1. GIVEN
GIVEN is an anime adapted from the manga of the same name by Natsuki Kizu. It aired on TV and was streamed starting July 11, 2019, and concluded on September 19, 2019. In Vietnam, it is known as Khơi dậy đam mê.
The story begins when Mafuyu Sato steps out of his dark apartment to start another day of high school, holding a Gibson guitar. While resting in a quiet spot on the gym stairs, he meets his classmate Ritsuka Uenoyama, who scolds him for neglecting his guitar. The 39th string is rusted and broken.
Realizing Uenoyama’s knowledge of instruments, Sato begs him to repair it and teach him how to play. Uenoyama agrees and invites him to join a jam session with his bandmates: bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji. Sato’s voice is astonishing, inspiring Uenoyama to make him the lead singer of the band. Initially reserved, Sato agrees after an emotional encounter with an old friend. With support from his new friends, Sato not only learns to play the guitar but also faces mysterious challenges that shape his path.
IMDb Rating: 8.3
Watch here: https://www.iq.com/play/given-khoi-day-dam-me-tap-1-umsfqzym1w?lang=vi_vn


2. Yuri On Ice
Yuri On Ice, also known in Vietnamese as Trên Sàn Băng, is a famous Boys' Love anime centered around figure skating. The story follows Katsuki Yuri, a Japanese figure skater, and Victor Nikiforov, a Russian skating legend who also becomes Yuri’s coach and romantic partner.
The opening scenes of Yuri On Ice depict Yuri Katsuki as a young boy with a deep passion for figure skating. However, for personal reasons, he returns to his hometown and begins skating again with his childhood friend. His practice sessions are accidentally recorded and viewed by the talented coach Victor, who becomes intrigued. Meanwhile, another Russian boy named Yuri also wishes to be coached by Victor. To settle the matter, Victor arranges a skating competition between the two Yuris, and Yuri Katsuki is ultimately chosen.
Set against the backdrop of figure skating, a beloved sport in Japan, Yuri On Ice combines exciting competitions with intimate moments between the two male leads. It promises an unforgettable viewing experience, especially for fans of the genre.
IMDb Rating: 8.3


3. Super Lovers
Super Lovers is a Boys' Love anime adapted from the popular manga of the same name. The story follows Haru, a high school student living and studying in Japan. During summer break, at his mother's request, Haru travels to Canada to visit and care for Ren, a mischievous and introverted boy whom his mother adopted from an orphanage.
Initially, Haru struggles to connect with Ren due to his wild nature. However, thanks to his kindness and sincerity, Haru soon wins Ren's affection. After the summer, Haru returns to Japan to continue his life.
However, on his way home from the airport, Haru suffers a car accident that results in amnesia, causing him to forget Ren. Eight years later, Ren decides to move to Japan to live with Haru. From that point, their romantic journey begins. The anime weaves together sweet moments between the couple, juxtaposed with the painful past that both of them carry.
IMDb Rating: 6.9


4. Doukyuusei
Doukyuusei is an anime that captivates with its engaging story, beautiful characters, and vibrant sound design. The film offers a gentle, heartwarming experience, perfect for healing the soul.
Kusakabe and Sajou are classmates with completely opposite personalities. Kusakabe is like the sun, outgoing, surrounded by friends, always standing out and shining in a crowd. Sajou, on the other hand, is more reserved, introverted, and somewhat melancholic. Despite their contrasting natures, they are drawn to each other like opposites on a magnet.
This anime is not only beautiful in terms of its plot and character development but also in its visual style. From the angles to the color palette, every detail reflects the serene and tranquil nature of Japanese aesthetics. Slow-paced but powerful, it leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.
IMDb Rating: 7.7


5. Gravitation
Gravitation is one of the oldest and most beloved boy-love anime series. Despite its age, the film continues to captivate fans of the genre year after year with its sweet and endearing portrayal of the central couple's relationship.
The story revolves around Shuichi Shindou, a young rock singer, and Eiri Yuki, a cold and distant novelist. The two first meet when Shuichi, trying to write a song for his band, Bad Luck, is harshly criticized by Yuki. This rejection fuels Shuichi's determination to win Yuki's heart, no matter the obstacles in his way.
Beyond the romance, Gravitation also explores Shuichi's journey in the music world with his band, Bad Luck, in the vibrant music scene of Japan. The series blends humor and romance with energetic musical performances and deeply emotional romantic moments.
IMDb Rating: 6.4


6. Finder Series
Released in 2012 and directed by Yamane Ayano, Finder Series (The Target) is a popular boy-love anime adapted from the manga series of the same name by Ayano.
The series follows the love story between Takaba, a passionate young freelance journalist dedicated to justice, and Asami Ryuichi, a powerful Yakuza boss who hides his true identity behind a facade of a successful businessman.
Akihito Takaba, a young photographer, inadvertently captures evidence of a crime involving Asami, which pulls him into a dangerous underworld filled with intrigue. Instead of killing Akihito, Asami kidnaps him, tortures him, and takes control of his life. However, over time, Akihito begins to recognize Asami's deep feelings for him and starts to be drawn to this enigmatic man.
Finder Series is a gripping, intense, and controversial anime, featuring steamy scenes, violence, and complex character psychology. The series appeals not only to boy-love fans but also has a significant impact on the LGBT community both in Japan and worldwide.


7. Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi
Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi tells the romantic story of Ritsu and Tanako. Tanako is a reserved and cold person. Due to his parents being preoccupied with work, they fail to show him the affection he needs, which leaves him emotionally starved. As a result, Tanako dislikes socializing and prefers to spend his time reading books in the library.
Ritsu, on the other hand, is the son of a publisher. He has secretly loved Tanako for a long time, often watching him from afar while reading books Tanako had borrowed. One day, when they unexpectedly meet in the library, Ritsu, overwhelmed by his emotions, confesses his feelings. From there, the two begin a serious relationship. However, due to a misunderstanding, Ritsu is hurt and decides to leave the country. Ten years later, they reunite, and old wounds begin to heal as they come back together.
In addition to the main couple, Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi also explores the romantic relationships of other editors within the Emerald team.
IMDb Rating: 7.6


8. Maiden Rose
Released in 2011 and written by Inarya Fusanosuke, Maiden Rose (Bách Nhật Sắc Vi) is a popular Japanese BL anime that tells the story of two warriors from rival nations. Reizen Taki, the commander of Rozen Maiden, leads an armored division, while Klaus, a rough and unruly character dubbed the "Mad Dog," swears eternal loyalty to Taki and offers his life for his cause.
The love story between these two faces significant opposition, as their families and the people of their respective countries disapprove of their relationship. Despite this, they push forward, defying societal prejudices and enduring the suspicion, disdain, and gossip from those around them, determined to remain together for eternity.
IMDb Rating: 5.8


9. Junjou Romantica
Junjou Romantica (Pure Love Story) is a Japanese anime based on the manga of the same name by Shungiku Nakamura. The anime follows the romantic stories of three different couples, all united by their innocence and sincerity in love.
The main character, Misaki, is a senior high school student preparing for university entrance exams, whose world is turned upside down by his new private tutor – Usami Akihiko, his older brother’s best friend. Nothing would have happened if Usami were just a regular tutor, but he is a famous author of award-winning books and Boy's Love novels that Misaki plans to study. Misaki has secretly loved Usami for a long time. However, just as Misaki is heartbroken from a failed love, he experiences a sudden love at first sight with Nowaki, a younger man four years his junior, who happens to be an orphan.
This anime offers its viewers tender, humorous, and emotional moments, alongside the challenges and hardships the characters must overcome in their relationships.
IMDb Rating: 7.7


10. Sasaki and Miyano
One of the most beloved yaoi anime among fans is Sasaki and Miyano. True to its title, "Sasaki to Miyano," the story clearly centers around the two main characters. Sasaki Shuumei is a senior with a bit of a rebellious streak, but his personality is cheerful, friendly, and always smiling. On the other hand, Miyano Yoshikazu is a younger student with a more feminine appearance and is a true ‘fujoshi’ at heart.
The plot follows their blossoming romantic relationship as they start as classmates who develop a close bond and eventually fall for each other. Their connection unfolds naturally, beginning with the initial observations and gradually leading to mutual feelings. Sasaki's affection for Miyano grows first, and Miyano’s careful thoughts eventually lead him to admit his own feelings. As the two realize the attraction they share, they open up to each other, sharing their hidden emotions.
There are sweet moments, like before the school festival when Sasaki catches a cold, and Miyano frantically searches the infirmary to find a thermometer and nurse Sasaki back to health. When Sasaki asks why Miyano went to such lengths, the answer comes effortlessly: “Because I want to take care of you.”
The show’s lighthearted and natural storytelling, combined with amusing scenes with their friends, creates a delightful atmosphere that leaves the audience with a lot of heartwarming emotions.
IMDb Rating: 7.7


11. Twittering Birds Never Fly
Twittering Birds Never Fly, known in Japanese as Saezuru Tori wa Habatakanai: The clouds gather, is an animated film produced by Blue Lynx (a subsidiary of FujiTV), the same studio behind popular boy-love anime such as GIVEN and L'étranger de la plage. Directed by Kaori Makita, famous for her work on Yuri on Ice and Banana Fish, and animated by Grizzly, the film is based on the manga by Yoneda Kou.
This film marks the first installment in a series adapted from Saezuru Tori wa Habatakanai, exploring the life of Yashiro, a powerful young leader of a yakuza gang who pretends to be the chairman of a regular financial company. His extravagant lifestyle and sadistic reputation mask deep wounds from his past, including abuse by his stepfather and a long-suppressed unrequited love from his high school days.
Yashiro's story intersects with Doumeki, a former police officer recently released from prison and searching for steady employment. Doumeki is instantly drawn to Yashiro's beauty, despite only seeing him from afar.
Initially, their relationship is purely professional, with Yashiro maintaining a strict rule against becoming involved with his subordinates. However, Doumeki’s loyalty and presence begin to affect Yashiro in ways he cannot ignore.
Twittering Birds Never Fly has been praised for its exceptional quality across all aspects, including its soundtrack, visuals, character designs, backgrounds, animation, and voice acting. The blend of past and present, the characters' emotional struggles, and Yashiro's inner conflict are portrayed with subtlety and grace.
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Watch here: https://www.iq.com/album/twittering-birds-never-fly-the-clouds-gather-2020-27ldl854teg


12. L'étranger de la plage
L'étranger de la plage is an animated film directed by Akiyo Ohashi at Studio Hibari, where he also served as the screenwriter and storyteller. Kii, a former animator, took on the role of film supervisor and was responsible for the character designs. Mayumi Watanabe directed the animation, while Takashi Hashimoto handled the animation effects. The soundtrack was composed by Mina Kubota, known for her work on Aria the Animation, Macross Delta, and A Whisker Away. The band MONO NO AWARE performed the theme song 'Zokkon,' a track written specifically for the film.
In L'étranger de la plage, Shun, a young man running away from his wedding, arrives at Okinawa island where he unexpectedly encounters the lonely figure of a high school student, Mio, staring out at the sea. Shun decides to talk to him, but soon after, Mio is forced to leave the island where they both live.
Three years later, Mio has grown up and returned to the island, finally confessing his feelings to Shun. However, his feelings are not reciprocated. What is the reason behind Shun’s rejection, and how will their love story on the small island of Okinawa unfold? Watch L'étranger de la plage to discover the answer.
IMDb Rating: 7.1

