BL dramas and movies adapted from comics and novels

Drama-adaptation of the novel "My Tee" by Thai BL author (? Can't find the name right now...)

I don't quite get why this drama is bashed harder than other of its type. I agree with the criticism--this definitely has a lot of flaws--but I don't consider it any worse than many other titles in the bunch of run-of-the-mill BL junk that has been released in Thailand since the start of the boom. At times, the story is very nice, at times it's a mess...

What it DOES have, is great chemistry between the leads. Even if the acting is uneven, the guys have a great connection and are very, very sweet together. 

Drama-adaptation of the novel "2 Moons" by Thai BL author Chiffon-Cake. 

Has a reboot sequel, + upcoming S2 for the reboot. (Remake version is MUCH better than this first version.)

Drama based on the BL novel (with the same name?) by Thai author Jittirain--who is also the author of the novel upon which the drama "Theory of Love", is based.

Live action adaptation of Toyota Yuu's manga with the same name. (English title; "Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!")

This is so simple--just your basic, lightweight, by-the-book cliché BL manga (here in live action version)--but darn, is it fricking feelgood...
At times, quite hilarious--but mostly just... cute and puts a smile on your face. 

Add to that a  nice production and decent acting--that wraps it up as one of the most endearing BLs of 2020. KAWAII!

Based on the BL novel (with the same name, I think?) by Chinese author Lan Lin.

Has a sequel.

Adapted from the BL novel with the same name, by Thai author Bacteria.

Based on Chinese BL author Chai Ji-Dan's novel. Unfortunately, the series never got it's conclusion nor second season--much because of the introduction of China's disgusting media ban on LGTBQ content. I have heard rumours about a Taiwanese remake. Let's hope for that. 

Chai's novels are nutty, to say the least--and a lot of it is toned down in the dramas adapted. (Not to mention the over-the-top sexual content.) This adaptation is so sweet, so simple, so... lovable--that is became pretty much an instant classic.

Another adaptation of one of Chinese BL author Chai Ji-Dan's novels. This time with a much larger budget and visions. Unfortunately, the Chinese media ban hindered the production from including ANY sexual content, so don't expect that. Innuendoes is all you get. But nonetheless, it's a great adaptation of a totally nutty BL novel. 

Based on the novel "Aa, Koya" by Terayama Shuuji.

Has a second installment.

Based on Konno Keiko's manga with the same name. 

Has a sequel.

Adapted from the manga with the same name, by mangaka Yoshinaga Fumi.

Korean version of Japanese original "Antique".

De-BL-fied BL... 

Drama series based on the BL novel with the same name, by Chinese author Shui Qian Cheng.

The novel is very dirty--but we´re all aware of the disgusting Chinese bans regarding LGBTQ depiction in media--so naturally, dramatizations of explicit BL novels will become what they become. Apparently there is zero BL present, even though some fans point out that the subtle cues are there. I don't know, I haven't finished the drama version yet.

(As a note about the novel itself; there is a shitload of things about it, that bugs the hell out of me--inequality, force and disrespect, and it sticks to the tiring tropes that you'll see in almost all popular Chinese BL novels. But I do have to admit that it's pretty entertaining if one, for a moment, ignores what is right--and indulges in the fantasy. I definitely wouldn't have felt this way if the "weak" MC was entirely opposed and the whole thing more "rapey". The (forced to) bottoming guy obviously is bent towards submission and masochism, so it's at an acceptable level--for a dirty fantasy, even if not for reality. It's hot too, even if the "alpha's" superior and possessive attitude grosses me out. But it doesn´t go violent and the top is light years from the horrific rendition of Korn in the "Together With Me" novel versions. So I can swallow it.)

Even when the drama version is cleared of "degenerate inclinations" (i.e. homosexual stuff), it's quite appreciated among BL fans even in this "normalized" rendition.

Adapted from manga "Nigakute Amai" by mangaka Kobayashi Yumio. 

Not BL, perhaps, per se--but with a Gay MC. 

Based on Tachibana Kaim's manga with the same name. 

Has a sequel.

Adapted from manga "Ame to Kiss" by mangaka Akihira Shiro.

Not exactly a high-quality flick...

Mini web-series adapted from the novel "The Dark Night to Death" by Chinese author (? can't find the author.)

Based on the lovely manga "Hana wa Saku Ka?" by mangaka Hidaka Shoko (another of my favs). A mellow, gentle little story--and I think the movie managed to adapt the story and the atmosphere of the original work, very well. 

Unfortunately, it would have needed a longer runtime in order to flesh out the story and make it less shallow. In the manga, the relationship develops slow and much softer than here--where it becomes a little bit too haphazard. 

The chemistry between the leads doesn't work for me and that's due to Amano Kousei's non-convincing acting. He does his best but does not catch Sakuragi's feelings for Youichi and feels awkward in their interactions even if Watanabe Tsurugi works his ass off trying to meet him halfway. (In case you haven't read the manga; it's not Watanabe being stiff, it's his character. He makes a good portrayal.)

Movie adaptation of the manga with the same name, by Nakamura Asumiko. (One of the most amazing mangakas ever.) Both the manga and the movie are kind of "love or hate", because of the very dark theme and relationship between the guys, which one must struggle with and ponder on, in order to fully understand. 

The story is amazing if one likes that type of complex relationship dynamics. The movie succeeded-and failed--in portraying it accurately. There are several flaws and bad decisions made about which scenes to include and not. The actors did an awesome job, but the director should have thought a bit more about things before filming--so as to not lose some intrinsic things from the original work.

But it's still a fascinating watch--a dark, sinister and mysterious fairy-tale.

Movie version of Yoneda Kou's (my absolute fav mangaka) beloved modern classic BL "Doushitemo Furetakunai". 

Not the greatest movie but a pretty decent adaptation of the beautiful, mellow little story by Yoneda.

Drama adaptations in several installments, of BL novels by Thai Author Faddist. 

(Has other installments in the same series.)

...and yet ANOTHER adaptation of Chinese BL author Chai Ji-Dan's novels. (Also called "Counterattack".) Again; a completely crazy story--in the drama version cut down a lot in plot, since it's a low budget production and the original story has a lot of components that would make the story tricky to film and produce. 

Adapted from the novel "Dick Fly" by Chinese author Maoye.

Drama adaptation of the novel "Kanojo ga suki na mono wa Homo de atte Boku de wa nai" by Japanese author Asahara Naoto. 

This is so great. I haven't been able to find episodes 6-8 subbed, except for sale directly from NHK, which I will probably have to resort to since I HAVE to know what happens. I do know some Japanese, but not enough to catch all of the dialogue.

Mini drama based on the quite excellent (but as of right now kind of dragging it out... I do like it, a lot--but the story is pretty much over and she's just dragging it out now) manga by Kizu Natsuki. 

As a fan of the manga (and its anime adaptation) I'm a bit scared--and very wary--about how this will turn out. The results from the manga adaptations from latter years, have been very uneven. Some (like "Life--Senjou no Bokura") have been excellent. Others (like "Sankaku Mado no Sotogawa wa Yoru") have been a disaster. 

We shall see when it starts airing the 17th of July 2021.

Drama-adaptation of the novel with the same name (Probably? There seems to be a publisher's ban on any form of translation to any other language) by Thai author IMYOURSKYMOON.

Okay--I immensely dislike supernatural themes. Very seldom can I accept them. I was hesitant to this, and only decided to watch because of Singto and Ohm, two excellent actors.
Guess what? I loved it. A bit cheesy at times, a bit melodramatic--but so heartfelt and real that I was okay with it even though I usually gag. 

Truly unique, truly engaging, truly touching and PHENOMENAL acting. 

Movie adaptation of the Shounen-ai manga series "Hidamari ga Kikoeru" ("I hear the Sunspot") by Fumino Yuki. 

Not that good... there are good points. Some acting is decent--some is not, though. The light and "spring-like" atmosphere of the manga is caught well. But the extremely short runtime really makes things weird and everything is kind of just left hanging, considering that the manga had come much further than what the movie covers, already back then.

A movie adaptation of the graphic novel with the same name, written by the director of the movie, Lee Dong-Eun.

Movie adaptation of the three-volume manga "Junjou" by classic BL mangaka Fujiyama Hyouta. 

I don't like it... I guess it's a pretty fair adaptation but the miscasting, the acting... uhh...

The drama is based on two books--"Pink Kiss" and "Natural Kiss", written by Thai author Hideko Sunshine.

Parent story is "Kiss--The Series", where Pete & Kao appeared for the first time, as a side couple. They get more screen-time when their backstory is told in this sequel, which is a prequel in the chronological timeline. Their story continues in "Dark Blue Kiss".

To watch Pete & Kao's story in chronological order;
1) "Kiss Me Again"
2) "Kiss--The Series"
3) "Dark Blue Kiss"

Based on an absolutely lovely one-shot manga by Tokokura Miya--this mini-drama turned out quite lovely, too. A bit of a different flavour compared to the earlier years of Japanese BL--fully in line with the freshness and "closer to reality makes it more beautiful, not less so", that they've delivered during the past couple of years. 

Sweet, quite simplistic and lacking all that over-the-top melodrama/exaggeration in acting and direction, that used to wreck far too many Japanese productions. An EXCELLENT choice of manga to adapt to a Live Action--and an excellent result, as well. It managed to catch the air and feel of the original work, bringing it to life with dedicated and believable acting and script.

Yay!

(Btw; If you read comics and decide to read/have read the one this is based on--do not miss out on the larger work which this one has more or less copied. "Complex", by Manda Ringo. Get through the first, messy part--and you will be rewarded with a knock-out of a BL...)

DO NOTICE the extremely gratifying cameo in the end--our (at least my) beloved boys from Taiwanese BL-drama "HIStory 3: Make Our Days Count" make a quick appearance! :D (I literally shouted and jumped up and down). Without spoiling too much--it was somehow a little bit of comfort to see them in an "alternative universe" as opposed to the actual drama...

Based on the novel "I Love You Even Though You Are a Man" by Chinese BL author Angelina.
(There are tons of different versions of the English translation of the title, depending on fan translator.) 

Simple, low-budget. Nutty characters, nutty love story--irresistible.

There is a cut-down movie version as well--I recommend watching the drama version because of the longer runtime and inclusion of cut scenes. 

There is also a sequel, in movie-form.

Drama-adaptation of the novel "My Accidental Love is You" by Thai BL author MAME.

Connected to "TharnType Story". (Same author--overlap in stories.)

S2 upcoming--focusing on the side couples.

Drama-adaptation of the novel "Love Sick: The Chaotic Lives of Blue Shorts Guys" by Thai BL author INDRYTIMES. (Hed.)

Has a S2.

Movie adapted from the manga with the same name, by author Eiki Eiki and artist Zao Taishi. 

Not my cup of tea in manga, so I'm not sure if I'll be watching this flick...

Drama-adaptation of the BL novel "Make it Right" by Thai author Badboyz.

Based on Marukido Maki's manga "Indigo no Kibun" which in both comic and drama form is a sequel to "Pornographer", but chronologically a prequel. 

Warning for VERY explicit content. (Or a plus point--depending on your level of tolerance for R-rated content...)

Mini-drama based on the manga by Tagame Gengoroh. 

Sounds really good, but I haven't gotten around to watching it. I received links from another MDL user, but now it seems to be unavailable for watching. It's probably available somewhere, though. When I get to it.

Drama adapted from two BL novels by Thai author Mom, Mom--"My Engineer Has a Gearbox" and "Space Between Us". (What a pen name...)

Drama-adaptation of the BL novel with the same name, written by Thai author CHESSHIRE.

Movie version of Marukido Maki's manga--also watch the drama version.

Based on Marukido Maki's manga "Pornographer". Closely connected to "Mood Indigo" ("Indigo no Kibun"), chronologically a sequel, releasewise the first installment.

Warning for explicit content. (Or a plus point--depending on your level of tolerance for R-rated content...)

Adapted from the manga "Docchi mo Docchi" by mangaka Hiiragi Nozomu.

Based on veteran mangaka Yamashita Tomoko's (one of my all time fav mangakas--this story is unlike any of her others, though. She usually sticks to realistic, deep little one-shots) manga with the same name. 

Not really BL, more like; Bromance with a clear implication of romance to come. (By volume 6 it's still at ambivalent level but I'm certain it'll end that way. But this insane story has so much more than BL. I hate supernatural stuff but I can't help but to adore this one--it's so crazy. And it's Yamashita, after all...)

The movie ended up to be a huuuuge disappointment to me, but the 2000 character limit doesn't allow to fit my trashing of it--so you'll have to check the other lists for a mini review of everything I hated about it... 

Adaptation of the manga by Mizuta Yuki. 

WARNING: Not for the faint of heart... This is GRAPHIC. Basically--very forceful BDSM porn, but with a story. So this piece would be very uncomfortable for the sensitive.
Subber's insert in the beginning; "Watch with headphones"... Yes. I strongly suggest you do... (Unless you live in sound proof surroundings, your neighbours are deaf, or you don't have an issue with people who overhear, labelling you a porn fiend.)

I expected to dislike this--maybe even hate it. I didn't. I really liked it. 

It's so graphic that I literally choked on my juice. And I am definitely seasoned when it comes to X-rated BL... Visually very daring, but even more so, it's the content that'll make you go "oh-my-gawd".
Yes, it's gratuitous--it's a porn-party deluxe, but it does fill a purpose and it's the core of the story, really. Two lonely and broken perverts crossing paths. 

Normally, I condemn all the rape that sadly is a staple in BL, but here it's placed in a context, and depicting a story of sexual kinks. But it takes an open mind to understand and accept that there are people who don't fit the frame of what's considered normal.
It takes maturity, a willingness to figure out these two--and perhaps experience of being screwed up, as well as a bit of a perverted streak--in order to appreciate the portrayal of a far from "normal" relationship. 

The acting impresses the hell out of me. Perhaps not due to overwhelming talent--but anyone brave (and crazy) enough to take on these roles--and convincingly pull them off--deserves respect...
The direction, visuals and other tech stuff--is neatly and quite aesthetically done, and the result is an eye-poppingly outragerous, yet sensitive story--mesmerizing in its super strange appeal. 

Based on the Japanese modern classic Shounen-ai manga "Seven Days" by Tachibana Venio och Takarai Rihito. 

The story is divided into two installments. (Monday to Thursday, and Friday to Sunday). You will need to watch the other part as well.

Drama-adaptation of BL novel "Sotus" by Thai author Bittersweet.

When this came, I considered it the best BL until then. I think it has been outclassed since, but it still holds its ground as a qualitative drama that's worth rewatching many times. Acting is great, especially from Singto. (When isn't he great...?) I'd say it actually isn't a BL at all. It's much more than that, the fact that the budding relationship happens to be gay, isn't that important, really.

Has a sequel.

A series of movies based on the "Takumi-Kun" series of manga, by mangaka Gotoh Shinobu. 

Has 4 sequels.

Drama-adaptation of the novel "TharnType Story" by Thai BL author MAME.
(SERIOUSLY dirty in novel form, even though the drama is very hot even in its much-toned-down state.)

Also check out Specials + upcoming S2.

A drama based on the BL novel "Mr. Zhang and Mr. Zhang" by Chinese author (? can't find a romanized translation for the author's name, right now...)

Has a connected title.

Based on one of the best BL/gay-themed mangas ever written.
(Two volumes, by mangaka Mizushiro Setona--which recently were released in English by Seven Seas. And immediately landed in my book shelf. I had to wait 10 years for that...) 

I was equal parts thrilled--and nervous--before watching it. But I was pretty sure that even if it might turn out crappy, it's still an adaptation of a phenomenally good comic--so I would probably love it no matter what.

So... how'd it end up, then...?

I loved it. 

Not just because I'm happy every time I get live action adaptations of my favourites--but because it's GOOD. I have absolutely no idea why some people disliked it, and the ratings are fairly low. It caught the manga very well, and the direction and acting was pretty great.

I'll definitely update with an elaborated mini-review when I find the time..

* Can't find the novel and author name right now, but as far as I remember, there is supposed to be two versions of it; a dark and a light one. The former having a more sinister tone and sad (?) ending and the lighter version is in turn a bit less "shocking" and has a bit of a brighter ending. Not sure. I'll find out.

Another drama based on a novel by Thai BL author Jittirain. (The other title on the list being "2Gether".)

A different feel compared to most other Thai BL dramas based on novels, with an interesting framework of movies and cinematic art. 

Not one of my absolute favs (I dislike the side couple stories) but definitely worth a watch, if only for the once-again-paired-up duo of Off and Gun and their lovely, funny chemistry.

Drama-adaptation of the novel with the same name, by ++saisioo++ .

***I want to give a serious warning about reading the novel on which it is based. I deeply regret that I did, and I ditched it after a while--the contents are so disturbing. I'm definitely not sensitive, but I don't want my beloved drama characters tainted by the disgusting novel-version of one of them. It hasn't wrecked it for me, but I can't shake off the memory of what I read, either. I am eternally grateful for the extreme change the drama producers made to their characters and relationship. The equal, gentle, loving and respectful relationship you see on the screen--is very, very different in the novel. Korn is (VERY) violent, pathologically jealous and possessive--and makes one's stomach churn. Knock just takes it, excuses it and accepts it--even though he is pissed. This is something we see in far too many Asian "romance" BL novels, but this is the worst I've seen so far. It scares the living daylights out of me that fans swoon over the "romance". We're talking severe battery, abuse and rape. IRL it'd result in ambulances and jail time. So how is that okay in fiction that supposedly belongs in the "romance" section? EW!!!!***

"Bad Romance" is the parent story, in which Korn & Knock appeared the first time. This is their backstory, based on a novel. It's followed by a S2 which is freely created with no backstory. 

If to watch in chronological order based on the progress of their relationship;
1) "Together With Me"
2) "Bad Romance"
3) "Together With Me; The Next Chapter"

Best BL couple ever--together with Tharn & Type from "TharnType".

Movie adapted from the manga with the same name, by Hideyoshico. 

This is BL, since the MC is not transsexual, which would have made her straight and not gay. He likes guys and crossdresses, but he doesn't wish to change his gender. I.e.--he's gay.

People mix up these things. A Transsexual identifies with the opposite gender from what they are born as, and should, therefore, be considered belonging to that gender. This in itself has nothing to do with their sexual orientation--which is defined by if they like the same, or the opposite, gender than the one they identify as--not by what they have in their pants.
Crossdressing has nothing to do with neither gender identity nor sexual orientation. People who crossdress don't wish to change their gender. They just have a desire to dress up as the opposite gender. They can be straight and they can be gay.

Drama-adaptation of the BL novel "Red Threads" (some translate it as "The Red Thread") by Thai author LazySheep.

Drama-adaptation of a manga by mangaka Yoshinaga Fumi. 

This is unlike anything else on this list. It's cozy, it's lovable, it's everyday-life-nice and it's real. And you'll love it if you want something else than pure BL-sparkly-fluff between pretty boys.

The drama apparently is based on the content of a long thread posted on the Thai discussion forum Pantip--ages ago. It has a previous adaptation, in movie-form; "Boring Love" from 2009.

Has a S2. 

I have no idea why there are people who actually consider this good. I just can't... I rewatch the Mew-scenes. Other than that; nope. It could have been so much better if it had skipped some of the ridiculous comedy parts and kept a TINY bit more of a serious tone... It's messy and uneven and just... no. The small parts that are good, just can't save it for me. 

Epic though; some sex- and kissing scenes...

Drama-adaptation of the BL novel (with the same name?) by Thai author CandyOn.

Okay, this isn't GOOD, per se--but I can't resist this shameless poking fun at at the BL fandom. Here you will see aaaall the tropes, all the clichés, all the stereotypes, all which is ridiculous about BL, fanservice and insane Fangirls/Boys. Served with a huge portion of sarcasm and self-awareness--it's just pretty much hilarious even when the quality of it all sucks. 

I'm a Fangirl, but at the same time, I despise a looot about the BL fandom. I'm too old to behave like the lunatics that have lost all grip on reality, and I see real and troubling issues in many of the tendencies surrounding shipping and delusional fantasies. At the same time, I can't help but to laugh my ass off at the insanity. Because it IS funny. 

So to make a drama that highlights all the stupidity--is entertaining. Though, this one does it lovingly, not even nearly as venomously as I do :P

An adaptation of the novel "Yan Dai Xie Jie No. 10" by Chinese author Jian Zou Pian Feng. The drama is seriously lacking and that's a pity since I'm quite fond of the original novel.