Top 13 Yaoi Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

By Genre

13 Novels

Dive headfirst into the most compelling and heartwarming narratives that define the yaoi genre. These stories aren't just about romance; they're intricate tapestries woven with deep emotional connections, often exploring complex power dynamics, societal challenges, and the profound journey of self-discovery within relationships between men. Prepare for captivating plots, unforgettable characters, and a rollercoaster of emotions that will keep you glued to your screen.

From the tender blossoming of first love to intense, soul-stirring dramas, this list showcases yaoi novels that have captivated readers worldwide. Whether you seek poignant slice-of-life moments, thrilling fantasy adventures, or passionate office romances, this collection promises richly developed worlds and relationships that resonate long after the final chapter.

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TOP PICK
The Earth is Online
4.6
(2.1K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, mature
Six months ago, tens of thousands of black phantom towers appeared all over the world, floating above the cities. Chemists, physicists, religious people… all of them could do nothing.
First Impressions
"The Earth is Online" promised a thrilling blend of action, mystery, and survival with a BL twist, and after diving in, I can confidently say it delivered an engaging, albeit sometimes challenging, experience. The premise is immediately captivating: a sudden apocalypse forces humanity into deadly games orchestrated by the enigmatic Black Tower. I was initially drawn in by the unique concept and the promise of a clever protagonist navigating a world turned into a perilous game. The early chapters successfully establish the stakes and introduce Tang Mo, our resourceful and observant MC. I found ...
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2
RUNNER UP
Little Mushroom
4.8
(1.8K ratings)
Genre: drama, psychological, romance
“Until the day humanity falls. ” In the year 2020, Earth’s magnetic poles disappeared and humankind was nearly wiped out by cosmic radiation.
First Impressions
"Little Mushroom." Don't let the cute title fool you. This isn't a fluffy, lighthearted story; it's a poignant journey through a post-apocalyptic world, seen through the eyes of a naive, yet incredibly endearing, little mushroom. I went in expecting one thing and got something far more complex and emotionally resonant. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise: a mushroom that takes on a human form and embarks on a quest. But it quickly became clear that this was more than just a quirky adventure. The world-building is intricate and immersive, painting a vivid picture of a dying planet a...
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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
My Husband is Suffering from a Terminal Illness
4.6
(1.7K ratings)
Genre: drama, mature, romance
Xie Yang struggled in the post-apocalyptic world for many years until he was too tired to go on. Then he transmigrated into a young adult entertainment circle novel where the protagonists have easy, sweet, and satisfying lives.
First Impressions
"My Husband is Suffering from a Terminal Illness" is a wild ride, a blend of humor, face-slapping, and surprisingly sweet romance. I went in expecting one thing and came out pleasantly surprised, though not without a few reservations. The premise itself is intriguing: a transmigrator from an apocalyptic world ends up as a cannon fodder married to a terminally ill, tsundere CEO. It’s a recipe for chaos, and the initial chapters definitely deliver on that promise. I was immediately drawn to the dynamic between Xie Yang, the MC, and Qiu Xing, the ML. Their early interactions are gold, filled with...
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4
EDITORS CHOICE
Mist
4.7
(1.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, mature
Hyperthymesia. Those with this condition can remember every detail of their lives from something as significant as the world’s turning point to something as small and as insignificant as a minor fleeting thought.
First Impressions
"Mist" is a web novel that really took me on a ride. Blending action, adventure, sci-fi, and romance with a dash of mystery, it's a story that demands your attention. While it has its quirks, the overall experience was definitely memorable. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of time travel interwoven with complex sci-fi elements. The beginning felt a bit slow as the characters were being introduced, and I wondered if the romance would feel rushed. However, as the story progressed, the initial setup proved essential for understanding the intricate plot and the characters' motivations. I q...
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EDITORS CHOICE
Global Examination
4.7
(1.5K ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, horror
The whole world is subjected to a highly dangerous standardised exam called the Global Examination. Answering questions by putting their lives at stake, they would live if they passed the test.
First Impressions
"Global Examination" is a wild ride of a novel, and I can definitely see why it has such a devoted following. From the very first chapter, I was thrown into a bizarre world of deadly exams, quirky characters, and an overarching mystery that kept me hooked. It blends elements of action, comedy, horror, and romance (shounen ai/yaoi) into a surprisingly cohesive whole. Initially, the premise of a life-or-death exam system felt a little chaotic. The early chapters are heavy on the examination aspects, which I didn't mind, but I can see why some readers might find it a bit confusing or dry until th...
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#6 PICK
Guide on How to Fail at Online Dating
4.7
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: comedy, romance, school life
The cousin that Jing Huan has been closest to since he was a child was labelled as “the other woman” in a certain popular online game: only after devoting herself did she know that the other party was a jerk with a girlfriend. After several days of being bullied online by people in the game, his...
First Impressions
"Guide on How to Fail at Online Dating" had me hooked from the start with its quirky premise and blend of genres. As a sucker for a good rom-com with a gaming twist, I dove in with high expectations, and for the most part, it delivered a delightful experience. The initial chapters plunge you headfirst into the world of online gaming, complete with all the jargon and chaotic energy you'd expect. Our MC, fueled by a desire for revenge on behalf of his sister, embarks on a catfishing scheme that quickly spirals into a hilarious mess. Honestly, the sheer audacity of his attempts to woo the ML whil...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
I Can Do It
4.7
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: comedy, romance, slice of life
In a certain League of Legends (LOL) match, a streamer well-known for infuriating people, was providing commentary and live streaming. Streamer: This support, so tr*sh.
First Impressions
"I Can Do It" is a delightful dive into the world of e-sports, sprinkled with humor, a dash of romance, and a whole lot of heart. As someone who enjoys a good slice-of-life story, this one definitely hit the spot. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a streamer turned pro gamer. The main character, Jian Rong (Soft), is instantly likable – a feisty, trash-talking genius who's secretly a softie, especially around the ML, Lu Boyuan (Road). The slow-burn romance was also a big draw for me, and I was eager to see how it would unfold....
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#8 PICK
Mistakenly Saving the Villain
4.6
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: drama, mature, psychological
Professor System has issued a mission: to rescue the gentle, kind and tragic protagonist shou of the novel “The Exceptional Furnace”. Song ‘Scholar-Tyrant’ Qingshi: “Don’t worry, Professor!
First Impressions
"Mistakenly Saving the Villain" is quite the rollercoaster, and I’m honestly still processing everything. This novel dives deep into some heavy themes, and while it’s not always an easy read, it’s definitely a memorable one. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise – a transmigration story where the MC accidentally saves the villain instead of the intended target. This setup felt like a refreshing twist on familiar tropes. However, I also approached it with caution, given the mature themes and potential for triggering content....
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Conclusion

This selection represents some of the best in the yaoi genre, chosen for their compelling narratives, exceptional character development, and unforgettable romantic journeys. Each novel offers a unique window into complex relationships, ensuring there's something here to capture every reader's heart.

Bookmark your favorites and explore other rankings on our site to discover more recommendations. The world of yaoi is vast and endlessly rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

The Earth is Online

First Impressions

Little Mushroom

First Impressions

My Husband is Suffering from a Terminal Illness

First Impressions

Mist

First Impressions

Global Examination

First Impressions

Guide on How to Fail at Online Dating

First Impressions