Ranked LGBTQ Dramas & Films
If anyone happens to see this, please give me more recommendations - I'd love to watch dramas with more diverse representation!
I've tried my best to score these properly but please know that if I finished a series I most likely enjoyed it somehow (or I'll suitably rant about it in my comment)!
If an entry doesn't have a review, I watched it very early in my drama-watching days so don't take its score very seriously: I had no idea how to rank things back then lol.
Rating system - Based on how much I enjoyed the series/film!
- 10 - Outstanding. These have somehow had a personal impact on me and I'll always treasure them.
- 9 - Great
- 8 - Very Good
- 7 - Good
- 6 - Fine
- 5 - Meh
- 4 - Bad
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1. Life: Love on the Line (Director's Cut)
Japanese Movie - 2020
Not only is this film one of my favourites that I've ever seen, but it absolutely takes the number 1 spot for best queer media. I really recommend watching this director's cut. As a member of the LGBTQ community, this touched a place inside me I never really wanted to look at. By the end, I was a sobbing mess (both happy and sad) and I still tear up thinking about how it made me feel. I'm not sure I can express how much this film means to me - perhaps it reached me at a time in my life when I needed to see it the most, and for that, it easily holds the #1 spot on this list and I don't see it ever being outranked.
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2. I Told Sunset about You
Thai Drama - 2020, 5 episodes
Simply incredible. There was such a gripping vibe to this series that really kept me hooked - from the acting, music, cinematography and directing, I just really fell in love with it. The relationships between all the characters felt so real, just please watch it.
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3. The Handmaiden
Korean Movie - 2016
Man, this was just so good. I can easily see myself coming back to this film many more times, and it really has the potential to score a 10 in the future. The cinematography and storytelling are honestly some of the best I have ever seen, drama or otherwise. It's pretty explicit at times, though, so make sure to be aware of these before watching.
I just thought the whole thing was an absolute stand-out and the whole production, particularly the acting, was simply phenomenal. The only reason this hasn't scored a 10 for me is that I don't feel as emotionally attached to this film as the other dramas I've given a perfect score, but I've already watched it twice now and it has definitely earned its spot as my #3 drama.
It's really such a shame that lesbian media is so often overlooked in favour of gay relationships (although I love and appreciate these too!) - this is a shining example of the incredible media and representation that we deserve. I'd love to see more like this!
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4. KinnPorsche
Thai Drama - 2022, 14 episodes
I don’t think I’ve ever seen such hype for a drama before so it’s safe to say my expectations were pretty high!
In the beginning, I just couldn’t understand why Porsche acted so dumb and reckless; but putting that aside, I absolutely loved this series overall! The cinematography was beautiful and I especially enjoyed the use of colour - I’m such a sucker for dramatic lighting and contrasting colours, and this series was truly a treat for the eyes. The plot was pretty good and the pacing was great, it never felt too dragged or rushed, and I think the balance between the romance and the main story was excellent. The acting was also absolutely fantastic, the performances from everyone truly impressed me throughout!
Episode 6 was kind of a turning point for the series, and just so happens to be my favourite episode - if you start the show and don’t like the silliness, trust me and hang on because it gets really good! I especially appreciated that the series explored the different facets of love, from initial attraction and lust to the more sweet and romantic moments, to navigating just a normal date. I honestly cannot rave about how much I love their relationship enough: the way they complimented each other whilst still focusing on themselves and their own lives was wonderful to watch, and I particularly enjoyed the respect and chemistry they had with one another. Their dynamic went far beyond just surface-level interest, it was probably my favourite part of the series!
My biggest criticism, though, was the secondary couple - I think it was a pretty questionable choice to have a man in his late twenties pursue a high schooler. Luckily they were only a small part of the series so I just skipped most of their scenes!
Overall, this series quickly became the highlight of my week and definitely stands out as one I’ll remember for a long time - I can honestly see myself rewatching it again, it was a fantastic series!
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5. Not Me
Thai Drama - 2021, 14 episodes
I cannot believe it took me so long to watch this masterpiece! Where do I even begin?
The production value from start to finish was super high - the cinematography, colour grading, music, and even the special effects, were just incredible. And of course, I have to talk about the acting. Every performance was perfectly executed and the individual characterisation was flawless, but the true star of the show has to be Gun. It's truly impressive how well he managed to differentiate his performances of Black and White; from the facial expressions, to the way he held his body, even the way each character cried or showed emotion, you could always tell within seconds who was on screen. I am beyond impressed with the quality of all the acting, and I think it's truly a testament to both the talent of the cast as well as the quality of the writing.
I'm also surprised at how much I loved the plot too! Obviously I loved KinnPorsche but I thought I typically disliked gritty, political shows - but this drama proved me wrong. I'm somewhat glad I waited to binge the show as I honestly couldn't wait to watch every single episode. We know by now that I'm drawn in by that LGBTQ+ tag but I found myself forgetting the promise of romance and instead becoming really invested in the main group and the overall story arcs. The characters and interpersonal relationships were simply perfect; they were flawed but multi-dimensional, and I love that you really get to know all of the characters and their motivations. The way they all act makes sense, and therefore the bonds they form seem complex and natural. The chemistry between the characters, regardless of whether it was romantic or platonic, was through the roof!
This has to be one of the best dramas released by GMMTV and I can't wait to see more like this!
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6. The Eclipse
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
First of all I just have to say how much it fills my heart with joy to know that this was directed by a non-binary person - it’s all well and good to produce dramas with queer characters but driving actual change begins with hiring queer people to create these shows and I’m super happy a talented director was given this opportunity! The production value was also incredible, everything from the cinematography and colour grading to the music was just excellent and really added to the viewing experience.
The acting was genuinely top-tier and I loved the chemistry between all the characters - both the friendships and romantic relationships were well executed and I really enjoyed seeing them develop! I’m so glad Neo pushed to be given a much more serious role; I’ve enjoyed his other performances but he really shines in this, I hope he lands a main role soon!
I just adored the way they explored identity in this series. I think the high school setting was perfect for this: we all remember our turbulent teenage years and the struggles we dealt with, and all of the actors really nailed each of their complex characters. It was refreshing to see the way they treated queer characters - the protesters were shown as brave and unafraid to be their authentic selves, and the other queer characters were also given complex journeys to navigate their own identities. I love the message that you should question your beliefs and that it’s never too late to observe the world around you and challenge others’ ideas.
The characters were one of my favourite parts of this series; they felt so multifaceted and real, and I felt really invested in their character developments and relationships. I really respect the team for showing such care towards portraying young queer people and for telling a complex but entertaining story. I loved this, it’s definitely one of my favourites I’ve seen all year!
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7. My School President
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
I can't believe I almost missed out on watching this - I watched the first two episodes when they first aired and easily dropped it because I thought it was just another generic high school enemies-to-lovers drama. I couldn't have been more wrong!
This is absolutely one of the most beautiful, hopeful and heartwarming series I've seen, and I truly have nothing bad to say about it. The cinematography, production value and directing were all top notch but the real stars of the show were easily the writing and acting; the whole cast was absolutely amazing but I really have to give a special mention to Fourth's phenomenal acting. He is truly one of the best newbies in the business and I cannot believe this is one of his first roles - he is seriously talented!
The dynamics between the whole cast felt natural and I just loved the bright, youthful energy of the whole series. It was really more than just a story of romance: it was about the experience of youth, navigating the bright but scary new world in front of us, and the bonds we form along the way. The chemistry between the two leads was absolutely undeniable and their relationship was just adorable, I was grinning ear to ear in every scene they had together!
If you're looking for a lighthearted series about following your passion that still deals with realistic issues then look no further! Words cannot describe how much I love this series and I'll definitely be following the future careers of the whole team with great interest!
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8. A Tale of Thousand Stars
Thai Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
Really wonderful, this has to be one of GMMTVs best series. You can really tell just how much passion the whole team had for the project; if you can, please watch the behind the scenes video, it really makes you appreciate the whole thing so much more. I was surprisingly impressed with all the acting - this was Mix's first big role and he was really great, definitely someone to be watching out for in the future. For Earth, this role really suited him, I'm glad he was given a chance to do something big.
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9. Bad Buddy
Thai Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Wow, this was an absolute joy to watch! I'm so glad I gave this a chance, watching this series as it came out was the highlight of my week. It has certainly set the standard pretty high for future dramas!
The main reason why I love this drama so much is the outstanding relationship and chemistry between the two leads. I truly cannot overstate this: I don't think I've ever seen such an amazing dynamic as that between Ohm and Nanon - their real-life friendship truly shone through!
The only reason this didn't get a 10 is that the plot wasn't too interesting, but I really have to hand it to the whole cast and crew for producing a beautiful love story. I'll definitely be checking out future works by the director as he has consistently created many of my favourite dramas.
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10. HIStory3: Trapped
Taiwanese Special - 2019, 20 episodes
By far the best in the HIStory series - in fact, it was the first one I saw from it too. Definitely worth watching, the chemistry between the two leads is fantastic and creates such a gripping atmosphere.
Rewatching this a year later has really made me appreciate it so much more - it’s rare to find a drama with such incredible quality throughout the whole production, and it’s even more difficult to find such a good BL drama at that. Sure, the plot is a little confusing at the beginning, but Trapped’s strengths more than make up for this. I honestly think about that episode in the woods so often, it’s just amazing.
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11. He's Coming to Me
Thai Drama - 2019, 8 episodes
For a while, this was actually my personal highest-scoring series. There was something about the story that really drew me in though it was the acting and chemistry that put this drama so high in my ranking. This was the first time I'd seen Ohm's acting - he's definitely someone I'm keeping an eye in from here on out, his performance was fantastic.
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12. The End of the World with You
Japanese Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
Some quick context: I remember avoiding this series when it first came out as I simply could not watch it without knowing whether it had a sad ending, but I've been feeling somewhat melancholy and lost recently so I thought it would be the perfect time to give this a go. By the score, I'm sure you can tell I'm glad I watched it.
I was initially a little worried about the acting as Seto Toshiki's performance in Senpai, This Can't Be Love! wasn't awful but it certainly wasn't memorable - but man, I was so wrong. For such a character-driven story, the acting was thankfully truly exceptional and formed a strong foundation for the storytelling. The chemistry between the main two actors was incredible, but the whole cast really worked flawlessly together to create a story of found family, something I'm a real sucker for. I can understand why this series might have a lower score than others: the characters were flawed and often unlikeable, but I enjoyed their complexity and realism, and the ugly reality of how people might act at the end of the world.
Everything about this series was so beautiful and well-crafted, you can clearly tell that a lot of passion went into this project. The production design, from the cinematography to the locations to the music, all melded together to create an incredibly emotional but very powerful story.
Overall, this series really emotionally resonated with me, I had tears in my eyes the whole time. I would recommend trying to watch it all in one or two days if you can. I honestly feel somewhat changed by it - I think I'll go for a walk to process everything and appreciate my life.
"If I'd had the courage, I could have seen so much more, you know?"
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13. Marry My Dead Body
Taiwanese Movie - 2022
So I'm currently writing this with the credits music still playing, tears (both happy and sad ones!) still streaming down my face. I didn't expect this film to be so emotional!
This was truly just an excellent film - high production value, stunning visuals, amazing acting, fantastic character development, action-packed plot, you name it. I honestly couldn't wait for this film to be released in my country and it absolutely blew my expectations out of the water.
No, there's not really a central queer romance, but Mao-Mao's identity was pivotal to the plot and I think that this really deserves a spot on this ranking. You should absolutely put this one on your list - but remember to bring some tissues towards the end!
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14. Moonlight Chicken
Thai Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
This series was just truly wonderful, I don't think I even have the words to explain it! Just watch it :D
Firstly, the acting from every single person in this series was beyond anything I've seen in most dramas, the performances were simply incredible. The characters themselves were also incredibly well-written, everyone was complex and given tangible, realistic motivations and had really believable and well-developed relationships - Heart and Li Ming's storyline especially tugged at my heartstrings and had me grinning from ear to ear! The visuals were absolutely outstanding, this team is genuinely one of the best that I've seen in the world of dramas and I'll continue to look forward to their future projects.
It actually took me like 6 months to get through this series because I couldn't bear the thought of finishing it but boy am I glad I did! It's definitely a more serious, heavy series, but I think that each character and storyline taught me something and that's truly the sign of an incredible drama :)
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15. Blueming
Korean Drama - 2022, 11 episodes
This is genuinely one of the best Korean BLs I’ve seen! One criticism I’ve had of many others is that they feel over-produced and somewhat insincere - this series defied those expectations and is definitely a stand-out. The storytelling felt genuine and very grounded in reality, and this combined with the excellent acting and chemistry between the leads really made me empathise with the characters and the story. Although it is relatively short (only about 12 minutes per episode) it never felt rushed and the development of both characters and their relationship felt natural and real. This really resonated with me emotionally and I really recommend it!
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16. Last Twilight
Thai Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
So this was my most highly-anticipated drama that I was looking forward to before my hiatus, and I'm just overjoyed that I'm back in the world of dramas to finally be able to enjoy it :)
My very first impression about 2 minutes into the first episode was that of nervousness: I've seen Jimmy and Sea in Vice Versa and whilst I quite enjoyed that series, I really don't think that I was fully behind the performances. I am beyond pleased to say that both of them, and particularly Jimmy, really impressed me this time and they were genuinely the best part of the series! The chemistry between them was electric and my heart was just aching all the way through (in a good way) at their developing bond. The way Mhok looked at Day with such longing and adoration - I literally can't.
I am obviously such a huge fan of P'Aof's work; you'll see I've rated a lot of his dramas really highly, and that's because he creates such an immersive, gorgeous experience for the viewer. Of course the visuals are stunning, particularly the scenes in the Thai countryside, but the music, lighting, cinematography and framing of the shots are just breathtaking. Hats off to the whole team!
The pacing of the first ten (and a half) episodes was absolutely perfect, and I honestly would have been very satisfied if it had ended a little earlier without a grand resolution. Life isn't perfect and I think I would have preferred a slightly different ending to wrap the series up. Instead, I found myself (heartbreakingly) skipping through a lot of episodes 11 and 12 as I think that the conflict felt like it came out of nowhere and I was just sad lol. I won't spoil the ending, but if you've seen it then know that I think that a certain thing shouldn't have happened to Day as it kind of went against the overall message of the series.
As a final note, I've seen every series that Mark has been in and I'm so so happy that he's finally being given a series as a main character!! It's about time :)
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17. Until We Meet Again
Thai Drama - 2019, 17 episodes
Man, this one really got me. The performances were all really strong and for once I felt really invested in the plot outside of the romance - something I can't say for many series. Even if you're not typically one for watching heavy dramas, please give this one a go!
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18. The Boy Next Door
Korean Drama - 2017, 15 episodes
Technically bromance and more of a parody of the BL genre but I couldn't help but include it - I found it just so funny and it's pretty short too, so there's no excuse not to watch it!
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19. Jack & Joker: U Steal My Heart!
Thai Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
Ever since I watched the Love Mechanics remake, I’ve been desperate for the team to work on another project. After my hiatus, my prayers were answered: the same incredible Love Mechanics team but with a mafia/ gangster plotline?? Sign me up!
Hands down the best thing about this series is the acting and chemistry between the characters, both platonic and romantic. ‘Heart eyes’ War was back, killing me again, my god he is by far one of the best actors I’ve had the pleasure of seeing since I started watching dramas. That scene where Joke and Jack were doing a pretend English lesson was bad for my heart, I actually felt my heart pounding with the chemistry that was oozing between them. I also have to give a special shoutout to Jack’s grandma: what a sweet, supportive, incredible woman who helped both Jack and eventually Joke to come out of their shells.
Admittedly, though, some of the performances were better than others, like I kinda didn’t care about Hope and Save’s relationship. I thought it felt a bit forced and I didn’t really understand why they got so much screen time (I guess for the plot). This might also be a bit controversial: Yin and War have an undeniable chemistry during the yearning phase, but I’m not sure if that translates into physical intimacy? I enjoyed the NC scenes but they felt a little… rehearsed? One-note? I’m so sorry TT
The pacing itself was pretty fantastic: I watched the uncut version and I’m impressed that they managed to make the scenes not drag too much. However, I feel like the plot kind of went haywire after the main couple got together, like I really couldn’t follow what was happening and skipped a lot of scenes towards the end.
But overall, still thoroughly enjoyed this one and it propelled me full steam ahead back into the world of dramas <3
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20. HIStory3: Make Our Days Count
Taiwanese Special - 2019, 20 episodes
After rewatching a couple of these instalments, I’ve realised the HIStory series is truly unparalleled in terms of quality - you can always trust that the acting, chemistry and production value will be fantastic, so if you like the look of any of the plots I’m convinced you’ll like any of them. HIStory 3 is by far my personal favourite, both Trapped and Close To You are some of my favourite dramas! The dynamic and banter between the main friend group are also fantastic, it’s always nice to see meaningful male friendships being given some time in the spotlight.
The reason why this one is ranked a bit lower is simply because of the ending; if you watch this, I beg you to only watch up to episode 9 and skip the last one and a half episodes. The ending was absolutely crushing and completely uncalled for - I won’t spoil it but please trust me and spare yourself the anger and heartbreak.
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21. Kimi no Koto Dake Mite Itai
Japanese Drama - 2022, 4 episodes
Now THIS is a shining example of a simple concept done right. From the first episode, I knew I would really enjoy this miniseries - it had that somewhat nostalgic feeling of youth and innocence, that strange time in your life when you’re on the precipice of adulthood and have mixed feelings about leaving the safety of childhood and having to face the scary future.
I absolutely love a childhood-friends-to-romance story and this series really lived up to my expectations! The chemistry between the main couple was strong and natural, which was truly a testament to the great acting. It had a similar sort of vibe to I Told Sunset About You and Life: Love on the Line which are coincidentally my two favourite dramas, so that should tell you a lot about my tastes!
Anyway, it’s a shame it was so short as I’d really like to see more of their growing relationship as they get older, but I understand that this was just supposed to be a simple slice of life series that showcased a short glimpse into the lives of Sakura and Yuma. Its message is something I love and need to remind myself of: to cherish what you have right now.
I really enjoyed this series and definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a sweet but charming and honest coming-of-age romance!
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22. I Will Knock You
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
So when I first saw this upcoming and whilst it was airing, I thought it was an easy pass: the plot looked generic, the actors were newbies, and I just thought it was going to be another cookie cutter 'bl'. I was also a bit worried about the age gap between the actors. But after reading the rave reviews after it had finished airing I had to see what the fuss was about - and I'm so glad I did!
First of all, I just have to give a special mention to the actor playing Noey: I was simply shocked when I found out that he's only 18 and this is one of his first acting jobs, I truly believe he is an incredibly talented actor and I will definitely be following his future career with great interest. All of his interactions with other characters (especially with Noey's family) felt completely natural and genuine, and his chemistry with Thi was undeniable, though I do wish Thi's actor had been given a little more coaching and guidance; his performance was a bit one-note but I'll don't want to be too harsh as he's a new actor too!
The visuals of this drama were also absolutely stunning. Not only was the colour grading just gorgeous, but the use of colour in each scene was vibrant and full of character without looking garish or overdone in the slightest. I was also obsessed with the entire cast's wardrobe - the contrast of the Watphlu gang's retro gangster look full of denim and bright primary colours with Thi's modern soft boy look was just wonderful. The sound design and music choices were also subtle but lent so much vibrance and life to the whole series.
I'm absolutely overjoyed to have watched this and can't believe I almost missed out! As to my worries about the actors' age gap, their relationship was totally appropriate and I'm pleased that they kept it all rather innocent. My only wish is that the time jump near the end of the final episode was made into a whole sequel, I would have loved to see even more!
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23. Between Us
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Ever since I watched Until We Meet Again a few years ago, I've been eagerly awaiting this series and it was totally worth the wait! You really can't deny the fantastic quality of both series and I would argue that the acting and chemistry are even better between these two leads; you can tell they really get on in real life. Some of my favourite moments in the series were the parts where they were just goofing around, I just loved their depiction of a realistic, healthy relationship with inevitable ups and downs.
The main reason why this ranked slightly lower than its parent story is that the story was simpler (but still very well executed) and I think I was a bit more emotionally invested in the plot for UWMA as I'm just a sucker for a reincarnation story that tugs on your heartstrings!
I would say this is absolutely a must-watch for anyone who watched UWMA or who likes the look of the synopsis as it works perfectly as a stand-alone too! I always keep an eye out for Studio Wabi Sabi projects and this one was definitely a hit for me :)
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24. We Best Love: No. 1 For You
Taiwanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
Another example of a great Taiwanese series - this really was the golden era of bl dramas! The plot was pretty light and easy to follow and the acting was really great too. The chemistry between all of the actors was really believable and stood out as one of the best parts of the series; that as well as the soundtrack which was actually composed by one of the leads. It also helps that rivals to lovers is a personal favourite trope of mine lol. For such a short series I really enjoyed it!
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25. Cupid's Last Wish
Thai Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
I’m so glad GMMTV finally decided to upload this onto YouTube, I can’t believe I was going to miss out on this! This is just such a feel-good series; from the beautiful visuals through the Thai countryside to the music, everything about this drama just had a lovely warm summertime vibe. Yes, it feels similar to A Tale of a Thousand Stars with the same main actors and similar locations, but I’m really not complaining.
The acting from the three leads was really exceptional, and I’m especially excited to have discovered another fantastic actor in Jan! The natural chemistry between the main actors was no joke, I really loved their dynamic together and found it super believable. I was smiling so much throughout this series and really really recommend it, I can definitely see myself rewatching it!
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26. 180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us
Thai Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
You know, I’m kinda emotional writing this; I put off watching the last episode for such a long time because I truly didn’t want it to end, but here we are. This was such a sophisticated and mature series, I truly feel lucky to have seen it.
I think one of my favourite things about this series was that it didn’t feel like a typical ‘bl’ - in fact, the romance really wasn’t the point of the series. It’s a shame that a lot of queer representation we get these days seems to feel a bit inauthentic and that they’re taking advantage of this ‘trend’ - I’m not opposed to BLs at all, I just wish we’d see the same popularity with other genders and sexualities too.
Anyway, this series really felt genuine and like the team actually had a story they were passionate to tell, and I really enjoyed it! The cinematography was gorgeous and the acting was incredible, I loved the intimacy created by purely focusing on these three characters and their complex relationships. It was a really fascinating, character-driven story.
Somehow it totally captured the vibes of The Handmaiden crossed with I Told Sunset About You and A Tale of 1000 Stars, and we all know how much I adore all of those dramas! Every episode felt like a sigh of contentment, like I could just let go and enjoy this calm and beautiful series - I don’t know if that makes any sense but hopefully you understand why I enjoyed this series so much. Also, I have to mention the beautiful main song by Pond, I’ve been listening to it on repeat and it never fails to make me tear up. The ending is bittersweet but much more poignant that way; I typically prefer happy dramas but I just love this one so I hope you give it a go too!
‘Pick a side or throw away what you believe in.’
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27. Our Dating Sim
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
So I didn't really have any expectations going into this but I've been absolutely blown away! If you've read some of my other reviews you'll know I have a bit of a tough time with queer Korean dramas but this is such a fantastic example of a simple concept done right. The chemistry between the two leads was absolutely phenomenal and their characters felt fleshed out and super realistic. Their relationship was natural and mature and I just loved every minute of watching this, I was grinning the whole way through! I definitely recommend it for a beautiful heart-warming series :)
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28. My Love Mix-Up!
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
Rather simple but I loved the premise and thought it was just really cute. The acting was surprisingly strong considering the main couple both came from an idol/singing background! Overall I really enjoy tuning in each week for a new episode and I'm looking forward to watching similar dramas in the future :)
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29. A Man Who Defies the World of BL
Japanese Special - 2021, 1 episode
I've found that people usually either love or hate dramas from Japan - I'm one of the former, but if you don't like quite dramatic, silly acting then perhaps this isn't for you. It's plenty of fun if you just sit back and let yourself enjoy it :)
This is more of a parody of the BL genre than anything, but I've watched it twice now and loved it even more the second time so I definitely recommend giving it a go. The opening sequence alone is one of my absolute favourite intros lol, you have to watch it!
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30. Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
I saw someone else call this series ‘charming’, and I really think that’s the best way to describe it! The story is light and amusing and just a good, fun watch overall. It has a really similar vibe to Zettai BL ni Naru Sekai so if you’ve seen one you should definitely check out the other!
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31. Love for Love's Sake
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
I honestly don't even know where to begin - this was such a unique series that I really think you should just watch without knowing what it's about.
The first 5 1/2 episodes were focused on this cute blossoming romance and the growing friendships of our main characters, but the tone shifted after that and episodes 7 and 8 lowkey fucked me up!! That tiny sense of dread that didn't seem particularly serious at first grew to become this beast of existential dread and psychological horror, and the cinematography and quality of storytelling in these sections absolutely blew me away.
However, I think that this series would have really benefited from being 10 episodes instead of 8 as the pacing was sometimes a little confusing, but that equally could have been the fault of the subtitles I was watching too.
Everyone gave great performances in terms of acting, but Cha Joo Wan's performance as Cha Yeo Woon was utterly incredible, he is genuinely one of the most expressive actors I've seen and I'll be following his future projects with great interest!
I loved the overall message of this series and especially enjoyed how well it balanced the fluffy romance, character development, and heavier subjects, all within a pretty unique premise - definitely check this out, I can absolutely see myself rewatching this in the future!
(They also psyched me out with that initial first kiss; it turns out it was bad on purpose lol and the quality of kissing later was incredible!!)
'Happiness must be hidden somewhere in each of our days.'
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32. Semantic Error
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
This was really cute! I loved the push and pull between them, their dynamic was fantastic. I really wish that it was longer, though - with only 8 episodes I think they nailed the build-up, I just would have loved to see their actual relationship more. We got a glimpse of this in a post-credits scene and I think this drama really would have benefitted from a couple more episodes to flesh this out more as it was my favourite scene in the whole show! However, I understand that the producers were probably constrained with either time or budget and I think they delivered a solid, well-paced drama that I could easily see myself rewatching!
Edit: I've finally rewatched this almost three years later to the day and it's just sooooo much fun, I actually love this series
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33. Love Tractor
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
Honestly, this series just made me so happy. I randomly saw that this was airing one day and thought I'd give the first episode a watch and I'm so glad I did!
The setting for this series was just gorgeous, and the cinematography was actually really impressive. I was also frankly blown away by the sheer quality of this series - the acting was smooth and grounded, the characters felt fleshed-out and realistic, and the chemistry between the two leads was truly fantastic! I definitely think that this is a hidden gem in the sea of mediocre queer Korean dramas and that truly makes me so happy.
This was just such a feel-good series that always left me grinning and it was a real highlight of my week!
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34. Ossan's Love
Hong Kong Drama - 2021, 15 episodes
This might be a controversial opinion but I actually slightly prefer this Hong Kong version to the original - though this might have been because I saw this one first! This was my first Hong Kong drama and I was pleasantly surprised, especially since (as far as I understand) this was quite a significant step towards LGBTQ representation in HK. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more things like this!
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35. Quaranthings
Filipino Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
I think that Filipino dramas are kinda underappreciated. Although this had a lower budget than other mainstream typical 'BLs', I felt more passion behind this project than for many other aforementioned dramas. Yes, it's a simple story, but I really enjoyed it - you can definitely tell that the writers had a story they actually wanted to tell and I think it was pretty successful.
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36. Laws of Attraction
Thai Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
One of the best things about this drama was definitely the pacing - I didn't feel like any of the episodes dragged, it ended right when it should have, and the character/relationship development was spot on!
I didn't actually expect to enjoy the plot as I did, I thought it was fleshed-out and really interesting. The main couple also had fantastic chemistry which is super important for me too, so I honestly couldn't wait to watch each new episode every week! I even didn't mind the secondary couple lol!
This series definitely reminded me of Kei x Yaku, except this one was executed much better in the relationship department - I'll never forgive the queer-baiting marketing for that series! Rambling aside, I don't think you'd be disappointed at all if you like the sound of the synopsis as this is just a really well-made, quality series!
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37. Lovely Writer
Thai Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
So it actually took me a long time to get through this drama - when it first aired, I tuned in every week and just loved it up until around episode 8 when I thought it started dragging. Recently, I tried rewatching it (I had unfinished business!) and once again found my attention wavering around episode 8/9. But I'm so glad I gave it another chance, I ended up enjoying it even more the second time round!
The production value, directing, acting, and chemistry were all spot on, and you can really tell that everyone involved in this series really cared about - and ultimately, that's the one thing I respect more than anything else! There's a reason this is such a cult classic and I think this is an absolute must-watch!
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38. Jun & Jun
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
I can't believe this had such mediocre reviews, I absolutely loved it!!
The premise was so simple that I honestly had pretty low expectations - a lot of other 8-episode Korean bls have let me down in the past but this was such a delight to watch. The acting was great and the chemistry between the two leads was actually really fantastic, I couldn't take my eyes off them!
Obviously this was nothing particularly special or mind-blowing but it's definitely one of the better lighthearted dramas I've seen :)
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39. A Shoulder to Cry On
Korean Drama - 2023, 7 episodes
You know, I think I’ve had it wrong this whole time about idols turning to acting: I’m always tensed for disappointment but every time I’m pleasantly surprised! This drama is truly no exception. I kinda liked that it was more of a coming-of-age story - it definitely had similar vibes to Given and I really enjoyed the character development! I think I even preferred this to the webtoon which is a massive credit to the whole team; this was a lovely but unexpected gem for something a bit more angsty! They had fantastic chemistry together and I can’t wait to see their future projects :)
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40. Be Loved in House: I Do
Taiwanese Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
A pretty unique setting and concept that I think was really well executed! There's an element of mystery as to who this new character is that added something extra to the romantic angle, and the characters' chemistry was really great. I wasn't too invested in the side couple but it didn't detract too much from the main story!
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41. Boys' Lockdown
Filipino Drama - 2020, 6 episodes
I watched loads of Filipino dramas at the same time so I can't quite put them in the correct order until I rewatch them all (which I do plan to do) so please take this order with a pinch of salt!
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42. Gameboys
Filipino Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
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43. Hello Stranger
Filipino Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
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44. Like in the Movies
Filipino Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
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45. You're My Sky
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
The acting was pretty decent - obviously some performances were stronger than others (Suar playing as Thorn was definitely a stand-out actor) but I won’t want to be too harsh as most of the cast were first-time actors. But where this drama really stands out is the visuals! I was really pleasantly surprised by the quality of the cinematography and colour grading, each episode was just so well shot and beautifully edited.
I might be in the minority but I love that the silly sound effects and overall gimmicks were mostly left out to give really heartfelt and honest storytelling. I’m also rarely into the side couples of many shows but I can’t really fault this drama for including them as it admittedly does improve the pacing.
It kind of had an air of nostalgia throughout; I might not make much sense here, but I was pretty impressed by the overall tone and feel of the series. Think of this as a combination between I Told Sunset About You and History 2 Crossing the Line and I’m sure you’ll understand what I mean!
This honestly just got better as it went on (though it maybe dragged a bit in the last few episodes) and I really think it deserves more attention.
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46. A Man Who Defies the World of BL Season 2
Japanese Special - 2022, 1 episode
This was really good! At first I was worried about what they'd actually do with a second season but I think they pulled it off really well. It's a little shorter and a bit less ridiculous than S1 but I didn't really mind - although obviously if it were more than 3 episodes long I probably would have scored it a bit higher!
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47. i STORIES
Thai Special - 2018, 4 episodes
This series was obviously created with a lot of passion. It’s one of the most visually stunning shows I’ve seen, and definitely had a similar sort of tone as I Told Sunset About You (and if you’ve read the rest of my ranking, you’ll know I absolutely adore that series) - this actually makes a lot of sense when you realise they both had the same screenwriter/director!
I really can’t believe how much this series has flown under the radar: as of writing this, only around 1,500 people on MDL have seen it and it has a pretty mediocre score and I just can’t understand why! Each episode focuses on an L G B or T character and I think they were all really well executed. Sure they were simple stories, but I actually really enjoyed these slice of life insights into these four different characters. I think the ‘L’ episode was my favourite (though I might be biased); something about the simplicity and the flower motifs were really impactful for me.
All of the episodes are on YouTube and are only 20 minutes each, so there’s no excuse not to watch them!
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48. See Your Love
Taiwanese Drama - 2024, 13 episodes
You guys... this was so good TT I literally watched the whole thing over about 24 hours!!
I've said it a million times and I'll keep saying it: Taiwan just GETS IT, idk what it is about the casting directors but they always manage to find such amazing talent who always have such great chemistry together - of course, this series is no exception!
I really have to give a special mention to Jin Yun as Jiang Shao Peng who literally blew me away with his performance... I was moved to tears by his incredible acting and all without speaking a word. Sheer talent.
This story was such a moving depiction of Jiang Shao Peng's experience with his disability and really showcased how beautiful sign language is, so I do wish they'd actually hired an actor who is deaf and mute. I felt like the whole storyline with Yang Zi Xiang's cousin and the business also wasn't really necessary and I kinda skipped some of the scenes, but the rest of the story was great!
I also have to quickly mention how much I love that Taiwanese dramas often highlight interesting or unconventional careers for the cast - very refreshing after watching so many office and university dramas lol (though they certainly have their place)!
Regardless, I can definitely see myself rewatching this when I want some cheering up - and I'll be keeping an eye on the cast and crew for their future projects!
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49. My Tooth Your Love
Taiwanese Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
With such a simple concept, it's important to me that dramas have great chemistry or character development - and this didn't disappoint at all! The acting was truly superb and the chemistry between the main leads was fantastic, but more than that I really appreciated that the non-romantic relationships were equally as strong; I love seeing healthy friendships! I have a soft spot for Taiwanese dramas as they usually portray people and relationships in a pretty realistic way which I always appreciate.
One criticism is that I didn't really like the secondary couple purely due to the slightly questionable age gap but this was definitely a background plot so it was easily ignorable. The pacing in the first half was really good and I loved seeing the slow build of the main couple's relationship, but it slightly stagnated in the second half as the conflict wasn't really convincing and I'm never really a fan of miscommunication. But I definitely enjoyed it overall!
(p.s. This is my 100th entry, I can't believe it! Here's to the next 100 :D)
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50. Given
Japanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
I actually appreciated that, as this was a relatively short series, they chose to focus more on Mafuyu's character and his growth rather than the relationship. There were certainly still queer themes throughout as well as the very beginnings of a gay relationship, hence why it made it onto this list.
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51. Ossan's Love
Japanese Drama - 2018, 7 episodes
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52. HIStory2: Crossing the Line
Taiwanese Special - 2018, 8 episodes
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53. About Youth
Taiwanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
This is yet another hit from the HIStory team! I wonder why they didn’t release this as another instalment of the HIStory series but in any case, I really enjoyed it! The acting was fantastic, especially for some relatively new talent, and the chemistry between the couples was really realistic. I also really loved the visual quality, they obviously really invested in the production value!
There wasn’t too much plot, but it was definitely more of a slice-of-life show, so I really didn’t mind - though I will say that the format kind of stagnated in the final episode or too if pacing is something important to you. Overall, I really enjoyed this, I definitely recommend watching if you’ve enjoyed any of the other HIStory dramas! ( P.S. Check out my reviews of all the others on this list too ;) )
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54. Stuck on You
Filipino Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
This is just a wonderful, realistic, character-driven story about two strangers who happen to end up quarantining together. I originally found this whilst searching to rewatch Quaranthings and was pleasantly surprised to see they'd be made by the same company!
I really just loved this series - the soundtrack was gorgeous, the acting was really impressive, and my god the chemistry between the two leads was insane, it really felt like watching two real people getting to know each other and growing closer. The character development was super on point, which I think is critical for such a character-focused series, which the closed setting also lent itself to very well. What can I say, I really love these covid-related dramas!
I feel like this is a pretty underrated series so I definitely recommend it to break free from the cookie-cutter BLs that other countries (looking at you Thailand) seem to be churning out these days!
They're literally :D vs :|
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55. The Warp Effect
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Man, this was really lovely! I originally put it on my PTW because the tags included a lesbian side couple which I was super interested to see but this turned out to be so much more - the sheer amount of diverse representation was amazing to see.
For a lighthearted drama, I’m actually really impressed with the positive messages they managed to include without any of them feeling forced! I can imagine this being a fantastic drama for a younger/teen audience and that makes me really happy :)
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56. The Miracle of Teddy Bear
Thai Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
So before this aired I was kinda confused as to how they would manage to fill 16 episodes, each one being the length of a film, without feeling boring - and I’m kinda shocked that they achieved it! I had no idea that the story would have so many layers to delve into, and I’m glad that the pacing was pretty good overall.
I was really impressed with the acting and how the characters were written; the characters felt realistic and complex, and I enjoyed how the main characters were somewhat flawed people and felt grounded in reality. I do wish, though, that Tofu was given the opportunity to struggle with negative human emotions, as I think that would be an interesting side we didn’t really see explored.
I really wish, too, that Prib’s character was developed a bit more as we only got a glimpse of this in the final few minutes of the show and I think this was a big missed opportunity. I also wasn’t very interested in the character of Jan, I thought her plotline dragged and was a little predictable and repetitive.
I actually loved the secondary couple though, the push and pull we saw between them was a real guilty pleasure of mine lol. Overall, I think this series is definitely worth investing your time into as it deals with an array of complex issues, but definitely be warned that some of these topics are pretty heavy and the ending is bittersweet.
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57. Tokyo in April Is...
Japanese Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
Man, I want what they have! This was such a heartfelt series about this most profound love between two people, I really don't know what else to say other than it was incredibly well-made, with great acting and chemistry, and every episode tugged on my heartstrings! Japanese dramas can be a bit hit-or-miss but I really recommend this one.
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58. BL Drama no Shuen ni Narimashita: Crank Up Hen
Japanese Special - 2023, 3 episodes
I honestly enjoyed this so much - sorry I don't make the rules !! (this list is entirely subjective)
A cute series that isn't too long with great chemistry and pacing, though there was only one (1) kiss scene and please, it's 2025 can these actors just press their lips together properly TT
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59. To My Star
Korean Drama - 2021, 9 episodes
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60. Because of You
Taiwanese Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
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61. Light on Me
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
One of the only love triangles that I really enjoyed. Quite simple and light, this drama isn't breaking many boundaries but I'd still absolutely recommend it - that lovely generous budget clearly wasn't going to any waste as the acting and visuals were quite refreshing from other dramas.
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62. 2gether
Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
Please do not judge me... I just had a look on the MDL page for this and I had no idea it was so hated. Maybe I'm missing something? I'll probably have to rewatch this again and re-evaluate my score but clearly I originally really like it.
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63. HIStory4: Close to You
Taiwanese Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
I can say with great confidence that this is probably my most guilty pleasure drama - emphasis on the guilty. I'll be honest: I'm pretty easily influenced by other peoples' opinions and I really got the impression that the community wasn't too impressed by this while it was airing. I really have to emphasise with this one that if you're not into the stepbro thing it doesn't get any better, unfortunately. However, I simply loved the other couple so much that it had to score this highly.
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64. (Not That) Innocent
Taiwanese Special - 2021, 1 episode
Just a short music video special of the Innocent series - I actually really liked this, I wish the fantastic cinematography and peculiar storytelling would have been used in the original parent story as I think it could have been amazing.
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65. Love Mechanics
Thai Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
So I really tried several times to watch the original En of Love: Love Mechanics miniseries but I just couldn’t get through it, the pacing was terrible and the whole production wasn’t anything special. I’m really pleased to say that, from episode one, I was hooked - the cinematography and visuals, in particular, were honestly amazing and I’m a sucker for such bold use of colour! I was also really impressed with the acting, I thought everyone did a fantastic job portraying these characters; War playing as Vee was particularly incredible but all the actors are clearly hard-working and talented.
This series isn’t sunshine and rainbows at all but I appreciate that most of the issues were addressed tastefully, and it’s interesting to see the development of some pretty flawed characters; just remember to heed the tags! For me, I enjoyed the mature vibe of the series, especially considering it’s a pretty standard university plot, as the characters felt realistic and complex. I do have to say, though, I personally was not a fan of the cheating plot point - the constant drama it created was pretty frustrating!
I also wasn’t a big fan of the miscommunication: I know it was integral to the story but I honestly just hate that trope, just say how you feel you fools!!!! It made sense, though, and worked for their tenuous and flawed relationship, so at least it didn’t feel forced. I still wish there was less of it, but if you're a fan of angst I'm sure this would be perfect for you!
I know that this remake was highly anticipated and I’m really glad that both new and OG fans could enjoy a high-quality and satisfying series. A lot of talented people who clearly cared a lot worked very hard on this series and I really recommend it (but read the synopsis carefully, I don’t want anyone to get hurt)!
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66. Cherry Magic
Thai Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
Guys... this was the first drama I watched after taking over a year-long, abrupt hiatus away from dramas, and I can safely say I've been sucked right back in :')
The two main actors need no introduction and I think they did a great job staying true to the characters in the original - and of course, their dynamic was pretty good just like in their many other performances. I'm going to say something crazy though... I kind of felt like their chemistry was a bit lacking? Am I the only one? It just felt like the intimacy was a bit forced and there weren't really any playful moments between them, it was almost clinical and too polite. But that might have been a writing/ directing problem so I don't blame the actors.
I really enjoyed the first half of this series - it was silly and lighthearted and just what I needed to ease myself back into this wild world of dramas! When the main couple got together, though, I thought the pacing and plot just stagnated and I honestly ended up skipping through a lot of boring scenes, I'm sorry! I also had the same issues with the secondary couple as I did in the original Japanese series - I really wish that they had been swapped with the new third couple as I unexpectedly really loved the dynamic between Rock and Pai! Of course, that might be because I absolutely love both Sing and Jan and always look forward to seeing their names on cast lists.
All that being said, I did enjoy this series and think it did a great job being faithful to the original (which I absolutely loved) whilst also adding some new, fresh ideas!
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67. Vice Versa
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
First things first, this series was absolutely gorgeous to look at - perfectly fitting for a main character whose dream career is to be a colourist! Everything from the colour grading, to the cinematography to the fashion was just stunning; even the way the name of the episodes reflected the dominant colour palette in that particular episode was excellent attention to detail.
I was super into the story too, body swaps can always be hit-or-miss (especially in queer stories) but this was well executed and I was pretty invested in the plot. We can’t overlook the all-star cast either: if you’ve seen any of GMMTV’s recent series’ then you’ll definitely see some familiar faces, all of whom are incredibly talented and really impressed me!
However, this series had some pretty major pacing issues. I think what would've improved the pacing is if the characters were given something to explore or achieve beyond just finding their portkey - 12 episodes is a long time to fill and unfortunately the second half was much weaker than the first. There's a massive amount of worldbuilding that they could explore, I wish they'd take advantage of such an interesting concept! I absolutely loved the conflict in episode 10, I really wish they’d introduced this a bit earlier as I’d have loved to see the ramifications of this in much more detail; I also think it would’ve balanced out the pacing issues by reintegrating the characters of Tun and Tess.
There were so many massive missed opportunities, this really could've been incredible, but overall this was a good series and I’m still excited to see what the team will do next!
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68. Kei×Yaku: Abunai Aibou
Japanese Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
While the mystery element of this series was pretty interesting and I did enjoy the whole drama overall, I can’t help but feel baited. A lot of the promotional material placed an emphasis on this interesting queer relationship that would develop between a police officer and a yakuza and, while they had undeniable chemistry, I don’t think they delivered that promise - and that’s textbook queer baiting.
The pacing hit a bit of a lull during the middle few episodes but the excellent acting and dynamic between the main two characters kept me going, and obviously the expectation of a romantic relationship developing between them was really exciting. It’s kinda sad that it was bromance at best with a few charged moments between, but no matter how you look at it, there’s no actual romance in sight, though I thought I ought to include it on this list anyway.
Saying all this though, if you like the synopsis and don’t really care about the romantic angle, I think you won’t be disappointed, this is a really solid and well-produced drama! If you're looking for a similar drama with queer romance, I really recommend HIStory 3: Trapped!
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69. Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized
Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
This was such a cool concept! The characters themselves were pretty simple but I really enjoyed their development and growing relationship; I particularly enjoyed how Nekoyashi was pretty flawed but he worked through his insecurities to learn what he really valued. It's a story of finding your passions and having the strength to pursue them - and to find love along the way. I also totally cried in that finale, what a great ending! It's not too serious but I still enjoyed the story - and it doesn't hurt that the opening song was an absolute banger!
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70. Triage
Thai Drama - 2022, 13 episodes
This concept was actually fascinating! At first, I didn’t read the synopsis properly and thought it was just your usual hospital romance drama, but after realising it was a time loop situation I was really hooked - I’m such a sucker for shows like this!
The cinematography was pretty fresh and interesting, nothing too crazy but definitely fit well to enhance the story! If I had one criticism, though, it would be that the acting was perhaps not as strong as other series, but I don’t like criticising that too much so it wasn’t a big deal to me: just something to note if it bothers you.
I think the plot was definitely my favourite part of the series - when I realised that the mystery went beyond the main two characters and affected many other people I was super excited. I think it was executed really well! Admittedly it dragged a little around episode 8/9 when the main character was like ‘I have to save Tol by making him fall in love with me!’, I think the development of their relationship would have benefitted from some more subtlety and nuance, but that’s just a personal preference. Some points were also a little goofy but it wasn’t too terrible lol!
I was pleasantly surprised that around episode 11 onwards something happened (I won’t spoil what) that I really enjoyed and switched up the pace to keep it exciting, though admittedly it got a bit ridiculous towards the end.
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71. My Beautiful Man
Japanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
For the first two or three episodes I actually really didn't like this series that much. My opinion started to change when I realised that this wasn't supposed to be a representation of a great relationship - I think that this is actually one of the only series with an obsessive, unhealthy relationship that I quite enjoyed.
The two leads both manifest their insecurities and loneliness in opposite ways: one by cultivating an obsession with a popular and attractive man, and the other by maintaining an aloof, king-like persona. My main criticism is that I wasn't really convinced that these two could develop a romantic connection due to their obsessive and odd personalities, but other than that I really do recommend this short but interesting series.
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72. Old Fashion Cupcake
Japanese Drama - 2022, 5 episodes
This was such a charming concept for a miniseries - cute and simple! The acting was fantastic and the main characters had great chemistry with each other, I loved watching their relationship grow and develop! The entire point of the series, the message, made me tear up several times and my heart swelled with happiness at seeing these two reinvigorate their love for life. Really cute series, I definitely recommend it especially if you enjoy simple but charming Japanese dramas!
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73. She Makes My Heart Flutter
Korean Drama - 2022, 5 episodes
Yeah this was pretty short but it was an adorable and surprisingly well-produced web series! I'm only disappointed it wasn't longer :) Please let this be the beginning of more high-quality GLs!
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74. Mr. Heart
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
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75. Tinted with You
Korean Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
I won’t lie, the promise of romance was what initially drew me in but the story of two passionate artists drawn together from across time was actually the thing I liked most about this series; that and the utterly stunning visuals. That being said, the leads had pretty great chemistry and portrayed a very sweet romance. I’ll even forgive the butterfly-light kiss lol.
It received a 7.5 score because it was a pretty short series (barely the length of a film really), but I think the story was simple enough to get away with. Overall, it was a fun watch and definitely worth checking out, and I’m a sucker for time travel - especially when it has a happy ending!
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76. Only Boo!
Thai Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
This was solidly enjoyable! It very much didn’t take itself too seriously, and I was just thinking ‘this is so silly’ throughout the whole thing whilst smiling and kicking my feet XD
The performances were overall okay, but Keen as Moo and Asha and Payos were really the stars of the show for me - super impressive considering they’re both really new to the acting world!
I saw a review comparing this to My School President and Bad Baddy, and whilst this certainly has the same vibe, both of those dramas score much higher for me because of the quality of acting and chemistry. I found myself a little bored around episode 8 as the plot didn’t keep me hooked, but still a very fun and worthwhile watch even if I really didn't like the forced angst and time skip towards the end - two of my least favourite gropes grr!
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77. Where Your Eyes Linger
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
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78. Bon Appetit
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
This was really just the perfect heartwarming series to relax to! The story was simple but the character development and their chemistry were actually really impressive, it's definitely one of the better queer Korean shows I've seen - though perhaps not too memorable. Definitely worth a watch though, as it was pretty quick to get through!
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79. Roommates of Poongduck 304
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
I won't lie, I was super worried about this drama when I saw that it was made by the same team as Kissable Lips - and if you scroll way down you'll see I really didn't like that one very much. But I'm glad to have been proven wrong! The writing was vastly better and I actually really enjoyed the plot; it's always refreshing to see a queer drama based in an office rather than a high school lol! Sure it's nothing spectacular, but both the chemistry and the acting were on point and this series even got a few chuckles from me!
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80. Boys Be Brave!
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
I don't know what happened during my hiatus but Korean dramas have been really impressing me lately - this was such a cute, lighthearted romcom!
The beginning was very strong with good acting and great chemistry throughout, but unfortunately the plot got a bit strange as it went along and there were lots of things I couldn't really follow. This was especially true with the second couple where I actually had no idea what was going on, I wish they'd either cut this plotline or done something better with it as I feel like nothing happened with them - which was such a shame as the actors had great chemistry!
Regardless, I had a great time with this one (and those kissing scenes, oh boy x_x), even if I wouldn't necessarily rewatch it!
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81. My Engineer
Thai Drama - 2020, 14 episodes
Listen, I know this drama either has people loving or hating it. While the main couple wasn't my favourite, I do think that it was overall a pretty good series, especially during the RamKing scenes. I'm not sure I'd score this as highly knowing what I do now, but until I've rewatched it, its rank will stay the same.
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82. Addicted
Chinese Drama - 2016, 15 episodes
This has been on my list for years so it's very satisfying to finally get around to watching it!
First things first, this is not a 'sweet' series, and it does rather feel like a product of its time - although I can't deny that it was a groundbreaking series in kickstarting the 'bl' genre back in 2016, I don't think that it would be so popular if it came out now.
A big warning for those who don't know (as I didn't, since I foolishly watch things without reading the tags!) this is basically just a step-bro series with some rather questionable and very dubious consent. So why did I score this a 7.5? Well, the chemistry between the main two leads was frankly electric, I ended up binging all 15 episodes in only 3 days! They were such a joy to watch on screen and I truly couldn't take my eyes off their growing relationship.
But, unfortunately, what really kills this series is the absolutely brutal editing caused by the censorship. It's a miracle that this series managed to air what with the strict Chinese censorship laws but what we've been left with is honestly a mess. You can really tell that whole important scenes have been cut, so the flow of storytelling is nearly impossible to follow. Several plotlines are also rushed through or suddenly dropped, and when it was finally banned from airing the series ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. It's so sad to see, and the fact that these censorship rules seem to be getting even worse I just despair at the wonderful media that we're being denied (I will wait 800 years for Eternal Faith, and continue being a clown for Immortality).
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83. Ghost Host, Ghost House
Thai Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
So this was definitely a diamond in the rough - there were some actually fantastic ideas, but they were padded with so many mediocre or even boring scenes that I don't really know how to rate this. The ‘ghost’ part of this drama was fine but the best part by far came when the main couple finally got together - which is actually a rare thing. The actors had fantastic chemistry and their relationship felt genuine, which I really love since it’s kind of rare to see in many dramas like this!
I also appreciate that they showed the awkwardness of getting to know someone; it made their relationship feel much more real. In fact, all of the relationships were really fantastic! I’m actually kinda shocked at how good this aspect was, the whole team obviously really cared about portraying a healthy, realistic queer relationship and I’m so grateful for their care and consideration. It’s also way more emotional than I thought it was going to be: episodes 5 and 6 were really fantastic, but unfortunately they were outliers.
It's just such a shame that these tiny nuggets of genius were somewhat hidden by the rest of the show. I really wish I could rank it higher but the first few episodes were rather boring and there was just too much padding; in my opinion, they should have cut the whole ghost-hunting part and have the main couple meet elsewhere. Let's not even get started on the time skip in the final episode... The writing was unfocused and the story wasn't really for me but the team definitely have potential!
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84. Sotus
Thai Drama - 2016, 15 episodes
One of the first dramas I ever watched so I have absolutely no recollection any more how good it actually was - so take this rating with that caveat!
I really enjoy Singto's more recent acting but I have to admit his performance in this is certainly not his best (in my opinion).
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85. SOTUS S
Thai Drama - 2017, 13 episodes
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86. Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice but to Kiss!
Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
Is this a masterpiece? No, but I think it has real heart and I really enjoyed the character development. The plot is pretty simple which I appreciate, as it allows the story to focus more on the characters (particularly Fukuhara) and their relationships with each other as well as how they view themselves.
It’s a pretty simple show with decent acting and visuals, so if you like the sound of the synopsis and enjoy more lighthearted Japanese dramas, I really think you’ll like this one!
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87. 609 Bedtime Story
Thai Drama - 2022, 11 episodes
So I really loved the premise for this, I've never seen anything similar and I stand by the fact that it is a super unique concept! I was really hooked for the first few episodes but around episode 5/6 I unfortunately felt like things were stagnating; I found myself skipping through numerous scenes because it felt as if we'd seen it all before.
I was bound to watch something that sounded so cool and with a couple that I had really enjoyed in another series (I was really impressed with their performances and storylines in Until We Meet Again) but, for me, this just felt a little off. Their acting was passable (although I hope they'll both be cast for different types of roles in the future) but I wasn't totally convinced by their relationship as it seemed like all kinds of P'Mums and Dews just fell in love out of nowhere lol! Overall, I still enjoyed this series and I applaud the team's ambition, I just think it fell a little flat in the execution. Perhaps my expectations are just too high now!
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88. Choco Milk Shake
Korean Drama - 2022, 11 episodes
So this was a pretty unique concept and overall I think I enjoyed it! I kinda wish they'd delved deeper into why these pets came back to life as humans but I understand why they kept it simple. The acting was actually pretty good and the quality was fantastic! Don't even get me started on how emotional I was after episode 10 though... and they made us wait two weeks to see the conclusion!! Not the most memorable drama I've ever seen (and it was a bit weird that the MC fell in love with his dog lol) but I'm glad I watched it and thought it was great quality for a free series on youtube!
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89. Enchanté
Thai Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
You know, this one actually surprised me. I was so close to dropping it after the first episode or two - I thought the plot was contrived, the acting was questionable and the main couple looked way too similar. However, as time went on I kinda grew attached to this series; say what you will about GMMTV but their production value is always at the top of the game, and the characters definitely grew on me!
Sure, it’s still a pretty silly series with a few too many ‘cute moments of staring into each others’ eyes’ but in the end I really liked it. I also think the actors grew into their roles pretty well and the main couple actually had some great chemistry! The enchante mystery was an interesting enough plot device but I mainly enjoyed just seeing the banter and dynamic between Theo and Akk.
Overall, it's a fun (if a little slow) series that's best not to take too seriously!
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90. Together with Me
Thai Drama - 2017, 13 episodes
This was pretty decent - as one of the first Thai dramas I ever watched, I quite enjoyed the execution even if the story was pretty simple. I was completely not expecting the steamy scene at the very start so be prepared lol! I think it dragged a bit towards the end for me, but I generally enjoyed the characters' chemistry and think the acting was pretty good, so I still recommend it if you're looking for an entertaining uni series!
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91. Out of Breath
Korean Drama - 2019, 3 episodes
Short and simple but overall quite a good watch. I resonated with the main character quite well but it couldn't score any higher simply because of how short it was - still, with such meagre lesbian representation out there it's definitely worth watching!
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92. Senpai, This Can’t Be Love!
Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
You might be starting to see a pattern: I’m a sucker for simple but heartfelt Japanese dramas! This absolutely fits into that category and reminds me quite a lot of Cherry Magic - they have a similar setting and the dynamic between the main characters is pretty much the same. Still, I probably prefer Cherry Magic due to the better acting and chemistry. Admittedly I’ve seen many other objectively better series, but I still got a lot of enjoyment from this series!
I have to mention, though, that the ending credits scene absolutely gave me butterflies every time I saw it lol, I kind of wish the series itself had that same tantalising sensuality and slow build but that’s just a personal preference, I understand why they didn’t go that route.
I think this probably would have made a better movie as it was a little drawn out but I’m still glad I watched it!
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93. Star and Sky: Star in My Mind
Thai Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
I was actually really impressed with Dunk’s performance as Daonuea, I couldn’t believe this was his first starring role! The story was good, quite simple but charming nonetheless. One of my favourites parts of this series was how ‘normalised’ the queer characters were; while I do enjoy other dramas where the struggle of coming to terms with your identity is more thoroughly explored, it’s nice every once in a while to watch something where character can just be themselves without having to explain any further.
I will say that the character of Khabkluen was a bit unremarkable for me personally; the way he was written was kinda dull and I didn’t really feel much chemistry between the main characters.
Overall, it’s only 8 episodes and worth a watch for something a bit lighter with a similar vibe to 2 Moons - I only gave it a slightly lower score because, for me, it might be a bit forgettable and was ultimately nothing special.
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94. Color Rush
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
I loved the concept for this and was pretty impressed with the execution. I will say, however, that kiss scene was absolutely one of the most awful, unnatural ones I've ever seen lol - don't worry, it was very brief.
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95. Kiss Me Again: Pete-Kao
Thai Special - 2018, 3 episodes
A short but sweet introduction to the characters of Pete and Kao which was perfect for me as I wasn't really interested in the main Kiss Me Again series but wanted to understand the characters before watching Dark Blue Kiss!
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96. Manner of Death
Thai Drama - 2020, 14 episodes
While this was initially absolutely great, I found my interest slowly waning as it got on - it was still good, just a bit too stretched out for me!
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97. Double Mints
Japanese Movie - 2017
This is a pretty raw and unpleasant film - but hear me out.
It tells the story of two individuals drawn together by an inexplicable force. It is a codependent, unhealthy relationship based on a whole tangle of emotions; a mixture of love and hate, imbalanced power dynamics and a general sense of instability. One cannot survive without the other.
I quite enjoyed this interesting and unique take on a relationship as it’s clearly supposed to be unhealthy, yet I wish their characters were developed more instead of the plot (though I understand this is a difficult thing to achieve in a film as opposed to a series).
I can’t score it any higher as I’m a softie and enjoy happy stories lol, but the acting was solid and the whole production was really well put together - the music especially was gorgeous. Read the description and the tags (carefully!) and if you like the sound of it, you’ll probably enjoy it!
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98. Mood Indigo
Japanese Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
In my personal experience with Japanese 'BLs', these usually fit into one of two categories: silly, fluffy pieces that aren't to be taken too seriously, or are deeper and more character-driven. This as well as its prequel are classic examples of the second category, though I think this formula works better in this sequel than its predecessor. I will just say, please do heed those tags - this series is probably the most explicit I've ever seen and I wasn't prepared at all lol.
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99. The New Employee
Korean Drama - 2022, 7 episodes
I don’t think it was the best idea to air this at the same time as The Director Who Buys Me Dinner as I kept getting confused between the two - the plots were slightly different but the identical setting got them confused in my mind lol! But I’m actually really impressed by the chemistry between the two main characters; a common problem with queer Korean dramas is that the main couple often lack some chemistry and I tend to not really believe their relationship, but I was pleasantly surprised here! This is probably the first realistic kiss I’ve seen in a Korean bl lol!
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100. The Director Who Buys Me Dinner
Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
I thought this was a surprisingly unique plot and I actually really enjoyed the historical scenes too! If you liked this drama I really recommend the webtoon, there’s only so much a drama this short can get into. I actually liked that the drama was a little different from the webtoon though, it kept it interesting and I actually way preferred Dennis’ role here way more! I have to say though that I way prefer the ending in the webtoon, this version wasn’t really my favourite. The acting was fine and the chemistry was okay (I’ve seen a lot worse) so overall I recommend this perhaps as more of a filler series but definitely a stronger filler than some!