Strong • Smart • Badass Female Lead

These dramas skip the petty drama and lean into mature, realistic relationships. Breakups (if they happen at all) aren’t fueled by scheming villains or laughable misunderstandings—just honest, necessary pauses that only make their reunion stronger. And yes, every one of these ends with the heroine standing tall and love winning out. Here’s my top picks featuring brilliant, kick-butt heroines and rock-solid happy endings .

Jacque Paul Sep 4, 2022
99 Titles Loves
0% Watched
Report
Sort By: Alphabetical
Jacque Paul's Rating
Your Rating
  • A Dream of Splendor

    1. A Dream of Splendor

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes

    9.5
  • A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College

    2. A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 30 episodes

    9.5
  • A Journey to Love

    3. A Journey to Love

    Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes

    9.0
  • Alchemy of Souls

    4. Alchemy of Souls

    Korean Drama - 2022, 20 episodes

    9.0
  • Amidst a Snowstorm of Love

    5. Amidst a Snowstorm of Love

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 30 episodes

    10

    Blizzard of Smooches & Heart Meltdowns

  • Are You the One

    6. Are You the One

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes

    9.5
  • Arsenal Military Academy

    7. Arsenal Military Academy

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 48 episodes

  • Ballerina

    8. Ballerina

    Korean Movie - 2023

    Ballerina is a gritty Korean revenge thriller where a fearless female lead trades grace for grit. Once elegant and poised, she now moves with deadly precision to avenge the loss of her closest friend.

  • Be Passionately in Love

    9. Be Passionately in Love

    Chinese Drama - 2025, 24 episodes

    Fall Into Our Passion is a heartfelt gem ?—a beautiful C-drama full of pure emotion and charm.  A modern Cdrama featuring a strong, smart, and fearless female lead who takes charge of her life and career with confidence. She is no damsel—she is the storm. 

  • Blossom

    10. Blossom

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 34 episodes

    Blossoms is a timeless tale woven with love, inner strength, and unshakable destiny. Its female lead shines with quiet resilience and sharp intellect, turning every challenge into a step toward greatness. A Timeless Tale of Love, Strength, and Destiny 

  • Blossoms in Adversity

    11. Blossoms in Adversity

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes

  • Come and Hug Me

    12. Come and Hug Me

    Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes

  • Coroner's Diary

    13. Coroner's Diary

    Chinese Drama - 2025, 38 episodes

    9.5

    A coroner who does not flinch at blood a man who respects her brain and no breakup drama in sight ???
    The mystery is decent the romance is sweet and the FL is pure boss energy from start to finish
    Soft love sharp minds and zero nonsense my kind of drama ???

  • Crash Landing on You

    14. Crash Landing on You

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

  • Descendants of the Sun

    15. Descendants of the Sun

    Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes

  • Destined

    16. Destined

    Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes

    8.0
  • Extraordinary Attorney Woo

    17. Extraordinary Attorney Woo

    Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes

  • Fake It Till You Make It

    18. Fake It Till You Make It

    Chinese Drama - 2023, 14 episodes

    9.0
  • Fall in Love

    19. Fall in Love

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes

  • Falling into Your Smile

    20. Falling into Your Smile

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 31 episodes

    9.5
  • Falling into Your Smile (Movie)

    21. Falling into Your Smile (Movie)

    Chinese Movie - 2022

  • Flourished Peony

    22. Flourished Peony

    Chinese Drama - 2025, 32 episodes

    A  mesmerizing tale of love, resilience, and destiny set against the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty

  • Forever and Ever

    23. Forever and Ever

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 30 episodes

  • Forever Love

    24. Forever Love

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 28 episodes

  • Gen Z

    25. Gen Z

    Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes

  • Go Ahead

    26. Go Ahead

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 46 episodes

  • Graceful Family

    27. Graceful Family

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

  • Happiness

    28. Happiness

    Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes

  • Hello, the Sharpshooter

    29. Hello, the Sharpshooter

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes

  • In Blossom

    30. In Blossom

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 32 episodes

  • In the Name of Blossom

    31. In the Name of Blossom

    Chinese Drama - 2025, 24 episodes

    9.5

    A Peony-Scented Love Story Worth the Binge – Splendour and Elegance, Captured in Motion ?✨
    In the Name of Blossom pilfers hearts by day, reignites them by night—with mind, muscle, and botanical brilliance. No breakups, no heartbreak—just chemistry hotter than Tang-era lanterns and a happy ending worth the binge.

    My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (9.5/10) — that missing half star is for the two minutes I thought it would end badly and nearly needed CPR ??.

  • Itaewon Class

    32. Itaewon Class

    Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

    9.5
  • Jun Jiu Ling

    33. Jun Jiu Ling

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 40 episodes

  • Kill My Sins

    34. Kill My Sins

    Chinese Drama - 2025, 30 episodes

    9.0

     A Twisty Grey-Toned Rollercoaster of Sin and Sass . FL—chef’s kiss ?‍??. She’s absolutely fabulous, every scene she walks into feels like a power move ?. Her acting? Damn sexy ?. Like, how can someone serve that much emotional depth and look that cool while possibly plotting the downfall (or justice—depends on the episode)? I’d let her ruin my life with that stare alone ??. 

  • Lawless Lawyer

    35. Lawless Lawyer

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

  • Legend of Zang Hai

    36. Legend of Zang Hai

    Chinese Drama - 2025, 40 episodes

    Legend of Zang Hai – A Gripping Ride with Revenge at Its Heart  It brings us a clever and bold female lead (who is not the main highlight but) who outsmarts her enemies and stands her ground with grace and grit. She is beauty with brains and bravery, never one to back down.

  • Lighter & Princess

    37. Lighter & Princess

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 36 episodes

  • Love Like the Galaxy: Part 1

    38. Love Like the Galaxy: Part 1

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 27 episodes

    9.0
  • Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2

    39. Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 29 episodes

    9.0
  • Love O2O

    40. Love O2O

    Chinese Drama - 2016, 30 episodes

  • Love Scout

    41. Love Scout

    Korean Drama - 2025, 12 episodes

    9.5

    A Heartfelt & Mature Take on Relationships 

  • Love to Hate You

    42. Love to Hate You

    Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes

    9.0

    ? Punches, Pout, Repeat ?
    Love to Hate You gives us a firecracker female lead who throws punches before flirting and schools cocky men in both law and love ??❤️. She is fierce, hilarious, and zero damsel. Equal parts sass and smackdown—he never stood a chance ??.

  • Maiden Holmes

    43. Maiden Holmes

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 32 episodes

  • Meet Yourself

    44. Meet Yourself

    Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes

    9.5

    ☕ Healing, But Make It Powerful ?
    In Meet Yourself, our heroine ditches city chaos to sip tea and find peace—but ends up fixing lives, boosting a whole village, and healing herself too ???. She is calm, clever, and quietly unstoppable. A badass in soft sweaters who leads with heart and smarts ?❤️.

  • Military Prosecutor Doberman

    45. Military Prosecutor Doberman

    Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes

    9.0

    ? Law, Order, and Low Kicks ?
    She walks into the courtroom in heels and takes down corruption with fists and legal firepower ?⚖️. Do Bae-man may have the title, but Cha Woo-in steals the show—brains, boldness, and a mean roundhouse. Military never looked this fabulous or this fierce ??.

  • Miss S

    46. Miss S

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 34 episodes

  • My ID Is Gangnam Beauty

    47. My ID Is Gangnam Beauty

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

    9.5
  • My Little Happiness

    48. My Little Happiness

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 28 episodes

    8.0
  • My Lovely Liar

    49. My Lovely Liar

    Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes

    Truth, Lies & Swoon-Worthy Alibis

  • My Unicorn Girl

    50. My Unicorn Girl

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 24 episodes

  • Mysterious Love

    51. Mysterious Love

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

  • One Smile Is Very Alluring

    52. One Smile Is Very Alluring

    Chinese Movie - 2016

  • Only for Love

    53. Only for Love

    Chinese Drama - 2023, 36 episodes

  • Our Secret

    54. Our Secret

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 24 episodes

  • Perfect and Casual

    55. Perfect and Casual

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 24 episodes

  • Perfect Marriage Revenge

    56. Perfect Marriage Revenge

    Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes

    Honeymoon’s Over, Let the Revenge Begin!

  • Perfect Match

    57. Perfect Match

    Chinese Drama - 2025, 36 episodes

    9.0

    Perfect Match serves up six love stories in one fluffy, feel-good drama ??. With each couple taking the spotlight solo, there’s no messy drama—just a rotating buffet of romance, pretty faces, and sweet moments. It is light, entertaining, and perfect for when you want to relax and smile ?. Not deep, but definitely delightful! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

  • Run On

    58. Run On

    Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

  • School 2017

    59. School 2017

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    8.5
  • Secret Royal Inspector & Joy

    60. Secret Royal Inspector & Joy

    Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

  • Serendipity

    61. Serendipity

    Chinese Drama - 2025, 40 episodes

    Serendipity is a romantic drama where fate weaves its magic through missed chances and unexpected reunions. The female lead is intuitive, charming, and quietly determined—trusting her heart even when the world calls it foolish.

  • Serendipity's Embrace

    62. Serendipity's Embrace

    Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes

    Serendipity’s Embrace is a heartwarming tale of love found through life’s quiet twists and turns. The female lead is thoughtful, strong in spirit, and led by faith and intuition as destiny gently guides her steps.

  • She and Her Perfect Husband

    63. She and Her Perfect Husband

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes

    She and Her Perfect Husband is a sharp, modern Cdrama where a brilliant and independent female lawyer fakes marriage to get ahead—only to discover love along the way. She is fierce, unapologetic, and knows her worth.

  • Si Jin

    64. Si Jin

    Chinese Drama - 2025, 40 episodes

  • Song of Youth

    65. Song of Youth

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 43 episodes

  • Story of Kunning Palace

    66. Story of Kunning Palace

    Chinese Drama - 2023, 38 episodes

  • Story of Yanxi Palace

    67. Story of Yanxi Palace

    Chinese Drama - 2018, 70 episodes

  • The Autumn Ballad

    68. The Autumn Ballad

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 34 episodes

  • The Double

    69. The Double

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes

  • The First Frost

    70. The First Frost

    Chinese Drama - 2025, 32 episodes

    A Beautiful Story of Healing, Love, and Unwavering Devotion 

  • The Glory

    71. The Glory

    Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

  • The Glory

    72. The Glory

    Chinese Drama - 2025, 30 episodes

  • The Glory Part 2

    73. The Glory Part 2

    Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes

  • The Imperial Coroner

    74. The Imperial Coroner

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes

  • The Long Ballad

    75. The Long Ballad

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 49 episodes

    10

    ? Revenge with Brains and Bows ?
    The Long Ballad serves up a princess turned strategist who trades tiaras for tactics and outsmarts armies with a map and a mission ?⚔️. She is fierce, focused, and never needs saving. Bonus: even the male lead looks like he is just trying to keep up ??.

  • The Oath of Love

    76. The Oath of Love

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 32 episodes

  • The Princess Royal

    77. The Princess Royal

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes

  • The Princess's Gambit

    78. The Princess's Gambit

    Chinese Drama - 2025, 36 episodes

    6.0

    The Princess Gambit ?? — Strong Lead, Twisted Plot, Lukewarm Romance

    This drama had a smart and capable female lead who truly carried the entire palace on her back ??—and then some. She schemed, suffered, and survived while everyone around her played emotional hide-and-seek ?. Honestly, she deserved better. The girl had grit, brains, and heart… but the script threw all the trauma her way like she was the kingdom’s emotional punching bag ?.

    As for the romance? I guess it technically fits the no-breakup trope, but they only got together at the end—like too late, maaan ?. The male lead was ice cold most of the way, and though he thawed eventually, I still felt zero chemistry. And the ML’s sister? Warrior in name, chaotic sidekick in behaviour ?⚔️. I skipped scenes just to make it through ⏩. Ending was fine, but it was like waiting forever for cake, only to get a stale slice. Not that it deserved snacks—but in saying that, I could not even drink my coffee watching it ☕?.

    Watch it for the FL’s strength, not for the romance. Bring patience... and maybe a backup drama.

  • The Prisoner of Beauty

    79. The Prisoner of Beauty

    Chinese Drama - 2025, 36 episodes

    9.5

    ?? Prisoner of Beauty – Surprisingly Healthy, Dangerously Addictive ??

    No messy breakups, no dumb misunderstandings—just crackling chemistry, mature convos, and zero emotional whiplash ??. The female lead? Smart, fearless, and sharp-tongued—serves brains and attitude like a queen ???. Male lead is broody eye candy with hidden soft spots ?❤️.

    Acting? Expressive gold. Side characters? Fun, not filler. Ending? Actual closure ?✨.

    Verdict: Addictive, bingeable, and refreshingly sane.
    ? Rating: 9/10 for brains, banter & brooding stares ??

  • The Rise of Ning

    80. The Rise of Ning

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes

    9.5
  • The Song of Glory

    81. The Song of Glory

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 53 episodes

  • The Story of Ming Lan

    82. The Story of Ming Lan

    Chinese Drama - 2018, 78 episodes

    9.5

    Ming Lan serves brains for breakfast and patience for dessert ??. She plays the long game while everyone else is busy backstabbing and being dramatic ??. From bullied daughter to the boss of the house, she rises like a phoenix in silk robes ??. Queen of quiet revenge, no one sees her coming.

  • The Story of Pearl Girl

    83. The Story of Pearl Girl

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes

  • The Sword and the Brocade

    84. The Sword and the Brocade

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 45 episodes

    9.0

    ? Stitching Power into Patriarchy ?
    She married into silk and status but brought her brains, backbone, and business plans with her ??. Navigating jealous wives, nosy in-laws, and one very stoic husband—our heroine conquers the manor with smarts and silent sass ??. Who knew embroidery could be this savage?

  • The Uncanny Counter

    85. The Uncanny Counter

    Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

  • The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion

    86. The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion

    Korean Movie - 2018

    9.5
  • The Witch: Part 2. The Other One

    87. The Witch: Part 2. The Other One

    Korean Movie - 2022

  • To Fly with You

    88. To Fly with You

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 35 episodes

  • Unchained Love

    89. Unchained Love

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 36 episodes

  • Under the Power

    90. Under the Power

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 55 episodes

  • Vincenzo

    91. Vincenzo

    Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes

  • Weaving a Tale of Love

    92. Weaving a Tale of Love

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 40 episodes

  • What's Wrong with Secretary Kim

    93. What's Wrong with Secretary Kim

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

  • When the Phone Rings

    94. When the Phone Rings

    Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes

    A Masterpiece of Suspense and Emotion – "When the Phone Rings" 

  • While You Were Sleeping

    95. While You Were Sleeping

    Korean Drama - 2017, 32 episodes

  • Who Rules the World

    96. Who Rules the World

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes

    9.0
  • You Are My Glory

    97. You Are My Glory

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 32 episodes

    9.5
  • You Are My Hero

    98. You Are My Hero

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 40 episodes

  • You Are My Lover Friend

    99. You Are My Lover Friend

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 30 episodes

Jacque Paul's Lists

Trending