6 Anime Like Loveless [Recommendations]

También puedes leer este artículo en:Español

If you have been a fan of Boys Love or BL for a long time, then you must have at least come across the classic yaoi, Loveless. Released in 2005, the story of Loveless revolves around the main character, Ritsuka Aoyagi, a 12-year-old boy suffering from amnesia who recently lost his brother. In the world he lives in, children are born with cat ears and tails which are not lost until a person becomes intimate with another. After the loss of his brother, a mysterious man comes into Ritsuka’s life claiming to have known his brother. Agatsuma Soubi reveals a world of magic and team fighting that his brother had been a part of. People battle in pairs, or as couples, with one as the “Sacrifice” to take damage and the other as the “Fighter” to deal it. With the death of his brother, Ritsuka takes his place as the “Sacrifice” and battles alongside Soubi to discover the mysteries behind his brother’s death and the involvement of the organization “Seven Moons”.

Loveless has strong BL undertones found in the relationship between Ritsuka and the older Soubi. The supernatural battles and overarching mystery keep the audience engaged in the secrets surrounding Ritsuka’s older brother. For lovers of Loveless who can’t wait any longer for the author to finish the story, we have some recommendations to tide you over during this never-ending hiatus.


Similar Anime to Loveless

1. NO.6 (No. 6)

  • Episodes: 11
  • Aired: Jul 8, 2011 to Sep 16, 2011

Far in the future, war has reduced society to 6 exclusive cities. The government has a strong presence within everyday life in these cities, and the people are monitored constantly. The cities promote conformity and protect the peace that we soon see is all a lie. One night, teenage boy Shion, who is one of the elite people living in No. 6 city, finds a runaway criminal in his home. Nezumi is running from the government and seeks shelter with Shion. In return for Shion’s kindness, he and his mother are cast out of their elite lifestyle to live in a rougher side of their city. They get to know the real No. 6. A new light is shed on No. 6 city and the mysteries behind its societal structure. What is this city hiding from its people?

Throughout No. 6 we can see the relationship between Shion and Nezumi grow into love. They started out as enemies not trusting each other, but by working together to solve the mysteries of No. 6, a bond is formed. Similar to Loveless, we can see a yaoi relationship that is trying to discover the activities of a suspicious organization. There is a supernatural element to this story as well, but we don’t want to give too much away. Just know that if you like Loveless, you will definitely enjoy No.6.


2. Shinsekai Yori (From the New World)

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: Sep 29, 2012 to Mar 23, 2013

With strong yuri and yaoi relationships, a huge mystery element, magical powers, and children versus adults themes, Shinsekai Yori is sure to catch your eye if you enjoyed Loveless. Without giving too much away, the story revolves around a group of kids in a “different” world trying to learn and control their magical abilities. Unbeknownst to them, there is a threat lurking within the school that hides in the shadows, waiting to discipline any student that does not meet a social norm. When their friends begin to disappear, some of the children begin to question the adults around them and even the structure of their small society itself.

In this anime we can see children coming of age and learning that the world is not really what it seems. The overall mystery is similar to Loveless in the sense that children are fighting against an organization which wants to hide all their secrets and induces amnesia on anyone who comes too close. This action-packed drama also explores the use of supernatural abilities, similar to Loveless. With many of the relationships in the story being either yuri or yaoi, you can definitely get your BL drama fix.

From The New World Trailer


3. SUPER LOVERS (Super Lovers)

  • Episodes: 10
  • Aired: Apr 6, 2016 to Jun 8, 2016

Did Loveless really make you want to watch a new, adorable yaoi anime? Well you can’t go wrong with Super Lovers. Recently released, the loveable nature of these characters will definitely satiate any cute, yaoi craving you might have. With an amnesia element in the storyline, this standard Boys Love anime also has an older character developing a relationship with younger male character, similar to Loveless.

When Haru goes to visit his mother in Canada as a high school student, he meets a young Japanese boy, Ren, who his family later adopts. Ren is a wild child and needs Haru to show him how to live normally. They spend the summer together, strengthening their brotherly relationship before Haru has to return to Japan. Haru leaves, promising that they will live together in the future. But before that can happen, Haru gets into a car accident and loses his memory of his time with Ren. Years later, Ren comes to Japan to live with Haru and his other adoptive brothers and remind him of the close relationship they once had.

Super Lovers [PV]



Any Anime Like Loveless?

4. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: Oct 3, 2008 to Mar 27, 2009

Earl Ciel Phantomhive is a young heir after his parents’ untimely death. The plot revolves around Ciel’s dark past and the circumstances that led him to gaining his new demon, butler Sebastian. The relationship between Ciel and Sebastian is one of necessity and mutual benefit. While performing the average duties of a butler, Sebastian also fights for Ciel to maintain order and search to reveal the mysteries of Ciel’s past. Kuroshitsuji is full of mystery, angst, and plenty of BL situations.

Ciel is very similar to Ritsuka in Loveless. Both have amnesia and are searching for the reason they lost their loved ones. With older, gorgeous men being their helpers and guides, who can help but infer the budding relationships between the older and the younger. This anime has grown huge in popularity since its release in 2008, leading to several spin-off series and a live-action movie. People have fallen in love with the angst-filled relationship between young Ciel and the demon Sebastian.

Black Butler: Season 1 - Official Trailer


5. Monochrome Factor

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: Apr 8, 2008 to Sep 30, 2008

Slacker high school student, Akira, is just killing time until one day he is approached by a suspicious man. Shirogane introduces himself as not being human, but declares that he is a shadow. During a midnight trip to the school later that day, Akira and his friends are attacked by shadow monsters. The group is rescued by the mysterious man Akira met earlier, who asks Akira to fight alongside him. Akira and Shirogane seal their contract with a kiss and Akira is transformed into a shadow-monster killing machine called a “shin”. He can only return to being a normal human with the help of another kiss from Shirogane.

The balance of light and dark in the world is at risk, but with constant flirting between the characters, you definitely get the same vibe as Loveless. The main characters are required to stay together constantly and this can lead to some hilarious situations. Between the supernatural couple battles and the budding relationships, this show is full of innuendoes and mystery.


6. Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru (Betrayal Knows My Name)

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: Apr 12, 2010 to Sep 20, 2010

This is a darker themed anime about an orphan boy who has separated himself from everyone around him. The audience is thrown into the question of who is Yuki? It seems as though he is able to read people’s minds and learn their dark secrets once he touches them. When one of his classmates falls to the darkness in his heart, Yuki is saved by a silver-eyed man who promises to protect and never betray him. Why does this man seem so familiar to Yuki? What is the mystery surrounding his mentor, Kanata?

Yuki has forgotten his past, just like Ritsuka in Loveless. Both have guides to help them remember what happened, and in Yuki’s case, who he really is. With so much potential for some yaoi angst between Yuki and this silver-eyed savior, you can’t help but root for their romance. After the first episode you will be dying to know the secrets of their past and Kanata’s plans for the future!

Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru PV


Loveless is a yaoi anime with strong supernatural and mystery themes. With the selections above, we tried to find anime that matched the overall atmosphere and situations seen in Loveless. The relationship between older and younger characters, developing and fighting with supernatural powers, and of course an overarching mystery that the main characters are desperate to solve. Let us know if you find as much satisfaction in these anime recommendations as you did in Loveless. Who knows? Maybe Loveless will restart someday soon, but at least you have these great options until then!

Loveless-dvd 6 Anime Like Loveless [Recommendations]

Writer

Author: Devan Baird

I was the co-founder for the anime convention Swampcon at the University of Florida. Currently living and working in Tokyo as a writer, editor, and video editor. With my daily vlog on everyday life in Tokyo, you can see how the Japanese lifestyle can be completely different from what you expected!

Previous Articles

Top 5 Anime by Devan Baird



Recommended Post

[Fujoshi Friday] 6 Manga Like Loveless [Recommendations]