12 Anime Spin-Offs That Made the Gay Ship the Center of the Story

Spin-off anime often provide a unique opportunity to explore characters and relationships that were sidelined in the main series. While original narratives may focus on action or heterosexual romances, these derivative works frequently indulge the fanbase by bringing popular same-sex pairings to the forefront. Whether through alternate universes, side stories, or sequels that shift protagonists, these titles gave audiences the dynamic they had been waiting for. From magical girl reinterpretations to slice-of-life comedies, these series and movies proved that the side couple often deserves the spotlight.

‘Liz and the Blue Bird’ (2018)

This film serves as a spin-off to the popular ‘Sound! Euphonium’ series and shifts the focus entirely to Mizore Yoroizuka and Nozomi Kasaki. The narrative abandons the ensemble cast of the main series to tell a quiet and intense story about codependency and separation. Director Naoko Yamada uses delicate animation and sound design to visualize the complex emotional bond between the two girls as they practice a duet. The film recontextualizes their relationship from the TV anime and transforms it into a heartbreakingly beautiful romance that stands on its own.

‘Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya’ (2013–2016)

This magical girl spin-off of the ‘Fate/stay night’ visual novel franchise reimagines Illyasviel von Einzbern as a card-collecting heroine. While the original franchise is known for its battle royales and complex lore, this iteration places a heavy emphasis on the relationship between Illya and her mysterious partner Miyu. As the seasons progress, the bond between the two girls becomes the driving emotional force of the plot, culminating in universe-altering sacrifices. The series leans heavily into yuri undertones that eventually become the central pillar of the narrative stakes.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury’ (2022–2023)

Although a standalone entry in the massive Gundam franchise, this series acts as a spiritual spin-off that revolutionizes the brand’s approach to romance. It introduces the first female protagonist in a mainline TV series and immediately establishes her engagement to another woman, Miorine Rembran. The political intrigue and mecha battles serve as a backdrop to the developing trust and love between Suletta and Miorine. This bold narrative choice placed a same-sex marriage at the absolute center of the story and redefined expectations for the entire genre.

‘A Certain Scientific Railgun’ (2009–2020)

Spinning off from ‘A Certain Magical Index’, this series focuses on Mikoto Misaka and her life in Academy City. A defining element of this adaptation is the amplified role of Kuroko Shirai and her intense obsession with Mikoto. While Mikoto herself is often portrayed as oblivious, the show dedicates significant screen time to Kuroko’s feelings and their close partnership in solving crimes. The chemistry between the two girls often overshadows the male-centric plots of the parent series and has become a staple of the franchise’s identity.

‘Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story’ (2020–2022)

Derived from the genre-defining ‘Puella Magi Madoka Magica’, this series introduces a new cast of magical girls in the city of Kamihama. The narrative revolves around Iroha Tamaki and her search for her sister, but her relationship with the veteran magical girl Yachiyo Nanami quickly becomes the emotional anchor. The two characters eventually form a domestic partnership, raising a “child” figure together and living in the same house. Their bond provides a stable, romantic foundation amidst the psychological horror and despair typical of the franchise.

‘Soul Eater NOT!’ (2014)

In contrast to the high-stakes action of ‘Soul Eater’, this spin-off adopts a slice-of-life approach within the same supernatural school setting. The protagonist Tsugumi finds herself caught in a lighthearted triangle between two potential partners, Meme and Anya. The “weapon and meister” mechanics of the original series are reinterpreted here as intimate metaphors for compatibility and relationships. Subtext becomes text as the girls’ emotional synchronization determines their ability to function as a team.

‘Attack on Titan: Junior High’ (2015)

This parody spin-off reimagines the cast of the dark fantasy giant-slaying anime as ordinary middle school students. Without the constant threat of death, the series is free to focus on character dynamics, specifically highlighting the bond between Ymir and Historia. The show amplifies Ymir’s protective affection and openly depicts her desire to marry Historia in a comedic school setting. It gave fans a cheerful respite and celebrated a ship that was fraught with tragedy in the main canon.

‘Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club’ (2020–2022)

While the ‘Love Live!’ franchise always features subtext, the Nijigasaki iteration places the relationship between childhood friends Yuu and Ayumu at its core. The drama of the series often hinges on Ayumu’s jealousy and fear of losing Yuu to the other idols in the club. Their reconciliation arcs are framed with romantic tropes, including intense confessions and hand-holding scenes that mirror traditional romance anime. The show prioritizes this interpersonal drama over the group’s collective goal of winning a competition.

‘Hina Logic – from Luck & Logic’ (2017)

Divorced from the male-led action of the original ‘Luck & Logic’, this series focuses on a school for Logicalist girls. The main narrative thread is the blossoming relationship between the princess Liones and the reserved Nina. Their “Trance” transformations require intimate trust, which serves as a metaphor for their growing romantic feelings. The show concludes with the two girls making a lifelong pact that functions effectively as a marriage vow.

‘BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!!’ (2023)

This entry in the ‘BanG Dream!’ music franchise takes a darker, more angst-filled approach to band dynamics. The story centers on the messy emotional fallout of a previous band’s breakup and the formation of a new one. The complex web of feelings between the vocalist Tomori and the other girls, particularly the heavy emotions from former bandmate Suyo, drives the conflict. It prioritizes the intense, often toxic, interpersonal obsession between the girls over the music itself.

‘Burn the Witch’ (2020)

Set in the same universe as ‘Bleach’, this movie and limited series focuses on two witches, Ninny and Noel, in Reverse London. The chemistry between the two protagonists is the highlight of the show, mixing professional rivalry with genuine care. Creator Tite Kubo intentionally crafted a dynamic that fans immediately latched onto, with Ninny and Noel’s banter serving as the heart of the story. While short, the spin-off establishes them as a power couple that overshadows the surrounding lore.

‘Gridman Universe’ (2023)

Bringing together the casts of ‘SSSS.Gridman’ and ‘SSSS.Dynazenon’, this film resolves the lingering emotional threads of the franchise. Central to the narrative is the reunion between Rikka and Akane, whose relationship was the emotional core of the first series. The movie goes out of its way to validate their bond, giving them a pivotal scene that confirms their importance to one another. It satisfies the fans who viewed their connection as the true romance of the original show.

Which of these spin-offs do you think handled the relationship best? Share your thoughts in the comments.