A list to keep track of the novels that hurt my heart... and/or hurt the MC/ML hehehehehe the more suffering, the better. Self sacrifice (SS) is always welcome. Recs appreciated! Some novels have not been read yet and are added due to the recommendations of others.... more>>

Includes novels with empty protagonists, broken protagonists, and sick protagonists

Stories differentiated by my own terms:

[Apathetic], [Sick], [Tragedy], [SS] [Depressed], [Transmigration], [Revenge]

Also: [Unread], [Reread-> read multiple times]

Organized so my favorites (tragic quick transmigrations where MC breaks ML's heart repeatedly) are at the top, then all the death craving characters, then the mistreated and sick villainesses, then the apathetic and SS children appear <<less

For the nights where we lay down the bed, seeking solace in angst stories.

...but I still keep reading stories that end in tragedies! T-T ... more>>

Tragedies do not always have a sad ending or bad ending. But they are always very distressing.

I don't particularly like it when the protagonist struggled so hard to overcome so many obstacles and his (or her) end is unnecessary or undeserved tragic death. (Ooooh, if a main character dies, he (or she) must die with all the glory.)

I deal with terminal illnesses well, as they are always moving stories. T-T

Oooh, pitiful love stories and regrets... When they are a very moving story, they are just worth reading.

(Spoilers, spoilers are always welcome to calm anxiety. -_-) <<less

90%read. They are here 'cause I found the synopsis angsty or some chapters in the novels i've read made me cry and sad. Anyway sadness is there.... more>>

Includes: psychological, tragedy, abuse, unrequited love, depression, complex family relations, hated protagonist, child abuse, sickly characters, i-love-you-and-so-if-you-use-me-i-don't-mind type, etc... among others

Most of then are really short (<100) and though many of them have tragedy, many have happy endings too.  <<less

Only korean novels with male protagonist. ... more>>

Criteria:

The MC has to be the "bottom" (even if it's just a shounen ai, body type doesn't matter) 

The MC is smart, sharp (but not enough to realise the ML's feeling) and mentally strong (traumas are welcomed, weak side is the chef's kiss) 

The MC isn't necessary have to be a good guy. He just can't kill !!!innocent!!! people/animals/other creatures. 

The MC doesn't care about his body condition and is physical weak/got an incurable disease/suicidal thoughts (which commes from his immortality) /got hospitalised regulary. 

The MC is strong enough to fight back (with his brain or/and his "fist"). 

The ML is posessive/obsessive/kinda toxic, but definitly dangerous. Warm hearted are also welcomed,but has to be an "alpha". 

The ML tries to protect the MC, but a lot of time he misunderstands him. And get angry and anxious bc he is worried. 

The ML is also smart and "annoyingly" good-looking. ->self confident

The story must have a goal: character development/ruling the country legaly/saving everybody/curing the sick MC. 

There is min one person (usually the MC) who is reincarnated/ regressed/transmigrated/got a system. 

The place  is medieval/ fantasy/hunter themed/guide themed/omegaverse. 

Spicy scenes are okay, but fan service is a must. (that is why there are shonun ai s in the list, or novels which just give the vibe of BL)  <<less

Either I've watched them as dramas or read them fully as novels, crying at least once.... more>>

Sometimes I get too enthralled in the stories and cry for no reason, so I'm sorry if some of these don't match the list title for you.

If I google translated it and you can't find it, try searching for the title in the original language, not the English title.

Any suggestions? Feel free to comment as I do like to cry. <<less

Compilation of BL novels that I have read that contain angst, but they range from just making your heart twinge from the pain to making your heart bleed, heal it, then proceed to cut it open again, and heal it again. I'll arrange it from easy to nightmare mode according to MY perspective. My heart is quite puny, so what makes my heart twinge may not inflict anything to you. This is based on MY perspective. 
Mostly HE, but some are BE. I'll write a note on BE so that you don't fall into the trap of never ending heartache and suffering.... more>>

WARNING: Some will contain 'Rape', 'r*pe victim becomes lover', and 'su*cide' tags, so please read the tags and proceed at your own discretion. <<less

*in no particular order*... more>>

-pain

-BE or HE is fine but there must be obstacles in the middle...., angsty

-crematorium

-ML doesn't care about the MC from the start (or ML does care but doesn't know how to express it) but once MC is gone from their grasp (death/ coma/ near-death experience/ breakup?) they finally realize what they let slip from their fingertips. 

-or after all the disappointment and hurt, MC doesn't care anymore and it's the emotionally constipated ML's turn to chase.

*recommendations are appreciated (very) <<less

*sigh* here we go again

Angst, sad, depressing, tear jerking, heartbreaking, read in the middle of the night with a box of tissues next to you novels. (asterisk if i... more>> cried) <<less

This is MY list. Some of the list may have major character death

Collection of sad bls. No particular order. 

Do you feel like crying yet unable to cry ! This list is for you ! Because  this story would give you the push to make those tears falllllll :) ... more>>

You can add Taylor swift ALL TOO WELL in the background if you want :) <<less

pain and just pain only

SPOILERS... more>>

One of the main characters either kills themselves or wants to kill themselves at some point in the novel 

In no particular order <<less

I like Tragedy novels and like to cry a lot while reading. Becuz i cry, i feel relieved all my stresses

do you like cheating? abuse? humiliation?sacrifices?... more>>

do you also like redemption? second chances?  healing? 

In short, do you want to drown in tears. Torture yourself with the characters' misery and cry along with them? This is for you.  <<less

things that i read when i am depressed to make me even more depressed

A list of heartbreaking novels to read when you feel like you need a good cry

All of the novels in here are shoujo romance fantasy (villainess reincarnation/transmigration or regression with a few exceptions), mainly KR and JP. The female lead... more>> must be depressed to some degree, and depression must be represented relatively accurately. FLs may be suicidal, tragic, empty, tired, and/or hopeless. All novels are ranked four stars or above. NOTE: I am still working on this list, suggestions are welcome. <<less

Is it just me or there is someone out there who is relatable? I just love collecting tragedies and washing my face with my tears.... more>> <D PS: rated and ranked on the level of tears I shed. <<less

Sharing my favorite tear jerking list- Yeah, normal people won't understand this lol 

Tragedies, abuse, and bloody drama ....
With no hope for redemption.... more>>

BL for those who love to be tortured. <<less

Only Top 3 are in chronological order.... more>>

*  = grain of salt and Korean novels suck.  <<less

I love depressed and s*uicadal woman or she could be mentally ill I would love to read. I will be editing to the list. I order them fav to least fav. I love angst novels but hate ones with abuser Ml.... more>>

(I don't wanna read him doing the most horrible thing to her and when she finally free, her going back to him because apparently she loved him. Obey me, my beloved oppressor, cry, or better beg, betrayal of dignity...every one of them has the same plot, same type of Fl&Ml but only changing is how they abuse her, sometimes even that is the same. So I suggest you all to stay away from them, if you get frustrated Fl with Stockholm sendrom, forgiving Ml just because they love him....)

♦️ >>> depression level <<less