Personal BL Favs
Take this list as a recommendation if you're looking for something new and exciting to watch!
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1. The Untamed
Chinese Drama - 2019, 50 episodes
Okay, so this isn't BL in the traditional sense, and I don't want to reduce it to that, but I had to put it on my list. It's my all-time favorite drama. Just look at the reviews. I have too much to say about it to put it coherently in the comments, but just watch it.
The Untamed is an epic story of betrayal, morality, and love of all kinds. Even though the plot is complicated and there's a large cast, if you take the time to watch the show, you'll grow attached. It's been more than a year since I watched the show, and I still cry over them.
I can't do this show justice with only words. You need to experience it for yourself. And if you don't vibe with The Untamed's way of doing things, there's always the other four adaptations!
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2. Not Me
Thai Drama - 2021, 14 episodes
This drama touches on a lot of subjects that many other dramas are afraid to. I came in expecting a regular BL, but I came out with knowledge of the Thai government and a strong sense of justice and equality. This is the first BL I've seen that blatantly shows a pride flag on-screen. Not only that, but it also makes LGBTQ+ issues a focus in protests. Ugh. I love it so much.
All the characters were well-developed, and I loved the side couple. I just feel like everything was done so well. The OST instantly became one of my favorites too.
Of course, Off and Gun are a classic pair, but I didn't even know them before this series! I went on to watch their other works because I loved them so much here, but Not Me remains my favorite. Also, Gun's duality as an actor is incredible. I really hope he gets an award for this series.
Even if you're not a fan of action series, or even if you don't love BL, you're going to take something away from this show. Please take the time to watch it!
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3. KinnPorsche
Thai Drama - 2022, 14 episodes
Okay, hear me out. This show has flaws -- a decent number of flaws. The plot is a little weak, and it can be unrealistic at times. HOWEVER, I wouldn't have watched this show 4 (soon to be 5) times if it wasn't good.
The cinematography is incredible. I haven't seen anything like it in an Asian drama so far, and it was a breath of fresh air. I rave about it to all my friends even if they haven't heard of the show. I actually just finished watching it with my roommate who isn't into any kind of Asian media, and she loved it!
The reason I love this show so much is because of the characters. Apo as Porsche was amazing. He brought a lot of nuance to his character. Mile was awesome as well. I couldn't believe this was his first role. The chemistry between them is what brought this series to life because, let's be honest, they carry the show. Bible as Vegas was incredible as well. I really loved his character.
All of the actors in this show are incredible. I would really recommend watching it because it's something that you'll never forget.
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4. Bad Buddy
Thai Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Of course, this had to be on my list. Ohm and Nanon were amazing as Pat and Pran. Their real-life friendship shows through on the screen, and it made their relationship feel so natural. Even though the story may be simple, the way P'Aof directs and the way the actors bring out their characters make for an amazing show.
I loved getting a break from the episode 11 curse too! Just shows that the people behind-the-scenes care about their story and don't want to be formulaic.
Also, lesbians in a BL? Hell yeah!
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5. The Eclipse
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
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6. My School President
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
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7. Semantic Error
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
I haven't seen too many Korean BLs, but this one really snatched me. I loved the chemistry between the main leads; they were great choices for the characters. And the fact that they don't kiss like dead fish snatched me even harder.
Let's be honest. The story is nothing new, but the execution is what matters. The directors, writers, and actors did it perfectly. Awesome OST too! 100% recommend.
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8. Like in the Movies
Filipino Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
In terms of enjoyment, I would keep this drama where it is, but for the subject material, it automatically moves up to 1 or 2. I love the way LGBTQ+ issues were handled in this show. It's so important for the community, and I'm sure it resonated with a lot of people. Definitely recommend, but be ready for a good cry or two.
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9. Moonlight Chicken
Thai Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
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10. 30Sai made Doteida to Mahotsukai ni Narerurashi
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
This drama introduced me to the world of BL, and it'll always hold a special place in my heart. I can't stop smiling whenever I rewatch it. The main leads fit together perfectly, and because the characters are older, their communication is immaculate. I love to see it.
The only reason I didn't rate this drama a 9.5 or a 10 is because I have to skip through the secondary couple's scenes because Tsuge gives me too much second-hand embarrassment.
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11. Why R U?
Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
This one is kind of a guilty pleasure of mine. The story is all over the place, and the pacing isn't great, but the reason I rated it so high was because of Saint and Zee. They were amazing in these roles, and it really brought the best out of the show.
Would watch again purely for Fighter and Tutor. Natural chemistry!
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12. Utsukushii Kare
Japanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
This drama got a lot of unwarranted criticism for being "toxic," but I really enjoyed it. If you don't think you can look past the fact that the main leads are teenagers with problems that they work through together, maybe this show isn't for you. This show wasn't anything incredible, and it was pretty short, but it pulled me in fast. Plus, the ending song slaps.
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13. Innocent Playmates
Chinese Drama - 2023, 24 episodes