20 Anime Where the Canon Gay Couple Gets More Screen Time Than the Straight One

Anime has increasingly embraced diverse storytelling by placing same-sex relationships at the forefront of the narrative. These series move beyond subtext to feature canon couples who drive the plot and emotional core of the show. Viewers looking for romance where the main gay or lesbian pair receives the spotlight will appreciate these titles. The following list highlights productions where the LGBTQ+ couple dominates the screen time compared to any straight counterparts.

‘Given’ (2019)

High school student Ritsuka Uenoyama loses interest in playing guitar until he meets Mafuyu Sato holding a broken instrument. Ritsuka decides to fix the guitar and eventually teaches Mafuyu how to play it while inviting him to join his band. The story focuses heavily on the developing romantic relationship between the two boys alongside their musical journey. Their bond takes center stage throughout the series and overshadows any background heterosexual pairings. The emotional narrative explores grief and new love through the medium of rock music.

‘Bloom Into You’ (2018)

Yuu Koito struggles to understand the concept of falling in love until she meets student council member Touko Nanami. Touko confesses her feelings to Yuu and initiates a complex dynamic where one girl pursues romance while the other navigates her own uncertainty. The anime dedicates the vast majority of its runtime to exploring the nuances of their connection and personal growth. Supporting characters appear but the narrative lens remains firmly fixed on the female protagonists. This series is widely praised for its realistic depiction of exploring sexual identity during adolescence.

‘Yuri!!! on Ice’ (2016)

Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki faces a crushing defeat and considers retiring until Russian champion Victor Nikiforov offers to become his coach. The relationship between the skater and coach evolves from professional admiration into a deep romantic bond that fuels their competitive drive. Viewers watch as their intimacy grows through shared routines and moments of vulnerability both on and off the ice. The central romance drives the plot forward much more significantly than any peripheral relationships involving other skaters. It stands as a landmark sports anime for its depiction of same-sex love without tragic tropes.

‘Sasaki and Miyano’ (2022)

Miyano Yoshikazu is a high school student who secretly loves reading Boys Love manga and shares his hobby with an upperclassman named Sasaki. Their friendship gradually blossoms into romance as they bond over shared interests and navigate the awkwardness of first love. The series prioritizes their sweet interactions and internal monologues over any side plots involving other couples. It provides a wholesome and lighthearted look at a developing relationship within a school setting. The screen time is almost exclusively dedicated to their slow-burn courtship and mutual understanding.

‘Citrus’ (2018)

Fashionable Yuzu Aihara transfers to a strict all-girls school and immediately clashes with the stern student council president Mei. Yuzu discovers that Mei is actually her new stepsister after her mother remarries and they must live under the same roof. The show focuses on the tension and attraction that develops between the two girls despite their opposing personalities. Their complicated romance dominates the storyline as they navigate family dynamics and school life. Romantic rivals appear but the narrative always returns to the central couple.

‘Junjo Romantica’ (2008–2015)

Misaki Takahashi needs tutoring to get into college and seeks help from the famous author Akihiko Usami. The eccentric writer pursues Misaki aggressively and pulls him into a whirlwind romance that spans multiple seasons. This anime actually features three different gay couples but the main pair receives the bulk of the attention. Heterosexual relationships are virtually nonexistent in this world as the plot revolves entirely around male romantic entanglements. It remains one of the most well-known titles in the Boys Love genre.

‘Adachi and Shimamura’ (2020)

Two high school girls named Adachi and Shimamura become friends after skipping class and meeting in the gym loft. Their relationship slowly shifts from casual friendship to something deeper as Adachi realizes she has romantic feelings for her companion. The anime is a character study that meticulously tracks their time together playing ping pong and talking about life. Viewers see almost every moment of their developing bond while other characters serve strictly as background support. The pacing emphasizes the gradual and often hesitant nature of realizing love.

‘Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi: The World’s Greatest First Love’ (2011)

Ritsu Onodera quits his job at his father’s company to prove his own merit and joins the shojo manga department of Marukawa Publishing. He discovers that his tyrannical new boss Masamune Takano is actually his first love from high school. The workplace setting serves as the backdrop for their rekindled romance and professional conflicts. Several other male couples within the same publishing house also get focus during the series. The narrative structure ensures that male-male romance is the absolute priority of the storytelling.

‘Strawberry Panic!’ (2006)

Nagisa Aoi transfers to St. Miator Girl’s Academy and gets caught up in the complex social hierarchy of three affiliated schools. She attracts the attention of Shizuma Hanazono who serves as the Etoile or the widely admired representative of the student body. The series features a large cast of female characters engaged in various romantic entanglements with one another. No male characters have any significant presence or screen time throughout the entire show. The plot focuses entirely on the relationships and rivalries between the girls on campus.

‘No. 6’ (2011)

Shion lives a privileged life in a dystopian city until he shelters a fugitive boy named Nezumi during a storm. This act of kindness leads to his exile but ultimately saves him when he reunites with Nezumi years later. The two boys rely on each other for survival as they uncover the dark secrets behind the utopia they once knew. Their relationship is the emotional core of the story and includes a pivotal kiss that confirms their romantic connection. The bond between Shion and Nezumi is far more developed than any other interaction in the series.

‘Dou kyu sei – Classmates’ (2016)

Rihito Sajo is an honor student who prepares for the school chorus festival alongside his band-member classmate Hikaru Kusakabe. Kusakabe offers to help Sajo practice singing and their private sessions lead to a mutual confession of love. This film captures the fleeting and precious nature of a high school romance through distinctive watercolor-style animation. The runtime focuses almost exclusively on their interactions and anxieties about the future. It portrays a realistic and tender relationship without melodramatic distractions.

‘Sakura Trick’ (2014)

Haruka Takayama and Yuu Sonoda are best friends who decide to do something special to keep their bond strong when they are seated apart in class. They choose to kiss secretly in an empty classroom which sparks a romantic relationship between them. The anime is episodic and lighthearted with a focus on their physical affection and jealousy. Other girl pairs exist in the show but Haruka and Yuu are the undeniable main focus. The series prioritizes comedy and sweet moments over heavy drama or straight romance.

‘Hitorijime My Hero’ (2017)

Masahiro Setagawa is a delinquents’ underling who is saved by the street fighter known as the Bear Killer. He eventually realizes that his savior is actually his math teacher Kousuke Ooshiba. The student tries to deny his feelings but the teacher is persistent in his affection and guidance. The series balances the main couple with a secondary relationship involving Kousuke’s younger brother. It explores themes of belonging and finding a place where one is truly accepted.

‘The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady’ (2023)

Princess Anisphia creates magicology to compensate for her lack of magical ability and crashes the wedding of Euphyllia Magenta. After Euphyllia is publicly shamed and her engagement annulled Anisphia invites her to live and work together at her villa. The two noblewomen form a deep partnership that evolves into romance as they challenge the kingdom’s traditions. Their relationship is central to the political and magical plotlines of the anime. Male suitors act primarily as antagonists or obstacles rather than genuine romantic interests.

‘Love Stage!!’ (2014)

Izumi Sena is born into a family of entertainers but wants to become a manga artist despite having no talent for it. He is coerced into doing a wedding commercial where he must dress as a girl and act opposite the famous actor Ryouma Ichijou. Ryouma falls in love with Izumi believing he is a girl and pursues him even after learning the truth. The story is a comedic take on show business romance with the male couple taking center stage. Their chaotic relationship development consumes the entire narrative arc.

‘Kase-san and Morning Glories’ (2018)

Yui Yamada is a shy member of the greenery committee who falls for the athletic and popular Tomoka Kase. The OVA follows the early stages of their relationship as they start dating and navigate the awkwardness of intimacy. It highlights simple moments like sharing bento boxes and walking home together after school. The story is devoid of major conflict and focuses entirely on the fluff and sweetness of their love. No other relationships compete for screen time in this focused narrative.

‘Gravitation’ (2000–2001)

Shuichi Shindou is the energetic vocalist of the band Bad Luck who struggles to write lyrics for his debut. He meets the famous romance novelist Eiri Yuki who harshly criticizes his writing but eventually becomes his lover. The series follows their tumultuous relationship alongside Shuichi’s rise to stardom in the music industry. The dynamic between the optimistic singer and the cynical writer drives every major plot point. It is a classic title where the gay romance is inextricably linked to the protagonist’s career success.

‘I’m in Love with the Villainess’ (2023)

Rae Taylor is an office worker who reincarnates into her favorite otome game and decides to romance the antagonist instead of the princes. She openly declares her love for the villainess Claire François and ignores the intended male love interests. Claire is initially confused by Rae’s affection but gradually warms up to her persistent maid. The show subverts the reverse harem genre by pushing the male characters to the sidelines. The central dynamic is firmly focused on the developing bond between the two women.

‘The Stranger by the Shore’ (2020)

Shun Hashimoto is a novelist living in Okinawa who meets a high school student named Mio Chibana sitting alone on a bench. Mio leaves for three years but returns as an adult to confess his feelings to Shun. The film deals with Shun’s internalized homophobia and his struggle to accept the happiness Mio offers. The tranquil island setting frames their domestic life and emotional reconciliation. It is an intimate story that focuses solely on the two men without distraction.

‘Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!’ (2024)

Kiyoshi Adachi gains the magical ability to read minds after turning thirty while still being a virgin. He accidentally reads the mind of his handsome colleague Yuichi Kurosawa and discovers that Kurosawa has a massive crush on him. Adachi must navigate office life while hearing the intense romantic thoughts of the man sitting next to him. The anime adapts the popular BL manga and focuses on the comedic and heartwarming progress of their relationship. The straight characters in the office serve merely as background for the main couple’s development.

Please share your favorite couple from this list or mention any titles we missed in the comments.