The Most Popular Anime Ship for Gays, Ranked

Choose the anime ship you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:29
In the colorful world of anime, the relationships between characters can often become a focal point of interest and discussion among fans. Particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, seeing varied representations and dynamics in these relationships can be both affirming and inspiring. Ranking the most popular anime ships provides a fun way to see which characters resonate with others and why. By participating in voting for your favorite anime ships, you contribute to a collective voice that highlights which relationships are the most cherished and why they matter. This dynamic list not only reflects current trends but also influences future content to include diverse and representative relationships. Your vote helps ensure that your favorite ships get the recognition they deserve.

What Is the Most Popular Anime Ship for Gays?

  1. 1
    66
    votes
    This anime is known for its depiction of male figure skating and the romantic relationship between the two main characters, Victor and Yuuri. The fandom has embraced their love story and created a plethora of fanworks and shipping content.
    Yuri on Ice is a popular anime series that revolves around the world of professional figure skating. The central relationship in the series is between two male characters, Victor Nikiforov and Yuuri Katsuki. Victor is a renowned Russian figure skater who becomes Yuuri's coach and mentor, while Yuuri is a talented Japanese skater determined to make a comeback in the competitive world of skating. Their relationship blossoms into a romantic one, reflecting the theme of love and self-discovery in the series.
    • Genre: Sports, Romance
    • First Aired: October 2016
    • Episodes: 12
    • Studio: MAPPA
    • Licensed by: Crunchyroll, Funimation
  2. 2
    17
    votes
    Levi and Eren's relationship is one of the most popular ships in the Attack on Titan fandom. Despite their age difference, their strong bond and chemistry have captivated fans and inspired numerous fanfiction and fanart creations.
    The anime ship Levi Ackerman and Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan, also known as Ereri, is a popular pairing among fans. It is based on the close bond and dynamic relationship between two main characters in the series.
    • Ship Name: Ereri
    • Status: Non-canon
    • Characters: Levi Ackerman and Eren Yeager
    • Popularity: High
    • Fanfiction: Abundant
  3. 3
    55
    votes
    Kageyama and Hinata's dynamic as teammates and rivals has sparked the interest of many fans. Their intense and emotional interactions have led to a popular ship in the Haikyuu!! fandom.
    Haikyuu!! - Kageyama Tobio and Hinata Shouyou is a popular anime ship that has gained a significant following among gay fans. It is a romantic pairing between two characters from the sports anime Haikyuu!!, specifically Kageyama Tobio and Hinata Shouyou. The ship explores the dynamic relationship between the two characters as they navigate teamwork, friendship, and ultimately develop deeper feelings for each other. Their chemistry, character development, and interactions have made this ship a fan-favorite within the Haikyuu!! fandom.
    • Anime: Haikyuu!!
    • Characters: Kageyama Tobio and Hinata Shouyou
    • Ship Type: Romantic
    • Genre: Sports, Drama, Romance
    • Creator: Haruichi Furudate
  4. 4
    6
    votes
    Bakugou and Kirishima's friendship has been a popular topic among fans, and many see their relationship as something more than just platonic. Their supportive and protective attitudes towards each other have created a strong bond that fans have shipped.
    Katsuki Bakugou and Eijirou Kirishima, also known as Bakushima, is a popular ship in the anime series My Hero Academia. This ship refers to the romantic or implied romantic relationship between the characters Katsuki Bakugou and Eijirou Kirishima. Fans of the series have been drawn to the dynamic between these two characters and have developed a strong following for this ship.
    • Ship Name: Bakushima
    • Anime: My Hero Academia
    • Characters: Katsuki Bakugou and Eijirou Kirishima
    • Ship Type: Romantic or implied romantic
    • Popularity: Highly popular
  5. 5
    34
    votes
    The romantic relationship between Ash and Eiji has been one of the most popular ships in the Banana Fish fandom. Their love story is a central theme in the anime and has resonated with many viewers.
    Banana Fish - Ash Lynx and Eiji Okumura is a popular anime ship that has gained a significant following in the gay community. It revolves around the complex relationship between Ash Lynx, a young gang leader, and Eiji Okumura, a Japanese photographer. The story follows their journey as they navigate the dangerous world of gang violence and corruption in New York City.
    • Genre: Action, Thriller, Drama, Crime
    • Original creator: Akimi Yoshida
    • Release year: 2018
    • Number of episodes: 24
    • Setting: New York City, 1980s
  6. 6
    20
    votes
    Given is an anime that revolves around the formation of a band and the relationship between its members. Mafuyu and Ritsuka's romantic relationship has been well-received by fans, who appreciate the realistic portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters.
    Given is a popular anime ship featuring Mafuyu Satou and Ritsuka Uenoyama. The story revolves around their complex relationship as they navigate their feelings for each other amidst their shared passion for music.
    • Ship Name: Mafuyu x Ritsuka
    • Anime Series: Given
    • Genre: Romance, Drama, Music
    • First Appearance: Manga: April 2013, Anime: July 2019
    • Anime Studio: Lerche
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    Free! is an anime about competitive swimming, and Rin and Haruka's relationship has been a popular ship among fans. Their intense rivalry and deep bond have sparked the interest of many viewers.
    Free! - Rin Matsuoka and Haruka Nanase is a popular anime ship within the LGBTQ+ community. It is a romantic pairing between two male characters, Rin Matsuoka and Haruka Nanase, from the anime series Free!. The ship gained popularity due to its strong emotional connection and chemistry portrayed between the characters.
    • Anime Series: Free!
    • Characters: Rin Matsuoka and Haruka Nanase
    • Romantic Pairing: Yes
    • LGBTQ+ Representation: Yes
    • Genre: Sports, Drama, Slice of Life
  8. 8
    41
    votes
    Sasuke and Naruto's relationship has been a point of discussion in the Naruto fandom for years. Their powerful bond and emotional connection have led many fans to ship them, despite the canonical relationships in the series.
    Naruto - Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki is a popular anime ship in the Naruto series that involves a romantic relationship between the characters Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki. The ship, commonly referred to as SasuNaru, has gained a significant following within the LGBTQ+ community for its representation of a same-sex relationship.
    • Anime Series: Naruto
    • Ship Name: SasuNaru
    • Characters: Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki
    • Relationship Type: Romantic
    • LGBTQ+ Representation: Yes
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    Loveless is an anime that deals with themes of love, loss, and identity. Ritsuka and Soubi's romantic relationship has been a popular ship among fans, who appreciate the complex and emotional nature of their bond.
    Loveless is a popular yaoi anime manga series that features the relationship between Ritsuka Aoyagi and Soubi Agatsuma. The story revolves around Ritsuka, a 12-year-old boy who becomes involved in a hidden world of battles fought by Sacrifice and Fighter pairs. Ritsuka forms a close bond with Soubi, an older man who becomes his Fighter. As they navigate the complexities of their bond, they face challenges and uncover dark secrets about their pasts.
    • Genre: Yaoi, Drama, Fantasy
    • First Published: 2002
    • Anime Adaptation: Yes
    • Episodes: 12
    • Manga Volumes: 12
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Haruka and Michiru's relationship is one of the earliest and most well-known depictions of LGBTQ+ characters in anime. Their love story has been a source of inspiration for many fans and has helped pave the way for more representation in media.
    Sailor Moon - Haruka Tenou and Michiru Kaiou is a popular LGBTQ+ ship in the Sailor Moon anime series. Also known as Uranus and Neptune, Haruka and Michiru are two of the Outer Senshi who fight alongside Sailor Moon and her friends to protect the world from evil forces.
    • Ship Name: Haruka Tenou and Michiru Kaiou
    • Anime Series: Sailor Moon
    • Characters: Haruka Tenou (Sailor Uranus) and Michiru Kaiou (Sailor Neptune)
    • Ship Type: Romantic
    • Canon Status: Canon

Missing your favorite anime ship?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular anime ship

  1. Representation
    It is essential to consider if the ship showcases a genuine and respectful portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships and characters. Positive representation can promote acceptance and understanding of the community.
  2. Chemistry between characters
    Analyze the connection between the characters, their interactions, and development throughout the series. A strong bond and genuine feelings between them make the ship more popular and enjoyable to watch.
  3. Story and character development
    A well-written story that follows the characters' journey as they discover their identity and relationships can be appealing to the audience. A narrative that explores the personal experience and growth of LGBTQ+ characters can contribute to a ship's popularity.
  4. Popularity among fans
    Measure the overall online engagement and enthusiasm of fans for the ship. This can include fan arts, fanfictions, discussions, or votes in a poll. A large fan following often indicates the ship's popularity.
  5. Impact on the LGBTQ+ community
    Consider the ship's influence on the LGBTQ+ community and how it has affected people's perceptions or conversations about LGBTQ+ relationships. A ship that has a positive impact usually receives a higher ranking.
  6. Complexity and depth
    Evaluate the level of emotional depth and complexity of the relationships within the ship. Does the anime show the struggles and complexities of being in a same-sex relationship, or is it more focused on the surface? The more depth and complexity, the more appealing the ship can be.
  7. Visibility and presence in mainstream media
    Analyze the ship's recognition in the broader world of anime and its presence within the mainstream media. The more visible and accepted an LGBTQ+ ship is, the more likely it could be ranked as a popular choice.
  8. Cultural significance
    Determine whether the ship breaks boundaries, acts as a first in its genre or otherwise, plays a role in advancing LGBTQ+ representation in anime. This factor can contribute to the ship's popularity and long-term impact.
  9. Emotional resonance
    Consider if the ship elicits strong emotions or connections with viewers. This can hinge on heart-warming moments, emotional arcs, or loyalty and dedication between characters.
  10. Aesthetics and character design
    Finally, the visual appeal and attractiveness of the characters and their designs can have an impact on the popularity of a ship. This can be subjective but can play a role in how fans engage with the characters and their relationships.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular anime ship for gays. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or anime ship is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2942 views
  • 175 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each anime ship once every 24 hours. The rank of each anime ship is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular anime ship for gays

Anime has been known to explore various themes and genres, including romance and relationships. As a result, it's not surprising that there are many popular anime ships or pairings that fans love to ship. And with the growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ relationships, it's no surprise that anime fans are also exploring and celebrating queer relationships in their favorite anime series. The world of anime is filled with a variety of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, ranging from subtle hints to more explicit depictions. The representation of these relationships has become increasingly important as more and more people are looking for media that reflects their own experiences and identities. When it comes to the most popular anime ships for gays, there are numerous contenders. From classic pairings like Yuri and Victor from Yuri!!! on Ice to newer ones like Legoshi and Louis from Beastars, fans have a lot of options to choose from. Ultimately, the most popular anime ship for gays is subjective and can vary from person to person, but it's clear that there is a growing demand for LGBTQ+ representation in anime.

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