The Yuri genre has produced only a few anime so far. We present to you 5 of them that you definitely should watch to understand the trend.
This time we take a look at the Yuri or Shojo-Ai genre, which revolves around lesbian relationships. Those who have previously wrinkled their noses at these stories should give the presented series a chance – because until now, these mostly emotional and also visually beautiful stories have captivated everyone.
Today we present 5 of the best Yuri anime of all time.
“Yuri” or “Shojo-Ai” is an anime genre that mainly revolves around one or more lesbian relationships – whether it revolves around sexual, spiritual, or emotional aspects. In the West, “Yuri” is primarily associated with sexual aspects, while “Shojo Ai” usually emphasizes spiritual, emotional, and social aspects. For this list, however, we took the Japanese interpretation.
Maria-sama Ga Miteru
Alternative Names: MariMite, Maria Watches Over Us
Genre: Drama
Episodes: 44
Stream available on: Currently no streaming provider known.
Yumi enrolls at the Lillian Academy – a Catholic girls’ school. Unexpectedly, she finds herself in the spotlight of the beautiful and at the same time distant Sachiko, one of the most popular students. Sachiko immediately offers Yumi to be her “soeur” – a kind of trust-based sisterhood system at this school, where they help and support each other. Yumi hesitates with her decision – because even though she looks up to Sachiko, it would place her in the spotlight of the entire school.
What to expect from Maria-sama Ga Miteru: Maria-sama Ga Miteru is one of the oldest Yuri anime on this list and also the most traditional. Many would probably dismiss this series as somewhat “kitsch” – if one cannot deal with slightly exaggerated drama in even the smallest problems, it will be hard to handle. Everyone else gets a beautiful story with great characters here, which serves as a template for many later Yuri anime.
Those raised strictly Christian might find it difficult with the series – as biblical things like the cross or the Virgin Mary are important symbols in this series and might be hard to reconcile with strongly implied lesbian relationships.
Strawberry Panic
Alternative Names: /
Genre: Drama
Episodes: 26
Stream available on: Currently no streaming provider known.
After changing schools, Nagisa Aoi begins her new life at St. Miator Girls’ School. She gets lost on the very first day and encounters a mysterious classmate, of whom she is so enchanted that she soon wakes up in the nurse’s office.
After her new roommate Tamao picks her up and shows her around the school, Nagisa learns that the girl from their first encounter, Shizuma, is the representative of the school – an outstanding student whose achievements, grace, and beauty symbolize the entire school. Better (or worse): Shizuma also seems to have more interest in Nagisa than she can show in public – and yet, Nagisa quickly becomes the number 1 topic of conversation.
What to expect from Strawberry Panic: Strawberry Panic tests the limits of exaggerated drama. We are talking about a level where characters faint from nervousness – but not as a comedy element, but completely serious.
Strawberry Panic takes its Yuri theme so seriously that there isn’t a single male character in the entire series. Even in large gatherings, there are only women – and even every taxi driver is female.
However, those who can warm up to this can expect a truly beautiful Yuri story with several profound relationships, plenty of heartache, and some truly beautiful moments to look back on.
Citrus
Alternative Names: /
Genre: Drama
Episodes: 12
Stream available on: Crunchyroll
Because her mother remarried, Yuzu also has to move and start a new life. Overly motivated, she heads towards her first school day, hoping to make new friends and perhaps finally meet the great love. But things turn out differently. At the girls’ school, there is a strict dress code and many rules that Yuzu cannot understand at all. On the very first day, she stands out negatively and has her phone confiscated by the student council president Mei.
Only at home does the terrible revelation occur: Mei is now Yuzu’s new stepsister. A fight breaks out between the two – until Mei overwhelms her sister and imposes a kiss that throws Yuzu into an emotional turmoil.
What to expect from Citrus: Yuri fans have probably encountered this series in recent years – and rightly so. Most of the time, the anime is rather light with a bit of comedy sprinkled in and two lovable, albeit very different protagonists. Those who enjoy an interesting romance with a big pinch of fan service should definitely check it out.
Citrus, however, is considered one of the controversial Yuri anime that still sparks discussions today. Because although the story has a lot of humor and heart, the first romantic contact between the two protagonists is clearly overreaching and can be understood as sexual coercion – the interpretation lies with the viewers.
More beautiful Yuri anime can be found on the next page.
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