Recommended BL Series/Movies; Asian LGBTQ Dramas
Here are a list of BL series / LGBTQ dramas that I love, despite some of their ratings, they all have a place in my heart and I have greatly enjoyed watching most of them, I don't have one favourite essentially. Even if you are speculative about some of the series, I guarantee that you watch them to get into the flow of the story, I hope that you don't regret it!!!
Though you may not see actual physical BL evidence in some of these (as China has censored content since 2016), I love them all the same.
Will update when I have time, and once I have watched the series (or at least some of it) myself.
IMPORTANT: They are not ordered by way of favouritism!!!
-
1. Take Your Mark
Chinese Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
It suffered from the Chinese LGBT media ban but despite this, I love to see how Zhe Hai and Ruo Chen's relationship grows. Though it is a censored bromance as expected, you can see the love between them. Would definitely recommend.
-
2. Secret Love: Love Behind One's Back
Thai Movie - 2014
-
3. Addicted
Chinese Drama - 2016, 15 episodes
China banned further episodes, annoying. Loved this so much.
-
4. Irresistible Love: Secret of the Valet
Chinese Movie - 2016
Loved the story behind this, acting was priceless. Some difficult scenes but a deep-rooted connection can be seen between the two MC's.
-
5. Till Death Tear Us Apart
Chinese Drama - 2017, 15 episodes
-
6. Beloved Enemy
Chinese Drama - 2017, 15 episodes
Interesting, though remember this is censored Chinese content.
-
7. HIStory: Stay Away from Me
Taiwanese Special - 2017, 4 episodes
-
8. Take Your Mark Season 2
Chinese Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
See S1 comments
-
9. Dark Blue Kiss
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
Mork and Sun had so much chemistry, loved it.
-
10. Dark Blue and Moonlight
Taiwanese Drama - 2017, 12 episodes
-
11. Love Online: Extra
Chinese Movie - 2017
Censored bromance but still worth the watch.
-
12. 2 Moons
Thai Drama - 2017, 12 episodes
Good story but I wish that it would have had a sequel that didn't begin from the beginning as I got increasingly more tired of Wayo and Pha as I barely saw any Ming and Kit moments and nothing much of Forth and Beam either.
Just because that may have been the case though doesn't mean it doesn't hold a place in my heart as, at the end of the day, this is one of the first Thai BL's that I watched.
-
13. 2 Moons 2
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
One of my absolute favourite BL fluff series. Ming and Kit all the way, love Nine and Joong so much. Though I have to admit that the main couple (acted by Earth and Ben) can get very boring though infinitely less so than the prequel.
-
14. Until We Meet Again
Thai Drama - 2019, 17 episodes
-
15. I Am Your King Season 2
Thai Drama - 2019, 10 episodes
Better than its predecessor by far but still awkward in parts. Would recommend though.
-
16. Make It Right
Thai Drama - 2016, 12 episodes
-
17. TharnType
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
-
18. Triage
Thai Movie - 2019
-
19. Water Boyy
Thai Drama - 2017, 14 episodes
-
20. I Am Your King
Thai Drama - 2017, 5 episodes
-
21. Make It Right 2
Thai Drama - 2017, 14 episodes
-
22. SWAP
Chinese Drama - 2016, 10 episodes
-
23. Friend Zone
Thai Drama - 2018, 12 episodes
Wasn't sure about this to begin with but all the characters grow on you (apart from Dr.Sam, I just wanted Earth to be with Stud). Great to see the friendship between them all though, even with secrets uncovered.
-
24. Pair of Love
Taiwanese Movie - 2010
-
25. Why R U?
Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
-
26. Love by Chance
Thai Drama - 2018, 14 episodes
-
27. 2Wish
Thai Special - 2019, 2 episodes
-
28. The Moment
Thai Drama - 2020, 4 episodes
-
29. Sweet Boy
Thai Movie - 2016
-
30. Water Boyy: The Movie
Thai Movie - 2015
-
31. Love's Coming
Thai Movie - 2014
-
32. Love Love You
Thai Movie - 2015
-
33. Views of Love: Grey Rainbow
Thai Drama - 2016, 4 episodes
-
34. Advance Bravely
Chinese Drama - 2017, 30 episodes
Great for a Chinese BL, read the book so I get how it may have been filmed in another country where homosexual scenes are allowed in the film industry.
-
35. Theory of Love
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
-
36. Together with Me
Thai Drama - 2017, 13 episodes
Loved this. Max and Tul act so well together, definitely my favourite series of all the ones that they have acted together in.
-
37. Bad Romance
Thai Drama - 2016, 13 episodes
-
38. Bangkok G Story
Thai Drama - 2017, 20 episodes
-
39. Bangkok G Story: Samet Island
Thai Special - 2019, 3 episodes
-
40. He Says to Me...?
Thai Movie - 2017
-
41. Sotus
Thai Drama - 2016, 15 episodes
-
42. 2gether
Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
Rather full of fluff and deceit but who doesn't like that. One discrepancy though would be the introduction of an ex that didn't really do much justice to Sarawat's character and the connection that Bright and Win have shown throughout.
-
43. My Engineer
Thai Drama - 2020, 14 episodes
Beautiful acting from everyone. Annoyed that Mek's voice had to be altered as it is clear to see his connection with Boss in acting but apart from that it was really well done. Ram and King for the win though, Perth and Talay are so adorable.
-
44. Because of You
Taiwanese Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
-
45. Irresistible Love 2
Chinese Movie - 2016
-
46. SOTUS S
Thai Drama - 2017, 13 episodes
-
47. River Knows Fish Heart
Chinese Movie - 2018
-
48. Together with Me: The Next Chapter
Thai Drama - 2018, 13 episodes
-
49. 'Cause You're My Boy
Thai Drama - 2018, 12 episodes
-
50. His - Koisuru Tsumori Nante Nakatta
Japanese Drama - 2019, 5 episodes
-
51. YYY
Thai Drama - 2020, 6 episodes
-
52. The Shipper
Thai Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
Beautifully constructed plot, without a doubt- realistic yet melodramatic at times, a perfect combination.
Though I must admit I was deterred by the beginning and the thought of Pan being in Kim's body for the entire series (she really did get so vexatious at times though), I do love how every character was integrated into the series- they are all interlinked effortlessly!
This series is a journey, a journey full of complications and nuances, but substantiation that is presented throughout. This is more than a BL, it's a marvel that I will cherish!! WayKim forever- their story will live inside my heart until the end of time, especially when having watched the last episode at a point of grief in my life.
Love to see more of First and Fluke together, they are exemplary actors who complement each other without impeachment.
"I have an option for you" - who doesn't love ambiguity- I like to think this si a continuation of Kim and Way's story, in whatever potentiality. Definite rewatch.
-
53. Gameboys
Filipino Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
So much love for this series!! It is so hilariously realistic (i.e. Pearl- she's the best) - considering life for people during the pandemic that we are all going through now. It is this very idea that causes me to feel connected to you all and I love how this series portrayed this.
Cairo and Gav for life!! Can't wait for season 2! Need more of Gav's laughs and infamous "baby"
Would recommend this, a Filipino masterpiece- well done Ash!!
-
54. The Fairy Fox
Chinese Drama - 2017, 23 episodes
-
55. Holy Fox Son 1: Advent
Chinese Movie - 2017
-
56. Holy Fox Son 2: Fairy Mountain Battle
Chinese Movie - 2017
-
57. En of Love: TOSSARA
Thai Drama - 2020, 4 episodes
-
58. En of Love: Love Mechanics
Thai Drama - 2020, 4 episodes
-
59. En of Love: This Is Love Story
Thai Drama - 2020, 3 episodes
-
60. Great Men Academy
Thai Drama - 2019, 8 episodes
-
61. He's Coming to Me
Thai Drama - 2019, 8 episodes
Loved this so much, a beautiful story of love even after Death. Mes and Thun forever.
-
62. A Round Trip to Love
Chinese Movie - 2016
Definitely will watch this again. What an emotional rollercoaster, love the production and story of this film so much. It's also the first Chinese film that hasn't banned same-sex relations that I've seen.
-
63. A Round Trip to Love Part 2
Chinese Movie - 2016
Annoyed that Part 3 wasn't filmed, but I'm glad to see that China was unable to ban some gay dramas (just going to read the book for the rest).
-
64. Dew the Movie
Thai Movie - 2019
Beautiful story proving that love lasts throughout reincarnation. Despite the impropriety in parts of this film, look past this and see the love that is so apparent between these two souls.
-
65. HIStory: My Hero
Taiwanese Special - 2017, 4 episodes
-
66. HIStory: Obsessed
Taiwanese Special - 2017, 4 episodes
-
67. HIStory2: Crossing the Line
Taiwanese Special - 2018, 8 episodes
Perfect high school story though with expected denial in part.
-
68. HIStory2: Right or Wrong
Taiwanese Special - 2018, 8 episodes
Loved this one, was actually so realistic to see how their love grew. Never forget You You though.
-
69. HIStory3: Make Our Days Count
Taiwanese Special - 2019, 20 episodes
Both of the main couples are well worth the watch: I was smiling throughout much of this series because of their charismatic personalities. Despite expected obstacles in the form of family resentment etc, you can really see how these characters are forever connected. Xiang Hao Ting and Yu Xi Gu will be together in the stars forever.
post scriptem: I was crying giving this 10 stars as even at the end it still deserved it, just wish they were tears of happiness more than sadness.
-
70. HIStory3: Trapped
Taiwanese Special - 2019, 20 episodes
If I was to give you the History series that I loved the most, and that affected me the most, it would be Trapped. Having a favourite of all of the History series is rather a big feat as I have loved all of them, though this has even surpassed Crossing the Line and Make Our Days Count, just.
Meng Shao Fei and Tang Yi's connection is palpable ever since their very first scene and their gradual love in the other is what makes this series so astounding to me, that they would now do anything for the other, having realised the hope and freedom that their love brings, that no matter the distance between them at times, no matter the magnitude of their longing, they will always be together and cherish one another.
Please consider watching this, you won't regret it. All I know is that this definitely ranks near the top of my favourite BL's, higher even than 2gether, My Enginer, SOTUS (amongst others), I will definitely be rewatching, this series has affected me, I hope you can empathise with me on this fact.
10/10 stars
-
71. Falling in Love with a Rival
Chinese Drama - 2015, 8 episodes
This was definitely awkward at times and dragged on for sometime as well but I did still like it and it deserves a watch.
-
72. Falling in Love with a Rival Special
Chinese Special - 2015, 1 episode
A cute watch.
-
73. Gay OK Bangkok
Thai Drama - 2016, 5 episodes
-
74. Gay OK Bangkok Season 2
Thai Drama - 2017, 7 episodes
Both series were a good watch, perhaps not completely as interesting to me on the whole with the amount of couples introduced but it was still intriguing. Think I'll always be for Arm and Nat though, one downside for me. Love to see that Arm is finally living a proper, logical life of his own now.
P.S. Probably gave these series the marks that I did because of the moments that Ten was in it acting, and the parts that Teng was with him too. Not saying the other scenes were terrible, just not what spurred me to watch it, though Jenny is always hilarious.
-
75. Hello Stranger
Filipino Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
Whilst being that somewhat cliché romance, I must admit I did enjoy this tentatively simplistic series- a great start for Black Sheep and for all of these actors. Definitely one of the better Pinoy Bl's that I have watched (and the second one that I started), realistic beyond default- wish there could have been a kiss at the end though, would have been the icing on the cake!!
-
76. Life: Senjou no Bokura
Japanese Drama - 2020, 4 episodes
Intriguing. Loved this adaptation of the manga and the thought has went into making this mini-series. Akira and Yuki are so cute together.
Such a beautiful story with an ending well worth the wait. This mini-series really does show how you are able to surpass expectations to be with the one that you love.
-
77. Love at 7-11
Thai Drama - 2019, 8 episodes
Good watch, rather comical a lot of the time. Can't find a subbed version of episodes 6-8. Help?
-
78. Capture Lover
Chinese Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
Would recommend, finally actual Chinese BL. While ratings on this have been low, perhaps because its a low budget project, I really liked it; give it a chance. It's not just general BL fluff and definitely has depth so I guarantee you watch it. Only off parts to me was a random plotline with an ex-girlfriend that seemed pointless. This is well done for the amount of episodes in my opinion though.
-
79. Where Your Eyes Linger
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
Though a short watch, I'd definitely recommend this. Wish it could have been longer, perhaps having another season with them living together, but if this is where it is to end, I love it.
-
80. Long Time No See
Korean Drama - 2017, 5 episodes
Though not having enough episodes to explain Chisoo and Gitae's relationship fully, I think that this was directed perfectly in the amount of time given for each episode.
The message to be conveyed here then is that love will conquer anything, especially over situations where it is clear you are not loved, only being used.
-
81. Night Flight
Korean Movie - 2014
Everyone needs to see this and realise that even now this is how human beings treat one another when someone is being, being brave in living their life. So glad it had that bittersweet ending though, you can really see how their emotions are conveyed to one another, just how much they care. Will definitely rewatch.
post scriptem: while there are difficult scenes like extreme bullying, rape etc, this has to be watched, not for the faint hearted though.
-
82. Befriend
Taiwanese Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
Rather comical series. One of the main characters is actually gay though he faces unrequited love (and therefore isn't the focus in that respect as much).
-
83. Love Poison
Thai Drama - 2019, 8 episodes
Not completely sure if I should have put this on or not. But if you like fluff and extremely cringey fluff at that, then sure go for it. I have to admit that this was not directed particularly well at all, its structure was utterly haphazard and more time would have been needed for it to flow.
Despite this, you still get to see physical contact between the couples with two moderate sex scenes. Don't forget the supporting cast though, they are hilarious and make my rating of this better I have to admit.
Don't know if I'll rewatch this, but if I do it would definitely be for Sek and Tak, who acted the best in my opinion, and in whose moments I didn't feel awkward most of the time.
Nota Bene: The OST in this is so bizarre it made me feel overly uncomfortable, try to think past it though.
-
84. The Best Twins
Thai Drama - 2019, 8 episodes
Cute. Probably won't ever watch it again though. Apart from some comedy, unnecessary sound effects and a banal romance, there isn't much to the series.
Still, watch it if you want to though, it'll bring a few smiles to your face.
-
85. Love Next Door
Thai Movie - 2013
This film has a beautiful concept, two prostitutes (one of which became so unknowingly?) falling in love. Though there are structural issues in this and some very awkward scenes, especially concerning 'clients', watch it if you feel like it. When sex isn't the focus, you can see the blooming love that Khao and Pete begin to have for one another.
Warning: this does have mature scenes, so if you are not prepared to see some nudity, don't watch!!!
-
86. Love Next Door 2
Thai Movie - 2015
Enjoyed this more than its prequel, it seemed more realistic and well-thought out in the most part. Though there were still times that I have no idea why scenes were put into this film, emotional connections are more present in this sequel.
I'm not saying its perfect, but it does focus more on the growth of relationships than sex, with better acting as well.
-
87. Macho Dancer
Filipino Movie - 1988
I'm not saying this is one of my favourites, or a BL at that. But you will definitely see a lot of interactions between men (and women).
I only kept on watching it because after the initial 20mins or so Paul met Noel; their connection was intriguing, though this film does have a bittersweet ending. Watch it if you want, most of the supporting characters were so boring though.
Nota Bene: Be prepared for terrible resolution, this was produced in the eighties after all!
-
88. Fuccbois
Filipino Movie - 2019
Rather disturbing at times; sort of recommend it but the only actual gay content you get here is two best friends being forced to have sex with one another for someone else's pleasure.
If you like Gav from GAMEBOYS, this is another thing to watch him in but think carefully before you do as there is one mature scene here.
-
89. NightTime
Thai Drama - 2019, 3 episodes
This miniseries may be low-budget but I guarantee you watch it. Though the story behind this can be rather baseless, and disjointed at times, watch it for Night and Time's awkward cuteness which you don't really see in BL's as much now,
Waiting for the next installment though as not enough was able to be explained. uwu
-
90. My Boyfriend
Chinese Drama - 2017, 7 episodes
Pleasantly surprised to see a mini-series, albeit low-budget, from China that wasn't censored bromance having been released in 2017.
Love the music from this mini-series, it may take you a bit of time to understand the story, seems rather disjointed at times and I feel like the MC's relationship could have been furthered with longer episodes to enable me to really connect with them.
Nota Bene: Sad ending, but then aren't all/ most BL's?! :((
-
91. Discipline
Korean Drama - 2018, 6 episodes
While only one of the main characters in this mini-series is gay, and you therefore only see a few minutes of actual BL, 'Discipline' doesn't take much time to watch. It's with it to see the relationship between these five friends grow though.
Some aspects of this point seemed a bit pointless though and as I continue to say with shorter series, I wish they were incorporated to have more episodes (ending seemed rather sudden).
-
92. S.C.I
Chinese Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
Due to the Chinese LGBT media ban this is obviously a censored bromance but despite this you can still really see the convoluted connection between the MC's!
Can't wait for S2.
-
93. The Moment Since
Thai Drama - 2020, 5 episodes
Just like with 'The Moment', this miniseries only lasts for a few episodes, thus limiting the amount that can be seen and produced.
Therefore, while it is cute at times, it does seem to lack substance at times due to its brevity. It's still something short and relatively worthwhile to watch though.
-
94. Roommate
Thai Drama - 2020, 4 episodes
If you want to watch your 'average' BL, cute characters, typically hilarious sidekicks, then this is definitely recommended!!
Definitely too short and some of the interactions were definitely stunted but it was satisfactory; just remember to watch the 'Special Episode' as it is the fifth episode (wouldn't make sense for the series to end on the fourth).
-
95. Hook Up
Filipino Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
Definitely one of the best homemade series I have watched. Though there are obvious improvements to be made, it still made me smile a lot from the start.
Will definitely keep watching!!
Add-on: Finally finished it. I have to admit it was not as amazing a series as it furthered on - I love the messages behind it though. Acceptance is key!!
However, the continuous preachy nature of prose and stunted speaking really did serve as a detriment to me. So much of what was spoken was either a repetition or terribly illogical. Despite this, I do agree with the ending and it's a good start.
-
96. Silhouette of Your Voice
Japanese Movie - 2017
Such a beautiful film to watch, to see how love can bloom even when faced with difficulties in life concerning hearing impediments.
Will definitely rewatch this and recommend that you consider watching if you haven't already.
N.B. I only marked it down as some parts of the story weren't as well explored and the exaggeration of eating bored me sometimes.
-
97. Shujin-ko
Japanese Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
Such an affirming and experiential mini-series. Although it is low-budget and I don't think enough time was spent indulging intricately into the lives of all the many supporting characters, I would definitely recommend it. Everyone in this mini-series is connected by Junta, the Empath who understands everyone and keeps them moving forward. While I thought this may not have worked well at the start, I think it does now as it led everyone, including himself, to relative success in their outlook of life.
There is a reasonable amount of screentime for Daisuke and Yujiro in this mini-series, more so than any other couple at least, so despite the brevity of growth in relationship, I eally do like where they got to, wish there waas a spin-off with their lives after this too.
N,B. I wish I could have seen Junta actually enjoying life more in this, which he started to do towards the end. While I'm not really sure, I think he could have like a couple of the people in this series, especially with the way he looks at a couple of people in the last scene. What I do know though that this Japanese mini-series is worth the watch despite the limted screentime, so enjoy.
-
98. Double Mints
Japanese Movie - 2017
I haven't the slightest idea why or how but 'Double Mints' really resounded within me. Despite it being a yaoi film with criminally indecent scenes in it, that which normally would cause me to give considerably lower ratings, this is a masterpiece, savage and heart-wrenching.
This film shows how childhood overbearances can turn into something poisonously addictive as you grow up, and while this nearly destroyed Mitsuo x Mitsuo, it is obvious to see that despite everything, the both of them would, and still would, do anything for the other. To ensure that they stay together forever, to ensure that they 'die together', it is clear they would send pride, prejudice and lawlessness to Hell, that is how strong their love for one another is.
Nota Bene; I know this won't be for a lot of you, those of you that love the fluffy BL series, but if you are willing to dig a bit deeper into your soul and past the rather heinous acts in some of this film, you will understand where I'm coming from. Mitsuo forever conjoined.
Be brave.
-
99. Dangerous Drugs of Sex
Japanese Movie - 2020
I know that this won't be for everyone but it is refreshing to see a BL dealing with darker, deplorable and mature themes like suicide, mental health, and sexual assault/rape so only watch this when you are 100 percent ready to do so; if you aren't ready to see actual sex scenes, don't watch.
Though Ryoji and Makoto's relationship started off being very acrimonious and rather disturbing, the story will explain what is actually happening, the both of them are saving the other from Death, and that is how love comes in...
-
100. Two Weddings and a Funeral
Korean Movie - 2012
An incredibly realistic outlook of homosexuals' lives in South Korea and the struggles that they face; I am almost able to live vicariously through them in this sense but I haven't had to live with the prejudices as I've never been afraid of who I am.
Everyone of the main characters, and their supporting friends, were a pleasure to watch though I do have to admit that the main reason I watched it was for the main BL couple. The rest for still entertaining though I'm unlikely to watch it again.