20 Best Yaoi Manga of All Time

Ever stumbled across a story so good it felt like your heart skipped a beat? That’s the magic of yaoi manga. These tales dive deep into complex relationships, unforgettable characters, and emotional rollercoasters, offering everything from forbidden love to hilarious romantic mishaps. 

So, what makes the best yaoi manga truly stand out? Get ready to explore a selection of gripping titles that’ll have you hooked from the first page.

What is Yaoi Manga?

Yaoi manga, also known as Boys' Love (BL), is a popular subgenre of manga that centers around romantic relationships between male characters. 

What sets yaoi apart isn’t just the love stories, but the emotional depth and cultural significance behind them. It’s a genre that resonates deeply with its readers, especially in terms of LGBTQ+ representation.

At its heart, yaoi manga often weaves tales of love and self-discovery, making it a powerful medium for exploring emotional and romantic bonds. From light-hearted romances to dramatic sagas, yaoi stories span countless settings and themes, whether it’s a charming high school crush, an epic fantasy world, or an office romance. 

Though some stories feature mature content, the real focus lies on the characters’ emotional journeys and personal growth.

Also Read: BL Manga Recommendations for Beginners

Hidden Gems: Discovering the Best Yaoi Manga

Ready to dive into a world of romance, drama, and unforgettable characters? We’ve curated a list of the best yaoi manga that bring the heart and heat, offering something for every genre fan. From lighthearted tales to intense love stories, these titles showcase the full spectrum of what yaoi has to offer. Let’s explore:

20. Love Stage!!

Rating: 7.15/10 (Animelist)

Creator: Eiki Eiki

Plot Peek: Izumi Sena, a manga-obsessed college student from a family of celebrities, never wanted to follow in their footsteps. But when he's roped into a commercial reunion with Ryouma Ichijou, a famous actor who’s been infatuated with him for years (believing Izumi was a girl), things spiral out of control. Even after discovering Izumi's true identity, Ryouma's feelings remain strong, leading to a whirlwind of confusion and romance as they navigate their complicated relationship.

19. Hitorijime My Hero

Rating: 7.27/10 (Animelist) 

Creator: Memeco Arii

Plot Peek: Love unfolds in the glamorous world of host clubs, where shy college student Mashiro meets the aloof Rio. As Mashiro navigates this dazzling scene, a love triangle emerges, testing loyalties and igniting unexpected desires. The manga shines in its depiction of budding romance, social dynamics, and emotional self-discovery.

18. Men’s Love

Rating: 7.28/10 (Myanimelist)

Creator: Fujisaki Kou

Plot Peek: In this volume of the Kemono series, Kaoru Kirishima, a figure in Japan’s Toudou Group, faces heartbreak when his lover, Daigo Mikihisa, is ordered by his father to marry for political gain. As corporate power struggles and personal emotions clash, Kaoru must decide how to handle the devastating news while fighting for their love. It is a story of their bond withstanding the pressures of the business world.

17. Junjou Romantica

 Rating: 7.46/10 (Myanimelist)

Creator: Shungiku Nakamura

Plot Peek: Junjou Romantica follows Misaki Takahashi, a student who develops a romantic relationship with famous author Usami Akihiko after becoming his assistant. Alongside their evolving bond, two other couples face their own love challenges. Blending humor, drama, and emotion, this yaoi manga explores the complexities of love and relationships.

16. Love Pistols

Rating: 7.58/10 (MyAnimeList)

Creator: Tarako Kotobuki

Plot Peek: Love Pistols follows Norio Tsuburaya, an average high school student whose life changes after a scooter accident grants him the ability to see "zoomans" and attract beast breeds with his powerful pheromones. Suddenly, the center of attention, he finds himself claimed by Kunimasa, a handsome yet aloof classmate. Their unconventional relationship unfolds amidst themes of identity, attraction, and personal growth in this unique tale.

Excited to create your manga comic book? Get to know more.

15. Lovers and Souls

Rating: 7.72/10 (MyAnimeList)

Creator: Kano Miyamoto

Plot Peek: Lovers and Souls follows Tooru Shinomiya, a college student turned gay prostitute, after a reckless encounter with a photography client. As he struggles with his self-worth, he develops feelings for Satoshi Matsouka, the man who first introduced him to intimacy. This poignant tale explores love and redemption as Tooru seeks a way out of his troubled life while also navigating his connection with Hikaru Taira.

14. Joy

Rating: 7.82/10 (MyAnimeList)

Creator: Etsuko

Plot Peek: Joy follows shoujo manga author Gou Okazaki, who discovers that his assistant, Yusuke Akune, is gay while barging into his apartment. This revelation sparks Gou's curiosity, leading him to explore a boys' love series for his 10th anniversary. As he fakes a crush on Akune for inspiration, his feelings grow more complex, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

13. Dear Green: Hitomi no Ounowa

Rating: 7.85/10 (MyAnimeList)

Creator: Hyouta Fujiyama

Plot Peek: Dear Green: Hitomi no Ounawa follows Ryouko, Otoumi Kou, and Yajima Yukari, whose initial clash turns into a deep friendship. Five years later, Otoumi’s confusion over a classmate’s confession prompts Yajima to confront his own feelings. The story explores the complexities of love and friendship as they navigate their evolving emotions.

12. Ten Count

Rating: 7.87/10 (Animelist)

Creator: Rihito Takarai

Plot Peek: Shirotani Tadaomi, a corporate secretary with mysophobia, meets psychotherapist Riku Kurose, who helps him through a ten-step program. As Shirotani faces his fears, he also develops feelings for Kurose. This manga masterfully blends emotional depth with themes of mental health, offering a tender exploration of love, trust, and personal healing.

11. Fake

Rating: 7.89/10 (Myanimelist)

Creator: Sanami Matoh

Plot Peek: Fake centers on New York detectives Ryo Maclean and Dee Laytner. As Dee openly pursues Ryo, their evolving relationship faces challenges from their jobs and personal uncertainties. With side stories of young love and jealous colleagues, Fake blends romance and detective action in a lively BL series.

10. Ameiro Paradox

Rating: 8.14/10 (Myanimelist)

Creator: Isaku Natsume 

Plot Peek: In Ameiro Paradox, reporter Satoshi Onoe is paired with photographer Motoharu Kaburagi to cover celebrity scandals. Despite their differences and initial rivalry, their partnership slowly turns into a blossoming romance as they work together. The story blends humor and emotion, capturing their evolving relationship amid the world of tabloid journalism.

9. The Tyrant Falls in Love

Rating: 8.14/10 (Animelist)

Creator: Hinako Takanaga

Plot Peek: Graduate student Souichi Tatsumi is a homophobic, hot-tempered researcher whose lab assistant, Tetsuhiro Morinaga, has secretly loved him for years. Despite Souichi’s hostility, Morinaga remains by his side. However, their relationship takes a turn when a mix-up leads to a night of unexpected intimacy. As they navigate the aftermath, Souichi’s emotions become increasingly conflicted, and their bond evolves into a complex, slow-burn romance.

8. Rumspringa no Joukei

Rating: 8.16/10 (MyAnimeList)

Creator: Kaya Azuma

Plot Peek: Rumspringa no Joukei tells the story of Oz, a bartender who mistakenly takes Theodore, an Amish youth on his Rumspringa, for a client. As they form a bond, their cultural differences and family expectations threaten their relationship. This yaoi manga explores love and self-discovery amidst the challenges they face.

7. Hana nomi zo Shiru

Rating: 8.19/10 (MyAnimeList)

Creator: Rihito Takarai

Plot Peek: Hana Nomi zo Shiru follows university students Youichi Arikawa and Shouta Misaki, who are brought together through a series of chance encounters. After two blurry meetings, Arikawa dreams of Misaki and feels an inexplicable connection. When they meet again, Arikawa, now able to see clearly, confesses his feelings to Misaki. It is a story of love blossoming from such unusual beginnings.

6. Hana wa Saku ka

Rating: 8.21/10 (MyAnimeList)

Creator: Shoko Hidaka

Plot Peek: Hana wa Saku ka follows Kazuaki Sakurai, a tired office worker, whose chance encounter with Youichi Minagawa, a college student with a surprisingly large house, sparks an unexpected bond. Though their initial meeting is brief, Sakurai finds himself drawn back to Youichi’s home, where their connection deepens in ways neither of them anticipated.

Also, wondering where to read manga online? Read more

5. Doukyuusei

Rating: 8.30/10 (MyAnimeList)

Creator: Asumiko Nakamura

Plot Peek: Doukyuusei tells the story of Hikaru and Rihito, two high school classmates who grow close despite their opposite personalities. Hikaru is outgoing and carefree, while Rihito is a studious honor student. As they practice together for a chorus festival, their friendship gradually blossoms into a tender romance, exploring themes of self-discovery and personal growth during their final year of high school.

4. Sekaiichi Hatsukoi: Onodera Ritsu no Baai

Rating: 8.35/10 (MyAnimeList)

Creator: Shungiku Nakamura

Plot Peek: Sekaiichi Hatsukoi follows Ritsu Onodera, who dreams of editing bestselling novels but ends up in the shoujo manga department at Marukawa Publishing. There, he faces off against his demanding boss, Masamune Takano, who turns out to be his first love—the one who broke his heart. As they navigate their tumultuous past and present feelings, both must confront unresolved emotions in the chaotic world of manga publishing.

3. Given

Rating: 8.51/10 (MyAnimeList)

Creator: Natsuki Kizu

Plot Peek: Given follows high school guitarist Ritsuka Uenoyama, whose life shifts when he meets the enigmatic Mafuyu Sato. As Mafuyu joins Ritsuka's band, their deepening connection sparks both emotional and musical growth. Blending themes of grief, healing, and love, Given explores the power of music in overcoming personal trauma.

2. Banana Fish

Rating: 8.60/10 (MyAnimeList)

Creator: Akimi Yoshida

Plot Peek: Banana Fish follows Ash Lynx, a teenage gang leader, as he uncovers the secrets of a deadly drug called "Banana Fish." Along the way, he meets Eiji Okumura, a Japanese photographer whose life becomes intertwined with Ash's dangerous world. As the two grow closer, they navigate a violent web of crime, corruption, and dark secrets, driven by friendship and love amid chaos.

1. Until I Meet My Husband

Rating: 4.8/5 (Goodreads)

Creator: Ryousuke Nanasaki

Plot Peek: Until I Meet My Husband tells the poignant and heartwarming true story of Ryousuke Nanasaki, a gay activist who navigates the challenges of growing up in a conservative society. From childhood crushes to navigating awkward dating experiences and heartbreak, the manga follows Ryousuke’s journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance. 

Set against the backdrop of Japan’s evolving stance on LGBTQ+ rights, it culminates in his historic same-sex marriage, the first religiously recognized one in Japan. This memoir, beautifully illustrated by Yoshi Tsukizuki, explores Ryousuke’s perseverance in finding his community and true love.

Final Thoughts

As you embark on your journey through the captivating world of yaoi manga, these stories remind us of the beauty and complexity of love. Each title showcases thrilling romances and the emotional growth of characters navigating their desires and challenges. Whether you're a longtime fan or just starting to explore this genre, the best yaoi manga offers something for everyone.

Ready to dive into these heartfelt tales? Explore the extensive collection on Dashtoon today, where you can easily find and enjoy the best yaoi manga tailored just for you. Dare to read and let these enchanting stories sweep you away!