Everyone loves watching movies and drama. These days Asian cinema has been gaining equal popularity as Hollywood Cinema globally or even more. Today, have a look at the ten most famous Chinese dramas of all time that the audience still can’t stop talking about. Some make you believe in love while some make you cry, and some educate you about the history of Chinese ancestors. This article covers the best Chinese dramas of all genres. Look at the list below of the dramas produced in China that you definitely shouldn’t be missing.
Top 10 most popular Chinese dramas of all time:
1. Eternal Love
Genre: Romance/ Fantasy/ Historical
Season/Episodes: (Season 1) 24 episodes; (Season 2) 30 episodes
Main Cast: Yang Mi as Bai Qian, Mark Chao as Ye Hua
The drama is also known by its English names, Three Lives, Three Worlds, and Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms. It based on the novel with the same name by Tang Qi. The drama first released in 2017. It revolves around the love story of two deities Bai Qian and Ye Hua, with three lives who manage to meet each other in all lives and keep their love alive. The series was announced as the most-watched drama in China on 1 August 2018. If you haven’t tasted of Chinese drama yet, this can be an excellent way to start. You can find the series on Netflix.
2. Love O2O
Genre: Romance/ Comedy
Season/Episodes: (Season 1) 30 episodes
Main Cast: Yang Yang as Xiao Nai, Zheng Shuang as Bei Weiwei
The drama was released in 2016, based on the same title novel of by Gu Man. The story is about two popular college students Xiao Nai and Bei WeiWei, who fall in love while playing an online game together. With a unique plot, it is one of the most-watched modern Chinese dramas. You can watch the series on Netflix.
3. Ode To Joy
Genre: Romance/ Drama/ Friendship
Season/Episodes: (Season 1) 42 episodes; (Season 2) 55 episodes
Main Cast: Liu Tao as Andy, Jiang Xin as Fan Shengmei, Wang Ziwen as Qu Xiaoxiao, Yang Zi as Qiu Yingying, Qiao Xin as Guan Ju'er
The drama was released in 2016, based on the novel with the same title. The story revolves around five women living in the same apartment named Ode to Joy in Shanghai. Even with varying personalities and economic backgrounds, they grow a strong bond and help solve each other's problems. The series was a huge hit when it was first aired In China. If you are ever interested in watching a women-centric drama, you now know which one to watch. You will find the show in Viki and Prime Video.
4. The Untamed
Genre: Mystery/ Historical/ Fantasy/ Adventure
Season/Episodes: (Season 1) 50 episodes
Main Cast: Xiao Zhan as Wei Wuxian, Wang Yibo as Lan Wangji
The drama first aired in 2019 and is based on the novel Mo Dao Zu Shi by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. Two brave men, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, are on a mission together to solve murder mysteries that reveal a tragic event from the past. It is highly rated and was a huge hit when it aired. This drama is highly recommended, and you can watch it on Netflix.
5. A Love So Beautiful
Genre: Youth/ Romance/ Comedy
Season/Episodes: (Season 1) 23 episodes
Main Cast: Hu Yitian as Jiang Chen, Shen Yue as Chen Xiaoxi
A Love So Beautiful is a 2017 drama adapted from the novel “To Our Pure Little” by Zhao Qianqian. This is a high school love story where Chen Xiaoxi has a crush on the perfect guy Jiang Chen, who is popular in school for his handsome looks and high grades. The story later takes the viewers to their adulthood as well. This is a sweet and innocent drama with plenty of cute moments. If you want to watch a light and heart-warming drama which you can watch it on Netflix.
6. Love Me, If You Dare
Genre: Thriller/ Suspense/ Romance/ Crime
Season/Episodes: (Season 1) 24 episodes
Main Cast: Wallace Huo as Bo Jinyan, Sandra Ma as Jenny Jian Yao
The drama was aired in 2015 and is based on the novel written by Ding Mo with the same name. Bo Jinyan is a criminal psychologist who has returned to China from the US to work on criminal cases. With the help of his assistant Jenny Yao, they solve difficult and violent crime cases. This combination of crime, psychology, and romance will surely leave you gripping on your feet. If interested, you can watch the drama on Viki.
7. Put Your Head On My Shoulder
Genre: Romance/ Comedy/Coming of age
Season/Episodes: (Season 1) 24+ 1 special episode
Main Cast: Lin Yi as Gu Weiyi, Xing Fei as Situ Mo
The series was released in 2019 and adapted to the novel with the same name by Zhao Qianqian. Situ Mo is nearing her graduation but has no idea about her plans, while Gu Weiyi is a physics genius. They accidentally become roommates, and slowly, love blossoms between them. This is a cute series that you can watch on Netflix or Viki.
8. Nirvana In Fire
Genre: Historical/ Politics/ Fantasy
Season/ Episodes: (Season 1) 54 episodes; ( Season 2) 50 episodes
Main Cast: Hu Ge as Mei Changsu, Wang Kai as Xiao Jingyan, Leo Wu as Fei Liu, Liu Tao as Princess Mu Nihuang
The drama was first released in 2015 and is based on the novel with the same title by Hai Yan. This is a story about betrayal and revenge during the war when China divided into Northern and Southern dynasties. With an intense storyline, incredible actors, and mind-blowing cinematography, this show will surely leave you satisfied. You can watch it on Viki or Amazon Prime.
9. Go Go Squid
Genre: E-sports / Romance/ Comedy/ Youth
Season/ Episodes: (Season 1) 41 episodes
Main Cast: Li Xian as Han Shangyan, Yang Zi as Tong Nian
The drama was released in 2019 and is based on “Stewed Squid” by Mo Bao Fei Bao. Tong Nian is a famous singer and a genius in computer science. She falls for Han Shangyan, who is a professional gamer. He is cold and unfriendly, but Tong Nian tries her best to make a place in his heart . The series is available on Viki and Netflix.
10. Le Coup De Foudre
Genre: Romance
Season/ Episodes: (Season 1) 35 episodes
Main Cast: Zhang Yujian as Yan Mo, Janice Wu as Zhao Qiaoyi
The last one is a drama based on a true love story. The series was aired in 2019, and adapted from the novel “I Don’t Like The World, I Only Like You” by Qiao Yi. Two classmates Zhao Qiaoyi and Yan Mo, are in love and plan to go abroad together after high school. However, they drift apart due to one of their family emergency. They finally somehow meet after four years, and their old love ignites. This drama will make you laugh and cry at the same time. You can find it on Netflix or Viki.
These are a few of the most popular Chinese dramas you can watch if you are a beginner. All of these series are worth your time and surely won’t disappoint you.
