As a long time fan of Japanese BL movies, I love how they tell stories about love and self-discovery. Some favorites of mine, like “Doushitemo Furetakunai (No Touching At All)” and “Seven Days,” go beyond the typical romantic plots and really dig into the complexities of emotions and figuring out who you are. “Hidamari ga Kikoeru (Silhouette of Your Voice)” is a standout for me because it sheds light on a character with a hearing impairment, giving a different perspective on relationships. I’m always excited to see what’s new and how the Japanese BL movie scene keeps evolving. So in this post, I’ve gathered a list of top Japanese movies on Dramacool that explores the BL genre. Let’s dive in!
Read also: Top 35 Japanese BL Dramas on Dramacool
1.His (2020)
Two high school sweethearts, Shun and Nagisa, part ways after graduation due to Nagisa’s doubts about their future. Years later, while Shun is a store owner in the countryside, Nagisa shows up with his daughter. As they spend time together, Shun realizes his lingering love for Nagisa. Can they rekindle their past romance?
Starring: Miyazawa Hio, Fujiwara Kisetsu, Matsumoto Wakana
2.Seven Days: Monday – Thursday (2015)
On a Monday morning, popular boys Shino and Seiryo meet at school. Shino, known for his good looks, asks Seiryo to go out with him and Seiryo agrees. Despite Seiryo’s kind and thoughtful behavior, he has a reputation for dumping partners quickly. Shino is curious about Seiryo’s reasons but doesn’t plan on a serious relationship.
Starring: Hirose Tomoki, Yamada James Takeshi, Hiyori Yuki
3.Seven Days: Friday – Sunday (2015)
Yuzuru jokingly asks Touji on a date, but Touji agrees and their relationship begins. Yuzuru develops unexpected romantic feelings, making him worry about the upcoming end on Sunday. However, Sunday reveals a surprising twist. Adapted from the manga “Seven Days-Friday→Sunday” by Benio Tachibana and Rihito Takarai.
Starring: Hirose Tomoki, Yamada James Takeshi, Hiyori Yuki
4.Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!: The Movie (2022)
Adachi and Kurosawa’s relationship is put to the test when Adachi is unexpectedly ordered to transfer. As they struggle with the new distance between them, they must confront their true feelings and decide the fate of their relationship.
Genres: Romance, Life, Supernatural
Starring: Akaso Eiji, Machida Keita, Asaka Kodai
5.Restart After Come Back Home (2020)
Mitsuomi Kozuka leaves his job in Tokyo and returns to his hometown for the first time in 10 years. He meets Yamato Kumai, the adopted son of a nearby farmer. Yamato convinces Mitsuomi to help out on the farm, leading to a transformative relationship between the two.
Starring: Furukawa Yuki, Ryusei Ryo, Sano Gaku
6.No Touching At All (2014)
Shima starts a new job and meets his boss, Togawa, who is hungover in the elevator. Despite Togawa’s apparent rudeness, Shima is intrigued by his hidden kindness. Both men have difficult pasts, but only Togawa is open about his emotions. Shima struggles to let go of his own pain.
Genres: Psychological, Romance, Life, Drama
Starring: Yonehara Kousuke, Taniguchi Masashi, Tomita Sho
7.Silhouette of Your Voice (2017)
“Sugihara Kohei, a college student with hearing impairment, unintentionally distances himself from others. After a chance encounter with classmate Taiichi, who discovers Kohei’s tasty bento, they strike a deal: Taiichi will transcribe Kohei’s notes in exchange for part of his lunch. Taiichi’s positive attitude helps Kohei open up and they develop a unique relationship.”
Genres: Romance, Life, Youth, Drama
Starring: Tawada Hideya, Onodera Akira, Mitsuya Ryo
8.My Beautiful Man: Eternal (2023)
As they navigate through high school and their relationship, Hira and Kiyoi fall in love. After graduation, they move in together and Hira starts working for a famous photographer. But as Kiyoi’s acting career takes off, they begin to drift apart. Can they find a way to maintain their love as they enter the season of graduation?
Starring: Hagiwara Riku, Yagi Yusei, Takano Akira
9.The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese (2020)
Kyoichi, an indecisive man who works in advertising, has a history of infidelity despite being married. One day, Wataru, an old university classmate and employee of a versatile agency, confronts Kyoichi on behalf of his wife, who suspects him of cheating. Wataru confesses his feelings and offers to keep Kyoichi’s affairs a secret in exchange for a sexual relationship.
Starring:
10.Dangerous Drugs of Sex (2020)
Katsuragi Makoto wakes up in a strange place after trying to end his life. He meets Yoda Ryoji, who forces him into a life of sexual assault and confinement. As they bond, they reveal their tragic pasts that brought them to this situation.
Genres: Psychological, Romance, Drama, Mature
Starring:
11.Life: Love on the Line (Director’s Cut) (2020)
Two students, Ito and Nishi, meet by chance after school and discover a mutual attraction. They decide to walk side by side instead of on the sidewalk’s white line. As their relationship grows and endures through high school, college, and adulthood, they face challenges in a changing world. A touching story about unwavering love in the face of changing realities.
Genres: Romance, Life, Youth, Drama
Starring: Shirasu Jin, Raiku, Osada Nao
12.Takumi-kun Series 1: And The Spring Breeze Whispers (2007)
Takumi and Giichi “Gii” become roommates at a boys’ boarding school, where Gii is the popular school idol. Gii confesses his long-standing love for Takumi, causing Takumi to reevaluate their relationship.
Starring: Yanagishita Tomo, Kato Keisuke, Saito Yasuka
13.Double Mints (2017)
A man named Mitsuo Ichikawa receives a call from his former high school classmate, also named Mitsuo Ichikawa, who confesses to committing murder. As they reconnect and become partners in crime, their dynamic shifts from master and servant to something more complicated.
Genres: Psychological, Romance, Crime
Starring:
14.Udagawachou de Matteteyo (2015)
In Shibuya, Momose runs into his high school classmate Yashiro, who is dressed as a girl. As Momose observes Yashiro, he becomes attracted to him. However, Yashiro is embarrassed when he realizes that Momose knows about his cross-dressing.
Genres: Romance, Life, Youth, Drama
Starring: Kuroba Mario, Yokota Ryugi, Ayukawa Momoka
15.Love Stage!! (2020)
Sena Izumi, an otaku college student, is the only ordinary member of his super-famous and talented family. Despite his love for “Magical Girl LalaLulu” and dreams of becoming a mangaka, he ends up starring in a TV commercial and reuniting with his former costar, Ichijou Ryouma.
Starring: Sugiyama Mahiro, Nakada Hiroki, DAIGO
16.Does the Flower Bloom? (2018)
Kazuaki Sakurai, 37, meets 19-year-old art student Yoichi Mizukawa at a beautiful house while on a CM shoot. They become attracted to each other, but Sakurai is transferred to Osaka. Yoichi, initially only interested in painting, starts developing feelings for Sakurai as well.
Starring: Watanabe Tsurugi, Amano Hironari, Shiono Akihisa
17.Ai no Kotodama (2008)
Ootani and Tachibana’s happy and harmonious college life is turned upside down when an old high school friend, Yuki, confesses feelings for Tachibana. Ootani is left feeling jealous and insecure. Will Tachibana choose him over Yuki? Adapted from the manga “Ai no Kotodama” by Konno Keiko.
Starring: Tokuyama Hidenori, Saito Yasuka, Matsuoka Rinako
18.Takumi-kun Series 5: That, Sunny Blue Sky (2011)
In their third year of high school, Takumi needs to attend an important anniversary in his hometown. He wants to bring Gii, but scheduling conflicts and potential broken promises may prevent him from doing so.
Starring: Hamao Kyousuke, Watanabe Daisuke, Takiguchi Yukihiro
19.Boys Love (2006)
Mamiya Taishin is assigned to write an article on top model Kisaragi Noeru. They meet, but Noeru unexpectedly hits on Taishin, causing things to become complicated.
Genres: Romance, Life, Youth, Drama
Starring: Saitoh Takumi, Kotani Yoshikazu, Matsumoto Hiroya
20.The Novelist: Playback (2021)
“The final chapter of the Pornographer franchise follows Kijima and Kuzumi as they navigate a long distance relationship. Based on a manga, this story reveals their challenges and struggles. English and Chinese translations available.”
Genres: Psychological, Romance, Drama
Starring:
21.Egoist (2022)
Kosuke, a young gay man, grew up in a rural village and suppressed his feelings after his mother passed away when he was 14. Now working as a fashion magazine editor in Tokyo, he meets Ryuta, a personal trainer who is close to his mother. They become attracted to each other and spend time together, which brings back memories of Kosuke’s late mother. However, on a planned day for a drive, Ryuta doesn’t show up.
Starring: Suzuki Ryohei, Miyazawa Hio, Agawa Sawako
22.Pornographer – Spring Life (2021)
Two individuals, Kijima and Kuzumi, reunite after two and a half years. Kijima moved to his parents’ home in the countryside, where he now lives with his sister and her husband. Kuzumi, a former university student, now works in Tokyo. They had only communicated through letters before this reunion. Adapted from the manga “Pornographer” by Marukido Maki.
Starring: Takezai Terunosuke, Izuka Kenta, Kobayashi Ryoko
And there you have it! We’ve listed the top 22 Japanese BL movies you can watch on Dramacool. Now, I’m curious – which one is your favorite from the list? Let me know in the comments below!
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