Underrated Gems I'd Recommend
List of titles that I believe are rather underrated (aka I don't hear much talk about them at all) and would recommend.
In no particular order.
- Short Length Series Version
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1. Ci Ke Xue Yuan
Chinese Drama - 2021, 18 episodes
Genres: Action, Thriller, Historical, Comedy
Surprisingly good for a short drama? Not at the same budget or quality level as the others but a good, quick watch. Interesting characters and story, good pacing and a rather unique take
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2. Bad Guy
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Genres: Action, Thriller, Psychological, Crime
So fricking good? Great chemistry amongst all mcs, interesting storyline, nice cinematography, fun and unique characters, refreshing locations, the whole package, really.
⚠ Warning: Not for the faint of heart
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3. Fan Cheng Zhi Xia
Chinese Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
Genres: Historical, Mystery
Visually absolutely breathtaking. Stellar cinematography, performances, locations and characters! Only downside is the story took a turn for the worst around the midpoint.
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4. Horror Stories of Tang Dynasty
Chinese Drama - 2022, 36 episodes
Genres: Mystery, Horror, Wuxia, Fantasy
Once again, a visual masterpiece. So beautifully shot, 10/10 performances from everyone, interesting cases, good chemistry, good story- No complaints, really
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5. Blade Master
Japanese Drama - 2022, 9 episodes
Genres: Action, Mystery, Fantasy
So unique? Dark urban fantasy done right! Very interesting plot, setup, antagonist, pacing and characters (and so much whump). And those fight scenes?!? Absolutely incredible!! The only downside is the fact that it's short which does ultimately sacrifice a bit of the story but still so very worth it!
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6. Wisher
Chinese Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Youth
Stunning AND interesting!! Unlike any cdrama premise I've heard before. Very interesting set-up, locations and premise (futuristic scifi? Sign me up!). Interesting & flawed characters (ungodly levels of stupid tho), good pacing, good chemistry, good acting, stellar cinematography. The story did end up being somewhat underwhelming near the end, though.
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7. West Out of the Yu Men
Chinese Drama - 2023, 38 episodes
Still watching...
Genres: Thriller, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Unique affff. Fantasy/sci-fi bordering on absurdism. Unique premise, setting and plot, fun and entertaining characters portrayed excellently- Only downside so far is the slow pacing
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8. Zhuo Zhuo Feng Liu
Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes
Genres: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Drama
So beautiful. Amazing OST, strong FL, Older man x younger woman done RIGHT, nicely shot, beauitful costumes, interesting message, realistic portrayals, feminism, varied and unique characters, female villains, and interesting plot!
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9. The Leaking Bookstore
Taiwanese Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
Still watching...
Genres: Thriller, Mystery
Beautiful cinematography, interesting setup & characters, great performances. Everything feels quite realistic and genuine.
⚠ Warning: Not for the faint of heart
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10. Wang Fei Wan Fu
Chinese Drama - 2023, 20 episodes
Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama
Minidrama so well crafted and unique!! Great story, unique characters, interesting plot, unusual world, etc! A pleasant surprise!
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11. B-Class Cultural Heritage
Japanese Movie - 2014
Genres: Action, Thriller, Comedy, Sci-Fi
A glorified sci-fi skateboarding sequence in the best way!! Not only was it beautifully shot, but the skateboarding was epic and the premise was hilarious!
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12. Summer, Bus
Korean Movie - 2017
Genres: Life, Youth, Drama
I honestly have nothing bad to say. It was a simple and thoroughly heartwarming treat of a short film <33
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13. AORB
Korean Special - 2019, 1 episode
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Dystopian scifi story with spectacular filmography. Most intriguing aspect is obviously the choose-the-ending part, which was quite interesting and unlike anything I've seen before.
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14. The Other Half Of Me and You
Chinese Drama - 2021, 32 episodes
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi
So unique and quirky and surprisingly high quality for a minidrama! Tackles societal issues from the perspective of a man stuck in a world where the gender roles are reversed. Interesting concept, fun characters, quirky humour.
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15. Zhang Gong Zhu Zhai Shang
Chinese Drama - 2022, 27 episodes
Genres: Action, Historical, Romance
Steamy romance, quick and fast paced plot, unusual characters and dynamics, pretty shots
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16. Dong Lan Xue
Chinese Drama - 2023, 30 episodes
Genres: Drama, Historical, Romance
Very similar to the above. Unique and strong FL, interesting dynamics, steamy romance, quick plot, pretty shots, good chemistry
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17. Memorist
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Genres: Action, Thriller, Mystery, Supernatural
Not the best ending but a very legit thriller, of the better ones out there from what I've seen. Interesting plot with supernatural elements, smart characters, interesting dynamics, not the best but definitely better than given credit for.
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18. Jiao Yue Liu Huo
Chinese Drama - 2024, 24 episodes
Genres: Romance, Wuxia, Historical
Quite a treat. Good production value, unique characters (FL in position of power), role reversal, interesting plot, interesting characters, good pacing, steamy romance with good chemistry. Very solid but the ending is a bit lacklustre
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19. Painted Skin
Chinese Movie - 2020
Genres: Thriller, Wuxia, Fantasy
Short film but so worth it. Beautifully shot, good pacing, unique take. Very poetic and tugs at heartstrings
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20. Black Sun
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Genres: Action, Thriller, Mystery, Crime
Somehow stumbled upon this drama by accident, but wow, what a treat! Badass male lead, thorough depiction of mental illness (for ML!!), good fight scenes, interesting plot, good supporting cast, great acting, intelligent characters, scary and intelligent villains, thrilling, good mystery... Honestly, the only thing a bit lacking where certain supporting characters.
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21. Secrets of Three Kingdoms
Chinese Drama - 2018, 54 episodes
Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama, Political
Wow... Where to even start? Interesting leads, phenomenal performances from every single actor, side characters matter, world feels vivid and real, good theme song, unique setting (dynasty and all), quite a thorough level of realism, formidable and badass villains, high stakes, interesting drama, shippable romance, wholesome bromance, strong female characters... Like, what is there NOT to like???