Asian BL Ranking.
My personal ranking of every asian BL drama i have watched, including the not-so-good ones.
( Dramas I have left without star-rating may not be placed correctly in this list. I watched most of these when I was at the tender age range of 14 - 16, which is a while back considering I am now almost 21. )
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1. The Eighth Sense
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
Outstanding cinematography. Incredible acting. Raw, mature and relatable storyline, especially for individuals who are university aged and/or have struggled with depression. Lim Jisub and Oh Juntaek's on-camera chemistry is unlike any I've seen before. All of their interactions, both positive and negative, felt real. I truly treasured every second of this series.
Though I do have my fair share of complaints regarding the editing and certain character arc conclusions, I think they are relatively easy to overlook.
This is the future I wish for the asian BL industry.
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2. Semantic Error
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
I have a strong preference for cinema with an overall serious atmosphere, however, «Semantic Error» is drama that manages to be endearingly silly without coming across as overly cartoonish or cheap in the romance.
Having read the webtoon prior to watching the drama, I feel compelled to mention how I think Jaeyoung's drama adapted persona is a great step-up from his character in the source material.
No other actors would have fit Sangwoo and Jaeyoung as well as Park Jaechan and Park Seoham.
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3. The Untamed
Chinese Drama - 2019, 50 episodes
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4. Blueming
Korean Drama - 2022, 11 episodes
This is a drama I wholeheartedly believe is too short for its own good. I absolutely adore the cinematography, as well as all the *slightly* awkward interactions between Siwon and Daun. Their general relationship to each other feels very cautious and inexperienced in a refreshingly realistic way.
I most likely would have given «Blueming» a rating of 9.5 or 10 had the runtime been longer. Still, what this drama manages to accomplish in only 2.5 hours is beyond impressive.
Sad to see it getting a remake instead of a season 2.
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5. I Told Sunset about You
Thai Drama - 2020, 5 episodes
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6. To My Star Season 2: Our Untold Stories
Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
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7. To My Star
Korean Drama - 2021, 9 episodes
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8. Stay with Me
Chinese Drama - 2023, 24 episodes
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9. Tinted With You
Korean Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
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10. Until We Meet Again
Thai Drama - 2019, 17 episodes
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11. HIStory3: Trapped
Taiwanese Special - 2019, 20 episodes
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12. A Shoulder to Cry On
Korean Drama - 2023, 7 episodes
Current and previous K-POP idols taking on roles within the BL genre is not exactly unheard of. However, both main actors being members of the same group (in this case, OMEGA X) is certainly rare.
The visual quality of this drama is what stands out to me the most. Despite being littered with k-drama clichés, I still found «A Shoulder To Cry On» to be an entertaining watch. Unfortunately, the writing grows increasingly lacklustre with every episode.
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13. Unintentional Love Story
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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14. Addicted
Chinese Drama - 2016, 15 episodes
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15. Night Flight
Korean Movie - 2014
A touching movie documenting the harsh reality of what queer youth can be like at the hands of society.
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16. Not Me
Thai Drama - 2021, 14 episodes
A clear step up for Thai BL.
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17. Star Struck
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
While «Star Struck» offers little new for avid BL drama watchers, I still happened to enjoy what was given. I am, however, adamant that this should have been a movie instead.
Zuho has been my bias in SF9 for quite a few years now, so seeing him take on a queer role was a pleasant surprise.
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18. 2gether
Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
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19. SOTUS
Thai Drama - 2016, 15 episodes
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20. 2 Moons
Thai Drama - 2017, 12 episodes
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21. TharnType
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
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22. 30-sai made Dotei Da to Mahotsukai ni Nareru rashii
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
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23. Where Your Eyes Linger
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
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24. Kissable Lips
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
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25. Roommates of Poongduck 304
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
If you enjoy goofy, short-lived rivalry dynamics, then «Roommates of Poongduck 304» might be the drama for you.
A large portion of the show takes place in an office-setting, which I admit I am not a huge fan of. Kim Jiwoong playing this unserious, silly nepo-baby character was the main reason I stuck around to see the end.
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26. Yandai Byway No.10
Chinese Drama - 2016, 10 episodes
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27. Views of Love: Grey Rainbow
Thai Drama - 2016, 4 episodes
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28. Like Love
Chinese Drama - 2014, 15 episodes
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29. Make It Right
Thai Drama - 2016, 12 episodes
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30. Mr. X and I
Chinese Drama - 2015, 4 episodes
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31. A Round Trip to Love
Chinese Movie - 2016
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32. I Go to School Not by Bus
Hong Kong Movie - 2015
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33. Together with Me
Thai Drama - 2017, 13 episodes
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34. Water Boyy
Thai Drama - 2017, 14 episodes
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35. Long Time No See
Korean Drama - 2017, 5 episodes
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36. Our Dating Sim
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
From what I have gathered, my thoughts on this drama appear to be a bit unpopular. «Our Dating Sim» follows a bland plot-line in a bland setting with bland characters. I found Lee Jonghyuk's character quite cute, but apart from that, nothing about this drama drew me in.
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37. Color Rush
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
Interesting premise, falls a bit flat on execution.
I think what bothered me most about «Color Rush» was the stark difference in performance between the show’s two main actors. Yoo Jun’s portrayal of Yeonwoo was quite decent. However, all of Hur Hyunjun’s lines sounded stiff and blatantly scripted. Perhaps his style of speaking was intentional? Perhaps not. Either way, it would not negate the fact that my emersion broke whenever he opened his mouth. Their chemistry was excruciatingly unconvincing as well.. which offered me a few laughs.
How exactly this drama landed a second season is beyond me. -
38. I Like You, You Know?
Chinese Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
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39. HIStory: My Hero
Taiwanese Special - 2017, 4 episodes
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40. Advance Bravely
Chinese Drama - 2017, 30 episodes
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41. Love Love You
Thai Movie - 2015
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42. Red Balloon
Taiwanese Drama - 2017, 8 episodes
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43. My Engineer
Thai Drama - 2020, 14 episodes
«My Engineer» is a drama that is so bad it somehow manages to be good. I can't stand the main couple, but I found the side-couples very entertaining.
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44. Beloved Enemy
Chinese Drama - 2017, 15 episodes
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45. Alternative Love
Chinese Movie - 2016
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46. HIStory: Stay Away from Me
Taiwanese Special - 2017, 4 episodes
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47. HIStory: Obsessed
Taiwanese Special - 2017, 4 episodes
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48. Ghost Boyfriend 1
Chinese Movie - 2016
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49. Customized Companion
Chinese Movie - 2017
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50. Me and Mr. X Season 3: Goodbye Mr. X
Chinese Drama - 2016, 9 episodes