Chinese Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

I made a list of Chinese dramas I am in love with and that I think you should totally check out! A mix of genres here. I'm trying to keep it to more underrated and lesser known dramas :)

Nikolean jul 15, 2020
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  • The Legends

    1. The Legends

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 56 episodes

    8.5

    It's kind of funny because this came before Arsenal but I watched it after I watched Arsenal. This is probably my favourite Chinese wuxia/xiaxia drama, and I was totally engaged almost the whole time! It's really well done and a really good balance of comedy/romance/action. The action scenes were pretty good and honestly Zhaoyao is a badass female lead. There were a few problems in pacing and the editing in the last few episodes and the ending was questionable and a bit confusing but it's honestly a must-watch for wuxia fans!!

    ALSO the Xu Kai-Bai Lu chemistry is PERFECT :)

  • Arsenal Military Academy

    2. Arsenal Military Academy

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 48 episodes

    9.0

    I don't watch a lot of dramas set in this time period but it was really good! Bai Lu really has a knack for these strong female leads and she was a pretty convincing "woman masquerading as a man" compared to many others of this trope that I've seen. As much as the romantic-comedy portion is perfect and the second lead syndrome is high, the drama was very much about friendship, trust and camaraderie in a warlike situation. So many characters grew on me and the development of character bonds, personality and maturity was very touching. It focuses a lot on character development and it's truly a coming-of-age story and how war can make people mature quite fast and to cherish the time you have with those you love.

    It's beautiful, hilarious and heartbreaking all at once and is a total underrated drama that needs more love!

  • Ancient Detective

    3. Ancient Detective

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 24 episodes

    9.0

    Why has no one seen this? This drama is a mystery within a mystery. The cases are so well-crafted and the character development is beautiful. I really appreciated how each case actually had relevance to the underlying plot and the pacing was amazing. I loved the female lead and her strength and her fight choreography was the most beautiful I've seen. She uses her umbrella so well!

    So many plot twists, beautiful pacing and that ending! Wow! Leaves you hungry for more of the crew and you fall in love with all the characters. TBH the male lead is the least intriguing of the crew and is the only one who can't fight (LOL) but everyone would lay their life down for him. The friendships and the bromance was perfect- the BROMANCE was funny af.

    HIDDEN GEM!

  • The King’s Avatar

    4. The King’s Avatar

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 40 episodes

    8.5

    I LOVE THIS. I originally started watching because of Yang Yang and I've read the manga and loved it and really this series is beautiful! It doesn't have romance, which can seem off putting but honestly the series is about friendships and who you choose to see as your family and those you trust. The male lead is strong and fairly altruistic but in no way naive. He's a strong person without the best circumstances and really just loves the MMO Glory. He doesn't seek fame but rather would just want to do something he loves. This series leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling and teaches many lessons about life, trust and success and is a story that needs to be told. 

    Also his badass scenes where he beats everyone is just amazing as well. As an audience member sometimes I wish he would just do something for his own gain/fame sometimes because he deserves to be recognized but he is selfless and is so respectable. God his patience- but also he's sarcastic and merciless and it's perfect. All the acting was very well done and you laugh, cry and tear your hair out with every moment.

  • Young Blood

    5. Young Blood

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 42 episodes

    9.0

    I'm only in the first half of this drama but I also randomly stumbled upon this on Youtube. It makes me sad how unknown it is because while most of the cast I don't recognize, they are all amazing actors and so far the plot has me hooked! Unfortunately English subs are kind of ?? so I'm waiting BUT please try this series. It's pacing, acting and story are all on point! I laugh so hard but also recognize the underlying themes and seriousness there is to the plot :)

  • Closer to You

    6. Closer to You

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 24 episodes

    8.5

    Wow, so I don't typically like dramas set in high school but this is an exception. This drama tackles hard topics such as suicide and bullying- and does it RIGHT. It's another one I stumbled upon and am glad I did. Not all English subs are out right now, so I'm about halfway, but the growth and maturity of the leads is so good and the romance is a bit of a slow burn. It shows the importance of really growing into someone you want to become. The timetravelling and rules so far are pretty simple and don't really leave lots of ?? and it's a well-used plot device. Both the leads are hurting inside and they heal each other, become better people, and realize that they can rely on others and how to put others before themselves. The selflessness that is developed is very heartwarming and the story is well-paced, well-acted and the script really shines. Commendable and another hidden gem!

  • The Romance of Tiger and Rose

    7. The Romance of Tiger and Rose

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 24 episodes

    9.0

    So I already wrote a review about this but words cannot describe how much I love this drama! It's hilarious and never seems to take itself seriously. It's a great parody that manages to still have a serious underlying plot that doesn't needlessly deviate. I love the concept of the scriptwriter losing herself in the script. It's surprisingly well thought out and is hilarious and calls out its own plot holes. Breaks the fourth wall in ALL THE RIGHT WAYS. Honestly, it's rising in popularity and it's not a stretch to say that it might become one of the biggest dramas of the year!

    Also, I need to get myself my personal Han Shuo he is amazing XD

  • My Girl

    8. My Girl

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 24 episodes

    I haven't yet watched this because I'm waiting for it to finish airing- but will do as soon as it's done because I know that I will not be able to stand waiting for more episodes. I've seen so many clips of this and it seems hilarious, meaningful and a great watch and everyone keeps singing its praises!

  • Love O2O

    9. Love O2O

    Chinese Drama - 2016, 30 episodes

    8.0

    A drama I probably don't need to say much about because of how big it became! I started this because I read the manhua and it's swoony, heartwarming and just a happy watch. Highly recommended.

  • Legend of Fu Yao

    10. Legend of Fu Yao

    Chinese Drama - 2018, 66 episodes

    8.0

    Nothing much to say because this is very well known but this series is a pretty solid watch and I love Ethan so :P

  • The Story of Ming Lan

    11. The Story of Ming Lan

    Chinese Drama - 2018, 78 episodes

    9.0

    Again, another very well known series. Very slice-of-life and it's really a story of bonds, loyalty, family and maturing into a person you yourself can be proud of. Masterfully crafted (though not for everyone in its everyday pacing) but Minglan is a strong female lead they is quite the wolf under sheep's fur.

  • Xia Ye Zhi Jun Nuan

    12. Xia Ye Zhi Jun Nuan

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 24 episodes

    7.5

    So I randomly stumbled upon this one on youtube while I was browsing and can I say I was glad to? I usually don't like silly dramas like this but it was very cute and heartwarming. TBH the basketball scenes could have been better but have enough suspension of belief and it's a pretty easy and fun watch for rom-com lovers. I'm only in the first third of it (not enough English subs) but it's something I watch to take a break from the heavy and melo dramas I tend to watch.

  • Bian Liang Meng Hua Tu

    13. Bian Liang Meng Hua Tu

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes

    8.5
  • You Are My Glory

    14. You Are My Glory

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 32 episodes

    9.0
  • The Long Ballad

    15. The Long Ballad

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 49 episodes

    8.5
  • Try the World

    16. Try the World

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes

    8.5
  • Someday or One Day

    17. Someday or One Day

    Taiwanese Drama - 2019, 13 episodes

  • Cai Bu Yao He Lao Ban Tan Lian Ai

    18. Cai Bu Yao He Lao Ban Tan Lian Ai

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 33 episodes

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