Favourite Dramas/Movies
The title alone is self-explanatory. Heads up, I don't really watch romance (but I enjoy BL a lot, so I'm including it here), so the titles you see here have little to zero romance content in them, unless stated otherwise.
This list includes K-Drama, J-Drama, and C-Drama, in no particular order.
Will update it as I continue to discover my new faves.
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1. dele
Japanese Drama - 2018, 8 episodes
The idea and the foundation of the drama were simple, but the way the story developed in each episode was very intriguing. The cinematography work was astounding too. I especially loved episode 4. The main characters' chemistry were great and the disability rep was done well!
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2. Strangers from Hell
Korean Drama - 2019, 10 episodes
Im Siwan was brilliant in this drama and Lee Dongwook's perfomance was outstanding! The other casts did a wonderful job as well in bringing their characters to life. The plot, the twist, the tension, mindblowing. It reminded me of Hannibal.
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3. The Untamed
Chinese Drama - 2019, 50 episodes
The ultimate BL drama you need in the list. If you haven't watched this yet, what are you doing with your life? Just go watch it already and thank me later.
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4. The Guest
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
Horror genre is not my cup of tea but this one succeeded in reeling me in. With a solid beginning, this drama makes you question who the 'guest' is. And even if you have the answer, the twist will slap you hard in the face. The three protagonists' interaction was fun to watch and their strong bond made it hard to not love them. And kudos to the other casts. They deserve a standing ovation for their marvellous performances.
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5. Teiichi's Country
Japanese Movie - 2017
A very fun movie! Political themed but the plot itself was not too heavy for anyone to watch. Some parts I cringed, some I laughed, and some made my heart warm. But the twist, though. Brilliant.
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6. The Merciless
Korean Movie - 2017
Cop, gangster, crime, action, noir, betrayal. This movie was irresistible from start to end. Sol Kyung-gu's acting in this one was top notch, I tell you. And hey, Im Siwan's here too!
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7. The Boy Next Door
Korean Drama - 2017, 15 episodes
Psst, Choi Woo-sik from Parasite is in this one. Freaking hilarious. Watch this if you want a good laugh. But seriously, they need to make a full-length drama out of this webdrama.
Not BL. More like bromance.
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8. Guardian
Chinese Drama - 2018, 40 episodes
There were rooms for improvement in terms of the plot and the CGI. Not really my favourite, but I still included it in this list because Guardian was one of my first C-Dramas I watched and BL, at that. So it kinda holds a special spot in my heart for some reason. I enjoyed the interaction between the two main leads and their chemistry was so precious! Also the opening theme song was a bop.
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9. S.C.I
Chinese Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
Criminal investigation squad's story with psychological theme? This drama will satisfy you with its engaging plot, well-crafted characters, and intriguing cases.
Moderate romance content.
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10. What Did You Eat Yesterday?
Japanese Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
Slice of life drama but with an honest view on LGBT+ issues. It brought to the table the questions LGBT+ couples often get from straight people and gracefully handled them through these characters. Add that with cooking and food, this drama is a heartwarming show you should watch. Just make sure you eat before you click the play button. You don't want to be seen drooling at the beautiful sight of the food like me.
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11. Prison Playbook
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
The beginning was pretty slow and the length for each episode was like watching a full movie, but once you get over them you'll come to appreciate its dark humour and fun, humane characters with various backgrounds. Also, here's to Yoo Hanyang, one of the most beloved characters in this show.
Moderate romance content.
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12. ST Aka to Shiro no Sousa File
Japanese Drama - 2014, 10 episodes
Another criminal investigation squad story, but this time the tone of the show isn't as serious as others. The members were all quirky in their own ways. I enjoyed watching the two main leads' interaction the most. Their chemistry was good! The cases were nice, nothing too complex or heavy, but still entertaining nonetheless. A fun show to watch if you got some time to kill.
Also, does anyone know if someone has subbed its movie yet?
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13. Close-Knit
Japanese Movie - 2017
A bittersweet movie about a girl who was abandoned by her mother and then lived together with her uncle and his partner, who was a trans woman. It shows the struggles LGBT+ people often face in their everyday lives through Rinko's character. I personally thought Ikuta Toma did well with his role in this one. And I truly loved the couple's sweet interaction with each other. Some scenes in the movie really warmed my heart too.
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14. Long Time No See
Korean Drama - 2017, 5 episodes
Craving for a BL story with actions and happy ending? This one is made especially for you. I loved how raw some scenes were, it made everything seemed so natural and thus, more enjoyable for me to watch. Thumbs up for the actors, the director, and everyone involved in the making of this webdrama.
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15. Drama Special Season 7: The Legendary Lackey
Korean Special - 2016, 1 episode
Another hilarious show. The main lead was so freaking funny! His interaction with the others, especially the head of the bully, and the way he reacted to things were gold. Good job to the actor! But all that aside, his determination and brilliant yet risky and ridiculous idea were something to be applauded for, though. The bromance in this one was very strong I would say.
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16. Ossan's Love
Japanese Drama - 2018, 7 episodes
If you're a BL fan, you must have known this one. The slapstick humour, Tanaka Kei's various facial expressions, and the overall mood of the story were just too funny! It has all the BL tropes cliché you can find in mangas that you still enjoy reading nevertheless (admit it, we all are at some point). Bonus point is that the casts are all well-known actors, so no need to doubt their performances.
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17. Night Flight
Korean Movie - 2014
If you want some gay heavy angst stuff, watch this one. It will break your heart in myriad of ways. Just be warned of the trigger warnings.
CW: bullying, suicide attempt, some explicit sex contents