Heated Rivalry has become a phenomenon, with people around the world discovering the elation and tenderness of watching two men fall in love. Endeared by the Hollanov madness, but want something a little bit different? We’ve got you! These BL anime series feature elements of Rivalry accompanied by unparalleled Japanese animation smarts and cracking OSTs. Check out our list of 5 queer anime that were the precursors of the Canadian hockey drama!
1. Given (2019)
High school BL series can be a hit or a miss, but Given‘s coming-of-age ambience ticks all the right boxes. Ritsuka Uenoyama is losing his passion for playing the guitar. Mafuyu Sato’s voice brings a rejuvenated fervour, and Uenoyama does everything in his power to recruit Sato into his band. A slow-burn anime with enough chemistry to bring the house down, the band rehearsals, creative processes, and trauma responses feel genuine and authentic. Crunchyroll has exclusive streaming rights for the series.
2. Banana Fish (2018)
If Heated Rivalry had you on the edge of your seat, Banana Fish‘s suspenseful plot might appeal to you. A young New York-based gang leader, Ash Lynx, meets Eiji Okumura, a Japanese photographer, altering the course of their lives. Soon, the two grow closer against the tense, ruthless underworld. You can watch this one on Amazon Prime Video.
3. No.6 (2011)
A slick dystopian BL anime, No.6 is the story of Shion, who lives in a utopian city, sheltering Nezumi, a runaway from its walls. While the plot goes beyond the usual constraints of queer series, it is the lack of fetishisation and the authenticity that draw you in. It is available for watching on Crunchyroll.
4. Love Stage!! (2014)
Izumi Sena, a struggling manga artist, gets reacquainted with famous actor Ryoma Ichijo on a film set. Unexpected chaos occurs when Ichijo, who had developed feelings for Sena, discovers that the latter is a guy. Despite the abundance of frequently used BL series tropes in Love Stage!!, subtle subversion occurs with proper communication, addressing trauma, and discussing the impact of these tropes.
Also Read: These 3 New Romance Anime Will Make Your Heart Flutter!
5. Yuri!!! On Ice (2016)
Released 10 years ago, Yuri!!! On Ice is, in our opinion, the perfect watch for Heated Rivalry fans. As Rivalry increased interest in hockey, Yuri did the same for figure skating and the Grand Prix. When Russian world champion Viktor Nikiforov promises to train Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki, their relationship grows on and off the ice. Amid discussion that 2026 is the new 2016, the series continues to raise standards with its visuals, music, and depth. Watch this one on Crunchyroll.
We hope you enjoy watching this collection of Japanese animated classics. Which Heated Rivalry-like BL anime series is your favourite?
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