Historical dramas with high quality production
Historical dramas are very popular for plot devices modern dramas can't use. But some just use the historical setting for these, some simply focus on the romance or the fun and don't need big budget or stunning visuals. And they can still be great, some of them are among my favorites. But this is the list of dramas that do look like they cost a fortune and the scenes themselves are basically a piece of art, their fights' choreography is amazing even for people usually bored by fight scenes etc.
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1. A Korean Odyssey
Korean Drama - 2017, 20 episodes
This adaptation of the Chineese classic really played with modernization of these godly creatures and just looking at it was a treat.
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2. Alchemy of Souls
Korean Drama - 2022, 20 episodes
It's usually China, where you look for these stunning fantasy dramas. Alchemy of Souls pulled that off as well.
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3. Alchemy of Souls: Part 2
Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
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4. Arthdal Kronieken Deel 1: De Kinderen van de Profetie
Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
Often compared to GoT, I can't figure out why, this drama used the opportunity to play with the costumes that not being set during Joseon period gave them to the fullest.
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5. Arthdal Kronieken Deel 2: De lucht draait binnenstebuiten, stijgend land
Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
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6. Arthdal Kronieken deel 3: De Prelude Naar Alle Legendes
Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
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7. Cang Lan Jue
Chinese Drama - 2022, 36 episodes
Do you know how they always accompany news of upcoming dramas with pictures from the book or manga and the characters have these intricate hair ornaments and costumes? And they seriously downgrade it for the drama? Well, not in this case.
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8. Good Bye, My Princess
Chinese Drama - 2019, 52 episodes
If you would name thing from this drama, who wouldn't name the FL's memorable red dress? But there were also ML's bedroom (loving that bed), crown prince's hall and much more.
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9. Half of Us
Chinese Drama - 2023, 24 episodes
While the drama is not set at a palace and costumes look quite simple at first, the more you look at it, the more you're amazed. And the fight scenes are just beautiful.
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10. Hotel del Luna
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
This drama should be on this list if only for IU's wardrobe, but not just because of it.
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11. Joy of Life
Chinese Drama - 2019, 46 episodes
It's rare to see a drama that seems like every straw on the floor and every sigh of some extra in the crowd took hours of preparation. This is one of them. With no filler second.
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12. Legend of Fu Yao
Chinese Drama - 2018, 66 episodes
The beauty of fantasy dramas - complete freedom, no dynasty with given fashion, architecture etc.
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13. Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2
Chinese Drama - 2022, 29 episodes
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14. Luo Yang
Chinese Drama - 2021, 39 episodes
Just play the the video of how they built the set,basically rebuilt the whole historical city and you'll understand.
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15. Ming Dynasty
Chinese Drama - 2019, 64 episodes
I can't say I like Ming fashion very much, but it looks really realistic. Drama is also using some huge sets that look really good.
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16. My Demon
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Nice job with special effects.
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17. The Rise of Phoenixes
Chinese Drama - 2018, 70 episodes
When someone tells you C-dramas are just for girls and they like quality historical series like HBO makes, not these ones, show him this drama.
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18. Under the Queen’s Umbrella
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
Do you know how when you look up a Korean monarchs, they have a list of like 40 concubines and 60 children, but in dramas, they are all monogamists (except Sukjong, who always has those 3 women around him) and have the same number of children as the average modern father? Just like when the armies gather in dramas. There are like 10 people. All to simply save money for the cast that wouldn't be much relevant to the story. But this drama has the cast packed with royals.
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19. Xing Han Can Lan
Chinese Drama - 2022, 27 episodes
There is just a few dramas set during Han dynasty in recent years, so some might be unaccustomed to its fashion. This drama can also seem a bit bland with its color scheme, but it all feels very realistic.