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: romance, life, drama, lgbt, adapted from a novel 

NOTE: this series is not a "true bl" it is more of a queer k-drama, but i wanted to include it in this list because i think it's important, and such a wonderful series

re-watch value: medium-high

my take: this is one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking things i have ever watched in my entire life. i've literally had dreams about this series for days since I first watched it. i also read the book, and the series brought it to life beyond imaginable. it was exceptionally well done. i've not felt so heartbroken but happy at the same time. i really love go young's character so much, and living through his life with him while watching each episode.  i am devastated that it came to an end after watching all 8 episodes. this is my favorite release of 2024. i want to watch it again, but i am not ready yet. which is why my re-watch value is just "medium" instead of high. the actors in here really outdid themselves, and i will cherish this series for a long long time. 

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, 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, youth, drama, school setting, adapted from a novel 

re-watch value: high 

my take: an incredible coming of age, youthful story between two teens who are classmates and soon to be step brothers. the relationship between the two started as enemies, to friends, to soon to be brothers, to something more. the acting in here is incredibly well done, and the pace of the story does the first half of the novel superior justice. though the reviews may be mixed, this story is both romantic and devastating. 

**IMPORTANT: all i can say and ask for future viewers is to give this story a chance even if you know about how this series ends. because what is important to note is that THIS IS NOT THE END. season 2 has not yet been confirmed but everyone involved in this project is extremely passionate about this story. support for this series is important to make season 2 happen. 

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: 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: 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: 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: drama, romance, fantasy, action, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my take: this is one of my favorite action bls that i've watched in a long long time. the chemistry between the main leads is so believable, and the script is amazing and almost identical to the novel (except for a few things at the end). this is the first time i went and actually read the novel from watching the ongoing series because each week was AGONIZING knowing what was going to happen next! truly a wonderful adaptation, and i am excited to see more from these actors in the future! great series! 

genre: action, romance, crime, drama

re-watch value: high

my take: yinwar came back to everyone's screens to slay with this performance. this was their best work and wow was it good. it had angst, romance, action, the right amount of comedy, so many beloved characters, and parts of the plot to really get you to think. this was so enjoyable to watch from the beginning all the way until the end. the build up to the romance was so good, and the final ep was one of the best finale episodes i have seen in a long time. i will definitely come back to rewatch this show. 

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: 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, psychological, trauma bond, adapted from a manga

re-watch value: low-high depending on your ability to watch things with triggering content

my take: probably one of the most triggering series based on a lot of the content and issues that take place in the story, but it is a "not-so-beautiful" love story nonetheless. the main couple bond over trauma and as they begin to trust one another, more secrets of their pasts are revealed to each other. this by all means was not an easy and beautiful love story, but because of all the imperfections and hardships these characters faced made it worth watching, and kept you rooting for them until the end. 

genre: action, romance, mystery, drama, crime, sci-fi

re-watch value: high

my take: while this series is short, it had a huge impact. it kept me at the edge of my seat every episode. i was so invested in all the characters, trying to figure out the story each week on my own, seeing how everyone intertwines, all while trying to understand the mystery of the 4 minutes. the acting in here is phenomenal, the cinematography is spectacular, the script and how the romances and plot unfolded was so wonderful. such an amazing drama. i will be looking forward to seeing more jesbible in the future, and fuaiz in more projects as well. i'm also gonna need bas to land a main role sometime soon, he was my favorite character in this series. 

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: 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: 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: 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. each character shines in their own way, and seeing what steps they get to achieve their own happiness in the end is really a fun ride. i was not expecting something like this from gmmtv, so it was pretty refreshing to watch! would love a season 2!

genre: romance, drama, youth, coming of age, prequel for adapted webtoon series

re-watch value: high 

my take: a short series with such an impactful story between two childhood friends who realize their feelings for each other are more than just brothers. this was a wonderfully told story of two youthful boys who explore these feelings within themselves. this series was extremely realistic, and beautiful to watch. 

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

re-watch value: high

my take: even if we take away all of the spicy scenes, this series would remain in my recs because the plot is that good. i really loved so many of the characters in here, whether they were main leads, supporting, or just guest roles. the acting was well done, the action was so intense and fun to watch, and almost every episode leaves you at the edge of your seat. i binged this series so fast, and it is still my favorite action bl out there. even if spice isn't your thing when watching bls, this is worth the watch because of the acting, the plot, and the action. 

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

re-watch value: medium

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: 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, 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 until the very end. there's also not a lot of conflict, so it is a super fluffy bl and it is so refreshing to watch characters who trust each other and communicate with each other the whole way, despite achi's little secret! 

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

re-watch value: medium

my take: one of my favorite university bls. yinwar have great chemistry, and tbh, their love story was a bit frustrating at times, but just enough to keep you interested to see how their story would pan out. there's some sensitive topics in here, but overall, a great uni bl. 

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

re-watch value: medium

my take: probably the first time gmmtv has stuck out to me with a series that talks about equality so much. this series has so many topics that are brought up that are important matters to fight for, and i really loved that about this series. i also wasn't expecting gawinkrist to have such great chemistry, so that was a lovely surprise! 

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: 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: 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: law, romance, drama, crime

re-watch value: high

my take: another great action bl. jamfilm have undeniable chemistry, and i loved the lowborn between them even though you could feel them wanting each other the moment they locked eyes in episode one. the story line kept me super intrigued, and since it was an 8 episode series, the pace was really nice. if you like action/crime bls, this is a great watch!

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

re-watch value: medium

my take: a bit of a slow burn, but in my opinion it was a really cheesy love story with the perfect amount of sweetness. up and kao have great chemistry, and their acting skills shine throughout the series. would love to see more of their future projects even if their ship has ended, they are wonderful actors.

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

re-watch value: high 

my take: there are 4 couples in here but two of them were the main focus. my only complaint is that i wish the other two couples (aouboom & marcpoon) had more screen time and sweet moments shared with us, but pondphuwin & winnysatang were truly a joy to watch, and their chemistry shined onscreen. this is 1000000% a comfort series if you're looking for something along those lines. you don't have to think a lot while watching, and nothing in here really stresses you out, it is just a feel good drama until the very end. 

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

re-watch value: medium

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: comedy, romance, sports, life, friends with benefits, adapted from a novel 

re-watch value: high

my take: this was the smartest move gmmtv could have made this year. greatinn have the perfect chemistry, and the story of this all unfolds quite nicely. i love that there was minimal drama, and that there were so many important topics discussed throughout the series such as marriage equality, safe sex, sexual preference, asexuality, and so many more tidbits along the way. this series is a feel good drama that leaves you satisfied after each episode, only wanting more and more. i really hope to see this pair again. side couple, thorfluke, were also such a big surprise, and they really stole my heart. 

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

re-watch value: high

my take: a favorite jbl of mine. the two main characters were so sweet, and i loved their dynamic a lot. the innocence between the characters was so refreshing to watch, and my goodness the actor who plays takara is absolutely stunning. they had one of the sweetest kiss scenes i've ever seen in a bl. really excited to watch the special spin off that will air soon. looks like a lot more cute moments are to come. 

genre: romance, drama, comedy, adapted from a webtoon 

re-watch value: medium

my take: another very light and easy korean bl. it doesn't stand out amongst many of the other bls, but it will probably always be a favorite just based on the two couples. the chemistry between the main leads starts with tension, and builds from there, and the second couple is very playful and are the comedic relief of the series. watching all their bonds through the ten episodes was heartwarming, and left me wanting more. 

**if you enjoyed this series, be sure to check out the prequel to it called "the time of fever" which is about the second couple and what all happened between them during their teenage years. 

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

re-watch value: medium

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: one of my personal favorite jbls, with the perfect amount of angst, longing, spice, and chemistry. these two have FIRE between them. something about this series was so charming even if the plot was a bit over the top and unrealistic. i would love to see a season 2. 

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

re-watch value: high

my take: this series has a second part, and the first one is the best. i loved their romance so much, and it was so lovely seeing how their story tied together. if we take away the ending, i probably would have rated it higher, but the reason for the ending was to make a season 2, so just keep that in mind, that you will have to watch season 2 immediately after to be content with how their story concludes lol.

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

re-watch value: medium

my take: an adorable jbl that will always remain one of the most fluffy and comforting series to comeback to. all the characters are super adorable, and there's just something about first love romance while being a young teen in high school. so pure. loved it. 

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

re-watch value: medium

my take: a great action bl with a few twists, and a dark past. i love that the story was between a cop and a gangster. it def was the ammo for all the angst between the main leads. would love to see more bls like this. 

genre: romance, drama, soulmate/destined love,  reincarnation, fantasy/spiritual

re-watch value: medium

my take: a great drama with great actors. daouoffroad really gave a terrific performance for this series. it had a very original plot, and all the characters kept my interest. their chemistry is probably one of the most believable of most of the ship pairings we are used to seeing. i also really enjoyed the ost for the series. beginning half of the series def had my attention more than the last half, but overall was a great watch.