My Recommended BL Series

My Recommended BL Series

    Last year, we had a plethora of BLs released every month, but we all know that they are not made equal. In this blog, we will compile a list of the most recommended BL dramas released last year that are still worth viewing even in 2024. If you have any recommendations, please share them in the comments area below. Without further ado, let us begin.

#1. Last Twilight

 

    What should I say about this one? It's perfect. It is a masterpiece. Although it is not yet ended, seeing all ten episodes has convinced me that it is one of the greatest series we have seen in the last three years. I believe that the finale has the potential to make or break this series, but it is a genuine love story that we haven't seen before, so it stands out on its own. The series has two episodes remaining, so it will be intriguing to watch how Mhok and Day's love story ends, as well as whether Day can still see his love. Last Twilight is presently available on YouTube every Friday.

#2. The Sign

 

    I've seen the first four episodes of this series, but I'm putting it on hold since I want to binge watch it later. Anyway, the premise is fascinating, and the story is unique in that it incorporates Thai mythology, which is a first for a BL. The main couple's chemistry is obviously strong, which contributes to the overall beauty of the story. It is still airing, but it is growing increasingly popular by the day. The Sign airs on YouTube every Saturday.

#3. If It's With You

 

     Japanese BLs are absolutely unique, yet the most of them are fantastic, and If It's with You is one of 2023's best shows. It's a brief series of episodes, but the story line was intriguing. At first, the interaction between the two main characters seemed conventional, but as the story went, I realized that it precisely mirrored reality. If It's with You may be viewed on GagaOOLala.

#4. A Breeze of Love

 

    I've watched a lot of Korean BLs this year, owing to the quantity of releases, particularly in the first quarter, but this is one of the series that I truly enjoyed when I saw it. It wasn't ideal, but it was really reassuring, similar to how I felt with Our Dating Sim. The only drawback I can think of is the shorter screen time, but overall, this is an easy-to-watch show that can be binge-watched in one sitting. A Breeze of Love may be viewed on iQiYi.

#5. Cherry Magic

 

    Following the stop of its international broadcast due to copyright difficulties, some people omitted this series off their lists, but it's one of the shows I really appreciate right now. The Japanese rendition is probably my favorite, but there's something about TayNew that makes me smile every time I watch the interactions on a screen. Their chemistry is clearly radiating, and I feel like it's already overshadowing the storyline, but I'm not sure if that's good or bad. Cherry Magic may still be seen on VIU Thailand with a VPN.

#6. Mr. Sahara & Toki-kun

 

    It's another continuing show, but this is what I enjoy about Japanese BL series: the rom-coms are my faves, and I don't cringe since they feel natural rather than forced. But one thing I'm not sure about is the interaction between a teacher and a pupil, which we've seen in a lot of Japanese shows, so it's likely related to their culture. Sahara Sensei to Toki-kun may be seen on iQiYi and GagaOOLala.

#7. Love Tractor

 

    When I think of this BL, all I can think about is Ye Chan's attractiveness throughout the entire series, and how he captured my interest in just one episode. Aside from the school plotline, Love Tractor tells a love story in the countryside, which is unusual for a Korean BL. While the plot isn't very difficult, I really loved it because of the characters. Others may find the ex-lover ensemble to be redundant in Korean dramas, but it really brought some flavor to the whole story. You can watch Love Tractor on iQiYi.

#8. The Day I Loved You

 

    I truly missed watching Filipino BLs since, as you may recall, they had a fantastic line-up back in 2020, but I never became interested in their more recent releases. To be honest, this Filipino BL surprises me a lot. The chemistry between the three main characters was strong, the plot was engaging, and everything was nicely written. If it weren't for last year's amazing releases, this may have made my Top 10, but it's a must-see series that will always be on my recommended list. The Day I Loved You may be viewed on YouTube.

#9. My Personal Weatherman

 

    When it comes to the tension between the main characters, this will undoubtedly be at the top. Japanese BLs are well-known for their comedic storylines, yet they can also produce a serious show. I think this Japanese BL to be one of the most underestimated series of 2023, simply because it had such a low rating given how wonderful it is. My Personal Weatherman may be viewed on Viki, GagaOOLala, and Apple TV.

#10. Cooking Crush

 

    This works well with Last Twilight since it is a drama series while Cooking Crush is a romantic comedy. Even though we've seen OffGun in a variety of series previously, their chemistry remains strong even in 2024, owing to their outstanding performances. If you want to watch a light story with a lot of fluffy moments, Cooking Crush is the appropriate BL for you. Cooking Crush is available on YouTube and WeTV in its uncut version.

    Aside from these titles, here are some excellent choices for your BL watchlist:

#11.1. My Beautiful Man 2

 

    Kazunari Hira and Sou Kiyoi have surmounted the barriers that separated them in high school and are now dating and even living together. Hira is currently in his fourth and final year of college, while Kiyoi continues to work hard in his acting career. However, this couple's existence is not without its difficulties. Hira continues to battle with low self-esteem, which has an affect on both his relationship with Kiyoi and his job quest. Kiyoi does his best to support his partner, but can Hira overcome his own internal fears and take the necessary measures to form a lasting relationship with Kiyoi?

#11.2. My Beautiful Man Movie

 

    The meek, friendless "loner" at the bottom of the class falls in love at first sight with the stunningly attractive, ruthless, and popular "King" Kiyoi. Hira and Kiyoi became lovers after graduating from high school and experiencing different ups and downs. They now live happily at Hira's house. As his university graduation approaches, Hira begins working as an assistant to Noguchi, a well-known photographer, and gets to see professional work. He gradually distances himself from Kiyoi, not wanting to jeopardize Kiyoi's blossoming acting career. Hira, who regards Kiyoi as a god-like and valuable being, and Kiyoi, who want to be "normal" lovers on an equal footing with Hira, progressively develop disputes. The spring when they met has past, and after a sweltering summer, fall has arrived. The frigid winter is ended, and spring has returned. They begin to prepare for graduation season.

#12. I Became the Main Role of a BL Drama

    This film stars Akafuji Yuichiro, a popular and gorgeous actor, and Aoyagi Hajime, a previously popular child actor who possesses talent but is today mediocre. The story begins when they are cast as the dual leads in a live-action version of a well-known BL manga. They start living together to prepare for the part and get notoriety, but Akafuji is rude to Aoyagi, and Aoyagi dislikes Akafuji as well. However, there was a reason for his brusque demeanor. Akafuji was truly in love with Aoyagi. Akafuji makes every effort to conceal his sentiments, while Aoyagi attempts to get along with the other but incorrectly believes he despises him. The two's misunderstanding results in an unexpected slapstick comedy in this "Cohabitation Romantic Comedy."

#13. Kiseki: Dear To Me

 

    Bai Zong Yi, an exceptional student with aspirations to become a doctor, is accidentally lured into the life of an injured mobster named Fan Ze Rui. This unexpected encounter upends their peaceful routines and throws their lives into a tailspin. Their initial discomfort fades into familiarity, and they finally form a passionate friendship. Just as their love story begins, Fan Ze Rui's criminal history comes up with him.

#14. Sing My Crush

 

    After a catastrophic first encounter in school, Ba Ram and Han Tae become an odd and deep relationship. Years later, will Ba Ram be able to keep his feelings for Han Tae a secret?

#15. I Cannot Reach You

 

    "No matter how much time we spend together, I'll never become special to you." Childhood best pals. Two halves of a whole. Yamato and Kakeru are the cool, clever one who excels at practically everything, and his ordinary, goofy friend who struggles to get anything right. Always on each other's side, but not in the manner they genuinely want to be. No matter how hard they try, their hearts cannot connect.

#16. Love Class 2

 

    Lee Hyun is a university freshman. He is cheery and optimistic, having never suffered any emotional pain or loss. His university days begin with a bang when he meets and falls for Kim An, a young tutor in the same department as Lee Hyun. Lee Hyun begins following Kim An about like a puppy, bombarding the cold and disdainful young teacher with questions. Meanwhile, Joo Hyuk, a student, is returning to university after a break. After meeting by coincidence, he has a fling with a man named Sung Min, who departs without a trace the next morning. Joo Hyuk is surprised to learn that Sung Min is actually his new class's teaching assistant. Min Woo, a fellow student, is similarly caught up in a complex love situation: he has a secret infatuation on his jobless best friend Ma Roo. Will Cupid assist these six young men achieve scholastic and romantic success?

#17. Jack O' Frost

 

    This is the story of Okusawa Ritsu, an illustrator, and Ikegami Fumiya, a salesperson. They met at an old coffee shop, fell in love, and now live happily together. However, a misunderstanding develops between Ritsu, who lives freely, and Fumiya, who is influenced by it. Ritsu leaves the house after a disagreement one winter day and is engaged in an accident, where he loses consciousness. Ritsu awoke with only a remembrance of Fumiya. Fumiya conceals his previous connection with Ritsu and continues their shared existence in order to rebuild their relationship from the ground up. However, Ritsu requests that he take him to a familiar location in order for him to retrieve his memories. Fumiya is hesitant, but the two of them begin a "journey" to chart the course of their love. The coffee shop where they first met, the riverside path they frequented, the locations they both visited before to dating. Fumiya has both happy and sad memories of their time together. Ritsu, on the other hand, eventually regains his attraction to Fumiya despite having amnesia.

#18. Pit Babe

 

    Charlie aspires to be a racecar driver, but he does not possess a racecar. The only answer he comes up with is a peculiar arrangement with the king of the racetrack, Babe, also known as Pit Babe. Even stranger, Babe decides to help Charlie achieve his ambition.

#19. Tokyo In April Is

 

    Kazuma, the new employee who has returned to Tokyo from America, reunites with Ren, a good buddy from middle school who is now the top designer at the firm. It's their first reunion since their unexpected separation during their third year of middle school, ten years ago. Ren was his best friend and first love. He is as muscular and attractive as ever.  And Kazuma is content just being with him. Ren, on the other hand, avoids discussing their middle school years in an unusually amicable manner. But he's acting like this because he's gay and, most importantly, he's afraid of being rejected by Kazuma. But then, one night, they get back together?

#20. The End of the World With You

 

    The world is plunged into panic when the public discovers that in only 10 days, a gigantic meteorite will strike the Earth, perhaps wiping out the whole human species. Masumi Nishina, a young guy working in a dead-end office job, was shocked to hear this dreadful news. But he eventually accepts his fate and returns to his college library, where he plans to study literature in a peaceful atmosphere as he awaits the end. However, this decision proves to be a huge mistake, as he is reunited with the guy who cruelly destroyed his heart: Ritsu Kusakabe. They were both members of the same publishing club in college but had a strained relationship. Masumi Nishina had assumed he would never have to see Ritsu Kusakabe again, so bitter was the latter's rejection, but Ritsu Kusakabe went on to become an IT hotshot. But, with the clock ticking and only days till the end of the world, they begin to ponder if they should reignite their relationship and spend the rest of their lives passionately.

    I did not include my Top 10 BLs of 2023 in this list because I explained why I liked them in my previous blog post. If you have your own recommendation, please share it in the comments area below. Which BL series do you think deserves to be on this list? Thank you for reading! That's it, and I'll see you on the next one.