My Favourite C-Dramas In (Mostly) Accurate Order

My first c-drama and my favourite. The cinematography, story, music, acting... I love how resilient the FL is, how she carries her pain and the pain of her loved ones, their revenge and justice, and yet doesn't hurt others. The story explores how bad things happen to good people and what they choose to do about it. Will it corrupt them or will they strengthen their morals? It also shares the lesson that even though we are often alone, we will always find help in precious people on our paths. If you loved this, I highly recommend Blossom and Story of Kunning Palace.

The strength and integrity of the FL is what makes this drama epic, plus the music and of course the ML. Such a healthy well balanced couple. Something in the ML brings a calmness in me I want to have in my life, but the courage without hesitation of the FL is what I aspire to be. She inspires me so much. Also there's some serous steamy chemistry in here. And just enough humour to make this drama easily a complete masterpiece.

Some may question my choice to put this here, but I will never question it. The two leads got me hooked in other dramas and I just love this story. Perhaps because the FL is a highly sensitive person and so am I. But she's still so strong. And people like me tend to fall for those that are more closed up. My hope is to find love in a person who will do anything to make me feel truly safe and loved. TW: there is a scene which is kind of problematic because it involves a non-consensual kiss. I think they should have made that part a bit different especially because it's in an incredible scene I was in awe of and I keep re-watching. I wish this drama had a higher budget and we got to see the film within the drama.

How can I ever properly describe this... it's a 7 in 1 love story with magic, secrets, schemes, vanity and love. It's funny, makes me feel warm and it also shows off the actors and their skills to embody multiple characters. The idea that an unbreakable bond of true love can surpass impossible circumstances is a faith I wish to hold. If you enjoyed this, follow the cast into their other dramas, I promise they are always a joy. Dramas with different casts: A Moment But Forever, Moonlight Mystique, Love Between Fairy and Devil.

This was so funny and incredibly made. Mystery, crime solving, fantasy, humour through ridiculous but wholesome characters... The lead actor and main character is EVERYTHING here and it is a joy to see wonderful material, a well driven plot, cinematography, costumes etc to give the cast space to deliver a truly entertaining story. I swear if they don't make a season two, they are fools because this is the making of a legacy. If you want to watch this actor in a role he delivers incredibly, watch Love Between Fairy and Devil. Thank me later.

This is one of the most entertaining xianxia dramas I’ve seen. I debated whether I should put it below or above the others here but they’re so different so it’s impossible to say which is “better”. Moonlight Mystique has incredible quality, beautiful storytelling, strong acting with conviction and charm, and it’s visually stunning. 2025 opened with a true masterpiece that is worth the hype. 

This was a beautiful story that felt more personal but similar to Till the End of the Moon. The actors are phenomenal. Wonderful casting. Plenty of humour. And moments and sentences people said that shook me to my core like "You are too kind. You're so kind that it's terrifying."  It made me think of the kind of person I want to be, who I truly am, and how no matter what happens, I don't lose that. Very inspirational. I'm also very pleased they picked a mature actress to carry the weight of such a timeless role with conviction. If you loved this, I highly recommend Till the End of the Moon, Love Between Fairy and Devil and Moonlight Mystique.

I absolutely love the plot and how the FL was given a backstory that explained why she was the way she was. I love that her reactions were like a quiet anger, so strong but introverted and seemingly vulnerable. It s a great plot and a difficult one to deliver. I think you'd enjoy The Best Thing and Love is Panacea if you enjoyed this.

I love a "slice of life" story that feels worthy of its pacing. This drama has incredible cinematography. I loved watching the FL grow in character without needing the ML to save her, in fact even though he was in love with her, he stayed back to not interfere with her process. It's just one of those beautiful dramas that are a joy to watch. If you loved this, I recommend The First Frost, Perfect and Casual and anything with this ML actor.

This is the most light-hearted and funniest costume drama on this list and I recommend it highly. The bromance levels are through the roof... except one of the bros is a girl in disguise. So imagine a tiny girl pretending to be a boy in a school where she has two male roommates and shared bathing space. Her awkwardness is our laughter.

The FL is truly an incredible person that I would love to be personal friends with. She changes fate like a wizard but she does it by being clever and kind. If a lesson can be pulled from this story it is be always kind to others and be strategic. I consider this drama to be cousins with The Double and Story of Kunning Palace.

These two characters both experienced unbelievable trauma that keeps getting triggered and yet they somehow persist in fighting through it to pull out their own kindness, even when everyone around them is unkind. The visuals are fantastic, I love the story within the story. I love the way we learn lessons by walking in each others' shoes. I love the power of love and sacrifice for the greater good. My only regret is that they didn't include the last storyline which was in the book that made it a closed ending rather than an open one. If you loved this, I highly recommend A Moment But Forever and Love Between Fairy and Devil.

If I had known what a classic this was, I would have watched it much sooner, especially after being introduced to cdramas through The Double. I find The Double, Blossom and Story of Kunning Palace to be a trio of dramas that could easily be cousins.

The fact that I avoided this because I thought it was overhyped was absolutely ridiculous of me, but I do believe we all need to be in the right state of mind for whatever we watch. I loved so much about this, the pacing, the characters, the plot, the music... the cast is phenomenal and deliver their roles with extreme conviction. This is top tier xianxia and I can see its influence and a standard set for later xunxias I've seen. If you loved this, I highly recommend Til the End of the Moon, A Moment But Forever and Love You Seven Times. SPOILER ALERT: one thing I don't like is how it's mainly a story about a man and how a woman changes him at extremely high costs. In the end I feel it balances out. I find newer xianxias of a similar theme deliver this better.

The banter is hilarious but what made this drama for me was how the ML looks at FL. Like he wants to soak up everything about her. Can someone please look at me like that? It's shorter than most c-dramas, light-hearted, fun and visually absolutely stunning. This was my first Miles Wei (ML) drama and yes, I now adore him. I followed the actress here from The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion and guys, though the characters are polar opposites, she's just so fun to watch in both.

A young somewhat immature FL but she's kind and clever. Through unexpected twists she keeps crossing paths with the ML. At first I wondered why they cast this guy. Then I found out very quickly and realised I loved the chemistry, his hidden humour and secret vulnerability. It's a bit overly dramatic at times but given the circumstances, it makes sense. I decided I love these two actors together.

A girl who is allergic to her own tears and a boy who in their childhood and then adulthood would do anything even through trickery, to prevent her from shedding tears. He's clever, sly even, but he cares for her above everything and will do anything to keep her from crying. To her, he's a pretentious annoyance who's methods only piss her off... but she's not crying. The chemistry is awesome and the actors are so fun to watch.

Yet another comfort character in the ML. What has this drama done to me????? Why is it exactly what I was needing in this moment? This plot was thrilling from the beginning to end, the characters truly lovable and the dynamic between the warm hearted enthusiastic optimistic FL and aloof justice driven secretly sensitive ML discovering love for the first time and being completely changed by it. MINI-SPOILER ALERTS: With the element of time travel and the adorable bromance between future and past selves, this is one of my favourite modern dramas with so many little moments that makes me believe in love, like the ML handing a hair-tie to the FL under the table at dinner with friends because he remembers seeing her ONCE use a hair-tie to keep her hair out of her face as she eats. Also, THE HUGS. Those were proper hugs. Him noticing when she skips a meal and makes sure she eats. Dropping lollipops just so she knows he was thinking of her and her sugar cravings. I just can't. I can't with this one.

I'm not a fan of big age differences when the younger one is this young, but something about this story makes the red flags simply not present. ML is the kind who puts the wellbeing of FL above everything, including helping her become herself, on her own, not building her to fit his ambitions. And she's just so kind and mature. But not mature because she has to be. More because she is empathic and trusting. Which can lead to being scammed easily but also leads to a healthy relationship with someone who would never "scam" her. If you loved this, I recommend following the FL actress into The Best Thing, the ML-style character in Forever and Ever, and the ML actor into I May Love You.

I did not expect to like an older woman with a younger guy story or even trust the love behind the romance. But everything about this drama was built so perfectly and believable and the story is delivered with perfect conviction. It makes sense. And I trust it. Funny and heart-warming, get cozy and unwind with this one.

This drama is complicated for me because for most of it, I'd place it higher. The cast is phenomenal, it has this dark gloominess I love, the chemistry is strong and the story is mostly very interesting. But the plot holes made me drop this low on this list as well as some things leaving me confused. I didn't like some things. FL had epic fight scenes. So much fun to see her in this! If you loved this, The Double is a must watch for you, as well as A Moment But Forever (embrace the xianxia because the ML actor is waiting for you).

I thought I'd hate this because it is a SLOW BURN and the sequel to One and Only which is the most tragic drama of all time. I was expecting something to heal us and when they took the slow burn route, I was angry. I even dropped it. But then I couldn't help but come back. Something in this drama kept sucking me back in. Perhaps the chemistry of the leads. Definitely the simple yet incredible way the ML loves in his quirky way that only the FL could understand. And me. I can understand it. Send me a man like that please. Also, I love a healthy non-toxic relationship.

This was a truly beautiful drama with a deeper meaning than most and wonderful cast. The pacing felt a bit weird but I would recommend watching this with an open mind and let the lead actors carry you through the story. If you loved this, follow the ML actor into Light Chaser Rescue or the FL actress into The First Frost.

This one literally made me want to join a rescue team. I would put this higher but I wasn't sold on the chemistry of the lead actors. Perhaps because her character was intentionally emotionally distant and even cold. I love the ML and I love the rescues. If you loved this, you must watch Love is Panacea.

I avoided this one and clearly, I shouldn't have. It was fun, sweet, genuine, honest, well balanced... I like how they showed the ML thought process when he was alone. It's a fun drama. A similar "girl falls first but guy falls harder" storyline is in I May Love You.

So much of this drama was such a joy to watch. The music mesmerising. The cast blew my mind. I had never seen them in roles like this. I loved it. I loved how they portrayed depression and PTSP. These are HEAVY plots and subplots. Don't take this drama lightly. However there were some things lacking for me. I could get passed the awkward dubbing but the ending was not how I would have ended it. I understand it's based on a book and I would completely change the ending or keep it closer to the book because this was SPOILER ALERT far too tragic and frankly glorifying something that isn't okay to glorify. This drama has A LOT OF TRIGGER WARNINGS. If I were me back then, I'd stop at episode 35. Please do yourself a favour and stop watching this after you complete episode 35.

This is a classic story that I do believe everyone needs to watch at some point. It is beautiful. I know it's a love story between a man and a woman, but for me the love story will always be between two sisters. The sisters make this drama. And to be honest, I prefer it that way.

Really fun to watch. I genuinely enjoyed this. Great cast. Visuals were great. I enjoyed the humour. I recommend following the ML actor into Love You Seven Times and the FL actress into Love Between Fairy and Devil.

Normally this would be higher but because of the plot holes, I put it here. Aside from that, the Poison Girl, the young physician who is an expert in using poison as protection and treatment, is one of the most entertaining characters. Her friendship with the guy in the poison valley is one of my favourites but I'll be honest, I came to watch this after the chemistry of the FL and ML actors in another drama tore off the roof and I needed more of them. And this drama delivers. If you want to see them again, the lead actress and actor reunite in The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion.

Dark, solving cases, enemies working together, strategic, truly incredible cast and even story... but I expected more. And I can't handle the unnatural tears. No drama has had leads cry so many buckets of tears that were big and rolled so perfectly down their cheeks in literally 90% of the scenes. Fun to watch nonetheless. I think you'd enjoy Moonlight Mystique, Guardians of the Dafeng and Till the End of the Moon if you enjoyed this.

This story is so complex its almost hard to follow, but the main leads make it everything it is. There is no strong or vulnerable one... they both are everything. And they are what each other needs in the moment. The music is incredible and my goodness are there some fabulous chemistry scenes. My main issue is that the plot is just way too all over the place. Something feels off.

After seeing her in The Legend of the White Snake, I wanted more of her charm in my life. Although they made her a bit too "young", her incredible charm is present and carries this drama. I watched this entirely because of her and I would do it again.

Crime solving duo, the two leads are great, the drama has a darkness I enjoyed.

So, I enjoyed parts of this but the plot elements were too similar to I May Love You and that one is a so much better drama for me. If you're looking for a truly fun modern drama with Bai Lu, Love Is Sweet is a superior choice.

FL is a true joy, her character, her outfits... I loved every sub-plot about her. That's about it. Enjoyable. Other fun characters do show up but that's about it.

The most tragic of all tragic love stories. Do not watch. I mean it's a great drama but unless you want to be wrecked and even traumatised, stay away. Incredible acting and casting.

I came here for the actress and I loved her in it. I think there were more things I enjoyed, but I forgot most of them. I do remember it being adorably funny. I am a sucker for Phoenix stories so that's another element I loved about this. You must watch I Love You Seven Times if you love her as much as I do.

Something was missing. But I love the concept.

I'm a sucker for revenge stories and Miles Wei. So that part I enjoyed. 

I loved a lot of elements of this drama but it just didn't bring it for me. I was happy to be introduced or re-introduced to some actresses and actors I enjoy watching.

Honestly, this was cute and funny and had a lot of fun elements. As my first modern cdrama, it did it's job. Fluffy. Fun cast.

Fun. Cute. That's about it.

I quite liked some of the plot and oh my gosh some scenes were downright funny. 

It was fun for a while but at one point the story lost its plot and it stopped making sense. Great cast though. ML was hilarious. 

I don't mean to add puns but the love is forgettable. What is truly unforgettable is the ML and child duo being his mini-me. Still not enough to carry this. It's fun though.

ML is portrayed such a phenomenal actor and I loved seeing him in any role. The plot is interesting. I didn't like the FL and I found the casting of female actresses confusing... like they were looking for white women. I got bored with the episode intros.

My only complaint is the episodes are too short. This should have been a proper drama. It was interesting, had a great plot, dark and gloomy, cast was intriguing but the tiny short webisodes left me wanting.

I enjoyed this at first but then it just got out of hand. If you want a fluffy girl-stuck-in-game romance, go for it. But there are better dramas with this concept higher on my list.

The chemistry is awesome, warms my heart, main couple is wonderfully cast. I put it this low because the plot was truly flawed and I found myself skipping many scenes. I do have to add, the main actor has such a beautiful smile.

This feels like a confusing fever dream. It was very interesting at parts and even made in a clever way but then it got weird. Also I'm never a fan of an adult or immortal watching someone literally grow up from being a child and then that turning into a romance.  

I actually really enjoyed this drama at the time but finding out the lead actor used his position of power as a director, writer and lead actor of another drama to sexually harass a costar ruined his character for me. Such a shame because he's an incredible actor. I suggest watching dramas higher on my list because this one as much as I enjoyed it then is actually not high quality in its story-telling and is a bit redundant.

The biggest regret of all the dramas I've completed. It is beautiful, don't get me wrong, and it had some great moments but I wish I never watched it. It just was dull wrapped in a high budget visuals bow.