Excellent BL / Gay Movies & Series
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1. Journey to the Shore
Korean Movie - 2020
Unmissable. The emotional impact of this short movie will stay with me forever.
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2. To My Star 2
Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
One of the great, if not the greatest, couples in this genre. Both actors nail their portrayal of these characters, and the chemistry is still mostly unparalleled.
I hope to see many more productions in this genre that exhibit the same level of care and attention to the story and characters as this entire series has shown.
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3. So Long, See You Tomorrow
Korean Movie - 2021
"I just need to balance myself once, and I'll be safe forever".
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4. The Eighth Sense
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
A romance/coming of age story with a darker undercurrent spotlighting mental health conditions, grief, guilt and accepting loss. Show delivered scene after scene of natural acting, outstanding chemistry and offbeat cinematography.
Whenever BL productions are released with a general quality this high, it really puts into perspective the number of other BL productions which appear to be pulled straight from the "manga/webtoon/manwha to live action"-assembly line, sprinkled with one or two idols, a nice OST and delivered neatly wrapped up to the streaming services.
Like most BL productions The Eighth Sense didn't have a huge budget. In addition it wasn't an adaptation and one of the main leads was casted right off the street not even having the advantage of being used to perform in front of a camera like idols turned actors are.
While show was rough around the edges (editing, scene transitions, parts of both dialogue and storytelling) with a few unfortunate drawbacks (episode 7, that one easy-breezy conflict resolution, the therapist), it greatly succeeded in showing the benefits of taking a few steps back from the assembly line. And what can be achieved when passion, sincerity, boldness and care is thrown into the mix. Watching this series felt like every single person, who was part of making it, signed up ready to bring their A-game.
Serious notes must be being taken in the industry with more recognition of, what sets not only The Eighth Sense, but other shows with similar high, but different qualities apart from the rest. It doesn't have to be all angsty, gritty, artsy or deal with heavy themes. It can be light, fluffy and polished, while still creating a full course meal out of a few basic ingredients. Our Dating Sim did exactly that. One great show is preferable to 20 run-of-the-mill ones. Even if it means slowing down the assembly line, these productions need to be handled with more intent, patience and care. -
5. I Told Sunset About You
Thai Drama - 2020, 5 episodes
Art.
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6. Old Fashion Cupcake
Japanese Drama - 2022, 5 episodes
Has one of the most beautifully shot, emotionally charged and well-acted confession scenes.
And cake. -
7. To My Star
Korean Drama - 2021, 9 episodes
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8. Our Dating Sim
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
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9. Blueming
Korean Drama - 2022, 11 episodes
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10. Jack Frost
Japanese Drama - 2023, 6 episodes
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11. Long Time No See
Korean Drama - 2017, 5 episodes
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12. Egoist
Japanese Movie - 2022
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13. Semantic Error Movie
Korean Movie - 2022
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14. Utsukushii Kare Season 2
Japanese Drama - 2023, 4 episodes
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15. Night Flight
Korean Movie - 2014
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16. His
Japanese Movie - 2020
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17. Life Senjou no Bokura: Director's Cut
Japanese Movie - 2020
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18. After the Restart
Japanese Movie - 2020
Simple, unassuming, healing and so, so very heartwarming.
I liked their chemistry and how the relationship progressed slowly and in an undramatic way.
Strong acting all around, beautiful scenery and the main themes of the story were just lovely.
The cinematography and how everything seemed to become warmer as the story progressed was a really nice touch.
The emotional impact sneaks up on you, because of the quiet nature of the movie, but it's impossible not to be moved at the end. It's the kind of movie that should be watched at least twice to catch all the subtle details.
"Thank you for coming to this house". There was so much love in that statement. -
19. The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese
Japanese Movie - 2020
"To truly love someone is for them to become your only exception".
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20. Bokura no Shokutaku
Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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21. Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
The best part is when you realize, it's really not about them.
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22. Love Supremacy Zone
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes