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?

Here are PsychoWeird’s picks for the Best Boys Love Series from all around Asia.

Gameboys | Philippines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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