Yuri, aka Girls Love, is one of the most well-known anime subgenres in Japan, similar to BL anime, and has even grown. If you aren’t aware, Yuri is a subgenre of romance that centers on the romantic relationships between female characters. Now, if you are looking for new Yuri anime to binge-watch, we have compiled a list of shows you need to add to your watchlist.
10. Adachi and Shimamura (2020)
- Japanese Title: Adachi to Shimamura
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Romance
- Episodes: 12
- IMDB/MAL: 7.0/7.0
During the lockdown, a mini-anime series with Yuri at its heart was released and it is none other than Adachi to Shimamura. One fated day, Sakura Adachi and Hougetsu Shimamura accidentally come across one another and go on to become thick friends over time. However, other emotions start to surface and the two become aware of the budding feelings.
Now, what will become of their new feelings? Will it blossom into a relationship or end up affecting their friendship? Find that out for yourself. This is a fantastic Yuri anime with a grounded story and relatable characters. Moreover, since this is a mini-anime, you can binge it in one go.
9. I’m in Love with the Villainess (2023 – )
- Japanese Title: Watashi no Oshi wa Akuyaku Reijou
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
- Episodes: 12
- IMDB/MAL: 7.1/7.35
I’m in Love with the Villainess is one of the best Yuri anime to come out in 2023. It is an anime with an Isekai touch. The narrative centers around Rei Oohashi, a girl who dies an unfortunate death and gets reincarnated in her favorite otome game. Now, within the game world, Rei begins to fall in love with her favorite character, Claire.
It is an enjoyable and contemporary anime that effectively blends in with the Isekai genre (see our best isekai anime list). Thus, if you are a huge fan of the Isekai and Yuri, you must go with Watashi no Oshi wa Akuyaku Reijou.
8. Strawberry Panic (2006)
- Japanese Title: Nil
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Romance
- Episodes: 26
- IMDB/MAL: 7.1/7.27
Strawberry Panic is an excellent Girls Love anime with a high-school setting. As Nagisa enters a new phase of her life, she meets Shizuma in her new school. This meeting is forever going to change their lives and the story chronicles the daily lives of Nagisa, Shizuma, and her pals at this school.
Similar to others on this list, this anime also excels in exploring and portraying the obstacles of lesbian relationships. Even though it came in the 2000s, this anime is still celebrated to date as it is one of the best Yuri anime of all time, thanks to its likable characters and heartful story.
7. Sweet Blue Flowers (2009)
- Japanese Title: Aoi Hana
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Romance
- Episodes: 11
- IMDB/MAL: 7.0/7.09
Aoi Hana is one of the best anime from the 2000s era and is praised highly for its realistic depiction of Girls Love themes. This anime follows the lives of two bestfriends, Fumi Manjoume and Akira Okudaira. Although time splits them during their Elementary School, they find themselves together again during their High School journey. But this time, their relationship isn’t the same anymore.
This anime delicately tackles the difficulties of the characters embracing their sexuality and offers a pragmatic approach to the Yuri genre. The themes of rekindled friendships and love are handled in a neat manner. As a result, the emotions resonate with the audience greatly.
6. The Magical Revolution Of The Reincarnated Princess And The Genius Young Lady (2023 – )
- Japanese Title: Tensei Oujo to Tensai Reijou no Mahou Kakumei
- Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Romance
- Episodes: 12
- IMDB/MAL: 7.3/7.48
We have yet another Isekai x fantasy Girls Love anime here, and it came out last year. The Magical Revolution Of The Reincarnated Princess And The Genius Young Lady is a rather long name, but it is worth a watch. After Anisphia rescues Euphyllia in an unexpected series of events, they team up which is going to forever reshape the kingdom they live in.
As it came out recently, you don’t have to worry about its animation quality as Studio Diomedea has done a fantastic job. With an amusing storyline and lovable characters to root for, it is easily one of the top new Yuri anime in town.
5. YuruYuri: Happy Go Lily (2011 – 2019)
- Japanese Title: Yuru Yuri
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Comedy
- Episodes: 12
- IMDB/MAL: 7.6/7.56
Yuru Yuri isn’t exactly your regular Yuri anime as it doesn’t delve into the mature themes of Girls’ Love. Instead, this anime takes the Yuri tropes and seamlessly weaves them into a slice-of-life and comedy narrative. Yuru Yuri’s story revolves around the lives of a team of middle school girls in an amusement club.
If you are interested in a Yuri anime without any explicit content, essentially an ultimately toned-down version of a Girls Love anime, this anime is your go-to destination. This anime is incredibly funny and entertaining from the start and captivates you easily with its adorable characters. This anime consists of several seasons, OVAs, and specials that you should definitely check out.
4. Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997)
- Japanese Title: Shoujo Kakumei Utena
- Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Romance
- Episodes: 39
- IMDB/MAL: 8.1/8.21
The renowned J.C. Staff delivered a stunning Yuri anime in the late 90s, which is the Revolutionary Girl Utena. Like its title, this anime was indeed revolutionary in history and is one of the highest-rated anime as well.
It is difficult to summarize this anime’s story without giving out spoilers, however, it follows the life of a schoolgirl and a young princess named Utena whose life is about to change after the death of her parents.
One should keep in mind that the Yuri theme is one of the many grand themes tackled in this anime. It is regarded as a 90s masterpiece for how it blends philosophical and Yuri themes. So, if you want a complex and in-depth story featuring Girls Love, Revolutionary Girl Utena will enthrall you.
3. Maria Watches Over Us (2004- 2009)
- Japanese Title: Maria-sama ga Miteru
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Romance
- Episodes: 44
- IMDB/MAL: 6.9/7.28
Maria Watches Over Us is one of the most important Yuri works in anime history and serves as an inspiration for a lot of the recent Girls Love series. In this story, Yumi Fukuzawa meets the popular student council president Sachiko Ogasawara when she enrolls in the Lillian Girls’ Academy. The latter becomes Yumi’s mentor, but as their friendship grows, Yumi begins to feel more for her.
This is a heartwarming Yuri tale with a complete focus on friendship and love. With its beautifully written characters, it is a delight to watch the drama unfold between the two main leads. If you are in the mood for a classic Yuri anime, Maria Watches Over Us is a must-watch!
2. Kase-san and Morning Glories (2018)
- Japanese Title: Asagao to Kase-san
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Romance
- Duration: 58 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.70/7.2
Kase-san and Morning Glories is a short yet adorable Yuri tale from Studio Zexcs. This story follows the usual trope where a shy protagonist Yui Yamada falls in love with the school’s popular star —Kase-san. The movie depicts the drama between Yamada and Kase-san, leaving the fans to wonder if they will end up together as Yamada finds it difficult to admit her feelings.
This anime OVA is 58 minutes in length and yet it charms you with its endearing characters and captivating animation. This feel-good Yuri drama movie is full of heartful and adorable moments and successfully makes you feel the warmth of first love.
1. Bloom Into You (2018)
- Japanese Title: Yagate Kimi ni Naru
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Romance
- Episodes: 13
- IMDB/MAL: 7.8/7.89
Bloom Into You is one of the greatest Girls Love anime as it takes the formula from the classic Yuri anime and adds its own special touch. Yuu, a passionate shoujo manga lover, has always imagined getting a love confession that makes her heart skip a beat. However, when a classmate confesses her feelings to Yuu, she feels a complete void in her heart.
Although Yuu believes she is incapable of loving, things begin to change when she meets Touko Nanami in high school. Bloom Into You was applauded by fans and critics for its accurate portrayal of the romantic connection between Yuu and Touko.
With fleshed-out characters and a good storyline, this anime explores girl romance elegantly. Bloom Into You is the best Yuri anime on our ranked list, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone looking to explore this genre for the first time.
That said, if you feel like we have missed out on any good Yuri anime or movies, feel free to mention them in the comments below.
Aparna Ukil
