My top 10 yuri / shoujo ai anime series
(not including the current airing series from summer 2017 & upcoming yuri anime series) + this is entirely my personal opinion.
1. Yuri Kuma Arashi (2015)
Now this one was a masterpiece, the symbolism in this one was just wow; not only does it criticize the portrayal of lesbians in japanese media (sexualization and so), but it also portrays the way lesbians are seen in society, the struggles of coming out in a homophobic society, the struggles of purely loving a person of the same gender. As expected this is pure yuri, lots of yuri moments, and if you want to watch it, do not watch it literally, look up the meaning of the symbols if you can’t catch on it on your own (that’s what I did)
2. Strawberry Panic (2006)
Honestly, if you’ve never watched this (which would be impossible), WHAT are you doing? Two main yuri couples, one supporting… or shall I said “villain” yuri couple, not one man, pretty good and interesting plot that just keeps you watching, focused on the girls’ relationship, it’s a great series that I wish the anime industry would still make today.
Well… this one is this high on the list purely because of the amount of yuri this series delivered. We’ve got more kisses in this one series alone than the entire yuri anime industry has shown in YEARS. The plot is barely there, but it’s worth the watch for how cute and fun it is.
Oh yes, this anime. Just like Yuri Kuma Arashi, this one has a lot of symbolism, mostly revolving around one of the main characters’ sexuality and what she feels for this one girl she spends all of her time with. It is more than just obvious that by the end of the series she comes to realize what her feelings are and is finally able to embrace her true self. Don’t take the series literally! It will only seem childish and not worth the time if you do.
5. Shuumatsu no Izetta (2016)
The main plot isn’t the girls’ relationship, BUT their relationship, their feelings for each other is what directly supports the main plot. The series in general was extremely entertaining and the fact that we’ve got the main characters being all lovey dovey just made it twice as good. You’ve gotta be lying to yourself if by the end of the series you don’t think these two are dating (especially with THAT one scene, you know WHAT scene!!)
6. Blue Drop: Tenshi-tachi no Gikyoku (2007)
I’m not sure how many know of this, or how many watched it, or how many enjoyed it, but I was in tears by the end of this series. The story revolves around a bunch of lesbians basically… I don’t know how to explain the plot properly without spoiling anything, but this one sure left a huge mark on my soul.
7. Kannazuki no Miko (2004)
If you’ve watched this one, then you’ll understand why I’ll give it a slightly lower score than the others. This one sure has a lot of yuri and is obviously focused on the girls’ relationship. It had a lot of potential, it kinda slipped along the way tho. Still a nice series, either way.
8. Akuma no Riddle (2014)
The anime surely cut a lot of the yuri moments from the manga, but it was still pretty good. There’s a lot of shipping material and also two obvious canon ones, that only in the anime, the manga gives us a lot more yuri, a lot more canon material. My advice is to watch the anime, then read the manga to fill in the yuri gaps the anime left. As for the plot…? badass.
I get a headache whenever I think of this anime tbh, they barely animated half of the manga. The anime stops right where the true yuri starts coming out of this story. I’m adding this to the list just because, just like for Akuma no Riddle, you should first watch the anime, then read the entire manga. The yuri is very strong in the full series.
Just like other anime yuri series out there, this one didn’t do much justice for the manga. As for yuri? there is yuri. Like I said before, it is wise to first watch the anime, then read the entire manga.
Mikagura Gakuen Kumikyoku (2015)
A lesbian protagonist who flirts with any girl she finds cute and has a love interest?? plus, there’s a lot of funny moments?? yeah, worth the watch if you want to relax and enjoy yourself.
