Asian BL - BL/Gay Dramas and movies 1980's to 2021
Asian BL from the 1980's to 2021: A comprehensive Guide for lazy Fangirls (and Boys)
Or, more like, "BL from some Asian countries"... China (+ Taiwan and Hong Kong), Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.)
If you'd like recs about non-Asian BL, just ask...
List will only contain titles in which BL/Gay/Male Bi couples/characters/themes, have at least a somewhat prominent role.
***(Titles with (only) Trans characters; not included--a Trans woman who loves men is straight, not gay.
Crossdressing has nothing to do with gender identity so titles with cross-dressing guys who like guys; included.
Bodyswap is (reluctantly) included.
Bromance if there is an implication that it is/will go beyond friendship)***
Adding every now and then.
Note; To make it simple; I'll just call BL, even if it would be more correct to say; stories about guys who are attracted to guys.
"Gay theme" and BL are two different things.
But as long as one can tell fantasy from reality--it's a convenient word.
My ratings are pretty harsh at times, but I judge by quality, not by how much I like/dislike it. Also by intention. Don't compare masterpieces with romcoms. That's not fair. Judge by what they were intended to be. A stupid romcom can be a 10 just as well as a Kurosawa flick, can.
Btw; A "5" means "mediocre". "10" means "perfect". "1" means "a crime towards mankind."
People, there are a whole lot of numbers between 1 and 10.
Note: Included are dramas made of the manga "Hanazakari no kimitachi e". Even if it's not BL, there is a beautiful point made, which I think deserves attention because it's present in a manga/drama which has no BL connection.
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501. Ossan's Love
Japanese Special - 2016, 1 episode
First version of the "Ossan" series, a shorter special. Also see the two drama versions plus special plus movie.
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502. Ossan's Love
Japanese Drama - 2018, 7 episodes
Second version of the "Ossan" story, here in a drama version as opposed to the previous version, a shorter special. Me like!
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503. Ossan's Love
Hong Kong Drama - 2021, 15 episodes
Hong-Kong remake of the Japanese "Ossan"-franchise. Could be nice!
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504. Ossan's Love: In the Sky
Japanese Drama - 2019, 8 episodes
Third version of the "Ossan" series--it's strange, you have the same story repeated over and over but in this drama you have a different setting compared to the earlier one. But the same story and MC.
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505. Ossan's Love: In The Sky Special
Japanese Special - 2019, 2 episodes
Special for the second drama version of the "Ossan" series.
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506. Ossan’s Love: LOVE or DEAD
Japanese Movie - 2019
Movie sequel to the first of the two full lenght drama versions of the "Ossan" series.
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507. Our Future
Japanese Movie - 2011
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508. Our Last Day
Thai Drama - 0000
Upcoming 2020.
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509. Our Memory
Taiwanese Drama - 2020, 4 episodes
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510. Our Skyy
Thai Drama - 2018, 5 episodes
Anthology focusing on five (more or less) iconic Thai BL couples. Every couple gets an episode each.
Some are utter crap, some are Okay +.
But it is what it is; a treat for us who want to see more of the couples we love.
(Mork and Tee from "'Cause You're My Boy", Kongpob and Arthit from "SOTUS", Pete and Kao from the "Kiss" series, In and Sun from "My Dear Loser: Edge of 17" and Pick and Rome from "Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey".) -
511. Outcasts
Taiwanese Movie - 1986
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512. Oxygen
Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
Upcoming 2020.
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513. Pair of Love
Taiwanese Movie - 2010
A short which had infinite promise and could have been beautiful, but fell on a messy production. I still do like it, though. I just don't think it was very qualitative.
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514. Papa and Daddy
Taiwanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
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515. Part Time
Thai Drama - 2016, 26 episodes
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516. Patalliro!
Japanese Movie - 2019
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517. Peach of Time
Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
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518. Pee Nak 2
Thai Movie - 2020
Uhm. Horror-parody-something, featuring gay monks? :D Wtf... I think I'll have to watch it just because of the insane description.
Has a previous installment, but I have no idea whether there are any gay characters in it.
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519. Permanent Residence
Hong Kong Movie - 2009
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520. Playboy and the Gang of Cherry
Thai Movie - 2017
Don't waste your time. The only thing you'll get out of it is a state of "what did I just watch?"
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521. Porngrapher: Continued Spring Life
Japanese Movie - 2021
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522. Pornographer
Japanese Drama - 2018, 6 episodes
This is pretty close to flawless, IMO.
I can't give more than a 9, because I wanted a bittersweet conclusion rather on the bitter side than the sweeter. And for perfection, it would have needed just a tad bit more time in order to fully flesh out this hypnotic little tale. But for the short runtime and episode count--this is nothing short of remarkable. I guess a 9 is fair, but at the same time, I'm itching to praise it even more than by rewarding it with "just" a 9.A true piece of art in both visuals, acting, directing and overall production. The story is so hypnotic that I couldn't tear my eyes off the screen. Told in a clever and impactful way, it blurs the lines between reality, fiction and fantasies.
A drama I will rewatch many times--for the experience, rather than reasons like loving the couple or story or whatever.
I found myself breathing so quietly that it was inaudible, subconsciously trying to not disturb the atmosphere. Let's not even mention during the erotic scenes--your breath will hitch all together... Though, the whole thing is erotic from beginning to end, but during the actual action scenes, then. Graphic, but tasteful.It's not for everyone. Someone prude would probably die from a seizure. (I'm everything but prude--but that level of dirty talk made even me blush a couple of times...)
Someone too young is not mature enough to fully understand the complex feelings and urges handled. Someone who wants entertainment should look elsewhere. Because this is a qualitative cinematic experience, not something to watch in order to pass timeIt's immensely fascinating, gorgeously executed, the acting is phenomenal. It's a gem.
Also watch "Mood Indigo" ("Indigo no Kibun"), a prequel (but released after this) probing into the past of the characters.
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523. Pornographer
Japanese Movie - 2021
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524. Pornographer - Spring Life
Japanese Movie - 2021
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525. Present Perfect
Thai Movie - 2017
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526. Present Perfect
Thai Movie - 2012
Short film on which the full-length feature film "Present Perfect" was based.
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527. Present Still Perfect
Thai Movie - 2020
Sequel to "Present Perfect". Upcoming 2020.
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528. Private Lessons
Korean Movie - 2020
Short.
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529. Private Teacher
Chinese Movie - 2017
Short.
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530. Proong Nee Gor Ruk Ter
Thai Drama - 2009, 30 episodes
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531. Puppy Love
Thai Drama - 2020, 6 episodes
Mini-drama.
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532. Q Hero
Chinese Movie - 2018
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533. Queer Movie 20
Korean Movie - 2013
Part of a series of shorts (of varying lenght, between 20 and 60 minutes runtime).
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534. Queer Movie Beautiful
Korean Movie - 2018
Part of a series of shorts (of varying lenght, between 20 and 60 minutes runtime.)
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535. Queer Movie Butterfly: The Adult World
Korean Movie - 2015
Part of a series of shorts (of varying lenght, between 20 and 60 minutes runtime).
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536. Queer Movie: Candy
Korean Movie - 2014
Part of a series of shorts (of varying lenght, between 20 and 60 minutes runtime).
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537. Quite Ordinary
Japanese Movie - 2011
Short.
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538. Rainbow Age
Chinese Movie - 2016
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539. Rainbow Eyes
Korean Movie - 2007
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540. Rainbow Family
Chinese Drama - 2014, 9 episodes
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541. Rare
Chinese Movie - 2017
Short.
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542. REC
Korean Movie - 2011
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543. Red Balloon
Taiwanese Drama - 2017, 8 episodes
For this short a series, with such a short runtime per episode--this is seriously impressive. The amount of story and emotion that the director managed to pack within those few minutes--without making the end result messy--is surprising.
It's a simple little thing, and it's not flawless, but it's great. This would have made for an awesome full-length series, there would be so much to explore about these guys and their story--but even in this compact size it tells more, and with greater depth, than many standard runtime dramas. There are quite a few memorable scenes and especially one, concerning a side character, will burn into your memory. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it.
Acting is great, the chemistry is lovely, the story is engaging and all in all, it should get much more attention than it has gotten. It's just a small little glimpse of a love story, but it's beautiful.
Production is good for such a small project with limited budget, big plus for some great songs in the OST/score.
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544. Red Wine in the Dark Night
Thai Movie - 2015
Okay, I hate vampire themes. I especially hate vampire themes paired up with BL.
But this would have been crap even if I DIDN'T hate vampires.
This is bad. Seriously so. The only redeeming thing would be Fluke, since he's a decent actor.
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545. ReminderS
Thai Drama - 2019, 3 episodes
Uhh. This small mini-drama thingy is absolutely pointless. I didn't expect greatness, I only watched for two reasons;
One; A glimpse of Phun and Noh in uni--which was... slightly rewarding but mostly disappointing. Just random, shallow and... uhh. And when did Noh turn into a total sharp-clawed bitch?
(It feels like Captain couldn't get into his old role of Noh and accidentally got into his role of Sean, from "Great Men Academy"...)Second reason; I really like all the four main actors in "Love By Chance", who are all present in this one, in the same two pairings--but as different characters... This would make for a very confusing watch unless one knows beforehand that their characters here have nothing to do with their characters in "Love By Chance"...
It's shallow, it's stupid, it's more or less a waste of time--but I guess it gives us what it inteded to. I assume that there was no deeper thought behind this whole mess of a mini-drama--other than show off one of the most beloved BL couples ever, as well as give us some more of our two main LBC couples. And it did that. So I can't give the thing an absolute bottom rating.
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546. Renai Shindan
Japanese Drama - 2007, 12 episodes
Old school Japan.
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547. Restart After Come Back Home
Japanese Movie - 2020
So... Waiting for this title, I was apprehensive.
Furukawa Yûki in a BL role? Could work. I've never been a fan, but he did do a pretty good job in "Erased".
How about the manga? Well... it's cute. Mediocre, but cute.I finally got my dirty paws on the movie, a while ago.
It's actually really cute, and a good adaptation of the manga :) Furukawa, once again, convinced me that he's actually talented, and not just the annoying dude from sleazy, crappy Shoujo-adaptations. He was pretty fricking adorable in this one :)
It's innocent, it's grounded, it's simple and it's really, really sweet. Totally in line with Japan's new style in BL--and I really, really love their 180-turn. (Or, perhaps their TWO 180 turns... From plastic manga-crap--to two polar opposites... Everyday love--and dark and twisted...)
I'll admit that I've only watched it unsubbed, so far. There doesn't seem to be any English subs available yet, but they should be out soon. My Japanese is weak, I'm far from skilled enough to be able to pick up more than the rough outlines of dialogue--but I HAVE read the manga, so I'd say I get the picture well enough to be able to rate the flick.
Definitely worth a watch!
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548. Reuan Rom Ngiw
Thai Drama - 2021, 27 episodes
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549. Right By Me
Thai Movie - 2005
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550. River Knows Fish Heart
Chinese Movie - 2018
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551. River's Edge
Japanese Movie - 2018
Not BL, but a gay MC. Adapted from award-winning manga.
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552. Road Movie
Korean Movie - 2002
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553. Romantic Station
Thai Movie - 2020
Short.
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554. Room Alone 2: The Series
Thai Drama - 2015, 15 episodes
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555. Room Alone: The Series
Thai Drama - 2014, 10 episodes
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556. Roommate
Thai Drama - 2020, 4 episodes
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557. Roommate Special Episode
Thai Special - 2020, 1 episode
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558. Roop Thong
Thai Drama - 2018, 18 episodes
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559. Ruby and Ice Ice
Taiwanese Movie - 2018
Short.
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560. Ryu Sun Bi's Wedding Ceremony
Korean Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
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561. Saebit Boys' High School Council
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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562. Sai Lub Jub Abb
Thai Drama - 2017, 13 episodes
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563. SaifahZon Story
Thai Special - 2020, 3 episodes
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564. Saimon & Tada Takashi
Japanese Movie - 2018
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565. Saitankyori wa Mawari Kudokute
Japanese Movie - 2019
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566. Saitankyori wa Mawari Kudokute: Ame to Soda Mizu
Japanese Movie - 2020
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567. Saitankyori wa mawari kudokute: rakka ryūsui
Japanese Movie - 2020
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568. Same Difference
Japanese Movie - 2014
Super-crappy adaptation of a crappy, clichéed yaoi manga. The actual physical BL content is so tame that it's ridiculous, if I remember correctly.
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569. Same Same Is Not The Same
Thai Movie - 2015
Short.
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570. Sanaeha Diary Series: Buang Sanaeha
Thai Drama - 2017, 11 episodes
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571. Sapai Ka Fak
Thai Drama - 2018, 29 episodes
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572. Second Chance
Thai Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
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573. Secret
Korean Movie - 2013
Short
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574. Secret Love: Love Behind One's Back
Thai Movie - 2014
Short-film (in the borderland between short and full-lenght).
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575. Secret Roommate
Korean Movie - 2020
Short.
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576. Secret Spectacles
Korean Movie - 2017
Short.
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577. Seek McCartney
Chinese Movie - 2018
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578. Sei no Gekiyaku
Japanese Movie - 2020
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. -
579. Semantic Error
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
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580. Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey
Thai Drama - 2016, 6 episodes
I really don't like the straight storyline nor the male lead, even if I like Cherreen. Considering the fact that the whole plot premise is supposed to revolve around pets and pet rescue, those critters are remarkably sparsely featured in the minds of the characters and the core of the drama. More like, cute props.
(Also--as a life-long pet nut and cat breeder, I also get annoyed at most of the pet-related stuff, because they're mostly stupid and incorrect.)The BL storyline is okay, but very tame and not very well developed--but it's Off and Gun and those two just belong together in front of a camera.
(I've always thought that they lack in attraction/sexual chemistry, but we haven't really seen them in any roles that have given opportunity for that... Their emotional chemistry, on the other hand, is great.) -
581. Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey 2
Thai Drama - 2017, 8 episodes
Season 2. See S1 for comment.
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582. Sense... Love
Thai Movie - 2016
Short.
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583. Seua Chanee Gayng: Freshy
Thai Drama - 2018, 8 episodes
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584. Seven Days: Friday - Sunday
Japanese Movie - 2015
Second installment of two-part story. See part one for comment.
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585. Seven Days: Monday - Thursday
Japanese Movie - 2015
This two-part installment isn't exactly a heavy-weight, and is lacking in many departments, but I still do recommend it for anyone who loves the original manga on which it's based. "Seven Days" is one of the most beloved classics in Shounen-ai manga--with good reason. It's just so sweet, light-hearted, fluffy and cute, that you can't help but to love it.
The movies are flawed, but a good effort. The directing and technical work, as well as the lovely OST, creates an atmosphere that really catches the one from the manga. It becomes a simple movie (x2) but so is the manga. Uncomplicated and cute.
The biggest issue, or more like; the only big one--is the acting. Hirose Tomoki blows it. He's just not a good actor, period. He tries his best, but it doesn't work. When he isn't overacting, he's stiff and awkward. His co-actor does a better job, but not exactly stellar. (Except in that one scene. "I was thinking about you". If you've read the manga, you know which scene I'm talking about. There, for a moment, he totally shone.)
But overall--if one doesn't take it seriously, it's a cute watch that leaves you with a smile and pink, shiny cotton-candy-fluff feelings.
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586. Seven Project
Thai Drama - 2021, 7 episodes
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587. Sex Friends
Thai Drama - 0000, 16 episodes
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588. Shanghai Panic
Chinese Movie - 2002
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589. Sheng Jian
Taiwanese Drama - 0000
Upcoming 2020.
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590. Shiba San and Meow Chan
Taiwanese Movie - 2018
Short.
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591. Shinjuku Midnight Baby
Japanese Movie - 2016
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592. Shitsuren Hoken
Japanese Drama - 2011, 13 episodes
Supposedly has gay character(s?)
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593. Shujin-ko
Japanese Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
Supposedly has gay character(s).
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594. Siew Sum Noi
Thai Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
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595. Skinship
Thai Special - 2020, 3 episodes
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596. Skinship 2
Thai Special - 2021, 3 episodes
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597. Skip School
Taiwanese Movie - 2020
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598. Slam Dance
Thai Drama - 2017, 13 episodes
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599. Sleepless Society: Two Pillows
Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
Supposedly has gay character(s?)
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600. Snakes and Earrings
Japanese Movie - 2008