Obsessive/Yandere (+sometimes stalkerific) MLs

I am happy to announce that a show has finally dethroned Born Again on yandere levels. This man is THE BLUEPRINT. Every stalker trope? He hits them. Some of the comments on the show describe viewers feeling disgusted--this is one sick puppy. He licks her discarded popsicle stick, has a wall collage of candid photos he took of her, and orchestrates an insane neighbor love story with her. He simply can't live without her and will jump into every yandere stereotype imaginable to win her heart. Also, horror music plays (something that really is a plus in my book). 

Obsession score: infinity/10 (my obsession with this show is also infinity. I shall rewatch it forever until I have the whole thing burned in my memory--every freaky little moment of this freaky little guy.)

Edit: I finished it. I loved it so much I made a fan edit. I cried ACTUAL TEARS. ML's obsessed with FL and SO AM I. I'd say that this is the most satisfying enemies-to-lovers show I've seen, as well as the most satisfying reincarnation storyline. But let's get down to business. Deliciousness: almost everything. He acts like he wants to kill FL (a lie to himself and the world that any viewer can see through immediately). Actually, he's desperately in love with her (of course) and feels rejected by her because of reasons (bloody reasons, also delicious. Love a murderous FL.) Stalks her, makes her lose her job, follows her everywhere, does everything to keep her by his side AND THAT'S JUST IN THE CURRENT ERA LIFE. There's also the fact that he knows everything about her and has been watching her (as a ghost) and comforting her when she has nightmares and literally making his entire existence revolve SOLELY around her for like 1,500 years?!!!! Because he loves her so much he has unfinished business????? And then the fact that her friends are wary of him (that's one of my favorite things) and ML's 'relatives' worry about his obsession with FL... just!!! AAAH! A rare 10 stars from me! The writing, the romance, the character arcs, the SYMBOLISM?!!! 

Finally, for me, the best deliciousness comes from the past life. It's told in a non-chronological way and both ML and FL (and the multifaceted aspects of their characters) are like mysteries that slowly unravel throughout the course of the show and the modern day FL regaining her memories. And that mystery is BEAUTIFUL. So painful... 

Also, don't pay attention to the cute cover. This show is much darker than I expected.

Obsession score: 10/10. I want to marry both of them.

Not a perfect drama, but THE definitive yandere ML. No one can beat him, he's an absolute delight. Beware: love triangle. (But it's so satisfying to see the underdog ML who seems so much like SML beat the typical ML-style character in the end.) This character has layers because the story takes place over two lifetimes, but in both he's a yandere stalker who will go to extremes for the FL. He would kill or die for her. Deliciousness: stalking, murder, thriller vibes, potential psychopathy, abused!ML, SCARRED FACE!ML (and he's insecure about it UGH YES oooooh), lovers tied by an ill-fate.

 Obsession score: 10000/10.

Well, what an underrated hidden gem this is! Seriously, this is one of the best shows I've ever watched. I will say though (SPOILERS) it needs a season 2. The ending is very open. Cliffhanger, even. (Just by being on this list, I've spoiled a big plot twist in the show as well...)The ML is a stalker. BUT I ADORE HIM. Even with the knowledge that he's stalkerific from the beginning, I was surprised and shocked by the twists and turns in this show. The ML and FL are some of my favorites of all time... Extra deliciousness: ML pines for FL so bad. He's such a cinnamon roll... until he's a sin-namon roll. Watching him come absolutely unhinged is glorious and I need more, damnit!

Obsession score: 10/10 

Why must you hurt me so? This one was GOOD. Really good. I see people talk about how this guy is SO AWFUL and EVIL and how you need to put a trigger warning before even mentioning this minidrama... But here's the deal. When weighed against book!version Tantai Jin, he's practically the same character. He's not that bad and actually he's super cute (but I just kept seeing Tantai Jin and Li Susu. They had those vibes! Book version... not show. Darker than the show.) Deliciousness includes all the classic yandere stuff: forced captivity, maiming her to keep her 'safe,' begging and weeping turning into jealous rage, forced kisses, sweet and docile guy on the outside and totally obsessed psycho on the inside... But this show is a bait and switch! The first few eps are really good, but the dark twist is in ep 13 I think. So stick through what seems like an almost sweet romance to get to the juicy stuff. Warning that the FL might get on your nerves. I liked her for a while, but I reached a point where I was just yelling at the tv for her to get over his crimes and KISS HIM bc he's so pitiful. She didn't listen. She was very upset about the crimes...

Obsession score: 10/10.  He's a classic yandere fr.

The ML here is almost perfection in my eyes. Damaged, unhinged, vicious--but with eyes only for the FL. Early on he seems to be a different sort of trash than obsessive trash, but he goes full, hardcore yandere after a point. Also he just has delicious masochistic vibes. (Points docked for him being a bit more normal-acting around the 3/4 mark of the show. Come on, man! Ramp up the crazy, please! He brings it back, though.) 

Obsession score: 9.8/10 

EDIT: I read the book. This man is insane. The obsession score is being raised to 10/10. Go read the book, I beg you. It's brutal.

Now this is a black flag yandere with lots of dere actually. He's GREAT. It's a short drama, so I won't rank it above my absolute favorite 10/10s... but for a minidrama, this was spectacular. Acting? Really good. Story? Never lacking logic. ML and FL? Gorgeous AND smart. ML reminded me a lot of Tantai Jin (but like... the show starts halfway through the story, so you gotta get through a few eps of terrible, evil choices....) and FL starts off all wilted flower but MY GOD SHE'S SO SMART. She was very book!Li Susu. This whole thing was TTEOTM coded, right up to the weddings and a Ye Bingchang-esque character. Good stuff. Deliciousness: ML begging crying screaming crawling on the ground "please don't leave me! please!!!!!!", revenge and blood, forced kisses with a lot of semi-nudity and also a shocking amount of biting???? also INSANE GIGGLING (my favorite and also very TTEOTM)

Obsession score: solid 10/10. (But just know that the first few eps are NOT the whole story).

Movie. Does this one count as an ML if it's a horror movie and he's the horror? I don't care, he calls her NOONA! ,*////*, This is my favorite Christmas horror comfort-watch. Deliciousness: stalking, noona, self-harm, tension that devolves into insanity, badass!FL, he's a security guard at her office ooooooh. (Ever play the otome game Can't Say No? This is what a bad end for the security guard LI could have been.)

Obsession score: 10/10.

Finally watched this!!! You know, I thought it was like a knock-off of the King's Woman (it's NOT, SO SO SO NOT!) which is why I didn't watch it for so long! BUT MY GOD. It's in top 5 shows of all time for me. The acting, world-building, ACTUAL BRAINS??? An ML with brains is SO rare. Anyway, the show broke me. I cry thinking about it. But here's the deal: Li Chengyin might be my favorite ML ever? Everyone says he's a black flag, but Idk man. I'm an apologist. Deliciousness: scheming and selfish ML, good writing, slap-kiss elements, so much betrayal and murder just to keep her, at the end of the day they both love each other (despite the... everything). One of these days I'll write an essay on how they're actual soulmates and, in different circumstances, would bring out the best in each other and get to live free and PLAY and be happy... but they aren't in different circumstances. They're a prince and princess and must be wrapped up in the problems of their kingdoms. Sigh.

Obsession score: 9.5/10. I mean, it could be higher. But half a point is docked because he's not willing to die to repent. Sigh. Also, for as 'black flag' as this guy is known as, he only ever did one thing that truly shocked me. In short, he's not quite as crazy as my beloved Tantai Jin, so he must be ranked lower. (Tantai Jin is the red flag meter for me these days lol)

God, I love a pathetic man. This movie is so painful--trigger warning for graphic depictions of abuse and rape (not from the ML, from the FL's husband. That poor woman). Watched this one with my bestie as part of a stalker movie marathon for my bday and she suffered a lot in this one. I loved it and it immediately became a comfort movie, but she says she won't be able to watch it again because it's simply too graphic. That said...

Obsession score: 9/10 (but stalker score, 100/10! He did some really S-tier stalking. Excellent at his hobby. I was screaming at the dedication.)

This drama is a drama of pain and torture. The FL gets tortured and so do I by watching it. I love some angst and insanity, but this was a little too painful for me. Even so, the King.... He's so obsessed. Though there were certain things he did that had me yelling "Tantai Jin would NEVER." As such, lose a point.

Obsession score: 9/10 but also I lowkey hate him. That said, "Doctor!!! Kill the baby!!!" has entered my daily vocabulary? 10/10 most meme-able phrases.

edit: My tastes have changed over the last year and I'm more and more fond of FLs suffering and MLs being garbage, so I no longer hate him. In fact, he's risen to one of my top favorites of all time. I'm rewatching right now and UGH. I LOVE HIM.

This drama hurts. Beware: love triangle. ML might seem like the SML for a while... he is not. Ji Chang Wook is gorgeous and a great actor, but this character is so frustrating. He's trash in a lot of good ways, but also in some bad ways. Romance is not the focus of this show, so I felt that it was a bit wasted potential for the characters and the relationship between ML and FL. However, he is deeply obsessed in the second half of drama--so much that it is sickening. Wish they would have talked things out more. Communication, people! 

Obsession score: 9/10. (But you couldn't pay me to watch this one a second time.)

It's a black flag all yan no dere drama and has some good shocking moments, but like... it's SO cringey! People saying this ML can act are LYING. LYING LIARS. Maybe he can and the script was just dogwater, but man... this was the cringiest, most unintentionally funny drama... So, so bad. Also, he's one of those MLs who does terrible things to the FL and then feels bad about it and like grabs a sword or punches a wall or something bc FEELINGS UGH. They always have me asking, "Bro, if you were gonna feel so bad about it, WHYYY did you do it in the first place????" I hate ranking this above Stolen Love because it is SUCH a worse show... but this guy is crazier. Sigh.

But, hey, he was *definitely* obsessed.

Obsession score: 9/10. (have some alcohol and turn your brain off for this one, just enjoy all the torture and murder) Show score: so bad it's funny/10.

Oh my GODDD????? So, this one is better than the other mini cdramas on here. AND I STAND BEHIND THAT. I have rewatched this drama 4 times now. The second half gets a little repetitive imo, but the plot is there (shockingly good scheming for a minidrama? Good politics, good writing I dare say.) but SO DRAMATIC. If you're into melodrama vibes (Till the End of the Moon, Story of Kunning Palace, Unchained Love) you'll like this. Deliciousness: the hottest forced kissing I've ever seen, blood & pain & angst, INCREDIBLE acting from the ML (lots of 'why don't you love me?! I'll make you love me!') ALSO if you liked Kunning Palace, this is the childhood friend and he's p much the same character turned up to 100 in this. 

Obsession score: 9/10 (Not quite a 10 because he starts to back off after she rejects him for like the 100th time, but he goes back on his rampage! Don't worry!)

HEAR ME OUT. The security guard? He CARRIED this movie. I prefer this version to the Korean original--the friendship is cuter and the vibes are just... better? Watched this movie in a stalker movie watchathon with my bestie for my bday and I knew from the moment I saw the security guard that I got a good vibe from him. I want FL/Security Guard fanfic so bad...

Obsession score: 9/10 (My boy's just a little socially awkward and scared the girl a bit, but it was to protect her! He had her best interests at heart!) Someone remind me why this poor girl attracts every weirdo in town, though... How many stalkers does one woman need?!

This guy is SUCH a yandere. If you're into forced kisses and bullying his love interest for revenge (and doing anything to make her his), then this show is for you. They really do love each other, but man he makes the FL suffer. But in kind of a kinky way. I think this show was made for degenerates like me. Deliciousness: lots of jealousy, sexual tension, and the ML having the absolute audacity. He's gonna take her from her husband if it kills him, damnit!

Obsession score: 8.9/10 But the con is that it's a miniseries instead of a full length.

A new addition to the list! This is a reverse harem style show, but the guy who eventually wins the girl is definitely the most red-flag of them all (yay for us!). He spends a good part of the show being a stereotypical Cdrama alpha imo (though he is a feminist and for that we can appreciate him). Deliciousness: choking while kissing, dubcon kissing, crazy!eyes, "I'm the only on who understands the real you," and being willing to die if it means the girl won't be afraid of him. Good stuff.

Obsession score: 8/10. I keep going back and forth on his score because ML has some 10/10 obsessed scenes... and then so many totally normal boring scenes where he's like a feminist teacher who's scared of cats. Hard to reconcile. I've rewatched it though and he might deserve a 9/10 for episode 36 alone.

Psychopath murderer ML warning, but MAN. If you like Dark romance with a capital D, this drama is for you. Let me sell it to you with a quote: "S*x. I want to take off all her clothes and touch her! I want to bite and suck all over her body! I want to hug her, touch her, f*** her face, smell her scent forever! Murder! I want to go around killing everyone with Sum. Hahahahaha!" 

Bro that's crazy and kinda hot. If you like The Smile Has Left Your Eyes but wish the dial was turned up to like 10000 on the unhinged scale, this is your next show to watch.

Obsession score: 8/10, with the caveat that he does have sex with other girls in this show and uhhh usually murders them.

Terrible, insane, messy drama. With some weirdly hot scenes? Easy to see this is based off of a psychological ecchi manga. All I can say is the teacher is an absolute freak. This show is more...much some popcorn and watch the insanity unfold. He does have some pretty good stalker techniques, however. I couldn't buy their relationship, though, especially after he sucked another girl's toes. (She was my fav character, not gonna lie. Love a cat-eared femdom who collects teachers like toys.) Watch for the comedy!

Obsession score: 8/10  but I don't like him the way I like the others on this list.

On hold. This show is weird. The ML is weird. I think I love it? But I'm not sure. I was SUPER into it but felt like it was familiar so I looked it up. Turns out, I'd read the novel (Who is the Prey) already. And the novel is very disparaging about the toxic ML trope. Horrible things happen to the FL and it's supposed to be a cautionary tale, I guess... But I always felt like the author was just milking the genre while also judging it. So, I hated the novel. As such, it's soured the drama for me. 

Obsession score (so far, 20 eps in): 8. He's obsessed but in like a cat & mouse kind of way. I don't ship it.

He can't live without her. He may think he has no feelings, but the obsession score is so DEEP. Wait until the end of the show. Also, he's just the hottest guy ever.

Obsession score: 8/10

Why is this drama so hated?! I love the blend of dark subject matter and comedy and romance BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY!!!!!: there's a scene where ML smirks behind the back of the Emperor and DAMN. OKAY, Mr. Steal-Yo-Girl!!!!! Wang Hedi is a delight and he's definitely a master at playing possessive/obsessive men. He starts as a red flag but turns green flag quick (and also turns deeply devoted quick). This drama made me re-believe in love. Also FL is so smart and funny. Deliciousness: Feminism, devotion, would kill for her in a heartbeat, everyone thinks ML is scary but FL knows he's gentle and forced to be scary by circumstances. Also Wang Hedi serves cunt in his lil purple eunuch outfit. 

Obsession score: 8/10. He's not as unhinged as others on this list, but he's so, so in love with her.... Would kill for her, would die for her.

ALSO, the 2ML is a piece of trash but more typical in the obsessive sense... But, again, he's so, so hateable. Not to write a novel in this comment, but my husband and I were discussing why I hate the emperor 2ML in this show, but love the emperor in The King's Woman. It's a similar setup of forced marriage and loving since childhood etc... But I decided the difference is that The King's Woman, the emperor and the FL are shown to have a connection. A true, almost soulmate-like connection. Meanwhile, in Unchained Love, the FL and 2ML is entirely based on ML's selfishness and misconception about about the FL. They can't have a connection because he doesn't actually know her or care to know her. When he sees some of the true her, he's disgusted (Meanwhile Wang Hedi is heart-eyes and totally obsessed, so SCREEEEE!). Anyway, thanks for coming to my TedTalk.

They're codependent and weird and he is RED FLAG city, but it's good in a thriller/melodrama way. Deliciousness: he's a creep in a good way, murder, great almost-suicide scene (my favorite!! Love it!). Not so delicious: there's a weird incesty undertone. (No incest in show, but... they're weird tbh. It's a j-drama, so...)

Obsession score: 8/10.

RED FLAGS, RED FLAGS ALL AROUND. I'm afraid, but I love him. Deliciousness: stalkerific, murdery, calls the main guy 'babe,' watches the main guy sleep and whispers crap to him, gives him gifts.

Obsession level: 8/10. (He's obsessed, but it's less about the main character and more about general psychopathy. But he's definitely obsessed.)

This also encompasses Part 2. ML is a man who goes after a goal with military-like precision. His goal used to be only revenge, but then he met the FL... and he got a new goal. He follows FL around, is a bit controlling, but he always gets hurt to help her. (He's also not afraid to leave a trail of blood in his wake which is VERY attractive on a man. We love a morally grey ML). 

Minus points because sometimes the revenge takes precedence over his feelings for FL (lame!) also there's some noble idiocy there. 

Obsession score: 7/10

He's obsessed with her, devoted to her, will do anything for her. He's also a hitman, so that helps. Weirdly enough, however, this show gave more healing vibes than dark vibes? Very weepy, melodramatic romance about two broken people finding something worth living for in each other. And, for a hitman, ML is incredibly puppy-dog!!! What a little kicked puppy!!!! Someone pet this poor, sweet boy! 

Deliciousness: love a poor couple, I am so sick of filthy rich leads. Also, dark subject matter brings this romance into true melodrama territory. But, unexpectedly, the murders take a backstage to the character growth, friendships, and romance! Very unusual and wonderful show. 

Obsession score: 7/10 He's willing to become a good person for her. Which is beautiful, but also a little too light for this list. Unlike Iyashi no Otonari-san ni wa Himitsu ga aru, which is quite high on this list and also has a healing vibe, The One and Only does not spend enough time lingering on ML's unhinged side for this score to be higher. It's a REALLY good show, though!

Season 1 only, don't watch season 2. BL. Beautiful, enchanting, way too short. Deliciousness: tied by fate, urge to kidnap/tie up, want to possess in every way. Not so delicious: high schoolers (ugh, I hate them! Teenage love in general feels crazy anyway, so it takes away some of the intensity), season 2. 

Obsession score: 7/10 (I mean, he's definitely obsessed. But he's a teenager; they don't have fully-developed brains, so it's almost understandable.)

This show was sadistic towards the FL specifically (and me. It was so painful to watch). The ML is SUUUPER obsessive and if the show wasn’t cowardly it would be an incredible yandere show. The chemistry was off the charts, I ship the ML and FL like crazy… but beware, the first few eps are lying to you.  But if you join me in being delulu (I mean, I’ve got Strangers From Hell on this list so I can add my technically not real ships, yeah?) this is SUCH a wonderful enemies to lovers story. But my god, I couldn’t stand that husband  what a wet tissue of a character, get that man off the screen. He’s handsome and that’s all.

Obsession score: 7/10. because it wasn’t technically romantic, it’s lower. But the stalking score is 1000/10. Best stalker so far.

When I first saw his smile not fully reach his eyes, I got the sick puppy vibes from the ML. And damn if I wasn't right. He's a surgeon who wants to wield his blade as her knight (wield his scalpel in an illegal autopsy of a corpse of one of her bullies). He will wait for her, lie for her, protect her, do everything for her. He has his own issues, but he's a great guy. He almost idol-worships FL.

Obsession score: 7/10

This is a slow-burn thriller with two characters who are absolutely soulmates. That kind of "we were made for each other" vibe. Most of the plot is star-crossed lovers with really weird older bro getting in the way (after you get through the whole ML being the most malicious kind of playboy in the beginning). 

Cons: Lowkey incesty, and the Jdrama original was highkey incesty. Also, I was torn about the way the ML treated the FL's friend. I hate out of touch rich people, but I also hate boys using and mistreating girls, so I was conflicted. The friend was annoying af, but... idk it still rubbed me the wrong way. 

Deliciousness: It's a well-written and super high-quality show. Thriller vibes and "ML might be a murderer" vibes. Also scars!!!

Obsession score: 6.5/10 They were meant for each other but both were too realistic to act on it for too damn long, the slowburn got me upset.

He's a yandere, but the webtoon is way better. 

Obsession score: 6/10.

I'm gonna be honest, I didn't immediately think of this show for this list... But I saw it under a list of 'stalker ml' shows (I know what I like, so sue me) and got to thinking... Yeah, there was a reason I liked this BL so much. Deliciousness: masochistic, obsessive MC. His subject of interest is an unhinged little bitch, too. Show explores the concepts of holding someone up on a pedestal, the idea of someone v. the real them... it's very good. I especially love once they get out of high school. 

Obsession score: 5/10. (He would get higher, but there's that whole holding his love up on a pedestal thing that gets really frustrating.)

Great production value, acting, villain!ML + cutesy!FL (who's smarter than she seems and is honestly an incredible character). Points docked because ML denies his feelings to himself because he supposedly "doesn't have feelings" even though he clearly cares about FL from early on. Linked by shared-pain curse, so he has to keep her safe "or else he'll be hurt--it has nothing to do with FL!" Suuuure. The villainous persona, controlling behavior, 'touch her and die' vibes, all paired with the eventual deep and all-consuming love for FL do put him on this list, though. 

Obsession score: 4/10. (He's obsessed, but in a more tame way. :( Bleh. ) 

Another idol-worship case. ML is devoted to FL, even after being separated for many years. FL is an actress and he sits and stares at her ads for hours. Childhood sweethearts, but then his serial killer dad killed her parents. She doesn't hold it against him, though. He's a great guy.

Obsession score: 4/10. 

This one was TOO bubbly for me! Too sweet! Like even sweeter than Love Between Fairy and Devil... but my boyfriend roped me in to watching it. I was a little excited when I saw the novel has the 'male yandere' tag, but... nah. He's so light with it. There like one good "I'll totally kill you for stealing my girl" kinda scene, but even it doesn't make up for the first half of the show where the ML is dealing with his sister complex. Still, it was sweet (if you're into sweet shows).

Obsession Score: 3.5/10 I was gonna do 3, but the last couple of episodes add half a point.

Boyfriend of the year!!! Marry me, please! He's sweet, persistent, gets frequently touted as 'creepy' on r/kdramarecommends... Love this weird guy so much. He gives more clingy, lovesick vibes. Deliciousness: follows her to protect her, unabashedly just adores her, there's a serial killer subplot which is always nice, the show is so well-written.

Obsession score: 3.5/10 (but watch it anyway, it's so good).

I watched this one in an insane feverish binge-watch when I had the flu a couple of years ago, and therefore don't remember it very well. I need to do a rewatch. BUT! I do remember that the beautiful boy was OBSESSED. 

OKAY SO HEAR ME OUT. I guess technically there's not an ML/FL relationship here... and they're, like, siblings. But, I spent 5/6 episodes of this show convinced they weren't siblings (for my own, unbacked reasons. As you can see, those reasons were dumb and they actually are siblings. BUT... *spoiler* it's not like the sibling relationship stopped anyone else in this show from getting together so I stand by it). As such, I ended up shipping them. ALSO no one can say that my strange, feral little guy wasn't super obsessed with her. For me, it was love at first blood-talisman. ;////;

Obsession score: null because the ship isn't real. But the show still belongs on this list, damnit. It can stay down here at the bottom with the other wild cards.

I didn't like this movie. I know it's popular among the stalking fangirls, but there's something about it... 

Obsession score: man I don't know. It's a movie about stalking but it feels more murdery than romantic. I'm gonna put this one at the bottom of the list. The Chinese remake, though? Ohohoho that one's going higher for sure.