Welcome to the wonderful world of Yuri! This is a genre of anime that focuses on lesbian relationships, and it can be really great. The best thing about this type of anime is that the relationships are complex, nuanced, and evolving.
There are many reasons why people might want to watch yuri anime for fan service, but there are also many reasons why some people might want to watch yuri anime because they are interested in seeing how these characters work out their romantic lives.
Either way, Here’s the list of 25 Best Yuri Anime for you to binge on.
25. Kannazuki no Miko
- Logline: Two girls fight the world to save their unconditional love.
- Year: 2004
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Studio: TNK
On the 25th place of this list of best yuri anime, we have Kannazuki no Miko. This show is an acquired taste.Â
While it does not have many action sequences or complex storylines, it is visually stunning with creative character designs and a strong connection to its Japanese folklore. Anyone interested in these aspects will definitely enjoy the show!
Synopsis
Kannazuki no Miko is a 12-episode anime based on a manga of the same name. The story follows two girls, Himeko and Chikane.
Himeko is timid and naive while Chikane is a bold expressive girl. It is hard to point one similarity between the two. Despite this, both are madly in love with each other.
The show is about the countless challenges these female lovers face to stay with each other. Packed with a series of unpredictable subplots, this show is a must-watch if you are interested to watch a promising yuri anime.
24. Blue Drop: Tenshi-Tachi no Gikyoku
- Logline: What else do Mari and Hanigako share in common except silence?
- Year: 2007
- Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life
- Studio: BeSTACK
Blue Drop is one anime that has the capacity to rank in top charts across different genres. Its compelling story and high-standard graphics take you on a mesmerizing journey that makes you feel grateful for the creators.
It is one great example of Japanese creation where a simple, naive plot is presented in a compelling and heart-touching form.
Synopsis
So the main plot goes like this. A tragic accident wipes out an entire island leaving behind just one survivor, Mari Wakatake.
The horrifying memory of seeing her loved ones burn in flames right in front of her eyes was too hard for her brain to handle. As a consequence, Mari lost her memory.
Her grandmother enrolls her in an all-girls school. For the first time in her life after the incident, she showed interest in another person. Hagino Senkouji. Hagino, a stoic personality inexplicably draws Mari towards herself. The story then follows the incidents that lead both of them to a girlish love bond.
23. Uchi no Maid ga Uzasugiru!
- Logline: Kamoi fell for Misha at first sight but will Misha accept this unconditional love.
- Year: 2018
- Genre: Comedy, GL
- Studio: Doga Kabo
Finally, we have a show that depicts the supremacy of Japanese Maids in anime. If you haven’t already read one of my recent posts on Best Maid Animes then make sure you check it out before going through the synopsis.
Synopsis
Misha Takanashi was 2 years old when she lost her mother. Her real Russian father left her even before she was born. Consequently, she grew up with her Japanese step-father.
Her father serves as s commander in the Japanese navy. Tsubame Kamoi joins the Takanashi residence as a housekeeper. This show is a series of comical and romantic breakdowns where the newly appointed housemaid Kamoi tries her best to get close to Misha.
22. Simoun
- Logline: What happens in a world where every child born is a female.
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Fantasy
- Studio: Studio Deen
One of the yuri anime masterpieces you must give a try is Simoun. It exemplifies how complex and nuanced yuri relationships can get. It is one rare kind of anime that invokes more questions than it answers.
Synopsis
Female is the only gender reproduced in the fictional world of Simulicram. It is only after the age of 17 that a girl is allowed to choose her sex. The only women who have free choice of deciding their gender even after 17 are the pilots of Simoun.
Simoun is a giant flying ship that is operated only by women who specialised in the art of flying. Aaeru is one of the pilots who has been newly recruited as a Simoun.
The story follows Aaeru’s life, her experience exploring same-sex love, and her adventures as a pilot of Simoun.
21. Oniisama e…
- Logline: Tale of a sixteen-year-old and her harsh school life.
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Fantasy
- Studio: Studio Deen
Oniisama e… is a passionate, emotional, and romantic anime series. It contains a strong-willed protagonist who has to deal with a lot of heartbreak in her life.
She displays a range of emotions from anger to sadness, so it is easy for the audience to connect with her. The relationships she develops are also realistic and interesting. It is an unforgettable tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Synopsis
This heartbreaking story centers on Nanako Misonoo. A kind and loving 16-year old who hope that the world will be a better place to live someday. Unfortunately, her beliefs meet a tragic fate when she joins the Sorority, an organization that comprises elites and rich students of the school.
She is brutally bullied and made suffer torture. Nanako’s fight is filled with hardships, blurred happiness, and a series of distress. If you can tolerate excessively emotional heartbreaking shows, then you might just give this one a try.
20. Yuri Kuma Arashi
- Logline: When happens a talking bear falls for a beautiful human girl.
- Year: 2015
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy
- Studio: Silverink
Next up we have Yuri Kuma Arashi. It’s not just your typical yuri anime where everyone kisses each other—although there’s plenty of that too! Yuri Kuma Arashi explores sexual desire in-depth, which can be hard to find in any genre of anime… much less yuri anime!
Synopsis
Girls and talking bears, that’s what this show is all about. Our yuri pair, Kureha Tsubaki and Sumika Izumino have to undergo tough trials in order to prove their love.
If you are someone who is always looking for logic then I am sorry my friend, this show isn’t for you. But once you switch your perspective to absolute surrealism, you will realize that this is by far the most amazing anime creation that depicts a girl-on-girl relationship.
19. Sasameki Koto
- Logline: Beautiful tale of two women lovebirds.
- Year: 2009
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Studio: AIC
Sasameki Koto is another anime that must be addressed in this list of best yuri anime. The show is really dedicated to exploring what it means to be true friends with someone of the same sex as well as lovers.
It’s very nuanced and interesting, so if you’re interested in yuri anime this is a great place to start!
Synopsis
The show orbits around Murasame Sumika and her favorite Kazama Ushio. Murasame’s popularity doesn’t always come to help when searching for love. For a long time, she has suppressed her liking for her classmate Kazama Ushio.
However, it doesn’t take long for her little secret to come out publicly as she expresses her love for Ushio. The show unfolds the events of both women exploring this newly met, eternal love.
18. Hidan no Aria AA
- Logline: Akari finally meets her idol Aira.
- Year: 2015
- Genre: Action, Ecchi
- Studio: Doga Kabo
Hidan no Aria AA is the sequel to the hit anime Hidan no Aria.. One of the most notable parts of Hidan no Aria AA is how it portrays its lesbian relationships, and that’s exactly the reason why it has made its place in the top 25 yuri anime.
The relationships here are built up slowly and realistically over time, which makes them feel more believable and genuine. There are plenty of other yuri anime out there, but this one is definitely worth checking out!
Synopsis
The story continues with Aria and Akari joining forces to take down the mysterious organization known as “Noir.” Akari who has been a long admirer of Aria finally gets her chance to express her love for Aria.
The two girls will also be joined by new friends like Reki, Kenji, and Shirayuki. Together they will find out more about Noir while fighting off enemies in this thrilling sequel.
17. Oshi ga Budoukan Ittekuretara Shinu
- Logline: A story of an idol otaku girl.
- Year: 2010
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Studio: 8Bit
If you want an anime with a visually appealing animation then this might it. This show has an interesting art style.
That being said, it’s a very enjoyable show overall that focuses on the complex relationship between these girls and how they deal with one another. I would recommend this show to anyone who likes yuri anime!
Synopsis
Our protagonist, Eripiyo is madly in love with her idol Maina. Maina is one of the lowest-ranking members of an underground group called the Cham Jam.
Eripiyo is self-aware that no matter how bad her obsession is with Maina she wouldn’t be able to get any close to her without becoming a pop star herself.
16. Akuma no Riddle
- Logline: A group of girls who are part of an elite class in the world’s most prestigious school.
- Year: 2014
- Genre: Action
- Studio: Diomedéa
Akuma No Riddle is one of those shows that you watch because you feel obligated to watch it. The premise is cliche and feels like a low-budget version of Hunter x Hunter.
However, if all you desire to watch is some girly love and action, Akuma no Riddle will not be a disappointment.
Synopsis
Akuma no Riddle follows the story of Tokaku Azuma, a girl who enrolls in an elite academy for assassins, the Myoujou Academy.
As she struggles to survive in the cut-throat competitive environment, she has to deal with her rather unique classmates that are also killers. The series is based on a light novel by Akatsuki Natsume and features animation by Brain’s Base.
15. Tonari no Kyuuketsuki-san
- Logline: A sweet story of a sweet girl and a vampire.
- Year: 2018
- Genre: Comedy
- Studio: Studio Gokumi, AXsiZ
This anime has it all: vampires, fashion, and an emotional lesbian relationship. Tonari no Kyuuketsuki-san is a great anime for anyone looking for something heartwarming, romantic, or that has some good fan service moments!
Synopsis
In this show, there’s a girl named Akari who meets a vampire girl named Sophie and falls in love with her. Akari moves in with Sophie and they start living together.
The series follows the two as they date and learn more about each other and themselves.
14. Kämpfer
- Logline: A boy finds himself in the body of a girl and now is getting the attention of boys and girls alike.
- Year: 2009
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- Studio: Nomad
Kampfer is a unique yuri anime on this list. It revolves around the romance between the main heroine and other girls, but that main heroine is a boy who transformed into a girl.
It is a hilarious show that makes fun of the awkward situation of the protagonist.
Synopsis
Natsuru one day finds himself in the body of a beautiful woman. He is later told that he has now become a Kampfer, a mystical fighter that fights other Kampfer.
On top of that, he is being lusted over by other girls of his school who like his new avatar.
13. Maria-sama ga Miteru
- Logline: A sweet love story of two girls in a conservative all-girls Catholic school.
- Year: 2004
- Genre: Romance
- Studio: Studio Deen
It’s a coming-of-age story about two girls who meet in an all-girls Catholic school and eventually fall in love. But this isn’t just your average cute love story.
They also have to navigate the complicated social scenes at school and find out what it means to be honest with themselves and each other.
The two girls learn how to make decisions together and grow up as individuals while still being together.
Synopsis
Yumi joins her new all-girl school and comes across Sachiko, the most popular girl in school. And out of nowhere,
Sachiko offers Yumi to be her sister which causes all sorts of rumors in school. Now Yumi is confused about everything happening around her and Sachiko’s intentions.
12. Aoi Hana
- Logline: Two childhood friends meet after years but find it difficult to reignite their friends.
- Year: 2009
- Genre: Romance
- Studio: J.C.Staff
If you want an example of yuri anime that handles the topic well, then this is an anime worth checking out!
Watching the characters progress through the series is both adorable and heartwarming, and shows how these girls work to understand their identities through the course of their relationship.
Synopsis
It’s about two girls who were good friends when they were younger but got separated and now that both are in the same high school, they barely talk anymore.
But over time the girls realize how much she values their friendship and they never stop caring for each other.
11. Happy Sugar Life
- Logline: Two girls with controversial lifestyles try to give their best in their relationship together.
- Year: 2018
- Genre: Drama, Horror
- Studio: EzÏŒla
Happy Sugar Life is an excellent example of modern yuri anime that I think everyone should watch! The show is very well animated and with plenty of fanservice.
However, the best part about this show is how well-written it is; you can tell that the writers really cared about crafting complex characters who will keep you on your toes as they navigate their complicated relationship.
Synopsis
It follows the story of a girl named Shio and her classmate Satou. The two fall in love and begin to develop a relationship together.
Though, Satou’s dark past and Shio’s dangerous lifestyle make this relationship complicated and ultimately dangerous.
10. Maria†Holic
- Logline: A story of a girl who hates boys falls for a boy disguised as a girl.
- Year: 2009
- Genre: Comedy
- Studio: Shaft
This is the first yuri anime I ever watched, and I still think it’s one of the best. Unlike other anime on this list, this anime has a certain twist that you’ll read in the synopsis below.
Maria Holic is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for an easy way to get into the genre.
Synopsis
Kanako joins an all-girl school to find the love of her life. She gets attracted to a girl named Maria.
When she finds out that Maria is a female cosplaying boy, she threatens to relevel Maria’s identity to which Maria threatens Kanako to expose her impure intentions towards other girls of the school.
9. Sakura Trick
- Logline: A story of two girls who have always been together since childhood.
- Year: 2014
- Genre: Comedy
- Studio: Studio Deen
One of the most popular yuri anime out there is Sakura Trick. This show follows two high school girls as they go through their years in school.
It’s not just your typical high school anime, though—both main characters already love each other as best friends! The story explores their relationships and how it develops over time.
Synopsis
Haruka and Yuu have been friends since childhood and promised each other that they’ll stick with each other in high school.
But when Haruka gets conscious about Yuu getting close to other high school girls, Yuu kisses Haruka, thus sparking a new kind of relationship between the two friends.
8. Strawberry Panic
- Logline: An ordinary girl gets infatuated by a mysterious girl.
- Year: 2018
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Studio: Other
At first glance, Strawberry Panic appears to be another generic high school drama, but there are many twists and turns to keep viewers intrigued.
The characters in this series are diverse and interesting, which makes it an excellent watch. And of course, with yuri anime you know relationships will evolve!
Synopsis
Nagisa is a new transfer student in a prestigious all-girls school. There she meets Suzumi, a highly captivating girl who is also the most popular in school.
Over time the two get closer but there’s is an uneasy feeling about Suzumi that Nagisa can’t shake off.
7. Citrus
- Logline: A steamy relationship with two step-sisters.
- Year: 2018
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Studio: Passione
Citrus is a yuri anime that focuses on the relationship between the conservative and an outgoing girl. This anime takes a pretty realistic approach to this relationship and offers a lot of fanservice!
There are plenty of scenes where things get steamy between the two girls, whether it’s just kissing or going all out! If you’re looking for something that has a little bit more explicit content then this might be your show.
Synopsis
Yuzu is a cheerful young girl whose parent gets remarried and she gets a new step-sister named Mei. As their relationship progresses, they deal with feelings of love, jealousy, and heartbreak.
The show does a really good job of portraying how these two characters explore their romantic feelings for each other while also dealing with the pressures of society.
6. Watashi ni Tenshi ga Maiorita!
- Logline: A cute relationship between a college girl and a middle school-going girl.
- Year: 2019
- Genre: Comedy
- Studio: Doga Kobo
It is a slice-of-life mixed with comedy that will have you in stitches for every episode. This original anime is sure to have you on your toes as it’s packed with humor and cuteness all bundled up into one show.
The characters are adorable and the plot is just as sweet as can be. So, if you’re looking for a fun anime to watch, Watashi ni Tenshi ga Maiorita! might just be what you need!
Synopsis
Miyako Hoshino is an introverted college girl who spends her time alone and making cosplay dresses. But her life changes when she meets her 5th grader sister’s friend Hana.
Miyako is infatuated by Hana’s cuteness and is always trying to make Hana wear her cosplay dresses and get close to her.
5. Mai-HiME
- Logline: A group of powerful girls tasked with fighting mysterious creatures to protect humanity.
- Year: 2004
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- Studio: Sunrise
Mai-Hime is an action-packed yuri anime with girls with crazy superpowers and juicy fanservice. The tone of the show is mostly light-hearted and comedic but gets serious in certain moments.
Synopsis
In a fantasy world, 13 girls with the power to manifest elements and summon magical creatures are brought together to fight mysterious creatures called Orphans.
As the girls start living and fighting alongside each other, feelings are bound to arise.
4. Adachi to Shimamura
- Logline: A story of two school girls naively navigating their feeling for each other.
- Year: 2020
- Genre: Romance
- Studio: Tezuka Productions
This is one of the newer yuri anime series, but it’s still has managed to take its place with the legends. The plot is kind of predictable, but it’s also sweet.
It’s all about growing up and coming to terms with love when your heart doesn’t align with what society wants for you.
Synopsis
Adachi and Shimamura are two high school girls that begin their relationship with friendship.
Over time, they grow closer and closer and the situation changes when one develops a deeper feeling for the other and can’t hold back. Will elevating their relation bring them closer or put a strain on their friendship?
3. Konohana Kitan
- Logline: Daily life of fox girls running a traditional hot springs inn.
- Year: 2017
- Genre: Fantasy
- Studio: Lerche
Konohana Kitan is a yuri anime that has been in buzz since the time of its release.
Not only does it feature a story about girls who live together at a hot spring, but it also features an interesting take on the magic-and-spirits theme. SO if you love Yuri and Fantasy then this anime is for you.
Synopsis
This series focuses on Yuzu, a cheerful but clumsy fox girl, who starts working at this magical hot spring where spirits can reside and be healed by the power of the place.
Yuzu has to work hard to figure out how she’s supposed to help these spirits with her limited knowledge—but luckily, she gets plenty of help from the other girls living there!
2. Yuru Yuri
- Logline: A group of 4 girls opened a school club to have fun together.
- Year: 2018
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Studio: TROYCA
Yuru Yuri is a show about girls in the same school club. The show has lots of humor, but it also has lots of heartbreak.
Yuru Yuri might not have as much drama as other yuri anime, but it has just as many reasons why people might want to watch it!
Synopsis
It is the story of four middle school girl that forms a school club called the Amusement Club. The aim of the club is the keep its members entertained.
Though things start to complicate when the girls start developing feelings for each other.
1. Yagate Kimi ni Naru
- Logline: A story of a girl on a path to understanding her own feelings.
- Year: 2011
- Genre: Comedy
- Studio: Doga Kobo
Yuri anime tend to focus on the romantic relationships between girls, so it’s no wonder that one of the most popular ones is “Yagate Kimi ni Naru” or “Bloom Into You.”
There are some complicated twists and turns in this series, but it’s worth watching for its deep exploration of interpersonal dynamics.
Synopsis
It’s a high school romance drama that starts with an unexpected love story. Yuu Koito has always admired Touko Nanami from afar but never romantically.
One day, out of nowhere Touko confesses her feelings for Yuu which leaves her utterly confused about her own feelings.
7 Honorable Mentions
1. Gokujo.
- Logline: Aya is an enthusiastic girl studying in an all-girl school.
- Year: 2012
- Genre: Comedy
- Studio: LMD
2. Kanamemo
- Logline: The life of a little girl changes when she starts living with a group of girls.
- Year: 2009
- Genre: Comedy
- Studio: feel.
3. Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl
- Logline: The life of a boy changes when he transforms into a girl.
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Comedy
- Studio: Studio Hibari
4. Inugami-san to Nekoyama-san
- Logline: A romance story of an extrovert and an introvert.
- Year: 2014
- Genre: Comedy
- Studio: Seven
5. Valkyrie Drive: Mermaid
- Logline: A romance story of an ordinary girl and a mermaid.
- Year: 2015
- Genre: Action
- Studio: Arms
6. Mikagura Gakuen Kumikyoku
- Logline: A story of a girl who joins a high school just because it had cute girls and a cute uniform.
- Year: 2015
- Genre: Action
- Studio: Doga Kobo
7. Urasekai Picnic
- Logline: Adventure story of girls in the otherworld.
- Year: 2021
- Genre: Adventure
- Studio: LIDENFILMS, Felix Film
