BL, often known as boys’ love manga or yaoi, encompasses a wide range of stories from tender first loves to intense romances.
It’s no wonder that this genre has been gaining popularity in recent times! It offers a diverse selection of love stories, from heartwarming to sensual, and at times, exceptionally captivating.
There is much more diversity in the vast and constantly changing world of Yaoi manga than first appears.
There is a Yaoi manga for every BL fan. Ranging from deep, steamy romances to inspiring love stories and hilarious comedy.
This list includes everything you could possibly want.
Whether you’re searching for a spicy, passionate story or a gentle, sweet romance that makes you smile.
Best Yaoi Manga Recommendations [BL manga Recommendations]
Best BL/Yaoi manga recommendations:
Fangs
The vampire plot, which Fangs presents in BL, is overused. But it is portrayed flawlessly, in contrast to many manga that use the same cliche.
The artwork is simply amazing.
The story tells the tale of a young vampire who, unaware of the rules he must now follow, comes to terms with the new life he should live forever.
A patient member of the vampire rights organization’s health and welfare division guides the young vampire on a journey that helps them both grow as a couple and as individuals.
Fangs is one of the best BL manga recommendations for new readers.
Seven Days: Monday – Sunday
Seven Days is one of the Best BL Manga Series making it a cult classic.
The plot starts when third-year high school student Yuzuru Shino playfully asks his junior, Touji Seryou, out.
Touji has a tendency to date whoever asks him out on Mondays and to end the relationship by Sunday if he fails to fall in love.
Over the course of the week, as they process their emotions, what starts out as a lighthearted trial gradually transforms into something deeper, especially when Seryou unexpectedly concurs.
Despite having only ten chapters, the romance is nevertheless developed gradually.
By emphasizing the emotional narration and gently advancing the plot, it reduces the amount of smut that is typical of Yaoi tropes!
Our interest in the characters’ story grows as they get to know one another!
Seven Days is one of the best BL manga of all time.
Therapy Game
Therapy Game masterfully explores themes of fast-paced romance, personal growth, and redemption.
Despite being composed of just two volumes, this compelling narrative has captivated readers consistently.
Beyond its stunning artwork, the plot is intricate and engaging.
The story follows Shizuma, who finds solace from heartbreak through a one-night encounter with a stranger named Minato.
Though Minato initially attempts to forget Shizuma, he finds himself drawn to him, ultimately deciding to support Shizuma on his journey of healing.
Therapy Game is one of the best BL manga series of all time.
Our Not So Lonely Planet Travel Guide
Although Asahi and Mitsuki had never embarked on a world tour together, they chose to do so out of love.
Not So Lonely Planet Travel Guide explores themes of travel, stepping outside one’s comfort zone, and, most importantly, love.
While Asahi and Mitsuki are already in a relationship at the beginning of the book, Asahi faces challenges as an openly gay individual.
Throughout their journey, they encounter a variety of people, each leaving a unique impact on their relationship.
Mone Sarai’s book is an excellent choice for those looking for adult fiction devoid of sexual content.
It is a heartwarming tale with poignant language and beautifully described settings.
Twittering Birds Never Fly
Since its 2011 debut, Twittering Birds Never Fly has been a top manga pick for everyone.
Yoneda Kou is the author of this BL manga.
Yashiro, the youthful president of a sizable company who is admired by his peers and employers for being a diligent and capable leader, is introduced in this yaoi manga, which depicts the typical Japanese businessman lifestyle.
When Yashiro indulges in sadomasochism in his personal space, that idyllic work life is totally upended.
The CEO is intrigued by Chikara when he first meets his new security, and the two men soon start dating.
This manga is renowned for its magnificent world-building and exceptional artwork.
For some readers, the graphic and violent situations may be upsetting.
Despite all of that, Twittering Birds Never Fly is a classic yaoi manga.
Ogi’s Summer Break
Ogi’s Summer Break is not only a compelling example of how disabilities are represented in manga but also a delightful story about two young men whose paths cross at just the right time.
The narrative centers on Tago, a straightforward blind boy in his senior year of high school, and Ogi, a unique college student who defies gender stereotypes with his love for cute and charming things.
Although Tago has never been particularly fond of boys, Ogi feels an immediate attraction to him.
Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, forming an extraordinary bond as they explore their sexualities.
The story’s beginning may feel a bit rough, and Tago might initially seem unsettling.
However, readers are encouraged to continue and allow themselves to understand Tago before making any judgments about the author’s portrayal.
Ogi’s Summer Break is one of the best Yaoi Manga Recommendations.
The Summer of You
If you’re a fan of the “best-friends-to-lovers” trope, The Summer of You is a must-read.
The story revolves around Wataru Toda and Chiharu Saeki, two teenage boys who share a deep friendship.
Despite being one of the most sought-after boys at school, Saeki consistently declines romantic advances from girls because his heart already belongs to someone special—his best friend, Wataru.
A shared passion for movies draws them together, leading to daily trips to the theater where they take turns picking films to watch.
One day, Saeki shyly suggests that they spend the summer visiting locations from their favorite films.
The Summer of You is a charming tale filled with warmth and affection.
Only the Flower Knows
Only the Flower Knows is a captivating tale of self-discovery and the courage to embrace one’s true identity.
Our protagonist, Youichi, is essentially the epitome of success.
He is well-liked, has a beautiful girlfriend named Kanami, and excels at university.
With no apparent issues in his family life or academics, Youichi seems to have everything figured out.
However, when he meets a man named Shouta on a train, he begins to question himself.
Shouta’s presence is both intriguing and captivating for reasons Youichi cannot quite comprehend.
As fate would have it, Youichi continues to encounter Shouta, and they even end up working together in the same university lab!
The story in Only the Flower Knows is a lovely voyage of self-discovery and courage to be who you really are.
Only the Flower Knows is a must read BL manga.
Old Fashioned Cupcake
Old Fashioned Cupcake is among the top Boys’ Love Manga in most readers list.
The story of Old Fashioned Cupcake centers on 39-year-old salaryman Nozue, who is mired in a repetitive cycle of work and sleep.
When Togawa, his younger subordinate, recommends they try something novel and impromptu—going to a pancake shop—his life takes an unexpected turn.
Yes, Togawa is interested in Nozue!
As Togawa pushes Nozue to venture beyond his comfort zone and appreciate life’s little pleasures, what begins as a straightforward supper quickly develops into a voyage of self-discovery.
It’s a slow-burning romance, but I promise you won’t regret reading it!
You will learn what it means to love, understand, and communicate as the two characters list each other’s worries.
Old Fashion Cupcake is one of the best Yaoi Manga you will ever come across.
Popular BL Manga Titles Still Relevant in 2024 (Most Popular Boys’ Love Manga)
Here are the anime series that are highly acclaimed, widely popular, and require no further introduction:
- Given
- Dou kyu sei (Classmates)
- Umiebe no Etranger (Seaside Stranger Series)
- Sasaki and Miyano
- Junjou Romantica
