Alright, confession time. I'm a total crybaby when it comes to sad BL dramas. Give me a heartbreaking storyline, and I'm already reaching for the tissues. Maybe that makes me a masochist? I dunno, but these stories wreck you in the best way possible. They make you feel everything. I'm sobbing into your pillow at 2am, texting your friends like "I'M NOT OKAY."
What gets the waterworks going? Could be unrequited love. Terminal illness storylines that will destroy you (but you watch anyway because you hate yourself). Characters dealing with loss, grief, or impossible choices. Sometimes, it's about societal pressure. Or families who don't accept them. Or lovers separated by circumstances beyond their control. These dramas build you up with happy moments, make you love these characters, and then absolutely demolish your emotions. You'll ugly cry. Multiple times.
Here's my list of sad and emotional BL dramas.
List of Sad and Emotional BL Series
Saddest BL Dramas
You better get your tissue box ready, because these tearjerking love stories are gonna make you cry! Here are the saddest BL dramas of all time.
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.
180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us (2022)
180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us is a Thai BL series about trauma and family melodrama. The protagonist and his mom have depended on each other since his dad's untimely death. Recently, they encountered an old family friend who shared a fascinating history with his parents. The main character delves into secret scandals, emotional conflicts, and unspeakable truths about who his father used to be.
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.
Love Bill (2022)
Love Bill is a Vietnamese BL series about a runaway teenager and his older roommate. After clashing with his family, the rebellious protagonist deserts home with nowhere to go. An aspiring screenwriter allows the youth to live at his house as a renter. Although their relationship begins rockily, they build an intimate bond. As romantic feelings develop, they struggle with the age gap, class differences, and confusion over their sexuality.
A Shoulder to Cry On (2023)
A Shoulder to Cry On is a Korean BL series about two high school students who go from enemies to friends. The main character is the star of the archery club. He clashes with his cheeky classmate, who pranks, teases, and bullies him. Eventually, they overcome their animosity and develop a close bond. The lonely teens open up about the unhappiness inside their hearts.
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.
Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo (2024)
Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo is a Korean BL series about two teenagers who befriend each other in a quiet town. The main character is a moody high school student who dreams of escaping his abusive father. One day, a newcomer arrives to train and live with them at their taekwondo gym. Initially, the lead doesn't get along with his bubbly roommate. To his surprise, they form an unlikely bond and become each other's confidante.
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.
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.
Unknown (2024)
Unknown is a Taiwanese BL series about two orphans who grow up together. The main character comes from an abusive home. After losing his mother, he must look after his younger sister and becomes a teen delinquent working under a gang leader. One night, the protagonist encounters another homeless child. Out of kindness, he invites the boy to live with him. Over the years, their bond becomes so close that they consider each other brothers.
Sad BL Series in 2025
Connect
Connect is a short Korean BL series about two guys on a matchmaking app. The two have been talking online, and now they want to meet in person for the first time.
Love Reset
Love Reset is a short Korean BL series about two boyfriends having a rough time in their relationship. The main character doesn't feel happy, and tensions erupt as their seven-year anniversary approaches.
My Idol
My Idol is a short Korean BL drama about a track star struggling to stay on the team. His coach warns him that his student-athlete career may be over.
Second Blue
Second Blue is a Japanese BL series about a book designer who reunites with a school crush. They must collaborate on a project, which brings back romantic sparks.
Twosome Boys
Twosome Boys is a short Korean BL series about two idol trainees. The lead holds a grudge against his former acquaintance over a shocking betrayal in the past.
Sad BL Series in 2024
7 Days Before Valentine
7 Days Before Valentine is a Thai fantasy BL series about a cupid with deadly powers. After his breakup, the main character has the ability to eliminate anyone from existence.
Bad Guy
Bad Guy is a short Korean BL series about an engaged man who meets his ex-boyfriend before the wedding. Old feelings resurface as they spend time together.
Gray Shelter
Gray Shelter is a sad Korean BL series about two stepbrothers reuniting in adulthood. They must confront their unresolved feelings and heal from past traumas.
I'm a Fool for You Season 4
I'm a Fool for You 4 is the final season of the Hong Kong BL series. The main characters reunite before a friend's wedding, but they haven't been in contact since the failed confession.
Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo
Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo is a Korean BL series about two teenagers living in a quiet town. Despite their gloomy surroundings, they grow closer as roommates and befriend each other.
My Strawberry Film
My Strawberry Film is a Japanese high school drama with a BL storyline. A group of friends must navigate their unrequited feelings while investigating an old movie.
Night Dream
Night Dream is a Thai BL series about three high school friends in a love triangle. After the main character moves away, they reunite years later and rebuild their bond.
Our Youth
Our Youth is a Japanese BL series about a top high school student and his delinquent classmate. Despite their different backgrounds, the lead finds himself drawn to the mysterious rebel.
Perfect Propose
Perfect Propose is a Japanese BL series about two childhood friends who begin living together. The protagonist is stressed over work, while his roommate helps him adjust to a healthier routine.
Seoul Blues
Seoul Blues is a Korean BL series about a love triangle among three childhood friends. When the main character starts dating his friend, another friend becomes jealous.
Spare Me Your Mercy
Spare Me Your Mercy is a Thai BL series about a doctor involved in a complex murder investigation. After three terminally ill patients die under his care, the police treat him as a suspect.
The Hidden Moon
The Hidden Moon is a Thai BL series about a group of friends staying in a haunted house. The lead meets a mysterious ghost from the past and falls in love with him.
The Time of Fever
The Time of Fever is the prequel to the Korean BL series, Unintentional Love Story. The main character and his childhood friend live together while navigating their budding attraction.
Twosome Boys
Twosome Boys is a short Korean BL series about two idol trainees. The lead holds a grudge against his former acquaintance over a shocking betrayal in the past.
Unknown
Unknown is a Taiwanese BL series about two orphans who grew up together. The main character encounters a homeless child and invites him to live in his home.
Winter Is Not the Death of Summer but the Birth of Spring
Winter Is Not the Death of Summer but the Birth of Spring is a Thai BL series about two prison inmates. While the lead struggles to adapt to jail life, he befriends another young prisoner.
Sad BL Series in 2023
7 Days Before Valentine
7 Days Before Valentine is a Thai fantasy BL series about a cupid with deadly powers. After his breakup, the main character has the ability to eliminate anyone from existence.
A Breeze of Love
A Breeze of Love is a Korean BL series about two university students reuniting after high school. They meet on campus after separating on unfriendly terms.
A Shoulder to Cry On
A Shoulder to Cry On is a Korean BL series about two high school students who go from enemies to friends. Despite their personality clash, they overcome their feud and develop a bond.
Behind the Shadows
Behind the Shadows is a Korean historical BL drama with a gay protagonist. A young noble and his male companion have been best friends since childhood.
I Cannot Reach You
I Cannot Reach You is a Japanese high school BL series about two childhood best friends. The main character has a secret crush on his companion.
Night Dream
Night Dream is a Thai BL series about three high school friends in a love triangle. After the main character moves away, they reunite years later and rebuild their bond.
Polyethylene Terephthalate
Polyethylene Terephthalate is a Japanese BL series about a couple and their relationship troubles. As their second anniversary approaches, they must decide whether to continue dating or not.
Shimbashi Koi Story 3
Shimbashi Koi Story 3 is the third season of the Japanese BL series. The sequel continues the story of two lovers who met at a bear bar.
Stay Still
Stay Still is a Hong Kong BL series about two tenants in an apartment building. After moving into a new flat, the protagonist befriends his elderly neighbour and her grandson.
Sad BL Series in 2022
180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us
180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us is a Thai BL series exploring trauma and family melodrama. The lead meets a mysterious man who shared a history with his father.
Blue of Winter
Blue of Winter is a Korean BL series about a high school love triangle. The main character is in the judo club, where he meets a new student with a crush on him.
Boy Scouts
Boy Scouts is a short Thai BL series about the misadventures in a scout camp. The main character is bullied by the other teens until a heroic boy scout comes to his rescue.
BOYS
BOYS is a Hong Kong BL series about two young actors in a theatre play. The main character has an unrequited crush on his costar, who only sees them as friends.
Eternal Yesterday
Eternal Yesterday is a Japanese BL series about two teenagers who experience a tragedy. On an ordinary morning, a disastrous event changes their lives forever.
Happy Ending Romance
Happy Ending Romance is a Korean BL series about a love triangle between two authors and a publisher. The protagonist is a controversial writer struggling with his career.
I'm a Fool for You 3
I'm a Fool for You Season 3 is the third season of the Hong Kong BL series. The story showcases the emotional relationship drama of three gay men.
Kissable Lips
Kissable Lips is a Korean BL series about a vampire and his human lover. The main character is a dying vampire who needs to drink a rare type of blood to stay alive.
Love Area Part 2
Love Area Part 2 is the sequel of the Thai BL series, Love Area. This story continues the volatile relationship between two restaurant employees.
Once Again
Once Again is a Korean BL series about going back in time to stop a murder. The protagonist discovers the ability to revisit the past and stop a tragedy from happening years ago.
Something in My Room
Something in My Room is a Thai BL series about a haunted house. The main character meets a ghost residing in his bedroom, forming an unusual connection with his new roommate.
The Promise Thailand
The Promise 2022 is the prologue for the 2023 Thai BL series The Promise. The main characters are best friends, but their relationship becomes strained over romantic feelings.
The Promise
The Promise is a Vietnamese BL series about a stepbrother romance. The main character doesn't get along with his older brother until an incident brings them closer.
To My Star 2
To My Star 2 is the sequel of the Korean BL series, To My Star. This second season continues the turbulent romance between a famous actor and an ordinary chef.
Sad BL Series in 2021
Color Rush
Color Rush is a Korean BL series about the emotional journey of a colourblind protagonist. The main character regains the colours in his vision, but only when he's in proximity to his soulmate.
Follow My Sunshine
Follow My Sunshine is a Vietnamese BL series about a coming-of-age school romance. The main characters are best friends who live together and attend the same school.
Fools
Fools is a Vietnamese BL series about three friends on their high school graduation day. They experience confessions, confrontations, and emotional drama.
I'm a Fool for You
I'm a Fool for You is a Hong Kong BL series about a group of high school friends after a recent reunion. The main characters used to be close, yet they have drifted apart over the years.
I'm a Fool for You 2
I'm a Fool for You Season 2 is the second season of the Hong Kong BL series. This sequel continues the story of two former friends and their unrequited love since high school.
Innocent
Innocent is a Taiwanese BL series about a man with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). When he begins a romance with an ordinary man, they go through an emotional journey together.
Peach of Time
Peach of Time is a Korean BL series with a mix of melodrama, mystery & supernatural twists. The story follows a mother-son duo and a visitor from Thailand, living together in the same house.
The Yearbook
The Yearbook is a Thai BL series about two childhood friends in their senior year of high school. Their close friendship becomes strained as they wrestle with repressed feelings.