My Favourite Danmei/BL/Yaoi Shows (C/K/J/TW)
This list contains my absolute favourite BL shows (Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean and Japanese...not Thai since I do not yet watch Thai) that are worthy of re-watch and which are simply too good to miss. Also, shows which are absurdly officially NOT BL but totally should be.
-
1. A Tale of the Wanderers
Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes
I am so in love with this show. The relationship between Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu is absolutely blatantly obvious even if those two do not kiss. Even Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian were way subtler than those two.
-
2. 30Sai made Doteida to Mahotsukai ni Narerurashi
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
It doesn't get any sweeter, fluffier, and more innocent than this. This show is so sweet it will rot your teeth and I totally love it for it. If you had a bad day and need to be cheered up - watch this.
-
3. The Untamed Special Edition
Chinese Special - 2019, 20 episodes
This will probably only make sense if you know the book or have already watched the entire show since it focuses mainly on the relationship between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian while cutting out a lot of the side stories and secondary characters. I love it because the ending is much better then the one from the original show but it might confuse someone who doesn't know the book or the original 60 episode long show.
-
4. Devilish Judge
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
So yes this story is officially NOT BL but the UST and subtext is so heavy in this show that many people agree that show is gayer then a lot of proper Korean BLs, which are often just painfully awkward.
-
5. Life Senjou no Bokura: Director's Cut
Japanese Movie - 2020
Based on a beautiful one-shot manga, it is a Yaoi story done right. No dub-con or non-con but trials and tribulations that are realistic and sometimes heartbreaking but don't worry, the story does have a happy ending. The movie is better than the show since it adds scenes at the end from the manga which makes the whole thing feel a lot more complete than the show.
-
6. The Untamed
Chinese Drama - 2019, 50 episodes
This is a modern classic and not by chance. It has a great love story, so many great characters, so many young actors who were able to show their acting skills. I am quite certain that Tencent was completely surprised when the show became the biggest international hit compared to all other Chinese shows.
-
7. To My Star (Movie)
Korean Movie - 2021
Probably the first Korean BL I truly loved. The leads have chemistry and while the story is nothing wild it is still well told. I really liked this.
-
8. HIStory3: Trapped
Taiwanese Special - 2019, 20 episodes
This show reminded me a bit of Banana Fish because it is a story involving a brilliant gangster and an innocent boy (in this case a cop and not an athlete), also the ending is at least a bit hopeful and not heartbreaking like in Banana Fish
-
9. The Lost Tomb 3: Ultimate Chronicles
Chinese Drama - 2020, 37 episodes
-
10. Where Your Eyes Linger
Korean Movie - 2020
A Korean BL that sort of worked for me. It is still too short and underdeveloped but a lot better compared to other BL shows such as "Colorrush"
-
11. Your Name Engraved Herein
Taiwanese Movie - 2020
This movie has a lot in common with "Moonlight". It is beautifully shot and deserves a lot more praise and attention but you will need tissues. The story is heartbreaking.
-
12. Word of Honor - Epilogue
Chinese Special - 2021, 1 episode
This is a must-watch since this is, in fact, the actual ending of the show but stuck behind a paywall (Viki Standard and Youkou Ultimate Fan Pass).