Best BL Dramas of 2025: Year in Review

It feels like the Asian BL industry gets bigger every year, and 2025 was no exception. We were spoiled for choice with a massive number of productions hitting our screens. Thai BL continued to lead with a huge variety of genres and unique characters, while Chinese-language BL made a massive comeback, delivering several hits that resonated deeply with viewers.

Meanwhile, Japanese BL stayed true to its roots, offering comforting, high-quality slice-of-life stories, while countries like Taiwan and South Korea were part of the efforts as well.

As we move into 2026, it’s time to look back at the shows that truly left a mark on the Drama Dojo. Whether you’re looking to catch up or just want to relive the highlights, here is my curated list of the best BL dramas of 2025 and make sure to vote for your favorites in the poll at the end of the post.

1. To My Shore (吾岸)

Country: China
Cast: Hao Yi Ran, Yun Qi
Genre: Romance, Drama
Episodes: 15
Where to Watch: Viki
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/781606-city-of-the-sun

Synopsis: A cunning, emotionally volatile businessman whose life is defined by trauma encounters and becomes obsessively fixated on You Shu Lang—a composed and kind man. He weaves an intricate web of lies and psychological manipulation to dismantle Shu Lang’s stable life and force him into his own orbit. As their toxic connection deepens, the ultimate question rises: how long can a relationship built on such a dangerous foundation truly last?

Watch it for: High tension, angst, an obsessed and red flag lead, and the magnetic, dark chemistry.

2. Revenged Love (逆爱)

Country: China
Cast: Tian Xu Ning, Zi Yu, Zhan Xuan, Liu xuan Cheng
Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy
Episodes: 24
Where to Watch: Viki
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/793270-revenged-love

Synopsis: After being dumped by his girlfriend, a man from a humble background decides the best way to get even is by seducing her new, wealthy boyfriend. However, the plan for revenge backfires when real sparks begin to fly between the two. As they navigate meddling exes, judgmental parents, and the confusing reality of discovering their own sexuality, they are forced to decide if a relationship born from a lie can survive. This series is a fresh adaptation of the web novel Counter Attack by Chai Ji Dan, the author behind the popular Addicted (Heroin) series.

Watch it for: Chaotic revenge-to-romance trope, surprisingly bold and electric chemistry.

3. Secrets Happened on the Litchi Island (荔枝树下热烈岛)

Country: China
Cast: Liu Yi He, Hu Yi Chen, He Kun
Genre: Youth, Romance, Life
Episodes: 7
Where to Watch: Viki
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/788294-secrets-happened-on-the-litchi-island

Synopsis: A cinematic coming-of-age story following two young men who form a deep, artistic bond over a summer spent on a lush island, discovering their identities through shared experiences.

Watch it for: Breathtaking, artsy cinematography and a slow-burn, sensuous atmosphere.

4. Kill To Love (紫陌红尘)

Country: Singapore
Cast: Mi Jin, Zhang Zhe Xu
Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
Episodes: 12
Where to Watch: GagaOOLala
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/788946-shan-he-yong-ji

Synopsis: A tragic historical epic where two princes from warring kingdoms find their childhood bond severed by duty, only to reunite years later as opposing emperors and a love that has transformed into a dangerous obsession. Caught between their devotion to their people and an inescapable desire for each other, they must decide if their love is a path to peace or a final, fatal sacrifice.

Watch it for: Heart-wrenching historical angst and star-crossed lovers drama.

5. The Sparkle In Your Eyes (你是我目光里的星)

Country: Singapore
Cast: Chen Ye Sheng, Huang Xiao
Genre: Romance, Drama, Entertainment Industry
Episodes: 12
Where to Watch: Viki
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/795528-the-sparkle-in-your-eye

Synopsis: After a career-ending scandal, a former superstar tries to rebuild his image by taking a role in a new production. He’s paired with a total rookie who hides a deep-seated passion. As they navigate unspoken rules, power plays, and the casting couch culture of the industry, they find a bond that’s more real than any script.

Watch it for: Industry drama, the superstar vs. rookie dynamic, and high-stakes emotional payoffs.

6. Secret Lover (秘密關係)

Country: Taiwan
Cast: Wang Jyun Hao, Ying Cheng Hsi (Chance)
Genre: Romance, Youth
Episodes: 10
Where to Watch: iQIYI, WeTV
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/782422-secret-relationship

Synopsis: Tuo and Jun Xi have been best friends since childhood. While Jun Xi thinks Tuo is a popular ladies’ man, the truth is that Tuo has been secretly in love with Jun Xi for years and has been dating others just to sabotage Jun Xi’s own romantic chances. When Tuo finally makes a move under the guise of dating practice, their friendship explodes into a surprising and sweet romance.

Watch it for: tender tension, the friends-to-lovers trope, and some delicious chemistry.

7. Khemjira (เขมจิราต้องรอด)

Country: Thailand
Cast: Keng Harit, Namping, Firstone, Tle, Green Ausadaporn
Genre: Romance, Drama, Horror, Fantasy, Supernatural
Episodes: 12
Where to Watch: iQIYI
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/751339-kemjira-will-survive

Synopsis: A young man born into a cursed family must survive until his 21st birthday by hiding behind a girl’s name, eventually seeking protection from a powerful practinioner of white magic and a shaman.

Watch it for: Supernatural horror blended with protective, slow-burn romance, a beautiful soundtrack and an incredible visual and emotional chemistry.

8. Love in the Moonlight (สลักรักในแสงจันทร์)

Country: Thailand
Cast: Peak Peemapol, Pearl Satjakorn, Perth Veerinsara
Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
Episodes: 12
Where to Watch:
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/778234-salak-rak-nai-saengjan

Synopsis: To save his family’s fading status and fortune, a prince is forced into a strategic engagement with a woman he does not love. However, his sense of duty is shaken when he meets and gradually falls for his fiancé’s free-spirited cousin. As the two men navigate a clandestine romance, they find themselves caught in a crossfire of rigid societal expectations, family honor, and royal responsibility.

Watch it for: That perfect mix of forbidden romance and lakorn drama, all wrapped in a dreamy, nostalgic aesthetic.

9. ThamePo: Heart That Skips a Beat (เธมโป้)

Country: Thailand
Cast: Est Supha, William Jakrapatr, Nut Thanat, Tui Chayatorn, Lego Rapeepong, Hong Pichetpong
Genre: Romance, Music, Entertainment Industry
Episodes: 13
Where to Watch: Youtube, Netflix
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/768435-thame-po-heart-that-skips-a-beat

Synopsis: Po, returning to work after a long break and a rough breakup, is hired to document the final days of the boy group MARS. As he follows the misunderstood leader, Thame, he discovers the lonely reality behind the idol life. Along the way, Po helps the band rediscover their spark, mending their broken bonds while unexpectedly falling in love himself.

Watch it for: The poignant idol x videographer/director connection, healing team dynamics, and heart-fluttering chemistry.

10. Gelboys ( สถานะกั๊กใจ )

Country: Thailand
Cast: PJ Mahidol, Pide Monthapoom, New Chayapak, Leon Zech,
Genre: Youth, Romance, Drama
Episodes: 7
Where to Watch: iQIYI
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/779140-gel-boys

Synopsis: An underrated gritty, indie-style look at Gen Z life in Bangkok, where a group of friends navigates unrequited crushes and identity through the metaphor of nail art and street culture.

Watch it for: Raw, documentary-style realism, relatable teenage chaos. and a messy love square.

11. Me and Thee (มีสติหน่อยคุณธีร์ )

Country: Thailand
Cast: Pond Naravit, Phuwin Tangsakyuen, Est Supha, Bonnie Pattraphus
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Episodes: 10
Where to Watch: Youtube, iQIYI
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/780120-me-and-thee

Synopsis: Thee is a wealthy, dramatic heir obsessed with soap operas who connects with Peach, a grounded photographer, to be his love and life coach. However, as the eccentric billionaire tries to follow Peach’s realistic advice, he realizes that the quiet, steady man standing beside him is actually the leading man he’s been looking for all along.

Watch it for: Hilarious romantic-comedy energy and the perfect chaos meets calm dynamic.

12. Reset (การเกิดใหม่ของดวงดาว)

Country: Thailand
Cast: Pond Ponlawit, Peterpan Tadsapon
Genre: Romance, Drama, Second Chance
Episodes: 10
Where to Watch: iQIYI
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/781658-reset

Synopsis: An actor who was betrayed and killed at the height of his fame wakes up in the past, giving him a second chance to rewrite his life and find true love and loyalty.

Watch it for: A satisfying second chance revenge plot with a dose of spicy chemistry.

13. Top Form (กอดกันมั้ย นายตัวท็อป)

Country: Thailand
Cast: Smart Chisanupong, Boom Raveewit
Genre: Romance, Drama
Episodes: 11
Where to Watch: WeTV
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/780990-top-form

Synopsis: An aspiring rookie is cast in a major project alongside a popular veteran actor. As they navigate the cutthroat realities of the entertainment industry, their playful rivalry turns into a high-stakes romance. However, with fame comes a heavy price: the two must decide if they are willing to sacrifice their careers to stay together, or if the pressure of the spotlight will force them apart.

Watch it for: An addictive push-and-pull dynamic, high-tension sensual, raw chemistry, and a perfect mix of heart-fluttering romance and angst.

14. My Magic Prophecy (ทำนายทายทัพ)

Country: Thailand
Cast: Jimmy Jitaraphol, Sea Tawinan, Save Saisawat, Franc Naruth
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Episodes: 10
Where to Watch: Youtube
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/780116-my-magic-prophecy

Synopsis: A cynical doctor who believes only in science and hates fortune tellers, meets a quirky tarot reader who predicts that he is facing a life-threatening streak of bad luck. Forced to go into hiding together to escape a series of accidents, the two must solve a mystery with the help of some friends to save their lives. As they navigate the threats, skepticism melts into love and transforms into a healthy relationship.

Watch it for: Charming grumpy vs. sunshine vibes, lighthearted magical realism, and domestic romance moments so sweet they’ll give you a toothache.

15. Shine (ชาย)

Country: Thailand
Cast: Apo Nattawin, Mile Phakphum, Son Yuke, Euro Yotsawat, Nok Sinjai , Kob Pimolrat
Genre: Romance, Drama, Political
Episodes: 8
Where to Watch: WeTV
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/764087-shine

Synopsis: Set in the late 60s, a principled economist and a free-spirited hippie navigate a complex political landscape and personal baggage during a time of great social change. As student movements rise and the city shifts around them, they must find the strength to withstand the weight of their differing worlds and ideals—fighting not only for a greater cause but for their own hearts in a society resistant to change.

Watch it for: Mature storytelling, high quality production, and a thoughtful, nostalgic exploration of queer identity in a transformative era of Thai history.

16. Goddess Bless You From Death (สิงสาลาตาย)

Country: Thailand
Cast: Pavel Naret Promphaopun, Pooh Krittin Kitjaruwannakul
Genre: Mystery, Drama, Horror, Fantasy
Episodes: 13
Where to Watch: iQIYI
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/768503-goddess-bless-you-from-death

Synopsis: A rational, no-nonsense police officer’s (Singha) world is flipped upside down when he’s assigned to a gruesome mass murder case, and the only witness is a young man (Thup) who can see ghosts. As they navigate a terrifying reality involving a serial killer and a dark ritual, Singha takes Thup under his protection. Together, they must unravel the mystery to stop the murders before they become the killer’s next sacrifice.

Watch it for: The cop x witness dynamic, a chilling ritualistic horror, crime-thriller plot.

17. Secret Relationships (비밀 사이)

Country: South Korea
Cast: Kim Jun Seo, Cha Sun Hyung, Cha Jung Woo, Kim Ho Young
Genre: Romance, Drama
Episodes: 8
Where to Watch: iQIYI
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/723559-secret-relationship

Synopsis: This features a hardworking salaryman whose polished professional image hides a past of extreme poverty and debt. His life is thrown into chaos by a tense love square involving three very different men: his longtime protective mentor; a volatile and former friend from his university days; and his blunt and straightforward new office colleague. As he struggles to maintain his sanity and his career, he must navigate a web of obsession, toxic power plays, and buried secrets to find a love that is actually healthy.

Watch it for: The “who will he choose?” suspense and Intense, messy adult relationship drama.

18. Ball Boy Tactics (볼보이 택틱스)

Country: South Korea
Cast: Choi Jae Hyuk, Yeom Min Hyeok
Genre: Romance, Sports, Youth
Episodes: 8
Where to Watch: iQIYI, TVING
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/792684-ball-boy-tactics

Synopsis: Jiwon, a former star gymnast who walked away from the sport at the peak of his fame following a career-ending injury, now tries to navigate a quiet university life. He accidentally crosses paths with Jeongwu, the campus basketball star known for his effortless swagger and confidence. Despite their contrasting personalities, Jeongwu is instantly captivated by the guarded former athlete. Jeongwu helps Jiwon step out of his shell, leading them to explore feelings that quickly go beyond a simple friendship as they discover a new rhythm together.

Watch it for: The confident jock x shy athlete dynamic, healing from past trauma, and a heartwarming journey of self-confidence.

19. Stay By My Side After the Rain (雨上がりの僕らについて)

Country: Japan
Cast: Ikeda Masashi, Hori Natsuki
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 12
Where to Watch: GagaOOLala
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/793184-ameagari-no-bokura-ni-tsuite

Synopsis: Two high school friends who drifted apart due to unsaid feelings reconnect as adults on a rainy day, forcing them to face unresolved feelings and insecurities of their youth. Through rainy-day reunions and honest conversations, the two must decide if they are ready to move past their shared history and turn their old bond into something new.

Watch it for: Realistic, poignant exploration of LGBTQ+ identity and sweet domestic healing.

20. School Trip: Joined a Group I Am Not Close To (修学旅行で仲良くないグループに入りました )

Country: Japan
Cast: Fujimoto Kodai, Kan Hideyoshi
Genre: Romance, Youth
Episodes: 10
Where to Watch: TVer
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/798660-shugakuryoko-de-nakayokunai-group-ni-hairimashita

Synopsis: A quiet and kind high schooler finds himself unexpectedly “adopted” by the school’s most popular and handsome clique for a mandatory field trip. Suddenly thrust into the center of attention, he has to navigate the group’s chaotic energy and high-profile social world. Along the way, he forms a surprising bond with the one of the members—who finds himself falling for the charms and sweet nature of the one boy who doesn’t realize how special he is.

Watch it for: Pure feel-good fluff, a heartwarming friendship, and that nostalgic, cozy Japanese school-trip aesthetic.

21. When It Rains It Pours (ふったらどしゃぶり)

Country: Japan
Cast: Ito Asahi, Muto Jun
Genre: BL, Romance, Drama
Episodes: 7
Where to Watch: Viki, GagaOOLala
MyDramaList: https://mydramalist.com/780062-futtara-doshaburi

Synopsis: A working adult stuck in a long-term, sexless relationship with his girlfriend, feels a growing sense of isolation. One night, he accidentally sends a vulnerable email to a stranger who turns out to be his quiet office colleague. Unaware of each other’s real identities at first, the two begin an anonymous digital exchange, sharing their deepest frustrations about intimacy and loneliness. When the truth comes out, their shared secret turns into a physical and emotional storm that threatens their stable but unfulfilling lives.

Watch it for: A raw and realistic look at adult relationship struggles, the anonymous confidantes trope, and the moody, cinematic rainy-day atmosphere.

The Extras: More 2025 Gems You Can’t Miss

While the main list captures the heavy hitters, several other dramas were too good to overlook and absolutely deserve a spot on your watchlist. Taiwan’s Fight For You (對立而已) captivated us with its “undercover agent vs. target” dynamic, while Thailand’s Boys in Love (เปิดเทอมใหม่ หัวใจหัดรัก) delivered a refreshing dose of authentic, high-school nostalgia. We had another “rivals-to-lovers” couple, mixed with a hint of fantasy in Head to Head (ไหนใครว่าพวกมันไม่ถูกกัน) and the intense action packed, lakorn style The Wicked Game (เกม รัก ลวง ) had viewers hooked. Japan’s The Journey to Killing You (あなたを殺す旅) offered a gritty, dark romance between a yakuza underboss and the man assigned to protect/ assassinate him, while the poignant Memoir of Rati (จาฤกรติชา), a period piece proved that the genre can navigate historical social barriers with grace.

Which 2025 BL drama was your absolute favorite? Are there any hidden gems still sitting on your watchlist? Let’s discuss in the comments below! Also, you can read about some 2024 BL gems here.

The Drama Dojo