Drama Epics
In film, "epic" generally describes a movie/show characterized by
- Grand scale/narrative: involve large-scale stories that span significant periods of time or cover historical events with vast implications
- Sweeping scope: large battle sequences, breathtaking landscapes, intricate world building, stunning visuals, etc.
- Ambitious storytelling: often involving historical events, mythological themes, or legendary narratives
- Immersive Experience: draws the audience into the world/story
- Memorable Characters: heroic characters who undertake challenging journeys or face monumental obstacles
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![Nirvana in Fire]()
1. Nirvana in Fire
Chinese Drama - 2015, 54 episodes
Historical Epic
MDL: 9.1
Genres: Military, Historical, Drama, Political
It is often described as a historical drama on an epic scale, drawing comparisons to Game of Thrones for its intricate plot, political intrigue, and large cast of characters. -
![Joy of Life]()
2. Joy of Life
Chinese Drama - 2019, 46 episodes
Sci-fi Historical Epic
MDL: 9.0
Genres: Mystery, Romance, Wuxia, Fantasy
Epic elements: Epic scale, intricate storylines, production quality, acclaim -
![The Untamed]()
3. The Untamed
Chinese Drama - 2019, 50 episodes
Xianxia Epic
MDL: 9.0
Genres: Mystery, Wuxia, Fantasy
Epic elements: Extensive world-building, large cast with complex relationships & backstories, epic scale and scope that spans multiple locations, time periods & grand events, themes of good vs evil, loyalty & sacrifice, non-linear narrative, a classic hero's journey -
![My Dearest]()
4. My Dearest
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
Historical Romance Epic
MDL: 8.9
Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama, MelodramaEpic elements: set during wartime, featuring a compelling love story amidst political turmoil and historical events. Strong acting, beautiful cinematography, and intense emotional narrative.
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![My Dearest Part 2]()
5. My Dearest Part 2
Korean Drama - 2023, 11 episodes
Historical Romance Epic
MDL: 8.9
Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama, Melodrama -
![Kingdom]()
6. Kingdom
Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
Historical Thriller Epic
MDL: 8.8
Genres: Thriller, Historical, Horror, Political
Epic elements: It blends historical drama, political intrigue, and zombie horror elements into a grand, sweeping narrative. The series features a large cast of characters, a complex plot involving a deadly plague and power struggles, and a vivid depiction of feudal Korea. -
![Kingdom Season 2]()
7. Kingdom Season 2
Korean Drama - 2020, 6 episodes
Historical Thriller Epic
MDL: 8.9
Genres: Thriller, Historical, Horror, Political -
![Kingdom: Ashin of the North]()
8. Kingdom: Ashin of the North
Korean Special - 2021, 1 episode
Historical Thriller Epic
MDL: 8.2
Genres: Action, Thriller, Historical, Drama -
![Mr. Sunshine]()
9. Mr. Sunshine
Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
Historical Romance Epic
MDL: 8.8
Genres: Military, Historical, Romance, Melodrama
Epic elements: historical scope covering a significant period of Korean history that showcases the transition from Joseon Dynasty to a period heavy influenced by Western powers and Japan, grand scale, complex moral dilemmas & emotional depth, high production value and cinematic quality, multi-layered narrative, rich & immersive experience -
![Six Flying Dragons]()
10. Six Flying Dragons
Korean Drama - 2015, 50 episodes
Historical Epic
MDL: 8.7
Genres: Action, Historical, Drama, PoliticalEpic elements: Sprawling historical drama that depicts the founding of the Joseon dynasty through intense political struggles and features a large ensemble cast, intricate plotlines, and epic fight scenes. Compelling character development, historical significance, and overall high production value.
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![The Long Ballad]()
11. The Long Ballad
Chinese Drama - 2021, 49 episodes
Light Adventure Epic
MDL: 8.6
Genres: Action, Historical, Romance, War
Epic elements: set during the Tang Dynasty, tells a grand tale of political intrigue, revenge, and shifting alliances, featuring a large cast of characters and spanning multiple locations. -
![Battle of Changsha]()
12. Battle of Changsha
Chinese Drama - 2014, 32 episodes
Non-traditional Historical Epic
MDL: 8.6
Genres: Military, Historical, Romance, War
Epic elements: Large-scale historical setting, human struggle during wartime, sweeping narrative, critical acclaim
Non-traditional elements: focus on family drama, slower paced character development -
![Arthdal Chronicles Part 1: The Children of Prophecy]()
13. Arthdal Chronicles Part 1: The Children of Prophecy
Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
Fantasy Epic
MDL: 8.5
Genres: Historical, Romance, Fantasy, Political
Epic elements: Large scale world-building, mythical and historical elements, epic story arcs, complex characters and relationships, themes of power, love, and civilization -
![Arthdal Chronicles Part 2: The Sky Turning Inside Out, Rising Land]()
14. Arthdal Chronicles Part 2: The Sky Turning Inside Out, Rising Land
Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
Fantasy Epic
MDL: 8.7
Genres: Historical, Romance, Fantasy, Political -
![Arthdal Chronicles Part 3: The Prelude to All Legends]()
15. Arthdal Chronicles Part 3: The Prelude to All Legends
Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
Fantasy Epic
MDL: 8.7
Genres: Historical, Romance, Fantasy, Political -
![Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun]()
16. Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
Fantasy Epic
MDL: 8.3
Genres: Action, Historical, Romance, Fantasy -
![The Longest Day in Chang'an]()
17. The Longest Day in Chang'an
Chinese Drama - 2019, 48 episodes
Historical Epic
MDL: 8.5
Genres: Action, Thriller, Historical, Political
Epic elements: vast scope & scale in terms of the city of Chang'an and the intricate plot that unfolds in a single day, Tang Dynasty historical detail, high production value, ambitious & complex multi-layered story, large cast of characters, significant character development
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