Anyone who enjoys action, science fiction, or even shounen anime now has a lot of alternatives on Netflix. Other popular anime genres, such as Shoujo and Ecchi, have seen a lot of updates on Netflix recently. “Yuri” is one sub-genre that has yet to catch up to the others. This genre, often known as Shoujo-Ai, is mostly concerned with the protagonists’ lesbian relationships. There are many great Yuri anime series that focus primarily on the sexual interactions between the female characters. However, there are only a few such anime available on the streaming behemoth. With that in mind, here’s a list of the best Yuri anime currently accessible on Netflix:
Bleach (2004 – 2012)
Now, ‘Bleach’ isn’t your normal yuri show, and the series doesn’t need much of an introduction because it is widely regarded as one of the best anime ever made, but it does have yuri aspects. Chizuru Honsho is a lesbian character that takes an active interest in Orihime in the series. She is drawn to her physically and does not hold back in expressing her sentiments. The sexual relationship between them is fun and lasts multiple episodes. Chizuru can’t stop chasing Orihime, even when she rejects his approaches. You may view all of their episodes here if you want to see their lovely relationship.
Devilman Crybaby (2018)
‘Devilman Crybaby’ is the newest addition to Netflix’s increasing list of originals. The anime has achieved a lot of popularity in a short amount of time, not only because of its intriguing concept, but also because of its depiction of violent violence and nudity. The drama revolves around two male characters, one of them is a human with a devilish façade, earning him the moniker “Devilman Crybaby.”
Although there are no evident lesbian partnerships in this show, it made the list due to its portrayal of a possible LGBT romance between the two main characters. If you have an excellent memory, you might remember Jun Lan, a supporting character who was in a lesbian relationship with Aoi Kurosaki, the swimming teacher. She even manages to become a Devilman near the end of Season 1, so she might play a bigger role in Season 2. Only time will tell whether the anime will continue to explore her sexuality. The show can be viewed here.
Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-)
‘Fate’ is a massive franchise that centered around Holy Grail Wars, in which mighty wizards battle it out for control of the potent holy grail. ‘Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works’ follows Rin Toosuka, the protagonist, as he attempts to win the fifth Holy Grail War with the help of his servant Archer. However, things do not go as planned when one of his classmates, Emiya, summons his own servant and joins the conflict. They create a temporary partnership to combat the other powerful mages in the conflict, but there can only be one victor in the end.
‘Unlimited Blade Works’, like ‘Fairy Tail,’ features a considerable amount of fanservice and romance, although none of it is specifically oriented at lesbian relationships. However, there is one scene in which Rin tries to get it on with both Shirou and Saber while saying that it is a pre-game ritual for them to make “physical contact.” While the anime still holds back with this sequence, the original visual novel depicts the scene rather graphically. The anime can be watched online here.
Hyakkou Private Academy is not like any other Japanese school. Its unique techniques of preparing kids for life in the real world are so popular that practically every child from a wealthy family tries to secure a spot at the exclusive school. But it’s the fact that gambling is practically a part of every student’s curriculum that makes this town so special. While all of the students at school are taught about gambling and money manipulation in order to acquire good grades, Yumeko Janani, a new transfer student, is truly excited about it. She enjoys gambling so much that it turns her on sexually.
‘Kakegurui’ is noted for having fanservice that perfectly matches its passionate tone, and the anime also hints at lesbian relationships, though it isn’t overt about it. Almost all of the key gambling characters are female, and the few male characters who do appear are bad at it. While the show does not depict any romantic interactions between the male and female characters, it does depict sexual tension amongst the female characters. Yumeko, the heroine, inspires one female character to touch herself. All of the episodes are available to watch online.
Little Witch Academia (2017)
‘Little Witch Academia’ appears to be a conventional “cute magical girl” anime aimed primarily towards children. But it’s a lot of fun, and the animation style is incredibly vintage, so it’ll appeal to almost everyone. Its world-building is eerily similar to that of the ‘Harry Potter’ series. Unlike ‘Harry Potter,’ however, each episode has its own storyline with no obvious adversaries.
Sucy, one of the main female characters, is indicated to have a crush on her friend Akko somewhere in the eighth episode. Many fans have started talking about it on anime message boards, and some have even made their own fan art based on it. Unfortunately, the anime never goes into great detail about this, but it’s clear that Studio Trigger is attempting to entice Yuri aficionados. The anime can be found here.
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-)
‘Neon Genesis Evangelion,’ set in the year 2015, depicts a world overrun by Angels. The Nerv, an unique organization that has been able to construct huge robots called Evangelions capable of defeating these angels, is humanity’s only hope. What follows is the story of Shinji Ikari, a 14-year-old child who goes on to become one of the greatest Nerv pilots of all time, and on whom, in some way or another, humanity’s fate rests exclusively on his shoulders.
‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ isn’t your average Yuri film. However, because it depicted a queer relationship at a period when LGBTQ portrayals were essentially non-existent in almost any form of media, it had a major impact. This is one of the reasons why the Netflix English Dub of the anime was widely panned, as it appeared to remove the LGBT subtext between the two protagonists. Netflix’s censorship of this anime, as pioneering as it has become, is still a major source of concern for many. Many queer fans are still expressing their displeasure with Netflix’s attempt to modify the entire context of the characters’ interaction in order to make it appear as friendship rather than romance. The animation can be viewed here.
