Top 15 Yuri Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

By Genre

15 Novels

Yuri has expanded well beyond its Japanese origins. Chinese baihe and Korean GL bring their own conventions to sapphic romance, often with different pacing and relationship dynamics than traditional Japanese yuri. I appreciate how the better entries treat their central relationships with genuine weight rather than relegating them to subtext or fetishization.

The range here spans from sweet and fluffy to emotionally demanding. School settings remain common, especially in Japanese yuri, but you'll find fantasy worlds, historical settings, and modern professional contexts as well. What matters most is whether the relationship development feels convincing. These fifteen have earned reader approval through that kind of emotional authenticity.

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1
TOP PICK
She is the Protagonist
4.6
(345 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, romance
Tang Han Qiu is the daughter of a business giant and is controlled by an invisible force, forcing her to become an evil female supporting character, constantly chasing after the male lead who she particularly despised, constantly tripping the innocent female lead, using every means and effort to ...
First Impressions
"She is the Protagonist" has completely charmed me with its blend of comedy, sweet romance, and refreshing take on the system/transmigration genre. I went in expecting another run-of-the-mill story, but I was pleasantly surprised by how unique and engaging it turned out to be. From the very beginning, I was hooked by Yu Ru Bing, the main character. She's a walking comedic force, and her shamelessness is absolutely hilarious. Her interactions with the system are also a major highlight, adding another layer of humor to the story. Tang Han Qiu, the female lead, is the perfect foil to Yu Ru Bing's...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
I Became the Academy’s Pink Airhead
4.4
(240 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
A city of academies where high school girls converse with swords and spears in hand. A comedy character who loves macarons and a cup of tea.
First Impressions
"I Became the Academy’s Pink Airhead" is a wild ride, no doubt about it. This novel throws you headfirst into Academy City, where all-girls schools reign supreme and Ether is the name of the game. A gender-bent protagonist, a dash of martial arts, and a whole lot of chaotic energy? Sign me up! Initially, I was a bit disoriented. The story jumps ahead after a prologue showing a major battle. We meet Clara, our MC, a pink-haired "airhead" who seems to have it all figured out, even if she acts like she doesn't. I quickly realized that this disorientation is intentional, mirroring Clara's own adju...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Who Moved My Ashes
4.5
(227 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
Jiang Xichu served as Chen Man’s secretary for many years, attending to her every need. Workplace disagreements were common, and one day, after a heated argument with Chen Man, Jiang Xichu left the company.
First Impressions
"Who Moved My Ashes" is a short and sweet yuri novel that I found incredibly heartwarming. It's a story about second chances, grief, and the discovery of love that was hidden in plain sight. While it might not be perfect, it definitely left a lasting impression. The initial chapters definitely tugged at my heartstrings. The story starts with heartbreak, but it quickly blossoms into a fluffy and mutually loving relationship between the main characters. The premise of rebirth, though not heavily explored, sets the stage for a beautiful story about cherishing the present and confessing your feeli...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Outrageous
4.6
(317 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
Lu Zhi Wei is an often overlooked person. Her father didn’t dote on her, and her mother didn’t love her.
First Impressions
"Outrageous" has been quite the ride! This yuri novel, blending comedy, drama, and fantasy elements, really grabbed my attention. With its themes of acting, devoted love, and a touch of system shenanigans, it's a story that's both heartwarming and surprisingly emotional. Right off the bat, I was drawn in by the premise. Lu Zhiwei, our MC, is incredibly likeable, an "older sister type" who's kind, humble, and genuinely cares for those around her. Then there's Sang Wanci, the FL, who initially comes off as serious and focused. The misunderstanding of the MC being a fan was a delightful start to ...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
I was Reincarnated as a Side Heroine in a Yuri Game, and with all my Power I will Protect my Favorite Character
4.5
(185 ratings)
Genre: romance, school life, yuri
Shiori Sugimura was just a normal second year high school student when her world shattered when she remembered her past life. In her previous life she was a serious Yuri Otaku, and with that knowledge she also realized that the world she has been living in is the Yuri game “Fragmented Rhapsody”.
First Impressions
This title might be a mouthful, but the story delivers a sweet and engaging yuri romance that had me hooked from the start. The premise is familiar – reincarnation into a game world – but the execution feels fresh and heartfelt. It's easy to see why it's rated so highly; I found myself completely invested in Shiori's journey. Initially, I was drawn in by the cute factor and the promise of a proactive protagonist. Shiori's goal to protect her favorite character, Sara, immediately resonated with my own inner fan. The all-girls school setting adds to the charm, creating a perfect backdrop for bud...
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6
#6 PICK
The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady
4.6
(232 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, fantasy
Anisphia, the Princess who remembered her previous life at a young age, as well as her old self’s intense love of magic, set off to live out her fantasies in this fantasy world. One day, during a magical mishap, she stumbled upon a scene where her brother Algard was breaking off his engagement t...
First Impressions
"The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady" is quite a mouthful, but I found myself surprisingly charmed by this isekai fantasy. It's not your typical otome game reincarnation story, and the blend of magic, political intrigue, and slow-burn yuri romance creates a unique flavor that kept me engaged. The initial hook is strong. We're thrown into a world where the protagonist, Anisphia, retains memories of her past life and is obsessed with magic, even though she can't wield it traditionally. Instead, she pioneers "Magicology," using scientific methods to revol...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
A Maiden’s Unwanted Heroic Epic
4.4
(186 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, fantasy
“…. Krische-sama, are you not afraid of killing people?
First Impressions
"A Maiden’s Unwanted Heroic Epic" is quite the journey, a sprawling saga that's left me with a lot to unpack. It’s a story that seems to genuinely resonate with many, but also has some elements that might not be for everyone. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise – a unique blend of adventure, comedy, fantasy, and even a touch of yuri, all wrapped around a protagonist who's described as both beautiful and ruthlessly pragmatic. The sheer scope of the story, spanning numerous chapters, was a bit daunting, but the positive buzz kept me intrigued....
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
The Dragon
4.7
(240 ratings)
Genre: adventure, fantasy, romance
Everyone says “like father, like son”, but Gu Fuyou has mediocre talent. So mediocre that when people see her, they mock her, wondering how Gu Wanpeng could have such a daughter.
First Impressions
"The Dragon" is a web novel that truly took me on a journey. Blending adventure, fantasy, romance, and xianxia elements with a touch of tragedy, it's a story that's both heartwarming and heartbreaking. While it has some minor flaws, the overall experience left me deeply impressed. Initially, I was a little thrown by the world-building. It throws you right into the action, and it took me a little bit to get my bearings. However, the compelling characters and intriguing premise quickly pulled me in. I found myself drawn to the spunky MC and the initially cold FL, eager to see how their relations...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
Jiao Huan Ying Hou
4.4
(174 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, romance
Ruan Yesheng was an out-of-date star; while Xi Mo, who had risen to fame within the same period, was now like the Goddess of the people. That was the case, until a horrifying attack which happened without warning, occurred at the conference.
First Impressions
"Jiao Huan Ying Hou" (After Exchanging Shadows) has completely charmed me, and I can definitely see why it's garnered such a dedicated following. This yuri novel about two actresses who body swap is a delightful blend of comedy, drama, and heartwarming romance, and I'm eager to see where the story goes. From the get-go, I was hooked by the premise. The body swap trope is a classic, but setting it within the cutthroat world of showbiz adds a unique layer of intrigue. The contrast between the two leads – a struggling, almost-forgotten actress and a celebrated movie empress – creates immediate te...
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Conclusion

Fifteen yuri novels representing different approaches to sapphic storytelling. Some prioritize comfort, others emotional intensity, and settings vary considerably. Your preferences around tone and context will determine which resonate most, so treat this as a diverse sample rather than a uniform recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings combine reader ratings (40%), popularity metrics (25%), engagement data (20%), and editorial review (15%). We update rankings quarterly to reflect the latest reader sentiments.

The best yuri novels excel in their genre-specific elements while delivering compelling characters and plots. Reader satisfaction and re-readability are key factors in our selection.

We update our rankings quarterly throughout 2026 to incorporate new releases, changing reader preferences, and updated rating data.

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

She is the Protagonist

First Impressions

I Became the Academy’s Pink Airhead

First Impressions

Who Moved My Ashes

First Impressions

Outrageous

First Impressions

I was Reincarnated as a Side Heroine in a Yuri Game, and with all my Power I will Protect my Favorite Character

First Impressions

The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady

First Impressions

A Maiden’s Unwanted Heroic Epic

First Impressions