15 Best Yuri Anime: To those who are not familiar with Yuri or GL (Girl Love), this fascinating genre sets around the romance between girls, almost the opposite of Yaoi. And just like Yaoi, Yuri Anime is quite famous among the right audience. And contrary to popular belief, Yuri is not illegal to watch. Moreover, this anime genre covers a warm bond between the main leads and readily enters an ecchi theme. Now, it might not even be as close as the famous Shounen or Thriller anime, but Yuri has a peculiar mass of its own. There are a few of these names that are a must-watch for various reasons. So here we count down a list of the 15 best Yuri Anime.
Adachi To Shimamura
Best Yuri Anime: Adachi To Shimamura is the first pick on this list. The show follows as the title suggests Adachi Sakura and Shimamura Hougetsu in the lead. The first-year high school students come across each other on a random turn of events. Both were skipping classes and landed in the upstairs school gym. Once met, the duo forms a close bond, and however, one feels harder than the other. Now, will Adachi ever express her feelings for Shimamura? Or can Shimamura ever see Adachi more than a friend? All will be answered in the 12-episode venture.
Strawberry Panic!
Strawberry Panic! is based on a manga and light novel series of the same name. The series showcases four girls from three different schools. It also has a love triangle as one of the main stories. Nagisa Aoi starts developing feelings for Shizuma Hanazono, a representative of different schools, after a forehead kiss from the latter. However, the couple’s romance finds a new entry when Tamao Suzumi sets foot in the picture.
Liz And The Blue Bird
This emotionally gripping story highlights a deep-rooted friendship and how there is no such thing as ‘forever.’ Both the characters in the lead represent a certain musical instrument. This includes Mizore, who is the oboist, while Nozomi, who plays the flutes. The title of the story is a German fairy tale that the duo rehearse together. The tale talks about a close friendship between Liz and Blue Bird, who has turned into a human. Fans looking for an emotional rollercoaster should definitely opt for this anime film.
Revolutionary Girl Utena
Despite the Japanese culture not being as open towards this genre, Revolutionary Girl Utena is a classic 1997 anime. It typically has four sagas and five volumes in total and is widely considered one of the best Yuri Anime of all time. It has Utena Tenjou in the spotlight, who contains a good hand in dueling tournaments. She finds Anthy Himemiya, an Indian girl, in the middle of the duels. Later, Utena promises to protect the “Rose Bride,” Anthy. However, as the story progresses, many secrets reveal themselves. All in all, Revolutionary Girl Utena should be a must-watch for every Yuri anime fan.
Aoi Hana
Aoi Hana or Sweet Blue Flowers is a romantic comedy. The short show follows Akira Okudaira, who is a new high school student at Fujigaya Girls Academy. While Akira is busy writing manga, her childhood friend Fumi tries to keep their relationship strong even during different times. Now, Fumi begins a new relationship and comes out as a lesbian to Akira. This certain detail begins the journey of a Yuri manga under Akira’s creation.
Love Live! School Idol Project
Love Live! School Idol Project, just as the name suggests, roams around nine girls turning to pop idols to save their school from a crisis. The group takes inspiration from the famous idols A-Rise and form one of their own called μ’s. The group finally saves Otonokizaka Academy and brings in more students for enrollment. And soon, the group is completely brimming with success. Now with such a new audience, μ’s aim for the Love Live competition.
Whispered Words
Sasameki Koto, or Whispered Words, portrays a sweet bond between Sumika Murasame and her best friend, Ushio Kazama. Now, what sets this story apart is both the girls have different tastes and likings. While Ushio likes shy girls with small bodies, Sumika has a liking for athletic chicks. Later, Sumika lays eyes on a crossdresser, Masaki, who is in love with her. This love triangle story has own many hearts and is a sure great watch for Yuri anime lovers.
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Citrus
Next up is Citrus, another Yuri romance drama. The plot of the series revolves around Yuzu Aihara, who gets stuck in an all-girls school. Yuzu is out-going and does not fit in the atmosphere. She also always end up in an argument with the entirely different student council president, Mei Aihara. However, things take a total U-turn when Yuzu’s mother remarries Mei’s father. Now the newly made stepsisters have to share a room together. Things certainly do not go as planned when Yuzu begins to feel romantically towards her stepsister.
Riddle Story Of Devil
Best Yuri Anime: The exciting action story, Riddle Story Of Devil is one of the best choices for Yuri anime. The show has Tokaku Azuma in the main lead. It brings thirteen skilled assassins, including Tokaku, into a private girl’s school. The group is assigned to kill one student, Haru. Now, Haru has no special skills or has ruthless abilities much different from her classmates. On the other hand, Tokaku has found quite a liking towards Haru and resolves to keep her alive. However, the others continue to try their utmost as whoever kills Haru gets their wish fulfilled.
Asagao To Kasa-san
Asagao to Kasan-san is a prime example of opposites attract. Shy and a nerd about plants and gardening, Yui Yamada finds herself pulled towards Tomoka. Now, Tomaka is a track star and extremely popular. One day, when Tomoka strikes a conversation with the introverted Yui, their lives take a turn. Yui begins feeling emotions she has never had before and aspires to confess them. However, she is scared and confused. The series takes up the story from this point.
Sakura Trick
This Studio Deen slice-of-life anime has a classic Yuri story. The show revolves around two childhood best friends once again. Plus, it only has one season in hand, so this is a quick and endearing watch. The duo, Haruka and Yu, begin their new high school life. However, things do not go as planned when they are seated way too far from each other. Finally, Yuu begins gaining new female friends while Haruka watches it carefully. And when the classroom empties, Haruka catches Yuu in a slow deep kiss. It is for sure things escalate from thereafter.
Netsuzou Trap
Now, Netsuzou Trap is one of the extreme ecchi ones. The show follows Yuma as the main lead, who is best friends with Hotaru. Yuma is naturally tough and has always saved Hotaru from the bullies. However, just when she acquires a boyfriend, things change. Yuma is uncertain about her new relationship and how to take things to the next step. Thus, she consults Hotaru. The scene proceeds with them sharing a warm kiss while Yuma forms new feelings towards her childhood friend. The show has bagged 12 episodes in total.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Best Yuri Anime: The very famous Puella Magi Madoka Magica includes LGBT characters. Plus, many scenes of this show have been criticized worldwide. Despite that, the popularity is quite high. The plot begins with two high school students who find themselves in a deal with a magical cat, Kyuubey. The cat offers to fulfill their one wish in turn of them evolving into a magical girl. Despite Homura Akemi’s several warnings, the duo agrees to the proposal. Hence, the life of magical abilities begins, and they further realize what they have actually signed up for.
Yuru Yuri
Yuru Yuri is more of a loli type and serves mostly a comedy prone audience. The show follows four middle-school characters. Though Akari is the supposed main character of the series. The continuous talks and fun moments between the group make one almost forget about this detail. Once Akari joins the Amusement Club, her classmate Chinatsu joins just after. However, the once called Tea Club has been discontinued. The show features the four girls conversing over tea and indulging in entertaining activities.
Bloom Into You
Bloom Into You is about a Shoujo or Yuri manga lover herself. The plot finds Yuu in the main focus, who is new in the High School world. Unprepared for what’s coming, Yuu spots a surprisingly charming Student Council. However, due to her past unsuccessful relations, Yuu asks for Touko’s help. The plot experiences a change in the air when Touko speaks of her affection towards Yuu. This very anime has many delightful and pleasing moments and is one of our best picks for the Yuri genre.
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With this, we conclude our list of the 15 best Yuri Anime. However, did we miss any of your favorite picks? Let us know by leaving a suggestion in the comment section. Thus, for more such listicles, keep coming back to The Anime Daily.