13 romantic lesbian anime series you need to see & where to watch them

Looking for a new sapphic obsession? Some of the best lesbian stories can be found in the world of anime. In other words, it’s time to explore the world of yuri anime, which, for the uninitiated, is a sub-genre of anime that focuses on romantic and sexual relationships between female (and female-presenting) characters.

But where to start? Maybe you like romance in a sci-fi or fantasy setting, maybe you want something funny, sporty, or just a sweet coming-of-age tale. No matter our vibe, the good news is, there is lesbian anime for you. And, importantly, these are shows that don't just bait, ie, tease a sapphic romance, while never delivering on it. Ugh, so frustrating!

With all of that in mind, here are 13 animated tales of queer love, and where you can watch them. So grab that popcorn, and maybe some tissues, and get into this romantic lesbian anime.

'Kase-san and Morning Glories'

If you are looking for a sweet story that centers on lesbian joy, then Kase-san and Morning Glories is exactly what you're craving. The series follows two high schoolers, one a garden enthusiast, and the other a jock, who, despite their differences, are drawn to one another.

Where to watch: HIDIVE

This Monster Want's to Eat Me

Looking for something a little darker? This yuri blends sapphic romance with horror. The series focuses on Hinako, who is grieving the loss of her family and struggling with dark thoughts. However, her life changes when she meets a mermaid who warns her that her flesh is delicious to monsters. Hinako agrees to become her protector, and then the romance—and horror—begin.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

'Revolutionary Girl Utena'

Revolutionary Girl Utena is unique for both its depiction of queer love and exploration of gender, and it has in some ways set the standard for yuri. It follows a tomboy named Utena Tenjou who dreams of growing up to be a prince, while at the academy she strikes up a romance with Rose Bride, and together they uncover the academy’s secrets, all while falling in love.

Where to watch: YouTube

There’s No Freaking Way I’ll be Your Lover! Unless…

Forget will-they/won’t-they romances — this is a they-are/they-aren’t. Confused? Stay with me here. This series follows Renako Aomori, a high schooler who is attending school for the very first time and, until now, has had no friends. She intends to change that by befriending the most popular girl in school, Mai Oduka. But when a misunderstanding leads to Renako saving Mai’s life, the latter confesses she is in love with Renako. This confuses Renako, who then agrees to play a game where one day they are lovers and the next they are friends, to figure out which relationship fits them best.

Where to watch: Plex

'Bloom Into You'

Demisexuals and aromantics, this is the yuri for you. It follows Yuu Koito, a high schooler who dreams of having an epic love, but when her classmate Touko Nanami confesses her feelings, Yuu is surprised to feel nothing. The series follows their journey to growing closer and a slow-burning romance blooming between them.

Where to watch: Hulu

'Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury'

This series pairs wartime intrigue, sci-fi battles, and lesbian romance, so of course it's on this list. This series made history as the first in the popular Gundam franchise to not only center a female character but to give her a sapphic romance. Suletta Mercury is a socially awkward and shy pilot who is shocked when she successfully wins the right to be engaged to Miorine Rembran, daughter of a powerful chairman. While at first the two just see their betrothal as an advantageous political arrangement, they eventually grow closer, eventually discovering a romantic connection.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

'Citrus'

Citrus is the most controversial title on our list because it deals with stepsisters falling in love, but it remains a fan favorite because of its unapolgoic queer love story at its heart. The story follows Yuzu Aihara, a popular high schooler who is forced to transfer to an all-girls school after her mother remarries. Once there, she clashes with the student council president, Mei Aihara, only to discover that her new rival is also her new stepsister. They begin at odds but over the course of the story discover an attraction, connection, and eventually intimacy.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

'Sasameki Koto'

This anime differs from many other yuris because its characters are already openly queer. In it, Sumika is a jock with a major crush on her bubbly bestie Ushio. Ushio is a sapphic but one who is only into femmes, thus she doesn't see Samika as a romantic option. Sumika supports her friend through her various crushes, all while nursing her unrequited feelings — at least at first.

Where to watch: Internet Archive

'I'm in Love with the Villainess'

I'm in Love with the Villainess is a sapphic example of the popular “different world” subgenre of anime in which characters suddenly wake up or are reincarnated into a magical or sci-fi world. In this series, Rei Oohashi is a stressed-out office worker who suddenly finds herself transformed into her favorite video game. Once there, she falls in love with Claire François, the game’s bombshell baddie. She begins pursuing Claire, who at first rebuffs her interest, but the two begin developing feelings for one another.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

'The Executioner and Her Way of Life'

A great yuri with an incredible title, The Executioner and Her Way of Life is set in a world where people from the real world are “summoned” into the mysterious fantasy world where Menou, a priestess-assassin lives and is tasked with killing off these summoned souls who upon arrive become major threats of mass destruction. This is complicated when a young woman named Akari Tokitō is summoned, but she is seemingly immortal due to her ability to rewind time. At first, Menou cozies up to her to try and find a way to kill her permanently, but instead ends up falling in love with her target.

Where to watch: HIDIVE

'Adachi and Shimamura'

Adachi and Shimamura is just a straightforward and romantic coming-of-age sapphic story. It follows high schoolers Sakura Adachi and Hougetsu Shimamura, who begin hanging out together while cutting class. The two form a bond and soon, each of them begins to realize their feelings are more than friendship. Each wrestles with thier surprising and new emotions, desperate to express them, but fearful of how it will impact the special bond they have forged. Relatable!

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

'Birdie Wing'

At last, a lesbian sports anime! This series follows two golfers, Eagle and Ame, who approach the sport very differently. The former is rebellious and plays the game with a ton of flair, while the latter is disciplined and a prodigy from a wealthy family. Regardless, or perhaps because of, their differences, the two athletes go from rivals to lovers.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

'Sakura Trick'

Sakura Trick is one of the earliest examples of yuri anime and remains one of the sweetest. In it, best friends Haruka and And Yuu spiral when they are separated in class. Terrified that she will lose her best friend, Haruka impulsively kisses Yuu. This moment of spontaneous intimacy kickstarts a secret romance between the two. Lots and lots of kissing follow.

Where to watch: HIDIVE