Once upon a time, Boys like animation It received a fairly negative reputation for, among other things, its emphasis on taboo relationships and shock value. To be clear, some of these older series, while fun in their own right, are products of the past. Over the past few years, the genre has shifted toward stories that focus on mature, realistic, and (sometimes) wholesome romance. The 2020s can be said to be the golden age of BL animation.
2024 has largely succeeded in maintaining its recent good form. Every season, except fall, has had one memorable series that explores the theme. Although it wasn't much, this year certainly delivered in quantity, with several shows suitable for newcomers to yaoi romance. Simply put, Best BL Animations of 2024 It's also one of the genre's greatest efforts ever.
To qualify, the anime must have a boy's love relationship. You won't see any hints about BL, but don't pull the trigger.
5 Special mention: Senpai is Otokonoko
One part of a complex package
For the most part, boys' love of anime exists in an identifiable bubble, and these types of relationships are rarely explored in shows that aren't specifically advertised as part of the genre. My senior is Otokonoko. Gender fluidity is explored through Makoto, a teenage male who feels much more comfortable wearing women's clothing. Although not accepted at home, Makoto is willing to risk backlash at school, and his cross-dressing initially leads to ostracism. However, he finds support in his childhood friend Ryuji and eventually becomes friends with a young schoolmate named Saki, and the three form a charming dynamic and several one-sided crushes.
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As the story progresses, My senior is Otokonoko. Ryuji and Makoto are set up as a couple and they even start dating. However, the anime makes it clear that their romantic interest is still one-sided, with Makoto viewing Ryuuji as an important friend rather than a more intimate friend. thus, My senior is Otokonoko. It's not an excellent choice, especially for viewers longing for a boy's love. But it's a great coming-of-age story that explores other difficult topics like gender identity and neglect.
4 twilight out of focus
Several BL couples who are all awesome
twilight out of focus
- Japanese title
- Tasogare Out Focus
- release date
- July 4, 2024
- standard
- comic book
- creator
- Janome
Well-rounded experience, twilight out of focus It's essentially an anthology animation that moves between three couples who are somehow connected through their school film club. Each pairing takes center stage in a handful of episodes, and their dynamics are noticeably unique from one another. Before even entering into a relationship, twilight out of focus It should be praised for its top-notch presentation, with consistently excellent animation, voice acting, and music. to be honest, Best Boys Love Animation in 2024 All have high production values.
All three couples are lovely couples, but Mao and Hisashi are the highlights, with more tribute episodes than Giichi and Jin or Rei and Shion. The two students, who started out as roommates, have a cute but slightly awkward relationship, one that steadily changes when Mao realizes she has feelings for Hisashi. The latter identifies as LGBTQ+ but prefers to keep this a secret. Especially because he is stuck in and out of unhealthy relationships. As they become closer, the two characters become more confident and comfortable with each other and themselves. Their journey warms my heart.
3 Cherry Magic! 30 years of chastity can make you a wizard?!
More than meets the eye
It's an eye-catching title that may turn off some people who aren't yet interested in BL stories. Cherry Magic! 30 years of chastity can make you a wizard?! It sounds pretty dumb, but the series uses a ridiculous premise to cleverly explore stereotypes and archetypes. Adachi, a 30-year-old virgin, gains the ability to read minds, which leads her to discover that Kurosawa, a very cool and popular co-worker, likes her. Because he had no intention of going in this direction, Adachi does not know what to do with this information, and ultimately cannot decide whether to approach Kurosawa or keep his distance.
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Kurosawa is the star of the show. Adachi's abilities provide deep insight into the psyche and struggles of his colleagues, stripping away the “public” persona presented by Kurosawa. cherry magic It features several scenes that feel like a throwback to the aggressive BL anime of the past that involved one dominant partner, but this is subverted through Kurosawa's thought processes that emphasize his insecurities, fears, and kind nature. Adachi and Kurosawa's friendship and eventual romance unfolds surprisingly naturally, considering the bizarre psychic elements. cherry magicThis is the only BL dynamic.
The ending of the anime has an unnecessary and hasty time jump, implying that a sequel is unlikely to happen. I'm disappointed. Fortunately, the comic is still ongoing.
2 Given Movie 2: Hiiragi Mix
Echoes of the past and the coming future
Given Movie 2: Hiiragi Mix
- release date
- January 27, 2024
- supervision
- Noriko Hashimoto
- run-time
- 70 minutes
- studio
- Lerce
- standard
- comic book
given Not only is he one of the greatest boys of all time to love animation, but he could also be said to have helped spark the genre's current renaissance. Sasaki and Miyano. The 2019 show was amazing, and so is the 2020 movie sequel. In 2024, the series returned with two sequel films. hiiragi mix Debuted in Japan early this year. Like its predecessor, this film pushes one of the secondary couples to the forefront. In this case, Hiiragi and Shizu receive the most attention, although no other characters are sacrificed.
every given's characters are, to some extent, processing past trauma, and that theme remains central to the film. hiiragi mix. Hiiragi recruits Ritsuki to complete the demo Yuki had been working on before his tragic death, and the song was inspired by the latter's love for Mafuyu. In the meantime, Given may turn professional, but we're not 100% sure every member of the band will embrace this future.
Although Ritsuki and Mafuyu's relationship undergoes an interesting development, the film mainly focuses on Hiiragi and Shizu, who have not yet confessed their feelings for each other. Before that happens, the former has to grapple with her complicated feelings for both Yuki and Mafuyu, which is handled well in the anime.
1 welcome home
Beautiful slice of life boys love animation
Most boys love animation and it falls into the romance genre. This often includes confessions, grandiose declarations of love, and personal awakenings. That's all well and good, but there's something to be said for a simple story that follows the daily lives of an established couple. welcome home This is especially true. It's fantastic.
The anime is set in the Omegaverse, which imagines a world where individuals can have two genders. This concept is subtle and utilized in many works, but the most important detail to know is that people can be categorized as:
- Alpha – Can impregnate a male or female
- Omega – Fertility (both male and female)
- Beta – No Second Sex
welcome home It follows Masaki, an omega, and Hiromu, an alpha, as they start a family and take care of their young children. By the time the story begins, these two have already been together for several years, and their relationship is perfectly revealed through adorable and heartbreaking scenes. Most episodes highlight the pair's typical day as they get to know their neighbors while dealing with an energetic toddler and new baby.
Most of them are good for your health, welcome home It also explores themes such as prejudice, particularly through Masaki's internalized hatred stemming from experiences of discrimination. Omegas are generally ignored, and Masaki fears his children could suffer the same fate. Crucially, he also fears that he might pass on his anxiety and trauma to them.
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