Shows I really loved

I saw this described as "Taoist noir" which really fits.

This is a fast-paced, gritty, supernatural action thriller about a doomsday countdown and a man who's tangled within it because of his own karma. Iconic figures are reinvented through a modern-day ens, retaining their power and mythic status but gaining contemporary style and interpretation.

Dark comedy and a moody atmosphere lend this show a very unique feel. With only 8 episodes, the plot is non-stop and each character bursts vividly onto the scene. No boring exposition monologues here, you have to keep up and the show doesn't stop to hold your hand, which I liked. I enjoy when a drama drops me straight into the action.

Our leading ML, a man who's death has been paused while he performs supernatural errands, is fantastic and carries the show capably. Many memorable and fun supporting characters. Great twists and an emotional and satisfying ending IMO.

I felt as though I had been dunked in the story and only came up for air at the end. Really fabulous. Amazing cast and very cool production. Either it works for you or it doesn't, but it definitely worked for me.

Super sweet, hopeful and affirming. This is a slice-of-life romantic drama about a gender nonconforming ML and the FL who loves him just the way he is. One of my favorite dramas ever. It's really wonderful and very underrated.

A meditative and bittersweet wuxia story that rests on the stellar performances of its cast, both in acting and action scenes. I really enjoyed it.

A well-plotted thriller, but the real draw for me was the central relationship between the leads. Turns a lot of tropes on their head. Somewhat goofy but very fun. Hyped up for a good reason.

One of the cleverest and most heartbreaking transmigration dramas ever made. This show will hook you, reel you in, and leave you stunned by the time it ends.

FL is transmigrated, nothing new. But ML- the tyrannical emperor- is also transmigrated, and the truth of how he got there before her is horrifying. Their romance is extremely well done. Funny, sweet, tragic, hopeful... and all around incredible. Each part of the dynamic between the leads was done perfectly.

The plot is fascinating, as FL and ML try to stay ahead of the story as it unfolds, and fight to change their fates. And they aren't the only transmigrators either. Truly this is a story you won't soon forget.

Campy and cheesy with some really talented leads. I have a huge soft spot for this show lol. Dozens of fascinating and well-written women of all kinds as supporting characters! Role reversal slant to many of the dynamics because the women get to play character types that are usually only given to men.

Loved how this show was a classic scheming and politicking type of drama, but it had nothing to do with the plots of royalty or nobility and was more focused on regular people: merchants, pawnbrokers, convicts, tea farmers, and so on. A fabulous cast and an engaging story underpinned by a sweet slow-burn romance.

Very cute and lighthearted. A wuxia warrior travels to the modern day, after a modern day woman travels to her time. They fall in love along the way. Also has some nice emotional drama that is happily resolved. A nice quick watch, funny and sweet.

Creative and kindhearted romantic drama. Hopeful and heartwarming. Very underrated in my opinion. An office romance unlike any you've ever seen before.

Deserved the hype! Villain ML who slowly becomes a better and nicer guy thanks to his love for FL, who has a mysterious destiny of her own. A perfectly paced slow-burn romance. Lots of cute comedy and juicy angst. Their chemistry was wonderful. Terrific story too.

One of my favorite revenge dramas ever, with a fabulous cast of iconic characters. Deserves all of the hype ten times over.

ML had assumed a false name and faked his own death in order to enact revenge. He poses as his old friend (some gay undertones here I thought)'s strategist and advisor in order to get him on the throne. Meanwhile FL is a clever badass in armor, and there are many other players with agendas of their own.

If you haven't experienced this masterpiece already, enjoy.

Fun as hell, perfect for when you want to sit back with some popcorn and just have a good time. A comedic take on wuxia that still delivers emotional weight, featuring a talented cast with many interesting dynamics and some nice gay subtext.

Poignant, thoughtful drama about a crossdressing painter who disguises herself as a man for personal advancement but finds her life complicated by romantic feelings. Pretty gay, I loved it. Bittersweet open ending.

Grim and passionate historical romance drama set in 80s Kowloon City.

Old favorite of mine.

A cinematic masterpiece.

Dark show about two gangsters falling in love without either of them seeing their own feelings coming. Very layered and subtle performances from them both. Once you watch the full story, a rewatch allows you to see earlier scenes with new eyes, analyzing emotion and motivation from both leads. I found it very cathartic and satisfying personally.

A classic tragedy adapted with perfect poise. Beautifully produced and filmed, wonderfully acted. Heartbreaking and unforgettably good.

As much a send-up of drama tropes as it is a show in its own right. This classic focuses on the making of a drama, riddled with way more drama than what is actually in the show and a very very slow burning romance that I really loved.

Full of great twists, many of them direct parodies of drama tropes that you've probably seen before, and packed with a talented cast. Funny and heartwrenching all at once. Ends on a high note despite what you may expect.

If you want to watch an asshole CEO experience a fantastic character arc, I highly recommend this show, because wow is he an asshole, but I was so deeply intrigued by him. The layers to that man and to the supporting cast... It was so satisfying to see the crew slowly come together and make this drama happen despite insane obstacles and interpersonal problems. Ultimately it's a triumph, and what he viewed as a tragedy he had to endure alone becomes a hopeful future.

The screenwriter FL is one of my favorite ladies in K-Dramas. She has such a great arc in this show as she gains confidence in her writing, pushes back to see her story on the screen, and just transforms so much as a person. Her personality is intact but by the end of the story you see how much happier and more confident she is. Love her <3 she's so cute too.

One of my favorite xianxia dramas of all time, if not my favorite. Commanding and competent immortal general FL defends the world against the Xutian Abyss, but accidentally meets the forbidden love of her life (all-powerful deity ML) in the mortal realm.

A smart, mature romance that ends with a satisfying finale and bonus episode. The plot is clever and well developed, he worldbuilding is creative and fun. Highly, highly recommend.

Old favorite of mine.

Old favorite of mine.

Age gap romance done in a really satisfying and original way. FL wants to become a court official, ML is one of the royal princes. Together they uncover a mystery and accidentally fall in love. An understated, yearning type of romance with a satisfying happy ending. I stayed up WAY too late bingewatching this show.

Old favorite. I love swashbuckling adventures and this one is a good time. Bonus points in my book for a very cool lady character :)

Another old favorite.

i didn't put untamed: special edition on this list because it would basically be a repeat, but i enjoyed it just as much. <3

Don't even start me on how much I loved this show...

Enemies to lovers... sorta. Drama and tragedy is the name of the game as FL tries to find a way to prevent ML from destroying the world by going back in time. But then they end up falling in love... toxic, unhinged love. I adored them! I like when enemies to lovers is super unhinged and this hit the mark for me.

Definitely a show that will rip your heart out and stomp on it. I'm obsessed with it.

My GOAT of transmigration/tragic "villain" romance dramas. Modern FL that you will adore meets powerful grandmaster ML you will also adore (if you like morally grey insane men who go all out for their lovers.) Really good skinship, their first kiss was crazy as hell. Incredible chemistry. The plot has haunted me ever since, it's such an unforgettable tragedy. FL never gives up on trying to pull ML out of the bloody mire that everyone else wants to push him down into.

The only thing that could make this adaptation better is if they'd let the guys kiss.

Brings the novel brilliantly to life, and even fleshes out the characters and their relationships further. A wuxia story that has the hero in a supporting character position, and focuses instead on the mentor and villain.

Fabulous cast, great production. Heartwrenching, intriguing, fun, exciting and satisfying all at once. Hyped up for a good reason.

"You must live. That is the only divine law for me."

An underrated sleeper hit of 2026, this phenomenal drama examines morality, justice, loyalty, what we owe to each other, and the worth of human life. Featuring FANTASTIC fight scenes and jaw-dropping stunts from Yang Yang, as well as a talented cast, a dark and intriguing plot, and a trio of main leads you will adore.

This drama relies on a previous knowledge of Zhan Zhao's character and history, as well as his connection to Judge Bao, but if you go in completely cold just keep your mind open so you can understand who he is and what he stands for.

Don't let the lack of romance turn you away. The OT3 dynamic between the two MLs and FL is very appealing. I liked the subtle approach to their back stories and the slow build of trust between them. It felt very poetic and warm.

Definitely very different from many wuxia dramas in the genre. This show had me hooked from the beginning all the way to the finale, which left me contemplative and moved.