Asian BL - BL/Gay Dramas and movies 1980's to 2021

Asian BL from the 1980's to 2021: A comprehensive Guide for lazy Fangirls (and Boys) 

Or, more like, "BL from some Asian countries"... China (+ Taiwan and Hong Kong), Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.)


If you'd like recs about non-Asian BL, just ask...

 

List will only contain titles in which BL/Gay/Male Bi couples/characters/themes, have at least a somewhat prominent role. 


***(Titles with (only) Trans characters; not included--a Trans woman who loves men is straight, not gay.
Crossdressing has nothing to do with gender identity so titles with cross-dressing guys who like guys; included.
Bodyswap is (reluctantly) included.
Bromance if there is an implication that it is/will go beyond friendship)***


Adding every now and then. 


Note; To make it simple; I'll just call BL, even if it would be more correct to say; stories about guys who are attracted to guys.  
"Gay theme" and BL are two different things.
But as long as one can tell fantasy from reality--it's a convenient word. 


My ratings are pretty harsh at times, but I judge by quality, not by how much I like/dislike it. Also by intention. Don't compare masterpieces with romcoms. That's not fair. Judge by what they were intended to be. A stupid romcom can be a 10 just as well as a Kurosawa flick, can. 
Btw; A "5" means "mediocre". "10" means "perfect". "1" means "a crime towards mankind."
People, there are a whole lot of numbers between 1 and 10.


Note: Included are dramas made of the manga "Hanazakari no kimitachi e". Even if it's not BL, there is a beautiful point made, which I think deserves attention because it's present in a manga/drama which has no BL connection.

Bambikill lug 15, 2017
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  • Ossan's Love

    501. Ossan's Love

    Hong Kong Drama - 2021, 15 episodes

    Hong-Kong remake of the Japanese "Ossan"-franchise. Could be nice!

  • Ossan's Love: In the Sky

    502. Ossan's Love: In the Sky

    Japanese Drama - 2019, 8 episodes

    6.5

    Third version of the "Ossan" series--it's strange, you have the same story repeated over and over but in this drama you have a different setting compared to the earlier one. But the same story and MC. 

  • Ossan's Love: In The Sky Special

    503. Ossan's Love: In The Sky Special

    Japanese Special - 2019, 2 episodes

    5.5

    Special for the second drama version of the "Ossan" series.

  • Ossan’s Love: LOVE or DEAD

    504. Ossan’s Love: LOVE or DEAD

    Japanese Movie - 2019

    Movie sequel to the first of the two full lenght drama versions of the "Ossan" series. 

  • Our Future

    505. Our Future

    Japanese Movie - 2011

  • Our Last Day

    506. Our Last Day

    Thai Drama - 0000

    Upcoming 2020.

  • Our Memory

    507. Our Memory

    Taiwanese Drama - 2020, 4 episodes

  • Our Skyy

    508. Our Skyy

    Thai Drama - 2018, 5 episodes

    6.5

    Anthology focusing on five (more or less) iconic Thai BL couples. Every couple gets an episode each.

    Some are utter crap, some are Okay +. 

    But it is what it is; a treat for us who want to see more of the couples we love.
    (Mork and Tee from "'Cause You're My Boy", Kongpob and Arthit from "SOTUS", Pete and Kao from the "Kiss" series, In and Sun from "My Dear Loser: Edge of 17" and Pick and Rome from "Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey".)

  • Outcasts

    509. Outcasts

    Taiwanese Movie - 1986

  • Oxygen

    510. Oxygen

    Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes

    Upcoming 2020.

  • Pair of Love

    511. Pair of Love

    Taiwanese Movie - 2010

    5.5

    A short which had infinite promise and could have been beautiful, but fell on a messy production. I still do like it, though. I just don't think it was very qualitative.

  • Papa and Daddy

    512. Papa and Daddy

    Taiwanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes

  • Part Time: The Series

    513. Part Time: The Series

    Thai Drama - 2016, 26 episodes

  • Patalliro!

    514. Patalliro!

    Japanese Movie - 2019

  • Peach of Time

    515. Peach of Time

    Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes

  • Pee Nak 2

    516. Pee Nak 2

    Thai Movie - 2020

    Uhm. Horror-parody-something, featuring gay monks? :D Wtf... I think I'll have to watch it just because of the insane description. 

    Has a previous installment, but I have no idea whether there are any gay characters in it.

  • Permanent Residence

    517. Permanent Residence

    Hong Kong Movie - 2009

  • Playboy and the Gang of Cherry

    518. Playboy and the Gang of Cherry

    Thai Movie - 2017

    2.0

    Don't waste your time. The only thing you'll get out of it is a state of "what did I just watch?"

  • Porngrapher: Continued Spring Life

    519. Porngrapher: Continued Spring Life

    Japanese Movie - 2021

  • Pornographer

    520. Pornographer

    Japanese Drama - 2018, 6 episodes

    9.0

    This is pretty close to flawless, IMO.
    I can't give more than a 9,  because I wanted a bittersweet conclusion rather on the bitter side than the sweeter. And for perfection, it would have needed just a tad bit more time in order to fully flesh out this hypnotic little tale. But for the short runtime and episode count--this is nothing short of remarkable. I guess a 9 is fair, but at the same time, I'm itching to praise it even more than by rewarding it with "just" a 9.

    A true piece of art in both visuals, acting, directing and overall production. The story is so hypnotic that I couldn't tear my eyes off the screen. Told in a clever and impactful way, it blurs the lines between reality, fiction and fantasies.
    A drama I will rewatch many times--for the experience, rather than reasons like loving the couple or story or whatever.
    I found myself breathing so quietly that it was inaudible, subconsciously trying to not disturb the atmosphere. Let's not even mention during the erotic scenes--your breath will hitch all together... Though, the whole thing is erotic from beginning to end, but during the actual action scenes, then. Graphic, but tasteful. 

    It's not for everyone. Someone prude would probably die from a seizure. (I'm everything but prude--but that level of dirty talk made even me blush a couple of times...)
    Someone too young is not mature enough to fully understand the complex feelings and urges handled. Someone who wants entertainment should look elsewhere. Because this is a qualitative cinematic experience, not something to watch in order to pass time

    It's immensely fascinating, gorgeously executed, the acting is phenomenal. It's a gem.

    Also watch "Mood Indigo" ("Indigo no Kibun"), a prequel (but released after this) probing into the past of the characters.

  • Pornographer

    521. Pornographer

    Japanese Movie - 2021

  • Pornographer - Spring Life

    522. Pornographer - Spring Life

    Japanese Movie - 2021

  • Present Perfect

    523. Present Perfect

    Thai Movie - 2017

    7.0
  • Present Perfect

    524. Present Perfect

    Thai Movie - 2012

    Short film on which the full-length feature film "Present Perfect" was based.

  • Present Still Perfect

    525. Present Still Perfect

    Thai Movie - 2020

    6.0

    Sequel to "Present Perfect". Upcoming 2020.

  • Private Lessons

    526. Private Lessons

    Korean Movie - 2020

    Short.

  • Private Teacher

    527. Private Teacher

    Chinese Movie - 2017

    Short.

  • Proong Nee Gor Ruk Ter

    528. Proong Nee Gor Ruk Ter

    Thai Drama - 2009, 30 episodes

  • Puppy Love

    529. Puppy Love

    Thai Drama - 2020, 6 episodes

    Mini-drama.

  • Q Hero

    530. Q Hero

    Chinese Movie - 2018

  • Queer Movie 20

    531. Queer Movie 20

    Korean Movie - 2013

    Part of a series of shorts (of varying lenght, between 20 and 60 minutes runtime).

  • Queer Movie Beautiful

    532. Queer Movie Beautiful

    Korean Movie - 2018

    Part of a series of shorts (of varying lenght, between 20 and 60 minutes runtime.)

  • Queer Movie Butterfly: The Adult World

    533. Queer Movie Butterfly: The Adult World

    Korean Movie - 2015

    Part of a series of shorts (of varying lenght, between 20 and 60 minutes runtime).

  • Queer Movie: Candy

    534. Queer Movie: Candy

    Korean Movie - 2014

    Part of a series of shorts (of varying lenght, between 20 and 60 minutes runtime).

  • Quite Ordinary

    535. Quite Ordinary

    Japanese Movie - 2011

    Short.

  • Rainbow Age

    536. Rainbow Age

    Chinese Movie - 2016

  • Rainbow Eyes

    537. Rainbow Eyes

    Korean Movie - 2007

  • Rainbow Family

    538. Rainbow Family

    Chinese Drama - 2014, 9 episodes

  • Rare

    539. Rare

    Chinese Movie - 2017

    Short.

  • REC

    540. REC

    Korean Movie - 2011

  • Red Balloon

    541. Red Balloon

    Taiwanese Drama - 2017, 8 episodes

    8.5

    For this short a series, with such a short runtime per episode--this is seriously impressive. The amount of story and emotion that the director managed to pack within those few minutes--without making the end result messy--is surprising. 

    It's a simple little thing, and it's not flawless, but it's great. This would have made for an awesome full-length series, there would be so much to explore about these guys and their story--but even in this compact size it tells more, and with greater depth, than many standard runtime dramas. There are quite a few memorable scenes and especially one, concerning a side character, will burn into your memory. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it.

    Acting is great, the chemistry is lovely, the story is engaging and all in all, it should get much more attention than it has gotten. It's just a small little glimpse of a love story, but it's beautiful. 

    Production is good for such a small project with limited budget, big plus for some great songs in the OST/score.

  • Red Wine in the Dark Night

    542. Red Wine in the Dark Night

    Thai Movie - 2015

    4.0

    Okay, I hate vampire themes. I especially hate vampire themes paired up with BL. 

    But this would have been crap even if I DIDN'T hate vampires. 

    This is bad. Seriously so. The only redeeming thing would be Fluke, since he's a decent actor.

  • Reggimi

    543. Reggimi

    Korean Movie - 2021

    Short.

  • ReminderS

    544. ReminderS

    Thai Drama - 2019, 3 episodes

    4.5

    Uhh. This small mini-drama thingy is absolutely pointless. I didn't expect greatness, I only watched for two reasons; 

    One; A glimpse of Phun and Noh in uni--which was... slightly rewarding but mostly disappointing. Just random, shallow and... uhh. And when did Noh turn into a total sharp-clawed bitch?
    (It feels like Captain couldn't get into his old role of Noh and accidentally got into his role of Sean, from "Great Men Academy"...)

    Second reason; I really like all the four main actors in "Love By Chance", who are all present in this one, in the same two pairings--but as different characters... This would make for a very confusing watch unless one knows beforehand that their characters here have nothing to do with their characters in "Love By Chance"... 

    It's shallow, it's stupid, it's more or less a waste of time--but I guess it gives us what it inteded to. I assume that there was no deeper thought behind this whole mess of a mini-drama--other than show off one of the most beloved BL couples ever, as well as give us some more of our two main LBC couples. And it did that. So I can't give the thing an absolute bottom rating.

  • Renai Shindan

    545. Renai Shindan

    Japanese Drama - 2007, 12 episodes

    6.0

    Old school Japan.

  • Reuan Rom Ngiw

    546. Reuan Rom Ngiw

    Thai Drama - 2021, 27 episodes

  • Right By Me

    547. Right By Me

    Thai Movie - 2005

    5.5
  • River Knows Fish Heart

    548. River Knows Fish Heart

    Chinese Movie - 2018

  • River's Edge

    549. River's Edge

    Japanese Movie - 2018

    Not BL, but a gay MC. Adapted from award-winning manga.

  • Road Movie

    550. Road Movie

    Korean Movie - 2002

  • Romantic Station

    551. Romantic Station

    Thai Movie - 2020

    Short.

  • Room Alone 2: The Series

    552. Room Alone 2: The Series

    Thai Drama - 2015, 15 episodes

    6.0
  • Room Alone: The Series

    553. Room Alone: The Series

    Thai Drama - 2014, 10 episodes

    6.0
  • Roommate

    554. Roommate

    Thai Drama - 2020, 4 episodes

  • Roommate Special Episode

    555. Roommate Special Episode

    Thai Special - 2020, 1 episode

  • Roop Thong

    556. Roop Thong

    Thai Drama - 2018, 18 episodes

  • Ruby and Ice Ice

    557. Ruby and Ice Ice

    Taiwanese Movie - 2018

    Short.

  • Ryu Sun Bi's Wedding Ceremony

    558. Ryu Sun Bi's Wedding Ceremony

    Korean Drama - 2021, 8 episodes

  • Sai Lub Jub Abb

    559. Sai Lub Jub Abb

    Thai Drama - 2017, 13 episodes

  • SaifahZon Story

    560. SaifahZon Story

    Thai Special - 2020, 3 episodes

    6.0
  • Saimon & Tada Takashi

    561. Saimon & Tada Takashi

    Japanese Movie - 2018

  • Saitankyori wa Mawari Kudokute

    562. Saitankyori wa Mawari Kudokute

    Japanese Movie - 2019

  • Same Difference

    565. Same Difference

    Japanese Movie - 2014

    4.0

    Super-crappy adaptation of a crappy, clichéed yaoi manga. The actual physical BL content is so tame that it's ridiculous, if I remember correctly.

  • Same Same Is Not The Same

    566. Same Same Is Not The Same

    Thai Movie - 2015

    Short.

  • Sanaeha Diary Series: Buang Sanaeha

    567. Sanaeha Diary Series: Buang Sanaeha

    Thai Drama - 2017, 11 episodes

  • Sapai Ka Fak

    568. Sapai Ka Fak

    Thai Drama - 2018, 29 episodes

  • Second Chance

    569. Second Chance

    Thai Drama - 2021, 6 episodes

  • Secret

    570. Secret

    Korean Movie - 2013

    Short

  • Secret Love: Love Behind One's Back

    571. Secret Love: Love Behind One's Back

    Thai Movie - 2014

    Short-film (in the borderland between short and full-lenght).

  • Secret Roommate

    572. Secret Roommate

    Korean Movie - 2020

    Short.

  • Secret Spectacles

    573. Secret Spectacles

    Korean Movie - 2017

    Short.

  • Seek McCartney

    574. Seek McCartney

    Chinese Movie - 2018

  • Sei no Gekiyaku

    575. Sei no Gekiyaku

    Japanese Movie - 2020

    7.5

    Adaptation of the manga by Mizuta Yuki. 

    WARNING: Not for the faint of heart... This is GRAPHIC. Basically--very forceful BDSM porn, but with a story. So this piece would be very uncomfortable for the sensitive.
    Subber's insert in the beginning; "Watch with headphones"... Yes. I strongly suggest you do... (Unless you live in sound proof surroundings, your neighbours are deaf, or you don't have an issue with people who overhear, labelling you a porn fiend.)

    I expected to dislike this--maybe even hate it. I didn't. I really liked it. 

    It's so graphic that I literally choked on my juice. And I am definitely seasoned when it comes to X-rated BL... Visually very daring, but even more so, it's the content that'll make you go "oh-my-gawd".
    Yes, it's gratuitous--it's a porn-party deluxe, but it does fill a purpose and it's the core of the story, really. Two lonely and broken perverts crossing paths. 

    Normally, I condemn all the rape that sadly is a staple in BL, but here it's placed in a context, and depicting a story of sexual kinks. But it takes an open mind to understand and accept that there are people who don't fit the frame of what's considered normal.
    It takes maturity, a willingness to figure out these two--and perhaps experience of being screwed up, as well as a bit of a perverted streak--in order to appreciate the portrayal of a far from "normal" relationship. 

    The acting impresses the hell out of me. Perhaps not due to overwhelming talent--but anyone brave (and crazy) enough to take on these roles--and convincingly pull them off--deserves respect...
    The direction, visuals and other tech stuff--is neatly and quite aesthetically done, and the result is an eye-poppingly outragerous, yet sensitive story--mesmerizing in its super strange appeal. 

  • Semantic Error

    576. Semantic Error

    Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

  • Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey

    577. Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey

    Thai Drama - 2016, 6 episodes

    6.5

    I really don't like the straight storyline nor the male lead, even if I like Cherreen. Considering the fact that the whole plot premise is supposed to revolve around pets and pet rescue, those critters are remarkably sparsely featured in the minds of the characters and the core of the drama. More like, cute props.
    (Also--as a life-long pet nut and cat breeder, I also get annoyed at most of the pet-related stuff, because they're mostly stupid and incorrect.)

    The BL storyline is okay, but very tame and not very well developed--but it's Off and Gun and those two just belong together in front of a camera.
    (I've always thought that they lack in attraction/sexual chemistry, but we haven't really seen them in any roles that have given opportunity for that... Their emotional chemistry, on the other hand, is great.)

  • Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey 2

    578. Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey 2

    Thai Drama - 2017, 8 episodes

    6.5

    Season 2. See S1 for comment.

  • Sense... Love

    579. Sense... Love

    Thai Movie - 2016

    Short.

  • Seua Chanee Gayng: Freshy

    580. Seua Chanee Gayng: Freshy

    Thai Drama - 2018, 8 episodes

  • Seven Days: Friday - Sunday

    581. Seven Days: Friday - Sunday

    Japanese Movie - 2015

    7.0

    Second installment of two-part story. See part one for comment.

  • Seven Days: Monday - Thursday

    582. Seven Days: Monday - Thursday

    Japanese Movie - 2015

    7.0

    This two-part installment isn't exactly a heavy-weight, and is lacking in many departments, but I still do recommend it for anyone who loves the original manga on which it's based. "Seven Days" is one of the most beloved classics in Shounen-ai manga--with good reason. It's just so sweet, light-hearted, fluffy and cute, that you can't help but to love it. 

    The movies are flawed, but a good effort. The directing and technical work, as well as the lovely OST, creates an atmosphere that really catches the one from the manga. It becomes a simple movie (x2) but so is the manga. Uncomplicated and cute. 

    The biggest issue, or more like; the only big one--is the acting. Hirose Tomoki blows it. He's just not a good actor, period. He tries his best, but it doesn't work. When he isn't overacting, he's stiff and awkward. His co-actor does a better job, but not exactly stellar. (Except in that one scene. "I was thinking about you". If you've read the manga, you know which scene I'm talking about. There, for a moment, he totally shone.)

    But overall--if one doesn't take it seriously, it's a cute watch that leaves you with a smile and pink, shiny cotton-candy-fluff feelings.

  • Seven Project

    583. Seven Project

    Thai Drama - 2021, 7 episodes

  • Sex Friends

    584. Sex Friends

    Thai Drama - 0000, 16 episodes

  • Shanghai Panic

    585. Shanghai Panic

    Chinese Movie - 2002

  • Sheng Jian

    586. Sheng Jian

    Taiwanese Drama - 0000

    Upcoming 2020.

  • Shiba San and Meow Chan

    587. Shiba San and Meow Chan

    Taiwanese Movie - 2018

    Short.

  • Shinjuku Midnight Baby

    588. Shinjuku Midnight Baby

    Japanese Movie - 2016

  • Shitsuren Hoken

    589. Shitsuren Hoken

    Japanese Drama - 2011, 13 episodes

    Supposedly has gay character(s?)

  • Shujin-ko

    590. Shujin-ko

    Japanese Drama - 2019, 6 episodes

    Supposedly has gay character(s).

  • Siew Sum Noi

    591. Siew Sum Noi

    Thai Drama - 2021, 12 episodes

  • Skinship

    592. Skinship

    Thai Special - 2020, 3 episodes

  • Skinship 2

    593. Skinship 2

    Thai Special - 2021, 3 episodes

  • Skip School

    594. Skip School

    Taiwanese Movie - 2020

  • Slam Dance: The Series

    595. Slam Dance: The Series

    Thai Drama - 2017, 13 episodes

    6.5
  • Sleepless Society: Two Pillows

    596. Sleepless Society: Two Pillows

    Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes

    Supposedly has gay character(s?)

  • Snakes and Earrings

    597. Snakes and Earrings

    Japanese Movie - 2008

  • So Much In Love

    598. So Much In Love

    Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes

    Upcoming 2020.

  • So Refreshed!

    599. So Refreshed!

    Korean Movie - 2014

    Short.

  • Social Death Vote

    600. Social Death Vote

    Thai Drama - 2018, 6 episodes

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