Bishonen Anime Is Making a Big Comeback in 2026

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Bishonen anime focuses on characters—often male leads—who are strikingly beautiful and typically drawn with slender, graceful figures. What was once a small subgenre has grown to include a wide variety of anime, from classic romantic comedies and reverse harems to fantasy and sports series. Both older, lesser-known titles and newer releases are gaining popularity, sparking renewed interest in the best ‘pretty boy’ anime out there.

The recent surge in popularity of handsome male anime characters, or ‘bishonen,’ in 2026 isn’t a coincidence. New shows are being released alongside a renewed appreciation for older, often overlooked series from the 2000s and 2010s, sparking a lot of discussion. Whether it’s bringing back established franchises or creating entirely new stories with beautiful character designs and compelling plots, bishonen anime is demonstrating that it’s always had a dedicated fanbase and is now ready to shine again.

Bishonen Anime’s Rich History Goes Back Farther Than Fans May Think

The term “bishonen” in Japanese simply means “beautiful boy,” and the idea existed long before anime and manga became popular in East Asia. In the mid-20th century, Japanese culture combined historical styles with new influences from around the world, particularly from androgynous figures like David Bowie and Swedish actor Björn Andrésen. Andrésen’s look directly inspired the design of many bishonen characters, and artist Keiko Takemiya, a member of the Year 24 Group, specifically credited him as a major influence on her work.

Japanese media often includes traditionally feminine features in its depictions of ideal male beauty. This is visible in genres like ‘bishonen’ (beautiful boy), ‘yaoi’ (boys’ love), and even titles aimed at adult women. This aesthetic has expanded beyond these specific audiences and now appears in manga for boys (‘shonen’), where creators use these features to appeal to female readers. For example, Lelouch from Code Geass, despite being a villain, has a classically ‘bishonen’ appearance – long hair, long eyelashes, and a sharply defined jawline.

Characters like Suguru Geto and Griffith possess a delicate, attractive aesthetic that helps explain their popularity. Even Reigen Arataka from Mob Psycho 100 benefited from this, winning a fan poll thanks to his appealing design and relatable, lovable flaws – a combination fans clearly adore.

Perhaps the most well-known example of ‘bishonen’ storytelling is Ouran High School Host Club. This anime introduced the genre to a large international audience, proving that bishonen could be funny, romantic, and emotionally engaging. The main character, Tamaki Suoh, is a classic bishonen – charming and dramatic, almost as if he’s always surrounded by rose petals and sparkles. This combination of carefully crafted appearance and over-the-top romantic moments is central to the bishonen style. It’s a unique way of using visuals and emotions that has proven popular in many different kinds of anime, with audiences of all ages, for decades.

Fans May Not Realize Their Favorite Anime Is Actually Bishonen

Many fantastic ‘bishonen’ anime—shows featuring beautiful young men—are actually found within popular series that don’t explicitly advertise themselves as part of the genre. Bungou Stray Dogs is a prime example. The show boasts a cast of strikingly handsome and well-designed male characters who are both emotionally deep and visually captivating – essentially, they perfectly embody the bishonen aesthetic. Each character is impeccably styled and fashionable, appealing to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

I’m absolutely fascinated by the character designs in this series! Dazai and Nakajima really embody that classic ‘bishonen’ look – beautiful, but with so much emotional depth, which is what the style has always been about. Then you’ve got Chuuya, who adds this incredible energy and confidence to the same aesthetic. But Akutagawa? He’s something else entirely. He’s got all the delicate beauty and sharp lines of a bishonen, but it’s… colder. He lacks that warmth and playfulness you see in someone like Dazai, and it makes him a really compelling, darker take on the archetype.

One of the most appealing aspects of Bungou Stray Dogs is how it takes famous historical writers – like Fyodor Dostoevsky, author of No Longer Human – and transforms them into attractive young men. The characters have a visual style that feels right at home in an otome game, and this is made even more striking by the series’ intense and unpredictable setting.

The anime Yuri on Ice beautifully incorporated traditionally attractive male designs (bishonen) into a sports story, creating a deeply moving narrative centered on two visually striking male characters whose connection remains incredibly popular. A supporting character, Yuri Plisetsky, also embodies a more brooding version of this aesthetic. The Case Study of Vanitas fully embraces the gothic bishonen style, combining elaborate historical costumes with intense emotions between its male leads – a style reminiscent of classic shoujo manga. It offers a more colorful and fashionable take on the look of series like Vampire Knight, which featured the strikingly popular white-haired vampire, Zero Kiryuu, and captivated many shoujo fans.

With its lead character, Yona, the anime Yona of the Dawn features a wonderfully designed group of male characters, making it a prime example of how to tell a story with attractive young men. The 2009 anime 07 Ghost is another standout, offering compelling, attractive male leads, a detailed fantasy world, and emotionally resonant relationships that have kept it popular with a dedicated fanbase. While this ‘pretty boy’ aesthetic is often found in anime aimed at young girls, it appears across many different genres.

Tamon’s B-Side Is The Bishonen Anime That Defines 2026

In 2026, Tamon’s B-Side perfectly embodies the bishonen genre. The anime centers on seventeen-year-old Utage Kinoshita, a huge fan of the popular idol group F/ACE and its leader, Tamon Fukuhara. While working a cleaning job, Utage unexpectedly meets Tamon in person and realizes the charismatic performer adored by the public is actually a sad, insecure young man who struggles with loneliness.

Ouri is a moody and easily angered character who competes for Utage’s attention, creating an interesting contrast with Tamon. The show lovingly incorporates terms and structures from idol culture, highlighting Keito’s role as the oldest member of F/ACE and making him the central figure, while also playing with Tamon’s unique “wild type” designation. Viewers familiar with idol culture will appreciate these details as inside references, while those new to it will find them a fun and easy introduction to the world of idol fandom – something that’s long been popular in anime featuring attractive young men.

The 2026 release of Tamon’s B-Side is perfectly timed with the growing popularity of bishonen anime. It’s the type of show that gains fans naturally, spreading through online clips, fan creations, and genuine excitement – something money can’t buy. The experience extends beyond just watching; F/ACE’s music is available on Spotify, making the group feel like a real idol sensation, and their opening song, “Sweet Magic,” has already been streamed over a million times.

Wow, this year has been incredible for beautiful boy (bishonen) anime on platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix, and honestly, Tamon’s B-Side just feels like it’s leading the charge! It’s not just another pretty face; it’s really pushing the genre forward, diving into deeper emotions and feeling so sure of itself. As a bishonen fan, it’s super exciting to see! And I think it hints at even bigger things to come for shojo anime in general – it feels like we’re on the verge of something really special.

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2026-02-25 06:11