Best Asian Dramas & Movies
Since I have been watching Asian movies and tv shows for 10 years now, I have compiled an extensive list of favorites. (REVIEWS IN NOTES + SPICE LEVEL INCLUDED).
My favorite components of a good Kdrama or movie are a good cast, *GREEN FLAG MALE LEADS IN ROMANCE DRAMAS*, character development, chemistry between characters, emotive acting, a complete and satisfying ending, and an unpredictable (complex) plotline (unless it's incredibly wholesome and/or unique for the time it was made).
My favorite genres are romance, fantasy, thriller, historical fiction, and slice of life.
(Least favorite Kdramas of all time, due to bad endings or plotlines: Scent of a Woman, Fated to Love You, Mischievous Kiss, Personal Taste, Heirs, Vagabond, King the Land, Crash Course in Romance)
My favorite components of a good Kdrama or movie are a good cast, *GREEN FLAG MALE LEADS IN ROMANCE DRAMAS*, character development, chemistry between characters, emotive acting, a complete and satisfying ending, and an unpredictable (complex) plotline (unless it's incredibly wholesome and/or unique for the time it was made).
My favorite genres are romance, fantasy, thriller, historical fiction, and slice of life.
(Least favorite Kdramas of all time, due to bad endings or plotlines: Scent of a Woman, Fated to Love You, Mischievous Kiss, Personal Taste, Heirs, Vagabond, King the Land, Crash Course in Romance)
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- StarsSeol In-ahRyeounChoi Hyun-wook"Sparkling Watermelon" will tell the story of a boy living a double life between a model student and a band member who gets to time slip and meets his 18-year-old father. The two will build friendships there.10/10 Time travel, romantic love story, platonic family love story, original music score and performances, WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED. SPICE 2/5.
- StarsLee HyeriGo Kyung-pyoRyu Jun-yeolFive childhood friends, who all live in the same Ssangmundong neighborhood of Seoul in 1988, lean on each other to survive their challenging teen years and set a path for their futures.10/10. A coming of age story of a group of neighborhood children and their families, how they grow up, change, grieve, fall in love, and find their passion for living. The most beautiful Asian drama of all time that is endlessly rewatchable and has a beautiful romance story. SPICE LEVEL: 2/5 Several Beautiful Kiss Scenes
- StarsShin Min-aKim Seon-hoGina SuA big-city dentist opens up a practice in a close-knit seaside village, home to a charming jack-of-all-trades who is her polar opposite in every way.10/10. I also would like to move to a seaside village, fall in love, gain an amazing community of friends, be drama-free, and get married. Green flag couple 101. They both have dimples! SPICE LEVEL: 5/5 Suggestive Bedroom Scenes
- StarsGong YooYoon Eun-hyeLee Sun-kyunA tomboy, mistaken for a lad, maintains the deception for the sake of employment. The situation becomes complicated when her male boss begins to develop feelings for this "boy."10/10. An iconic Kdrama that aged amazingly with a timelessly unique plotline and magnetic characters with absolutely amazing chemistry as a cast, and as a love story. SPICE LEVEL: 5/5 Suggestive Bedroom Scenes
- StarsLusi ZhaoZheyuan ChenZhang Jiong MinSang Zhi falls in love with Duan Jia Xu, the boy who often comes to her house to play with her brother. Years after she joins the university in the city he now lives, and during their day-to-day interactions, they slowly fall in love.100/10. The best Cdrama of all time that gives many Kdramas a run for their money. The best part is the GREEN FLAG male lead (written by a woman). This show has no drama, the wholesome love story is the only plot point! SPICE LEVEL: 4/5 A lot of kissing scenes, intimacy, some slightly suggestive scenes.
- StarsLee Seung-joonPark GyuyoungCha Eun-wooAn unpredictable fantasy romance between a woman living under a curse that causes her to turn into a dog when kissed, and the only one who can help her overcome the curse is a man who is afraid of dogs.9.5/10 THIS HAS NO BUSINESS BEING THIS CUTE. Eunwoo has me fanning myself, he literally plays my dream man. The way his character is so in love with Haena before she even likes him has my heart fluttering and butterflies flying. Clearly written by a woman. SPICE 4/5 so far (10/16 episodes)
- StarsSong Joong-kiJeon Yeo-beenTaecyeonDuring a visit to his motherland, a Korean-Italian Mafia lawyer gives an unrivaled conglomerate a taste of its own medicine with a side of justice.9/10. Hilarious, thrilling, and heartwarming. Vincenzo is all three. Give it 8 or so episodes, I promise it's anything but predictable. SPICE LEVEL 0/5: Single kiss scene.
- StarsLee Joon-giIUKang Ha-neulHa-jin travels 1000 years back in time and lands in the era of Goryeo Dynasty as a young girl named Hae-soo. She, now trapped in another person's body, becomes involved in a power struggle against various vicious contenders to the throne.9/10. This drama will rip your heart out of your chest, serve it to you on a platter, and have you tipping and saying "thank you for the delicious meal" at the end. SPICE LEVEL: 3/5 Several kiss scenes, suggestive material, passionate.
- StarsDylan WangEsther YuLinghe ZhangA fairy whose tribe was in war with Moon Demon Lord, Qingcang meets him and mutual incantation and mutual curse ties their lives.9.5/10 AMAZING Cdrama with an enemies to lover romance plot. Don’t judge a drama by it’s title LOL. AMAZING special effects, world building, fantasy elements. AMAZING cast and episodes that always stay interesting. This is what Alchemy of Souls should’ve been. Spice Level 3/5.
- StarsJun Ji-hyunKim Soo-hyunPark Hae-jinDo Min-Joon, an alien that came to our planet 400 years ago, will be able to return to his planet in 3 months, but when he meets famous actress Chun Song-Yi, all the centuries he spent distancing himself from humans come to an end.9/10. Hundred-year-old alien + his one true love + her modern-day, celebrity doppelganger = a hell of a ride with plenty of cute, relatable moments.... can't be missed!! SPICE LEVEL: 2/5 Several kiss scenes, raunchy female lead
- StarsLee Sun-kyunIULee Ji-ahA man in his 40s withstands the weight of life. A woman in her 20s goes through different experiences, but also withstands the weight of her life. The man and woman get together to help each other.9/10. Deeply meaningful, philosophical, and true to life show similar to the likes of Reply 1988, My Liberation Notes, Summer Strike, and Our Blues. SPICE LEVEL -1/10, don’t go in expecting romance.
- StarsHikari MitsushimaRikako YagiTakeru SatohYoung, free and madly in love. As teenagers, the world was their oyster but as adults, their lives seem dimmer, like a very important piece is missing.9/10. Japanese drama about nostalgia, missing your first love, and finding them again as an adult when it means more. SPICE LEVEL: 1/5 Some kiss scenes
- StarsIm Si-wanKim Seol-hyunPark Ye-youngAdapted from a webtoon. A drama about voluntary unemployed Lee Yeo-reum and librarian Ahn Dae-beom, who declared a life strike, leaving a complex city and looking for themselves in a strange place.8.5/10
- StarsJang Dong-gunKim Ok-binYoon Sa-bong"Arthdal Chronicles" depicts the birth of civilization and nations in ancient times. It is a story of mythical heroes--their struggle, unity, and love of people living in a virtual land called Arth.9.5/10. Epic Korean Game of Thrones: getting a season 2 in 2023! SPICE LEVEL: 3/5 Suggestive scenes with side characters
- StarsPark Eun-binKang Tae-ohKang Ki-youngDue to her 164 I.Q., impressive memory and creative thought process, autistic 27-year-old lawyer Woo Young Woo graduated at the top of her class from a prestigious law school.9/10 Groundbreaking and wholesome <3 Spice level 0.5/5
- StarsHyun BinSon Ye-jinSeo Ji-hyeThe absolute top secret love story of a chaebol heiress who made an emergency landing in North Korea because of a paragliding accident and a North Korean special officer who falls in love with her and who is hiding and protecting her.9/10 Self explanatory, it’s great! :)
- DirectorSung-hee JoStarsSong Joong-kiPark Bo-youngYeong-ran LeeSummoned by an unexpected phone call, an elderly woman visits the country cottage she lived in as a child. Memories of an orphan boy she knew 47 years ago come flooding back to her.9/10. One of those movies that always make me sob, from sadness and joy. SPICE LEVEL: 0/5
- CreatorLee So-YoungStarsPark Eun-binKim Ro-WoonNam Yoon-SuThe story is set during the Joseon Dynasty when twins were considered an ominous sign. When the Crown Princess Consort gives birth to twins, an order is sent to kill the daughter. To save her, she is secretly sent out of the palace.9/10. Gender roles reversed :)
- StarsLee Jae-wookHwang Min-hyunYoo Joon-sangSet in a fictional country called Daeho, it is about the love and growth of young mages as they overcome their twisted fates due to a forbidden magic spell known as the "alchemy of souls", which allows souls to switch bodies.9.5/10 for first season. 6/10 for second season. Skip the second season, trust me.
- StarsPark Seo-joonKim Ji-wonAhn Jae-hongKo Dong Man, a former taekwondo champion, and Choi Ae Ra, a receptionist, struggle to follow their dreams as life throws obstacles in their path.9/10 AMAZING best friends to lovers plot line… with an amazing male lead! SPICE LEVEL: 4/5.
- CreatorGwang JinStarsPark Seo-joonKim Da-miYoo Jae-myungAn ex-con opens a street bar in Itaewon, while also seeking revenge on the family who was responsible for his father's death.10/10. A story of revenge, found family, true love, and finding success amid a world that is against you. SPICE LEVEL: 1/5 Few kiss scenes.
- StarsPark Bo-youngPark Hyung-sikJi SooDo Bong-soon is a woman born with superhuman strength that comes from the long line of women possessing it. when Ahn Min Hyuk, the CEO of ainsoft, a gaming company witnesses her strength he hires her as his personal bodyguard.8/10
- StarsShin Se-KyungCha Eun-wooLee Ji-hoonSet in 19th-century Korea, a female historian faces gender discrimination but perseveres. She gets entangled with Prince Lee Rim, blurring lines between duty and personal involvement.
- StarsAhn Bo-hyunPark Jin-jooKim Bo-raA romantic comedy about a talented gallery curator named Sung Duk Mi, who is an idol fan-girl underneath her professional veneer. Meanwhile, her boss Ryan becomes a passionate fan-boy of her.7/10. SPICE LEVEL: 4/5
- StarsGong YooKim Go-eunLee Dong-wookIn his quest for a bride to break his immortal curse, Dokkaebi, a 939-year-old guardian of souls, meets a grim reaper and a sprightly student with a tragic past.
- StarsJang Keun-sukIm Yoon-ahOh Seung-yunLove Rain is a story which takes place in two time periods, the first is in the 1970's which tells the love story of two university students Seo In-ha and Kim Yoon-Hee. After a series of events the couple are separated. The time is then moved forward to 2012 where the story revolves around Seo Joon, the son of In Ha and Jung Ha Na the daughter of Kim Yoon-Hee. Joon and Ha Na then fall in love but In-Ha is still in love with Kim Yoon-Hee, unknowing that their children are in love In Ha then attempts to track down Kim Yoon-Hee for the first time in thirty years.9/10. One of the most unique, memorable, and beautiful Kdramas I've seen. The storyline is touching and well made. The cast was perfectly selected for their roles. It follows the story of not only one couple but of their CHILDREN too. Once you get past the first 5 episodes (set in the 70s) with lots of patience, the story gets pretty great. It's the ultimate story of love and sacrifice.
- StarsYoon Eun-hyeJu Ji-hoonSong Ji-hyoLove, tradition, and politics collide when a spirited young art student is betrothed to the crown prince of South Korea.8/10
- StarsLee Jung-jaePark Hae-sooDylan BesseauHundreds of cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete in children's games. Inside, a tempting prize awaits with deadly high stakes: a survival game that has a whopping 45.6 billion-won prize at stake.10/10
- StarsPark Shin-hyeJang Keun-sukJung Yong-hwaGo Mi-Nyu, a girl about to become a nun, is asked to cover for her indisposed twin brother, Mi-Nam, who's on the verge of becoming a k-idol. To do so, she disguises herself as a boy and joins A.N.Jell, a really popular boy band.8/10. All the RIGHT k-drama cliches are in this one. If you're a music nerd or love K-pop, this is the right drama for you... or if you're just a sap when it comes to cute dramas. This one follows the story of a girl posing as her brother so that he can get into a band... you can guess where it leads. Basically, if TTBY and BOF had a baby but better.
- StarsHa Ji-WonHyun BinYoon Sang-HyunA rich young CEO falls for a poor stuntwoman despite class differences, cultural traditions and the man's firmly objecting mother.7.5/10. Secret Garden is a great and classic drama that builds on itself and becomes better and better throughout, leaving the audience with a great ending. Oh, and there might be a bit of supernatural, uncontrollable body swapping. SPICE LEVEL 4/5
- StarsRainie YangMike HoKingone WangDevil Beside You, originally a Japanese manga turned Taiwanese drama, basically revolves around a typical love triangle.7/10. SPICE LEVEL: 5/5
- StarsChoi Woo-sikHan Ji-minLee Tae-riCrown Prince Lee Gak transports 300 years into the future following the death of his wife; in 21st century Seoul, he meets Joo Se-Na, a woman with an uncanny resemblance to the deceased princess.8/10
- StarsLee Seung-giCha Seung-wonOh Yeon-SeoIn 2017, Son Oh Gong and Ma Wang are in conflict with each other and they look for a true light in a dark world where evils exists everywhere.8/10. SPICE LEVEL 3/5
- StarsAhn Hyo-seopKim SejeongKim Min-kyuIn disguise as her friend, Ha-ri shows up to a blind date to scare him away. But plans go awry when he turns out to be her CEO - and makes a proposal.7.5/10 SPICE LEVEL 2-3/5
- CreatorMuryuStarsKim Hye-yoonKim Ro-WoonLee Jae-wookThe story of a girl who finds out that she is in fact a supporting character in a web comic and decides to change her fate.8.5/10 What if you realized that the life you were living was that of a comic book side character, a part that was actively being written for you? What if you realize your character is not who you want to be? One that you can’t change… but one that you will fight to. That’s Extraordinary You. Spice Level 1/5.
- CreatorHisaya NakajôStarsKim Ji-wonKang Ha-neulChoi Min-hoA high school girl who's inspired by a gold-medal High Jumper devises a scheme to motivate him by attending his school.8/10. This was my gateway drama, so I had to include it on the list... I mean, it is another of those "girl pretends to be a boy for some agenda" plots, but it WORKS so WELL!
- StarsHan Hyo-jooLee Seung-giMoon Chae-wonAfter losing her father Go Eun-sung's stepmother kicks her and her autistic brother out of the house. Shortly after her brother is kidnapped. Eun-sung now has to look for her brother while also trying to find a job in order to survive.8/10
- StarsKong Hyo-jinSo Ji-seobSeo In-GukTae Gong Sil has the ability to see ghosts, but their constant demands for help make her life impossible until she meets Joo Jong Won, a handsome CEO who measures everything by money, since when she touches him, the ghosts disappear.7.5/10. This one is on this list for how great and unique the beginning episodes of this drama are, although it doesn't have a perfect score for the dwindling quality towards the end.
- StarsYoo Ah-inLim Soo-jungGo Kyung-pyoWriters that lived under Japanese rule in the 1930s are reincarnated into a bestselling writer who is in a slump, a mysterious ghostwriter, and a devoted fan of the bestselling writer.8.5/10
- StarsJi Chang-wookPark Min-YoungTae-MiKim Moon-Ho is a popular reporter. One day, he learns the truth of a case that took place in the past. He intentionally approaches people who are related to the case and helps them. While doing so, he agonizes over the truth and beliefs.8/10
- StarsJi SungHwang Jeong-eumPark Seo-joonA love story between the son from a wealthy family who has 7 personalities Cha Do Hyun (Ji Sung) and Oh Ri Jin (Hwang Jung Eum) who becomes his secret psychiatrist.8/10. TALK ABOUT UNIQUE. This drama involves a guy who has multiple (and very diverse) personalities all fighting for dominance over him, and a woman doctor... but man, does it make the show interesting. You'll find yourself rooting for one personality over the other (one specifically wears guyliner, nough said). In some ways, it is slightly insensitive to DID as a condition, however, by making it entertainment.
- StarsSung Dong-ilLee Kwang-sooJin KyungA love story between a psychiatrist named Ji Hae Soo and an author who had schizophrenia named Jang Jae Yeol.7.5/10. For a Kdrama, this one is more mature and deeper than most, but I liked it for that. SPICE LEVEL: 4/5
- StarsKim Yoo-jungSong KangLee Sang-yiA pitiless demon becomes powerless after getting entangled with an icy heiress, who may hold the key to his lost abilities -- and his heart.
- StarsHa Ji-WonJi Chang-wookOh Gwang-RokA Korea-born warrior girl had to be a servant at the Mongol Yuan court but somehow overcame her low status to become an empress in another land.8/10. Honestly, this one takes a lot of patience and isn't for people that frequently drop shows (cough, me) it's around 50-60 episodes, but its beautiful, well made, intense, and greatly acted. SPICE LEVEL 5/5
- StarsKim Ro-WoonYuraJo Bo-ahFollows a successful lawyer who has everything, but who is plagued by a family curse, and turns out that the one who holds the secret to breaking it is the seemingly ordinary civil servant.
- StarsKu Hye-SunLee Min-hoKim Hyun-joongPoor girl attends the elite Shin Hwa High and is bullied by the leader of F4 (the four richest boys). He becomes attracted to her; however, she has a crush on his best friend. Whom will she choose?7/10. This is a pretty controversial drama, some people like it whilst others hate it. I like it, but I dont love it. It's filled with ALL of the possible Kdrama cliches. I still say it's important to watch because of its significance in the kdrama world.
- StarsMin Nam-koongAhn Eun-jinKim Tae-hoonA love-story between a noble woman and a mysterious man set in Joseon during the Qing invasion
- StarsLee Byung-hunKim Tae-riYoo Yeon-seokA young boy who ends up in the U.S. after the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident returns to Korea at a historical turning point and falls for a noblewoman.
- DirectorBong Joon HoStarsSong Kang-hoLee Sun-kyunCho Yeo-jeongGreed and class discrimination threaten the newly-formed symbiotic relationship between the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim clan.10/10
- DirectorPark Chan-wookStarsKim Min-heeHa Jung-wooCho Jin-woongA woman is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, but secretly she is involved in a plot to defraud her.9.5/10
- DirectorLee Chang-dongStarsYoo Ah-inSteven YeunJeon Jong-seoJong-su bumps into a girl who used to live in the same neighborhood, who asks him to look after her cat while she's on a trip to Africa. When back, she introduces Ben, a mysterious guy she met there, who confesses his secret hobby.8/10
- DirectorBong Joon HoStarsTilda SwintonPaul DanoAhn Seo-hyunA young girl risks everything to prevent a powerful, multinational company from kidnapping her best friend - a fascinating beast named Okja.9/10
- DirectorKim Ki-dukStarsLee Seung-yunJae HeeHyuk-ho KwonA transient young man breaks into empty homes to partake of the vacationing residents' lives for a few days.
- DirectorPark Chan-wookStarsPark Hae-ilTang WeiLee Jung-hyunA detective investigating a man's death in the mountains meets the dead man's mysterious wife in the course of his dogged sleuthing.