Celebrating Boys Love: Anime! Anime!’s Favorite BL Anime Survey 2025 Results!
September 9th is known as “Danshoku no Hi” (Day of Male Love). In Onmyodo (Yin-Yang philosophy), males are classified as Yang, and the origin of this day is said to be the stacking of “9”, which is the extreme among odd numbers symbolizing Yang.
Works depicting romance between men are known as “BL” (Boys Love) and are a genre supported by many fans. Its popularity in anime is also high, with numerous titles having been broadcast, released, and streamed to date.
To celebrate this, Anime! Anime! conducted its annual reader survey titled “Which is your favorite BL anime?” from August 22nd to August 29th. The gender ratio of respondents was approximately 25% male and 75% female, indicating a predominantly female audience. Regarding age groups, roughly 30% were under 19, with both 20s and 50s each accounting for about 20% of the responses.
Table of Contents
■2020s Titles Dominate the Top Ranks!
First Place
Given claimed the top spot, garnering approximately 18 percent of the votes.
Given is based on a manga serialized in “Cheri+.” It tells a poignant youth band story centering on the members of the rock band, Given. It began airing in 2019 as the first BL anime in Fuji TV’s late-night “Noitamina” programming block. In 2024, the concluding film, Eiga Given Umi e (also known as Given The Movie: Hiiragi Mix), was released. Readers frequently expressed how the captivating vocals and live performances stirred their emotions, with many comments describing the impact: “The protagonists’ songs deeply resonated with me. I was truly thrilled to encounter such wonderful, tightly gripping songs,” “The story, where each character’s past and emotions intertwine, brought tears to my eyes multiple times. The scene where Mafuyu first sings gave me goosebumps,” and “Mafuyu and Ritsuka’s sweet and sour relationship warms my heart, even as a male viewer.”
Second Place
Sharing the second-place spot with an equal number of votes are Sasaki to Miyano and Tamaranai no wa Koi na no ka.
The heartwarming series Sasaki to Miyano is based on a manga serialized in “Gene Pixiv.” It tells the school life story of Miyano Yoshikazu, a high school student who loves BL, and his slightly delinquent senior, Sasaki Shumei, as they slowly bridge the distance between them. The series was adapted into a TV anime in 2022, followed by the film Sasaki to Miyano –Sotsugyo-hen– (also known as Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation Chapter) in 2023. Readers expressed their affection for the “relationship you want to watch over,” with comments such as: “Two people who had no connection become friends through BL comics and gradually become special to each other. This refreshing, slightly tantalizing story is sure to be enjoyed by everyone. Even the small interactions where Sasaki-senpai teases Miyano-kun are adorable.”
Tamaranai no wa Koi na no ka is based on a manga serialized in “Bessatsu Friend.” It depicts the interactions between Misumi Aoba, a delinquent (yankee) who spends his days fighting, and Kitahara Riku, an honor student from the special advanced class. In April 2025, a special anime episode was broadcast as part of the “Agaru BL Night!” program. Comments gathered expressed anticipation for further developments, stating: “A naturally innocent honor student and a solitary delinquent (yankee). The sweet and poignant distance between these two opposites is carefully depicted, and it really resonated with me, even though I’m not deeply familiar with BL.” and “It was a single-episode special, but the animation and voice acting were exceptional. I definitely want to see a sequel!”
■Other Featured Comments!
30-sai made Dotei da to Mahou Tsukai ni Nareru Rashii (also popularly known as Cherry Maho or Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!) received praise such as: “The first BL anime I ever watched was Cherry Maho. I absolutely love not only Adachi and Kurosawa, the colleagues at the company, but also Tsuge, the romance novelist, and Wataya, the delivery person!”
For Sekaiichi Hatsukoi, one fan commented: “The frustration of past misunderstandings creating distance between them is simply irresistible. The latest anime installment was the 2020 film Propose-hen (Propose Arc), but I’m eagerly waiting for the next one!”
Regarding Modao Zushi, a passionate fan shared: “Lan Wangji’s love for Wei Wuxian is simply profound. He always strives to be his ally and searched for him for thirteen long years. His dedication to standing by Wei Wuxian’s side, ensuring he’s never lost again, is truly beautiful.”
Votes were also cast for titles broadcast this year, such as Babanba Banbanban Vampire. One comment enthused: “It’s hilarious to watch Mori Ranmaru, a vampire working at a public bathhouse (sento), as he targets the blood of his boss’s son, or gets targeted by vampire hunters. Though, apparently, BL here stands for ‘Bloody Love Comedy’…”
This year’s survey saw titles broadcast or released in the 2020s predominantly ranking in the top spots. The lineup showcases a wide array of genres, from school-life dramas to fantasy adventures and compelling music-themed stories. Don’t miss out, as all titles that received votes will be revealed on the next page!
■Top 5 Ranking
[Which is your favorite BL anime? 2025 Edition]
1st Place: Given
2nd Place: Sasaki to Miyano
2nd Place: Tamaranai no wa Koi na no ka
4th Place: Sekaiichi Hatsukoi
4th Place: Modao Zushi
4th Place: Karaoke Iko!
(Response Period: August 22nd, 2025 – August 29th, 2025)
Next Page: All titles that received votes will be revealed
- Other ongoing survey themes can be found here! We’d love to hear your thoughts. ＞＞https://animeanime.jp/special/1898/recent/
Katsunori Takahashi
