Boys Over Flowers – 8 Wonderful Adaptations That You Will Love!

The story of “Boys Over Flowers” revolves around a strong-willed and determined young woman who finds herself entangled with a group of wealthy and influential young men at an elite school. The story explores themes of class differences, romance, friendship and personal growth as the characters navigate challenges and conflicts within their social circles.

The Manga

The story originates from the Japanese manga series “Hana Yori Dango” written and illustrated by Yoko Kamio. Serialized from 1992 to 2003 in the magazine Margaret, the manga follows the protagonist, Tsukushi Makino, as she attends Eitoku Academy, a prestigious school for the wealthy and privileged. Tsukushi comes from a modest background and initially struggles to fit in among the elite students, especially the notorious F4—four handsome and wealthy boys who rule the school and are led by the domineering and hot-tempered Tsukasa Domyoji. As Tsukushi stands up to the F4’s bullying and defends her principles, she captures the attention of both Tsukasa and his kind-hearted best friend, Rui Hanazawa, leading to complicated romantic entanglements. The story explores Tsukushi’s journey as she navigates her feelings for Tsukasa and Rui, deals with social pressures, and learns valuable life lessons about love, friendship, and self-worth.

The manga’s popularity led to multiple adaptations, including television dramas, films, and anime series, across various countries in Asia. Each adaptation brings its unique cultural and stylistic elements while staying true to the core themes and character dynamics established in Yoko Kamio’s original work. “Boys Over Flowers” has become a beloved and enduring franchise that continues to captivate audiences with its engaging storytelling and memorable characters.

Watch the Boys Over Flowers / Meteor Garden video here.

Check out our awesome K-drama and Meteor Garden inspired merch.

Exploring 8 Adaptations of “Boys Over Flowers”  

The number of official adaptations of the “Boys Over Flowers” series from the original manga “Hana Yori Dango” by Yoko Kamio totals at least eight major adaptations across different countries. These adaptations include:

(1) Japan – “Hana Yori Dango” (1995) – Feature film.
(2) Taiwan – “Meteor Garden” (2001) – Television drama series, followed by “Meteor Garden II” (2002).
(3) Japan – “Boys Over Flowers” (2005) – Television drama series, with a sequel “Boys Over Flowers 2” (2007) and a feature film “Hana yori Dango Final: The Movie” (2008).
(4) Korea – “Boys Over Flowers” (2009) – Television drama series.
(5) China – “Meteor Garden” (2018) – Television drama series.
(6) Thailand – “F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers” (2021) – Television drama series.
(7) Indonesia – “Siapa Takut Jatuh Cinta” (2017) – Unofficial adaptation.
(8) India – “Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan” – Unofficial adaptation (2014) (broadcast on MTV India and Voot).

1. Japan – “Hana Yori Dango” (1995)

Cast:

Makino Tsukushi: Yuki Uchida
Domyoji Tsukasa (Dao Ming Si): Jun Matsumoto
Hanazawa Rui (Hua Ze Lei): Shun Oguri
Nishikado Sojiro (Xi Men): Satoshi Tsumabuki
Mimasaka Akira (Mei Zuo): Tsuyoshi Abe

The journey of “Hana Yori Dango” began with its first live-action adaptation in Japan, released as a feature film in 1995. Directed by Yasuyuki Kusuda, this cinematic rendition introduced audiences to the iconic characters of the F4 (Flower Four) and the resilient heroine Makino Tsukushi. Staying faithful to the manga’s essence, the film laid the groundwork for subsequent adaptations and set the stage for a burgeoning wave of popularity across Asia. Yuki Uchida portrayed the spirited and determined Makino Tsukushi, while Jun Matsumoto brought the charismatic and hot-headed Domyoji Tsukasa to life. Shun Oguri, Satoshi Tsumabuki, and Tsuyoshi Abe rounded out the F4 with their nuanced portrayals of Hanazawa Rui, Nishikado Sojiro, and Mimasaka Akira, respectively.

2. Taiwan – “Meteor Garden” (2001)

Cast:

Shan Cai (Makino Tsukushi): Barbie Hsu
Dao Ming Si (Domyoji Tsukasa): Jerry Yan
Hua Ze Lei (Hanazawa Rui): Vic Chou
Xi Men (Nishikado Sojiro): Ken Chu
Mei Zuo (Mimasaka Akira): Vanness Wu

In 2001, Taiwan brought “Hana Yori Dango” to life with the television drama series “Meteor Garden.” Broadcast on CTS, the series became an instant sensation, catapulting its cast—Barbie Hsu as Shan Cai and Jerry Yan as Dao Ming Si—into stardom. Vic Chou’s portrayal of the quiet and sensitive Hua Ze Lei, Ken Chu’s charismatic Xi Men, and Vanness Wu’s playboy charm as Mei Zuo added depth to the dynamics within the F4. The story resonated with viewers, blending drama, comedy, and romance against the backdrop of a prestigious school and a clash between the ordinary and elite worlds.

The success of “Meteor Garden” prompted a sequel, “Meteor Garden II,” which further explored the relationships and challenges faced by the characters. The chemistry between the lead actors and the heartfelt storytelling cemented the series as a classic in Taiwanese television history.

3. Japan – “Boys Over Flowers” (2005)

Makino Tsukushi: Mao Inoue
Domyoji Tsukasa (Dao Ming Si): Jun Matsumoto
Hanazawa Rui (Hua Ze Lei): Shun Oguri
Nishikado Sojiro (Xi Men): Shota Matsuda
Mimasaka Akira (Mei Zuo): Tsuyoshi Abe

Returning to Japan, “Boys Over Flowers” premiered on TBS in 2005, offering a fresh interpretation of the manga. The series expanded upon the manga’s narrative, delving deeper into character development and emotional arcs. The success of “Boys Over Flowers” led to a sequel, “Boys Over Flowers 2,” which continued to explore the lives and relationships of the F4 and their peers. The story concluded with “Hana yori Dango Final: The Movie” in 2008, providing a satisfying culmination to the beloved series. In the 2005 Japanese television series “Boys Over Flowers,” Mao Inoue took on the role of Makino Tsukushi, embodying her strong-willed and resilient nature. Jun Matsumoto reprised his role as the passionate Domyoji Tsukasa, while Shun Oguri returned as the enigmatic Hanazawa Rui. Shota Matsuda and Tsuyoshi Abe brought fresh interpretations to Nishikado Sojiro and Mimasaka Akira, adding layers to their characters.

4. Korea – “Boys Over Flowers” (2009)

Cast:

Geum Jan-di (Makino Tsukushi): Ku Hye-sun
Gu Jun-pyo (Domyoji Tsukasa): Lee Min-ho
Yoon Ji-hoo (Hanazawa Rui): Kim Hyun-joong
So Yi-jung (Nishikado Sojiro): Kim Bum
Song Woo-bin (Mimasaka Akira): Kim Joon

In 2009, Korea brought its own flair to “Boys Over Flowers” with a television adaptation aired on KBS2. Starring Lee Min-ho as Gu Jun-pyo and Ku Hye-sun as Geum Jan-di, the Korean version infused the story with cultural nuances and stunning visuals. The drama’s success transcended national boundaries, earning a massive international following and launching its actors to international stardom. The Korean adaptation of “Boys Over Flowers” featured Ku Hye-sun as the determined and courageous Geum Jan-di. Lee Min-ho’s portrayal of the hot-tempered yet vulnerable Gu Jun-pyo became iconic, alongside Kim Hyun-joong’s introspective Yoon Ji-hoo, Kim Bum’s charming So Yi-jung, and Kim Joon’s charismatic Song Woo-bin.

“Boys Over Flowers” in Korea became a cultural phenomenon, with its soundtrack, fashion trends, and iconic scenes leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. The series showcased the universal themes of love and resilience, resonating deeply with viewers around the world.

5. China – “Meteor Garden” (2018)

Cast:

Dong Shan Cai (Makino Tsukushi): Shen Yue
Dao Ming Si (Domyoji Tsukasa): Dylan Wang
Hua Ze Lei (Hanazawa Rui): Darren Chen
Xi Men (Nishikado Sojiro): Caesar Wu
Mei Zuo (Mimasaka Akira): Connor Leong

China revisited the beloved story in 2018 with a modern adaptation titled “Meteor Garden,” airing on Hunan Television. Starring Shen Yue as Dong Shan Cai and Dylan Wang as Dao Ming Si, this version brought a contemporary twist to the classic narrative. Set against the backdrop of Shanghai, the series captured the essence of the original while infusing it with Chinese cultural elements.

“Meteor Garden” (2018) resonated with a new generation of viewers, blending nostalgia with a fresh perspective. The chemistry between the lead actors and the visually stunning production elevated the series to become a standout in China’s entertainment landscape. The 2018 Chinese adaptation “Meteor Garden” introduced Shen Yue as the spunky and down-to-earth Dong Shan Cai, opposite Dylan Wang’s portrayal of the determined and impulsive Dao Ming Si. Darren Chen embodied the quiet and artistic Hua Ze Lei, while Caesar Wu and Connor Leong added their own flair to Xi Men and Mei Zuo.

6. Thailand – “F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers” (2021)

Cast:

Gorya (Makino Tsukushi): Pimprapa Tangprabhaporn
Ren (Domyoji Tsukasa): Vachirawit Chiva-aree
Thyme (Hanazawa Rui): Thanawat Wattanaputi
Kavin (Nishikado Sojiro): Jirawat Sutivanichsak
Tomo (Mimasaka Akira): Chanagun Arpornsutinan

Thailand joined the wave of adaptations with “F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers,” which premiered on GMM 25 in late 2021. This adaptation infused local flavor into the narrative, introducing a Thai spin on the classic storyline. The series received praise for its captivating performances and vibrant storytelling, resonating with both longtime fans and newcomers to the “Boys Over Flowers” universe. Thailand’s adaptation “F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers” featured Pimprapa Tangprabhaporn as the determined Gorya and Vachirawit Chiva-aree as the headstrong Ren. Thanawat Wattanaputi, Jirawat Sutivanichsak, and Chanagun Arpornsutinan rounded out the F4 with their unique interpretations of Thyme, Kavin, and Tomo.

7. Indonesia – “Siapa Takut Jatuh Cinta” (Unofficial) (2017)

Cast:

Tari (Makino Tsukushi): Aghniny Haque
Raj (Domyoji Tsukasa): Rendy Kjaernett
Elang (Hanazawa Rui): Brian Austin

Indonesia produced its own unofficial adaptation with “Siapa Takut Jatuh Cinta,” drawing inspiration from “Hana Yori Dango.” Although not officially licensed, this adaptation showcased the enduring popularity of the source material across borders. While unofficial, Indonesia’s “Siapa Takut Jatuh Cinta” drew inspiration from “Hana Yori Dango,” showcasing Aghniny Haque as Tari, Rendy Kjaernett as Raj, and Brian Austin as Elang.

8. India – “Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan” (Unofficial) (2014)

Cast:

Nandini (Makino Tsukushi): Niti Taylor
Manik (Domyoji Tsukasa): Parth Samthaan

India’s interpretation of “Hana Yori Dango” came in the form of “Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan,” a youth-centric series that aired on MTV India and Voot. While not a direct adaptation, the series drew thematic inspiration from the manga, exploring themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery. India’s “Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan” explored themes similar to “Hana Yori Dango” with Niti Taylor as Nandini and Parth Samthaan as Manik, creating a unique interpretation within an Indian setting.

The eight adaptations of “Boys Over Flowers” / “Meteor Garden” underscore the universal appeal of Yoko Kamio’s original manga. Each version brings its unique cultural nuances, storytelling techniques, and character portrayals, resonating with audiences across Asia and beyond. From Taiwan’s breakthrough success with “Meteor Garden” to Korea’s cultural phenomenon with “Boys Over Flowers,” these adaptations have left an indelible mark on popular culture, showcasing the timeless allure of love and resilience in the face of adversity. As the legacy of “Boys Over Flowers” continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to captivate hearts and inspire imaginations worldwide. In summary, each adaptation of “Boys Over Flowers” / “Meteor Garden” showcases diverse interpretations of the original source material, with actors bringing their own charisma and nuances to beloved characters. From Taiwan’s breakout success with “Meteor Garden” to Korea’s cultural phenomenon with “Boys Over Flowers” and China’s modern take with “Meteor Garden” (2018), these adaptations continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, highlighting the universal themes of love, friendship, and personal growth embedded within Yoko Kamio’s timeless story.