Favorite Dramas of All Time
This list comprises of my absolute favorite dramas of all time from all genres and subtags!
The ranking is less about score and more about how much I enjoyed the drama.
Rating System:
9-10: Figurative masterpiece. I’ve acknowledged that no drama is perfect but this drama came close to that in my enjoyment level, the higher the score (9.5-10) the less flaws I could find.
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1. Healer
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
Healer made me a fan of the leads in one sitting with:
- Amazing casting + acting portrayals
- Good blend of comedy, acting + romance.
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2. The Long Ballad
Chinese Drama - 2021, 49 episodes
While The Long Ballad lacks in romance, costuming + realism in certain scenes, it picks up in other areas:
- Well executed fighting scenes.
- Relationship/friendship building.
- Exceptional acting potrayals.
- Riveting OST.
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3. Love Like the Galaxy : Partie 2
Chinese Drama - 2022, 29 episodes
Love Like The Galaxy (Part 1 + Part ) is an unexpected delight in many ways:
- The actors were well picked in this drama.
- The romance between the leads and growth of the characters left me wanting more.
- Intelligent, bold & caring FL + Strong ML matchup.
- The overall direction and cinematography is so professionally and carefully thought out.
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4. Des Fleurs dans L'adversité
Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes
Blossoms in Adversity had so many traits that I LIVED for. It's a true gem where every episode I found interesting:
- Strong, levelheaded, brave and intelligent female lead.
- Protective, strong, brutal yet considerate ML.
- There were interesting side characters and most importantly, one misunderstanding or withholding of the truth doesn't shake or tear the leads apart.
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5. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
It's Okay to Not Be Okay is complex and intrguing.
- We have excellent character progression.
- Slow burn does burn but it's written in a way that allows us to focus on the interesting characters.
- I laughed, I cried, I didn't want it to end.
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6. While You Were Sleeping
Korean Drama - 2017, 32 episodes
While You Were Sleeping became more interesting by the episode.
- The FL's power is captivating and had me interested in finding out the secret behind it.
- Lee Jong Suk can convey all emotions through his acting performances.
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7. The Tale of Nokdu
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
The Tale of Nokdu's charm lies in plot and acting.
- This drama had some of the BEST sword fighting scenes.
- Intriguing plot to the very end with a realistic but still satisfying ending.
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8. Ancient Detective
Chinese Drama - 2020, 24 episodes
Ancient Detective made me want to be a detective.
- I enjoyed the intelligence and wit of this drama. It completely kept me on my toes and kept me thinking about what would happen next.
- The main characters were great, the bromance in the drama made me overlook the lackluster romance that the show was trying to portray.
- While the show does suffer from a huge cliffhanger and weak romance, the way the plot unfolded had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
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9. Goblin
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
Goblin had me in the tighest chokehold in 2016.
- From the enchanting OST.
- Eye-catching CGI.
- Intricate cinematography.
- Talented acting.
There was nothing I loved more than tuning into each episode.
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10. Love When the Stars Fall
Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes
The Starry Love is the drama I recommend to every xianxia lover.
- Strong sisterly relationship.
- Enemies to lover tropes gone right.
- Captivating side couple.
- Lasting romance and comedy.