
This year, we’ve had some great BL anime releases, but unfortunately, the explosion of BL dramas and webtoons has somewhat overshadowed the growth in anime.
Still, I’m hopeful for 2025 and look forward to seeing more anime adaptations of those amazing webtoons, mangas, and danmei stories.
Given Movie 2: Hiiragi Mix
- Genres: School, Romance, Drama
- Duration: 1 hr. 10 min.
Given is adapted from a Japanese BL manga. The original work is made by Natsuki Kizu (キヅナツキ).
Watch on Crunchyroll
Given Movie 2: Hiiragi Mix Synopsis
Hiiragi, Shizu, Yuki, and Mafuyu were childhood friends, but their lives were shattered when Yuki, the lead vocalist of their amateur band SYH, died by suicide following an argument with his boyfriend, Mafuyu. Yuki’s death deeply affected everyone, leading Mafuyu to isolate himself and cut ties with Hiiragi and Shizu.
Mafuyu, left with Yuki’s guitar, eventually learned to play it with the help of Uenoyama, a classmate who invited him to join his band, Given. Mafuyu became the vocalist and formed a bond with his new bandmates—Uenoyama, Haruki, and Akihiko—while also starting a romantic relationship with Uenoyama.
Hiiragi later reconnected with Mafuyu and was surprised to learn about his new band. Although Mafuyu was initially distant, they mended their friendship. Hiiragi, now SYH’s lead vocalist, invited Uenoyama to temporarily play guitar for their band, causing Mafuyu to feel uneasy as he noticed similarities between Uenoyama and Yuki.
For those of you interested in watching the Given series but unsure where to start, here’s the recommended viewing order:
Given (Anime Series) – Start here to get introduced to the characters and the world of Given.
Given the Movie – Focuses on the story of Akihiko and Haruji.
Given: Uragawa no Sonzai – A special OVA that adds some additional depth to the story.
Given: Hiiragi Mix – This movie takes place after the events of Given the Movie and primarily focuses on the relationship between Hiiragi and Shizusumi.
Given: To the Sea – A continuation that’s definitely worth checking out! Unfortunately, it is currently only available in Japanese theaters.
There’s also a 2021 live-action adaptation of Given, which can be enjoyed as a standalone experience. 😊
Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
Overall: “Cherry Magic,” adapted from Yuu Toyota’s (豊田悠) manga, began as a hit Japanese drama in 2020, followed by a 2022 movie sequel. Its heartfelt story crossed borders with a Thai remake in 2024, captivating audiences worldwide with its charm and themes of love and self-discovery.
- Genres: Office Romance, Comedy, Yaoi
- Episodes: 12 Duration: 24 min.
Watch on Crunchyroll
Cherry Magic! Synopsis
Adachi’s 30th birthday as a virgin came with the oddest gift—the ability to read the mind of anyone he touches. Pondering what to do with this mysterious power, he gets a lead when he accidentally reads his colleague Kurosawa’s mind.
Turns out the handsome hotshot of the sales team has got a thing for him! How will Adachi respond to overhearing these affectionate thoughts? (Source: Crunchyroll )
Also, Cherry Magic The Movie Special Edition will be released in Japanese theaters on Friday, December 13, 2024. This special version will include newly filmed episodes showcasing Adachi and Kurosawa’s journey, which weren’t featured in the TV anime!
I absolutely love their story in every universe, and I hope we get to see a South Korean adaptation as well.
Kuso Miso Technique
- Genres: Comedy
- Episodes: 1
- Duration: 30 min.
Kuso Miso Technique is adapted from a Japanese manga one-shot, released in 1987, and created by Junichi Yamakawa.
Shin Yaranai ka Synopsis
The story begins with Masaki Michishita, an ordinary prep school student who is rushing to the bathroom in a park one day. Despite his rush, he spots Takakazu Abe, an exceedingly handsome auto mechanic sitting on a bench. The two exchange looks, and after Abe utters “Yaranai ka” (Shall we do it?), the two begin their encounter.
Source: ANN
No Love Zone
- Genres: Office Romance, Yaoi
- Episodes: 10
- Duration: 5 min.
You can watch it on Laftel App (Just download the app and search up ‘no love zone anime’)
No Love Zone is adapted from a Korean webtoon No Love Zone (연애제한구역) by Danbi. The webtoon has been published in English by Seven Seas Entertainment.
No Love Zone Synopsis
Lee Eunkyum has been at his office job for about a year now. He’s friendly, gets along well with his colleagues, but when it comes to romance, things never quite go his way—mainly because he falls too quickly for good looks alone. And it looks like history is about to repeat itself with his new boss, Han Jihyuk.
Han Jihyuk is exactly Eunkyum’s type—tall, handsome, and undeniably attractive. But there’s just one problem: his personality is anything but charming. Tough and demanding, he pushes Eunkyum to his limits at work. Yet, despite the frustration, Eunkyum finds himself unable to stop thinking about him. Could this fiery tension between them be more than just workplace stress?
Before watching the anime, I highly recommend reading the webtoon No Love Zone!
The couple dynamic features a classic misunderstanding trope, with the top(ml) character coming off as a jerk at first but still showing a protective side toward the bottom(mc).
Meanwhile, the bottom is a bit bratty and airheaded, but also knows how to stand up for himself. If you enjoy this kind of dynamic, don’t miss No Love Zone! The relationship is full of misunderstandings and conflicts, with a mix of tough love and personal growth. Definitely worth checking out!
The Perfect Prince Loves Me, the Side Character?!
- Genres: Fantasy, Erotica, Yaoi
- Episodes: 8
- Duration: 7 min.
Watch on PrimeVideo
The Perfect Prince Loves Me, the Side Character?! is adapted from a Japanese manga by Ao Yuki (結城アオ).
The Perfect Prince Loves Me, the Side Character?! Synopsis
After dying in a car accident, the protagonist is reincarnated into the fictional universe of a fantasy romance novel, taking the identity of Loneal, a minor character doomed to die. Loneal’s fate is tied to the heroine, Lily, who is engaged to Prince Alec. During a misunderstanding, Loneal accidentally falls on Lily, and Alec catches them in a compromising position. This mirrors the original story, which leads to Loneal’s death.
In the chaos, Loneal inadvertently pours a love potion on Alec, causing the prince to become infatuated with him instead of Lily. Now, Loneal must find a way to reverse the effects of the potion while navigating Alec’s unexpected romantic advances.
Tadaima, Okaeri
- Genres: Slice of Life, Romance, Omegaverse
- Episodes: 12
- Duration: 23 min.
Watch on crunchyroll
Tadaima, Okaeri is adapted from the Japanese manga, Welcome Home by Ichi Ichikawa (いちかわ壱).
Tadaima, Okaeri Synopsis
Masaki and Hiromu are a happily married gay couple raising their young son, Hikari. Masaki, a stay-at-home parent, dotes on Hikari, while Hiromu, a corporate worker, balances his demanding job with quality family time. Their bond is filled with love and affection, with Hikari viewing Hiromu as a hero and calling him “Papa,” while Masaki is lovingly referred to as “Ma-cha.”
In a society where people are born into different classes, Hiromu is an esteemed “alpha,” while Masaki is an “omega.” Omegas, like Masaki, can be impregnated and give birth, but they face discrimination and prejudice. Their marriage is frowned upon, as Hiromu was expected to marry another alpha. To escape the hostile environment, they move to a supportive suburban neighborhood, where they befriend their neighbor Yuki, a college dropout who bonds with Hikari, and Matsuo, Hiromu’s coworker, who frequently visits.
This heartwarming story of love, family, and acceptance follows Masaki and Hiromu as they navigate societal challenges while cherishing their family life.
If you’re into BL but want something a bit different, I highly recommend Tadaima, Okaeri (Welcome Home). It’s not your typical BL—this series introduces the Omegaverse, where characters belong to one of three categories: Alpha, Beta, and Omega. In this world, the relationship dynamics are a bit more complex, with the protagonist Masaki being an Omega and his husband Hiromu being an Alpha.
The story highlights their struggles as a family facing societal prejudice but also the beauty of their love and support from their close-knit community.What really makes this series stand out is its unique take on the Yaoi genre. It’s a refreshing change from the usual BL tropes, and the production quality is great, especially with the sweet OST and lovely animation.
The story might hit you differently depending on how familiar you are with the Omegaverse, but it’s worth checking out if you’re open to new narratives and a deeper emotional connection between the characters.
So, if you’re looking for something that blends love, family, and a bit of social commentary, Welcome Home is definitely a series to check out. Trust me, it’s a good mix of cute moments and serious topics that you won’t want to miss!
Twilight Out of Focus
- Genres: School, Romance
- Episodes: 12
- Duration: 23 min.
Watch on crunchyroll
Twilight Out of Focus is an adaptation of a Japanese BL manga by Jyanome (じゃのめ).
Twilight Out of Focus Synopsis
Mao, a second-year high school student, shares a dorm room with his aloof classmate, Hisashi. Initially, the two don’t get along, but after Mao notices Hisashi’s anxiety and gloomy demeanor, he starts to worry about his well-being. One night, Hisashi opens up and comes out as gay, and Mao responds with support, leading to a closer bond between the two. They make three promises: 1) Mao will keep Hisashi’s sexuality a secret, 2) Hisashi won’t fall for Mao, and 3) they will respect each other’s privacy.
Mao, a member of the film club, and his friend Giichi, an aspiring director, work on a BL romance short film for the school festival. Giichi casts Hisashi in one of the lead roles, which Mao is initially against, fearing Hisashi may not be comfortable with the gay character. However, Hisashi agrees, and the two grow even closer as they rehearse their scenes together. Mao begins to develop feelings for Hisashi, realizing he has a secret crush on him.
Meanwhile, Giichi’s rivalry with Jin, the film club president, intensifies, while Jin’s dormmates—Rei and Shion—form an unlikely romance despite their opposing personalities.
If you’re thinking about watching Twilight Out of Focus, just know that it’s not really about one main couple. The show is split between three couples, and each one has its own storyline. Each arc lasts around 3-4 episodes, so it’s definitely not a slow burn.
Honestly, Twilight Out of Focus is such a feel-good watch. It’s full of healthy, green-flag relationships, and the characters all feel real with distinct personalities. It’s cute, lighthearted, and has just enough spice to keep things interesting—totally believable for a bunch of high school guys figuring things out.
For anyone looking for a fast-paced, non-toxic BL that’s just pure fun, this is a solid pick! Highly recommend it if you want something sweet and refreshing.