I’ve been hooked on Thai BL dramas for a while now, but recently I was utterly engrossed with one series ชาย that turned all of my preconceptions about what BL dramas are upside down. When I’d seen it, I couldn’t get the thought out of my head: are there other BL dramas like Shine that blur lines of romance with deeper, richer themes? The answer is yes, and I’ve been taking time re-watching my favourite ones that do the same type of emotional depth.
Unlike the usual light-hearted romances, this series starring Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat and Mile Phakphum Romsaithong pulled me into its world of politics, heartbreak, and self-discovery. And when it ended, I didn’t just want another love story: I wanted something that had the same mix of intensity, social commentary, and beautifully written characters. That’s when I started listing the shows that gave me a similar vibe.
So, if you are one of those individuals who have recently concluded it and are sitting there thinking about what follows next, then do watch five BL dramas similar to Shine that you must watch. These are different in one regard, yet each one of these possesses that very emotional oomph and storyline depth.
Thai BL Dramas Like Shine
Not Me
Not Me revolves around leads Jumpol and Gun Atthaphan, who definitely have chemistry and are compelling in every scene. White is portrayed as a guy who takes up his twin brother Black’s identity after he is brutally beaten up. What was meant to be a quest for truth leads White into an activist world of protest and corruption. It is not so much a romantic story but one of resistance and justice, and as such, it is a BL series much as one sees in Shine in political subtexts.
I adored Not Me because it is fearless. It addresses society problems directly without taking away from us a gritty and emotional romance. Lead chemistry is raw and rich, and lead conflict is a true reflection of the messiness of the world. Need action and feelings? Do yourself a favour and watch.
Manner of Death
The series stars Max Nattapol and Tul Pakorn, both popular with viewers for their rugged presence on screen. It is about a pathologist sent to investigate one suspicious death, but instead digs up dark secrets and is irresistibly attracted to a man apparently linked with the case. With a crime-thriller feel, it gives the same kind of tension and vulnerability as Thai dramas such as Shine.
What gave it a spark for me was the fact that Manner of Death was a mystery and a romance. There is so much romantic sweetness between Tul and Max, and their collaboration is set against danger and suspicion. It is not one of those BLs where it is sweetness and light; it is going to have you wondering, and that is why I am recommending it.
Also Read: Billionaire’s Bunker Review: Survival Thriller That Loses Steam in Repetitive Drama
KinnPorsche
KinnPorsche was a global phenomenon for a reason. Starring Mile Phakphum and Apo Nattawin, the very actors who stole hearts in Shine, the BL series is about Porsche, a young man who is a bartender but later ends up becoming the bodyguard of Kinn, the mafia heir. With lots of action, power wars between families, and an all-encompassing passion that springs from the most unexpected situations, it is an excellent pick if you’re looking for a BL series similar to Shine with a dash of adrenaline.
What I loved here is the fearless energy of the show. The fight scenes are intense, the romance is sizzling, and yet, beneath all the chaos, there’s a genuine emotional core. Much like Shine, it doesn’t shy away from showing the cost of power and loyalty, which makes it more than just entertainment.
I Told Sunset About You
With Billkin Putthipong and PP Krit, I Told Sunset About You is a well-cinematographed BL coming-of-age that handles sensitively the fragile line between friendship and love. Filmed in Phuket, it is a story about Teh and Oh-aew, childhood friends who reunite as teenagers while juggling identity, motivation, and unresolved feelings. It doesn’t venture into politics, although it is an emotionally raw story similar to Shine in that it delves into personal conflict and growth.
I highly recommend it because it is so very beautiful, visually and emotionally. It is beautifully shot and sensitively acted. If you liked the way that Shine tackled self-discovery on a grander scale, you will absolutely adore the ways we get to witness the inner lives of people on shows like this one.
Untill We Meet Again
It stars Fluke Natouch and Ohm Thitiwat, and it is a very emotional story of reincarnation, tragedy, and love stretched over multiple lives. It is about two young college students with an unexplainable connection between them until he discovers that their connection is tied to a past of broken hearts. It is the tragic love and emotional depth that cause the draw with BL dramas such as Shine.
I adored Until We Meet Again for its passion. It’s not shy about making you cry, yet it also gives you hope. The weaving of past and present is similar for me as it was with Shine, building personal love stories against a bigger, frequently agonising background. It’s one of the shows that lingers long after you’re done watching.
Did you guys have the chance to complete Shine The Series? If yes, let us know how you felt about the ending in the comments below.
Also Read: Shine Review: Forbidden Love and Emotional Intensity Tale That You Can’t Get Out of Your Head
