must watch bls - my recs

genre: fantasy, time travel, historical, drama, romance, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high 

my take: there is no better bl than this one. in my opinion, this is THE BEST bl out there. it  has a little bit of everything, and the romance in this bl is out of this world. it is the most romantic series i have ever watched. i love the characters and the story so much. 

genre: romance, drama

re-watch value: high

my take: this is probably gmmtv's best work. it consists of jimmysea who have been in one other series together as partners, and they convey all the right emotions of their characters so well in this bl. it is raw, emotional, romantic, playful, and you keep wanting more and more each episode aired. 

genre: food, romance, life, drama, age gap

re-watch value: high

my take: if you want to watch something where all the characters have chemistry with their on screen partners, than it doesn't get better than this. this starts out as a one night stand between the main leads that obviously progresses into something more. you also get a cute side story between two adolescent characters who have a unique and precious relationship with one another. 

genre: comedy, romance, university setting, enemies to lovers, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my take: this is a bl i have probably re-watched the most out of anything i have watched so far. it is light and fun, but also has some drama and an emotional plot line keeping the story interesting. the two main leads have insane chemistry with each other, and their dynamic of being childhood friends, to enemies, to lovers is very entertaining. 

genre: romance, drama, melodrama, university setting

re-watch value: high

my take: this is the best korean bl out there. the cinematography in this drama is also a huge plus. this drama has some dark elements to it that keep the drama aspect very interesting as you learn about each of the main leads backstory. its storyline is very unique in comparison to a lot of other bls i have watched, and it really sucks you in to keep watching each episode back to back.

genre: music, comedy, romance, youth, high school setting, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my take: if you like music based series, this is a must watch. this is not a bl you cringe at when a guitar comes to focus. the songs and all the characters in this series are super loveable, and it is a very fun watch. geminifourth won the hearts of not only thailand with this series, but all international countries. it also introduces winnysatang, who are incredibly adorable in here.

genre: romance, drama, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my take: if you want to watch a series that has a deeper meaning between the two main leads, and maybe something to make you cry, this is the one for you. this is such a heartfelt story between two people who first start off as strangers, and eventually develop into something more. bonus: you also get to watch some special episodes that continues their love story in our skyy 2!!

genre: romance, drama, youth, high school setting

re-watch value: high

my take: there hasn't been a bl like this one since this aired. nothing is like it. it touches on so many relatable topics for youths going through life and love all at the same time when they are trying oi discover who they really are as a person. the connection between the main leads is undeniable, and they always leave you wanting more. luckily, there is a season 2!!

genre: romance, drama, life, youth, university setting, sequel

re-watch value: high

my take: this continuation of itsay!! if you loved itsay, then this is a must watch. personally, i favored the sequel to the prequel, but both are so special to me. this is a real story that is told over the years of the two main leads going to university and living in bangkok. you watch them grow together and apart, and go through many challenges as a couple and as individuals. truly a beautiful sequel.

genre: romance, drama, family, life, slow burn, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my take: if you want ANGST, this is the one to watch. every episode has you on your toes for how their love story is going to play out. both characters have amazing character development, and their love for one another is out of this world. FIREWORKS. they have insane chemistry. this is easily one of the best bls released in 2024, if not the best taiwanese bl out there (in my opinion, of course).

genre: action, thriller, mystery, romance, drama, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my take: this is gmmtv's best action series, in my opinion, even though i still have a few non-bl action series on my plan to watch list. offgun chemistry is off the charts, and this is by far their most successful series, and fans want them to play in more bl dramas like this one. the plot is very good, and the mystery element is very intriguing. 

genre: comedy, drama, romance, life, multiple main leads, adapted from a novel (two series in one)

re-watch value: high

my take: a very easy series to watch in a sitting. first half of the series focuses on phayurain, and second half focuses on prapaisky. both story lines are very different from each other, but compliment each other well. the chemistry is also off the charts, and there is a special episode for this series as well, which is extremely good.

genre: mystery, romance, drama, crime, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my take: if you like a bit of crime/action, but also are here for the romance, this series just might be up your alley. both of the couples in this bl have extreme chemistry, and their stories are very different from one another. there is love, loss, suffering, reunion, and so many more emotions told throughout this bl. a favorite taiwanese bl of mine, and always will be. 

genre: romance, drama, youth, university setting, adapted from a webtoon

re-watch value: high

my take: probably one of the easiest bls to binge in a day. i didn't even know i was going onto episode after episode when i first started this series, and by the time i knew it, i was already on the last episode. it's that good. they have a very youthful relationship, but it also touches on subjects that are quite relatable to the watcher. 

genre: romance, drama, youth, time jump, childhood friends, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my take: this is one of the longer series i have watched for a bl, and i didn't think it was too long. in my opinion, each episode had a purpose, and i didn't find any moments where i felt like "that should have been taken out" or "why did they include that in here". i think their story is so fun to watch since you see their characters grow together for years. this is the best love story of childhood friends to lovers. 

genre: mystery, romance, drama, youth, high school setting, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my take: very interesting bl that is unique from a lot that i've seen! firstkhao have great chemistry in this series, and they are the perfect fit of their characters. if you like drama and mystery all with a bit of first love romance, this is a great find!

genre: action, mystery, supernatural, drama, romance, love in the workplace, soulmates, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my take: billybabe made this series so fun to watch. they are a new couple who have the most chemistry with each other that i have seen in a while. because of them, i will tune into anything they are casted in. this series has all the right elements if you enjoy a supernatural twist on things, along with romance and a bit of mystery. very fun watch. 

genre: romance, drama, love in the workplace, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my take: this bl has some of the best kissing scenes out there. it is a shame that netjames won't be paired together for anymore future projects because they were really enjoyable to watch together. aside from that, this drama is more than just about "friends with benefits" and it actually touches on some deeper topics. (read trigger warnings).

genre: comedy, romance, drama, arranged marriage

re-watch value: medium

my take: the plot isn't the best in comparison to some other bls, but it certainly is unique! an arranged marriage between two men from two wealthy families is quite different from anything we have seen, and i think that they portrayed the story well. they also have amazing chemistry with each other, and have several cute moments.

genre: action, romance, drama, youth

re-watch value: medium

my take: probably my favorite pondphuwin series as of right now. their characters are very different from everything else they have been in, and it is nice to see pond play such a protective role. they both play high school students who end up running away together for the safety of phuwin's character, and of course their love for each other flourishes while they spend more time together. there is action, love, tragedy, reunion, and many other things in this series that make it so great. 

genre: action, romance, crime, drama, adapted from a web novel

re-watch value: high

my take: 

genre: romance, drama, comedy, sport, university setting, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my take: bounprem exceed expectations in this bl. they play very cute characters, and care for one another in this series very deeply. there is a bit of a deeper meaning in this bl that main character, team (prem), struggles with and win (boun), just knows how to make him feel comfortable and safe. 

genre: omegaverse, supernatural, action, romance, drama, sport, adapted from a web novel

re-watch value: high

my take: the omegaverse was very different from anything i have watched or read, but i was pleasantly surprised! the element of supernatural powers along with the roles of each person in this omegaverse kept the story really interesting. 

genre: law, romance, drama, crime

re-watch value: high

my take: 

genre: comedy, romance, life, youth, university setting, adapted from a web novel

re-watch value: high

my take: a great university romance with a bit of a grumpy x sunshine trope. the dynamic of the characters fit really well with one another and as you watch, you are just rooting for them up p until the very end. 

genre: romance, youth, drama, life, university setting, multiple main leads

re-watch value: high

my take: this bl is MESSY. but in a good way. each couple's story is very different from each other, but somehow they are all intertwined. you watch this not knowing if the couples are going to make it or not, but each episode has an element of surprise with a lot of mature content other than sex.

genre: romance, comedy, love in the workplace, supernatural, adapted from a manga

re-watch value: high

my take: a very cute adaptation from taynew. i loved seeing newie play such a shy and cute character, he had me kicking my feet the whole time. tay played such a gentleman, and his character absolutely loves achi. super fun to watch, and is def a series to rewatch because it is so wholesome. 

genre: romance, drama, youth, university setting, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my take: 

genre: food, romance, youth, drama, soulmates, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium

my take: there is something about watching soulmate love. they just suck you in. there is an element here that is a bit different from other bls that keeps you on your toes, and it is a nice set up for series "between us" if you want to watch that as well. both series coincide with each other, but are not needed to watch each one, however, you do get to see some sweet moments in each series from each main couple.

genre: romance, drama, comedy, supernatural, life, university setting, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my take: 

genre: fantasy, body switching, comedy, drama, romance, youth, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium

my take: a very funny series from jimmysea! i absolutely loved this series, and all of the cameos it had. i don't think there is a bl out there with so many different actors. each episodes surprises you with a new character even if they are only there for one episode. very bingeable and very funny to watch!

genre: fantasy, romance, youth, adapted from a webtoon

re-watch value: high

my take: one of my favorite korean bls! it was so different from other bls i have seen! the characters are very sweet, and you can see them both developing feelings over each episode.

genre: music, romance, drama, youth, high school setting, adapted from a webtoon

re-watch value: high

my take: cute story about boys who go to a private high school that emphasizes on music studies. a lot of talented students with the same passion of some sort come together in this bl. there is a deeper story that takes place as well, and as it all unfolds it leaves you on the edge of your seat! 

genre: romance, drama, life, adapted from a manga

re-watch value: high

my take: 

genre: comedy, romance, life, youth, university setting, adapted from a webtoon

re-watch value: medium

my take: 

genre: romance, youth, drama, life, childhood friends, enemies to lovers, university setting

re-watch value: high

my take: 

genre: comedy, romance, life, youth, high school setting, adapted from a manga

re-watch value: medium

my take: 

genre: romance, drama, childhood friends, life

re-watch value: medium

my take: 

genre: comedy, romance, drama, enemies to lovers, love in the workplace

re-watch value: medium

my take: 

genre: action, thriller, mystery, romance, crime, drama

re-watch value: medium

my take: 

genre: comedy, romance, life, youth, university setting, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium

my take: 

genre: romance, youth, university setting, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium

my take: 

genre: comedy, romance, life, love in the workplace, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium

my take: 

genre: comedy, romance, drama, life, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium

my take: 

genre: comedy, romance, youth, drama, sports, university setting, childhood friends, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium

my take: