To absolutely no one’s surprise, BL dramas have gained a ginormous following in the last few years as a result of the popular series Tharntype and Kinnporsche. Coincidentally, these shows are also finely linked to the exponential surge in the popularity of Eastern dramas, more often derived from South Korea. As more people seek out captivating and intricate storylines hoping to immerse themselves in the narratives and deeply connect with the characters, more and more countries have joined in this gigantic demand.
With the growing demand for more LGBTQ+ content, particularly in the form of BL (Boys’ Love), an increasing number of companies are incorporating queer characters into their productions, and it is proving to be more successful than ever. Obviously, in a genre that is so foreign to Western eyes, it may be overwhelming to find the best BL drama to idle your time away – but worry not! As a self-proclaimed BL drama expert, I have come to your aid, and on that note, here is a list of the finest BL dramas for you to binge-watch during Pride Month.
15. Together With Me
While it may show its age in terms of production quality, Together With Me quickly gained a dedicated following among BL enthusiasts. Introducing one of Thailand’s biggest on-screen couples, Max and Tul — who portray Knock and Korn respectively — Together With Me explores a common trope often found throughout BL stories — the one-night stand. After a drunken escapade that brings them together, their friendship becomes strained by internalized homophobia and denial.
This series has its fair share of highs and lows. As Max and Tul’s first project as an acting duo, the two actors were still getting acquainted with each other and their acting styles, although that wasn’t at all noticeable in their latest project together, Manner of Death (more on that to come). While it occasionally suffers from the technical issues that often plague Thai BLs, Together With Me remains an undeniable force for any BL enthusiast to delve into, serving as an introduction to one of the genre’s first propellers outside of Thailand.
14. A Tale of a Thousand Stars
A Tale of a Thousand Stars is undeniably one of the most unique dramas in the genre. Filled to the brim with melancholy, heartbreak, memories, and heartfelt moments, this series presents a mesmerizing slow-burn romance between Tian – an entitled son of a politician, and Phupha – a dedicated soldier safeguarding Thailand’s border from invaders.
While the romance serves as a compelling focal point, A Tale of a Thousand Stars offers a rich and multi-dimensional storyline that stands on its own. The series captivates audiences with its brilliant cast, particularly Earth and Mix – who deliver exceptional performances as Chief Phupha and Tian, respectively. This story will surely bring its audience on a journey that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
13. Semantic Error
South Korea is known for its dramas surely, but only recently have they jumped on the BL train, releasing a handful of BL dramas. In this case, Semantic Error just came out earlier this year, but as per the usual K-drama scene, it is absolutely outstanding. Adapted from the Korean manhwa by the same name, Semantic Error is a fun watch, showing the life of two university students whose friendship (and later on, romance) is off to a rocky start.
Often characterized as a neurodivergent main character, Sangwoo is studying computational engineering and he is someone who is absolutely obsessed with structure. Alternatively, studying at the same university is Jaeyoung, a chaotic yet talented graphic designer. Despite their divergent beliefs, the two of them decide to join forces and create a video game. Funny, very cute, and with a great cast, Semantic Error is a quick watch for anyone hoping to see a great short series from start to finish.
12. My Beautiful Man
Adapted from the manga of the same name, My Beautiful Man offers a fantastic coming-of-age story that serves as a captivating introduction to Japanese BL dramas. Although they are infamous for their BL live-action adaptations, Japan has produced some of the best — and occasionally the worst — that the BL sphere has ever seen. However, at the pinnacle of the genre’s pyramid, one can find exceptional shows like My Beautiful Man, which tells the captivating story of Hira and Kiyoi.
My Beautiful Man serves as a compelling example of a toxic yet addictive relationship. Hira, a timid and socially anxious student, finds himself infatuated with Kiyoi, the charismatic “king” of the school and aspiring actor. The series delves into the complexities of their connection, bordering on obsession and self-depreciation. However, even with this tumultuous dynamic, My Beautiful Man also showcases a genuine bond between two individuals from entirely different backgrounds whose lives become intricately intertwined by fate.
11. Until We Meet Again
Undoubtedly one of the most emotionally captivating dramas on this list, Until We Meet Again is one of the best BL dramas to emerge from the genre. It serves as a rite of passage for anyone hoping to delve deeper into this genre, introducing some of the biggest BL Thai stars and their on-screen partners. Among them are the famous couples Fluke and Ohm – whose sizzling chemistry electrifies the screen, Earth and Kao – whose tragic love story will never end, and Boun and Prem – the surprise comedic couple with plenty of emotional baggage.
With a complex web of relationships, Until We Meet Again explores the red string of fate concept. The series introduces two couples who fall victim to a twisted game of fate, entwined by reincarnation and past memories. Despite the intricacies of the plot, Until We Meet Again showcases performances from some of the finest actors in the genre, as they put their heart and soul into bringing these characters to life. Alongside the weighty storyline, the series incorporates delightful comedy bits from two secondary couples – providing moments of laughter and relief.
10. I told the Sunset About You
Released in 2020, I Told The Sunset About You quickly became extremely popular among BL fans and others alike. Its eclectic production combined with unique dialogue and great acting has lured people into this coming-of-age drama. Following the story of Teh and Oh-Aew from childhood friends to high school enemies, this drama includes two ambitious main characters aiming to become actors, butting heads along the way.
With two seasons, including the second season titled I Promised You The Moon, along with a documentary and original music videos and songs, this Thai drama received a phenomenal response and garnered widespread acclaim for its exceptional cinematography, compelling screenwriting, and remarkable performances.
9. We Best Love: No. 1 For You
Produced and recorded in Taiwan, We Best Love aired in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Needing a well-deserved break, fans quickly turned to this Taiwanese drama for comfort and were definitely not disappointed. Not usually considered to be the common clichéd romance, especially considering the first season’s cliffhanger in We Best Love, we get to know Zhou Shu Yi, a college student that always ends up in second place to his arch-enemy, Gao Shi De.
From frenemies to lovers, to strangers, this story continues its incredibly aesthetically pleasing cinematography and fantastic acting in season 2 (entitled Mr. 2nd), where the audience meets a more mature side of the main characters. Season 3 is currently in the works, with a possible focus on a few loved side characters.
8. HIStory 3: Trapped
Part of the HIStory web series, in which each season gets a new storyline within the same universe as previous stories, Trapped is the 6th installment within the saga. Just like its counterparts, Trapped is a Taiwanese drama, with an incredibly good budget that is evident through the gorgeous cinematography and the top-tier casting.
This story has a much more mature storyline, considering the main characters are enemies by the book: a policeman and a crime lord. Pursuing themes involving crime, revenge, death, and raw and passionate love stories, this drama is absolutely perfect for a kick of adrenaline alongside the much-adored trope of enemies to lovers.
7. Not Me
Revolving around university students, Not Me presents a gripping drama that intertwines elements of revenge, crime, and bureaucratic controversies, serving as a metaphorical critique of Thai society. The story delves into the exhilarating and intense journey of twin brothers and their apolitical friends as they strive to overthrow a powerful drug lord who has monopolized the workforce. Although airing in 2021, Not Me quickly became one of the most highly anticipated dramas of the year.
With a cast that includes Off and Gun — two prominent figures in the BL scene who previously co-starred in Theory of Love — the intricate plot and complex storylines of Not Me deliver an incredibly compelling viewing experience. The presence of these talented actors only heightened the anticipation surrounding the drama.
6. The Eighth Sense
Until recently, South Korea wasn’t widely recognized as a prominent source for BL dramas. However, everything changed in 2020 with the arrival of the first South Korean BL drama. Subsequent series were created, and the country swiftly became known for its collection of sweet BL dramas characterized by limited episodes and short seasons. Within this small array of South Korean BL dramas, each series has become iconic for different reasons, showcasing the gems the country has to offer.
With a limited run of only 10 episodes, Eighth Sense completely revolutionized the South Korean BL scene. This extraordinary series presents a beautiful coming-of-age story between two university students, setting itself apart from the majority of South Korean dramas. Anchored by the exceptional Im Ji Sub and Oh Jun Taek, Eighth Sense establishes an unprecedented standard in acting, cinematography, and scriptwriting. It offers a mature narrative capable of evoking a wide range of emotions, captivating its audience from start to finish.
5. Manner of Death
Thai BL Dramas very often tend to take the form of school-life-related plots, and that might get repetitive as time goes by, but every so often a drama that completely shifts the narrative comes by, and in 2020 it was Manner of Death’s turn. Protagonized by Max and Tul, two famous BL actors previously known for Together With Me, this drama involves quite a complex backstory that is slowly disclosed as the episodes go by.
Full of twists and turns, Manner of Death shows the life of Dr. Bunnakit (Tul), a forensic doctor who rules out the death of a woman by suicide. All the clues rule out Tan (Max) as the probable murderer, while he denies any involvement and teams up with Bunnakit to find the real culprit. Passion, lust, betrayal, and intensity characterize this romance thriller.
4. Bad Buddy
Much lighter when it comes to thematics, Bad Buddy is a 2021 Thai drama that completely took over the internet upon its release. Passing down the rivalry from their families almost as a relic heirloom, Bad Buddy introduces the story of Pran and Pat, two children, and later on, teenagers, who are in a constant state of rivalry. Whether it is about grades, achievements, or even appearance, these two boys are constantly quarreling and trying to outshine each other.
While trying to end their family’s brawl, the two decide to become friends, to the point where they start developing feelings for one another. In this fun drama, one gets to know Nanon and Ohm as the main actors who completely took over the heart of any fan due to their simple and subtle acting that just tugs at our heartstrings just right.
3. HIStory 3: Make Our Days Count
As the 7th drama of the HIStory web series, Make Our Days Count is a Taiwanese coming-of-age drama from 2019. From the same universe as HIStory 3: Trapped, this story shows a completely different side of the same city. In Make Our Days Count we get to know Xiang Hao Ting and Yu Xi Gu, two high school students who are nothing alike.
On one hand, Hao Ting disobeys the teachers and leads a carefree lifestyle, surrounded by love from his peers and family, on the other hand, there is Xi Gu, an orphan who is trying to make ends meet and trying his best to support himself while remaining a top student. The two sides of the same coin end up going from strangers to lovers, and sometimes fate isn’t kind, even for young people. In a heartbreaking yet beautiful and comedic drama, everyone will be able to find puppy love, comfort, and solace in these characters.
2. KinnPorsche
The nearly undefeated Tharntype might just get dethroned by a newcomer in the BL landscape. KinnPorsche is an action-filled story that grabbed the hearts of people through an absolutely packed plot. It tells the story of Kinn and Porsche – who end up getting involved when Kinn, the son of a Mafia boss, is trying to flee from an enemy and meets Porsche, a waiter who winds up helping him in a twist of fate. After being invited to become Kinn’s bodyguard (well, forced), Porsche now went from being at a seemingly safe and steady job at a bar to working at a completely unorthodox and borderline-violent place that constantly puts his life at stake.
This drama is possibly one of the most explicit BL series to have come out from Thailand, showing unequivocally brutal moments as well as explicitly lustful situations. In just a matter of a few episodes, KinnPorsche received quite the reception online, and even just a few months after the show’s airing, fans wholeheartedly believed that Kinnporsche will surely become the BL drama to bring new fans into the genre. And that it did.
1. Tharntype
At some point or another, everyone’s heard of the staple in BL dramas: Tharntype. Holding two of the most coveted actors in Thailand, Tharntype has the pleasure to have Mew and Gulf as its main actors, portraying Tharn and Type, respectively. Showing an intense rivalry between these two college roommates, Tharntype shows a raw and intense struggle with sexual identity which is a theme that isn’t as thoroughly explored in other dramas.
Type is a homophobic jock who is sharing a college dorm with a sexually ambiguous musician, Tharn. The popularity of this drama is very likely due to the actors’ chemistry, as well as their lustful scenes, leading to Tharntype being a symbolic emblem in the BL genre. With two seasons, two special episodes, and original songs, Tharntype is the ideal drama for everyone aiming to become attached to perfectly imperfect characters who are just trying to find their own place in an ungrateful world.
Although very niche and unique, BL and GL (Girls’ Love) are two genres that are slowly but surely expanding and spreading their wings in the television scene. With more and more people getting access to Eastern content on the internet, one can surely expect Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea to keep trying to bring more inclusivity and diversity to their entertainment content.