BL for beginners
Since I've watched a fair amount of BL now, both tame and UnTaMeD (I know I know that was a bad pun lol)... I thought I'd make a list for anyone who wants to get into the genre but doesn't know where to start. It can be a bit overwhelming to just jump in and choose a series/movie; some are a LOT, some not enough. So here's a guide I formulated as someone who was introduced to the genre not too long ago :)
[I still need to add more and re-order this. Right now it goes from light to mature/steamy, with a few must-watch' in between]
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1. 2gether
Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
Released at the start of 2020, for a lot of people this was their first BL. I believe it's also the most streamed BL series to date.
It's a great introduction to the genre because it's mild and fluffy. There aren't any serious kisses and at times it's more bromancy, so if you're not used to the genre this is a great start
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2. Sotus
Thai Drama - 2016, 15 episodes
A legacy BL. Like 2gether it's fun and light BL to watch
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3. His - Koi Suru Tsumori Nante Nakatta
Japanese Drama - 2019, 5 episodes
Really innocent short story about a boy developing a crush on another boy
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4. Still 2gether
Thai Special - 2020, 5 episodes
The 5-special-episode continuation of 2gether. Still somewhat innocent but a graduation from the high five
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5. The Untamed
Chinese Drama - 2019, 50 episodes
Chinese fantasy BL. It's censored but still amazing
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6. Great Men Academy
Thai Drama - 2019, 8 episodes
Despite the body-switching technicalities, it is a BL imo. The story is also really interesting and original and the production/ actors are good
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7. Saebit Boys' High School Council
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
The best KBL for many. Fluffy. Shinwoo supremacy
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8. Kieta Hatsukoi
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
Currently airing - softest series ever
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9. He's Coming To Me
Thai Drama - 2019, 8 episodes
Mixes BL with fantasy in a really nice way.
If you're looking for a more emotional plot though, this is a great start. It has really valid lgbt+ representation for coming out, but also the plot is just touching in general
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10. Ingredients
Thai Special - 2020, 21 episodes
This was originally meant to be a short cooking promotional show, but people liked it so much they expanded it into a miniseries. It's really fluffy and also a good place to find recipes too
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11. 30Sai made Doteida to Mahotsukai ni Narerurashi
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
A must see. Very sweet, funny, awkward and interesting
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12. Before Your Eyes Stop
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
The first proper Korean BL webseries. Very angsty with great chemistry
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13. Mr.Heart
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
The second Korean BL webseries. More soft and funny than the first
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14. Color Rush
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
Cool concept but very tame
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15. My Engineer
Thai Drama - 2020, 14 episodes
Multiple unique couples with adorable moments. Also a really funny series
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16. We Best Love: Forever the First
Taiwanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
A popular Tawianese BL. The chemistry, acting and production are amazing (even though they all wear like the same two outfits the entire season)
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17. Gameboys
Filipino Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
A filipino BL on Youtube. Takes place during the pandemic through mostly video call, but it is really well made.
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18. Gameboys Level-Up Edition
Filipino Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
The same as Gameboys but because Netflix decided to release it, a few of the beginning episode scenes were reshot to make them better.
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19. Theory of Love
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
Very angsty and more skinship than the previous ones
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20. Dark Blue Kiss
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
Out of all the GMMTV BL's I think this is the most mature. It has a lot of angst as well but more romantic moments and kisses.
[if you don't want to be lost I suggest watching Kiss Me Again, the prequal where the main couple first get together, or the KMA cut that GMMTV released on Youtube, which has most of the couple's scenes together.]
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21. Like in the Movies
Filipino Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
No we're getting more emotional. If you're looking for great LGBT+ representation, symbolism, and a real story, this is it. Also the cinematography is really pretty
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22. Life Senjou no Bokura: Director's Cut
Japanese Movie - 2020
Another emotional one
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23. Until We Meet Again
Thai Drama - 2019, 17 episodes
A great and emotional story with a ton of romance and chemistry between the three couples. A bit more mature as well
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24. BKPP
Thai Drama - 2020, 5 episodes
A lot of people's favourite Thai BL. The story and production is beautiful and realistic. A must watch (which is why it's so low because not much compares after watching this)
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25. To My Star
Korean Drama - 2021, 9 episodes
Short but sweet popular Korean bl
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26. Together with Me
Thai Drama - 2017, 13 episodes
A classic with one of the legendary BL actor ships. It has a few bed scenes
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27. HIStory2: Boundary Crossing
Taiwanese Special - 2018, 8 episodes
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28. Love by Chance
Thai Drama - 2018, 14 episodes
Another popular series. There are a couple bed scenes and also a storyline some may find upsetting
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29. Lovely Writer
Thai Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Calls out the toxicity of the bl industry, and is really interesting. They also don't shy away from skinship
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30. Manner of Death
Thai Drama - 2020, 14 episodes
An action mystery series, with the same actors as Together With Me but more mature roles and scenes
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31. 2 Moons 2
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
Cute and varied couples.
[2moons is the prequal of the same story with different actors. Its whole season is recapped in the first four episodes of this one so it isn't mandatory to watch. Imo it isn't as good, but if you want more of an idea about the characters you can watch it before this one.]
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32. TharnType
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
Controversial especially because of the beginning of the relationship and the way the writer handled some topics, but it is really intimate and intense
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33. HIStory3: Trapped
Taiwanese Special - 2019, 20 episodes
A Taiwanese action BL with great acting and romantic scenes
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34. Why R U?
Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
Covid disrupted the filming of many scenes but its still a good series with great actors. Some of the scenes are wild though
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35. HIStory3: Make Our Days Count
Taiwanese Special - 2019, 20 episodes
Oh the discourse. Imo, it's genuinely a great series despite you know what. The chemistry is amazing and its funny, sweet and deep.
All I'm going to say is episode 6 is especially intense, like nothing has ever topped this intensity intense
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36. Addicted Heroin
Chinese Drama - 2016, 15 episodes
A miss for me, but a hit for some. Also controversial because of the storyline. It contains quite a bit of mature content as well