The Ultimate BL Manga Guide 2023 Top-Rated Titles and Recommendations to Enjoy
Published Date: 2024/11/13
BL (boys' love) manga has captivated readers with its heartfelt storytelling, diverse characters, and profound emotional connections. Whether you're a newcomer eager to explore the genre or a dedicated fan looking for your next favorite series, this guide is here to help. We've curated a list of best and popluar BL manga titles and editor recommendations that showcase the finest the genre has to offer. Dive into these engaging stories that celebrate love in its many forms, and discover why these good BL manga continue to resonate with readers around the world.
Table of Content
Top 10 Best BL Manga to Read in 2023
In 2023, the BL (Boys' Love) genre has delivered outstanding new titles that captivate with heartfelt storytelling and diverse characters. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to BL, this list highlights the top 10 must-read manga of the year, offering the best in romance and emotional depth. Dive into these compelling stories and discover why BL manga continues to enchant readers.
Hit On by a Kinky Guy
This is a treasure trove of kinky play that will having you saying, “Ooh, so that’s how it’s done…! E ♥
This title has a new form of play each chapter, and it definitely fits the theme of "sexual desire gone awry." The back-to-back ecstasy is irresistible! The sex scenes are hot and steamy! The scenes of their tongues exploring each other's bodies and Koyama's erotic expressions will have you fanning yourself as you read ♥
There are some heavy scenes, with humiliating photos being taken and one-sided threats made. On the flip side, there are a lot of scenes with a comical element that will make you giggle at how Koyama and Takamada interact with each other, making this title a smooth read despite the trigger-heavy start.
I think you'll enjoy the gradual evolution of this relationship from its roots in Takamada's twisted desires!
by Charlotte
Making a Child with a Beast
An eccentric title from the popular beastman BL genre! If you like cocky boys getting humiliated, this is for you!
Our protag Yurito is a vet student and a total f*ckboy. For some reason, males always hate him, human and animal alike, and because of his strange condition, he goes wild around women. After getting one of his many side pieces pregnant, he treats her like trash, so you can see just how much of a POS this guy is. But then a mysterious beast shows up in Yurito’s life, and just when you think he’s going to slam down the hammer of justice on this walking trash…he tells Yurito he will let him bear his child as thanks for saving him as a kid?! Also, at some point, Yurito could only be satisfied by fingering himself. And remember how males hate him, too? Turns out, those are both all the beast’s doing! Yurito’s body has been changed in order to give birth to the beastman’s child, and now he’s riding the raging waves of pleasure! You’ll get plenty of shots of Yurito absolutely lost in it Eeyes rolling back and all - in this ultra-steamy story. ♥
Will this arrogant trash turned sissy bear the beast's child? Give this one a read to find out!
by Lily
Top-Rated BL Manga: Why Are These Titles So Popular?
In this section, we will introduce 10 popular and highly-rated BL titles among MangaPlaza's users and explore the reasons behind their immense popularity.
*Number of reviews since 10/16
Sating the Wolf
4.9 (167)
Only read chapter one so far
The art style is very pleasing to look at, and the author has set a pacing that quickly grabs the attention and intrigue. I'm looking forward to reading more.
Thoroughly enjoyed…
I loved it, I wish there was moooore 🥺 it’s heartfelt and maybe some side stories? Otherwise, it was good artwork as well *chef’s kiss*
This is so cute
This is such the cutest little read I love it! I have been telling everyone I know about this read. The bunny and the wolf!!!
A Lover's Contract
4.9 (124)
Love it!
I love stories of people connecting and sharing their love for each other and this story definitely does that. I love love LOVE this one:)
Sooooo cute!!
That was precious! The bonus stories were so cute and the overall plot was a good, quick read. I was recommend this to anyone who likes BLs.
So heartwarming I was surprised
I didn't expect this story to be so cute and warm and comfortable, but there you go. A good read for bl-fans who need a bit more romance with their spice!
The Seduction of the Deep Sleeper
Wonderful
I absolutely loved the romance to this manga definitely will be looking forward to seeing more work from this author!!
Wholesome 10/10
I love how this story doesn't just end where others would've stopped. There was character development and they are so cuuute together fr couplegoals.
Love material
I love it bring in more !!!!!!!! The artwork and the feelings portrayed in this is awesome. Now that their feelings are expressed equally mutual, how would Toma feelings towards his family change to. Can't wait for next chapter.
Sugar & Mustard
Very cute
I love a stoic bl characters, they always get me when they turn spicy. I also very much love the plot this was a great read with just enough plot and spice.
Sweet and exciting
Loved it wish it was longer. Would love to see it animated. I feel there was much more to explore but still lovely totally recommend.
Fave read by far
This is perfect, short but sweet. It has an amazing pace of going from sweet to spicy and had me really rooting for the mc
Editor's Choices: Best BL Manga of All Time
Discover the timeless classics and standout titles that have defined the BL (Boys' Love) genre. Our editors have curated a list of the 10 best BL manga of all time, featuring unforgettable stories and characters that continue to resonate with readers. Whether you're new to BL or a seasoned fan, these editor's choices are must-reads that showcase the very best the genre has to offer.
Egotists in Glass Houses
A cute BL manga that'll make your heart swoon♥ Nakagawa Kaneko takes us on a wild ride in this cutest love story between a single-minded salesman and his junior!
During their middle school days, Haruhisa makes a passing comment that gets Io in trouble, so he goes to save him. Ever since that day, Io has been following Haruhisa around like a lovesick puppy! High school, college… they even work at the same company! By now, the two are good friends and even go out together to eat every Friday, but things take a sudden turn when Io is asked if he's gay by other coworkers. Feeling worried, Io goes to a brothel, but he can't get hard. He goes to Haruhisa for advice, and get this… Haruhisa says he'll help him figure out if he's impotent or not! Io being teased to orgasm with overwhelmed tears streaming down his face was truly a sight to see!♥♥
These two will shoot an arrow through your heart and have you pounding the table, wondering why they still aren't together yet. You will definitely get your fill of heart-swooning with all the cutest flirtatious hijinks and hot, steamy smut in this one!"
Mimori's Naughty Mouth
Makoto is a businessman in his thirties, and he's suffering from a strange condition: his mouth is an erogenous zone! He has been living his life avoiding the dentist…but then a wisdom tooth comes in. Unable to bear the pain, he makes a dentist appointment. And sure enough, his moans start to slip out as soon as his check-up starts♥
Yuma, his dentist, figures out his condition and gives him a “special" treatment! His juicy tongue, perfect teeth, and tender lips…has there ever been a mouth more perfect?! You can feel the extraordinary passion in the way rasu (the author) draws mouths and lips. And dare I say it, the teeth brushing scene was the highlight of this title. Another scene that had me hooked was when Makoto, unable to forget the pleasure he felt with Yuma, went out of his way to get more cavities just so he could see him again. The theme of this title is of course “mouths," so teeth brushing, kissing, and BJs have an extra dose of eroticism added! While it presents a classic love story, this romance BL is sure to introduce a new kink. ! Check this one out if you haven't already!
Rooming with My Two Lovers
The ex and the hairdresser attack! A sexy threesome with an indecisive bottom
Atsushi, an indecisive musician who just lost his apartment, is invited by his super suave and cool hairdresser, Shiki, to be roommates with him and another person. Come to find out, that other person is his ex, Enraku! Both of them work their magic on Atsushi: Enraku takes advantage of his lingering affection, and Shiki takes advantage of his easily influenced personality. The two rivals pounce on Atsushi, and they end up in a steamy threesome...
This yaoi manga is all about clingy tops! Enraku, the classic rom-com hero who's obsessed with Atsushi even after breaking up, and Shiki, a conniving guy who slowly corners Atsushi with no chance to escape. You get two different tops for the price of one! Seeing them go crazy and obsess over Atsushi during sex like it's a battle is something BL fans won't want to miss out on!
The Flavor of Melon
What starts as unexpectedly sharing the same bed soon becomes a comforting routine.
This BL manga feels like when you're floating in a pool and the temperature is just right; or when you're half-asleep, still snuggled up in your blankets, debating on going back to bed or not.
Nakajo and Kiuchi suddenly end up living together. Nakajo tells Kiuchi he's gay, and Kiuchi could not care less lol. From there, Nakajo gradually starts to find comfort in living with Kiuchi. But Kiuchi has a secret of his own...
They don't ask each other to rush in headlong or to bare their soul completely; they reach out slowly, seeking just a little more connection. This story is a mix of muted sweetness and slight bitterness, with a touch of salt. Lose yourself in the intoxicating, meditative atmosphere this BL brings, as if you were gazing at the drifting smoke from a cigarette as it disappears into the clouds.
Rintaro, a freelancer (and an omega), gets transported to another world after looking into a fortune teller’s mirror. After landing in this new world, he sees someone getting mugged and jumps into action…but then he suddenly goes into heat?! The extremely beautiful alpha, Varuna, comes to his rescue, and we learn that the two are a “fated pair”… Varuna tells Rintaro he has been searching for him for a long time and wants all of him. Rintaro just got there, but he’s already melting in Varuna’s arms!
The sex scenes are so steamy even just their breathing got us all hot and bothered! There’s a scene where some women are hurling insults at Rintaro, but Varuna wasn’t having it! Seeing Varuna unleash his alpha beast mode and protect Rintaro had our hearts racing non-stop. The way he stood his ground left quite the impression. He’s a man who knows how to defend what’s his!
Getting suddenly dropped into another world, meeting your fated pair, and becoming one… This story will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, and the thrilling sex scenes and beautiful artwork will for sure keep you hooked!
by Nora