Best BL Series... (from any country...)
...according to me (obvs). Enjoy :)
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1. Um Conto de Mil Estrelas
Thai Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
Lead character has an emergency heart transplant. He decides to be a volunteer teacher after finding out the heart donor was one.
Really nicely written. Beautiful locations. Good acting. Really interesting character study of the main lead. It's not perfect but it is excellent. So yeah, you're welcome.
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2. Ele Está Vindo Para Mim
Thai Drama - 2019, 8 episodes
Boy can see the ghost of a young man who has been dead for 20 years. As he gets older he visits until they are almost the same age. Later they try to solve the mystery of the ghost's death together.
Just an interesting story with good acting.
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3. Como Nos Filmes
Filipino Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
Young man, who has yet to come out, agrees to let his neighbour, who is openly gay, live with him in order for him to get the money for rent when he is broke.
Really sensitively deals with homosexuality and internalised shame. It's really good for that. Bit slice-of-life like.
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4. Adrenalina de Cores
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
Set in an alternate universe with Monos, who only see the world in black, white and shades of grey. They have a Probe. This is essentially a match for them. When a mono looks at their probe's face they can see colour. Follows a mono as he meets his probe.
Such a damn interesting idea. It's just a well-executed brilliant idea. It should be longer really for the idea. It is too short but I'd still totally recommend it.
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5. Dark Blue Kiss
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
Kao and Pete are in an established relationship and it follows them as Pete is openly gey at home, while Kao is still not open. It also follows Sun and Mork as their relationship develops. Sequel to Kiss Me Again (helps to have seen for context but not totally necessary).
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6. Cherry Magic!
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
Based on a meme/Japanese folk tale. The main character is about to turn thirty and is still a virgin. There is a myth that if you turn thirty still a virgin you turn into a magician. When the main character hit his thirtieth birthday he gains the ability to hear other people's thoughts. Through this he discovers his co-worker like him.
It. Is. Adorable. Just so cute honestly.
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7. HIStory3: Armadilha
Taiwanese Special - 2019, 20 episodes
Hate-to-love story between a police officer and a gang leader as they both investigate a double murder from four years prior that killed a person they loved.
Great chemistry. Well written for development.
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8. Life Senjou no Bokura: Director's Cut
Japanese Movie - 2020
Ito and Nishi meet as high-schoolers as they both walk on the white line on the road and each compromise to help the other continue.
Really good. Like so good. (I recommend the Director's Cut as the ending is much more satisfying.)
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9. Contei ao pôr do sol sobre você
Thai Drama - 2020, 5 episodes
Two friends who became rivals as children after a juevenile conflict reunite as teenagers.
So Good. Just so good.
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10. Para Sempre o Primeiro
Taiwanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
High school rivals meet in college and jealousy reignites for one of the main characters.
The chemistry and acting are both excellent and it's a nice believable story (with a couple of drama induced coincidences lol).
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11. Viciado
Chinese Drama - 2016, 15 episodes
Main characters are, unknown to them, newly step-brothers. They meet for the first time in class. Events occur. Lol.
Story has issues tbh. Some toxicity. But the chemistry is just great. Due to Chinese censorship there is no ending, so be warned. But I'd still recommend for the chemistry alone honestly.
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12. Amor Com Falhas
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
Self-indulgent addition to the list. This is not a BL series, but a side couple is a BL couple and are just excellent.
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13. Gameboys
Filipino Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
Gamer meets a guy online while streaming. They continue to talk to each other during lockdown over the internet. Funny, romantic. Also grapples with lockdown in a sensitive, realistic and not overbearing way.
I was late to this one, but it was great when I finally got to it. Imo the film is even better, but I'd definitely recommend both.
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14. Bad Buddy
Thai Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Two boys were raised as rivals due to the conflict between their parents. They were neighbours growing up and have always been pushed into competition with one another. The story starts when they are both at university in rival majors; architecture and engineering.
Entertaining and light-hearted. This is Thai BL at it's comedy best. The humour translates well. The pacing for this drama is excellent and the chemistry and acting is just golden. The humour and banter work well and the moments of tragedy and sorrow were so well portrayed. Was such a great watch.