15 Anime Arcs Centered on Gay Adoption and Found Family

The trope of found family frequently appears in anime to explore bonds that transcend biological connections and societal norms. Many narratives feature same-sex pairings or platonic partners who take on the responsibility of raising a child together. These stories emphasize that commitment and love define a family unit rather than lineage or traditional structures. The following arcs showcase some of the most touching examples of adoption and surrogate parenting in the medium.

‘Sailor Moon Sailor Stars’ (1996–1997) – The Nehelenia Arc

Haruka Tenoh and Michiru Kaioh live together and serve as the primary guardians for the reborn Hotaru Tomoe. The couple raises the young girl with the help of Setsuna Meioh in a unique all-female household. Hotaru grows rapidly under their care while they protect her from the dark forces seeking her power. This arc highlights the domestic bond between Uranus and Neptune as they balance their duties as Sailor Guardians with parenthood. The narrative frames their relationship and parenting style as a loving and valid family structure.

‘Buddy Daddies’ (2023) – The Parenting Mission Arc

Kazuki Kurusu and Rei Suwa are professional assassins who unintentionally end up caring for a four-year-old girl named Miri. The two men drastically alter their dangerous lifestyles to provide a stable and normal childhood for their adoptive daughter. They navigate the complexities of daycare and school meetings while hiding their secret identities from the outside world. The story prioritizes the domestic challenges of parenthood and the growth of their bond over constant action sequences. Kazuki and Rei prove that family is defined by love and commitment rather than biological connections.

‘Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha’ (2004) – The Vivio Arc

Nanoha Takamachi and Fate Testarossa serve as the adoptive mothers to a mysterious child named Vivio. The two powerful mages share a domestic life and work together to protect their daughter from an organization that seeks to exploit her magic. Vivio refers to both women as her mothers and relies on them for emotional support and safety. The series treats their family unit with the same normalcy as any other household within its universe. Their dedication to Vivio drives the central conflict and resolves the emotional stakes of the season.

‘Miss Kobayashi”s Dragon Maid’ (2017) – The Kanna Integration Arc

Kobayashi invites the dragon Kanna Kamui to live with her and Tohru after the young dragon is exiled from her world. The trio forms a chaotic but affectionate household where Kobayashi acts as the primary provider and parental figure. Kanna attends a human elementary school and learns to navigate the human world through the guidance of her two guardians. The narrative frequently focuses on the heartwarming and mundane aspects of raising a child such as sports festivals and school supplies. This found family dynamic brings warmth and stability to the lives of all three characters.

‘Sarazanmai’ (2019) – The Otter Empire Arc

Reo and Mabu are policemen who share a complicated past involving the adoption of a baby girl named Sara. Their backstory reveals they raised Sara together until supernatural circumstances forced them into a tragic conflict. The series uses their relationship and shared love for their daughter to explore themes of desire and sacrifice. Flashbacks depict their domestic happiness and the devastating impact of the secrets they kept from one another. The eventual resolution allows them to reaffirm their connection and their role as a family unit.

‘The Founder of Diabolism’ (2018–2021) – The Yi City Arc

Lan Wangji takes in a young boy from the Wen clan after the devastating Sunshot Campaign concludes. He raises the child as a disciple of his own clan and gives him the name Lan Sizhui. The boy grows up exhibiting the virtues of both Lan Wangji and his other father figure Wei Wuxian. This act of adoption serves as a quiet rebellion against the political prejudices of the cultivation world. The bond between the three characters becomes a central pillar of the story in the later episodes.

‘Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi: The World’s Greatest First Love’ (2011) – The Yokozawa Takafumi no Baai Arc

Yokozawa Takafumi finds unexpected love with Kirishima Zen who is a single father raising a young daughter named Hiyori. Yokozawa quickly bonds with Hiyori and steps into a parental role within their household. The three characters spend time together cooking meals and navigating the challenges of daily life as a unit. Hiyori accepts Yokozawa completely and encourages the relationship between him and her father. This arc portrays the healing power of a found family for a character recovering from heartbreak.

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011–2014) – The 13th Chairman Election Arc

Killua Zoldyck defies his family of assassins to rescue his younger sibling Alluka from solitary confinement. Alluka possesses a terrifying power but Killua offers her unconditional love and accepts her gender identity when no one else will. He acts as her sole guardian and protector as they travel the world together away from their abusive home. The narrative contrasts the coldness of their biological family with the warmth and safety Killua provides for Alluka. Their journey emphasizes that true family protects and nurtures rather than controls.

‘Sk8 the Infinity’ (2021) – The Tournament Arc

Cherry Blossom and Joe are childhood friends and rival skaters who act as surrogate parents to the teenage prodigy Miya. The two men constantly bicker like an old married couple while offering guidance and protection to the younger boy. They intervene when Miya faces danger from the antagonist Adam and ensure he stays on the right path. Fans gravitate toward the domestic energy the three characters share during downtime at the restaurant or the skate park. The trio finds comfort and trust in one another amidst the high stakes of the competition.

‘Vampire in the Garden’ (2022) – The Road to Eden Arc

Fine is the vampire queen who flees her duties to protect a human girl named Momo. The two characters travel across a war-torn landscape in search of a place where vampires and humans can coexist peacefully. Fine takes on a maternal role as she teaches Momo how to survive and appreciates the beauty of the world. Their relationship defies the hatred between their species and forms the emotional core of the series. The tragedy of their journey underscores the depth of the familial love they develop for each other.

‘Assault Lily: Bouquet’ (2020) – The Schutzengel Pledge Arc

Yuyu Shirai accepts Riri Hitotsuyanagi as her Schutzengel partner which creates a formal sisterhood bond between them. This system functions like a family lineage where older students mentor and care for younger ones. Yuyu overcomes her past trauma and grief through her responsibility to guide and protect Riri. The two girls develop a deep connection that blurs the line between mentorship and family. Their relationship provides emotional stability in a world constantly threatened by mysterious monsters.

‘Tiger & Bunny’ (2011) – The Ouroboros Arc

Kotetsu Kaburagi and Barnaby Brooks Jr. are superhero partners who eventually develop a bond deeper than simple teamwork. Barnaby begins to trust Kotetsu implicitly and integrates into his life and relationship with his daughter Kaede. The three of them spend time together and Barnaby finds the family warmth he lost as a child. Kotetsu supports Barnaby through his quest for vengeance while Barnaby helps Kotetsu connect with his daughter. This found family dynamic grounds the superhero action in genuine emotional stakes.

‘Maria Watches Over Us’ (2004) – The Souer System Arc

Yumi Fukuzawa is chosen by Sachiko Ogasawara to be her petite sœur or little sister within the Lillian Girls’ Academy. This tradition establishes a formal family tree where students support one another like siblings. Sachiko guides Yumi through the complexities of school politics and personal growth with protective affection. The bond they share becomes the most significant relationship in their lives and mimics a nurturing family structure. The series explores how these non-biological connections shape the identities of the young women.

‘Princess Principal’ (2017) – The Changeling Arc

Five young spies live together at unparalleled Queen’s Mayfaire School while conducting covert operations in a steampunk London. The team functions as a tight-knit sisterhood that replaces the biological families they have lost or abandoned. Dorothy acts as the leader and maternal figure who keeps the group focused and emotionally supported. They share meals and secrets while protecting the true identity of the princess within their ranks. This found family relies on absolute trust to survive in a city filled with deception.

‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’ (1997) – The Black Rose Arc

Utena Tenjou and Anthy Himemiya live together in a dorm where they establish a unique domestic rhythm. Utena strives to protect Anthy from the duelists who seek to possess her power and revolutionize the world. The two girls share quiet moments of gardening and cooking that contrast with the surreal battles they face. Anthy finds a defender and a partner in Utena who values her as a person rather than a prize. Their relationship challenges the traditional roles imposed upon them by the academy and the world.

Tell us which of these heartwarming arcs resonated with you the most in the comments.