Boys Love Series has come a long way. Usually, BL fans sneak in to watch Yaoi anime in the comforts of their rooms. Current BL titles now enjoy millions of views on YouTube and some have to pay subscriptions to watch exclusive releases. Some new fans continue to ask: Do you have BL recommendations?

Where to watch BL TV or web series?

There are now a number of streaming services that promote and release BL shows. GMMTV YouTube channel is free and it’s where you can watch a great number of Thai BL series, including 2Gether, Bad Buddy, A Tale of a Thousand Stars, and many more.

South Korea’s StrongBerry and Idol Romance also feature plenty of BL! There’s also Rakuten Viki and GagaOOLala streaming recent and previous BL series.

It’s highly recommended to use a VPN especially when watching BL series. There are streaming sites like NetFlix, Viki, GagaOOLala, iQIYI, Hulu, Viu, and many others that may limit broadcast reach due to copyright and other legal stuff. A VPN is safe, reliable, and legal.

PsychoWeird’s Top 20 BL Series

Here are PsychoWeird’s picks for the Best Boys Love Series from all around Asia. These are the 20 series that is the best BL drama right this minute.

Fish Upon the Sky | Thailand

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Phuwin Tangsakyuen and Pond Naravit in a romantic scene in Fish Upon the Sky | GMMTV

Rank: #20

What about? Pattawee or simply “Pi” (Phuwin) lacks the self-confidence to go straight to his super-popular crush and declare his love. And there’s Mork (Pond Naravit) who rivals him and thwarts his every move. But why is it that Mork seems to be always there for him? Will he pursue his original crush or is he developing feelings for his rival?

And so? Cute, light, and fun. This is how a BL series should be if you’re into something that’s easy on the eyes, and also on the mind. After a hard day at school (or at work), this is the sort of show you may want to involve yourself in and enjoy! The PondPhuwin dynamic is endearing, sexy, and cute!

Gameboys | Philippines

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Gameboys
Elijah Canlas (left) is Cairo while Kokoy de Santos is Gavreel in a pivotal scene from Gameboys | IdeaFirst Company

Rank: #19

What about? An e-gamer Cairo (Elijah Canlas) receives an invite from his rival Gavreel (Kokoy de Santos) for a date. He laughs off the proposal and feigns ‘offense’. Determined to prove his sincerity, Gavreel launches a traditional courtship with modern-day tricks. Is this the start of a romantic relationship or is it game over?

And so? Anyone who was quarantined and watched this Pinoy Boys Love will look back with a certain amount of nostalgia. Many viewers have become attached to the characters. And it is a collective emotional investment that has reaped its fair share of profits.

The Boy Foretold By the Stars | Philippines

Rating: 4 out of 5.
The Boy Foretold by the Stars
Adrian Lindayag (left) is gay and proud Dominic with Keann Johnson (Luke) at the retreat in The Boy Foretold By the Stars | Clever Minds Inc.

Rank: #18

What about? A hybrid sort of BL coming-of-age and a gay budding romance. The Boy Foretold is all about two senior high school boys. One is gay and proud Dominic (Adrian Lindayag) and the other is hesitant looker Luke (Keann Johnson). Dominic and Luke are “foretold” by the stars to be destined for each other. But that’s according to a fortune teller! Are the stars correct or is this a one-sided boy’s love thing?

And so? Most Pinoy Boys Love features the proud and gay characters on the sideline. In The Boy Foretold, the same gay guy is front and center. Dominic is not a side character – like Green in 2Gether or some other gay personalities. Adrian Lindayag as Dominic speaks his mind and associates himself with the student body. He’s willing to take risks and is damn proud to be the focus of attention. Seeing a young gay individual expressing his thoughts freely is refreshing.

Not Me | Thailand

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Mafia-Crime-themed Series: Not Me
The main cast of ‘Not Me’ (From left): Off and Gun (plays the dual role of White and Black) | GMMTV

Rank: #17

What about? Black and White are twins. After their parents separated, White goes with his father overseas. Black remains in Bangkok and enters the world of violence and gangs. A certain event reunites the brothers where White has to disguise himself as his twin. White discovers the truth behind an unacceptable betrayal of trust and friendship. But Black – his long-lost brother – appears to be a different person. Someone totally unknown to him.

And so? You can never go wrong with OffGun. The supporting cast is excellent as well – First Kanaphan, Mond Tanutchai, Papang Phromphiriya, and Fluke Gawin. [ Watch the Trailer | Details ]

Light on Me | South Korea

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Korean Boys Love series 'Light on Me' starring Lee Sae On and Kang Yoo Seok.
Noh Shin-woo and Woo Tae-Kyung at the student council room before things started to heat up between them. | WHYNOT MEDIA

Rank: #16

What about? A loner decides to revamp himself by seeking friends. He enters the school’s student council and befriends the President while earning the ire of its VP who – eventually – turned out to be someone worth caring for.

And so? Light on Me is charming, dreamy, and appealing. At 25 minutes per show (running for 16 episodes), there is enough emotional investment for the viewers to empathize with the characters. Lee Sae On (26) and Kang Yoo Seok (28) pass as high school students and display on-screen chemistry that’s intense and romantic.

2gether: The Series | Thailand

Rating: 4 out of 5.
2Gether the Series (Thailand)
Tine and Sarawat slowly realize they have been ‘together’ even way before! | GMM 25, LINE TV

Rank: #15

What about? 2Gether is the most viewed Boys Love series on YouTube and there is legitimacy to why it’s one of the best. Gentle and unassuming Tine (Win Metawin) desperately searches for a pretend boyfriend. He needs to have one to reject the courting of one flamboyant student. Enters potential target Sarawat (Bright Vachirawit). Little did he know that ‘conniving’ Sarawat has an agenda of his own.

And so? Undeniable on-screen chemistry, cutesy, bubbly with minimal toxic scenes and characters. If not for the high-fiving, this series could have gone all the way to #5 Best Boys Love Series

Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! | Japan

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Cherry Magic {Japan}
Cherry Magic is released by TV Tokyo as part of their Moku Dra 25 (Thursday Drama)

Rank: #14

What about? Kiyoshi Adachi (Eiji Akaso) is a virgin at the age of 30. He develops an ability to hear the thoughts of people by touching them. Adachi learns that a popular officemate Yuichi Kurosawa (Keita Machida) has feelings for him. He thought it must be a fluke. Yet, watching Kurosawa’s sincere show of affection, he started to develop his own feelings for the other guy.

And so? You can’t go wrong with this series. Similar to a best-selling book, it’s unputdownable! Do a marathon or take it easy, Cherry Magic will weave its undeniable wizardry upon you. Machida and Akaso project one of the most romantic chemistry among BL couples.

A Tale of a Thousand Stars | Thailand

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Boys Love: A Tale of a Thousand Stars (2021)
Earth-Mix’s first BL endeavor is A Tale of a Thousand Stars | GMM25, LINE Tv

Rank: #13

What about? Tian (Mix Sahaphap), a recent heart transplant survivor decided to follow in his donator’s footsteps. He applies as a volunteer teacher up in the mountains. He met Phupha (Earth Pirapat), a caretaker officer who appears aloof at first. Gradually, the two became closer. Tin is summoned by his heart to love someone his donor used to adore so deeply.

And so? A Tale of a Thousand Stars is BL Romance set in the lush Thai countryside. Earth Pirapat displays ‘an officer and a gentleman’ attitude that is hard to ignore! Rookie Boys Love talent Mix Sahaphap proves he is good-looking as he is a promising actor, by all means.

Blueming | South Korea

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Korean BL series 'Blueming' starring Kang Eun Bin
Hyeong Da Un takes photos of Cha Si Won as their relationship blossoms. Kakao TV

Rank: #12

What about? In Blueming, two alpha males compete for glory at school. One is nouveau rich, while the other is a poor pretender. Circumstances force them to get closer, and in a high-stakes school project, romance falls into place and swept them off their feet.

And so? Excellent camera play, with equally excellent lead actors – Kang Eun Bin (who plays the pretender) has star appeal. The drama is not limited to standard school scenes and expands into familial relationships (1) the poor boy has divorced parents and has vanity issues, (2) the nouveau rich kid is lonely and his parents work overtime. These subplots supplement what is already an interesting and romantic boy’s love. A second season is already in the works.

Old Fashioned Cupcake | Japan

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Boys Love: OlD Fashioned Cupcake (2022)
Corporate hotshots and soon-to-be lovers | Fuji TV

Rank: #11

What about? Two corporate guys decide to act like cutesy school girls to practice anti-aging exercises. Nozue (Takeda Kouhei), the senior guy appears clueless about his subordinate’s real intention. Togawa (Kimura Tatsunari) the handsome subordinate harbors romantic feelings toward Nozue. Will cupcakes pave the way toward love in a corporate setting?

And so? Expect the Japanese to portray conservative corporate guys as humorless white collars! Yet, the humor is all there, just waiting for you to observe. Kimura Tatsunari, at 28 y.o., exudes sex appeal that no amount of conservatism could hide. In Old Fashioned Cupcake, there is fantastic on-screen chemistry between the two leads.

HIStory: Crossing the Line | Taiwan

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Boys Love: HIStory Crossing the Line (2018)
This is sporty BL at its best. | CHOCO Tv

Rank: #10

What about? Zi Xuan (Zach Lu) is a competitive volleyball player who got injured. In order for his team to move forward, they scout for potential players. Enter Yu Hao (Fandy Fan), a freshy with a bad temper. Like oil to water, the two exchange angry stares and animosity. But competitiveness soon overtakes whatever differences they have. Until love beckons among spikes and jumps!

And so? Crossing the Line features one of the most intense kissing scenes in all of BL. Relatively unknown Fandy Fan elevates his career in this BL show. This is sporty BL at its best.

Long Time, No See | Taiwan

Rating: 4 out of 5.
The main cast of Long Time No See (From left): Yeon Seung Ho is Wild Dog and Tak Woo Suk is Flying Dagger | Strongberry

Rank: #9

GIF by loveisactivated @tumblr

What about? This is the story of two young men who are not exactly what they seem. One writes fictional stories online while the other appears to have a normal life with nothing unusual in his nature. Yet, both are living under disguise. Their repeated encounters prove they have something in common.

And so? This is an early Strongberry production that establishes its reputation as a no-nonsense creator of BL content. The chemistry between Seung Ho and Woo Suk is almost palpable. The sex scenes are erotic but done in such good taste. I mean, how can it be done in a bad taste, anyway? This South Korean crime drama is highly recommended! [ Watch the Trailer | Read Details ]

The Untamed | China

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Historical BL of the highest caliber! Xiao Zhan and Wang Yi Bo | Tencent Pictures

Rank: #8

What About? The past encounters the present in this tale of two disciples and warriors from different clans. One dies and is reincarnated via a ritual. In order to preserve the future, they agree to work together and solve the mysteries that will unravel the truth.

And so? Adapted from the novel “Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation” by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, The Untamed is BL from mainland China that breaks plenty of boy x boy barrier. Utilizing the ‘smoldering stare’ and lack of physical intimacy, it remains quite effective in rendering the romantic relationship between the main protagonist Wei Wu Xian (Xiao Zhan), and Lan Wang Ji (Wang Yi Bo). Gifted with acting skills and intense, believable on-screen chemistry, The Untamed never bores and always provides excitement when you least expected it. This is a historical romance BL of the highest caliber.

Like in the Movies | Philippines

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Boys Love: Gaya sa Pelikula (2020)
Pinoy BL series Gaya Sa Pelikula is top-tier by a mile. | Globe Studios

Rank: #7

What about? Karl (Paolo Pangilinan) needs money to pay his rent, while Vlad (Ian Pangilinan) needs a place to stay. They first meet with hostility, but to escape from their difficult predicament, they need to compromise. That means they must stay close together.

And so? Following the enemy-turned-lover formula, Like in the Movies succeeds due to its engaging storyline and the lead characters’ dynamics. A foreign viewer observes how effortless Filipino actors speak in a mix of the local dialect (Tagalog) and English.

My Beautiful Man | Japan

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
My Beautiful Man – Main Cast (From left): Yagi Yusei and Hagiwara Riku | MBS

Rank: #6

What About? Hira Kazunari (Hagiwara Riku) is unknown and unappreciated in class. Kiyoi Sou (Yagi Yusei) is like a god, an idol worthy of worship, at least, to Hira. Kiyoi’s presence lends dream-like passion to Hira that borders on obsession – he stares at him, dreams of him, and fantasizes about him. Yet, does Kiyoi knows he exists? This is a psychological romantic drama combined with slice-of-life school-based BL with plenty to say both subtle and otherwise.

And so? At 6 episodes running less than an hour, My Beautiful Man offers a full-impact tale of passionate love and obsession and some rivalry on the side. The love-hate relationship between stuttering Hira and the vain and arrogant Kiyoi is a fascinating study of contrast and contradictions. What works well is the two-dimensional relationship between the boys – when together in private, and when in front of the class.

To My Star | South Korea

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Boys Love: To My Star (2021-2022)
To My Star is the top tier among all the Korean Bl series from 2020 until today. | TVING, Viki

Rank: #5

What about? A Korean movie star (Son Woo Yoon) weathers a career-threatening scandal. He hides in an apartment where a chef (Kim Kang Min) he dismissed previously turns out to be his saving grace.

And so? To My Star is top tier among all the Korean Boys Love series from 2020 until today. Poignant, dreamy, dramatic, excruciatingly beautiful, To My Star is the definitive standard when it comes to Korean BL series.

More Than Words | Japan

Rating: 5 out of 5.
More than Words

Rank: #4

What About? The story centers on three individuals – best friends Mieko (Fujino Ryoko) and Makki (Aoki Yuzu), and Eiji (Nakagawa Daisuke) a senior in school. They met at a diner doing part-time work for a senpai at their school. Eiji is gay and eventually falls for Makki. Mieko – who had a previous bad experience with a boyfriend – decided to support their relationship when it appears ‘toxic’ to people around them. This trio’s dynamics are the centerpiece of the story, exploring their ever-changing relationships

And so? More than Words is not your usual, ‘just for fun’ series. It’s not even straight BL (pun intended). This series is in-your-face and will not apologize for its candor. Characters are flawed, yet it’s that quality that makes each of them realistic. Some people want closure to painful happenings, some have to be forced to face reality. It’s this dilemma that the series has explored well.

He’s Coming to Me | Thailand

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Boys Love: He's Coming to Me (2019)
The Singto-Ohm tandem is hard to beat, and the ghost-inspired theme is even harder to forget. | LINE tv

Rank: #3

What about? Med (Singto Prachaya) died over 20 years ago with no one ever looking after his grave. A young boy visits the cemetery and looks straight at him! Until that boy becomes a man (Ohm Pawat) and realizes that Med’s apparition is more than just that.

And so? He’s Coming to Me fails to impress fans out for fun. But succeeds when it comes to the more discriminating BL audience who demands more, who demands quality, who demands the best. The Singto-Ohm tandem is hard to beat, and the ghost-inspired theme is even harder to forget.

I Told Sunset About You/ I Promise You the Moon | Thailand

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Boys Love: I Told Sunset About You (2020-2021)
Devastatingly relatable – from the angsty performances down to the promise of commitment. | Nadao Bangkok, LINE Tv

Rank: #2

What about? I Told Sunset About You / I Promised You the Moon are a pair of Thai romantic drama coming-of-age series by Nadao Bangkok. It stars Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul and Krit “PP” Amnuaydechkorn as teenage boys Teh and Oh-aew and explores their relationship as they come to terms with identity, teenage angst, and love.

And so? Devastatingly relatable – from the angsty performances down to the promise of commitment, both Sunset and Promise promote a high-level theatrical drama set in the cultural beauty of Phuket in Thailand. One crying session is not enough as there are more than a dozen scenes that any gay guy who got hurt in a relationship could relate to.

Bad Buddy Series | Thailand

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Boys Love - Bad Buddy Series (2021)
A Bad Buddy cornerstone scene: The rooftop | GMM 25, WeTV

Rank: #1

What about? A family feud prevents Pran (Nanon Korapat) from being best friends with his neighbor Pat (Ohm Pawat). Yet both gravitate toward each other even in the face of competition and animosity. Truth be told, each already harbors feelings toward one another.

And so? While it’s not revolutionary in any sense, it elevates the notion that BL series is ‘just for fun’. The way it targets cliche and common tropes and smashes them into smithereens is what makes Bad Buddy a standout. That is, aside from the extraordinary on-screen chemistry between Pawat and Nanon. Bad Buddy is the Best Boys Love Series there is.

Rating Guide

Our rating is on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the best. The criteria are based on (1) entertainment and re-watchable value, (2) story, and (3) acting & character delineation. Finally, (4) directing & technicalities (editing, music, cinematography, costume design, OST).

This is a continuing article, updated on monthly basis, with more series under consideration including Until We Meet Again, TharnType, KinnPorsche, Theory of Love, and more.

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