BLs I enjoyed watching
I really enjoyed watching them and would consider this my 'favorite BL works that I will go back to watch annually'! A lot of 'coming of age' genre since that is my favorite although I am also a fan of danmei adaptation (THE UNTAMED!! which is my ultimate favorite).
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1. Cherry Magic!
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
This is definitely more on the comedic side but I enjoyed watching the main leads and really enjoyed how simple and cute the story is. It's definitely not as focused on romance as some people might like for a boys love series, but I'd like to argue that it is slow and subtle which adds to the charm of the series since the MC does not understand love and is slowly learning what love is. This adds to the beauty and simplicity of it!
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2. Contei ao pôr do sol sobre você
Thai Drama - 2020, 5 episodes
Absolutely beautiful piece of art. I love the cinematography so much (my favorite out of all boys love movies I've watched) and the chemistry between the main leads. A beautiful coming of age story that just feels so realistic and captures the struggles and pain of youth and love.
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3. Palavra de Honra
Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes
After watching the Untamed, I never thought I'd come across a story or couple that would touch my heart in the same way...but I was so wrong. While comparing Word of Honor to the Untamed is very unfair (budget difference) I think that the chemistry of the leads and the story itself is definitely the most interesting out of my list. Highly recommend it if you have watched the untamed or maybe if you are not familiar with the world of danmei adaptation because of how you disagree with the "censorship" of the romance. I honestly don't know how this got past censorship but I love it and the main couple is very very much in love. "Soulmates" hahaha
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4. Vida - Amor em Jogo
Japanese Drama - 2020, 4 episodes
A coming of age boys love story which shows the beginning, process, and what a relationship looks like from teen to adulthood. It shows the barriers and struggles of relationships. And it shows the purity and naivity of youth. Not the most interesting in terms of plot but I think this captures so many sides of love and it leaves a bittersweet feeling at points. Overall, beautiful story and one that I will most definitely find myself going back to.
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5. Após O Recomeço
Japanese Movie - 2020
A simple coming of age story of a guy who comes back to his hometown after being the working world for awhile. He rediscovers his roots, makes a special relationship and tries to navigate life back at home. I think it's very simple and not the most eventful, but the way the MC tries to rediscover himself was very interesting to watch and to watch the relationship unfold. Definitely enjoyed watching it!
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6. Eu Te Prometi a Lua
Thai Drama - 2021, 5 episodes
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7. Unintentional Love Story
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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8. O Oitavo Sentido
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
This is one where I definitely think is not as 'wholesome' as the other series but again (I've repeated this so many times I've lost count haha) the CHEMISTRY between the two main leads is so magnetic. The plot in the beginning is one of the best I've seen in terms of how it slowly builds up and lets us know their background, their story, their personality and we get to see parts of themselves discover parts of themselves they maybe didn't recognize in themselves come out. I do think the ending, without spoiling, definitely made me go on an emotional rollercoaster but overall as a series I would go back to this and enjoyed watching!
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9. Luz em Mim
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
I recently rewatched this and decided that this should be on my list. While I do think this series has it's "cliche" moments I do like the approach it took for a love triangle. I personally had a great experience watching it, definitely tugged at my heart in many moments and one of the leads is so awkwardly adorable and I say that in the most endearing way. His character is so thoughtful and I think that is what made the series really shine for me.
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10. The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese
Japanese Movie - 2020
This one definitely differs from the rest of my list in that it is darker and definitely more explicit. However, I think it was incredibly powerful and moving. I'm amazed at how the film tackles so many topics while beautifully weaving themes and messages to create a cohesive piece of artwork. The actors were incredibly talented, conveying emotions with just their expressions, and the brilliant directing and cinematography was absolutely breathtaking. I didn't expect to love it as much as I did, but I greatly enjoyed it despite its painful moments, as it realistically depicts the struggles of love and relationships.
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11. Bokura no Shokutaku
Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
This show is a breath of fresh air. The simplicity and beauty of raw human emotions are what draw me to Japanese BL, and this series is a perfect example of that. It explores the dynamics of family, relationships, and love—delving into deep topics with a lighthearted tone that showcases the beauty of life. Tane is absolutely adorable, and I find that stories about unconventional families deconstructing and redefining what it means to love and support one another resonate deeply. The themes of being there for one another, listening to each other's stories, and sharing experiences—like "eating together" or essentially doing life together—are truly heartwarming. My heart was very full from watching this.
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12. The Time of Fever
Korean Drama - 2024, 6 episodes
This has some of the best acting I've seen and the way that the actors can communicate information without speaking attests to their talent. It was a heart warming short story and prequel to the side story of unintentional love story, and in some ways this story felt more 'well rounded' to me and I'm so glad I watched it. While the story contains many themes of BL, childhood friends, high school setting, and the plot may not be the most remarkable I think the acting and chemistry, the uncertainty and uncertainty in young romance makes this stand out to me. I think it does a beautiful job of capturing romance in youth and it gave me so much joy to watch.