Chinese *Bromance*
Our favourite BL but not BL....and of course the occasional actual BL.
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1. Addicted
Chinese Drama - 2016, 15 episodes
BL before the Chinese 'bromance' I watched it once, and this series goes there. It is a product of the culture and time for sure because consent it absolutely nowhere in this so be prepared. It's on many a fav list, but the fallout was tragic for the actors as well as the censorship bans, they did those boys dirty.
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2. Bite Fight
Chinese Movie - 2016
Campy, vampy, if you're into B-Horror, and can forgive some horrendous CGI give this Chinese BL movie a chance you won't be disappointed....maybe....probably
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3. Capture Lover
Chinese Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
I have no idea how they managed to get this past the censorship in China, but this is a BL not bromance. I don't think it deserved the hate it got, it was a little rough, and low budget, but it was sort of endearing. I was terribly distracted by the ML piercings, they looked infected through most of the series and I was concerned.
I didn't mind it overall, will not watch it again, but worth it at least once.
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4. The Untamed
Chinese Drama - 2019, 50 episodes
I know I know....but technically I'm going to count this because I love it. I'm an old-school shipper from way back when the only BL we got was what we made it up in our heads based entirely on a single look. This series will remain among my favourite BL picks.
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5. The Untamed Special Edition
Chinese Special - 2019, 20 episodes
It's basically a super-cut of the content, I would not recommend watching it first. Go with the original, and I liked the ending better in the full version.
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6. Word of Honor
Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes
I know a lot of people want to compare to Untamed, but they are separate in my mind and equally interesting. I very much enjoyed this one as well. Just make sure to watch the special episode to avoid emotional damage.
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7. Word of Honor - Epilogue
Chinese Special - 2021, 1 episode
Make sure you watch it if you want to heal all your wounds.
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8. Advance Bravely
Chinese Drama - 2017, 30 episodes
If you can find the original cut, not the (even more censored) one on Viki. This one of the OG though, despite the censorship the feels are there.
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9. Beloved Enemy
Chinese Drama - 2017, 15 episodes
I also read the danmei and this was better...that's saying something. Not a fan of either, but I am working on being a completist.
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10. Stay with Me
Chinese Drama - 2023, 24 episodes
It's an absolute must-watch, one of my highest rated of 2023, even with the censorship. They found a few clever little work arounds.
Hot tip: Stay for the after-credit scene!
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11. Mr. X and I
Chinese Drama - 2015, 4 episodes
This was a pre-ban era and it's supposed to be based on a true story. It's pretty emotionally devastating, to be honest. Worth a watch, you can still as of right now find on YouTube.
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12. Mermaid’s Jade
Chinese Movie - 2019
This is somthing, kind of a 'what the hell did I just watch' deal, but the ending stayed with me. It's a movie so not a huge commitment.
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13. Like Love
Chinese Drama - 2014, 15 episodes
Pre-ban, and omg I was not ready for it. It's EXPLICIT, and angry...lots of anger. If you can find it go in with eyes wide open.
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14. Inverse Identity
Chinese Drama - 2024, 9 episodes
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15. The Spirealm
Chinese Drama - 2024, 78 episodes
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16. S.C.I
Chinese Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
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17. Justice in the Dark
Chinese Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
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18. Meet Unexpectedly
Chinese Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
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19. Every Moment that I Think of You
Chinese Drama - 2021, 2 episodes