Finding the best BL dramas is tough since there are nearly thousands of series to choose from. Most of us just don't have the time to watch everything available. Not to mention, we don't the patience to sit through hours of boring filler. As much as we love watching BL, this genre has too much mediocre content. It's not easy to find the top BL dramas that define the genre.
Luckily, BL Watcher has the time and obsessive energy to watch everything. I have personally sat through every drama reviewed on this site, so I know what the quality is like. I can tell you exactly which series are hits and which ones are total flops. My reviews dive deep into the plots, the chemistry, the acting, and those all-important endings. You'll see exactly why I label these shows the best or the worst.
Every show, movie, and anime listed below is a personal favourite. They might not be perfect, and your taste might be different from mine. Still, these stories stuck with me because of the great acting or the intense romances. I'm willing to bet you'll love them too.
Check out my recommendations on the best BL dramas of all time!
List of Best BL Series and Dramas
Best BL by Year
Best BL by Country
BL Recommendations
Best BL of All Time
Below, you'll find my top 50 BL dramas of all time. It's potentially the most important information on BL Watcher. I've spent countless nights debating with myself over which ones to include. Yes, tears were shed! And yes, blood was drawn! Picking my favourite BL stories is an emotionally and physically daunting task, but I've done it. I reserve the right to change this list any time, depending on how my heart feels.
Eternal Yesterday (2022)
Eternal Yesterday is a Japanese BL series about two high school students who experience a heartbreaking tragedy. The protagonist used to be a loner until his cheerful classmate befriends him. Despite their opposite personalities, they form a close bond and cultivate a secret attraction. On an ordinary morning, they are walking to school. A devastating event suddenly occurs, changing their lives forever.
The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese (2020)
The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese is a Japanese BL movie based on a manga. The main character is an unfaithful married man cheating on his wife. When his detective friend discovers the affair, he agrees to keep it a secret in exchange for a passionate kiss. Their first kiss unlocks a turbulent relationship between the pair, in a journey filled with desire, mistrust, and heartbreak.
Bad Buddy (2021)
Bad Buddy is a Thai BL series about two university students with an intense rivalry. The main characters are neighbours whose families have feuded for many decades. Their friends from the engineering and architecture departments are also involved in an irreconcilable dispute. Despite the hostility around them, these enemies find themselves growing closer instead of antagonizing each other.
Last Twilight (2023)
Last Twilight is a Thai BL series about a visually impaired protagonist and his caregiver. The main character is an athlete who feels demoralized after losing his vision. His family hires a professional aid to help with daily routines. The new employee is a former convict with a stern demeanour. Unlike everyone else, he speaks bluntly to his employer and doesn't pity him. Despite their initial clash, they bond and learn to rely on each other.
I Told Sunset About You (2020)
I Told Sunset About You is a coming-of-age Thai BL drama about two childhood friends who turned into bitter rivals. They become close again during the university admission process, as the former enemies rebuild their broken friendship. When the feelings between them deepen, they experience intense passion, confusion, betrayal, and heartbreak.
Our Youth (2024)
Our Youth is a Japanese BL series about the romance between a top student and his delinquent classmate. The main character is an overachieving teenager who gets excellent grades and always follows the rules. He earns constant praise from his teachers and family. The protagonist crosses paths with a troublemaker in his class, whom everyone tells him to avoid. Despite the warnings, he finds himself drawn to the mysterious rebel.
Cherry Magic (2020)
Cherry Magic is a Japanese BL drama about a workplace romance with a quirky twist. The protagonist is an ordinary office worker, who never had any sexual relationships during his twenties. He suddenly develops a magical power on his 30th birthday, allowing him to read other people's minds every time they touch. This newfound ability completely transforms his life and comes with many exciting surprises.
Love in the Big City Drama (2024)
Love in the Big City is a Korean BL series about a gay writer and his dating experiences. The main character is a single young man looking for romance. He meets guys in bars, clubs, hobby groups, and hookup apps, each from a different walk of life. Some relationships end as short flings, while others develop into emotional journeys. Through the highs and lows of his love life, the protagonist discovers valuable lessons about himself.
I Feel You Linger in the Air (2023)
I Feel You Linger in the Air is a Thai historical BL series with a fantasy twist. After an accident, the main character regains consciousness and finds himself stuck in the past. He is lost and confused while navigating an unfamiliar world from decades ago. Eventually, he receives help from a young aristocrat. As the protagonist begins working for the wealthy household, he develops forbidden feelings for his employer.
The Eclipse (2022)
The Eclipse is a Thai BL series about an uprising at an all-boys school. As the president of the prefects club, the main character is used to following the rules. He feels disturbed by the recent protests and strange phenomena happening around campus. The protagonist believes the new transfer student is responsible for causing these disruptions. He investigates the rebellious classmate, hoping to uncover his mysterious intentions.
The Eighth Sense (2023)
The Eighth Sense is a Korean BL series about the emotional relationship between two university students. The main character has moved away from a small town to study in a big city. He befriends the campus heartthrob, who entices the protagonist to join the surfing club. As their bond deepens, his charming companion becomes increasingly restless. Beneath the confident swagger, he struggles with his deteriorating mental health.
My School President (2022)
My School President is a Thai BL series about an enchanting teenage love story. The protagonist is an aspiring musician who forms a high school band with his friends. He clashes with the student council president, who threatens to cancel their extracurricular activities. Despite initial hostility, the relationship takes a friendlier turn. Beneath his bravado, the president may not be as intimidating as he seems.
A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021)
A Tale of Thousand Stars is a Thai BL drama that explores what you would do with a precious second chance in life. After a death-defying experience, the main character makes dramatic changes to transform his lifestyle. In his journey of self-discovery, he also finds a sweet romance with an unlikely love interest. They help each other grow, heal, and strengthen.
See Your Love (2024)
See Your Love is a Taiwanese BL series about a wealthy business heir and his caregiver. The main character comes from a privileged family and must help manage his father's company. However, he lacks ambition and constantly finds excuses to avoid responsibility. After an injury, the protagonist finds himself in a wheelchair and needs support with his daily needs. He hires a new personal assistant, who happens to be deaf.
Not Me (2021)
Not Me is a Thai BL action series. The protagonist assumes his twin's identity to investigate what happened to his hospitalized brother. Previously, his sibling was part of a mysterious group that plotted hostile activities. The main character infiltrates the faction and tries to earn their trust while maintaining his undercover disguise. Yet, he faces suspicion from one specific member as tensions escalate dangerously.
Cherry Magic Thailand (2023)
Cherry Magic Thailand is the Thai remake of the famous Japanese BL series. The main character is a single office worker with low self-esteem. Suddenly, he gains the power to read other people's minds on his 30th birthday. To his surprise, he discovers his colleague has a secret crush on him. Beneath his confident demeanour, the company's star employee is lovestruck and constantly thinks about the protagonist.
Semantic Error (2022)
Semantic Error is a Korean BL series about two feuding university students. A serious programmer and a rebellious artist clash over a school project. Their animosity keeps escalating to new extremes, defined by petty pranks and feisty arguments. When their vendetta starts to dissolve, the characters discover their feelings for each other are a lot more complicated.
Our Dating Sim (2023)
Our Dating Sim is a Korean BL series about a workplace romance in a video game company. The protagonist is stressed when he reunites with his high school crush during a new job opportunity. Due to a failed love confession, these two childhood friends fell out of touch for many years. They must work together in a small office environment, navigating their troubled relationship history and hazy professional boundaries.
Ossan's Love Hong Kong (2021)
Ossan's Love Hong Kong is a remake of the popular Japanese BL series. This workplace comedy features an unexpected love triangle between a young real estate agent, his coworker, and their boss. The main character is shocked to discover his manager has a secret crush on him. Later, he is confronted by another colleague's romantic confession. The protagonist feels overwhelmed and doesn't know how to navigate the office dynamics.
Jack and Joker (2024)
Jack and Joker is a Thai BL series about a legendary thief and an innocent man who gets caught in the chaos of his schemes. The main character struggles with the family debt after his parents passed away. His life may be difficult, but he tries to stay optimistic. One day, the protagonist crosses paths with a mysterious stranger. He doesn't realize his new friend is secretly a criminal, hiding a double life beneath his charming facade.
Mood Indigo (2019)
Mood Indigo is a Japanese BL drama about a struggling author, who begins to write pornographic novels at the urging of his friend. Although the main character is initially reluctant to work in this industry, he slowly learns to adapt the eroticism into his writing. As he delves deeper into this salacious genre, the relationship with his editor also becomes increasingly sensual.
10Dance (2025)
10Dance is a Japanese BL movie about the romance between two elite dancers. The main character is a national champion who specializes in Latin dance, while his rival has experience in ballroom dance. Despite their differences, they agree to train together for an upcoming competition. Each lesson grows more intense, blurring the line between mentorship and sexual tension. The protagonist is trying to understand the nature of his feelings.
Suk Suk (2019)
Suk Suk is a Hong Kong movie about the secret romance between two elderly gay men. The main character has spent decades hiding his true self within a traditional family. He lives as a conventional husband and devoted father while leading a double life. Everything changes when he meets another senior and falls in love. The two protagonists begin a forbidden affair that must remain hidden from everyone they know.
What Did You Eat Yesterday? (2019)
What Did You Eat Yesterday is a Japanese BL slice-of-life comedy. The story depicts the sweet and frequently funny day-to-day routine of an ordinary gay couple. Both main characters are in their 40s and live together as boyfriends. They love cooking and always make time to enjoy homemade dinners. However, their relationship is a secret, so only their close acquaintances know they are dating.
Your Name Engraved Herein (2020)
Your Name Engraved Herein is a Taiwanese BL movie, depicting a gay high school romance in the 1980s. The main characters are two students who have fallen in love during a forbidden era and cannot openly express their love for each other. As these teenagers navigate their confused feelings, they experience the excitement, confusion, and heartbreak associated with first love.
Ossan's Love Returns (2024)
Ossan's Love Returns is the sequel to the famous Japanese BL comedy series. The story follows two real estate agents and their love life. After moving in together, the main characters hire a housekeeping service. They are surprised to employ their former boss, who has switched careers. The protagonists are also suspicious of their mysterious neighbours. The paranoia grows into hilariously over-the-top shenanigans.
Old Fashion Cupcake (2022)
Old Fashion Cupcake is a Japanese BL series about a delightful office romance. The main character is a single business employee in his late thirties, who lacks ambition and fails to enjoy life beyond his job. A young colleague befriends the protagonist and encourages him to try new experiences outside his comfort zone. They start by visiting various dessert parlours, constantly standing out as the only male customers in shops packed with women.
To My Star 2 (2022)
To My Star 2: Our Untold Stories is the second season of the Korean BL series, To My Star. This sequel continues the romance between a famous actor and an ordinary chef. However, the couple is no longer together at the beginning of the story. A year after their heartbreaking separation, the devastated protagonist seeks answers from his missing ex-boyfriend.
Moonlight Chicken (2023)
Moonlight Chicken is a Thai BL series about a restaurant owner's romance with his customer. The protagonist runs a local diner that sells chicken rice. On a fateful evening, he encounters a younger man and hooks up with him. It was supposed to be a quick, meaningless fling. Yet, his one-night stand has developed feelings. He reappears and seems determined to pursue a relationship.
Journey to the Shore (2020)
Journey to the Shore is a Korean BL movie about two high school students in a secret romance. The couple goes on a trip to a distant beachside town, far away from their peers and acquaintances. They enjoy their alone time together, working up the courage to display physical affection in public. Beneath their momentary happiness, these boyfriends feel troubled by a grim and depressing future.
The Time of Fever (2024)
The Time of Fever is a Korean BL series about two teenagers in a coastal town. After his father's death, the main character and his mother return to their hometown for a fresh start. His childhood friend moves in with them due to family troubles. Although the protagonist enjoys their time together, he develops romantic feelings for his companion. Their friendship turns complicated as the secret desires grow, threatening to disrupt their bond.
If It's With You (2023)
If It's With You is a sweet Japanese BL series about two high school students in a coastal town. After moving into his new home, the main character befriends a kind teenager who works at a family restaurant. They develop a cozy bond while hanging out at school and around the neighbourhood. The protagonist realizes he has developed romantic feelings for his friend. However, he doesn't believe his one-sided love is reciprocated.
More Than Words (2022)
More Than Words is a Japanese drama about three best friends in a love triangle over the years. The aromantic female protagonist befriends a popular classmate, even though she isn't interested in dating him. Later, they welcome a gay coworker to their social circle. The trio gets along splendidly, forming a close bond from high school to adulthood. Yet, their relationship reaches an emotional turning point that threatens to drive them apart.
Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation (2023)
Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation is the movie sequel to the Japanese BL anime series. It continues the sweet love story of a high school couple who recently started dating. The main characters must find a way to express their feelings and explore their physical desires. In addition, they worry about how friends and family will react to their relationship. The protagonist also deals with the stress and uncertainty of university entrance exams.
Where Your Eyes Linger (2020)
Where Your Eyes Linger is a Korean BL drama about a wealthy student and his devoted live-in bodyguard. Their close adolescent friendship intensifies over time, complicated by a love triangle and family disapproval. The two characters must navigate through their coy, confusing, and complicated feelings for each other.
The Warp Effect (2022)
The Warp Effect is a Thai comedy series with a BL subplot. The main character is an uncool high school student who causes drunken chaos at a party. After regaining consciousness, the protagonist discovers he has travelled to the future. His adult life is drastically different. All his teenage best friends have become his enemies. Using a set of photos as clues, he must decipher what happened and find a way to return to his original timeline.
What Did You Eat Yesterday Movie (2021)
The What Did You Eat Yesterday movie is the sequel to the Japanese BL drama. This slice-of-life story focuses on a middle-aged gay couple who live together. The film begins with the closeted protagonist taking his boyfriend on vacation, showing a surprising amount of openness in public. His partner is flattered, but he begins to wonder what could have prompted this uncharacteristic change in behaviour.
Spare Me Your Mercy (2024)
Spare Me Your Mercy is a Thai BL series about a doctor involved in a complex murder investigation. The main character specializes in palliative care, treating patients with terminal illnesses. Strangely, many of them keep dying sooner than diagnosed. The protagonist meets a police detective whose mother passed away under odd circumstances. Their relationship becomes tangled with suspicions, accusations, and complicated feelings.
Light On Me (2021)
Light On Me is a Korean BL drama that takes place in an all-boys high school. The main character is a lonely outcast until he joins the school's student council. Although he is welcomed by a new group of friends, there's one particular student who clashes with him and makes his life more volatile. As they get to know each other better, the line between their feud and friendship becomes blurred.
Grey Rainbow (2016)
Grey Rainbow is a Thai series about two best friends who discover their romantic feelings for each other. This drama covers the coming out journey in extensive detail, with an honest and raw depiction of LGBTQ+ issues. It also explores the family dynamic, including how some parents respond to their children’s sexual orientation.
Plus & Minus (2022)
Plus & Minus is a Taiwanese BL series about the romance between two childhood friends. The main characters have been best friends for over twenty years. Now, they work as colleagues in the same law firm. Despite their close brotherly bond, this friendship never escalated until now. Both struggle with their feelings for each other.
Love Begins in the World of If (2025)
Love Begins in the World of If is a Japanese BL series about an office worker in a parallel universe. The main character works in technical sales. He's a quiet guy who keeps his distance and doesn't get along with his coworkers. Things start to unravel when an angry client cancels a contract because of him. Feeling stressed, he goes to a shrine and makes a wish. The protagonist finds himself in a new timeline where he must rethink his choices.
Love Is A Poison (2024)
Love Is A Poison is a Japanese BL series about a successful lawyer and his relationship with a mysterious flirt. The main character is a top attorney who prides himself on his intellect, professionalism, and emotionless demeanour. He only seems focused on his career. However, his carefully constructed world unravels when he meets a charming stranger at a bar. The protagonist struggles to suppress his feelings as he is seduced.
Given (2019)
Given is a Japanese BL anime series about a band and their mysterious new vocalist. The main character is a high school senior who plays music with college students. After befriending a quiet classmate, he discovers his friend's beautiful singing voice. The protagonist invites him to join the band, believing this newbie has untapped potential. However, his companion is secretly tormented by emotional baggage from the past.
So Long, See You Tomorrow (2023)
So Long, See You Tomorrow is a Korean movie with a storytelling twist, which unveils as the plot progresses. The main character is a gay high school student who develops a crush on his charismatic best friend. This teen relationship becomes one of his lifelong regrets. Decades later, the adult protagonist remains haunted by his unattainable love. As he navigates life wistfully, every experience seems interconnected and draws mysterious parallels.
Monster (2023)
Monster is a Japanese movie about a fifth-grade student and his troubles at school. The main character is a child who lives with his single mother. Lately, she has noticed unusual behaviour from her son. He hides secrets, brings suspicious items home, and even goes missing at night. When she confronts the principal and teachers, they won't speak candidly about what happened on campus. Her quest for answers triggers a chain of consequences.
Egoist (2023)
Egoist is a Japanese BL movie about a couple who recently met and started dating. However, they face financial troubles. While the main character can afford luxury brands, his partner struggles to make a decent income to support his mother. Despite the expensive gifts, their relationship becomes strained. As the protagonist examines the situation, he discovers a shocking secret about his boyfriend.
Ossan's Love (2018)
Ossan's Love is a Japanese BL comedy series about an office love triangle. The main character is a real estate agent in his thirties. One day, he discovers his significantly older boss has romantic feelings for him. The manager confesses his love, divorces his wife, and openly pursues him. Simultaneously, another coworker professes his secret crush. The protagonist is overwhelmed by his suitors and doesn't know how to navigate these relationships.
Ball Boy Tactics (2025)
Ball Boy Tactics is a Korean BL series about the romance between a basketball player and a former gymnast. The main character leaves his gymnastics career at the height of his fame. Instead, he pursues an ordinary life as a photography student. Despite his shyness, he forms new friendships with a few guys on the basketball team. Among them, there's a handsome player with a confident swagger. The protagonist has a secret crush on him.
Triage (2022)
Triage is a Thai BL series with the main character stuck inside a time loop. The protagonist is an emergency room doctor who repeats the same timeline after failing to save a patient's life. He must revisit the past and change history to stop the tragedy from happening. The two leads go on an extraordinary adventure with time manipulation, mystery investigation, and epic romance.
Best Japanese BL
According to BL Watcher, the best Japanese BL series are Eternal Yesterday (2022), Our Youth (2024), and Cherry Magic (2020). The best Japanese BL movies are The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese (2020), 10Dance (2025), and What Did You Eat Yesterday Movie (2021). The best Japanese BL anime are Sasaki and Miyano (2022), Given (2019), and Cherry Magic (2023).
Top Japanese BL Dramas
Our Youth (2024) 97%
Love Begins in the World of If (2025) 89%
Life~Love on the Line (2020) 88%
The End of the World With You (2023) 84%
Top Japanese BL Romantic Comedies
What Did You Eat Yesterday? (2019) 93%
Ossan's Love Returns (2024) 92%
Old Fashion Cupcake (2022) 91%
Don't Care for an Old Man's Underwear (2024) 86%
Senpai, This Can't Be Love! (2022) 84%
Top Japanese BL Movies
The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese (2020) 98%
10Dance (2025) 93%
What Did You Eat Yesterday Movie (2021) 90%
Monster (2023) 89%
Egoist (2023) 89%
Restart After Come Back Home (2020) 88%
My Beautiful Man: Eternal (2023) 86%
Top Japanese BL Anime
Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation (2023) 90%
Given (2019) 89%
Twilight Out of Focus (2024) 85%
The Summer Hikaru Died (2025) 83%
Best Korean BL
According to BL Watcher, the best Korean BL series are Love in the Big City (2024), The Eighth Sense (2023), and To My Star 2 (2021). The best Korean BL romantic comedies are Semantic Error (2022), Our Dating Sim (2023), and Ball Boy Tactics (2025). The best Korean BL movies are Journey to the Shore (2020), So Long, See You Tomorrow (2023), and 3670 (2025).
Top Korean BL Dramas
Love in the Big City Drama (2024) 96%
Where Your Eyes Linger (2020) 90%
Top Korean BL Romantic Comedies
Love for Love's Sake (2024) 88%
Top Korean BL Movies
Journey to the Shore (2020) 91%
So Long, See You Tomorrow (2023) 89%
3670 (2025) 86%
Love in the Big City Movie (2024) 83%
Top Korean BL Anime
Mignon (2023) 85%
Best Taiwanese BL
According to BL Watcher, the best Taiwanese BL dramas are See Your Love (2024), Plus & Minus (2022), Marry My Dead Body (2023), Papa & Daddy (2021), and Unknown (2024).
Top Taiwanese BL Dramas
Unknown (2024) 84%
DNA Says I Love You (2022) 83%
Top Taiwanese BL Romantic Comedies
History 2: Crossing the Line (2018) 87%
Top Taiwanese BL Movies
Your Name Engraved Herein (2020) 92%
Best Thai BL
According to BL Watcher, the best Thai BL dramas are Last Twilight (2023), I Told Sunset About You (2020), I Feel You Linger in the Air (2023), The Eclipse (2022), and Not Me (2021). The best Thai BL romantic comedies are Bad Buddy (2021), A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021), My School President (2022), Cherry Magic Thailand (2023), and Jack and Joker (2024).
Top Thai BL Dramas
I Told Sunset About You (2020) 97%
I Feel You Linger in the Air (2023) 96%
A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021) 95%
Not Me (2021) 94%
Spare Me Your Mercy (2024) 90%
Triage (2022) 88%
180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us (2022) 84%
Top Thai BL Romantic Comedies
Bad Buddy (2021) 98%
My School President (2022) 95%
Cherry Magic Thailand (2023) 94%
Top Thai BL Movies
The Paradise of Thorns (2024) 84%
BL Recommendations
After watching hundreds of BL dramas, BL Watcher has some personal favourites! You can find my list of recommendations based on the best stories, hottest romances, and cutest couples. I tried my best to diversify the choices, so I'll avoid mentioning the same titles more than once or twice.
Best Stories
Love Begins in the World of If (2025)
I Feel You Linger in the Air (2023)
A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021)
The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese (2020)
I Told Sunset About You (2020)
Hottest Romances
Love in the Big City Drama (2024)
My Beautiful Man: Eternal (2023)
Your Name Engraved Herein (2020)
Cutest Couples
Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation (2023)
HIStory 2: Crossing the Line (2018)
Funniest Comedies
Don't Care for an Old Man's Underwear (2024)
I Became the Main Role of a BL Drama (2023)
Senpai, This Can't Be Love! (2022)
What Did You Eat Yesterday Movie (2021)
What Did You Eat Yesterday? (2019)
Most Creative
Smells Like Green Spirit (2024)
So Long, See You Tomorrow (2023)
The End of the World With You (2023)
Let Me Hear It Barefoot (2021)
Most Emotional
180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us (2022)
Most Positive
School Trip: Joined a Group I'm Not Close to (2025)
Most Underrated