2025 BL List

Phenomenal

What a unique premise! This had every opportunity to be a boring idol x  normie drama, but every episode surprised me with a heartwarming plot twist and the domestic scenes between the leads were brimming with tenderness. 062-031-7745. IYKYK.

ArcArm: Dropped

YothaGun: Completed 8.5 (Great: Chemistry: 10/10)

FaifaWine: TBW

Excellent

This far exceeded my expectations! I feel so empty now that it’s over… I haven’t felt this sad saying goodbye to characters in a while. Their love story was truly beautiful and the meaning behind the title was heartwarming. 

Phenomenal

A grim , yet BOLD, story about two pure-hearted people who refuse to be tainted by a world that has turned their backs on them and learn the concept of love through one another. A much deserved happy ending with a strong accompanying composition.

Passable

Soft-core porn with 2 endings. The noir ending is darker, but helps explain more about the mechanizations behind the MC's downfall and I felt like it fit the murkier themes of the film.

Average

Soft-core porn with a rushed ending. But generally kinda a sweet story about a NEET and a porn star that bond through their shared love of a VA and hentai anime. 

Average

Really cute series that has potential to be a full length series. Probably a 7/10, but due to what they accomplished in this mini-drama, I'm bumping it up by a point.

Dropped

Would've given this a 9/10, but since Ep. 7, it's been really going down. I'm exhausted watching Joker trying to prove he's worthy to Jack, when I haven't seen Jack doing jack shit.

Dropped

Is parallel universe traversing supposed to be this dull?

Dropped 

I love EarthMix, but this can't hold a candle to the OG. 

Great

An engaging story that focuses on two entirely different people that bond through their similar circumstances of  having been denied physical and emotional reciprocity and forced to repress sexual expression. A lackluster ending to an overall very aesthetically told story. Very complex, well written characters. 

Good 

"If we are destined to part, then what is the meaning of our meeting?" 

What IS the message of this show?
That the greatest love comes in the form of sacrifice? The power of letting go? Or is it just anti-gay? It’s impossible to tell because there is so much left unsaid and unexplained, not for audience interpretation, but due to a short runtime, no budget, poor writing, and Chinese censorship. Please watch the special episode, otherwise, you’ll drive yourself mad with wonder. At least the special gives a little bit of closure, otherwise, this is the most “kill your gays”, gay=bad ending I’ve watched in a long time.

(Also, I went down a rabbit hole of trying to figure out what the “ok” hand gesture meant (besides the obvious) and it doesn’t mean love. But it’s a homophobic gesture in Mediterranean countries, Germany, and some Latin American countries… so, okay? I hope that’s not what they’re going for....)

Dropped

I just don't feel invested any of the characters tbh Love the soundtrack though.

Good

Two mutually respective fanboys forced onto the same football team with very little actual football ever played. A short and simple story with the twist of both leads having to hide the fact that they’re fans of each other while dodging petty soccer/entertainment drama from rivals. 

Passable

Acting befitted everyone’s rookie status. The MC’s acting was particularly wooden. Nothing special. Just a high school BL love triangle with a relationship that started on a bet. Something about the first half really captivated me despite knowing how mid the drama was, however, any good will I had was sucked into the BL timeskip black hole. 

Perfect

The best Japanese BL I’ve seen in a really long time. I keep thinking I’ll get tired of BLs set in Japanese high schools after years of them, but then dramas like Miseinen prove me wrong every time. It’s even better than the original manhwa imo. Props to the adaptors and cast for this beautiful work. 

Edit: minus one actor who had go and ruin everything.

Dropped

Disappointed by how dull this is. The funeral home setting and Parker Mao should’ve made this more interesting, so what happened here?

Watching

Excellent

Not a BL. Definitely queer baited the audience, but I put it here 1) because I’m a fan of how they adapted this series from the manga. Definitely darker and more philosophical than I anticipated. 2) The homoerotic subtext from the secondary couple who ran off into the mountains to be together was just too obvious to ignore. 

Excellent

No explanation  as to why I waited so long to watch this unique, splendid BL. Actually  adapts the manga pretty faithfully, even the odder aspects (like a certain Magical Boy). The MC‘s actor was a really good crier. This drama really had me thinking  about what I’d do if I only had 10 days and if it’s sadder to have hope or no hope at the end of your life. Prepare to shed a few tears. 

"The word "miracles" exist because miracles might happen"- Yuma

Great

The first and last episodes were by far the weakest & plot is awful, but it’s Mark and Tong’s budding relationship and the intimacy in between that kept me going. The  best GMMTV couple intimacy I’ve seen- the way they threaded their hands through each other’s hair, intertwined their bodies, and lingered in each other‘s grasp were great details thanks to the director and actors. 

"I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun to fall in love with you." - Tong, Ep. 4

"To love and lose is better than never having loved at all." - Ep. 5

On-Hold

I might come back to this someday, but I felt so much injustice towards the MC and I struggle to see how the MC and ML can become a functional couple, due to both the age gap and where both of them are mentally. It definitely won’t end happily, and I specifically reserve sad ending tolerance for my Cdramas. 

I said I would give my right hand for the remaining episodes. Looks like I can finish the series AND keep my right hand!

On-Hold

I got a little tired of the redundancy of the plot. Akin is victimized, he cries, he tries to deal with it on his own, and his Golden Retriever in shining armor is left to save him again. 

Dropped

MarkOhm, I love y'all. But this is just NOT it. The directing, editing, and storyline is a hot mess. I look forward to your next series. 

Dropped

First two episodes were impeccable, but I really didn’t sign up to watch a straight drama with a side BL couple masquerading as the main pairing. 

Good

While a decade long miscommunication is a common trope in KBLs, I was impressed that they at least communicated their misunderstanding within the first 3 episodes. The first few episodes caught my attention, with the push and pull between the leads, but this suffered from its short runtime. This series isn’t complete without watching the special episode. 

“Even if you get tired and beg me to let you go, I won’t let go of you, okay?
I know things will get boring and obvious, but I like you so much I’m going crazy.
As long as I’m with you, everything’s fine. I still like you.”

“Kim Min Jun, let’s take everything slowly.”

- Finale

Great

Early KBLs were known for having  plots too complicated for their short runtimes, and TMS falls in that category. But the acting prowess of the cast, the cinematography, and chemistry between the leads and core theme of extreme opposites attract is both tantilizing and comforting to watch.

Perfect

This is a masterpiece I was unprepared for; it does get a little busy at the end, but that doesn’t rob the show from its overall very mature themes. More of a queer drama than a BL. Anyone that’s experienced a failed relationship can relate to the bitterness and longing that comes with parting with someone you loved. 

"He would remain in my life forever, even if I was only with him for that long"- Han Ji Woo

Dropped

I really wanted to like this one. The first episode cliff hanger was genuinely interesting, but this stretched my KBL miscommunication limits beyond my bandwidth. 

Great

Wow, round of applause to GMM's new batch of rookies. This 6 will go places. Story is magical in its simplicity. Everything the characters experience feels grounded in the experiences of actual high schoolers. Really praying KimMon make it since they were the most chaotic couple. KitShane had my heart though. 

Great

Not a BL. Just a C-drama bromance. But if becoming your homie’s spirit weapon doesn’t count as the gayest sacrifice a “bro” can make, then I don’t know what does. 10/10 for having an aphrodisiac, soulmate, and reincarnation reunion scene between the leads.

Great

Considering the budget, this was an impressive drama. There were many moving pieces and the fight choreography improved with each passing episode. 

The relationship between Peace and Sun was reminiscent of Romeo & Juliet; they had one of the most interesting “meet-cutes” I’ve ever seen. My only compliant is this is a better gangster drama than it is a BL. Even the GL was more compelling in the end. I was disappointed by the lack of communication and resolution between the BL pairing in the finale (I’m assuming it’s because the show ran out of time, but it neatly resolved the BL pairing’s deep misunderstanding with an internal monologue from the MC…)

Unwatchable

Where was my promised KentaKim? Why does this exist? What a waste of money and time. Bring me Goddess Bless You from Death and The Most Beautiful Count already....

Dropped

 It's hard not to compare this with the currently airing The Bangkok Boy.

Great

Overall, 8/10, but bumped it for the BEST BL WEDDING EVER! No harming of cats were involved in the making of this BL.

"Thank you. For coming back."

"Thank you too. For not forgetting me."

- Phi & Tawan Ep. 10 

This couple was crazy and they're probably the only two people in Thailand who can match each other's freak, but what a romantic, thrilling ride their love was!

"In 20 years, they’d call that love struck."
"But it’s loving you that’s got me truly struck."
- Armin & Thada Ep. 6

TBW

Good

Besides Ossan's Love, I rarely laugh this hard while watching a BL. That being said, this lacked the charm of the first season. I did like how the drama switched focus to different characters, sso many of the episodes felt like isolated incidences inside the broader story of the MLs. The cinematography was also really good. Great ending OST btw

On-Hold

Unwatchable

I can put up with a lot for MaxNat, but I found my limit. First two episodes were really funny and spicy, but as the episodes continued, I found myself increasingly confused about what I had missed by not watching Y Destiny and over how every episode started feeling like convoluted filler. They might’ve needed to spend more money on a screenplay writer and less money on the wardrobe.

On-Hold

Great

I needed a little more. The show left me feeling like it wasn't over. But not in a way that was fulfilling. That being said, the score, cinematography, directing, and actors did a good job adapting the original manga, and adding a depth and weight to it that the manga was missing. The show peaked during the 4th episode, which was truly ~cinema~!

On-Hold- Average

Average

The first few episodes started so well. It confronted the struggles of internalized homophobia, gay relationships as an adult, coming out to your friends and family etc. But the physical intimacy was genuinely so stilted and jarring that it ruined the believability of the relationship for me. I’m not usually one to complain about a lack of good NC scenes, but everything they did as a couple was just painfully awkward.…

“Just being happy isn’t enough to stay together forever. Please let me cherish you.”- Kanade Ep.8

Good

Started off very strong, with a wonderful premise and warm sentiments between two seemingly unlikely lovers. Despite being a decade younger than the MC, there were many things about his predicament that I found relatable. The show lost momentum during the breakup arc, and never recovered it, even as the finale rolled. 

Great

Both couples had great chemistry and while it wasn't the cleanest execution with some of the worst pacing issues I've seen in a Cdrama (which is really saying something considering how much can normally happen in a Cdrama), the show made up for it with earnestness coming from the cast- both in front and behind the camera. Coming out of China of all places, they did what no other BL has been brave enough to venture towards, and for that, hats off to the creators and everyone involved in this project. 

Great

Production value was rough, but wow, the story, while simple and standard for a period Cdrama was well paced, the storytelling tight, and the acting really held this together! The acting was so good for a vertical drama!

Average

A simple, yet entertaining "kill-your-gays" meets Romeo and Juliet. Tragic ending that gives Goodbye, My Princess vibes. Budget was much higher than most queer coded Cdramas I watch, and the writing was clean, but it still wasn't as good as some of the vertical bromances I've watched in the past.

Great

Simplistic story where each conflict is wrapped up in a single episode. It’s carried by the chemistry of the entire cast, especially the believable chemistry between the leads. It even got me to cry at the end when the two of them came out to Junxi’s parents. 

On-Hold

Excellent

I liked this more than I thought I would. I wish they could've resolved the reveal earlier, so we could've seen them as a true couple a little bit longer. It's been a while since I've caught myself secretly smiling over the soft moments between a couple. I love Natsuo- he bumps up the rating by 0.5.

TBW

On-Hold

Great 

Ignore the budget, lack of fanfare, and plot holes. This show exceeds all expectations. The band completely transported me to 90s garage band music, but more than that, it was the heart and earnestness captured by all the entire cast that took me back to my youth. 

Great

Dare I say this is better than the Thai iteration? (And I already liked that one, warts and all). This adaptation takes out all of the clunky parts of the OG drama, leaves the characters on the island longer, and improves the GL side couple (essentially fixing all the issues I had with the OG). It's also just as steamy and the main couple is telegenic and has great chemistry too!

Average

The first half of this drama actually had me in a strange chokehold. Something about Ramil's childish curiosity towards modern day humans and Punn's tired, world wary attitude meshed well for me. Punn needed someone to rely on and come home to- and he found that in Ramil's warmth. But after the couple did get together, the show fell apart. Whether it be from their inability to convey intimacy, the horrendous action choreo, the imploding storyline, or the just general lack of effort the director seemed put into the finale, everything aspect of this show seemed to blow up at the same time. Ramil and Punn should've just stay in the painting in Ep. 6.

TBW

On-Hold

Meet Me at the Blossom walked to Kill to Love could run. This is everything I’ve wanted from a period Cdrama BL for a long time.

““In this vast world of mountains and rivers, you’re the only freedom I long for.”
“Don’t let me lose again.”

- Duan Zi’Ang & Xiao Shuhe Ep. 6

“Let us fly through life together. And be inseparable for all our years.” - Xiao Shuhe Ep. 8
“This heart is real…can you feel it? From now on, every beat of my heart belongs only to you. Every beat calls out your name.”
“Then let our heartbeats end this very night…”

-  Duan Zi’Ang & Xiao Shuhe Ep. 8

TBW

Dropped

Excellent

An interesting premise based on a manga with little substance. Somehow, the screenwriter and director were able to flesh out and improve upon the manga, while keeping the essential essence.  Wada Masanari  embodied "yakuza chivalry" perfectly, hamming up a role based on ninkyo ega- with great line delivery to boot. His costar, Takahashi Hiroto had a slightly harder job playing the repressed Odajima; he embodies his role as another another yakuza archetype. Both of them sizzled together. 

This show balanced giving me just enough, without spoon feeding me. I wish it could've been a little longer, but overall, a perfect roadtripping yakuza BL.

Passable 

I love mermaids, but this was just ridiculous. The poor MC had no agency, the plot was all over the place, but props to the cast because their earnestness was the only thing tethering me all 8 episodes. 

Dropped

Man, this started out so good, with the right dash of drama, trauma, and misunderstanding, and then completely petered out and lost steam somewhere in the middle. I dragged myself through a few episodes and eventually had to call it  quits.

TBW

On-Hold

Excellent

Its simplicity is where it excels. Think of every high school shojo cliche and make it gay. That's the drama. The friend group was genuinely the highlight. And Hioki's actor was really good. 

Dropped

Quality is dropping as drama draws out plot threads... could've trimmed a lot of this fat.

Average

While each episode preview kept me excited for what was next, I realized it was only because I've read the manga and was excited to see my favorite scenes played out. But each moment was a disappointment and a shadow of the original. 

Excellent

A massive upgrade for both PoohPavel after the train wreck x dumpster fire of Pit Babe 2. While the ending is slightly lackluster, it doesn't rob from an overall compelling occult mystery and a comforting romance between two lonely souls seeking solace in one another's embrace. This is one small step for procedural BLs, one giant leap for BL. Aside, Pooh brought a tear to my eyes in the finale.

TBW

Dropped

I was hoping this would be like Secret Relationships, but, unlike Secret Relationships, where I could totally understand why 3 hot men competed for Da On, I don't see the appeal of Do Ha. It feels like a self insert written by shy virgin who dreams of 3 hot guys- ranging from yellow to red flags- chasing after them. 

Watching

"Pain is something to overcome, not something to get used to." - Peach, Ep. 4

Excellent

Major props to the screen writers for mostly adapting the danmei beat-for-beat (but are my standards too high if I'm disappointed they didn't fully adapt the final emergency?) . The story really didn't tone much in terms of how black-hearted and manipulative Fan Xiao's action were or how complex their feelings for each other remained after suffering years of an unrelenting, unforgiving game of cat and mouse. I applaud both actors, especially rookie Yunqi, for bringing these  deeply scarred characters to life.

“I’m not fooling around. I mean it. I love you. You say it’s nonsense. Well, then let me keep up with this nonsense.
I want to see you every day. When I do, I don’t want to part. When I don’t, I feel uneasy. I’ve cooked up all kinds of dumb excuses to see you.
Bohai never had that much work that required me to be present. I don’t even like wetland parks. My sense of direction is bad, but not so bad I can’t use navigation. Every time I got lost, it was just to make you come get me. My right hand healed a long time ago. Hell, my left hand is even better.
Every lousy excuse was just to stay by your side. It was all to be with you.
I don’t know if that’s love. You’ve seen much more of this world. Why don’t you tell me?
I love you.
When I picture the future, it’s you I see.”

“…don’t blame me for not holding back.”

“Then kiss me.”

- Fan Xiao & You Shu Lang, Ep. 5

“I’ve always kept life, work, and love in control.
I never do anything I’m unsure of. You’re the exception. Fan Xiao, you’re hard to comprehend. I don’t even have you figured out yet and I’ve already started to let my feelings off the leash. I’m already starting to love you. You’re a big gamble for me. Can I win?”

- Fan Xiao & You Shu Lang Ep. 6

Excellent

This drama really had me contemplating a lot about my life, alternative timelines, and maximizing today. More than the romance (which was very sweet), I was more interested in the main character's plight and development. I personally prefer this kinds of dramas where the romance is secondary to personal growth. Highly recommend; props to the cast and crew!

TBW

TBW

Garbage

Unfortunately, this drama started spinning out beyond anyone's control the moment they introduced the love rival... I held on as long as I could for the sake of the likay performances, but the  poor story choices finally became insurmountable.

Passable

This was a painful watch. I'm not asking for The Wire and I'm willing to suspend a lot of procedural cop disbelief from decades of practice, but this is just ridiculous.

How can an officer be so unconcerned and flirt every other scene when his brother's life is literally at risk? While GBYFD had its flaws, this took all the same flaws and then put them on steroids.

The romance between the leads is also offensively fast paced and nonsensical, so I feel utterly undistracted by the shoddy police work.

Watching

Watching