asian bl ranked.
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1. The Eighth Sense
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
Outstanding cinematography. Incredible acting. Raw, mature and relatable storyline, especially for individuals who are university aged and/or have struggled with depression. Lim Jisub and Oh Juntaek's on-camera chemistry is unlike any I've seen before. All of their interactions, both positive and negative, felt real. I truly treasured every second of this series.
Though I do have my fair share of complaints regarding the editing and certain character arc conclusions, I think they are relatively easy to overlook.
This is the future I wish for the asian BL industry.
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2. Semantic Error
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
I have a strong preference for cinema with an overall serious atmosphere, however, «Semantic Error» is a drama that manages to be endearingly silly without coming across as overly cartoonish or cheap in the romance.
Having read the webtoon prior to watching the drama, I feel compelled to mention how I think Jaeyoung's drama adapted persona is a great step-up from his character in the source material.
No other actors would have fit Sangwoo and Jaeyoung as well as Park Jaechan and Park Seoham.
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3. Blueming
Korean Drama - 2022, 11 episodes
This is a drama I wholeheartedly believe is too short for its own good. I absolutely adore the cinematography, as well as all the *slightly* awkward interactions between Siwon and Daun. Their general relationship to each other feels very cautious and inexperienced in a refreshingly realistic way.
I most likely would have given «Blueming» a rating of 9.5 or 10 had the runtime been longer. Still, what this drama manages to accomplish in only 2.5 hours is beyond impressive.
Sad to see it getting a remake instead of a season 2 — although i do not think it needs one.
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4. The Untamed
Chinese Drama - 2019, 50 episodes
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5. Jazz for Two
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
Given and Semantic Error's lovechild?
Man, I really dug the musical aspect of «Jazz For Two». I wish the show had explored each character's relationship with music more than it did—especially main character Yoon Seheon's fondness of jazz.
The main pairing—what can I say? I love a good enemies-to-lovers dynamic, especially one that is bridged by a common interest or goal.
As for the side "couple", I never felt compelled to root for them considering the amount of one-sided hostility depicted on-screen. Perhaps their relationship was written differently in the webtoon? Were they even meant to be rooted for in the first place?
As much as I enjoyed «Jazz For Two», I have my fair share of criticisms as well. Certain conflicts and lines of dialogue felt oddly placed and/or forced. Plot advancements are imminent, yes, but did they have to be so on-the-nose? Take the beginning scene of episode 8 as an example. Yoon Seheon gets approached by his brother and somehow makes a correct (but wildly inappropriate) guess on a situation he has little-to-no knowledge of. How exactly did he come to that conclusion?
I think the casting and cinematography of «Jazz For Two» were its main pillars. The actors did great embodying their characters, especially drama rookies Jee Hogeun and Song Hangyeom. Also lovely to see Jinkwon back on screen!
All-in-all, I give this show a pretty biased 9/10 rating. Jee Hogeun, you got me lovestruck.
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6. I Told Sunset about You
Thai Drama - 2020, 5 episodes
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7. Your Name Engraved Herein
Taiwanese Movie - 2020
A movie best suited to be watched at a cinema.
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8. Tinted with You
Korean Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
Unique premise for a Korean BL, suffered from its short run-time and low budget.
I will admit being biased when it comes to pretty men and period settings, so don't judge me for ranking this show higher than it probably deserves.
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9. Until We Meet Again
Thai Drama - 2019, 17 episodes
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10. HIStory3: Trapped
Taiwanese Special - 2019, 20 episodes
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11. Kieta Hatsukoi
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
Itching for a teen romcom BL? «Kieta Hatsukoi» is the way to go.
The acting is quite over-the-top, but that's where the heart of the comedy lies.
Unfortunately, I think the conflicts in «Kieta Hatsukoi» dragged the show down a notch. They are too repetitive. If there isn't a misunderstanding between Aoki and Ida due to a lack of proper communication (mostly on Aoki's side), then it's a third-party clocking their same-sex relationship.
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12. Love for Love's Sake
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
While I wasn't quite sold by Myungha and Yeowoon's supposed feelings for each other, the show still captivated me by its unique plot and stunning cinematography.
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13. Not Me
Thai Drama - 2021, 14 episodes
A clear step up for Thai BL. Would've preferred if the main couple was the sole romantic entanglement of the show, however.
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14. To My Star
Korean Drama - 2021, 9 episodes
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15. A Shoulder to Cry On
Korean Drama - 2023, 7 episodes
Current and previous K-POP idols taking on roles within the BL genre is not exactly unheard of. However, both main actors being members of the same group (in this case, OMEGA X) is certainly rare.
The visual quality of this drama is what stands out to me the most. Despite being littered with k-drama clichés, I still found «A Shoulder To Cry On» to be an entertaining watch. Unfortunately, the writing grows increasingly lacklustre with every episode.
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16. Sing My Crush
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
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17. Stay with Me
Chinese Drama - 2023, 24 episodes
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18. To My Star Season 2: Our Untold Stories
Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
I hesitate recommending season 2 of «To My Star» . If no other BL tickles your fancy at the moment, do give it a try after wrapping up season 1.
This season had the casting, acting and video quality down. Where it fell flat was its lack of enjoyable storyline. The core conflict is a recycled version of the conflict seen in the first season — Jiwoo letting his insecurity get in the way of his relationship with Seojoon and consequently acting unnecessarily cruel to him because of it.
If you love painful getting-back-together slow-burns, then you might enjoy this season.
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19. Addicted
Chinese Drama - 2016, 15 episodes
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20. Unintentional Love Story
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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21. Night Flight
Korean Movie - 2014
A touching movie documenting the harsh reality of what queer youth can be like at the disapproving hands of society.
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22. Star Struck
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
While «Star Struck» offers little new for avid BL drama watchers, I still happened to enjoy it for what it was. I am, however, adamant that this should have been a movie instead.
Zuho has been my bias in SF9 for quite a few years now, so seeing him take on a queer role was a pleasant surprise.
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23. 2gether
Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
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24. Sotus
Thai Drama - 2016, 15 episodes
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25. 2 Moons
Thai Drama - 2017, 12 episodes
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26. 30-sai made Dotei Da to Mahotsukai ni Nareru rashii
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
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27. TharnType
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
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28. Where Your Eyes Linger
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
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29. Kissable Lips
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
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30. A Round Trip to Love
Chinese Movie - 2016
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31. Yandai Byway No.10
Chinese Drama - 2016, 10 episodes
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32. Roommates of Poongduck 304
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
If you enjoy goofy, short-lived rivalry dynamics, then «Roommates of Poongduck 304» might be the drama for you.
A large portion of the show takes place in an office-setting, which I admit I am not a huge fan of. Kim Jiwoong playing this unserious, silly nepo-baby character was the main reason I stuck around to see the end.
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33. Views of Love: Grey Rainbow
Thai Drama - 2016, 4 episodes
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34. Make It Right
Thai Drama - 2016, 12 episodes
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35. Together with Me
Thai Drama - 2017, 13 episodes
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36. Water Boyy
Thai Drama - 2017, 14 episodes
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37. Like Love
Chinese Drama - 2014, 15 episodes
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38. Long Time No See
Korean Drama - 2017, 5 episodes
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39. Happy Ending
Korean Drama - 2024, 3 episodes
There isn't much to be said about «Happy Ending». It is a 3 episode series you could binge in the span of 20 minutes.
The actor of Kang Dongho is cute though, would not mind seeing him in a future BL project :-)
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40. Life: Senjou no Bokura
Japanese Drama - 2020, 4 episodes
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41. Our Dating Sim
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
From what I have gathered, my thoughts on this drama appear to be a bit unpopular. «Our Dating Sim» follows a bland plot-line in a bland setting with bland characters. I found Lee Jonghyuk's character quite cute, but apart from that, nothing about this drama drew me in.
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42. Kimi ni wa Todokanai.
Japanese Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
Decent film quality, excruciatingly bland and cliché plot.
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43. Doi Boy
Thai Movie - 2023
Strangely, parts of this movie felt a bit reminiscent of the game Cyberpunk 2077.
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44. Advance Bravely
Chinese Drama - 2017, 30 episodes
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45. Red Balloon
Taiwanese Drama - 2017, 8 episodes
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46. My Engineer
Thai Drama - 2020, 14 episodes
«My Engineer» is a drama that is so bad it somehow manages to be good. I can't stand the main couple, but I found the side-couples very entertaining.
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47. Color Rush
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
Interesting premise, falls a bit flat on execution.
I think what bothered me most about «Color Rush» was the stark difference in performance between the show’s two main actors. Yoo Jun’s portrayal of Yeonwoo was quite decent. However, all of Hur Hyunjun’s lines sounded stiff and blatantly scripted. Perhaps his style of speaking was intentional? Perhaps not. Either way, it would not negate the fact that my emersion broke whenever he opened his mouth. Their chemistry was excruciatingly unconvincing as well.. which offered me a few laughs.
How exactly this drama landed a second season is beyond me. -
48. I Go to School Not by Bus
Hong Kong Movie - 2015
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49. I Like You, You Know?
Chinese Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
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50. HIStory: My Hero
Taiwanese Special - 2017, 4 episodes
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51. Love Love You
Thai Movie - 2015
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52. Beloved Enemy
Chinese Drama - 2017, 15 episodes
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53. Alternative Love
Chinese Movie - 2016
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54. HIStory: Stay Away from Me
Taiwanese Special - 2017, 4 episodes
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55. HIStory: Obsessed
Taiwanese Special - 2017, 4 episodes
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56. Ghost Boyfriend 1
Chinese Movie - 2016
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57. Customized Companion
Chinese Movie - 2017
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58. Me and Mr. X Season 3: Goodbye Mr. X
Chinese Drama - 2016, 9 episodes
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59. Sing in Love
Japanese Movie - 2022
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60. You Make Me Dance
Korean Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
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61. Ameiro Paradox
Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
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62. About Youth
Taiwanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes