The boy’s love (BL) genre is experiencing a surge in popularity like never before. As the term suggests, BL dramas revolve around romantic relationships between male characters. These series often showcase captivating romances, highlighting character development as they navigate their feelings. In Asia, the rise of BL dramas plays a crucial role in challenging societal norms and stigmas surrounding same-sex relationships by bringing MxM love stories to a wider audience.
Interested in exploring the world of BL? Below are ten must-watch dramas and series.
10. Yuri on Ice
Yuri on Ice stands out as the only anime on this list, yet its significance makes it impossible to overlook. This series was pivotal in popularizing BL themes before the genre gained mainstream recognition.
The show depicts the journey of Yuri Katsuki, a Japanese figure skater, and his idol Victor Nikiforov, a celebrated Russian figure skating champion. Released in 2016, it garnered acclaim for its portrayal of same-sex relationships within the realm of sports, effectively highlighting the complexities of love and partnership.
9. Not Me
Not Me is another popular Thai BL that captivates audiences for good reason. It seamlessly intertwines romance with thrilling elements, touching on themes of activism and justice.
This series follows White (Gun Atthaphan Phunsawat) as he steps into the shoes of his twin brother Black to uncover the truth behind an attack that leaves Black hospitalized. He soon discovers the dark underbelly of a group with malicious intentions. As White infiltrates this faction, he struggles to maintain his cover, all while facing mounting suspicion from fellow faction member Sean (Off Jumpol Adulkittiporn), which adds tension to their interactions.
8. Plus & Minus
If you’re curious about a BL narrative involving childhood friends transitioning into lovers, Plus & Minus is a Taiwanese gem worth watching.
The plot follows Cheng Ze Shou (Max Lin) and Fu Li Gong (Shi Cheng Xuan), two childhood pals whose bond evolves as they work together at a law firm after two decades of friendship. While they’ve shared countless memories, the potential for romance between them remains unexplored… until now.
7. Light on Me
School romances are a beloved theme in Asian dramas. If you’re seeking a boys’ love narrative in a school setting, give Light on Me—a Korean drama—a try.
Set in an all-boys high school, the story follows Woo Tae Kyung (Lee Sae On), an introverted student who joins the student council to forge new friendships. However, his relationship with vice president Noh Shin Woo (Kang Yoo Seok) is marked by conflicts. As they spend more time together, the boundary between rivalry and friendship blurs, leaving viewers questioning whether a deeper connection awaits.
6. What Did You Eat Yesterday?
Not every BL focuses on youthful characters. What Did You Eat Yesterday? stands out by featuring a couple in their 40s, offering a different yet heartwarming narrative.
This Japanese slice-of-life comedy revolves around Shiro Kakei (Hidetoshi Nishijima) and Kenji Yabuki (Seiyou Uchino), a gay couple in their middle age who share a love for cooking and enjoy creating homemade meals together. Though they keep their relationship private from the outside world, the show beautifully illustrates the quiet joys of their everyday lives.
5. Bad Buddy
If you enjoy the classic rival families trope akin to Romeo & Juliet, then Bad Buddy is a perfect match, exemplifying the theme of competing families amidst romantic intrigue.
Bad Buddy unfolds the story of university students Nanon (Korapat Kirdpan) and Ohm (Pawat Chittsawangdee), who have long been rivals, stemming from an age-old feud between their families. In university, the rivalry even extends to their friends in respective engineering and architecture courses. Yet, amid their differences, an unanticipated closeness begins to form, complicating their established dynamics.
4. Our Dating Sim
Our Dating Sim is a Korean BL that masterfully combines heartfelt moments with palpable sexual tension, making it an ideal starting point for newcomers to the genre.
The series revolves around Lee Wan and Shin Ki Tae, who both find themselves working at a video game company. The plot thickens when Lee Wan learns he must collaborate with Ki Tae, a former close friend whose rejection of Wan’s romantic advances strained their relationship. Navigating their complicated past and professional space creates a rollercoaster of emotions.
3. Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! merges office romance with whimsical fantasy, appealing to those experiencing the nuances of first love in their 20s and 30s. A Thai adaptation is also available.
The story follows Kiyoshi Adachi (Eiji Akaso), an office worker who enters his 30s without any sexual experiences. Upon turning 30, he gains a magical ability to read people’s minds through touch, leading to unexpected developments in his life and romantic prospects.
2. Semantic Error
Regarded as the first mainstream BL in South Korea, Semantic Error triggered a notable surge in the genre’s popularity within the country.
The narrative follows the competitive dynamic between Choo Sang Woo (Park Jae Chan), a meticulous programmer, and the free-spirited artist Jang Jae Young (Park Seo Ham). Their initial clash during a collaborative school project leads to further pranks and a chaotic feud, which slowly reveals deeper feelings hidden beneath their rivalry.
1. Eternal Yesterday
Eternal Yesterday offers a departure from the typical happy endings often found in BL dramas, presenting a poignant and emotional narrative instead.
The plot follows Mitsuru Oumi (Sora Inoue), a solitary individual who forms a friendship with the cheerful Koichi Yamada (Rio Komiya). Their awkward beginnings quickly blossom into closeness and undeniable feelings. However, fate deals a cruel blow when an unforeseen tragedy strikes on their way to school, altering their lives irrevocably.
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