16

Canaan

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  1. The titular character, Canaan, is a mercenary with synesthesia, the ability to see emotions as color. She uses her abilities to take down a terrorist group known as Snake and to protect her friend Maria from a biological weapon known as the Ua virus. Many fans interpret Canaan and Maria’s deep bond to be romantic, but this isn't explicitly stated in the series.[16]
    • Genre: Action, drama, thriller, mystery
    • Where to watch: Not available on streaming
17

Riddle Story of Devil

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  1. This action series follows a high school assassin named Tokaku Azuma, as she and 11 other assassins transfer to a new school and are tasked to kill a girl named Haru Ichinose. Normally a skilled killer, Tokaku finds herself hesitating to take out her target. The more time she spends with Haru, the more she falls for her.[17]
    • Genre: Drama, action
    • Where to watch: Not available on streaming
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18

Princess Principal

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  1. Set in a steampunk 20th-century London, Princess Principal follows a group of schoolgirls at Queen’s Mayfair Academy, who also happen to be undercover spies. They’re led by Princess, who seeks to take over the throne. While romance isn’t the focus, Princess and Ange have a relationship, and the series constantly challenges gender stereotypes.[18]
    • Genre: Action, drama, mystery
    • Where to watch: HIDIVE
19

El Cazador de la Bruja

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  1. This series centers on Nadie, a bounty hunter sent to find Ellis, a girl with supernatural abilities who is wanted for the murder of a famous scientist. Ellis has lost her memories, so she and Nadie journey to a mythical city in hopes of recovering them. As they spend more time together, their bond deepens. While there isn't an explicit romance, there is heavy yuri subtext.[19]
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20

Ms. Vampire Who Lives in My Neighborhood

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  1. When Akari hears a rumor that a vampire lives in a nearby forest, she goes searching for her. She then stumbles upon Sophie Twilight, a vampire who lives a peaceful life alone, and Akari essentially invites herself to live with her. What follows is a quirky comedy about their lives together. While their relationship isn’t official, it’s heavily implied that Akari is romantically interested in Sophie, and all the main characters are LGBTQ+.[20]
    • Genre: Supernatural, comedy, slice-of-life
    • Where to watch: Not available on streaming
21

Konohana Kitan

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  1. Konohana Kitan follows a young fox girl named Yuzu as she begins working at a hot springs inn located between the human realm and the realm of the gods. There isn’t a ton of romance, but there are a lot of yuri undertones—especially between Yuzu and Satsuki—and the manga the series is based on was originally published in a yuri magazine.[21]
    • Genre: Comedy, fantasy, slice-of-life
    • Where to watch: Crunchyroll
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22

This Monster Wants to Eat Me

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  1. While grieving the deaths of her family, teenage Hinako Yaotose is attacked by a monster and saved by a mermaid named Shiori. Shiori also intended to eat Hinako, but instead, she decides to protect Hinako from other monsters until she reaches adulthood. Despite their strange arrangement, the two begin developing deeper feelings for each other as they spend more time together.[22]
    • Genre: Supernatural, drama
    • Where to watch: Crunchyroll
23

There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…

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  1. After a lonely middle school experience, the introverted Renako Amaori is determined to reinvent herself in high school. She befriends school idol Mai Oozuka, but things go awry when Mai suddenly confesses her love for Renako. Renako insists that they’re better off as friends, so the two make a bet to see whether a platonic or romantic relationship is better.[23]
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24

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury

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  1. In this sci-fi series, humanity has been divided into space colonies (Spacians and Earthians) who are in conflict with each other, and the military uses giant robots known as Gundams in combat. The story centers on Suletta Mercury, a transfer student at the Asticassia School of Technology, as she pilots a suit known as the Gundam Aerial. While romance isn’t the focus, Suletta is forcibly engaged to Miorine Rembran, and the two develop a genuine relationship throughout the series.[24]
25

The Executioner and Her Way of Life

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  1. Menou is a priestess and an executioner who is tasked with killing “Lost Ones,” powerful individuals with supernatural abilities. Her new target is a Lost One named Akari Tokitou, but it turns out Akari has a unique ability that allows her to reverse her own death. Menou then pretends to escort Akari home, all the while trying to come up with a way to kill her. As they get to know each other better, Menou begins developing feelings for Akari, which just makes everything even more complicated.[25]
    • Genre: Fantasy, adventure
    • Where to watch: HIDIVE
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26

Birdie Wing

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  1. This sports anime follows Eve, who competes in illegal golf matches to make ends meet, and Aoi, a wealthy golf prodigy. They develop an intense rivalry after Aoi beats Eve in a match, but the more they push each other, the more they begin to like each other. Their romantic relationship isn't officially confirmed in the anime, but there are strong yuri undertones.[26]
27

Inugami-san to Nekoyama-san

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  1. Inugami-san to Nekoyama-san proves that dog lovers and cat lovers can get along… and even fall in love. This romantic comedy follows the relationship between Yachiyo Inugami, a girl who’s friendly and energetic like a dog but secretly loves cats, and Suzu Nekoyama, a girl who’s introverted and aloof like a cat but secretly loves dogs. This is a true case of opposites attract.[27]
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28

Fragtime

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  1. Fragtime follows an introverted high school student, Misuzu Moritani, who develops the ability to freeze time for 3 minutes per day in order to escape awkward situations. However, the popular Haruka Murakami turns out to be immune to the power. Instead of exposing her, Haruka begins using Misuzu and her power to her advantage, and they may just develop feelings for each other along the way.[28]
    • Genre: Romance, sci-fi
    • Where to watch: HIDIVE
29

Burst Angel

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  1. Set in a futuristic, crime-ridden Tokyo, Burst Angel follows a group of female mercenaries as they fight mutated monsters and mecha Cybots. Though romance plays little role in the series, two characters—Jo and Meg—have a very close relationship, which many interpret as romantic (though it isn't explicitly stated as such).[29]
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30

Simoun

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  1. Simoun is a sci-fi anime that explores gender identity. On the planet Daikuriku, everyone is born female, but they can choose a permanent sex when they turn 17. The nation of Simulacrum is guarded by aircraft known as Simouns, which are powered by two pilots sharing a kiss. However, when a person chooses their permanent sex, they are no longer capable of flying the Simouns. Because of this, there are plenty of lesbian relationships.[30]
    • Genre: Sci-fi, fantasy, adventure
    • Where to watch: Not available on streaming
31

Izetta: The Last Witch

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  1. Set in an alternate 1939, Izetta: The Last Witch follows the titular character Izetta, who is the last surviving member of a magical clan of witches. As the imperialist country Germania threatens to invade her country of Eylstadt, Izetta vows to protect Princess Fine, despite her grandmother’s rule to never interfere with human conflicts. Izetta and Fine develop an emotionally intense relationship, which many interpret as romantic (though it isn't explicitly stated).[31]
    • Genre: Fantasy, romance, action, drama
    • Where to watch: Not available on streaming
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32

Akebi’s Sailor Uniform

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  1. When Komichi Akebi enrolls in the prestigious Roubai Academy, she can’t wait to wear the sailor-inspired uniform her mother wore as a student there. However, she is disheartened to learn the school has since switched to a standard uniform. The principal makes an exception and allows Komichi to be the only student wearing the old uniform. The story focuses on her daily life, but she is deeply infatuated with her classmates, which many interpret to be yuri subtext.[32]
    • Genre: Drama, slice-of-life
    • Where to watch: Crunchyroll
33

Vampire in the Garden

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  1. In a post-apocalyptic war in which vampires rule over humans, human girl Momo and vampire queen Fine both dream of a world in which they can co-exist. When they cross paths, they form an unlikely bond and agree to run away together to search for Paradise. They have an intense emotional bond, which many interpret as romantic, though it isn't confirmed to be in the show.[33]
    • Genre: Fantasy, mystery, thriller
    • Where to watch: Netflix
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34

If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die

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  1. This comedic anime follows Eripiyo, a fangirl dedicated to supporting Maina, the least popular member of her favorite idol group, ChamJam. Eripiyo spends all her money on merch, hoping it will help Maina perform at the Budokan one day. Maina tries to maintain a professional relationship with Eripiyo, leading to a slow-burn dynamic.[34]
35

The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio

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  1. The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio follows Yumiko Sato and Chika Watanabe, two very different high schoolers who secretly work as professional voice actresses. On their weekly radio show, they pretend to be best friends, but behind the scenes, they fight constantly. As the series progresses, they must learn to support—and maybe even like—each other.[35]
    • Genre: Drama, slice-of-life
    • Where to watch: Crunchyroll
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36

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

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  1. Puella Magi Madoka Magica puts a dark spin on the magical girl genre. It follows Madoka Kaname, who becomes a magical girl after being offered a contract by a cat-like creature called Kyubey. However, she soon discovers the dark truth behind her new identity. Meanwhile, she develops a deep emotional bond with her friend Homura, which many interpret to be romantic, though this isn't explicitly stated in the series.[36]
37

Whisper Me a Love Song

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  1. During her high school entrance ceremony, freshman Himari is drawn to the performing band’s vocalist, Yori. Himari decides to tell Yori that she’s a big fan, but Yori misinterprets Himari’s admiration for a confession of love. Things get a bit awkward as Yori falls for Himari and becomes determined to win her affections.[37]
    • Genre: Romance, drama
    • Where to watch: HIDIVE
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38

Revue Starlight

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  1. Revue Starlight follows a group of aspiring actresses as they attend the Seisho Music Academy and compete in secret musical duels to become the “Top Star.” Karen Aijo and Hikari Kagura are childhood friends who reunite at the academy, and their bond deepens as they reconnect. While their relationship isn't confirmed to be romantic, most fans agree there are heavy romantic undertones.[38]
    • Genre: Drama, music, fantasy
    • Where to watch: Not available on streaming
39

Yurikuma Arashi

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  1. If you’re looking for something really unique, check out Yurikuma Arashi. Set in a world where bears and humans are at war, two female bears disguise themselves as human girls to enroll in Arashigaoka Academy and find Kureha Tsubaki, a human who hates bears because a bear killed her mother. This satirical series uses relationships between humans and bears to critique homophobia.[39]
    • Genre: Comedy, drama, fantasy, romance, supernatural
    • Where to watch: Not available on streaming
    2. Advertisement
40

Citrus

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  1. Warning: Citrus is not for everyone, as it centers on two stepsisters who develop feelings for each other. Yuzu Aihara is a fashionable, outgoing girl who is frustrated after her mother remarries and she's enrolled in a strict all-girls school. Her new stepsister, Mei, is cold and uptight, which leads to an intense rivalry between them. However, things get more confusing when they realize they’re also attracted to each other.[40]

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References

  1. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-lgbtq-gl-yuri-anime/
  2. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-lgbtq-gl-yuri-anime/
  3. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-lgbtq-gl-yuri-anime/
  4. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-lgbtq-gl-yuri-anime/
  5. ↑ https://thecinemaholic.com/lesbian-anime/
  6. ↑ https://weareher.com/lesbian-anime/
  7. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-lgbtq-gl-yuri-anime/
  8. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-lgbtq-gl-yuri-anime/
  9. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9203780/plotsummary/
  1. ↑ https://thecinemaholic.com/lesbian-anime/
  2. ↑ https://gayfriendly.com/blog/culture-is-now/lesbian-anime/
  3. ↑ https://collider.com/lgtbq-anime-shows-movies-best-ranked/
  4. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-lgbtq-gl-yuri-anime/
  5. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-lgbtq-gl-yuri-anime/
  6. ↑ https://noir.fandom.com/wiki/Noir_(anime)
  7. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1480947/plotsummary/?ref_=tt_ov_pl
  8. ↑ https://thecinemaholic.com/lesbian-anime/
  9. ↑ https://weareher.com/lesbian-anime/
  10. ↑ https://thecinemaholic.com/lesbian-anime/
  11. ↑ https://weareher.com/lesbian-anime/
  12. ↑ https://gayfriendly.com/blog/culture-is-now/lesbian-anime/
  13. ↑ https://watatabe.fandom.com/wiki/This_Monster_Wants_to_Eat_Me_Wiki
  14. ↑ https://gamerant.com/lgbt-lgbtq-queer-anime/
  15. ↑ https://www.them.us/story/queer-anime-romance-mecha-nana-stars-align-paradise-kiss
  16. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13956452/
  17. ↑ https://www.themarysue.com/best-yuri-anime-ranked/
  18. ↑ https://gayfriendly.com/blog/culture-is-now/lesbian-anime/
  19. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-lgbtq-gl-yuri-anime/
  20. ↑ https://bakuretsutenshi.fandom.com/wiki/Burst_Angel
  21. ↑ https://gayfriendly.com/blog/culture-is-now/lesbian-anime/
  22. ↑ https://izetta.fandom.com/wiki/Shūmatsu_no_Izetta
  23. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15533674/
  24. ↑ https://thecinemaholic.com/lesbian-anime/
  25. ↑ https://oshibudo.fandom.com/wiki/If_My_Favorite_Pop_Idol_Made_It_to_the_Budokan,_I_Would_Die
  26. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31940035/plotsummary/?ref_=tt_ov_pl
  27. ↑ https://collider.com/lgtbq-anime-shows-movies-best-ranked/
  28. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30989692/plotsummary/?ref_=tt_ov_pl
  29. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8400680/plotsummary/?ref_=tt_ov_pl
  30. ↑ https://yurikumaarashi.fandom.com/wiki/Yurikuma_Arashi
  31. ↑ https://movieweb.com/best-lgbtq-gl-yuri-anime/

About This Article

Raven Minyard, BA
Co-authored by:
Raven Minyard, BA
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Raven Minyard received her BA in English and Creative Writing from Sweet Briar College in 2020. While in college, she served as the Coeditor-in-Chief of Sweet Briar's literary magazine Red Clay and has since gone on to write for publications such as The Zillennial Zine and Halloween Every Night. Raven recalls reading articles from wikiHow's early days during her childhood and is thrilled to now write for their content team. She enjoys learning about new interests and topics with each article she writes and hopes to help audiences of all backgrounds continue to learn new and exciting things.
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Updated: September 1, 2026
Categories: Anime

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