My go-to BL recommendations
This is my list of BLs I recommend to friends who usually stick to Western shows. My goal is to spark their interest in the BL genre and help them see its value. I believe these titles showcase how BL can tell emotionally resonant stories with well-developed characters and explore meaningful themes, just like critically acclaimed Western series.
-
1. 30-sai made Dotei Da to Mahotsukai ni Nareru rashii
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
My all-time favourite BL, that changed my perspective on love and what kind of partner I should seek. We would all be blessed to find a Kurosawa in our lives. The story is so pure. Must recommend for the romance-lovers out there.
-
2. I Feel You Linger in the Air: Uncut Version
Thai Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
This was a masterpiece. You will sob happy tears and, sometimes, sad ones. But don't think this is a tragic series like the name suggests, it is actually bright most of the time. I really wish we get a season 2.
Recommended for those who like heartwarming respectful devotional love, high budget period dramas, time travel or reincarnation tropes, karma and beautiful cinematography. You will care deeply even for the side characters and their own stories.
I think it belongs at no. 1 along with Cherry Magic on this list. Dare I say, I liked its plot even more than Cherry Magic, but Cherry Magic healed me and for that it will always hold a special place in my heart. So both these shows are my no. 1 now. -
3. Bad Buddy
Thai Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Must recommend to friends who want to see an extremely fun BL that isn't dark or heavy. It is a classic enemies-to-lovers trope but done exceptionally well and has that "good Bollywood romcom" feel to it. It also has the added joy of a GL side couple.
-
4. Happy of the End
Japanese Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
Recommended for folks who like a series with dark, gritty themes and questionable characters who better themselves.
-
5. More than Words
Japanese Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
This left a deep scar in me.
-
6. Moonlight Chicken
Thai Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
Recommended for people who enjoy humble slice of life stories that feature the everyday lives, struggles, and aspirations of its characters. It has multiple couples with distinct dynamics and challenges and explores themes such as financial difficulties, past trauma, falling out of love, personal sacrifices, treatment of disabled people and found family.