The only things that are better than queer romances on TV are queer romances in anime. As a medium known for its bombastic storytelling, emotional stakes, and unforgettable romances, it’s always a treat to see non-heteronormative relationships flourish in anime. They manage to feature all the depth and fulfillment that their cishet counterparts so often receive in popular shows.
There are so many wonderfully queer romances in anime to choose from, but here are some of our favorites.
Rihito Sajo and Hikaru Kusakabe (“Classmates”)
As titular classmates at an all-boys school, Rihito and Hikaru are proof that opposites attract. Rihito’s nature as a smart but extroverted young man clashes almost directly with Hikaru’s loud and free attitude. Nevertheless, the two of them bring out the best in each other as they explore new avenues, including their budding romance.
Suletta Mercury and Miorine Rembran (“Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury”)
“Witch from Mercury” is a groundbreaking addition to the “Gundam” franchise in several ways. Not only does it feature the series’ first female main protagonist in young pilot Suletta Mercury, but she also finds herself embroiled in a lesbian relationship with star student Miorine Rembran. As the daughter of the CEO of the megacorporation that runs her school, Miorine is set to be betrothed to whoever holds the title of the highest scoring Mobile Suit duelist at the institute.
But while her arranged engagement starts out as a contractual obligation, Miorine has no interest in abiding by her father’s strict wishes. It’s through this that Suletta and Miorine develop real feelings for each other based on their interactions and growing trust for one another.
Yūri Katsuki and Victor Nikiforov (“Yūri on Ice”)
Nothing brings men together like the spirit of competition, and that couldn’t be more true for Yūri and Victor. They begin their relationship as ice skater and coach, with former skating champion Victor trying to breathe life back into Yūri’s promising career after a crushing defeat. As Yūri falls slowly but surely falls back in love with ice skating, he develops the same kind of affection for his coach. Yūri sets his sights on greatness in his favorite sport, and that passion is reflected in his heartwarming love for Victor as they openly express their mutual love.
Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune (“Sailor Moon”)
This quintessential mid-1990s lesbian relationship was literalyl goals for baby LGBTQIA+ millennials back in the day. As a unique and independent part of everyone’s favorite team of Sailor Soldiers, Uranus and Neptune stood out as a power couple that both embodied and defied gender extremes in a stylish and romantic dance that smashed the established norms at the time.
Yoshiki and “Hikaru” (“The Summer Hikaru Died”)
The relationship between Yoshiki Tsujinaka and the mysterious entity borrowing the deceased body of his best friend Hikaru is complicated, to say the least. It starts with tragedy and is marked by horrific spirits, dangerous creatures and an overwhelming fear of the unknown. But at the core of this terrifying horror story is a romantic coming-of-age story between these two that dares explore love, loss, and identity in all of its purity and terror.
Utena Tenjou and Anthy Himemiya (“Revolutionary Girl Utena”)
The romance between Utena and Anthy isn’t directly aspirational. Their story begins when Utena gets caught up in the Ohtori Academy’s duels in which the Student Council fights for Rose Bride Anthy’s hand in marriage. From that point, their story is rife with manipulation, deceit, and toxic adherence to gender norms. However, their romance comes from their efforts to overcome the established binary and understand more about each other. In the end, they seek to defy the expectations laid out by the hierarchy of the Rose Bride and find themselves within each other.
Toya Kinomoto and Yukito Tsukishiro (“Cardcaptor Sakura”)
Though he’s openly guilty of teasing his Cardcaptor younger sister, Toya Kinomoto is always willing to go above and beyond for his loved ones. This includes his classmate Yukito Tsukishiro. The two of them begin as best friends, but slowly become closer as Yukito regains his mystical powers and requires attention to keep them from overwhelming him. As Toya grows to understand Yukito’s true nature, the two of them develop a true romantic bond.
Cure Macaron and Cure Chocolat (“Kirakira Precure à la Mode”)
Queer representation is always important, especially in children’s media, so that kids can explore their identities with role models and examples. As far as the magical girl “PreCure” franchise goes, there are few examples better than Cure Macaron and Cure Chocolat. The two of them fight evil with the rest of their team, but they show an infatuation with each other that develops into a confession of love later on in the series. While the show might have done well to show more examples of their relationship, the love between these magical girl heroes is a step in the right direction.
Ritsuka Uenoyama and Mafuyu Sato (“Given”)
Creating music tends to bring out some raw emotions in the musician. Ritsuka and Mafuyu know that all too well when they start a band together. While they explore their feelings through their music, they eventually culminate into a backstage kiss during one of their most memorable performances. From there, they continue to make music with their band name, Given, representing the emotions that the two of them gave to each other.
What are some of your favorite queer romances in anime? Comment below!
