#ql essentials

[bengiyo]

QL Essentials: Tag Game

Post 6 (and only 6) gifs/pics of the QLs you personally consider essential viewing for fans of the genre—emphasis on “personally.” These are your feels, so no need to pick series you don’t like just because they seem "important". Feel free to explain your choices or not.

Then tag 6 friends for their 6. I was tagged by @xagan

I tend to value engaging with different country's approaches to BL, so I'll do one from six different countries.

Thailand - I Told Sunset About You / I Promised You The Moon

It's really hard to overstate how good this series is. It's so good that I sometimes don't recommend starting viewers here as an introduction to BL because I worry it'll set the bar too high for what's available afterwards. However, part of what will always make this particular project so important is how specific it feels in its approach to the coming-of-age romance. Perhaps its my own angst from decades of stories like this that end of separation, but the final sequence of Sunset healed something in me.

Japan - My Beautiful Man

I almost selected Eternal Yesterday here, but I think Utsukushii Kare might be the better choice for the way it shows how well Japanese BL can handle more complex pairings. The desperation and ugliness that Hira and Kiyoi have to work through make the three outings we have with them a standout in the genre. It's the rare example of a good sequel.

The Philippines - Gameboys

When it comes to The Philippines, other than Like in the Movies, I love going back to Gameboys because it is the project that I think best captures how we all felt during the lockdowns of the pandemic. Moreover, it's a scrappy project carried by incredibly strong performances from the entire cast. I think anyone's cinematic experience is improved by becoming familiar with Elijah Canlas, and it's incredible that they found actors and actresses that could match him.

Korea - Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo

Hwang Da Seul loves stories about relationships in which one of them pushed the other way too far, but still they made it. This is her latest and best version of this. More than any other outing, it was easy to understand exactly what happened here and follow the threads. I also love the way this story resolves the romantic rival more than any other show I've experienced in BL. It also stands out for me as one of the best examples of sex in BL not being used to signify love; sometimes the sex is being used to avoid dealing with other problems.

Taiwan - We Best Love

I don't think this is the best project from Taiwan, but it's probably my favorite. I like showing people this one because it's an example of the standout chemistry the Taiwanese teams are able to bring out of their talent. Despite the plot getting a bit silly, the emotions between Gao Shi De and Zhou Shu Yi remain extremely accessible across both seasons, and I especially like that our protagonist is the one who lets down the romantic lead.

China - The Untamed

I thought about other recommendations for China, but this project is probably the one I return to the most. It's a dense show, but it's rewarding to follow the plot threads of this one. Despite it being a censored romance, I remain fond of it for making the bonds between men the core of its narratives. Despite the censored nature, the fact that the story revolves around guys' obsessions with each other captures the core of what draws me to m/m literature.

I'll tag my usual folks: @negrowhat, @shortpplfedup, @lurkingshan, @twig-tea, @benkaben, and @waitmyturtles

[nabi-unveiled]

Tag Game: QL Essentials

Tagged by @hughungrybear @dramalove247 @befuddledcinnamonroll @thisonelikesaliens @ginnymoonbeam and @mewsthumbring 💖

And I'm saying that @abstractelysium and @somethingsomething-else tagged me through gif summoning 😂. Sannin Fufu lovers unite!

Prompt: Post 6 (and only 6) gifs/pics of the QLs you personally consider essential viewing for fans of the genre—emphasis on “personally.” These are your feels, so no need to pick series you don’t like just because they seem ’important.’ Feel free to explain your choices or not.

I've seen SOOO many amazing lists for this one over the past several weeks. All of the classics and genre staples. Lists by country. Lists by historical significance. Lists by subgenre. List by favorites. It feels like no matter what I say, I'll be repeating somebody. So...just going with what comes to mind.

Essential #1: Horny with Power Dynamics

I know that everyone is shocked that I listed My Personal Weatherman as essential. That's heavy sarcasm if you are new to this blog. No denying - horny and power dynamics are two prominent aspects in a lot of QL, and this show has it in spades. To borrow a phrase from Kat @dramalove247, it's all my favorite flavors of dopamine sprinkles wrapped up in one show.

Essential #2: Intentional Visuals and Music

I could easily use a lot of different shows for this essential, but this is the one I'm going with today. The Eighth Sense is art to me. I do enjoy the writing/characters. But it also adds in so much through visual storytelling and supports that with music as well. Many QLs express a ton through visuals and soundtracks. We regularly talk about the clothes, the color coding and blinding lights for a reason.

Essential #3: Growing Into Our Identities

Figuring life out is hard. Whether it's figuring out the intricacies of social dynamics, our own sexual desires, or just...who we want to be, QL has us covered. There's something for us all here, and probably at least one character that struggled with it. I typically identify myself as Ida from Keita Hatsukoi, but both Ida and Aoki's journey are good for this one. Both figuring out their identitites and desires. Plus, this covers the "school setting" and friend groups that's pretty essential for QL too.

Essential #4: Longing, Angst and Hurt

I'm an angst monster. QL series do a fabulous job of hurting my beloveds so that I get cathartic release. I've said it before, I don't cry a lot in real life. But shows? I love a good cry induced by fiction. Please let me cry my stress away. I also love my chaos gremlins like Ai Di. I don't care that much about the show itself, but Ai Di is essential to know.

Essential #5: Comfort and Chosen Family

QL may hurt our beloveds, but it's pretty great at using all the tropes to cover the healing aspect too. Reminding us to take care of ourselves and others. Recognizing that blood ties are not the only type of family. I debated a lot on this one. There are soooo many great options, and which one is the ultimate comfort crack will differ by person. Coming off of a month where I began to fray at the edges and suffered some work burnout, a Perfect Propose rewatch is likely in the works. I always feel like it helps me recalibrate and reflect on my priorities. This covers a bit of our "workplace setting" as well.

Essential #6: Representation

Ok, if I was picking strictly for poly, then I would choose Sannin Fufu. But we're down to our last slot, and we haven't covered sooo many aspects of QL. 3 Will Be Free has some rep level for poly, trans, poverty, and gritty storytelling wrapped up in one. It's also Thai which is not represented yet on my list 🫣. Bonus, it can serve as your introduction into QL controversies and discourse 😂. That's pretty essential too.

And that's six. It still leaves out some key types of rep and a whole lot of shows I consider essential 😂, but it's the best I have at the moment.

Not tagging anyone since I'm very late to the game on this one, but if you want to play (or have played) then feel free to tag me. I love seeing what people pick!

[negrowhat]

QL Essentials: Tag Game

tagged by @bengiyo @my-rose-tinted-glasses and @thisautistic

Post 6 (and only 6) gifs/pics of the QLs you personally consider essential viewing for fans of the genre—emphasis on “personally.” These are your feels, so no need to pick series you don’t like just because they seem "important". Feel free to explain your choices or not. Then tag 6 friends for their 6.

Since I didn't want my list to be a copy and paste of @bengiyo I changed some choices up but the impact for me is all the same.

Gameboys

Probably one of THE most relatable series I've ever seen. Because of COVID, we were all together on lockdown across the globe, dealing with things we wished we could change while also struggling to connect with people without physically being able to see each other. This series delves into a bunch of different relationships, regret, romance, mental health, physical health, and loneliness.

But also the series was beautifully shot from a fucking iphone, and the graphics were amazing, and all the acting was top notch, and Kokoy and Elijah's first IRL meeting was when their characters met for the first time too. And the series is so perfect.

Lovely Writer

It's the perfect mix of meta and comedy and drama. I think this series tackles BL meta the best and across multiple levels. Lovely Writer took shots at the industry, actors, fans/fanbases, shipping culture, toxic stans, BL authors, BL scripts, BL series, and more. It's such a treat to watch.

But it's also like so tropey, especially since one of the mains is very much a stalker and manipulator. It's got the right amount of heat. The drama is so meaty with layers like a lasagna. There's mystery (read that as lying). Visually the series is bright and colorful and aesthetically pleasing. It gets deep but not hard to watch. A bunch of shit happens but none of it feels unnecessary or out of place. Like interactive is the best way I can describe the viewing experience.

Cherry Magic

The most perfectly romantic and warm and soft series I've ever seen. But so structurally sound and the characters have depth and experience actual growth. Cherry Magic is a feel-good drama set in such a slice-of-life vibe. I especially love that everyone is settled in their adulthood even if it's boring or unexciting, it feels lived in. Y'know? Also there's virginal magic! Who doesn't love random supernaturalness in their office drama? The characters a great the vibes are top notch and I never get sick of this series.

Utsukushii Kare

This series is on the other side of the spectrum with an air of a toxic romance until you realize these main characters are two sides of the same coin. I find this series essential because of the focus on their relationship dynamics. I appreciate that this series is told from both characters perspectives so we get to see the full picture of how their relationship seesaws between expectations and desires.

To My Star

This is another series I find essential more for the characters' dynamics than anything else. The way our mains learn about each other is so interesting to watch. One silently stores information and makes small changes without a word. And the other can basically fill in the gaps where manifestation is difficult and he becomes more mindful. They learn so much so quickly and it makes them want to protect each other the best way they can.

The New Employee

This series shows that people continuously change pathways in life and that "being too old" for something is more of a mindset. Change is necessary for people to grow and a person really never stops growing or wanting to change trajectories in life. And also we are gifted such a bright and sweet character who is finally choosing himself and he's paired up with another character who is thoughtful and solid in everything he does. They have a refreshing romance that is mature.

I'll tag @itsallaboutbl @hughungrybear @byemambo @benkaben @mikuni14 and @befuddledcinnamonroll

[mewsthumbring]

Tag Game: QL Essentials

Tagged by @hughungrybear and @mikuni14 😊

Rule: Post 6 (and only 6) gifs/pics of the QLs you personally consider essential viewing for fans of the genre—emphasis on “personally.” These are your feels, so no need to pick series you don’t like just because they seem ’important.’ Feel free to explain your choices or not. Then tag 6 friends for their 6.

Ok this one was really hard for me, because I could pick 6 Thai BLs that I think are essential viewing, but I think a lot of us probably agree on what those are. So instead I’m doing one per country, which brought me a total of 5 instead of 6 🙊 please don’t cancel me 🙈

Thailand: I Told Sunset About You

What can I say about this show that hasn’t already been said? It’s beautiful, poetic, sensitive, angsty, sensual, tender. The cinematography is splendid, the acting is phenomenal, the tension is palpable. To paraphrase eloquent king Harry Styles, “It’s a series… that feels… like a movie.”

Taiwan: Unknown

To me, this is Taiwanese BL at it’s best. You’ve got coming of age, found family, angst. It’s got good writing, great acting, and a randomly great soundtrack as well. Plus, this absolutely unforgettable exchange: “Aren’t we moving too fast?” “I’ve been waiting all my life. This isn’t fast at all. You don’t even know what I dream of at night.” (GAAAGGEDDD)

Japan: Utsukushii Kare (My Beautiful Man)

This is everything I want out of a Japanese BL: obsessive characters, a mildly toxic yet loving relationship, and a beautiful setting (Hira and Kiyoi’s house is basically my dream house). Plus, finger sucking.

Korea: You Make Me Dance

This was (as far as I know) one of the first KBLs, it seems to have been made with $2 and a dream, and yet it’s got a decent enough story, good acting, a good soundtrack, and, shockingly for 2021, good kissing! (And even an nc scene, wild)

China: Revenged Love

Admittedly, I haven’t watched enough Chinese BLs to really pick a favourite/essential one, but nonetheless I think Revenged Love is required viewing. It’s absolutely nuts, but it knows it and revels in it, which makes it a delightful watch. It’s got snakes! It’s got frenemies! It’s got erotic cigarette sharing! What more could you want?

Once again I have no idea who has and hasn’t done this game, but tagging @kawaii-killshot @luisaloveshoney @peach-thee @nabi-unveiled @vegaseatsass @thejamaicanace and anyone else who’d like to play 😊

[outofthemouthsof]

QL Essentials: Tag Game

Post 6 (and only 6) gifs/pics of the QLs you personally consider essential viewing for fans of the genre—emphasis on “personally.” These are your feels, so no need to pick series you don’t like just because they seem ’important.’ Feel free to explain your choices or not.

Then tag 6 friends for their 6.

Tagged by @maybe-boys-do-love & @gotmehookedonthekpop & @ginnymoonbeam ! I feel like I've been a bit out of the loop QL & Tumblr wise lately so I really appreciate you inviting me!

I divided mine into 3 categories (plus a bonus one cuz I am such a rebel)...but all of them have one thing in common: I think they're the best QLs ever made.

Universally Loved Classics (essential viewing for anyone)

I think these are undisputed essentials. Note on the first one... I've only seen the movie cut but I've seen it a bunch of times. It was so perfect I never sought out the full series which I'm sure is also amazing.

Semantic Error (2022)

My Personal Weatherman (2023)

My 2 All Time Faves (essential to me anyway!)

True love is hard to quantify, but these two series grabbed me like no BL I've ever seen before or since.

Cherry Magic Thailand (2024)

Jack & Joker: U Steal My Heart! (2024)

Egregiously Underrated (but I will never shut up about them)

I've got a post / tag game about underrated QLs in me and if I ever post it, these two will be at the top of my list for sure.

DNA Says Love You (2022)

Some More (2018)

BONUS: The Best GL I've Ever Seen

I'm no GL expert but this one had me in a chokehold. It is INCREDIBLE.

Clairebell (2025)

No-pressure tags to @dramalove247 @pinkkop @spicyvampire @delesaria-blog @purlpeiris @slonekaru , plus an open invitation to anyone else who wants to play (since I could only pick 6!)

[oishitea]

QL Essentials

I forgot who's tagged me at this point, but a handful of you have and I'm glad I was thought of! Took me a while to decide what to put (and have the energy and braincells) 😅

Idk. I was gonna do recommendations of actual shows, but I think there's enough of those. Have these to consider instead:

- Top/bottom discourse is so recycled. Argue with Pavel Phoom and die, or understand that sexual positioning and preferences in a dynamic have no inherent traits connected to them. None whatsoever.

- Respect the creators. The directors, the actors, the writers, and others involved. They are people and you don't personally know them. Learn what you enjoy as fantasy for yourself in terms of shipping vs fanservice, respect boundaries, etc.

- Being in the ql fandom means you're in a queer space. Whether you are queer or not, we ask that all identities are respected. And most of all: uplifted. We're here because ql brings us queer joy and we hope to continue experiencing that. We wanna see bits of ourselves reflected in the narratives provided, or perhaps we want to see new perspectives we can't relate to but are curious about. Anyone who intends to add to that joy is welcome.

- You don't have to contribute art or analysis or writing or whatever. BUT. Doing those things (and sharing/commenting on them) is what makes us a community. Your contribution is more interesting than you think. This goes more broadly in fandom, but it's no lesser in ql. We have tons of gif artists who always deserve more love than they get, fic writers, fan artists, people who post updates about specific productions and/or actors, color theory analysis, wardrobe tracking, fanvids, shitposters, statistics about who kisses the most people, even the tag games count!

- Have some consideration for the languages and cultures and whatever differences you may have with them. Subtitles aren't perfect (but boy am I glad they exist) and I am always grateful for those with better understanding than me for providing better context and insight. Also please listen to fans who are from the countries and cultures where ql shows are largely made, especially when they are calling out bad behavior or speaking on subjects that they have a better understanding of than you.

- If you keep comparing (South)East Asian ql to Western media, me and my friends will put you in your place.

- It's okay to be a freak. Be a freak. While the world at large wants to clutch pearls at whatever the internet wants to censor on any given day, BE A FREAK.

- Every production company (notably in Thailand) has its drawbacks, its trademarks, its champions, some have massive skeletons in the closet, or are in the process of dying (*cough* idolfactory *cough*). There are a lot of occurrences that can spur discourse and drama coming from these companies, and fandoms can get splintered as a result. Harassing people over these things just makes you an asshole.

- Make a fandom buddy. Or more! Lots of cool things come from it 😁

- We are enjoying a genre of art. Treat it as such. There's a lot of ways to interpret that phrase, I realize, but that's kind of the point.

- There. Are. So. Many. Choices.

- No seriously. There's something either already made or in production right now that is tailored to your interests. Even from China — especially from China. Do you know how fucking cool that is?

- I do actually think at least acknowledging Playboyy as one of the more complex qls is really important. It doesn't have to be even NEAR your thing, but so much that was done to even get the show aired as it was, and the story has a million and one messages aimed at you at gunpoint. You don't have to like it or get everything, but be so grateful we have it. That show paved the way for a lot of things we have now. Okay?

- I'm aware this probably reads like a PSA. I'm sorry 😅 I just love being in this particular corner of the internet, and over the past few years that I've been here, I've seen so much growth. There's probably more I could say but this covers a lot. Again, I love being here and I hope to be here with y'all for a long time 💖

[gotmehookedonthekpop]

QL Essentials: Tag Game

Post 6 (and only 6) gifs/pics of the QLs you personally consider essential viewing for fans of the genre—emphasis on “personally.” These are your feels, so no need to pick series you don’t like just because they seem ’important.’ Feel free to explain your choices or not.

Then tag 6 friends for their 6

I was tagged by @befuddledcinnamonroll 😘

Buckle up, babes!

Not Me

This one is essential for me because it is so different than any other series that I have watched. It has political themes that I just haven't seen in many other dramas in general, let alone bl dramas. The cast is great and the friendships are enjoyable to me.

Bad Buddy

They did enemies to lovers so well. The acting is good. The friend groups are awesome. It's just an iconic show that is a touchstone for a lot of references in the genre.

Love of Siam

They were one of the first ones to do it. This thing caused a stir when it first came out in the early 2000's. It's poignant and heartbreaking, and the acting is phenomenal.

The Untamed

The absolute choke hold that these shits had on us when this was airing is just hard to describe. What an epic show.

Love for Love's Sake

It's just so well done. It's a great example of how good a Korean bl can be.

See Your Love

I love this acting in this, and it's a good example of a Taiwanese drama without being too intense. They are just the cutest. And the side couple brings me joy.

I wish I knew more iconic gl shows. 🫤

That's all I have today. I can't wait to see what other folks recommend.

I'll tag: @outofthemouthsof @dramalove247 @thisautistic @lazzarella @oishitea @prapaiwife No pressure as always.

[ellsieee]

QL Essentials: Tag Game

Tagged by @theside-b. Thank you! :)

Post 6 (and only 6) gifs/pics of the QLs you personally consider essential viewing for fans of the genre—emphasis on “personally.” These are your feels, so no need to pick series you don’t like just because they seem ’important.’ Feel free to explain your choices or not.

Then tag 6 friends for their 6

I'm going to try to be objective and pick series that represent a certain subset or genre I consider essential viewing rather than picking my random favorites that only 10 people have watched.

Secrets Happened on the Litchi Island A $5 budget is no obstacle to greatness

To My Shore Toxic yaoi and redemption done right

Kill to Love There's nothing like having your heart ripped out with a BE

Old Fashion Cupcake Old man yaoi classic

Only Boo! Simple and absolutely adorable

My Enemy Has A Crush On Me Reels can be good too

Tagging @watchthisqqq @troubled-mind @benkaben @bellarkeandclintashaandsuch @delesaria-blog @tm-trx if you want to play.